“ Quality is our maxim and innovation is our objective”. This was said by the Swiss Consul General Mr. Didier Boschung at a reception hosted by him to celebrate the 721 st National Day of Switzerland at hotel Sheraton in Karachi.
The Swiss Consul General said several studies have ranked Switzerland as the world’s most innovative nation which is why the country is a leader in innovation-intensive industries like telecommunications, biopharmaceuticals, machine tools and precision instruments.
Speaking about Pakistan – Switzerland relations, Mr. Boschung said both countries enjoy cordial and friendly relations with a long history of collaboration. He added that Switzerland was present here in a big way and ranks as the 5th largest investor in Pakistan in term of foreign direct investment. There were 21 Swiss firms operating in Pakistan with long term investment plans who were adding value to the market through top quality products and services.
The Swiss representative said that during the last seven years, Switzerland’s investment has crossed one billion US Dollars and that new Swiss companies would be interested to invest if Pakistan successfully addresses its issues of power shortage, security and law & order. He pointed out that the Swiss Business Council which was setup in 2008 had undertaken several successful initiatives to further promote bilateral trade and investment between Pakistan and Switzerland.
Talking about his personal experience, Swiss envoy said that he arrived in Pakistan in August 2010 and he was enjoying the kind and warm hospitality of the Pakistani people. He said there are many similarities between Switzerland and Pakistan. Both countries had different culture and linguistic groups, both were hospitable nations with proud traditions and both had beautiful and majestic mountains.
The evening was attended by elite of the city and members of the Consular Corps. The event was made even more enjoyable by three Swiss musicians who performed on traditional Swiss instruments and presented delightful Swiss folk music.
The National Day of Switzerland is observed every year on August 1st but this year was celebrated a fortnight earlier in honor of religious and cultural traditions being observed during the holy month of Ramadan. The Swiss Consul General also wished all Muslims a “Blessed Ramadan” on the advent of the holy month.
