SVEF Danang 2025

View of the Dragon Bridge in Da Nang, Vietnam

November 3-5, 2025

SWISS - VIET
ECONOMIC FORUM
2025 - DANANG

The Swiss-Viet Economic Forum (SVEF) 2025 in Da Nang is co-organized by the Da Nang People’s Committee, The Embassy of Switzerland in Viet Nam and the Swiss-Viet Economic Forum Organization. It focuses on strengthening bilateral relations and advancing cooperation in foreign investment, digital transformation, and sustainable development between Switzerland, Vietnam, and global partners.

Theme: Innovative Partnerships for Sustainable Growth

AGENDA

Swiss Viet Economic Forum 2025 Zurich Recap: Building momentum for the Swiss-Viet Economic Forum 2025 in Da Nang

ABOUT SWISS - VIET ECONOMIC FORUM 2025 - DANANG

"Innovative Partnerships for Sustainable Growth"

The Swiss-Viet Economic Forum (SVEF) 2025 – Da Nang Edition continues the momentum from our successful Zurich forum in June 2025 and expands the conversation around investment, innovation, financial services, and provincial partnerships.

Focus: Investment, innovation, financial services, provincial partnerships, sustainable development, and regional cooperation.

Duration : Three-day event

Participants Over 300 international and Vietnamese attendees, including:

Senior participants from Switzerland, Viet Nam, and international partners.
Ministers, Embassies, provincial governors, and city officials from key Vietnamese provinces.
Executives from Swiss, Vietnamese, and international corporations, banks, tech firms, and SMEs.
Development agencies, chambers of commerce, universities, and startup leaders

In-person Plenary Sessions

High-level keynotes and thematic discussions on trade, investment, and innovation

Business Visits

Curated tours to industrial parks, smart city infrastructure, green innovation centers in Da Nang and neighboring provinces

Industry-focused Workshops

Sector-specific topics co-organized with sponsors and partners (i.e. smart tourism, digital finance, ESG infrastructure)

Provincial Matchmaking Sessions

Delegates meet relevant businesses and government agencies to explore projects and cooperation

AGENDA

Day 1: NOVEMBER 3, 2025

Reception Dinner

Day 2: November 04, 2025

Main Forum Day

Day 3: November 05, 2025

Local Engagement And Innovation Connectivity

DAY 1: RECEPTION DINNER - NOVEMBER 3

Download Full Agenda PDF

Location: Furama Resort, Da Nang, Viet Nam

The Welcome Reception Dinner hosted by the Embassy of Switzerland in Viet Nam at Furama Resort Da Nang with VIP guests, international delegates, and local leaders. This evening provides an informal yet strategic networking opportunity for participants to connect with key stakeholders, policy makers, and industry peers in a relaxed and elegant setting by the sea.

18:30 – 20:00 | Welcome Reception Dinner at Furama Resort (Invitation only)

Hosted by: Embassy of Switzerland in Viet Nam

Special Guests & Remarks:

Swiss Embassy in Vietnam
Swiss Viet Economic Forum (SVEF)
Leader of Da Nang
Representatives of Partners/Sponsors

Expected Participants: 100–150 delegates (Government, business leaders, academia, partners from Switzerland, Vietnam, EU, ASEAN)

Day 2: Main forum day - November 4

Location: Ariyana Convention Center, Da Nang, Viet Nam

The first day of the Forum aims to highlight the strategic role of Viet Nam, particularly Da Nang City, in the context of regional and global economic integration. Through a series of in-depth discussions, the program focuses on fostering high-level dialogue on trade integration, the development of international financial centers, the application of emerging technologies and artificial intelligence, and the advancement of a sustainable startup ecosystem.

