- Switzerland will create Innovation Platform for Businesses, Universities – Swiss Ambassador
By Mewati Sitaram
The Ambassador of Switzerland to India His Excellency Dr Ralf Heckner called on The Governor of Maharashtra Ramesh Bais on 3oth May, 2023 at his official residence, Raj Bhavan in Mumbai at Malabar Hill in Mumbai. It was a courtesy call. The ambassador Heckner was accompanied by His Excellency Martin Maier, the Consul General of Switzerland in Mumbai.
During his meeting with Governor, the Ambassador stated that there are 330 Swiss companies operational in India and half of the companies are based in Maharashtra state alone. He emphasised that Switzerland is contemplating on creating an ‘Innovation Platform’ where businesses and Universities will work together.
The ambassador said such a platform will have premier institutions like IITs on its board. He said if the experiment succeeds, it will be replicated in 22 other countries. The Ambassador also apprised the Governor that he had met several heads of public and private universities in Pune.
The Ambassador revealed that Switzerland is working closely with India to ink a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The FTA will help India realize Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s dream of making India a developed nation by 2047. He also added that Switzerland is looking forward to investment and innovation from India.
The Governor of Maharashtra Ramesh Bais welcoming the Ambassador at Raj Bhavan, he spoke of promoting University level collaboration between Maharashtra and Switzerland. The Governor stressed the need to promote student- exchange, faculty -exchange and cultural exchange.
Indo Swiss Relationship
It is worth mentioning that Switzerland has a close and dynamic relationship with India. It has been reflected in numerous treaties and agreements and in frequent high-level diplomatic visits. The broad-based cooperation between the two countries covers areas including trade, science, education and culture.
It may be noted that ‘Khajjiar’ near Dalhousie in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh is often referred to as the Switzerland of India. On 7 July 1992, Swiss Envoy Willy P. Blazer, Vice-Counsellor and Head of Chancery of Switzerland in India brought Khajjiar on the world tourism map by calling it “Mini Switzerland”.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
