Mr. Charaf Kadri, Vice President, Business Unit Healthcare, DKSH Vietnam (Seated, left) and Ms. Tran Thi Thu, Permanent Vice Chairwoman, Vietnam Pharmaceutical Companies Association (Seated, right) represented their respective organizations in signing the MOU

The signing ceremony took place during the Swiss-Vietnam Economic Forum (SVEF), held in Hanoi from October 18 to 20, 2026. Attendees included Guy Parmelin, President of the Swiss Confederation, Thomas Gass, Swiss Ambassador to Vietnam, Chau Mai Anh, Ambassador of Vietnam to Switzerland, senior government officials from both countries, as well as senior leaders from the Vietnam Pharmaceutical Companies Association and DKSH.

Leveraging Market Expansion expertise and an international network

The MOU agreement establishes a framework through which the two parties combine their respective expertise, networks, and capabilities to support Vietnamese healthcare companies seeking access to international markets. DKSH and VNPCA aim to cooperate across four key areas: (i) strengthening the capabilities, export readiness, and international competitiveness of Vietnamese pharmaceutical companies; (ii) supporting the identification of suitable products, target markets, and practical market-entry pathways; (iii) facilitating knowledge sharing and connections with international companies, customers, distributors, investors, and other relevant partners; and (iv) exploring opportunities to enhance pharmaceutical export, logistics, and international supply chain capabilities.

Under the MOU, VNPCA will coordinate engagement with Vietnamese pharmaceutical companies and relevant local stakeholders. Meanwhile, DKSH will contribute its expertise, network, and technical support in areas such as market expansion, market access, supply chains, and logistics.

Tran Thi Thu, Permanent Vice Chairwoman of VNPCA, said: “The Association highly appreciates the opportunity to partner with DKSH, a company with extensive international expertise in healthcare and market expansion. We are confident that this collaboration will provide Vietnamese pharmaceutical companies with access to industry knowledge, understanding of export market requirements, and insights into the capabilities needed to compete internationally. This partnership is a step toward strengthening the competitiveness of Vietnamese pharmaceutical companies and advancing the national goal of achieving USD 1 billion in pharmaceutical exports under Vietnam’s National Pharmaceutical Industry Development Strategy. It will also foster international connections, support the sustainable growth of Vietnam’s pharmaceutical sector, and strengthen economic ties between Vietnam and Switzerland.”

Mr. Charaf Kadri, Vice President, Business Unit Healthcare, DKSH Vietnam, sharing his insights at SVEF Hanoi 2026

Charaf Kadri, Vice President, Business Unit Healthcare, DKSH Vietnam, added: “With over 35 years of presence in Vietnam, DKSH has developed a deep understanding of the circumstances that local pharmaceutical and healthcare companies face when expanding beyond their home market. Through our partnership with the VNPCA, we will share our profound expertise, practical experience, network, and integrated commercialization capabilities to help Vietnamese healthcare companies strengthen their export readiness and build sustainable pathways for international growth. We will also help high-quality healthcare products and solutions from Vietnam expand into more markets, strengthening access to healthcare treatments for patients across the region.”

Contributing to Healthcare Dialogue at the Swiss-Vietnam Economic Forum

At SVEF 2026, DKSH CEO Stefan P. Butz highlighted the importance of collaboration between governments, healthcare institutions, and industry to support sustainable healthcare development. Four key priorities for strengthening healthcare systems were emphasized: enhancing quality cooperation, developing healthcare capabilities and professional skills, integrating into regional healthcare value chains, and advancing digital health and trusted data systems. “Vietnam made remarkable progress in strengthening its healthcare sector. Continued collaboration, knowledge exchange, and long-term partnerships will be essential to advancing healthcare quality, expanding patient access, and fostering innovation for the benefit of patients and society,” said Stefan P. Butz, DKSH CEO.

Mr. Stefan P. Butz, CEO of DKSH Group, delivering his keynote speech at SVEF Hanoi 2026

Charaf Kadri shared insights on how international expertise and local partnerships can help address healthcare challenges and improve patient outcomes. He highlighted the importance of reliable supply chains, quality standards, workforce development, and innovation in enabling patients to access healthcare products and services.

Supporting Vietnam’s Long-term Healthcare Development

DKSH’s participation in SVEF reflects the company’s long-standing commitment to Vietnam and particularly, its healthcare sector. With more than 35 years of presence in Vietnam and over 160 years of Swiss heritage, DKSH continues to support healthcare companies through its expertise in market expansion, commercialization, supply chain management, and logistics. By combining global expertise, networks, and local partnerships, DKSH remains committed to contributing to stronger healthcare capabilities and sustainable growth for Vietnam’s healthcare industry.

The MOU signing ceremony took place in the presence of Swiss President Guy Parmelin, Swiss Ambassador to Vietnam Thomas Gass, Ambassador of Vietnam to Switzerland Chau Mai Anh, senior government officials from both countries, as well as senior leaders from the Vietnam Pharmaceutical Companies Association and DKSH