08:00 – 09:00 | Guess Arrival and Registration

09:00–10:00 | Opening Ceremony and High-Level Remarks

Theme: Strategic Vision for Viet Nam’s Regional and Global Integration

Suggested Speakers:

H.E Ms. Le Thi Thu Hang, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Viet Nam (online)
Mrs. Helene Budliger, State Secretary, Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research State Secretary, Switzerland (as Video)
Mr. Ho Quang Buu, Permanent Vice Chairman, Da Nang People’s Committee
H.E. Thomas Gass, Ambassador, Embassy of Switzerland in Viet Nam
Dr. Philipp Rösler, President, Swiss Viet Economic Forum (SVEF)

10:00–11:00 | Session I – Regional and Global Trade Integration

Theme: Turning Bilateral Agreements into Multilateral Value Chains

Objectives:

Explore the evolving trade and investment landscape
Discuss implementation of FTAs (EVFTA, CPTPP, EFTA)
Share strategies for attracting sustainable investment

Moderator: Dr. Philipp Rösler, President, Swiss Viet Economic Forum (SVEF)

Keynote Speaker: Mr. Bruno Jaspert, Eurocham President

Panelists:

Mr. Andri Meier, Deputy Head of Cooperation,Embassy of Swizerland in Viet Nam
Mr. Marco Föster, Director SEA, Dezan Shira
Mr. Ba Hung Nguyen, Economist, Asian Development Bank
Ms. Do Thi Quynh Tram, Deputy Director, Da Nang’s Industries & Trade Department
Ms. Phu Nguyen Thi Vinh, General Director, ABB

11:00–11:30| Morning Tea Break

11:30–12:15 | Parallel Session: Legal and Institutional Frameworks for Trade & Foreign Investments

Theme: Enabling Cross-Border Trade & FDI Through Legal Certainty and Reform

Objectives:

Regulatory reform trends and investment policies
Legal certainty and dispute resolution in cross-border deals
FDI facilitation and government-private legal collaboration

Moderator: Mr. Leif D. Schneider, Lurther Viet Nam Law LLC

Keynote Speaker: Mr. Nguyen Anh Tuan, Deputy General Director, Foreign Investment

Agency, MOF

Panelists:

Mr. Stefan Ewers, LL.M, Partner, Graf von Westphalen
Prof. Dr. Le Hong Hanh, Chairman of the Vietnam International Arbitration Center (VIAC).
Mr. Phung Anh Tuan, Managing Partner, VCI Legal

11:30–12:15 | Parallel Session: Fintech and Digital Finance Innovation

Theme: Unlocking Viet Nam’s Fintech Potential: Building Trust, Scale & Global Connectivity

Objectives:

Regulatory frameworks for fintech & digital banking
Real-time payments, blockchain, digital assets
Cybersecurity, consumer protection, Reg Tech/Sup Tech

Moderator: Ms. Nicole Nguyen, Founder APAC DAO, Founder, Viet Nam Fintech Summit

Keynote Speaker: Mr. Philip Weights, Co-president Swiss Fintech Association (SFTA)

Panelists:

Mr. Le Anh Dung, Deputy Director General at Payment System Department, State Bank of Viet Nam
Mr. Manfred Borer, CEO, Koltiva
Mr. Jonas Thuerig, CP APAC, Managing Partner, Tenity
Mr. Colin Blackwell, Chairman, Hyperion Fintech
Mr. Marc Perut, Viet Nam Representative, SFTA
Mr. Bui Minh Hai, Director of Retail Banking, Viki Bank
Mr. Michael Langford, Founding Partner, AirGuide Group

12:15 – 13:15 | Business Lunch & Networking

13:15–13:30 | Afternoon Opening Remarks

Suggested Speakers:

● H.E. Thomas Gass, Ambassador, Embassy of Switzerland in Viet Nam

● Mr. Ivo Sieber, Vice – President, Swiss – Viet Economic Forum (SVEF)

13:30–14:30 | Session II: International Financial Center Development

Theme: Positioning Vietnam in the Global Financial Architecture

Objectives:

Explore policy frameworks and PPP models
Analyze fintech, capital market, sustainable finance potential

Moderator: Mr. Tran Phuong, Senior Executive Vice President & Chief Risk Officer – BIDV

Keynote Speaker:

