Viet Nam always treasures Switzerland’s valuable support and assistance: PM

Prime Minister Le made the above statement during his meeting with Swiss President Guy Parmelin in Ha Noi on October 17.

Le reassured that the Government of Viet Nam always regards Switzerland as a reliable friend and a major European partner, expressing his wish that both countries would further enhance political trust, delegation exchanges and contacts, promote the role of existing cooperation mechanisms, and soon establish inter-governmental mechanisms on economic, scientific-technological and innovation cooperation.

He appreciated Switzerland’s active role in pushing for the signing of the free trade agreement between Viet Nam and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) member countries, which would help Viet Nam and Switzerland to double the current trade volume.

The Prime Minister called on Switzerland to encourage its businesses and investment funds to expand investment in such fields like finance-banking, manufacturing, biotechnology, pharmacy, and innovation in Viet Nam.

Le also suggested Switzerland assist Viet Nam in developing its International Financial Center and strengthen bilateral cooperation in green finance, asset management, carbon credit, international bonds, and fintech areas.

President Parmelin expressed his pleasure to visit Viet Nam again, emphasizing that Switzerland was one of the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with Viet Nam.

Parmelin reassured that his country wishes to bolster relations with Viet Nam in a substantive and effective manner. He affirmed Switzerland stands ready to share experience in developing insurance, manufacturing, and high tech fields with Viet Nam.

The President also suggest both sides connect Switzerland’s Crypto Valley, a Swiss ecosystem for crypto and blockchain technology, with Viet Nam’s innovation system, promote bilateral cooperation in blockchain, artificial intelligence, and quantum technology.

Parmelin affirmed that Switzerland is ready to further facilitate entry visas for Vietnamese citizens.

The two leaders agreed to further foster the Comprehensive Partnership between Viet Nam and Switzerland across all channels; effectively harness opportunities from the Viet Nam-EFTA free trade agreement; and coordinate in consolidating multilateral trading system and improving resilience against global economic fluctuations.

Both sides agreed to make education-training, science-technology, and innovation as a key focus of bilateral ties while advancing connections between their innovation centers, research institutions, universities, and businesses.

The two sides also agreed to step up cooperation in artificial intelligence, quantum technology, green technology, digital economy, higher education, and vocational training.

Both sides concurred to continue coordination and mutual support at multilateral forums in order to contribute to consolidating Viet Nam-Switzerland Comprehensive Partnership and maintaining peace, stability, cooperation, and development across the world./.