Prime Minister Le Minh Hung and Swiss President Guy Parmelin met in Hanoi on October 17 and agreed to place education, science‑technology and innovation at the centre of Vietnam‑Switzerland cooperation. The agreement signals new opportunities for students, researchers and businesses in both countries.

Both leaders highlighted the recent signing of the free‑trade agreement between Vietnam and the European Free Trade Association (VEFTA). They said the pact will boost trade, investment and business connectivity, especially for small and medium‑sized enterprises, and help the agreement take effect quickly.

Prime Minister Hung stressed that Switzerland’s strength in finance can help Vietnam build an international financial centre. He asked for Swiss support in green finance, investment funds, asset management, crypto assets, carbon credits, international bonds and fintech, as well as cooperation on AI and quantum technology.

President Parmelin pledged Swiss experience in insurance, reinsurance, precision machinery and high‑technology, and proposed linking Switzerland’s Crypto Valley with Vietnam’s innovation ecosystem. He also highlighted vocational‑training collaboration tailored to business needs and promised easier visa issuance for Vietnamese citizens.

Vietnam hopes that learning from Swiss expertise in finance, technology and education will accelerate its development and deepen bilateral ties. The partnership could become a model for other emerging economies seeking similar cooperation.