(VOVworld) - Deputy Prime Minister Vu Van Ninh has expressed his hope that Switzerland will speed up trade exchanges, the implementation of ODA projects in the post-2016 period and foreign direct investment (FDI) projects in Vietnam.

Deputy PM Vu Van Ninh and Swiss Vice President, Johann Niklaus Schneider-Ammann. (Photo: VOV)

Mr. Ninh made the call during talks on Wednesday in Bern with the Swiss Vice President, Johann Niklaus Schneider-Ammann, as part of his working trip to Europe.

He called for Switzerland’s further support for the negotiation of a free trade agreement between Vietnam and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) based on ensuring balance, high-standards, and taking consideration of the development gap between Vietnam and the association’s members.

Mr. Ammann told Ninh that Switzerland placed great importance on strengthening multi-faceted cooperation with Vietnam and a Free Trade Agreement between Vietnam and the EFTA will provide leverage for stimulating economic ties, thus luring more Swiss investments into Vietnam.

The two leaders agreed to exchange visits and encourage local businesses to set-up cooperative ties in potential fields such as finance, banking, insurance, hi-tech, processing, pharmacy, agriculture and tourism.