Since 1991, Switzerland’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) to Vietnam has evolved from a mandate of poverty reduction to one of fostering sustainable economic development. CHF 650 million (USD 800 million) were committed over the last 34 years. The event underscored the depth and continuity of the long-standing cooperation between Switzerland and Vietnam, which has evolved over more than three decades to support Vietnam’s economic transformation, institutional strengthening, and sustainable development. It also offers a moment to reflect on, and proudly celebrate, the trust, shared goals, and concrete results that have shaped the close cooperation between the two countries.
Representatives of key partner ministries, including the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT), the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV), the Ministry of Construction (MoC) as well as the Ministry of Finance (MoF) shared how the Swiss Economic Development Cooperation Program concretely contributes to Vietnam’s impressive economic achievements (refer to concrete results in annex).
Looking ahead, the Government of Switzerland will support Vietnam in its journey to a resilient high-income economy. For the period 2025–2028, the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) has allocated a budget envelope of USD 50 million to support Vietnam. Since 2013, Vietnam has been a priority country for SECO’s economic cooperation and development.
This four year program will prioritise the following three key areas of cooperation:
- Promoting sustainable trade and innovation
- Fostering sustainable public and private finance
- Advancing climate-smart industrial and urban development
The focus of this cooperation is precisely where Swiss expertise and experience can make a difference. Ambassador Thomas Gass stated, “Our new program for 2025–2028 builds on this foundation of Swiss expertise and experience and reflects Switzerland’s steadfast commitment to accompany Vietnam on its journey to become a resilient high-income economy by 2045 and reach net-zero emissions by 2050. The program priorities are fully aligned with Vietnam’s development priorities and it also contributes to the government leaders’ plans of a new era”.
Vice Minister Tuấn as well as other distinguished speakers underscored the importance of government leadership and private sector innovation in driving progress. The discussions also highlighted Switzerland’s global leadership in innovation—recognized as the most innovative country globally for 14 consecutive years—and explored how this this experience and know-how can contribute to fostering Vietnam’s private sector development.
