The forum attracted nearly 400 domestic and international delegates, including leaders of government agencies, business communities, investors, academics, and ecosystem partners from Switzerland, Vietnam, Europe, and ASEAN.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Thomas Gass, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Switzerland to Vietnam, stated that Da Nang City is a center of economic development , innovation, digital transformation, and smart urban development. With its strong development in information technology and a vital startup ecosystem, it is a suitable location for the forum. Switzerland is proud to accompany Vietnam in its development process and believes that with open trade based on principles, both sides will promote transparency in innovation development. Furthermore, over time, the bilateral cooperation between the two countries has developed strongly, built on trust and mutual benefit. Both nations share a common vision towards sustainable and comprehensive development, and today's forum will provide commitments and knowledge to further promote cooperation between the two countries.
At the forum, Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang emphasized that the forum is a particularly significant event, demonstrating the spirit of close cooperation between the two countries and contributing to strengthening and expanding bilateral relations between Vietnam and Switzerland.
The forum's first session, held in Zurich in 2024, laid the foundation for identifying priority areas of cooperation such as green transformation, digital transformation, vocational training, and clean energy. “Holding this year's forum in Da Nang demonstrates the shared determination of both sides to bring economic cooperation closer to reality, especially in Vietnamese localities, contributing to promoting inclusive and sustainable growth,” Ms. Hang said.
Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang stated that after 40 years of reform, Vietnam has achieved tremendous, comprehensive, and historically significant accomplishments. Vietnam currently has diplomatic relations with 194 countries, and comprehensive strategic partnerships and partnerships with 40 countries; among them, Switzerland was one of the first Western countries to establish diplomatic relations with Vietnam. For over half a century, Switzerland has consistently stood alongside Vietnam in its reconstruction, development, and integration efforts. Bilateral relations have developed positively and effectively in many areas. Currently, Switzerland is an important trading partner of Vietnam in Central Europe and the sixth largest European investor in Vietnam...
"Switzerland is not only an economic partner, but also a long-term companion, contributing to helping Vietnam realize its goals of green development, innovation, and a people-centered approach," Ms. Hang affirmed.
Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang further stated that, in the context of globalization, economic diplomacy is considered a key driving force connecting businesses, promoting trade, investment, and cultural exchange between countries. For Vietnam and Switzerland, this is an important tool to transform potential into substantive cooperation opportunities. "Along with the upcoming free trade agreement between Vietnam and the EFTA bloc, businesses in both countries will have easier access to each other's vast markets. With a shared vision of green development, innovation, and a people-centered approach, economic diplomacy is the 'golden key' for the two countries to promote comprehensive cooperation in trade, investment, science, technology, culture, and people-to-people exchanges," Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang emphasized.
Philipp Rösler, Chairman of the Swiss-Vietnam Economic Forum, stated that SVEF 2025 aims to translate strategy into action to synchronize policies, capital flows, and knowledge to promote innovation and inclusive growth.
According to Ho Quang Buu, Vice Chairman of the Da Nang City People's Committee, hosting SVEF 2025 demonstrates Da Nang's commitment to international cooperation, sustainable development, and innovation-based growth.
The Switzerland-Vietnam Economic Forum (SVEF) is a government-level initiative to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in trade, investment, innovation, and education. Following three successful editions in Zurich, 2025 marks the first time SVEF will be held in Vietnam, aiming to bring cooperation closer to a practical implementation location. This timing aligns with Vietnam's priorities of developing an international financial center, digital transformation, and green growth; while Switzerland possesses strengths in finance, standards, research, and training. Da Nang, a dynamic city with strong logistics connectivity, a digital workforce, and an innovation-friendly operating environment, provides a neutral, forward-looking platform for connecting Swiss-Vietnamese partners and expanding into the Europe-ASEAN axis.
The Switzerland-Vietnam Economic Forum 2025 took place from November 3-5 in Da Nang, organized by SVEF in collaboration with the Da Nang City People's Committee and the Swiss Embassy in Vietnam.
The Switzerland-Vietnam Economic Forum brings together public and private sector leaders from Switzerland and Vietnam to promote substantive cooperation in trade, investment, innovation, and education—towards long-term sustainable growth.
Source: https://baotintuc.vn/kinh-te/khai-mac-dien-dan-kinh-te-thuy-si-viet-nam-2025-20251104140832077.htm
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