Vietnam

Our Work

The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF) is a German foundation devoted to the promotion of liberal principles and to political education. The goal of the foundation is to advance the principles of freedom and dignity for all people in all areas of society, both in Germany and abroad. Founded in 1958, FNF is active in over 60 countries around the world, spanning Europe, Africa, Asia, North and Central America. Within these project countries, our regional offices work to support human rights, rule of law, and democracy.

Vietnam, Germany and FNF

Vietnam is a rapidly developing nation with an ever-growing market and endless possibilities for German companies and organisations. The relations between the Federal Republic of Germany and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam are diverse and strong.  Germany is by far Vietnam's largest trading partner within the EU and many German companies benefit from the dynamic Vietnamese economy. Since 2011, Germany and Vietnam have maintained a "Strategic Partnership" with cooperation projects at all levels and in numerous policy fields. Due to the historical, economic and cultural links between the two countries, Germany enjoys a very good reputation in Vietnam. In this vibrant environment, FNF opened its office in September 2012. Located in Tây Hồ district, Hanoi, FNF have found the perfect environment for our works. Here, we promote liberty in all forms: freedom, human rights, the rule of law, and market-based economies. In that sense, we facilitate dialogues, conferences, book publications, research and invite experts to increase the exchange between Vietnam and Germany. Among our statuary projects are civic education and dialogue, sponsorship of the talented, research and political consultation, as well as archive-work. We want to contribute to shaping a more liberal and just future. Our staple projects are, nevertheless, centred around promoting free markets, free trade and dynamic enterprises.

This partnership has many faces. Our countries cooperate regarding the rules-based international order, multilateralism, environmental and climate protection, as well as global free trade and investment. Since Vietnam is a country full of entrepreneurship, SMEs and start-ups with a vivid business culture, we are dedicated to nurture those qualities. To do that, we are highly engaged in a range of projects with Vietnamese partners and cooperate deeply with representatives and communities, such as the local People Committees, and Head of Ministries and Departments.

Promoting freedom and a market-based economy

Vietnam has seen major changes and an extensive development over the course of the last years. As bicycles have swapped for motorbikes in the streets and the Vietnamese GDP has more than doubled in the last decade alone, the Vietnamese commitment to free markets and free trade has proven to be unwavering. This is being rewarded by a steady annually growth, that has yet not once failed to exceed the 5% mark in the 21st century. We at FNF support this commitment and promote understanding of free market theory by providing the Vietnamese public with information on free markets. Therefore, we have teamed up with PACCOM to translate and publish the works of Friedrich von Hayek, Ludwig von Mises, Hermann Simon and Ken Scholland. We are currently working on exceeding that list and will continue our support for liberalism in Vietnam.

As Vietnam and the EU have finally agreed to bring their Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) into place, the Vietnamese economy currently has the best outlook. In line with that, FNF Vietnam has started off 2020 with a new leadership, has moved to a new location and has, therefore, renewed its commitment to its mission. We are highly energised and eager to bring forward our projects, to cooperate with local business associations, think tanks and entrepreneurs and to promote freedom and free-market economy in Vietnam in this milestone year for us and the Vietnamese-German friendship.