Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính (right) and Director of the Swiss Federal Office for Agriculture (FOAG) Christian Hofer had a meeting on Monday in Hà Nội. — VNA/VNS Photo Dương Giang

HÀ NỘI — Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính on Monday received Director of the Swiss Federal Office for Agriculture (FOAG) Christian Hofer, who is in Hà Nội to attend the 4th global conference of the One Planet Network's Sustainable Food Systems Programme (SFS Programme) from April 24 to 27.

Both host and guest lauded outcomes of the two countries’ cooperation since the establishment of their diplomatic relations five decades ago.

Currently, Switzerland is the 6th largest European investor in Việt Nam with a total investment of about US$2 billion; and is one of the few Western European countries maintaining development aid for and economic cooperation with Việt Nam during the past three decades.

Based on the nations’ traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation, they believed that such ties would be further strengthened and developed, particularly in the fields of agriculture and food security.

PM Chính informed his guest that Việt Nam was building ecological and responsible agriculture and shifting from agricultural production to agricultural economy.

Therefore, Việt Nam hoped Switzerland would continue ODA projects for Việt Nam concerning the local farming, rural areas, and farmers, especially in the Mekong Delta, he said, proposing Switzerland join investment cooperation with Việt Nam in capital, science and technology, human resources training, management science, and institutional building.

The Government leader’s suggestions also included Switzerland’s support for Việt Nam in joining the supply chain and expanding its market in the country and Europe, particularly regarding products of Việt Nam’s strength and Switzerland’s demand such as coffee, cashew, and peppercorn.

It was necessary for the sides to exchange information and strategic forecasts serving mutual benefits, Chính noted.

Agreeing with these suggestions, Hofer appreciated Việt Nam’s initiatives delivered at the 4th global conference as well as its role and capacity in the agricultural production chain, contributing to ensuring global food security.

He said Switzerland housed many reputable enterprises and universities that could collaborate with Việt Nam across fields, including high-quality farming development.

Switzerland would be willing to support and cooperate with Việt Nam in developing organic agriculture, joining the global supply chain, the official affirmed, wishing that the countries would negotiate to sign a free trade agreement to propel forward their trade exchange. — VNS