Vietnam-Swiss Relations: Trade, Investment, and Business Opportunities

As Vietnam deepens its integration into global markets, Switzerland has emerged as a strategic partner in innovation, finance, and sustainable development. Recent developments in 2025 showcase the rapid growth in the bilateral trade and investment ties.

The bilateral economic connections between Vietnam and Switzerland are gaining renewed momentum in 2025. With rising trade, new financial and innovation cooperation, and a major Swiss-funded sustainable tourism initiative, the relationship is shifting toward deeper, future-focused economic engagement.

Diplomatic background

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Vietnam and Switzerland have established diplomatic relations since 1971, forming a long-standing partnership centred on development cooperation, economic modernization, and institutional support. Swiss businesses have been steadily expanding their presence in Vietnam’s market, while their government contributes to the Southeast Asian country’s growth through its expertise in governance, financial reform, and private-sector development.

Today, as Vietnam accelerates its integration into global value chains and strengthens its policy frameworks for finance, technology, and sustainability, cooperation with Switzerland has taken on greater strategic significance.

In recent years, several structural shifts have elevated the importance of the partnership:

• Trade flows continue to grow, reflecting stable demand for Swiss industrial goods and Vietnam’s competitive manufacturing exports.
• Vietnam’s innovation drive – spanning fintech, AI adoption, and digital infrastructure – aligns with Swiss strengths in high-tech industries and financial services.
• A mutual commitment to green growth is supporting new projects in sustainable tourism, ESG standards, and low-carbon development.

These factors position Switzerland as both a key investor and a knowledge partner for Vietnam’s next phase of development.

Trade performance

Vietnam–Switzerland trade reached US$2.4 billion in 2024, up 12 percent from 2023, driven by strong demand across core export categories.

Swiss exports to Vietnam

Swiss shipments to Vietnam primarily consist of:

• Pharmaceuticals and medical technology;
• Machinery and mechanical appliances; and
• Precision instruments and industrial components.

These categories reflect Switzerland’s global industrial and scientific strengths and support Vietnam’s ongoing industrial modernization.

Vietnamese exports to Switzerland

Vietnam’s exports include:

• Footwear and textiles;
• Agricultural products such as coffee, nuts, and spices; and
• Electronics and consumer goods.

Growing sophistication in Vietnam’s electronics and food-processing sectors has further diversified export opportunities.

Investment trends and sector presence

Switzerland currently has 214 foreign direct investment projects in Vietnam, with total registered capital exceeding US$2 billion, ranking  out of 152 countries and territories investing in Vietnam. Swiss investment in Vietnam spans consumer goods, industrial technology, healthcare, and manufacturing. Several major Swiss companies have longstanding operations, contributing to job creation, supply-chain development, and export capacity.

Swiss firms are also expanding into sustainability-linked sectors, reflecting rising global demand for ESG compliance and green manufacturing.

Development cooperation

Switzerland remains one of Vietnam’s key development partners, supporting:

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• Public financial management;
• Small and medium enterprise (SME) development;
• Digital governance;
• Sustainable tourism; and
• Public-private dialogue.

This long-term support has strengthened Vietnam’s institutional capacity and regulatory environment, making it more attractive to foreign investors.

Strategic and institutional cooperation

EFTA–Vietnam FTA negotiations

Vietnam and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), which includes Switzerland, continue negotiations for a comprehensive free trade agreement. Once concluded, the FTA is expected to deliver:

• Tariff reductions on industrial and agricultural goods;
• Stronger investor protections;
• Expanded market access for services; and
• Enhanced transparency and regulatory cooperation.

For investors, the agreement would offer more predictable and attractive conditions for long-term engagement.

Economic mechanisms and dialogue platforms

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Facilitating seamless market entry and global expansion

Cooperation is supported by:

• The Swiss–Vietnam Economic Forum;
• Government-to-government policy dialogues;
• Swiss trade and innovation missions; and
• Partnership programs with Swiss universities and development agencies.

These mechanisms enable ongoing alignment on technology, training, and regulatory frameworks.

