The Federal Council of Switzerland on June 12 released the Southeast Asia Strategy 2023–2026, which considers Việt Nam a “priority partner country” in the region.
The Federal Council said cooperation between Switzerland and the Southeast Asian country is to be placed on a new footing.
It stated that the partnership aims to consolidate political dialogue and deepen economic relations “in a sustainable and structured manner”. This includes support for the conclusion of a free trade agreement (FTA) between the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and Việt Nam, as well as the modernisation of the existing investment protection agreement.
According to the Swiss government, another priority is cooperation in the fields of education, science, research, innovation and technology.
The statement also promotes economic partnerships in sectors such as sustainable infrastructure, renewable energy, digitalisation, sustainable finance and intellectual property.
Furthermore, exchanges between the civil societies of both countries are to be strengthened, while cooperation at the multilateral and regional levels will also be expanded.
