Speaking at the 2026 meeting with foreign agencies in Ho Chi Minh City on July 8, Werner Bardill, Consul General of Switzerland in Ho Chi Minh City and Dean of the Consular Corps, expressed his appreciation to the city's leadership for its continued attention, support and the favourable conditions it has created for foreign representative offices.

On behalf of the Consular Corps, Bardill applauded Ho Chi Minh City's development vision, particularly its focus on economic growth, innovation and expanding international cooperation. He said he was confident that ties between the city and the international community will continue to deepen in a sustainable manner.

Bardill noted that 2026 marks important milestones in relations between Vietnam and Switzerland, including the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties. He said the conclusion of the Free Trade Agreement and the Comprehensive Partnership Agreement will create new opportunities to expand trade, investment, people-to-people exchanges and broader economic cooperation between the two countries.

He added that the Consular Corps in Ho Chi Minh City will continue working closely with the city to boost friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation.

Bardill also commended the Foreign Relations Office Service Company (FOSCO) on its 47th anniversary, describing it as an effective bridge between Vietnam and international partners. He said FOSCO has provided valuable support to the diplomatic community, international organisations and foreign businesses in Vietnam, while its cultural, sporting and charitable activities have reinforced ties within the Consular Corps and promoted mutual understanding between the international community and the people of Ho Chi Minh City.

Addressing the meeting, Pham Dut Diem, Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Foreign Affairs, said the city is entering a new stage of development with the goal of achieving double-digit economic growth. It set to become a modern and civilised metropolis as well as a regional centre for economics, culture, science and technology, innovation and international integration.

He said the city identifies external relations and international integration as key, long-term priorities and important drivers for attracting investment, facilitating technology transfer, developing a highly skilled workforce and expanding cooperation.

The Department of Foreign Affairs will continue working with FOSCO to enhance the quality of its services and expand ties with the Consular Corps, international organisations and foreign businesses. These efforts will help foster the city's investment environment, advance cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, education and culture, strengthen people-to-people exchanges, and contribute to Ho Chi Minh City's rapid and sustainable development.

The Department of Foreign Affairs will continue working with FOSCO to enhance the quality of its services and expand cooperation with the Consular Corps, international organisations and foreign businesses.

These efforts will help promote Ho Chi Minh City's investment environment, expand cooperation in economic, trade, education and cultural exchanges, and contribute to the city's rapid and sustainable development.

HCM City appreciates JETRO's role in promoting trade and investment

VOV.VN - Ho Chi Minh City has hailed the contributions of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) to trade and investment promotion, while expressing the hope that it will continue expanding cooperation and support Vietnamese businesses in strengthening their capacity to participate more deeply in Japanese supply chains.

HCM City breaks ground on 16-million-tonne QTM International Port

VOV.VN -The QTM International Port project, with an investment of about US$261 million and an annual cargo handling capacity of about 16 million tonnes, broke ground on July 5 in Phu My Ward, HCM City, within the Cai Mep-Thi Vai port area, expanding logistics capacity for HCM City and the Southern Key Economic Region.