Vietnamese NA Chairman Trần Thanh Mẫn Engages with Vietnamese Community in Switzerland
Geneva, The Gulf Observer: Chairman of the National Assembly (NA) of Vietnam, Trần Thanh Mẫn, along with his spouse Nguyễn Thị Thanh Nga, met with staff members of Vietnamese representative offices and members of the Vietnamese community in Switzerland on Sunday in Geneva.
During the meeting, Ambassador Mai Phan Dũng, Head of Vietnam’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, the World Trade Organisation, and other international organisations in Geneva, highlighted the growing recognition of Việt Nam’s diplomatic efforts amidst global uncertainties. He noted that despite a heavy workload, Vietnamese missions in Switzerland have been acknowledged by the international community for their effective engagement.
Ambassador Dũng further stated that Vietnam is increasingly seen as a model for sustainable socio-economic development, thanks to its proactive foreign policy grounded in international integration, multilateralism, and diversification, especially relevant in today’s volatile global environment.
The Ambassador informed the NA Chairman that the Vietnamese community in Switzerland numbers around 10,000. This community remains deeply patriotic and unified, maintaining strong cultural ties to their homeland. Many among them are highly skilled professionals — including doctors, professors, and experts — who serve in leading Swiss institutions and international organisations headquartered in Geneva. He emphasized that this intellectual resource is a valuable asset for fostering scientific, educational, and technological collaboration between Việt Nam and Switzerland. Swiss authorities, he added, have consistently appreciated the community’s positive integration and contribution to local society.
Community representatives expressed their pride in Việt Nam’s socio-economic progress and reiterated their confidence in the leadership of the Communist Party of Việt Nam. They welcomed the Government’s ongoing administrative reforms and requested continued support in areas such as Vietnamese language instruction abroad, expedited issuance of e-passports and identity cards, and enhanced opportunities for young professionals in Switzerland to contribute to national development.
In his address, Chairman Trần Thanh Mẫn conveyed warm greetings and best wishes from Party General Secretary Tô Lâm, President Lương Cường, and Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính to the embassy staff and Vietnamese expatriates. He provided an overview of Việt Nam’s remarkable progress since the Đổi mới (Renewal) reforms, noting that the country has maintained macroeconomic stability, controlled inflation, ensured social welfare, and safeguarded national security.
He reported that in 2024, Việt Nam achieved a GDP growth rate of 7.09 per cent, surpassing all 15 socio-economic targets. GDP reached approximately US$470 billion, and per capita income rose to over $4,700 — positioning Việt Nam among the top 35 economies in the world.
Chairman Mẫn also discussed recent administrative reforms, including the implementation of a streamlined two-tier local government system starting July 1, which now covers 34 provinces and 3,321 communes/wards. These changes aim to improve public administration and bring services closer to citizens and businesses.
He highlighted key infrastructure initiatives, including NA-approved investments in the North-South high-speed railway, urban rail systems in Hà Nội and Ho Chi Minh City, and other strategic development projects. The Party, he added, has adopted four major strategic resolutions, while the NA has amended several laws to institutionalize these policies efficiently.
Chairman Mẫn urged ambassadors and diplomatic missions to actively promote the Party’s new strategic directions and the State’s legal framework, particularly the recently introduced breakthrough policies. He emphasized the importance of providing timely support to the overseas Vietnamese community and addressing any challenges they face.
He also called upon relevant ministries and sectors to coordinate with Swiss partners to assess and enhance the implementation of existing agreements and cooperation frameworks, ensuring tangible outcomes in the future.
In conclusion, he expressed his hope that the Vietnamese community in Switzerland would continue to uphold patriotism, unity, and strengthen partnerships with local entities in various fields, including economy, trade, investment, culture, education, and healthcare.