Assoc. Prof Dr. Nguyen Duc Trung, Rector of Ho Chi Minh University of Banking
Mr. Nguyen Anh Tuan, Deputy General Director, Foreign Investment Agency, MOF

Panelists:

Ms. Nguyen Thi Diu, Deputy Director General, Monetary Policy Department, State Bank of Vietnam
Mr. Johan Nyvene, Board Member, Ho Chi Minh City Securities Corporation (HSC), Dragon Capital
Mr. Rich McClellan, Vice Chairman, Advisory Council, Vietnam International Financial Center (Danang)
Mr. Phung Anh Tuan, Managing Partner, VCI Legal
Mr. Tran Hoai Phuong, Head of Wholesale Banking, HD Bank
Mr. Dang Dinh Duc, Deputy Director, Da Nang’s Department of Finance

14:30–15:15 Parallel Session: Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare Innovation

Theme: Advancing Health Systems & Innovation through Global Collaboration

Objectives:

AI in diagnostics and telehealth
Clinical research collaboration
Regulatory efficiency and international alignment

Moderator: Dr Patrick Fuchs, Co-Founder, Z-waka

Panelists:

Dr. Chris McBrearty, Health Governance Specialist, Governance & Participation Unit, UNDP Viet Nam and WHO Viet Nam
Mr. Lennor Carrillo, General Director, Roche Pharma Vietnam
Ms. Quyen Do, Nguyen, Executive Vice President, FPT Retails JSC
Mr. Charaf Eddine Kadri, Sandoz Vietnam, Country Head
Mr. Huynh Thuan, Deputy Director, Da Nang’s Health Department
Mr. Tung Le, CEO of Tipharco

14:30–15:15 Parallel Session: Education, Human Capacity & Mobility

Theme: Building a Ready Workforce: Academic Partnerships, Skills Mobility & Industry Linkage

Focus Areas:

Bilateral academic cooperation
Talent pipeline for high-skilled sectors
Exchange and scholarship opportunities
Labor market challenges in the age of AI and automation

Moderator: Mr. Ivo Sieber, Vice – President, SVEF

Keynote Speaker: Mr. Ngo Xuan Lieu, Director of the National Employment Service Center, Ministry of Home Affairs

Panelists:

Dr. Hoang Viet Ha – President of FPT International Institute
Mr. Anand Nayyar, Professor, Duy Tan University
Mr. Stefan Winzenried, CEO Janzz Technology
Mr. Pham Tan Ngoc Thuy, Deputy Director, Da Nang Department of Education
Mr. Andreas Födényi, Co-chairmain, Academia Group
Mr. Thuan Thanh Nguyen, APAC HR Director, Nashtech Limited

15:15–15:30 | Afternoon Tea Break

15:30–16:30 | Session III: Innovation, AI, and Digital Governance

Theme: Building Smart Ecosystems for Sustainable Cities

Objectives:

Discuss smart cities, digital infrastructure, and AI adoption
Address ethical governance and standards for emerging technologies

Moderator: Mr. Bui Trung Hieu, Co-Head of Center for Future Technology Industries, C4IR

Session Opening: Mr. Pham Phu Truong, Deputy Director General HCMC C4IR

Keynote: Mr. Pham Phu Truong, Founder, Deputy Director General HCMC C4IR

Panelists:

Mr. Simon Bernhard, Head of Costumer, Management Department, SPS Vietnam
Mr. Hai Dang Ngoc, Branch Director, Axon Active Vietnam
Mr. Talal Dib, Director, OWT Vietnam
Mr. Tran Ngoc Thach, Deputy Director, Da Nang’s Science and Technology Department
Mr. Mai Van Toan, Chief Information Officer (CIO), G-Group
Ms. Nguyen Thi Hai Thanh (Nicole Nguyen) - Growth Director, Galaxy Innovation - Sovico Group

16:00 – 17:30 | Round Table Discussion: Sustainble & Lifestyle Tourism – Transistioning Hotels, Resorts & Travel Experiences toward net zero

