Vietnam expects more investment from Swiss businesses

President Quang expressed delight at the vigorous growth of the Vietnam-Switzerland ties, especially in politics, diplomacy, trade, investment and development cooperation, as well as activities marking the two countries’ 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2016, including the Vietnam Day in Switzerland.

He also affirmed Vietnam's recognition of great importance to consolidating and promoting the sound relationship with Switzerland.

The State leader suggested both sides should maintain the exchange of delegations at all levels to further foster bilateral cooperation, noting the visit of the President of the Swiss Council of States has helped step up cooperation between the legislative bodies of the two countries.

Vietnam greatly valued Switzerland and the European Free Trade Area (EFTA)’s recognition of Vietnam’s market economy in 2012, Quang said expressing hope that Switzerland support the negotiation for a free trade agreement between Vietnam and the EFTA towards a balanced and quality deal that takes into account mutual benefit and the development gap between the two sides.

He told his guest that he believes that the pact will open up new cooperation prospects for business communities of both countries.

The State leader calls for more Swiss investment in Vietnam in the areas of finance, banking, insurance, high technology, manufacturing technology, pharmaceuticals, farm produce processing, and tourism.

Switzerland is currently an important trade and investment partner and the third largest European investors in Vietnam.Vietnam hopes to learn from Switzerland’s experience in developing a high quality education system with close association with scientific research, Quang said.

He also asked Switzerland to provide more scholarships to Vietnamese students to study law, banking, high technology and tourism, while creating favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community in stabilising their lives in Switzerland.

He also called for Switzerland’s suppor for Vietnam’s candidacy for a seat in the UN Security Council in the 2020-2021 tenure. 

President Quang took the occasion to extend an invitation to visit Vietnam to his Swiss counterpart.

For his part, Ivo Bischofberger expressed his belief in a bright future of friendship and partnership between the two nations, especially in economy, trade, investment, education and training.

Swiss businesses are interested in expanding business in Vietnam, while staying ready to offer support in training local workers, he stated, highlighting that the vocational training model of Switzerland will help Vietnamese young labour force become qualified for suitable jobs.

Switzerland also pays great attention to the signing of a free trade agreement between Vietnam and the EFTA, he said.

The Swiss Government takes heed to development assistance for Vietnam which has been demonstrated in support programmes and projects for the country, adding that Swiss Council of States is also engaging in building and carrying out cooperation projects with Vietnam in 2017-2020.

Bischofberger said his nation backs Vietnam’s running for a post at the UN Security Council for the 2020-2021 tenure, while asking for Vietnam’s support for Switzerland’s candidacy for the council in the 2023-2024 period.