Swiss National Day 2024: KHURRAM SHAHZAD KHAN President & CEO – Habib Metropolitan Bank

TEXT: Heartfelt congratulations to the people and Government of Switzerland on the occasion of the 733rd National Day of the Swiss Confederation.

As we celebrate the founding anniversary of the Swiss Confederacy, we proudly reflect on the long standing relationship between Pakistan and Switzerland. Over the course of many years, the two nations have cultivated a deep bond based on trust, cooperation and mutual respect.

This relationship continues to flourish, leading to productive collaborations between our nations in areas of trade, investment, education, developmental assistance, research and innovation.

Pakistan and Switzerland continue to strengthen their mutual relationship, with steady growth in bilateral trade opportunities. Switzerland is a significant trade partner of Pakistan, exporting a variety of high-value goods including machinery, chemical and pharmaceutical products. Pakistan primarily exports agricultural and textile products to Switzerland. The two countries have fostered collaboration in agricultural technology through joint ventures, promoting sustainable practices. Leading Swiss corporations operating in Pakistan are providing employment opportunities to a substantial number of Pakistani citizens.

Moreover, the two nations have forged partnerships in research, innovation and education, exemplified by the Swiss Government’s Excellence Scholarships for Pakistani researchers in partnership with Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission. These collaborations promise to unlock new avenues for economic growth and prosperity for both nations.

Habib Bank AG Zurich (HBZ) embodies Swiss values of precision, excellence and reliability in every facet of it operations. It is an active catalyst for translating these principles into tangible economic benefits for both Switzerland and Pakistan. The commitment to quality, integrity and service, embodied by HBZ, is seamlessly mirrored by HABIBMETRO, as we have consistently upheld the legacy of our parent institution since our establishment in 1992.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Ambassador H.E. Georg Steiner for his invaluable contributions towards strengthening the bilateral ties between Pakistan and Switzerland. His dedication to enhancing cooperation across various sectors, including trade and investment, economic development, education, and cultural exchange between the two nations, is commendable.

As we commemorate the 733rd Swiss Confederation Anniversary, we join the global community in celebrating Switzerland's rich heritage and remarkable achievements. We are confident that the bond between our two nations will continue to flourish, paving the way for greater prosperity in the years to come.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024