On 22 October 2026, our Managing Partner Marco Förster was the guest expert at “Vietnam’s Economic Transformation”, an online Executive Roundtable hosted by Asia Society Switzerland for its member community. Managing Editor Remko Tanis moderated the discussion.
What we discussed
The conversation looked at what is driving Vietnam’s growth and what kind of economy it is becoming: the relocation of manufacturing out of China, Vietnam’s strategic position in the region, and its ambition to move beyond assembly towards innovation and higher-value activity.
Marco also covered the newly signed free trade agreement between Vietnam and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and what it could mean in practice for Swiss companies looking to enter, expand or reposition in the market. EFTA’s members are Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
Key takeaway
Vietnam’s appeal now reaches well beyond cost-competitive manufacturing. A growing consumer market and rising technological ambitions make it an attractive market in its own right.
The bigger picture
The discussion came at a time of strong momentum. Vietnam’s economy grew 9.01% in the first nine months of 2026, with third-quarter growth reaching 9.95%, and the country is on course to pass USD 1 trillion in annual trade for the first time.
The EFTA agreement, signed in Hanoi on 18 October 2026, adds a new channel for European companies looking at the market, with entry into force targeted for early 2027. For Swiss firms, the opportunity lies in combining improved market access with a clear view of where Vietnam is heading: higher-value manufacturing, a fast-growing consumer market and ambitious infrastructure plans.
Thank you to Remko Tanis and Asia Society Switzerland for hosting, and to all participants for their questions and contributions.
Further reading
- Free trade agreement with Vietnam: overview (SECO)
- EFTA and Vietnam sign free trade agreement (EFTA)
- Nine-month GDP growth hits 9.01 per cent (Viet Nam News)
- Vietnam on track to top USD 1 trillion in trade for the first time (Vietstock)
- Vietnam-EFTA free trade agreement targeted for implementation in 2027 (VietNamNet)
More from Stratburg
- Speaking at the S-GE webinar on the EFTA-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement
- On stage with Swiss President Parmelin: Marco Förster co-hosts the SVEF Hanoi 2026 opening
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