Swiss National Day 2024: JASON AVANCEÑA President – Swiss Business Council

TEXT: As the President of the Swiss Business Council (SBC) in Pakistan, I extend my warmest greetings and heartfelt wishes to the people of Switzerland on the auspicious occasion of Swiss National Day.

Swiss National Day holds a special place in our hearts as we celebrate the rich history, vibrant culture, and remarkable achievements of Switzerland. It is a time for us to reflect on the values that have shaped Switzerland into a beacon of democracy, innovation, craftsmanship, and excellence.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the people of Switzerland for their unwavering support and cooperation. The strong bilateral ties between Pakistan and Switzerland have paved the way for mutually beneficial partnerships and collaborations across various sectors.

I am truly honored to witness the significant contributions of Swiss companies operating in Pakistan. Their presence has not only stimulated economic growth but has also fostered innovation and technology transfer. I commend the efforts o these companies in enriching the business landscape of Pakistan and contributing to its development. It gives me great pride to share that Switzerland is one of the top direct investors in Pakistan, as per the Board of Investment for the fiscal year 2023. During the year 2023 the trade between Pakistan and Switzerland was more than 490 Mio CHF.

Switzerland is also a great source of export revenue for Pakistan. In the past five years alone, since 2018, Pakistan’s export volume to Switzerland has increased from CHF 166 million to CHF 257 million, marking almost a 55% increase and further strengthening the relations between the two countries. While most of this volume is textiles, agricultural products and leather goods are also exported to Switzerland from Pakistan in large volumes.

I want to particularly acknowledge the invaluable role played by the Swiss Ambassador to Pakistan, His Excellency Georg Steiner.

His dedication and commitment to promoting bilateral trade, investment, and strengthening economic cooperation between Pakistan and Switzerland have been instrumental in enhancing our relations.

As we commemorate this momentous day, let us renew our commitment to further strengthening the ties between Pakistan and Switzerland. Together, we can explore new avenues of collaboration, exchange expertise, and create opportunities for sustainable growth.

I am pleased to announce that the Swiss Business Council is organizing Country Consulting Week and a Road Show on Pakistan in Switzerland in the last week of August to further strengthen the bilateral relations between our two nations and promote trade. This initiative is being conducted in collaboration with Switzerland Global Enterprise, the Swiss Embassy in Islamabad, the Pakistani Embassy in Bern, the Swiss Asian Chamber of Commerce, and the Geneva Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

This Country Consulting Week will address the inquires of Swiss Companies with Business in Pakistan & Road Show will showcase the potential sectors and opportunities in Pakistan, fostering greater engagement and collaboration between Swiss and Pakistani businesses.

Lastly, I extend my warmest wishes to the Swiss community in Pakistan, our esteemed members, and all those who have contributed to the success of the SBC. Your unwavering support and dedication are vital in promoting Swiss-Pakistan business relations. Here’s to stronger relations in the future that foster collaboration and innovation, fruitful for both countries.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024