Piyush Goyal Strengthens India–Switzerland Economic Ties, Urges Swiss Industry to Tap into India’s Manufacturing and Innovation Potential.
Bern, Switzerland:
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal engaged in a series of high-level discussions with leaders of Swiss industry in Bern on June 9, 2025, aimed at deepening the India–Switzerland economic partnership in the wake of the recently signed Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) between India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).
The engagements marked a significant step toward positioning India as a global hub for manufacturing, innovation, and talent, with Goyal urging Swiss companies to expand their footprint in India by leveraging its robust and growing economy, skilled workforce, and business-friendly ecosystem.
Key Highlights:
- Strategic Industry Roundtables:
Goyal chaired two focused roundtable discussions with senior leaders from key sectors including biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, defence, precision engineering, and emerging technologies. Organized with support from the Indian Embassy in Switzerland, these sessions explored opportunities for technology transfer, sustainable manufacturing, R&D collaboration, and joint ventures. - India as a Strategic Partner:
Goyal invited Swiss businesses to look beyond India as just a market and instead view it as a strategic node in global value chains. He emphasized the strength of India’s intellectual property regime, transparent regulatory framework, and pro-investment policies, which together offer a compelling value proposition for international investors. 
- Support via Invest India and EFTA Desk:
To ensure smooth facilitation and ease of doing business, the Minister highlighted the role of the EFTA Desk at Invest India, offering Swiss investors personalized assistance, regulatory support, and guidance for market entry and expansion. - Commitment to Regulatory Harmonization:
Goyal reiterated India’s commitment to regulatory harmonization and the pursuit of mutual recognition agreements, particularly in sectors with high standards and compliance requirements. He assured that India remains ready to work with Swiss authorities to align frameworks for smoother bilateral trade and investment flows. - Interaction with ICAI Switzerland Chapter:
On the sidelines of industrial engagements, Goyal also met with members of the Switzerland Chapter of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). He appreciated their role in strengthening the India–Switzerland professional ecosystem and praised their contribution to enhancing India’s reputation as a hub for financial and business excellence.
Swiss Industry Response:
Swiss business leaders responded with enthusiasm, describing India as a natural partner for future growth. Several companies expressed plans to scale their presence, form joint ventures, and localize production in India to meet both domestic and global demand. Sectors such as advanced healthcare solutions, automation, space technologies, cybersecurity, fibre optics, and digital innovation featured prominently in these dialogues.
Swiss firms commended India’s dynamic market, world-class technical talent, and rising stature as a global innovation powerhouse. Many voiced readiness to align with India’s Make in India, Startup India, and Digital India missions, thereby contributing to long-term, sustainable partnerships.
Looking Ahead:
The engagements reinforced mutual trust and strategic alignment between the two economies, setting the tone for a new era of Indo-Swiss collaboration rooted in innovation, sustainability, and shared prosperity.
With TEPA opening new trade vistas, both nations appear poised to translate dialogue into action, bolstering bilateral trade, high-tech partnerships, and co-development opportunities that benefit not only both economies but also the wider global marketplace.
