Promoting Vietnam-Switzerland economic cooperation in the new period

On the morning of November 4, Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang attended and delivered the opening speech at the Switzerland-Vietnam Economic Forum (SVEF), an event taking place in Da Nang city from November 3-5.

Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang delivered the opening speech at the Switzerland-Vietnam Economic Forum (SVEF). (Photo: Quang Hoa)

In her opening speech, Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang emphasized that the Forum has special significance, demonstrating the spirit of cooperation between a dynamic Vietnam, deeply integrated into the global economy , and a creative, sustainably developing Switzerland, the world's leading center of multilateral diplomacy.

Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang expressed her delight that the Forum was held in Da Nang - a smart, dynamic city in the Central region, aiming to become a regional innovation and financial center, strongly connected with the international community.

Ms. Le Thi Thu Hang said that the establishment of SVEF in 2024 is an important step in the process of consolidating and expanding Vietnam-Switzerland relations. As an annual high-level dialogue platform between the Governments, localities and businesses of the two countries, SVEF aims to promote cooperation in the fields of economy, innovation and sustainable development.

This year's forum gathered about 300 delegates, including leaders of ministries, sectors, and localities of Vietnam, international organizations, businesses, investors, scholars from the two countries and regional partners, to discuss green transformation, sustainable finance, and digital transformation - urgent issues of the times.

After more than 50 years of establishing diplomatic relations (1971 - 2025), Vietnam and Switzerland have become reliable and effective partners in many fields. Switzerland is the 6th largest European investor in Vietnam with more than 200 projects, total capital of over 2 billion USD; two-way trade turnover in 2024 reached 2.45 billion CHF, up 12% over the previous year. Many leading corporations such as Nestlé, ABB, Roche, Zurich Insurance, Holcim operate effectively in Vietnam, creating jobs for tens of thousands of workers.

Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang emphasized that organizing the SVEF Forum in Da Nang contributes to connecting international resources, helping the locality promote advantages in technology, innovation and sustainable development.

At the World Economic Forum in Davos 2025, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Swiss President Karin Keller Sutter announced the upgrading of bilateral relations to Comprehensive Partnership, pledging to promote negotiations on the Free Trade Agreement between Vietnam and the EFTA bloc (European Free Trade Association countries including Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein) , and expand cooperation in innovation, high technology, artificial intelligence and digital transformation.

Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang emphasized that diplomacy for development is one of the major priorities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in which supporting localities in international integration is a key task. With Da Nang, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs always accompanies in promoting investment, attracting resources and promoting the image of a dynamic and livable city. Organizing the SVEF Forum in Da Nang contributes to connecting international resources, helping localities promote advantages in technology, innovation and sustainable development.

The Deputy Minister believes that SVEF will become a new symbol of the spirit of creative cooperation and trust between Vietnam and Switzerland, contributing to realizing the goals of green, inclusive and prosperous development of both countries.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/thuc-day-hop-tac-kinh-te-viet-nam-thuy-sy-trong-giai-doan-moi-333311.html