Deputy PM stresses Switzerland’s economic role

>> Deputy PM meets Swiss businesses

Nhan made the affirmation at a meeting with Swiss Economy Minister Johann Schneider Ammann in Bern on Aug. 30 during his working visit to Switzerland.

Although two-way trade between Vietnam and Switzerland has been growing in a stable manner since it reached more than $2.9 billion in 2001, the ties has yet to match with their growing political ties as well as huge untapped cooperation potential, he said.

Nhan used the occasion to ask the Swiss Government to encourage its businesses to invest in Vietnam , especially in chemicals, pharmacy, finance-banking, insurance, clock making, and electro-mechanics, where Switzerland is a hard rival to beat.

He also called on Switzerland to help Vietnam train high-quality professional for the finance, banking, tourism and drug administration sectors.

Nhan also reiterated the commitments that the Swiss Minister made at last year’s Davos Economic Forum, regarding assistance in training experts specialising in analysing, forecasting and building policies for Vietnam’s financial and banking sectors.

At the meeting, Minister Johann Schneider Ammann noted that the Swiss Government considers Vietnam one of the seven countries prioritised in its economic development cooperation.

He pledged to assist the country in capitalising on labour productivity, the key that has helped Switzerland enjoy a high competitive edge compared with other countries worldwide for a long time.

The minister affirmed Switzerland ’s full backing of Vietnam in opening market, facilitating free trade and fighting against trade protectionism and committed to sharing experience with Vietnam in vocational training, a successful training model carried out in Switzerland .

He expressed his hopes that negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement between the two countries will progress positively in the coming time.

The Swiss Minister also talked about his visit to Vietnam in 2013, mentioning the companion of outstanding Swiss businesses operating in banking, finance and tourism.

On this occasion, he said he hopes to see more suitable policies to be issued for Swiss businesses, especially those operating in drug production.

The same day, Deputy PM Nhan met with Swiss Interior Minister in charge of healthcare, education, research and culture Alain Berset.

The two sides discussed measures to further boost bilateral cooperation in healthcare, pharmacy, science and technology, social affairs, employment and tourism.

As scheduled, Deputy PM Nhan will make a fact-finding tour of several businesses in Basel city, more than 100 km to Bern , on Aug. 31.

He will leave Switzerland for Bulgaria on September 1.