First Vietnam-Switzerland University Education Forum Opens in Hanoi

The first forum on Vietnam-Switzerland cooperative university education program was held in Hanoi on October 12 by the Ministry of Education and Training and the Swiss Embassy. The event was part of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the two sides in Berne in May 2010 to mark the 40th founding anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties.  It aims to strengthen education cooperation and promote mutual understanding for the sake of economic, trade, service, sci-tech development in each country. Deputy Minister of Education and Training Tran Quang Quy highlighted the significance of the forum, which attracted leading experts, researchers and education managers from the two countries, adding that the cooperative agreement provides an excellent opportunity for his country to learn from Switzerland. Swiss Ambassador to Vietnam Andrej Motyl applauded Vietnam’s education achievements in recent years despite numerous economic difficulties. The Swiss official suggested the Vietnamese government build legal frameworks and appropriate policies to attract more foreign investors in education.  Switzerland has always endeavored to assist Vietnam in developing the education system, he noted. The two sides are expected to sign a number of additional cooperative documents in the field. They also vowed to implement previously signed agreements and agreed to organize a similar forum in Switzerland in 2012. (Ha Noi Moi – New Hanoi Oct 13 p8, Tuoi Tre – Youth Oct 13 p8)