Switzerland has maintained diplomatic relations with Vietnam since 1971. The country is experiencing remarkable economic dynamism combined with rising living standards. Accordingly, Vietnam is becoming increasingly important for Switzerland as a business partner. Switzerland is also supporting Vietnam in realizing market-oriented, sustainable growth. To mark the 50th anniversary of bilateral relations in 2021, a conference room dedicated to the city of Geneva was inaugurated at the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Bilateral relations Switzerland–Vietnam
Key aspects of diplomatic relations
Switzerland and Vietnam established diplomatic relations in 1971. Bilateral relations have become closer in recent years. Since 2011, the two countries have conducted a regular political dialogue. In addition, since 2008 Vietnam has been one of the thirteen priority countries of Swiss economic development and cooperation carried out by the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).
Furthermore, Switzerland also cooperates with Vietnam within the context of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), of which Switzerland became sectoral dialogue partner in July 2016.
Economic cooperation
Vietnam is a promising market for Switzerland. With approximately one hundred companies active in Vietnam, Switzerland is one of the larger European investors in the country. The trade volume between the two countries reached CHF 2.19 billion in 2023. Negotiations on a free trade agreement between the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), of which Switzerland is a member, and Vietnam have been under way since 2012.
Information on countries, State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO
Cooperation in education, research and innovation
Researchers and artists from Vietnam can apply to the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships.
Since 2020, the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) and its Vietnamese counterpart NAFOSTED have been supporting joint research projects carried out by the two countries.
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Scholars and Artists (SERI)
Peacebuilding and human security
Switzerland is part of the G4 Embassies, with Canada, New-Zealand, and Norway – working together to foster a constructive dialogue with the Vietnamese authorities on Human Rights.
Development cooperation and humanitarian aid
Between 1991 and 2024, the Swiss Government has disbursed – via its different agencies in charge of development and economic cooperation as well as humanitarian aid – over CHF 650 million (nearly VND 18.5 trillion) to support Vietnam’s development. The initial focus of Swiss development cooperation in Vietnam was on reducing poverty – via support to rural development, local governance, citizen’s participation and access to justice. After 2016, the focus has shifted on promoting a reliable and market-orientated business environment and increasing the competitiveness of the private sector and its market access. Inclusivity and sustainability continue to be cross-cutting issues. Switzerland provides ongoing humanitarian aid, most recently through a CHF 5 million (VND 126 billion) aid package to support Vietnam in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.
Swiss citizens in Vietnam
In 2022, 689 Swiss citizens were living in Vietnam.
History of bilateral relations
Following the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1971, Switzerland opened an embassy in Hanoi in 1973. Vietnam opened an embassy in Bern in 2000, and Switzerland a consulate general in Ho Chi Minh City in 2015. The first official visit by a president of the Swiss Confederation to Vietnam took place in August 2008. Since September 2011, Switzerland and Vietnam meet on an annual basis to conduct a political dialogue. In 2021, Switzerland and Vietnam celebrated 50 years of diplomatic relations.
