Karachi, 15 June 2022 (TDI): The Swiss Business Council (SBC) hosted a farewell in honor of the Swiss Ambassador to Pakistan, Bénédict de Cerjat at a Local Hotel in Karachi.
I would also like to thank the Swiss Business Council in #Pakistan and its Executive Committee for hosting me in #Karachi last week. Switzerland🇨🇭- Pakistan🇵🇰 trade and investment relations are very strong. pic.twitter.com/kQ6r9W2j2K
— Ambassador Bénédict de Cerjat (@SwissAmbPak) June 13, 2022
The meeting had the presence of CEOs of Nestlé, HABIBMETRO Bank, Archroma along with the Managing Directors of Al AmeenTradingCo., SICPA Inks, Chairman of PolygalNV, Advisor on Commercial Affairs – Swiss Embassy, Business Development Manager Fletcher P. Albert – SBC & the Office Manager – SBC.
During the meeting, de Cerjat addressed the Executive Committee (EC) and shared his beautiful memories in Pakistan.
In July 2020 the Ambassador arrived in Pakistan to begin his assignment as the Ambassador of Switzerland to Pakistan. Following the completion of his tenure of about two years, he is heading towards his next assignment. Therefore, the Council extended its best wishes to the Ambassador in his future endeavors.
Pakistan-Switzerland relations
Both countries have good, long-standing relations and they have signed a range of economic agreements that have assisted in developing bilateral trade.
Swiss exports to Pakistan amounted to CHF 373.7 million in 2019. They mainly consisted of machinery, chemical and pharmaceutical products, and watches.
On the other hand imports from Pakistan mainly textiles as well as agricultural products, amounted to CHF 166.8 million.
In fiscal year July 1st, 2018 to June 30th, 2019, Switzerland invested USD 21.2 million in Pakistan. In addition, a number of 15, 000 people have been employed by 23 Swiss companies in Pakistan.
During 2021, Pakistan and Switzerland held a round of their Bilateral Political Consultations in Islamabad. Likewise, officials from the two countries discussed economy, trade, investment and bilateral cooperation in different areas.
As Switzerland is part of the leading investors in Pakistan, their Bilateral Political Consultations offer a useful platform to review bilateral relations and to discuss future areas of cooperation.
Swiss Business Council of Pakistan
SBC is a non-profit legal entity that is registered by the Securities & Exchange Commission of Pakistan.
It was established in 2008 and is a partner of Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE). Also, it has an alliance with the Swiss-Asian Chamber of Commerce (SACC) in Switzerland.
The Swiss Business Council plays a significant role in bringing together Swiss and Pakistani companies willing to strengthen their business in Pakistan. Most importantly, it is significant in promoting bilateral trade as well as economic relations between Switzerland and Pakistan.
