Geneva (VNA) - The Vietnamese Embassy in Switzerland and the Switzerland – Vietnam Economic Forum (SVEF) jointly organised the Vietnam Day 2025 at the University of Zurich on June 23.
The event brought together senior officials, business leaders, and academic experts from both sides. It featured four discussions on key issues such as the Vietnam- Switzerland comprehensive partnership, Vietnam’s international financial centre, digital transformation and innovation, and global human resources and expansion of markets.
In the first session, Chairman of the SVEF Dr. Philipp Rösler raised a question how the two countries turn words into actions, specifically by building credible economic corridors and effectively implementing initiatives under the Vietnam- Switzerland comprehensive partnership.
Responding to this, Vice Director of the University of St. Gallen Stefan Legge stressed the importance of building rule-based action plans. He said the event was a valuable opportunity for businesses of both countries to expand their networks while gaining insights into each other’s legal frameworks.
Natalie Rast, Head of Bilateral Economic Relations Asia/Oceania at the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs of Switzerland, said that amid global economic uncertainties, there is an urgent need for renewed political will. Pushing forward a free trade agreement (FTA) is not only an economic need, but also a commitment to an open, rules-based international trade order.
She expressed her optimism given the ongoing collaboration between the two countries in clean energy, pharmaceuticals, port development, and education, and looked forward to concrete steps in the near future.
The second session shifted focus to Vietnam’s ambition to develop an international financial centre. Moderated by Son Nguyen, CEO of Aquis Fund, the discussion explored legal frameworks, fintech innovation, sustainable finance, and cross-border capital flows.
Lawyer Phung Anh Tuan of VCI Legal shared that his firm is working to help foreign investors, including Swiss enterprises, better understand Vietnam’s new laws and regulations. Investors care deeply about how legal systems function, and VCI Legal is ready to act as a bridge, he said.
In the third session, participants explored digital transformation and industrial innovation with discussions on the role of artificial intelligence (AI), advanced manufacturing, and bilateral research and development (R&D) projects.
Vietnamese tech firms like FPT and MIT Solutions attracted strong interest for future collaboration and presence in Switzerland.
The final panel addressed global talent development and market expansion, examining how companies can strengthen cross-border capabilities in the competitive digital economy.
The Vietnam Day 2025 served not only as a milestone in the bilateral relations but also as a launchpad for shaping the next chapter of Vietnam–Switzerland cooperation amid expanding global partnerships.
At the event, participating parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation./.
