PM hosts Director of Swiss Federal Office for Agriculture
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on April 24 received Director of the Swiss Federal Office for Agriculture (FOAG) Christian Hofer, who is in Hanoi to attend the 4th global conference of the One Planet Network's Sustainable Food Systems Programme (SFS Programme) from April 24 to 27.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (R) and Director of the Swiss Federal Office for Agriculture (FOAG) Christian Hofer at their meeting in Hanoi on April 24. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on April 24 received Director of the Swiss Federal Office for Agriculture (FOAG) Christian Hofer, who is in Hanoi to attend the 4th global conference of the One Planet Network's Sustainable Food Systems Programme (SFS Programme) from April 24 to 27.
Both host and guest lauded outcomes of the two countries’ cooperation since the establishment of their diplomatic relations five decades ago. Currently, Switzerland is the 6th largest European investor in Vietnam with a total investment of about 2 billion USD; and is one of the few Western European countries maintaining development aid for and economic cooperation with Vietnam during the past three decades.
Based on the nations’ traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation, they believed that such ties will further be strengthened and developed, particularly in the fields of agriculture and food security.
Chinh informed his guest that Vietnam is building ecological and responsible agriculture and shifting from agricultural production to agricultural economy.
Therefore, Vietnam hopes Switzerland will continue ODA projects for Vietnam concerning the local farming, rural areas, and farmers, especially in the Mekong Delta, he said, adding a proposal for Switzerland to join investment cooperation with Vietnam in capital, science and technology, human resources training, management science, and institutional building.
The Government leader’s suggestions also included Switzerland’s support for Vietnam in joining the supply chain and expanding its market in the country and Europe, particularly regarding products of Vietnam’s strength and Switzerland’s demand such as coffee, cashew, and peppercorn.
It is necessary for the sides to exchange information and strategic forecasts serving mutual benefits, Chinh noted.
Agreeing with these suggestions, Hofer appreciated Vietnam's initiatives delivered at the 4th global conference as well as its role and capacity in the agricultural production chain, contributing to ensuring global food security.
He said Switzerland houses many reputable enterprises and universities that can collaborate with Vietnam across fields, including high-quality farming development.
Switzerland is willing to support and cooperate with Vietnam in developing organic agriculture, joining the global supply chain, the official affirmed, hoping that the countries will negotiate to sign a free trade agreement to propel forward their trade exchange./.
A delegation from the Vietnamese Embassy in Switzerland paid a working trip to Vevey town on July 30 to seek ways to promote trade, especially in agricultural products and processed food, between the two countries’ localities.
Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha received President of the Switzerland-Vietnam Friendship Association Anjuska Weil in Davos on January 15 (local time),as part of his trip to Switzerland for the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2023.
Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang joined a meeting with Vietnamese expatriate community and representative agencies in Switzerland on February 26, following his arrival in Geneva to attend a high-level discussion of the 52nd regular session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC).
Chairman of the Can Tho city People’s Committee Tran Viet Truong asked for continued support from Switzerland for localities in the Mekong Delta to adapt to climate change while hosting Swiss Ambassador to Vietnam Thomas Gass on April 19.
Stronger efforts and determination are required to achieve and surpass the set targets, especially in the eradication of makeshift and dilapidated houses nationwide, the acceleration of public investment disbursement, and the implementation of nationally important transport projects, PM Pham Minh Chinh noted.
The trip will be made at the invitations of Chinese Premier Li Qiang and WEF President and CEO Børge Brende, according to an announcement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Long spoke highly of the dynamic, positive, and comprehensive development of Vietnam – Russia relations in recent years. He affirmed that the Vietnamese Party and State place great importance on further strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia in a substantive and effective manner, in line with the development needs of both nations.
At the conference, participants reported that the Government has so far issued 28 decrees on the delegation of responsibilities and powers between the central Government and two-tier local administrations. Several localities have already piloted the new governance model.
Reality is the ultimate benchmark for success, he said, urging drafting agencies to work out policies that foster development, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and respect practical conditions.
Under the official dispatch signed on June 20, ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, and chairpersons of provincial and municipal People’s Committees are requested to concentrate efforts on implementing core measures to ensure the smooth operations of the new administrative framework.
The Party chief underscored the need for the press to innovate relentlessly, evolve to keep pace with the country's development, transform into a truly professional, humanistic, and modern sector that serves the cause of the Party, the State, and the people on the path to national construction and development.
The UN Secretary-General praised Vietnam’s remarkable achievements in socio-economic development and international integration in recent years, noting that the country has emerged as a model in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting international peace and security, and engaging in key UN processes.
Nghia affirmed that this is a milestone of special significance, affirming and honouring the the Vietnamese revolutionary press’s glorious tradition of 100 years of serving the revolutionary cause of the Party, serving the Fatherland, and serving the people.
The Party and State of Vietnam always attach great importance to and give top priority to the development of Vietnam–China relations. Vietnam is ready to work with the Chinese Party and State to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and promote the building of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.
Under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and the CPV, President Cuong said, the press has been a steadfast force on the ideological and cultural front, rallying the masses to pursue national aspirations.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man stressed the need to accelerate the application of artificial intelligence and smart teaching equipment, innovate teaching and assessment methods, and further improve the quality of formal education.
He also pledged that the NA will promote its ongoing supervision, making sure that every promise must lead to results, and every commitment must bring about real changes.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed the proposals put forward by the US side and reiterated Vietnam’s request for consideration of key areas of interest, including reciprocal tariff policies and access for Vietnamese key export products to the US market.
Deputy PM Le Thanh Long proposed countries promote shared values, including building trust, sincerity, and solidarity among nations and peoples; fostering cooperation spirit and responsible behaviour as well as upholding international law and the UN Charter; and placing people at the centre and as the goal, the key player, and the driving force of all policies.
The show, together with a grand parade to be held silmutaneously at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the National Day, and the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).
In particular, in April 2023, the two sides successfully carried out a joint operation that dismantled a major organised, transnational drug trafficking ring involving both Vietnamese and Cambodian suspects.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel is closely coordinating with relevant local agencies to stay informed and provide the utmost support possible for Vietnamese nationals.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (R) and Director of the Swiss Federal Office for Agriculture (FOAG) Christian Hofer at their meeting in Hanoi on April 24. (Photo: VNA) 
