Switzerland National Day: Message from Georg Steiner, Ambassador of Switzerland to Pakistan

Today, I have the honour to address you on the occasion of Switzerland‘s National Day. As you may know, August 1, 2025, marks the 734th National Day of Switzerland.

This day reminds of a historic alliance between the founding cantons of Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden in 1291. The Federal Charter from 1291 is Switzerland's oldest constitutional document.

Nowadays, on August 1, the Swiss come together as a nation to honour and celebrate their history and shared values. It is also a family day with friends, filled with joy and laughter.

Switzerland, as a land of diversity located at the crossroads of Europe, has a long tradition of acting as host to the world‘s countries and institutions. It is also a very innovative, modern and dynamic place with a rich cultural heritage. Direct democracy underlines Switzerland‘s commitment to citizen participation and inclusiveness and its determination to keep on providing an enabling environment to its citizens.

At the same time, there are many challenges ahead and international partnerships are crucial in a world that is changing rapidly.

Switzerland and Pakistan have continued to focus on a concrete and goal-oriented cooperation in various areas of mutual interest. Just very recently for instance, the Embassy of Switzerland in Islamabad hosted an interesting exchange for Swiss and Pakistani scientists and practitioners who focus on improved engineering for earthquake resilience. Further activities will be implemented to enhance preparedness in the face of potential natural calamities. A few months ago, the Embassy also initiated and facilitated a closer cooperation between the Swiss Business Council and relevant Pakistani counterparts to enhance vocational skills training initiatives for youth in Pakistan.

In this context, I have the privilege to underline that Switzerland has continuously been ranked among the top Foreign Direct Investors in Pakistan. Major Swiss companies are successfully operating in various sectors, such as food and beverages, energy, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and textile machinery, employing around 15,000 people. I hope that the business environment will be further strengthened for the benefit of all interested and committed stakeholders.

I conclude by wishing Pakistan and its wonderful people peace, prosperity, happiness, and a very nice Pakistan Independence Day on August 14.

Happy National Day to all Swiss compatriots !

Pakistan-Switzerland Friendship Zindabad !

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025