Vietnam is playing an increasingly active role at the World Economic Forum (WEF): Swiss Ambassador
WVR - At the threshold of the Vietnamese Prime Minister's attendance at the World Economic Forum (WEF), Swiss Ambassador to Vietnam Thomas Gass shared his account on Vietnam’s contributions to this forum.
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| Swiss Ambassador to Vietnam Thomas Gass sees Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his wife off at the airport on January 15. (Photo: Nguyen Hong) |
On the occasion of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's attending the 55th World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos and engaging in bilateral meetings in Switzerland, Swiss Ambassador to Vietnam Thomas Gass gave an interview to The World and Vietnam Report.
Dear Your Excellency, can you share the key contents and significance of the WEF Annual Meeting 2025?
As in past years, WEF is again convening political and economic leaders and civil society representatives to discuss highly relevant themes and commit to walk the talk for a more sustainable development.
In 2025, the theme is “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age". The WEF will discuss how artificial intelligence can and must be leveraged to secure economic growth; to transform industries to make them more resilient and sustainable; to ensure that people are empowered through education, skills development and better health services; to safeguard our planet for future generations; and to rebuild more trust amongst governments, businesses and society.
What are your expectations about Vietnam’s contributions to the Meeting?
Vietnam is playing an increasingly active role at the World Economic Forum. This is consistent with the vision of the Politburo and the Government for Vietnam’s role at the regional and global level. It has also become evident in the active role which the Prime Minister Chinh has played in Davos and in Regional WEF meetings during the past two years.
At a time when the world is polarized and marked by tensions, at a time when countries are seeking their self-interest, and paying insufficient attention to international rule of law and the pursuit of Sustainable Development Goals, the voices of ASEAN as a region and that of Vietnam in particular are extremely important and very credible – because Vietnam and the ASEAN Region are a pole of stability and economic growth.
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| Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh hosts a reception for Prof. Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum (WEF), Hanoi, October 7, 2024. (Source: VGP) |
How do you think about Vietnamese Government's efforts to promote sustainable economic growth and digital transformation in recent times?
The objectives and ambition of the Vietnamese Government to promote sustainable economic growth, achieve net zero and support a rapid digital transformation are very commendable.
The outstanding result published in last week’s EUROCHAM Business Confidence Index (BCI) Report for Vietnam, reflects European businesses’ optimism about Vietnam’s economic growth and ongoing reforms. Of course, the burden is now on the Government to rapidly implement these policies, put in place the relevant legal frameworks and carry out the required projects.
Could you share some impressions on developments of Vietnam-Switzerland bilateral relations in recent years, especially in the fields of green and digital transformation?
There are more than 100 Swiss companies in Vietnam, including multinationals as well as small and medium-sized enterprises. These companies are active in a range of sectors, including construction, food processing, pharmaceuticals and diagnostics, machinery, precision instruments (including medical equipment and tools), IT, and transport and logistics.
Many of these can be considered to be contributing towards the green and digital transformation. For example, by providing services and software for the banking and insurance industry; by bringing technological solutions for more efficient and climate friendly energy generation, smart grids and robotics; by bringing to bear new technology and solutions for building and infrastructure; or by contributing towards a more environmentally friendly and sustainable food production and processing industry.
In addition, Swiss companies are credited with creating more than 20,000 jobs in Vietnam and are consistently recognized amongst the best employers in the country, offering quality employment opportunities. A revised bilateral investment protection agreement is currently being negotiated to bring the existing agreement up to date with the latest standards.
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| Swiss Ambassador Thomas Gass and Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son at the Green Economy Forum and Exhibition (GEFE) in Ho Chi Minh City, in October 2024. (Photo courtesy of Swiss Ambassador Thomas Gass) |
Vietnamese Tet is around the corner. What are your most impressions about Vietnamese Tet? Is there anything you would like to explore in this special occasion?
I find Tet to be the epitome and the celebration of Vietnam’s energy and its capacity to look to the future with optimism and courage. This is particularly meaningful, after Vietnam has demonstrated its resilience in responding to the impact of last year’s Typhon Yagi, but as it gears up this year to celebrate 50 years of re-unification and 80 years of independence.
For me personally it will be an opportunity to explore on foot the natural beauty of nearby nature reserves such as Pu Luong (Thanh Hoa) and Cuc Phuong (Ninh Binh), and enjoy the Tet specialties such as Bang Chung, but also the sweets like Che Lam and Mut Gung.
Is there anything you would like to say to the Vietnamese people in Tet holiday?
Chúc mừng Năm mới!
May this Lunar New Year of the Snake bring wisdom, growth, and prosperity to your families. I’m inspired by the enduring energy and resourcefulness of the Vietnamese people and feel privileged to share in this cherished tradition. May 2025 unfold with boundless blessings and new opportunities for all!
Thank you, Ambassador!
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| On January 13, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his Spouse hosted a banquet for diplomatic corps in Vietnam on the occasion of the Tet Festival. (Photo courtesy of Swiss Ambassador Thomas Gass) |
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