This was confirmed during talks between the Swiss Minister of Economics Loris Leuthard and Vietnamese delegation headed by Minister of Planning and Investment Vo Hong Phuc which visited Switzerland from May 2-8.

During the meetings, both parties expressed their delight at the two way-trade turnover, had increased by 20 percent in 2008. Switzerland’s investments in Vietnam now rank fourth amongst European countries. Switzerland affirmed that it will continue to help Vietnam stabilise its macro-economy, reform financial and banking systems and support small and medium-sized enterprises. It will also provide traiing in human resources.

Minister Vo Hong Phuc highlighted Swiss-funded development projects in Vietnam which have proved effectively and contributed to the country’s economic development, international integration process and poverty reduction. Mr Phuc expressed his hope that Switzerland will also prioritise training Vietnamese workers in the fields of finance, banking, tourism, state management and public administration.

At a round-table discussion with more than 60 enterprises from the cities of Lodan and Jurich, Minister Phuc briefed the participants on Vietnam’s investment opportunities and answered queries on Vietnam’s policies and investment environment. He emphasised that Vietnam is willing to create ideal business environment for Swiss enterprises to invest in different projects. The Nestle Group declared that it will expand its operations in Vietnam while other enterprises are keen to get assistance in training managers in the fields of business administration, finance, banking and tourism.