Introduction
The Swiss Business Council (SBC) was established in 2008 as a legal entity under an act of the Securities & Exchange Commission of Pakistan. The members’ segmentation comprises large Swiss Multinational subsidiaries operative in Pakistan, and Swiss Small & Medium Enterprises operative through joint ventures, agencies & dealership arrangements in Pakistan.
Mission & Vision
To protect and promote Swiss Economic interests; To encourage and stimulate new investments; To introduce and inculcate best practices and strive to establish a level playing field in the country in order to promote the development of commerce between Switzerland and Pakistan.
Affiliations of SBC
The SBC works in close partnership with its associates in Switzerland to mobilize B2B contacts between Swiss and Pakistani business entities, improve the global perception of Pakistan in the circle of foreign investors, and inculcate people-to-people cultural ties between the two countries:
Patronized by
As the official representation of Switzerland in Pakistan (eda.admin.ch/Islamabad), the embassy covers all matters concerning diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Switzerland. It represents Swiss interests in the areas of political, economic, and financial affairs, legal arrangements, science, education, and culture.
Partner of
The SBC works in close collaboration with its partner Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE) in Switzerland to facilitate Swiss Companies that want to have their footprints in Pakistan, in terms of finding an authorized distributor for them, investment, and joint ventures.
Swiss Business Community Quarterly Gathering
The Swiss Business Council hosted its Quarterly Swiss Business Community Gathering at Archroma Pakistan, graciously hosted by Mr. Irfan Chawla, Chief Executive Officer of Archroma Pakistan. The gathering brought together distinguished members of the Swiss business community, corporate leaders, and industry professionals to strengthen business relationships and foster meaningful dialogue.
The event reflected the Council’s continued commitment to promoting collaboration and enhancing economic ties between Switzerland and Pakistan.
The gathering commenced with a dignified Flag Hoisting Ceremony, during which the flags of Switzerland, Pakistan, and Archroma Pakistan were ceremonially hoisted by Ms. Hafsa Shamsie, President of the Swiss Business Council, Mr. Shaikh Imtiaz Hussain, Secretary General of the Swiss Business Council, and Mr. Irfan Chawla, Chief Executive Officer of Archroma Pakistan, respectively. Guests were also presented with an inspiring overview of Archroma Pakistan’s journey, highlighting the company’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, operational excellence, and long-term investment in Pakistan.
A key highlight of the event was an insightful presentation on Pakistan’s economic outlook by Mr. Khurram Shahzad Khan, Vice President of the Swiss Business Council and Chief Executive Officer of HABIBMETRO Bank. His analysis provided valuable perspectives on the country’s economic landscape future opportunities. The Swiss Business Council extends its sincere appreciation to all members, partners, and guests whose participation contributed to the success of the gathering and reaffirmed the Council’s mission of advancing Swiss–Pakistan business collaboration.
Flying Teachers Delegation Visit
The Swiss Business Council had the pleasure of welcoming a distinguished delegation from Flying Teachers, a renowned Swiss language training provider with over 25 years of international excellence in language education & corporate training. Recognized for delivering flexible, learner-centric programs through both onsite and online platforms, Flying Teachers has established a strong reputation for quality, innovation, and practical learning solutions. The visit reflected a shared commitment to strengthening educational cooperation and promoting Swiss expertise in Pakistan.
The delegation was represented by Mr. Antonio Adrover, Executive Board Member, and Mr. Damian Fäh, Head of Innovation, who engaged in productive discussions with representatives of the Swiss Business Council. The meeting focused on exploring opportunities for collaboration in language education, professional development, and workforce capacity building. Both sides exchanged valuable insights on creating impactful training initiatives that align with international standards and address the evolving needs of Pakistan’s public and private sectors.
A key objective of the visit was to promote Swiss excellence in education and vocational development through meaningful public–private partnerships and long-term institutional collaboration. The discussions highlighted the importance of knowledge exchange, innovation, & sustainable capacity-building initiatives that contribute to economic and human capital development. The SBC looks forward to building a strong partnership with Flying Teachers & advancing future initiatives that further strengthen educational & professional ties between Switzerland and Pakistan.
