Switzerland will continue providing Vietnam with official development assistance (ODA) to promote private economy, sustainable development, and the battle against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), among others, said Swiss Ambassador to Vietnam Ivo Sieber. The diplomat gave the commitment at the meeting with Foreign Deputy Minister To Anh Dung in Hanoi on May 12, recommending Vietnam support his country in running for the UN Security Council apart from closely joining hands to celebrate the 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties next year. For his part, Deputy FM Dung called for swift completion of the free trade agreement (FTA) between Vietnam and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). Noting a great potential for economic progress between the two countries, Mr. Dung wished for bilateral bonds in terms of investment and business. In 2019, two-way trade between Vietnam and Switzerland reached $2.28 billion, up 250% compared with the previous year. (Bao Quoc Te, Bao Quoc Te)
