The SwissTrade project is one of the key highlights in the economic and trade relations between Vietnam and Switzerland, implemented by SECO to support Vietnam in enhancing institutional capacity, improving trade policies, and promoting sustainable export activities. The program runs from 2021 to 2025, focusing on technical assistance and capacity development for the export promotion ecosystem.
In the context of an increasing number of Vietnamese businesses expanding into international markets, SwissTrade plays an important role in refining the policy framework, promoting dialogue between regulatory agencies and the business community, while also equipping SMEs with practical support tools to meet the growing demands of the global market.
The representatives spoke at the meeting
In his opening speech, Mr. Aldo De Luca, representative of the Swiss Embassy and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), emphasized:
“SwissTrade is not just a technical assistance project, but a vibrant testament to the bilateral commitment to promoting sustainable exports and enhancing the competitiveness of Vietnamese enterprises. The achieved results are the foundation for a broader trade future between the two countries.”
Mr. Aldo De Luca also shared his hopes for future free trade agreements, stating that:
“FTAs open up a new space for trade and investment, especially helping Vietnamese goods penetrate deeper into high-value markets.”
Mr. Bùi Huy Sơn, Director of the SwissTrade Project Management Board — Head of the Department of Planning, Finance, and Enterprise Management (Ministry of Industry and Trade), emphasized in his closing speech:
“SwissTrade has become a prominent symbol of the effective cooperative relationship between Vietnam and Switzerland, thereby creating a foundation for policy, dialogue mechanisms, and sustainable implementation capacity. This success stems from the spirit of innovation, flexibility, and close coordination among the parties throughout the implementation process.”
Mr. Son also affirmed:
“A comprehensive approach, from policy development to training and the practical application of technology, has produced in-depth results that contribute to enhancing the competitiveness of Vietnam's exports.”
Mr. Nguyen Van Dan – Deputy Director of the Institute for Research on Digital Organization and Economy (RIDE) participated in reporting the results of the implementation of the sub-project Digital Assistant for food labeling guidance in compliance with EU regulations.
He stated that food labeling is one of the major barriers for Vietnamese businesses when exporting to the EU market, due to the complex regulatory system, which is frequently updated and difficult for small and medium-sized enterprises to access. Therefore, the application of digital transformation and AI needs to focus on specific compliance issues, helping businesses to correctly understand and apply the regulations.
LALA Digital Assistant – a tool that helps food businesses systematically, easily, and practically meet EU labeling requirements. LALA guides both physical and electronic labeling, assisting businesses in checking, adjusting, and perfecting product labels, thereby reducing legal risks and compliance costs when exporting.
The LALA solution is aimed at continuing to improve by integrating AI, personalizing guidance for each product group, contributing to enhancing export readiness and supporting Vietnamese businesses in accessing the EU market sustainably.
In order to support businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in enhancing compliance capacity and readiness to access the EU market, RIDE is currently implementing two sets of in-depth guidance documents simultaneously:
Export Food Labeling Handbook
Provide detailed guidance on mandatory labeling requirements according to European Union regulations, helping businesses understand correctly, apply correctly, and minimize legal risks during the export process.
Electronic Labeling Handbook (e-label)
Introduction and guidance on applying electronic labeling solutions in line with digitalization trends, supporting businesses step by step in meeting the requirements for information transparency, traceability, and compliance with international market regulations.
The conference is not only an opportunity to review the results of SwissTrade's cooperation during the 2021–2025 period but also a chance for the parties to discuss the next strategy in the Vietnam – Switzerland partnership, particularly through sustainable economic development programs led by SECO. According to recently published information, Switzerland continues to commit to providing economic and trade development support to Vietnam during the 2025–2028 period with significant funding resources, aiming to further promote innovation and enhance international competitiveness for businesses.
For RIDE, participating as a partner in the labeling project is an important step forward, demonstrating consulting capabilities, the application of technology in practice, and affirming its position within the business support community. At the same time, through initiatives like RIDE's digital assistant LALA, a foundation has been created for Vietnamese businesses to proactively meet EU standards and engage more deeply in the food export market – one of the strategic sectors of Vietnam's exports today.
LALA digital assistant
Food businesses targeting the EU market, check out the LALA digital assistant to better prepare right from the labeling stage!
Experience chatting with Lala right here!
