Swiss Banking News: July 2007

19.07.2007 Switzerland and Vietnam have signed agreements on intellectual property protection, banking and strengthening competition. On the Swiss side, the agreements were signed by Economics Minister, Doris Leuthard. They will cost the Swiss authorities approximately CHF 9 million. Switzerland and Vietnam have agreed to conduct a joint programme between 2007 and 2010. According to it, the Swiss authorities will assist Vietnam in drafting and applying WTO-compatible legislation in this area. More than CHF 1 million will be provided for the project, as part of an initiative between the Vietnam Intellectual Property Department and the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property. Regarding banking, Leuthard signed an agreement, which will cost Switzerland around CHF 6 million, to assist in modernising and reforming the Vietnamese Central Bank as well as improving training.