Vietnam-Switzerland Development Cooperation: 35 years and beyond

Swiss Ambassador to Vietnam Thomas Gass speaks at the ceremony. (Photo: Trung Hieu)

Officially opened by H.E. Ambassador Thomas Gass, Ambassador of Switzerland to Vietnam, and Vice Minister of Finance Cao Anh Tuan, the event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including government representatives, development partners, implementing agencies, and beneficiaries.

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) was 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.

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, and 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 Cao Anh Tuan 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 experience and know-how can contribute to fostering Vietnam’s private sector development.

Overview of the event celebrating 35 years of Vietnam – Switzerland development cooperation. (Photo: Trung Hieu)

At the event, participants were informed of highlights from the Cooperation Programme 2021-2024. These include: Enhancements to the legal and regulatory framework strengthened the financial sector, boosted sustainable exports, improved urban planning, and created a better business and investment climate.

Trade promotion activities supported over 60 Business Support Organizations, enabling more than 10,000 exporting enterprises to innovate and make their products more sustainable.

Assistance provided to 2,018 Vietnamese entrepreneurs helped them raise CHF 124 million in capital.

Approximately 500,000 SMEs have gained access to an additional USD 33 billion through innovative supply chain financing mechanisms.

Transforming industrial parks into Eco-Industrial Parks improved environmental standards, saving 850,000 m³ of water annually and reducing emissions by 39,560 tons of CO₂eq per year.

Urban flooding risks in Can Tho, home to 443,000 residents and key businesses, were addressed, driving economic development in the city.

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