Hung said the ties of friendship and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Switzerland have developed strongly over the years. The two countries’ legislative bodies have supported each other at bilateral and multilateral forums.

The parliament and government of Switzerland prioritise providing official development assistance (ODA) for Vietnam. They recently decided to increase ODA for Vietnam over 2013-2016.

Vietnam National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung (second from left) assured his host, President of the Swiss National Council Ruedi Lustenberger, that Vietnam has used Swiss ODA effectively

Swiss ODA has been used efficiently in Vietnam, greatly contributing to the country’s poverty reduction, rural development, environmental protection, economic development, and international integration, Hung told his host.

He proposed both sides increase high-level visit exchanges to promote mutual understanding and trust to develop bilateral ties in a deep, practical and efficient manner.

The two countries need to coordinate closer at international organisations, especially at the United Nations, and the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), as well as at multilateral parliamentary forums such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Asia-Europe Parliamentary Partnership Meeting (ASEP), and Asia-Pacific Forum (APF), he said.

Hung proposed Switzerland encourage its businesses to invest in Vietnam, primarily in the areas of its strength and Vietnam’s strong demand, such as finance, banking, insurance, high technology, chemicals, and pharmaceutical manufacturing.

For his part, Ruedi Lustenberger concurred with Hung’s proposals and said the Swiss National Council will work closely with the Vietnam National Assembly and relevant agencies to examine and oversee the implementation of their governments’ agreements to bring practical benefits to both sides.

Switzerland will assist Vietnam in technical training and technology transfer, promote education cooperation, and prioritise ODA for Vietnam, Lustenberger assured his guest.

He spoke highly of Vietnam’s recent approval of the Constitutional amendments, noting the promulgation of the new Constitution will help build an efficient State apparatus and promote human rights.

With its experience, the Federal Assembly of Switzerland is willing to help Vietnam realise the new Constitution, he said.

The president also showed his interest in overcoming the consequences of Agent Orange/dioxin in Vietnam, saying cleanup efforts need international assistance to support victims and restore contaminated soil for production.