HÀ NỘI – National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyễn Thị Kim Ngân said yesterday that she hopes Switzerland will continue encouraging its businesses to invest in several key industries and sectors in Việt Nam.

Speaking at a reception held in the honour of visiting President of the Council of States of Switzerland, Ivo Bischofberger, she said Việt Nam awaited further Swiss investment in finance, banking, insurance, hi-tech industries, manufacturing, pharmaceutical industry, agricultural production, tourism and hospitality.

Ivo Bischofberger is on a week-long (March 28-31) official visit to Việt Nam.

Ngân affirmed that Việt Nam supports all foreign invested businesses in the country, including Swiss investors and businesspeople.

She hailed the development of bilateral ties in politics and diplomacy as well as trade and investment co-operation, and proposed that exchange visits by delegations of both countries be stepped up and co-ordination at multilateral forums strengthened.

Switzerland is one of Việt Nam’s crucial European economic partners, she said.

The NA Chairwoman thanked the Swiss Government for providing US$90 million in Official Development Assistance (ODA) for the 2017-2020 period. The two sides should co-operate closely to use the ODA effectively, he said.

Ivo Bischofberger confirmed that his visit aimed to strengthen legislative links between the two countries and promoting multifaceted relations.

Switzerland is a constant advocate of the Free Trade Agreement between Việt Nam and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), which will provide a legal framework and generate investment and trade opportunities for business communities from all sides, he said.

The two sides shared experiences in establishing laws to protect the environment, establishing a high quality education and training system, and providing more scholarships for Vietnamese students to study law, banking, tourism and advanced technologies in Switzerland, as also organising vocational training for Vietnamese students.

Ngân requested Switzerland to assist Overseas Vietnamese stabilise their lives in the country.

The two sides agreed that parliamentary co-operation was an effective aspect of bilateral relations. They also agreed to step up delegation exchanges in the future.

Ivo Bischofberger invited the NA Chairwoman to pay an official visit to Switzerland. — VNS