President Tran Dai Quang told President of the Swiss Council of States Ivo Bischofberger that Vietnam always attaches great importance to reinforcing and promoting the sound relationship with Switzerland during their meeting in Hanoi on March 29.
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| President Tran Dai Quang (R) welcomes President of the Swiss Council of States Ivo Bischofberger in Hanoi. |
President Tran Dai Quang told President of the Swiss Council of States Ivo Bischofberger that Vietnam always attaches great importance to reinforcing and promoting the sound relationship with Switzerland during their meeting in Hanoi on March 29.
He expressed delight at the strong growth of the Vietnam-Switzerland ties, especially in politics, diplomacy, trade, investment and development cooperation, as well as many meaningful activities marking the two countries’ 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2016, including the Vietnam Day in Switzerland.
The State leader proposed that both sides maintain the exchange of delegations at all levels to further foster bilateral cooperation, noting the visit of the President of the Swiss Council of States has helped strengthen cooperation between the legislative bodies of the two countries, contributing to bilateral ties.
Vietnam highly valued Switzerland and the European Free Trade Area (EFTA)’s recognition of Vietnam’s market economy in 2012, he said, expressing hope that Switzerland support the negotiation for a free trade agreement between Vietnam and the EFTA towards a balanced and quality deal that takes into account mutual benefit and the development gap between the two sides.
President Quang said he believes that the deal will open up new cooperation prospects for business communities of both countries.
The State leader calls for more Swiss investment in Vietnam in the fields of finance, banking, insurance, high technology, manufacturing technology, pharmaceuticals, farm produce processing, and tourism.
Switzerland is currently an important trade and investment partner and the third largest European investors in Vietnam, noted the President, adding that Vietnam hopes to learn from Switzerland’s experience in developing a high quality education system with close association with scientific research.
He suggested that Switzerland provide more scholarships to Vietnamese students to study law, banking, high technology and tourism, while creating favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community in stabilising their lives in Switzerland.
He also asked for Switzerland’s backing of Vietnam’s candidacy for a seat in the UN Security Council in the 2020-2021 tenure.
On the occasion, President Quang conveyed an invitation to visit Vietnam to his Swiss counterpart.
For his part, Ivo Bischofberger expressed his belief in a bright future of friendship and partnership between the two countries, especially in economy, trade, investment, education and training.
Swiss firms are interested in expanding business in Vietnam, while staying ready to offer support in training local workers, he stated, highlighting that the vocational training model of Switzerland will help Vietnamese young labour force become qualified for suitable jobs.
Switzerland also pays much attention to the signing of a free trade agreement between Vietnam and the EFTA, he said.
He affirms that the Swiss Government is keen on development assistance for Vietnam which has been reflected in various support programmes and projects for the country, adding that Swiss Council of States is also engaging in building and carrying out cooperation projects with Vietnam in 2017-2020.
Bischofberger said Switzerland supports Vietnam’s running for a post at the UN Security Council for the 2020-2021 tenure, while asking for Vietnam’s backing of Switzerland’s candidacy for the council in the 2023-2024 period.
(Source: VNA)
