These priority areas as mentioned by Pham include digital transformation, green transition, circular economy, climate change adaptation, agriculture, finance, banking, and healthcare.
The Government chief urged both countries to accelerate negotiations for a free trade deal between Viet Nam and the European Free Trade Association formed by Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein in a bid boost investment between the two countries.
Pham also asked the two sides to expand cooperation in science-technology, education, and people-to-people exchanges to help Viet Nam improve its human resource quality and strengthen mutual understanding.
He called on Switzerland to back ASEAN’s positions on maintaining peace and stability, ensuring freedom, security and safety of navigation and aviation in the East Sea, and settling disputes through peaceful measures on the basis of international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Pham took the occasion to express thanks to the Government and people of Switzerland for donating medical equipment to help the Southeast Asian country manage the COVID-19 pandemic effectively, paving the way for reopening borders and reviving the economy.
Ambassador Thomas Gass spoke highly of Viet Nam’s achievements in realizing sustainable development goals, its role and position on the international arena, and its commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050.
The diplomat affirmed Switzerland stands ready to broaden cooperation with Viet Nam in manufacturing and high-tech industries, agriculture and climate change adaptation./.
Thuy Duong
