On the occasion of Swiss President Pascal Couchepin’s visit to Vietnam, a VOV based correspondent in Paris interviewed Ha Quang Doan, commercial counselor at the Vietnamese Embassy in Switzerland about bilateral relations between the two countries.

VOV: Could you tell us about the recent interest of the Swiss Government and Swiss businesses in Vietnam?

Mr Doan: Since Vietnam’s entry to the World Trade Organisation (WTO), the country has emerged as an attractive destination for many Swiss businesses. Many Swiss economic organisations and universities have held seminars on new investment and business opportunities in Vietnam. In recent times, a number of high-level Swiss delegations have also visited Vietnam. President Couchepin’s visit to Vietnam this time aims to promote trade and economic co-operation between the two countries. The Swiss Government has attached great importance to bilateral relations and wants to enhance these ties. Currently, it is studying measures to strengthen existing trade and economic ties with Vietnam.

VOV: What’s your evaluation of import-export and investment activities between the two countries in recent years?

Mr Doan: In the last few years, Vietnam’s export growth to Switzerland has increased by 10 percent, even up to 17 percent at times. In the first four months of this year, Vietnam’s exports to Switzerland rose by 16 percent compared to 2007. Vietnamese products, especially seafood, coffee, garments and footwear are all popular in the Swiss market. Vietnam is also exporting watch accessories, mainly simple accessories like straps and fasteners.

By the end of 2007, 42 Swiss investment projects were operating in Vietnam with a combined capital of US$750 million, around US$530 million of which was already being implemented. Of these projects, 24 had invested in industry, four in agriculture, and four in services. 31 projects are wholly Swiss, 7 are joint ventures and four are co-operatives. The bigger projects focus on the production of cement, construction materials and breweries. Swiss businesses are strong in services and processing and they are keen on Vietnamese small- and- medium sized enterprises.

VOV: How do the Swiss evaluate the results of the co-operative projects?

Mr Doan: The Swiss Government has highly praised the efficiency of co-operative projects in Vietnam, not only in investments but also in ODA projects. Vietnam is one of the two South East Asian countries that have access to the Swiss Investment Support Agency. It has support programmes for Swiss companies that want to invest in Vietnam. Therefore, Vietnam is attracting a great deal of attention from the Swiss Government.

VOV: Thank you very mụch