Recently, at the University of Zurich, the Vietnamese Embassy in Switzerland and the Swiss-Vietnamese Economic Forum jointly organized the Vietnam-Switzerland Economic Forum 2024, with the cooperation of the Swiss Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and a number of Vietnamese ministries and sectors, the People's Committees of several Vietnamese provinces and cities, and investment funds such as Aquis Capital, Bellecapital, Bamboo Capital Group, KIBV, associations, organizations, and enterprises of Vietnam and Switzerland.

More than 200 delegates attended the Forum in person and online. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Hang and representatives from the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Ministry of Planning and Investment, Ministry of Science and Technology, National Financial Supervisory Commission, People's Committee of Lang Son province, delegations of leaders of Can Tho City, Cao Bang, Vinh Long, and many Vietnamese and Swiss enterprises and economic experts participated and spoke at the Forum.

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Vietnam - Switzerland Economic Forum 2024: promoting bilateral cooperation.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Forum, Vietnamese Ambassador to Switzerland Phung The Long emphasized that the Vietnam - Switzerland Economic Forum 2024 is an opportunity for central and local ministries, associations and businesses of the two countries to share information and exchange policies, seek cooperation opportunities in trade, investment, finance, innovation, research and training to promote the potential and strengths of each country, contributing to promoting the friendship and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Switzerland in the coming time.

The forum focused on discussing four topics: Policies to support trade, investment and development cooperation; The role and potential of Vietnam - Switzerland cooperation in key areas; Opportunities and potential for cooperation between the two countries in the financial sector; Startup investment.

In the first session, delegates discussed policies to support and promote trade and investment relations between Vietnam and Switzerland. At the same time, delegates shared about the potential, strengths and needs for cooperation, investment attraction policies of Vietnamese provinces and cities, potential benefits from the signing of the Vietnam-EFTA Free Trade Agreement for businesses of the two countries, shared experiences, understanding of the markets and business standards of the two countries.

In addition, at the second session, delegates discussed, exchanged and shared policies and cooperation needs in key areas of investment, innovation, renewable energy for sustainable development, and provided legal advice on business cooperation between enterprises of the two countries.

At the third session, the opening speech of Mr. Nguyen Ho Nam, Chairman of the Strategy Council, Vice Chairman of the Swiss - Vietnam Economic Forum emphasized the role of the Swiss - Vietnam Economic Forum in connecting businesses and investors of the two countries and the role of Bamboo Capital in pioneering, connecting and supporting the Economic Forum to carry out its mission and role.

Chaired by Mr. Son Nguyen, CEO of AQUIS Capital investment fund, delegates focused on discussing the potential and investment opportunities in finance, financial technology, the environment and economic trends affecting financial cooperation and some Government policies to improve the legal framework and financial investment environment in Vietnam.

In addition, businesses and startups introduced many innovative products, services and business models, their contributions to the economy, growth potential as well as market expansion capabilities. The exchange content aimed to promote the entrepreneurial spirit, opportunities for connection, innovation and economic diversification, attract potential investors and partners, and discuss challenges and successes in the startup ecosystem.

It can be seen that in the context of the unpredictable world situation, forecast to continue to witness slow growth, Vietnam's economy has faced challenges and difficulties. However, Vietnam has maintained macroeconomic stability, controlled inflation, ensured major balances of the economy with appropriate policies and strong and drastic actions.

In the spirit of “harmonized benefits, shared risks” and the commitment of “3 together” and “3 guarantees” of the Vietnamese Government, Vietnamese policy makers, experts, local leaders and enterprises have actively contributed to the sessions of exchange, discussion, knowledge sharing and proposed measures to promote trade and investment cooperation with Swiss partners in an effective and practical manner.

Economic, trade and investment relations between Vietnam and Switzerland have been developing positively in recent times. Some areas in Vietnam that are assessed by Swiss investment funds to have great potential are export, tourism and information technology services.

Vietnam considers Switzerland one of its important partners in Europe and Switzerland also considers Vietnam as the most dynamic economy in Southeast Asia, a strategic partner in regional economic cooperation. Thanks to its strategic location, stable society, low-cost but highly skilled labor force, and strong global integration, Vietnam has been and continues to be an attractive destination for foreign investors, including Swiss investors.

In the first 6 months of the year, Binh Dinh's economy grew positively. In the first 6 months of the year, Binh Dinh province's GRDP increased by 7.60% over the same period, ranking 19th out of 63 provinces and cities nationwide.