Germany’s New Opportunities in Southeast Asia: Why the EU-ASEAN Framework Opens a Historic Window – Especially with Vietnam

Author: Joachim Schmitz
Federal Association of German Experts and Specialist Assessors (BDSF)
February 14, 2026

I. A New Economic Chapter: Europe and Southeast Asia Converge

As Europe recalibrates its geopolitical and economic strategy, the new EU-ASEAN economic cooperation framework marks one of the most significant shifts of this decade. Beyond diplomacy, it creates structural conditions for large-scale energy, infrastructure and technology partnerships.

For Germany, this shift offers strategic advantages:

• Diversified and resilient supply chains

• Reduced exposure to high-risk dependencies

• Long-term energy partnerships

• Expanded export markets for green technologies

Vietnam stands out within ASEAN due to:

• Political stability

• Investment-friendly industrial policy

• Rapid growth in energy and technology sectors

• Deep trade integration with the EU via the EU–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement

II. Energy Transition: Vietnam as Germany’s Strategic Partner

Solar Power – World-Class Potential

Vietnam ranks among the fastest-growing solar markets globally. Opportunities for German companies include:

• Utility-scale PV

• Floating solar installations

• Local component manufacturing

• Grid integration and storage systems

Wind Energy – Massive Offshore Capacity

With over 500 GW of technical offshore wind potential, Vietnam aims to build a domestic wind value chain. German companies such as Siemens Energy and Enercon are well positioned to support turbine technology, engineering and project development.

Green Hydrogen – A Future Production Hub

Vietnam’s renewable conditions and coastal infrastructure position it as a future green hydrogen production hub. Cooperation areas include:

• Electrolyzer supply

• Power-to-X systems

• Green ammonia exports to Europe

• Hydrogen applications in steel, chemicals and heavy transport

Industrial players like thyssenkrupp could play a pivotal role.

III. Why Vietnam Is Particularly Attractive for German Industry

1. Young, skilled workforce

2. Long-term policy stability

3. Tariff reductions under EVFTA

4. China+1 supply chain relocation trends

5. Government incentives for renewables and high-tech sectors

IV. Strategic Outlook for the Next Decade

Germany can secure green supply chains, access emerging hydrogen markets and expand exports of advanced energy technologies. Vietnam, in turn, gains access to high-quality engineering, financing and industrial expertise.

Conclusion

The convergence of the EU-ASEAN framework, Vietnam’s industrial ambitions and Europe’s energy transition needs creates a rare strategic window.

Acting now will shape industrial leadership, technological standards and supply chain resilience for decades to come.