Hanoi continues to strengthen cooperation with major Swiss cities, including Bern and Zurich, in fields of mutual interests, ranging from tourism, security, high tech, urban planning, and innovation.

Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Tran Sy Thanh during a meeting with President of the Executive Council of the Canton of Bern Philippe Müller. Source: VNA

Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Tran Sy Thanh shared this view as he led a high-ranking delegation from the capital to visit Switzerland on September 8-11.

During the visit, the delegation held meetings with key figures in Switzerland, including the President of the Executive Council of the Canton of Bern, Philippe Müller, and the Mayor of Bern, Alec von Graffenried. They also attended the seminar on Vietnam - Switzerland trade, investment, and science and technology cooperation in Zurich, the 78th-anniversary celebration of Vietnam's National Day in Bern, and engaged with the Vietnamese community in Switzerland.

The delegation had productive exchanges with the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology and paid a visit to the Vietnamese Embassy in Switzerland.

During the meeting with Philippe Müller, President of the Executive Council of the Canton of Bern, Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Tran Sy Thanh emphasized the importance of Vietnam-Switzerland relations. He expressed his optimism about enhancing bilateral ties and hoped to establish programs to foster more profound and effective cooperation between the two countries.

"Hanoi aims to strengthen friendly relations and collaboration with the Canton of Bern, recognizing the common potential and similarities between the two regions," Thanh said.

The Hanoi's mayor urged the Executive Council of the Canton of Bern to encourage local agencies and businesses to establish stronger connections with their counterparts in Hanoi, particularly in areas where Bern excels, such as tourism, security, high technology, urban planning, and innovation.

They also discussed the potential for investment in the Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park and seizing opportunities for cooperation following the upcoming signing of the Trade Agreement between Vietnam and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).

During the meeting with Mayor Alec von Graffenried of Bern, Chairman Tran Sy Thanh provided an overview of Hanoi's socioeconomic development and achievements. He also shared the outcomes of the delegation's visit to Switzerland and their efforts to attract investment and promote cooperation in Hanoi.

Thanh expressed a keen interest in addressing wastewater treatment issues in Bern during the visit and requested the Swiss side's assistance in providing information on potential solutions. He also instructed Hanoi agencies to continue coordinating, exchanging knowledge, conducting research, and proposing concrete models and solutions shortly.

Hanoi Chairman Tran Sy Thanh and Mayor of Bern, Alec von Graffenried.

Additionally, both parties agreed to collaborate and share experiences preserving and promoting UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites in their respective regions.
In Zurich, the delegation participated in the seminar on Vietnam-Switzerland trade, investment, and science and technology cooperation.
During his speech at the event, Sy Thanh emphasized Switzerland's importance as one of Vietnam's key partners across various sectors, particularly emphasizing economic cooperation.
For Hanoi, Switzerland is a traditional and important partner, with numerous successful collaborations, notably in the investment sector.
He assured that Hanoi would create an optimal environment for investors, including those from Switzerland, to engage in long-term and stable business ventures.
As part of the delegation's visit to Switzerland, Thanh also attended the ceremony celebrating Vietnam's 78th National Day and met with the Vietnamese community there. During the gathering, he shared Hanoi's achievements in socio-economic development and expressed his gratitude for the Vietnamese community's contributions to building bridges between Vietnam and Switzerland.
On this occasion, the delegation paid a visit to the Vietnamese Embassy in Switzerland. Thanh conveyed his best wishes and gratitude to Ambassador Phung The Long and the embassy's officials and staff. He requested the embassy's continued attention and support in promoting Hanoi's potential and strengths, connecting organizations, businesses, and investors for cooperation and investment in Hanoi, particularly in areas where Switzerland excels.
The delegation also conducted surveys and discussions with various agencies of Bern on urban planning, historical and cultural heritage preservation, waste management, environmental protection, and public transport management.