Swiss President Guy Parmelin, who represents EFTA’s largest economy, is currently in India and told Dipanjan Roy Chaudhury that TEPA is already delivering significant results and helping create conditions for long-term investment and employment.
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India has demonstrated exceptional leadership in amplifying underrepresented voices in global technology discussions, Parmelin said, adding that Switzerland will build on this. TEPA has completed a year.
What have been its key achievements?
Great achievements have already been made! Interest among companies in TEPA has been very strong since its entry into force. Investments by Swiss companies have already been made or are planned across a wide range of sectors. I expect TEPA to provide a significant boost to bilateral trade between Switzerland and India in the years to come.
But beyond this, I believe that TEPA helps create the conditions for a deeper and lasting economic relationship that encourages long-term investment, creates employment and contributes to innovation and sustainable growth.What is the specific goal of this state visit?
My visit reflects the importance Switzerland attaches to its relationship with India. India is one of the world’s most dynamic economies and a key partner for Switzerland in Asia. A central objective of this visit is to strengthen our bilateral ties and take stock of the implementation of the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement, which has opened new opportunities for trade, investment and innovation.
The visit also provides an opportunity to deepen cooperation in areas like business, research, education and emerging technologies, and to engage with Indian partners on shared global challenges.
What are Switzerland’s plans to boost investment in India?
Swiss investment in India is driven by the private sector. Our role is to provide stable and attractive framework conditions. Through TEPA, we have created a strong foundation for deeper economic cooperation, and interest from Swiss companies has been very strong. Investments are already being made or planned in sectors like manufacturing, financial services, pharmaceuticals, technology and logistics.
We expect this momentum to continue as the agreement further strengthens confidence and opens new opportunities for long-term business partnerships between Switzerland and India.
Which sectors offer scope for joint projects?
Switzerland and India have a long-standing partnership in research and innovation, based on the 2003 Agreement on Scientific and Technological Cooperation.
This agreement provides the framework for joint activities, funding mechanisms and structured collaboration between the two countries. Our cooperation follows a bottom-up approach, allowing researchers and research institutions in both countries to identify topics and initiate collaborations based on their expertise, the principle of scientific excellence and mutual interests.
This approach allows collaborations to emerge across a broad range of fields, including those relevant to India’s Make in India initiative.