The Swiss President said her country is cooperating closely with the United Nations in renewing ODA policy for developing countries, including Vietnam.

She encouraged more political contacts from the two countries to increase mutual understanding, considering them the basis for promoting bilateral cooperation in socio-political and economic areas.                      

For his part, Mr Dung thanked Switzerland for its support to Vietnam during the latter’s struggle for national independence in the past and national construction at present. He said Switzerland holds an important place in Vietnamese people’s hearts as it was the place where the Geneva Agreement to restore peace in Indochina was signed in 1954 and negotiations on Vietnam’s admission to the World Trade Organisation took place over 12 years.

Both host and guest agreed that the two countries should boost their cooperation, particularly in investment and trade, to fully tap their potential.

They highlighted the need to reform the United Nations and the United Nations Security Council towards democracy and efficiency.

Later, Mr Dung received chief executive officers of the world’s leading business groups such as Citibank and the New York Stock Exchange. The executives praised Vietnam’s high economic growth in recent years and future prospects for investment attraction.

Alan MacDonald, Citybank Chief Operating Officer, said global investors are shifting their investment strategies into Vietnam, not only in business activities, but also in other areas.

Citybank group is willing to provide expertise and consultancy for Vietnam during the equitisation process of State owned enterprises, said Mr MacDonald.

Meanwhile, the general director of the New York Stock Exchange said that his centre is willing to share experience with Vietnam in running and overseeing the stock market in the country, as well as helping train human resources in the field in Vietnam.