Swiss President Guy Parmelin Meets Vietnamese Leaders in Hanoi
Swiss Confederation Guy Parmelin met with Tô Lâm and Lê Minh Hưng during an official visit to Hanoi on Saturday, October 17, 2026, according to the official press release from the Swiss government (admin.ch). Bilateral relations between Switzerland and Vietnam formed the core of the discussions, leading to the conclusion of conventions in a series of political fields.
Bilateral Trade Reaches 2.19 Billion Francs as Free Trade Agreement Looms
Bilateral trade between Switzerland and Vietnam reached 2.19 billion francs in 2023, according to data from the Secrétariat d’État à l’économie (SECO) cited by eda.admin.ch. With about 100 companies active in Vietnam, Switzerland is among the main European investors in this country. Building on negotiations that began in 2012, an agreement is scheduled for signature on Sunday, October 18, 2026, between the countries of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and Vietnam.
Swiss President’s visit to Việt Nam to translate cooperation potential into tangible resultsThe official visit to Việt Nam by Swiss Guy Parmelin is expected to inject fresh momentum into bilateral relations, translating the two countries’ cooperation potential into… pic.twitter.com/FsPr9aBWRU
Decades of Diplomatic and Economic Cooperation
Diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Vietnam were established in 1971 and have intensified significantly in recent years. Regular political dialogue was introduced in 2011, and Vietnam has remained a priority country for SECO’s economic development cooperation since 2008. The nations agreed in January 2025 to elevate their relations to a global partnership, committing to deeper collaboration across innovation, sustainable finance, science, technology, and training.
Switzerland has dedicated more than 650 million francs to development and humanitarian aid in Vietnam between 1991 and 2024. While initial spending focused on poverty reduction, rural development, local governance, and access to justice, SECO’s economic cooperation since 2016 has targeted market-oriented structures, private sector competitiveness, and global integration, while ensuring inclusivity and sustainability.
Frequently Asked Questions About Swiss-Vietnamese Relations
What specific areas does the economic cooperation cover for 2025 to 2028?
For the 2025 to 2028 period, priority is given to market-oriented structures, private sector competitiveness, and global integration as managed by SECO.
How does Switzerland support research and educational ties with Vietnam?
The Swiss Embassy in Hanoi collaborates with the Secrétariat d’État à la formation, à la recherche et à l’innovation (SEFRI), the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), and a network of scientific partners from the academic world and private companies, utilizing excellence scholarships, bilateral and multilateral research promotion programs, and specific partnership and exchange programs.
Which countries coordinate human rights discussions with Vietnamese authorities?
The Swiss Embassy in Hanoi participates in the G4 group alongside diplomatic representations from Canada, New Zealand, and Norway to maintain a constructive dialogue on human rights.