Stronger parliamentary cooperation to advance Vietnam–Switzerland agreements

Welcoming President Parmelin in Hanoi, National Assembly President Man praised the outcomes of the Swiss President’s discussions with General Secretary  of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and State President To Lam and Prime Minister Le Minh Hung. Recalling his own open exchanges with Swiss parliamentary leaders during a visit in July 2025, he reaffirmed the Vietnamese legislature’s support for stronger parliamentary ties to help implement agreements reached by senior leaders.

Parliamentary cooperation to support bilateral commitments

The top legislator emphasised the National Assembly’s role in improving Vietnam’s legal system and strengthening economic competitiveness. Through legislation and oversight, the legislature aims to help create a transparent and favourable business environment, improve policy implementation and reinforce investor confidence, providing a stronger basis for long-term cooperation with Switzerland.

He called for closer coordination to advance ratification procedures for the newly signed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Vietnam and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), so that it can enter into force soon. He also encouraged Swiss businesses to invest in infrastructure and Vietnam’s financial markets, and proposed sharing experience in international financial centres, green finance and financial technology.

To strengthen parliamentary ties, National Assembly President Man proposed more exchanges between leaders of the two legislatures, specialised committees, friendship parliamentary groups, women parliamentarians and young lawmakers. He also called for experience-sharing on building a rule-of-law state and developing legal frameworks for digital assets and the energy transition.

He urged the two sides to coordinate more closely at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the Asia-Europe Parliamentary Partnership (ASEP).

FTA and investment offer fresh economic opportunities

President Parmelin reaffirmed Switzerland’s regard for its relationship with Vietnam, noting that significant potential for cooperation is untapped. He stressed the need to translate the Comprehensive Partnership into focused joint projects and asked Vietnam to share its priorities so that both sides could concentrate their efforts on areas of mutual benefit.

Welcoming the growth in bilateral trade, the Swiss President expressed confidence that the Vietnam–EFTA FTA would provide fresh momentum for cooperation. Against a backdrop of rising trade protectionism, he viewed the agreement as an important demonstration of commitment to free trade and a source of mutually beneficial opportunities for businesses.

President Parmelin also underscored the importance of protecting and enforcing intellectual property rights, including geographical indications, to safeguard legitimate business interests. Drawing on Switzerland’s experience, he noted that effective intellectual property protection helps sustain the country’s strong position in innovation and encourages investment in research and development.

In other areas, the Swiss President expressed interest in closer cooperation on clean energy and transport, as well as stronger links between businesses and vocational training institutions to develop a workforce equipped with practical skills. He also backed closer ties between the two legislatures to facilitate experience-sharing and support joint projects.

Artificial intelligence (AI) featured among the areas identified for closer engagement. President Parmelin proposed that the two countries work together on researching, developing and commercialising AI applications. He also invited Vietnamese leaders to attend the AI Summit in Geneva, Switzerland, in June 2027, with the aim of advancing cooperation so that the benefits of the technology can be shared widely.

At the meeting, National Assembly President Man asked President Parmelin to convey an invitation to Swiss parliamentary leaders to visit Vietnam at a suitable time.

The meeting took place in a cordial and open atmosphere, reflecting both sides’ commitment to further strengthening their Comprehensive Partnership.

Vietnam, Switzerland pledge closer cooperation as ties reach 55-year milestone

VOV.VN - Vietnam and Switzerland have pledged to strengthen their Comprehensive Partnership as they mark 55 years of diplomatic relations, with science, technology, innovation and trade set to play a greater role in bilateral cooperation.