Swiss Business Council Holds Its AGM
The Swiss Business Council convened its 17th Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the premises of one of its esteemed member companies in Karachi. The meeting brought together members of the Council to review the organization’s progress over the past year and reaffirm its commitment to promoting stronger economic and commercial relations between Switzerland and Pakistan.
During the meeting, members reflected on the Council’s key achievements, activities, and milestones, while engaging in constructive discussions on future initiatives and strategic priorities. The exchange of valuable insights and recommendations highlighted the collaborative spirit of the Council and its shared vision for continued growth and enhance engagement within the Swiss business community in Pakistan.
The Council was honored by the presence of H.E. Georg Steiner, Ambassador of Switzerland to Pakistan and Patron-in-Chief of the Swiss Business Council, whose participation underscored the strong partnership between the Embassy of Switzerland and the Council. The Swiss Business Council extends its sincere appreciation for his continued support and looks forward to another year of productive collaboration, sustainable growth, and the further strengthening of Swiss-Pakistani business relations.
Strengthening Swiss–Pakistan Relations
The Swiss Business Council was privileged to welcome Mr. Marius Stucki, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Switzerland in Pakistan, to its Board Meeting held at the Council’s office in Karachi. He was accompanied by Mr. Ajwat Arslan Khan, Economic Advisor at the Embassy of Switzerland, underscoring the Embassy’s continued support for the Council’s initiatives. The visit reflected the strong partnership between the Embassy and the Swiss Business Council in promoting bilateral economic engagement and institutional cooperation.
The distinguished guests were warmly received by members of the SBC Board, including Mr. Khurram Shahzad Khan, Vice President; Mr. Mujtaba Rahim, Chairman of the Membership Committee; Mr. Shakeel Muhammad, Chairman of the External Communication & Media Committee; Mr. Khatri Muhammad Asif, Treasurer; Mr. Faizan Faisal, Business Development Executive; and Mr. Jaish Yousaf, Office Manager. The meeting provided an excellent opportunity for meaningful dialogue on the Council’s ongoing initiatives and future priorities.
The visit reaffirmed the shared commitment of the Swiss Business Council and the Embassy of Switzerland to further strengthening the longstanding relationship between Switzerland and Pakistan. Discussions focused on enhancing trade, encouraging investment, supporting business growth, and fostering greater collaboration between the public and private sectors. Such engagements continue to reinforce the Council’s mission of advancing sustainable economic partnerships and creating new opportunities for bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
Furthering Bilateral Relations
Meeting with Ms. Natalie Rast, Head of Asia & Oceania, SECO
Ms. Hafsa Shamsie also had a productive meeting with Ms. Natalie Rast, Head of Asia & Oceania at the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO). The discussion focused on Pakistan’s evolving economic landscape, opportunities for enhancing Switzerland–Pakistan economic cooperation, and the important role of public-private collaboration in fostering sustainable trade, investment, and long-term commercial partnerships between the two countries.
Meeting with Switzerland Global Enterprise
At the headquarters of Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE) in Zurich, Ms. Hafsa Shamsie met with Mr. Alberto Slini, Mr. Marcel Wülfler, and Mr. Suhail El Obeid. Discussions centered on expanding cooperation between S-GE and the Swiss Business Council, reviewing preparations for the upcoming Country Consulting Days on Pakistan, and identifying new opportunities to facilitate Swiss SMEs seeking to expand into the Pakistani market.
Courtesy Meeting with H.E. Dr. Marghoob Butt, Ambassador of Pakistan to Switzerland
During her visit to Bern, Ms. Hafsa Shamsie, President of the Swiss Business Council (SBC), paid a courtesy visit to H.E. Dr. Marghoob Butt, Ambassador of Pakistan to Switzerland.
The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral economic relations between Pakistan and Switzerland, promoting trade and investment, and exploring avenues for closer collaboration between the Embassy and the Swiss Business Council in facilitating Swiss companies interested in the Pakistani market.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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