How the Swiss export industry focuses on innovation
After the agreement between the European Free Trade Association and Indonesia, Switzerland will help companies maintain their modernizing power and competitiveness
On January 26, the President of the Swiss Confederation, Guy Parmelin, discussed with representatives of the export industry possible measures to boost international trade.
He reiterated his support for the Economic Partnership Agreement between the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and Indonesia, which is due to be voted on on 7 March 2021. The participants also expect positive impulses from Innosuisse’s innovation programs.
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The participants of the Third Export Round Table are unanimous in their opinion that the vote on the EFTA-Indonesia Economic Partnership Agreement offers the Swiss economy a great opportunity to operate in an important growth market.
The agreement between Jakarta and the group of countries embodied by Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Iceland and Norway aims to improve market access and prevent Swiss companies from being disadvantaged.
Only sustainable palm oil from Jakarta
It also allows for significant improvements over the current sustainability situation, particularly for the trade in palm oil, which can only benefit from the Agreement if it meets strict sustainability criteria.
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Also discussed was the post-crisis recovery, which represents another challenge for the export industry. Internationally active companies hope that the vaccinations initiated will soon lead to a relaxation of restrictions on business travel.
The participants also see the recently launched Innosuisse promotion tools as an important incentive for a sustainable recovery.
OK “Innovation Capability Switzerland” and “Flagship”.
The impulse program “Innovation Capability Switzerland” and the “Flagship” initiative to foster systemic innovation help companies maintain their innovative strength and preserve their competitiveness.
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Given the great need for infrastructure investment worldwide, the Swiss Confederation and business are working hand in hand to facilitate Swiss industry’s access to large-scale foreign infrastructure projects.
These activities assume even greater importance as a contribution to the revival of Swiss export industry after the crisis.
20 business associations and chambers of commerce
Representatives from 20 business associations and chambers of commerce, the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH), Innosuisse, Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE) and Swiss Export Risk Insurance (SERV) participated in the Export Roundtable, the third since the start of the pandemic.
