Goyal Courts Swiss Firms to Boost Ties after EFTA Trade Deal

Following the recent signing of the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal held high-level talks with Swiss industry leaders in Bern on Tuesday, June 9, as part of a coordinated effort to strengthen Indo-Swiss economic engagement, the ministry announced in a press release on Tuesday. Goyal urged Swiss companies to see India as a long-term center for manufacturing, innovation, and talent development rather than just a consumer market during the visit, which was a pivotal point in India's appeal to international businesses. Goyal chaired two targeted roundtables with top executives from Swiss industries including precision engineering, biotech and pharmaceuticals, healthcare, defense, and emerging technologies as part of his engagements. The talks, which were sponsored by the Indian Embassy in Switzerland, highlighted India's expanding capacities in high-tech innovation, cost-effective scalability, and sustainable manufacturing.

Key Highlights:

• Goyal urges Swiss firms to view India as innovation, manufacturing hub.
• Roundtables highlight India's strengths in tech, pharma, and sustainability.
• Swiss leaders see India as strategic ally for future collaborations.

“India stands ready to offer world-class infrastructure, transparent regulatory systems, and an ecosystem that supports innovation and investment,” said Goyal, positioning India as a key node in Swiss global value chains.

Also Read:Industrial Automation in Australia: How Smart Factories Boost Safety & Productivity

In addition to using Invest India's specialized EFTA Desk for smooth handholding, policy navigation, and regulatory support, the Minister encouraged Swiss businesses to take advantage of India's sizable, highly qualified workforce and competitive ecosystem. Swiss business executives expressed a common belief in India's economic future and called it a logical strategic ally. Companies highlighted India's innovation ecosystem and regulatory clarity as important facilitators for future collaboration in fields ranging from advanced oncology medicines to industrial automation, fiber optics, cybersecurity, and space technology.