The agreement was reached during talks between General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and State President To Lam and Swiss President Guy Parmelin in Hanoi on Saturday, following an official welcome ceremony.
During the talks, the Vietnamese top leader briefed his guest on Vietnam’s strategic orientations and foreign policy, reaffirming that Vietnam attaches great importance to its Comprehensive Partnership with Switzerland. He expressed his hope that the two countries would continue to grow together and contribute to peace, stability and development in the region.
President Parmelin said the signing of the free trade agreement between Vietnam and EFTA would create significant opportunities for businesses in both countries. More than 100 Swiss companies are already operating in Vietnam, he noted, adding that Switzerland’s advanced technologies and solutions complement Vietnam’s rapid economic growth and young workforce.
The two leaders agreed on key priorities for future cooperation, including expanding trade and investment following the signing and implementation of the Vietnam–EFTA FTA, encouraging more Swiss businesses to invest in Vietnam, particularly in seaports, and promoting cooperation in digital finance, blockchain, digital assets and financial technology.
They also agreed to make science, technology and innovation key pillars of bilateral cooperation, while strengthening collaboration in environmental protection, culture, tourism and national defence and security.
President Parmelin praised Vietnam’s balanced foreign policy, saying it had helped the country establish a strong position in the region and globally.
The two leaders witnessed the exchange of several cooperation documents between ministries and agencies in labor, science and technology, trade, and urban development. President Parmelin also invited Vietnam to attend the Global Conference on Artificial Intelligence in Switzerland in 2027.
On Saturday evening, the Vietnamese Party and State leader and his spouse hosted a state banquet in honor of President Parmelin and his spouse.
Addressing the event, Mr. To Lam said: “Vietnam wishes to work with Switzerland to make new advances in science and technology, innovation and high-quality human resource training; write a brighter new chapter in cooperation for the development of both countries; and contribute more actively to safeguarding peace and stability and addressing shared challenges. As Vietnam–Switzerland relations continue to flourish, we will have greater opportunities to contribute to global peace and prosperity. The 55 years of friendship between our two countries provide a solid foundation for us to move forward with confidence.”
President Parmelin said the signing of the Vietnam–EFTA Free Trade Agreement on Sunday would open up new prospects for businesses in both countries and bring their economies closer together.
Later that evening, the two leaders and their spouses visited the pedestrian streets around Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi and met with local residents.