Latest developments in 2025

Swiss–Vietnam Economic Forum 2025

The 2025 forum in Da Nang gathered more than 400 representatives from government, business, and academia. Discussions centred on:

• Digital finance, fintech, and real-time payment systems;
• AI and data governance frameworks;
• Innovation ecosystems for smart cities; and
• Regulatory standards for international financial centres.

The event underscored Switzerland’s role as a key adviser as Vietnam seeks to establish financial hubs in Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City.

Cooperation on international financial centres

Vietnam is actively seeking Switzerland’s technical expertise in designing, regulating, and managing international financial centres. Recent cooperation includes:

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Enhancing internal audit and risk management

• Memoranda of understanding between the Ministry of Finance and Swiss innovation and fintech organizations;
• Technical advice on supervisory frameworks, cybersecurity, AI integration, and governance; and
• Training programs for regulators and financial professionals.

This cooperation supports Vietnam’s ambition to develop globally recognized financial hubs capable of attracting high-value investment.

Swiss-Funded tourism for sustainable development (ST4SD)

Switzerland has launched a CHF 3.6 million (US$4.47 billion) sustainable tourism program for 2024–2027. The project focuses on:

• Strengthening public–private cooperation in tourism;
• Training and professional development for the hospitality sector;
• Developing sustainable tourism standards and certification frameworks; and
• Supporting pilot initiatives in Ha Giang, Quang Nam, and Dong Thap.

Swiss academic institutions, including EHL Lausanne and Lucerne University of Applied Sciences, are contributing expertise to help Vietnam build internationally competitive, sustainability-driven tourism models.

Key drivers of the partnership

Complementary economic strengths

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Switzerland’s strengths in precision manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, finance, and sustainability complement Vietnam’s dynamic, fast-growing market. Swiss firms benefit from Vietnam’s expanding consumer base, manufacturing capabilities, and improving regulatory environment.

Meanwhile, Vietnam gains access to high-value technology, advanced practices, and quality standards.

Vietnam’s push for innovation and financial reform

Vietnam is speeding up reforms to modernize its financial sector, grow digital payments, improve AI governance, and develop international financial centers.

Switzerland, home to one of the world’s most advanced financial ecosystems, provides the regulatory models, technological expertise, and institutional frameworks Vietnam needs.

Strong focus on sustainability and ESG

Both countries emphasize low-carbon development, responsible tourism, and ESG integration in supply chains. Swiss-funded programs support Vietnam’s transition toward green destinations, sustainable service industries, and climate-resilient economic planning. This aligns well with global investor expectations and enhances Vietnam’s attractiveness as a long-term investment destination.

Human capital development and knowledge transfer

Training programs, academic partnerships, and technical assistance from Swiss institutions help Vietnam build a highly skilled workforce – essential for sectors such as smart manufacturing, finance, hospitality, and digital governance. The partnership prioritizes capacity building, enabling Vietnam to move up the value chain.

Institutional stability and long-term commitment

Switzerland’s consistent development cooperation and policy engagement create a stable foundation for investors. Vietnam’s commitment to regulatory improvement, especially in finance, services, and sustainable tourism, further strengthens confidence and aligns with Switzerland’s long-term investment approach.

Outlook for 2025 and beyond

The economic partnership is expected to deepen in several areas:

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• Potential conclusion of the Vietnam–EFTA FTA;
• New Swiss investment in manufacturing, healthcare, fintech, and ESG-linked industries;
• Expansion of sustainable tourism and green destination development;
• Stronger collaboration on digital governance, payments, AI adoption, and risk management; and
• Increased involvement of Swiss universities and research institutions in skills development.

As Vietnam moves toward high-income status and strengthens its role in global supply chains, Switzerland stands out as a strategic partner offering high-value technology, capital, and institutional expertise.

Vietnam–Switzerland economic relations are evolving into a comprehensive and forward-looking partnership centred on innovation, sustainability, and institutional development. The combination of rising trade, deepening cooperation on financial centres, and Swiss-backed sustainable tourism initiatives indicates a shift from traditional commercial ties to a modern, transformation-oriented relationship.

For Vietnam, this partnership brings advanced expertise and long-term investment. Switzerland offers access to a fast-growing, strategically positioned economy in Southeast Asia. Together, the two countries are shaping a collaborative model focused on inclusive growth, technological advancement, and sustainable development.

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