Swiss govt explores business opportunities with Gujarat

Impressed by the state's dominance in areas like diamonds and pharma, the Switzerland government is keen on enhancing ties with Gujarat.  According to Philippe Welti, ambassador of Switzerland, the European country is interested in assisting Gujarati entrepreneurs is setting up businesses there.

Speaking at a seminar organised by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Gujarat chapter, Welti said, "CII and Switzerland has a long history of relationship. Trade between India and Switzerland in various sectors has more scope to grow. Switzerland is the 11th largest investor in India. More and more Indian companies are using Switzerland as a gateway to Europe. We are visiting states like Gujarat to make the most of their entrepreneurial spirit."

The seminar focused on opportunities available in Switzerland in sectors like pharma, bio tech, gems and jewellery, manufacturing set up and trading. According to Welti, the bilateral trade between Switzerland and India is around $ 3.5 billion. Between 2003 and 2008, both the countries have seen the bilateral trade triple in numbers wherein India forms two-thirds of Switzerland's exports and the latter forms one-third of Indian exports.