Bern (Switzerland), June 11(HS): India's Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal concluded his two-day successful visit to the beautiful city of Bern, Switzerland, with warmth, sweet memories, and new partnerships. Goyal wrote on his X handle, I am greatly impressed by the curiosity, interest, and confidence of the leaders and key stakeholders of the Swiss industry in India's development story. Exciting opportunities lie ahead.

Piyush Goyal wrote on X, It was an honor for me to address a conference of over 1,000 Swiss entrepreneurs associated with various industries on Swissmem Industry Day. Swiss Federal Councillor Parmelin also joined me. He took the opportunity to highlight India's remarkable transformation in providing excellent opportunities for technology, innovation, and business over the past 11 years.

The Union Minister Goyal encouraged the Swiss industry to explore unique opportunities for growth and investment in India. He leveraged India’s skilled and talented workforce and the conducive business ecosystem. A new strong chapter in India-Swiss relations is beginning. The main partner of this conference, Helen Budliger Artida, shared Goyal's post as it is on her X handle. Notably, Swissmem is the leading association for the mechanical and electrical engineering industries (MEM industries) in Switzerland and related technology-oriented sectors.Goyal mentioned that during this tour, he had extremely useful discussions with Soren Toft, CEO of the world's largest container shipping company and a global leader in transport and logistics, Mediterranean Shipping Company. He showed interest in investing in the expansion of India's rapidly growing shipping, logistics, and port infrastructure. Significant partnerships are hoped for in the near future.

Additionally, meaningful discussions took place with Samuel Sigrist, CEO of SIG Group, a leader in sustainable packaging solutions.He mentioned that discussions with representatives of a globally recognized pharma and life sciences group led by Novartis in Bern were useful. The discussions centered around their research and development facility in India and opportunities to provide state-of-the-art, affordable healthcare and further innovation. Goyal also met with Thierry Kenel, CFO of the Swiss watch and jewelry manufacturing company Swatch Group AG.Goyal arrived in Switzerland on June 9 to enhance trade with European countries. He will now embark on an official visit to Sweden. His visit is considered crucial for strengthening the strategic and economic partnership between the two countries. This trip highlights India’s deep engagement with two of Europe's most innovative economies.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar