The AFP on Oct. 7 quoted a German government source as saying that Germany "is a very strong supporter" of a free-trade deal between Vietnam and the EU, adding that Vietnam has a very dynamic growth rate, which is of great interest to German firms.
The sources also said Germany and Vietnam have long enjoyed close relations and Germany 's interest in Vietnam is much greater than in the other countries in the region.
After her trip to Vietnam , Merkel will travel to Mongolia in a bid to step up ties between Europe 's top economy and the two fast-growing Asian countries. She will be accompanied by business leaders who are eying up opportunities in the two Asian economies.
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