President Tran Dai Quang (R) welcomes President of the Swiss Council of States Ivo Bischofberger in Hanoi (Photo: VNA)

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’ 45^th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2016, including the Vietnam Day in Switzerland.

He expressed his hope that Switzerland supports 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. He also asked for Switzerland’s backing of Vietnam’s candidacy for a seat in the UN Security Council in the 2020-2021 tenure.

The State leader calls for more Swiss investment in Vietnam in finance, banking, insurance, high technology, manufacturing technology, pharmaceuticals, farm produce processing, and tourism.

He suggested that Switzerland create favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community in stabilising their lives in Switzerland.

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.

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.