Vietnam’s quest for enhanced global trade and economic growth received a significant push as Deputy Prime Minister Nguyễn Văn Thắng sought increased support from international institutions during his visit to Switzerland. In meetings with the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the World Economic Forum (WEF), Thắng emphasized Vietnam’s dedication to a rules-based global trading framework and urged a swift reform of the WTO. He advocated for the revitalization of its dispute settlement system and called for the organization to broaden its scope to include emerging sectors such as digital trade, artificial intelligence, climate change, and supply chain resilience.
Highlighting Vietnam’s ambitious target of achieving high-income status by 2045, Thắng invited the WEF to bolster its collaboration with the country. He pointed to investment, innovation, public-private partnerships, and the establishment of international financial centers as key areas for deepened cooperation. His appeal underscores Vietnam’s strategic focus on leveraging global partnerships to fuel its economic aspirations.
Both the WTO and WEF responded positively to Vietnam’s outlined economic reforms. Officials from these organizations expressed their support and pledged to continue working with Vietnam on initiatives centered around trade, investment, and capacity building. This commitment aligns with Vietnam’s broader goals of integrating more deeply into the global economy while strengthening its domestic framework to support sustained economic progress.
The discussions in Switzerland come at a pivotal time as Vietnam navigates its path toward long-term development. By reinforcing its ties with major global economic institutions, Vietnam is positioning itself to not only enhance its trade and investment landscape but also to address crucial areas such as climate change and technological advancements. This strategic engagement with the WTO and WEF reflects Vietnam’s proactive approach to securing a prosperous economic future.