Hanoi (VNA) – Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has affirmed that Vietnam iskeen on fostering the friendship with Switzerland and hopes the two countrieswill continue bolstering cooperation in all fields, especially trade andinvestment.

ThePM made the statement while meeting the visiting Director of Switzerland’sFederal Department of Environment, Transport, Energy and Communication DorisLeuthard in Hanoi on April 3 after their previous meeting in January 2017 whenthe PM joined the World Economic Forum in Davos.

Hewelcomed the two countries’ signing of agreements to support each other atmultilateral forums.

Leuthardshowed her impression at Vietnam’s growth as well as delight at the progress ofthe ties between the two countries over the past years.

Sheexpressed her hope that negotiations for a free trade agreement between Vietnamand the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) will be finalised this yearafter seven years, so that the deal can be signed soon, opening up new cooperationprospects in tourism, trade and investment.

Shesaid that many Swiss firms are accompanying her in this visit to seek investmentand business opportunities, especially in pharmaceuticals, a strong sector ofSwitzerland.

Shealso had working sessions with the Vietnamese side on environment, climatechange, and biodiversity to explore cooperation potential.

Sharingthe Swiss official’s hope to speed up the conclusion of negotiations for theVietnam-EFTA free trade agreement, PM Phuc said that relevant parties shouldsoon sign the deal. Along with a direct air route between Vietnam andSwitzerland this year, the deal will bring about big chances to promoteinvestment, trade and tourism partnership between the two sides, he stressed.

Healso underscored that Vietnam welcomes Swiss firms to expand cooperation inVietnam, pledging that the Vietnamese Government will continue improving theinvestment environment and creating optimal conditions for foreign firms,including those from Switzerland, especially in finance-banking, manufacturingindustry and pharmaceuticals.

TheGovernment leader proposed that Switzerland should share experience withVietnam and support the country in building a high-quality education system andcombining science-technology research-training.

Healso suggested that Switzerland increase scholarships for Vietnamese students,especially in justice, banking, high technology, and tourism, while strengtheningthe exchange of students and lecturers as well as cooperation in scientificresearch.-VNA