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

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.

18:00 – 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:

Representative of the Government of Viet Nam (Minister/Depty Minister of MOIT, MOFA)
Mrs. Helene Budliger, State Secretary, Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and
Research State Secretary)(as Video)
Leader of Da Nang People’s Committee (Chairperson)
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:

Representative, Ministry of Industry and Trade (Vietnam)
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
Representative of Da Nang Department of Trade and Industries
Industry Representative from Swiss and Vietnamese

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

Panelists:

Mr. Stefan Ewers, LL.M, Partner, Graf von Westphalen
Representative of Da Nang Department of Finance and Investment
Mr. Phung Tuan Anh, Managing Partner, VCI Legal
Mr. Leif D. Schneider, Lurther Viet Nam Law LLC
Representative of Da Nang Department of Finance and Investment

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:

Ms. Nguyen Van Hien, General Secretary, Vietnam Blockchain Association
Representative of SBV in Da Nang
Mr. Peter Lu, Founder and CEO of Neurowatt
Loi Luu, Advisory and Investor of Sygnum Bank
Representative of Viki Bank

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

13:15–13:30 | Afternoon Opening Remarks

Suggested Speakers:

● Ministry of Finance of Viet Nam

● Ministry of Science, Technology and Communication of Viet Nam

● Leader of FPT Group

● Swiss Viet Economic Forum (SVEF) (Vice-President)

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

Panelists:

Representative of 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. Ottavio Gori, Chief Representative, Zürcher Kantonalbank, Singapore
Da Nang Finance & Investment Department

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
Mr. Lennor Carrillo, General Director, Roche Pharma Vietnam
Mr. Charaf Eddine Kadri, Sandoz Vietnam, Country Head
Representative Da Nang Department of Health
Mr. Tung Le, CEO of Tilpharco

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
Representative of 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: Representative of 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
Department of Science and Technology Da Nang
Representative Sovico - Galaxy Hub - Innovation

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

Theme: Empowering Entrepreneurs through Policy, Capital & Collaboration

Suggested Moderator: Tbc

Suggested Keynote: Representative of Tenity

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

Proposed Speakers:

Representative, National Innovation Center (Vietnam)
Swiss EP / Innosuisse Representative
Da Nang Innovation Hub
VC/Angel investor networks
Scale-up startup founders from Vietnam and Switzerland
Legal and IP expert for startups

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 – 12:00 | Field Visits & Roundtable Meetings

Sites: Da Nang Hi-Tech Park, Software Park, Innovation Hub, Training Centers

Roundtables:

Vocational Education and Talent Mobility
Green Tech and Sustainable Development
Public–Private Partnerships for Innovation Acceleration

14:00 – 16:00 | B2B and B2G Matchmaking Sessions

Objectives: Foster bilateral cooperation through curated meetings and institutional exchanges

16:30 | Closing Remarks & Farewell Reception

Expected Number of Participants: 300 – 400 delegates, including

Government representatives
Business leaders
International experts
Representatives from academic and international organizations
Delegations from Switzerland, Viet Nam, the EU, ASEAN, and global partners

VIEW FULL AGENDA

ABOUT THE VENUE

Location:

Ariyana Convention Center, Da Nang, Viet Nam

Travel Tips:
Danang Airport > Ariyana Convention Center, Da Nang, Viet Nam(20mins by car)

Accommodations

Transportation

Visa

SPEAKERS / PANELISTS

Dr. Philipp Rösler

Honorary Consul of Viet Nam in Switzerland
President of the Swiss - Viet Economic Forum (SVEF)

Ivo Sieber

Former Ambassador of Switzerland to Viet Nam
Vice - President of the Swiss-Viet Economic Forum (SVEF)

Stefan Winzenried

CEO and Founder of JANNZZ.technology

Stefan Ewers

Head of GvW Graf von Westphalen’s Vietnam Office

Jonas Thuerig

Managing Partner, VP APAC at Tenity

Olivier Messmer

Team Lead, Swiss Tourism for Sustainable Development (ST4SD) project

Nicole Nguyen

Founder, APAC DAO
Founder, Vietnam Fintech Summit

Marco Förster

ASEAN Director at Dezan Shira & Associates

Andri Meier

Deputy Head of Cooperation, Swiss Cooperation Office (SCO), Embassy of Switzerland in Vietnam

Le Hoang Yen

Founder & CEO of TATINTA / Chairwoman of Global DMC Vietnam

Dr. Patrick Fuchs

Founder and Director Z-waka

Hai Dang

Branch Director at Axon Active Vietnam – Da Nang Branch, Vice Chairman at Da Nang Software Association (DSA)

Vo Duc Anh

Deputy Director at Danang Innovation Startup Support Center & Head of the Metaverse Community, National Techfest

Ambassador Thomas Gass

Ambassador of Switzerland to Viet Nam

Prof. Harald Gall

Dean of the Faculty of Business, Economics and Informatics, and Professor of Software Engineering, University of Zurich

Le Truong Duy

Director of the Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution in Ho Chi Minh City

Nguyen Duc Trung

Rector of Ho Chi Minh University of Banking (HUB), Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee, and Vice Chairman of the University Council

Prof. Roland Schegg

Professor of Tourism and Digital Transformation at the Institute of Tourism, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland (HES-SO Valais-Wallis).