Vietnam places importance on consolidating friendly relations with Switzerland

This meeting was followed by their previous meeting in January 2017 at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

Leuthard told Phuc that she hopes negotiations for a free trade agreement between Vietnam and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) will be finsished this year after seven years toward the early signing, thus opening up new cooperation prospects in tourism, trade and investment.

Numerous Swiss firms accompanying her in this visit want to seek investment and business opportunities in Vietnam, especially in pharmaceuticals, a strong sector of Switzerland, she noted.

PM Phuc said he hopes the EFTA will be signed soon to help promote investment, trade and tourism partnership between the two sides along with the opening of a direct air connection between Vietnam and Switzerland this year.

He affirmed the Vietnamese Government 's readiness to improve the investment environment and create the best possible conditions for foreign firms, including those from Switzerland, especially in finance-banking, manufacturing industry and pharmaceuticals, adding that he welcomed Swiss firms who want to expand cooperation in Vietnam.

The Government leader also suggsted Switzerland should share experience with Vietnam and support the country in building a high-quality education system and combining science-technology research-training. 

PM Phuc asked Switzerland to increase scholarships for Vietnamese students, especially in justice, banking, high technology, and tourism, while intensifying the exchange of students and lecturers as well as cooperation in scientific research.

During the visit to Vietnam, the Swiss official also had working sessions with the Vietnamese side on the environment, climate change, and biodiversity.