( dpa )- German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said Saturday he was optimistic that German firms had good chances for contracts from Vietnam for the massive subway building project in Ho Chi Minh City.
Steinmeier made the remarks after returning to Berlin from the city once known as Saigon, which he visited during a tour of Asia.
He said he had the impression that German technology had a top
notch reputation in Vietnam.
"I am very confident that the Vietnamese decision will be to the benefit of the German bidder," Steinmeier said.
Siemens company has bid on the 1.2-billion-dollar (800 million euro) construction of a new line intended to ease transport in the city of 9 million people in southern Vietnam.
Steinmeier emphasized that outstanding financial issues had been clarified in the meantime. Germany's economics ministry is offering top contribute 130 million dollars (86 million euros) for the project.
Steinmeier met with Vietnam's Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, who is expected in Berlin next week.
Steinmeier emphasized that the contracts have been long under discussion and said he had met with the central government in Hanoi as well as those responsible for the transport line in Ho Chi Minh City.