Published on 15 January 2025

Vietnam: Achievements

Switzerland began its Official Development Assistance (ODA) to Vietnam in 1991 and has contributed significantly to the country's reform and transformation process. Initially, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) focused on poverty reduction, capacity building and local governance reforms, which were crucial to address the high poverty rates of the time. SDC's participatory approaches had a major impact on local governance and livelihoods, facilitating environmental protection and local institutional reforms. As Vietnam's needs evolved, SDC extended its support to central government initiatives, particularly in public administration and forestry. This shift reflected a growing emphasis on public accountability and sustainable development.

Xuan Hoa furniture factory, Vinh Phuc, Vietnam — © Sébastien Löffler / NOI Pictures

From 2013, SECO took the lead in Swiss bilateral development cooperation with Vietnam, focusing on sustainable economic growth. As a result, Swiss ODA has shifted more towards private sector competitiveness and resource efficiency, while also promoting climate-resilient urban development. In more recent years, SECO has made it a priority to strengthen the competitiveness of the private sector, in line with Vietnam's development agenda, which recognizes the private sector as a key driver of growth. Overall, Switzerland's cooperation with Vietnam has evolved from an initial focus on poverty reduction to focusing on sustainable economic development in an increasingly complex global landscape.

The impact of Switzerland's development cooperation can be demonstrated by a number of success stories that show the tangible benefits of this cooperation over the years:

• WTO Accession Support (1997-2007)

  Switzerland played a crucial role in facilitating Vietnam's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) starting in 1997. The late Arthur Dunkel, former GATT Director-General, personally advised the Vietnamese government throughout the process, culminating in Vietnam's successful accession on January 11, 2007. This milestone significantly integrated Vietnam into the global economy.

• UNIDO Business Registration Project (2013-2020)

  This project enhanced Vietnam’s transition to a market economy by establishing an electronic National Business Registration System. The system dramatically increased registered enterprises from 800,000 in 2013 to 1.4 million by 2020. It also improved public administration efficiency and facilitated better policymaking through enhanced information sharing across ministries.

• Swiss Banking Executive Training Program (2012-ongoing)

  So far over 200 senior executives from Vietnamese commercial banks have participated in this program, which focuses on leadership, financial markets, risk management, and governance. Graduates are driving significant changes within their institutions, helping Vietnam's banking sector become a leader in the ASEAN region, while also fostering partnerships between Swiss and Vietnamese banking sectors.

• UNIDO Global Eco-Industrial Park Project (2016-ongoing)

  SECO supported the development of eco-industrial parks in Vietnam, shaping the legal framework and improving business practices. This initiative led to the implementation of 763 improvements across 125 companies, resulting in significant annual savings of USD 5.8 million, reduced fossil fuel consumption, and a decrease of 39’560 tons of CO₂ emissions by 2023. The project's success highlights the effectiveness of public-private collaboration in promoting green growth.

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