Business

Swiss firms keen on India: Parmelin

By Sohail Khan 6 October 2026, 12:12 am

Benchmarks
Nifty22,555.75133.8

FEATURED FUNDS★★★★★

Motilal Oswal Midcap Fund Direct-Growth

5Y Return
19.6 %

Invest Now

Enter search text:

Business News›News›Economy›Foreign Trade›'Great achievements already made': Swiss President Parmelin on India-EFTA trade pact's first year

Read Today's Paper

'Great achievements already made': Swiss President Parmelin on India-EFTA trade pact's first year
Synopsis

The India-European Free Trade Association Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement has been effective since its implementation a year ago. Swiss President Guy Parmelin stated that strong interest from companies has been evident in various sectors. This agreement is expected to significantly enhance bilateral trade and attract long-term investment. Additionally, Switzerland seeks to strengthen cooperation in business and technology during the President's current visit.

Switzerland sees strong interest in India-EFTA trade pact, expects boost to bilateral trade: President Guy Parmelin

The India-European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) completed one year of implementation on October 1.

Swiss President Guy Parmelin, who represents EFTA's largest economy, is currently in India and told Dipanjan Roy Chaudhury that TEPA is already delivering significant results and helping create conditions for long-term investment and employment.

Also read: India, Switzerland sign migration pact, expand trade, investment and defence ties

India has demonstrated exceptional leadership in amplifying underrepresented voices in global technology discussions, Parmelin said, adding that Switzerland will build on this. TEPA has completed a year.

What have been its key achievements?

Great achievements have already been made! Interest among companies in TEPA has been very strong since its entry into force. Investments by Swiss companies have already been made or are planned across a wide range of sectors. I expect TEPA to provide a significant boost to bilateral trade between Switzerland and India in the years to come.

But beyond this, I believe that TEPA helps create the conditions for a deeper and lasting economic relationship that encourages long-term investment, creates employment and contributes to innovation and sustainable growth.

What is the specific goal of this state visit?

My visit reflects the importance Switzerland attaches to its relationship with India. India is one of the world's most dynamic economies and a key partner for Switzerland in Asia. A central objective of this visit is to strengthen our bilateral ties and take stock of the implementation of the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement, which has opened new opportunities for trade, investment and innovation.

The visit also provides an opportunity to deepen cooperation in areas like business, research, education and emerging technologies, and to engage with Indian partners on shared global challenges.

What are Switzerland's plans to boost investment in India?

Swiss investment in India is driven by the private sector. Our role is to provide stable and attractive framework conditions. Through TEPA, we have created a strong foundation for deeper economic cooperation, and interest from Swiss companies has been very strong. Investments are already being made or planned in sectors like manufacturing, financial services, pharmaceuticals, technology and logistics.

We expect this momentum to continue as the agreement further strengthens confidence and opens new opportunities for long-term business partnerships between Switzerland and India.

Which sectors offer scope for joint projects?

Switzerland and India have a long-standing partnership in research and innovation, based on the 2003 Agreement on Scientific and Technological Cooperation.

This agreement provides the framework for joint activities, funding mechanisms and structured collaboration between the two countries. Our cooperation follows a bottom-up approach, allowing researchers and research institutions in both countries to identify topics and initiate collaborations based on their expertise, the principle of scientific excellence and mutual interests.

This approach allows collaborations to emerge across a broad range of fields, including those relevant to India's Make in India initiative.

Add as a Reliable and Trusted News Source
Add Now!

(You can now subscribe to our WhatsApp channel)

(You can now subscribe to our WhatsApp channel)

Read More News on
Swiss President ParmelinSwiss investment in Indiatrade and economic cooperationTEPA achievementsjoint projects between India and Switzerlandinnovation and sustainable growth

Enter search text:

Continue reading with one of these options:
Limited Access
Free
Login to get access to some exclusive stories

& personalised newsletters
Login Now

Unlimited Access
Starting @ Rs120/month
Get access to exclusive stories, expert opinions &

in-depth stock reports
Subscribe Now

Unlock Access to All Exclusives with ETPrime FREE TRIAL

15 Days Free: Unlock All ETPrime Exclusives, Market Tools & ePapers

Trial offer expiring in00 : 05 : 00

I'd rather pay ₹2599 now

Uh-oh! This is an exclusive story available for selected readers only.

Worry not. You’re just a step away.

Prime Account Detected!

It seems like you're already an ETPrime member with

Log out of your current logged-in account and log in again using your ET Prime credentials to enjoy all member benefits.

Unlock ETPrime's Exclusive Stories Today!

Subscribe to gain powerful insights on business, stock market and industry trends.

Big Price Drop! Flat 40% Off

Student Only Offer

Already a Member? Sign In now

Already a Member? Sign In now
Already a Member? Sign In now

Offer Exclusively For You

Save up to Rs. 700/-

ON ET PRIME MEMBERSHIP

Avail Offer

Offer Exclusively For You

Get 1 Year Free

With 1 and 2-Year ET prime membership

Avail Offer

Offer Exclusively For You

Get 1 Year Free

With 1 and 2-Year ET prime membership

Avail Offer

Offer Exclusively For You

Get Flat 40% Off

Then ₹ 1749 for 1 year

Avail Offer

Offer Exclusively For You

ET Prime at ₹ 49 for 1 month

Then ₹ 1749 for 1 year

Avail Offer

Special Offer

Get flat 40% off on ETPrime

Avail Offer
Avail Offer

Claim NowAlready a Member? Sign In now

Need Assistance?

Connect with an ETPrime expert for personalized support and guidance

+91 9484700004

' + h3 + '

' + h4 + '

' + listing + '

What’s Included with

ETPrime Membership

1Exclusive Insights That Matter

Uncover the truth with our investigative stories

Make strategic moves using the real-world case studies

Read industry-specific stories to identify emerging trends

Spot opportunities with in-depth insights that matter

Trump temper on H-1B visas is forcing Indians to do these things to stay put in US

What Adani’s US indictment means for India Inc’s overseas fundraising
Why veterans like Reliance, L&T are on acquisition spree? Aswath Damodaran has an answer.

Will China’s dollar bond sale in Saudi Arabia trump the US in financial world?
Huawei launches its own OS to compete with Google and Apple. But can it win beyond China?

The problem with lab grown diamonds
Why a falling rupee is a better option for the economy

A list of top 20 momentum stocks that have delivered massive returns in one year