Vietnam and Switzerland Advance Financial Cooperation Plans

Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung proposed Switzerland share its financial expertise to support Vietnam’s development of an international financial center, emphasizing finance as a strategic priority for Southeast Asia. This initiative aligns with Vietnam’s goal to strengthen ties with major global financial hubs.

The meeting between Prime Minister Hung and Swiss President Guy Parmelin occurred on October 17, 2026, in Hanoi, as part of the latter’s official visit. The Vietnamese leader highlighted Switzerland’s reliability as a European partner and expressed interest in establishing an intergovernmental cooperation mechanism for economic, scientific, and technological collaboration.

Hung also stated that the visit would facilitate progress on the Vietnam-European Free Trade Agreement (VEFTA), aiming to open a new phase in bilateral relations through enhanced economic integration.