HCMC – Vietnam is seeking to strengthen cooperation with Switzerland in developing an international financial center, with a focus on institutional design, operational expertise and high-quality human resources, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh said during a working visit to Switzerland.
On January 28 (local time) in Bern, Nguyen Hoa Binh paid courtesy calls on Swiss President Guy Parmelin and President of the Swiss National Council Pierre André Page, according to official statements.
Swiss leaders welcomed the visit, describing it as a meaningful activity marking the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and Switzerland (1971–2026). The two countries upgraded their relationship to a comprehensive partnership in early 2025 during Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s visit to Switzerland.
The Swiss side praised Vietnam’s growing international standing and its achievements in economic development and global integration.
Both sides discussed measures to advance bilateral ties in a more practical and effective manner. They agreed to increase exchanges at all levels, particularly high-level visits, and to implement the comprehensive partnership framework more effectively. Switzerland also expressed support for the early establishment of a Swiss parliamentary friendship group with Vietnam to enhance legislative cooperation.
Binh conveyed invitations from Vietnam’s top leaders to Swiss President Guy Parmelin and National Council President Pierre André Page to visit Vietnam.
The two sides agreed to enhance political trust and expand cooperation in areas of mutual strength amid global uncertainties. They also pledged to push for the early conclusion of free trade agreement negotiations between Vietnam and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), of which Switzerland is a key member, with the aim of finalizing the deal in 2026. The agreement is expected to open new opportunities for trade, investment and financial connectivity between the two countries.
Vietnam expressed its interest in working closely with Switzerland on the development of its international financial center, including sharing experience in governance, training skilled professionals, and expanding cooperation in finance, investment, science and technology, green transition and renewable energy.
Binh also thanked Switzerland for supporting the Vietnamese community and called for continued assistance to help them integrate and contribute to bilateral relations.
Later the same day, the deputy prime minister met leaders of the Swiss–Vietnam Economic Forum (SVEF), the Swiss–Asian Chamber of Commerce (SACC) and Swiss businesses in finance and technology. He called on Swiss firms to invest in Vietnam’s international financial center, with dual hubs in Ho Chi Minh City and Danang City.
Swiss business representatives welcomed Vietnam’s plans and expressed readiness to share expertise. Some companies cited their successful operations in Vietnam, saying the establishment of the international financial center could attract new foreign investment flows.
Vietnam aims to achieve average GDP growth of 10% or above per year during 2026–2030, Binh said, underscoring the need for capital and expertise in areas where Swiss firms have strengths, including green finance, digital finance, clean energy and modern infrastructure.