Theme: Pathways to Net Zero & Sustainable Lifestyle Tourism

Objectives:

Explore regional innovation ecosystems and startup support platforms
Discuss access to capital, impact investing, and regulatory frameworks
Foster Swiss–Viet collaboration in innovation and entrepreneurship

Moderator: Dr. Bui Thanh Minh, Deputy Director cum Head of Public Policy Research and Dialogue, Advisory Council on Administrative Procedures Reform (ACAPR) to the Prime Minister)

Presenters: Dr. Bui Thanh Minh, Prof. Roland Shegg, Mrs. Le Hoang Yen, Founder & CEO of Tantina Group

Panelists:

Mr. Oliver Messerm Team Lead, Sustainable Tourism for Sustainable Developments (ST4SD)
Prof. Roland Shegg, Institute of Tourims University of Applied Science and Arts Western Switzerland
Mr. Ba Van Son, Deputy Director General, Da Nang Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism
Mr. Phan Xuan Thanh, Deputy Chairman, Da Nang Tourism Association
Mr. Andre Pierre Gentzsch, Complex General Manager, Furama & Ariyana Danang International Tourism Complex
Mrs. Le Hoang Yen, Founder & CEO of Tantina Group

16:30 – 17:30 | Session IV: Startup Ecosystems and Innovation-Driven Growth

Theme: Empowering Entrepreneurs through Policy, Capital & Collaboration

Objectives:

Explore startup financing, incubation and acceleration support
Highlight role of PPPs and multilateral startup ecosystem

Moderator: Mr. Van Chuong Nguyen (Swiss EP)

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Phạm Hồng Quất – General Director, NATEC / Ministry of Science & Technology (Vietnam)

Panelists:

Mr. Jonas Thuerig, CP APAC, Managing Partner, Tenity
Mr. Hub Langstaff, Swiss EP Country Head
Mr. Võ Đức Anh – Vice Director, Da Nang Innovation Startup Support Center (DISSC)
Mr. Roland Kümin (VC/Angel investo networks)
Mr. Leo Vũ – CEO & Founder, Fizen.io (Scale-up founder from Vietnam and Switzerland)
Ms. Nguyễn An Nhàn– Co-Founder, Co-Plus

17:30–18:00 | Summary & Key Takeaways from Breakout Sessions

Reported by moderators of breakout groups

18:00–18:30 | Press Conference

18:30–20:30 | Gala Networking Dinner and MoU Signing Ceremony

Expected Participants: 300–400 delegates (Government, business leaders, academia, partners from Switzerland, Vietnam, EU, ASEAN)

Day 3: LOCAL ENGAGEMENT AND INNOVATION CONNECTIVITY - November 5

Location: Da Nang Hi-Tech Park, Software Park, Digital Innovation Hub, vocational training centers, and universities

The second day of the Forum focuses on deepening practical cooperation between local authorities, enterprises, and international institutions. Through site visits, thematic roundtables, and dedicated B2B–B2G matchmaking sessions, the program fosters meaningful partnerships in vocational education, innovation, and sustainable development. The Forum concludes with a closing address and farewell reception, reaffirming long-term commitments between Viet Nam, Switzerland, and global partners.

09:00 – 10:00 | Roundtable Meetings with Da Nang Leaders - Introduction of Investment Opportunities in Da Nang City

Location: Da Nang People Committee Government Building

Introduction of Investment Opportunities in Da Nang
International Financial Center, Free Trade Zone, Software Park

10:00 – 12:30 | Field Visits

Location: Software Park No. 2 – Lien Chieu Port / High-Tech Park

Visit to Da Nang’s Economic and Social Facilities

13:00 – 14:00 | Lunch

14:00 – 16:30 | Cultural and Local Experience

Location: Hoi An

Experience Tra Que Vegetable Village / Thanh Ha Pottery Village– explore the Ancient Town– and enjoy a Traditional Performing Arts Show.
Expected Participants: 80 - 100 delegates (Government, business leaders, academia,
partners from Switzerland, Vietnam, EU, ASEAN)