Published on 1 June 2026

Bilateral relations Switzerland–Vietnam

Switzerland has maintained diplomatic relations with Vietnam since 1971. Vietnam is experiencing remarkable economic growth and rising living standards, making it an increasingly important partner for Switzerland in terms of trade, investment and innovation. With bilateral trade totalling CHF 2.19 billion (2023) and more than 100 Swiss companies operating in Vietnam, Switzerland is continuing to support Vietnam’s sustainable development and promote exchange in the business, science, technology, and culture sectors.

Key aspects of diplomatic relations

Switzerland and Vietnam have maintained diplomatic relations since 1971, which have deepened considerably in recent years. Regular political dialogue has been taking place since 2011 and Vietnam has been one of SECO's priority countries for economic cooperation since 2008. High-level visits, including that of the president of the National Council of Vietnam (2023) to Bern, talks between the president of the Swiss Confederation and the Vietnamese prime minister in Davos, the visit of the president of Vietnam's National Assembly (2025) and the visit of Vietnam's deputy prime minister (2026) have strengthened relations and deepened cooperation at numerous levels. In January 2025, both countries agreed in principle to expand bilateral ties into a comprehensive partnership and to strengthen cooperation in areas such as innovation, green finance, science, technology and education.

Treaty database

Government of Vietnam

Economic cooperation

Vietnam is a promising market for Switzerland. With around 100 Swiss companies operating in Vietnam, Switzerland is one of the largest European investors in the country. In 2023, the volume of bilateral trade reached CHF 2.19 billion. Negotiations on a free trade agreement between the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), of which Switzerland is a member, and Vietnam have been ongoing since 2012.

Country information, State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO)

Cooperation in education, research and innovation

The Swiss embassy in Hanoi, together with the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI), the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) and a network of scientific partners from academia and the private sector, is promoting research cooperation with Vietnam. Key instruments for this are the SERI excellence scholarships, bilateral and multilateral research funding formats and various specific partnerships and exchange programmes. Collectively, these instruments enhance knowledge transfer, strengthen collaboration and facilitate sustainable solutions to shared challenges, thereby further solidifying Switzerland’s strong position as a hub for innovation.

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Scholars and Artists (SERI)

Peacebuilding and human security

Switzerland regularly raises human rights and human security issues in its ongoing political dialogue with Vietnam. In addition, Switzerland is a member of the G4 group of embassies in Hanoi – along with Canada, New Zealand and Norway – which has been coordinating efforts to promote and maintain a constructive human rights dialogue with the Vietnamese authorities for the past 20 years. As part of this cooperation, the four embassies jointly exchange views, raise concerns and promote ongoing engagement on human rights issues in a respectful and solution-oriented manner.

Development cooperation and humanitarian aid

Between 1991 and 2024, Switzerland provided over CHF 650 million for development and humanitarian aid in Vietnam. The initial focus was on poverty reduction, rural development, local governance and access to justice. Vietnam is currently one of SECO's priority countries for economic development cooperation. Since 2016, cooperation has focused more strongly on market-oriented structures, private sector competitiveness and global integration, while factoring in inclusivity and sustainability at the same time. For the 2025–28 period, the programme is prioritising sustainable trade and innovation, stable finances and climate-friendly industrial and urban development. Vietnam last received humanitarian aid from Switzerland during Typhoon Yagi as well as during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Development and economic cooperation

Swiss nationals in Vietnam

According to statistics on the Swiss abroad, at the beginning of 2026 there were 682 Swiss citizens living in Vietnam.

History of bilateral relations

After establishing diplomatic relations in 1971, Switzerland opened an embassy in Hanoi in 1973. Vietnam opened an embassy in Bern in 2000 and Switzerland opened a consulate general in Ho Chi Minh City in 2015. The first official visit by a Swiss president to Vietnam took place in August 2008.

Vietnam, historical Dictionary of Switzerland (de)

Diplomatic Documents of Switzerland, Dodis

Documents

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