The hybrid forum, supported by the Swiss Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER) and the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant ministries, draw the participation of over 200 delegates.

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Phung The Long stressed that the event was an opportunity for agencies, localities, associations and businesses of the two countries to share information, exchange policies, and seek opportunities for cooperation in trade, investment, finance and innovation, research and training to promote the potential and strengths of each country, and contribute to promoting friendship and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries in the coming time.

The forum highlighted four strategic topics, including economic policies supporting trade, investment, and development in key sectors; Vietnam-Switzerland cooperation; opportunities for bilateral cooperation in financial sector; and potential for bilateral collaboration in start-up investment.

In the first discussion session, chaired by Dr. Philipp Rösler, former Managing Director of the World Economic Forum (WEF) and SVEF President, delegates exchanged views on policies to support and promote trade and investment relations between Vietnam and Switzerland; and shared the potential, strengths and needs for cooperation, investment attraction policies of Vietnamese provinces and cities, as well as potential benefits from signing a free trade agreement between Vietnam and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries.

During the second session, participants discussed and shared policies and cooperation needs in key areas of investment, innovation and renewable energy for sustainable development, and provided consultations on legal regulations in cooperation between businesses of the two countries.

Meanwhile, the third session focused on investment potential and opportunities in finance and financial technologies, economic trends affecting cooperation in this field, and several Government policies to improve the legal framework and financial investment environment in Vietnam.

In the last one, representatives of businesses and startups introduced their innovative products, services and business models, growth potential and market expansion capabilities.

For more than half a century, the bilateral relationship between Vietnam and Switzerland has developed comprehensively across all fields including politics, diplomacy, trade, investment, culture, education, and training. Among these, trade and investment cooperation are two crucial pillars in the relationship between the two countries, with substantial room for further development. Some areas in Vietnam that Swiss investment funds assess as having great potential are exports, tourism and information technology services.