HCMC – Vietnam and Switzerland have agreed to accelerate negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA) between Vietnam and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), targeting a conclusion by late June 2026.
The agreement was reached at a March 16 meeting between Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan and Swiss State Secretary for Economic Affairs Helene Budliger Artieda.
Both sides are committed to advancing talks and aiming to complete core negotiations at the 20th round in Hanoi. They plan to announce the conclusion of talks on the sidelines of an EFTA ministerial meeting in Iceland, followed by early signing.
The Swiss side described Vietnam as an important partner, citing its role in ASEAN and its experience as chair of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
According to Swiss officials, the FTA would create opportunities for Swiss companies to invest in Vietnam, contributing to job creation, technology transfer and the country’s modernization goals in the years ahead.
The deal is also expected to strengthen trade and investment ties between Vietnam and Switzerland, and between Vietnam and the broader EFTA bloc, supporting regional supply chains and sustainable growth.
Vietnam reaffirmed Switzerland as a key partner and pledged to speed up negotiations so businesses can benefit from the agreement.
