New Delhi, India – Indian Minister of Commerce & Industry, Piyush Goyal, held a productive meeting with Helene Budliger Artieda, State Secretary for Economic Affairs of Switzerland (@SECO_CH), and a delegation of Swiss business representatives.
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Taking to social media platform X, Goyal shared insights from the discussion, stating:
“Held a fruitful meeting with @SECO_CH Ms. Helene Budliger Artieda and Swiss business delegates. Discussed key concerns of Swiss companies regarding investment expansion in India and assured potential solutions to facilitate growth. Reaffirmed commitment to strengthening India-Switzerland ties through enhanced investments and trade opportunities.”
The meeting focused on addressing Swiss companies’ concerns about expanding their investments in India. Goyal assured them of India’s commitment to providing a conducive business environment and facilitating smoother growth opportunities.
India-EFTA Desk: A New Milestone in Trade Relations
India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) – comprising Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein – have taken a significant step towards deeper economic collaboration with the inauguration of the India-EFTA Desk. This initiative follows the recently concluded India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA), which positions EFTA as the first European bloc to formalize a trade pact with India.
Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, hailed TEPA as a landmark agreement, emphasizing India’s growing role in global trade.
“This desk will serve as the bridge between businesses on both sides, ensuring transparency, trust, and ease of doing business,” he stated. Goyal underscored India’s ambition to surpass $100 billion in EFTA investments, highlighting the country’s commitment to fostering equitable and mutually beneficial trade relationships.
The India-EFTA Desk will provide structured support to EFTA businesses looking to invest, expand, or establish operations in India. High-ranking dignitaries from all four EFTA nations attended the launch, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening economic ties.
A New Era of Economic Cooperation
Following the Desk’s inauguration, a high-level Business Roundtable chaired by Shri Piyush Goyal convened to explore opportunities and address trade challenges. Discussions identified key sectors, including seafood & maritime, energy, financial services, pharmaceuticals, engineering, and food processing.
Looking ahead, the India-EFTA Desk will serve as the primary channel for fostering continuous business-government dialogue. The Indian government has pledged to work closely with EFTA partners to unlock TEPA’s full potential.
Concluding the discussions, Shri Piyush Goyal called TEPA a “model agreement” and reaffirmed India’s readiness to build a robust future with EFTA, stating:
“India is ready when you are. Let’s build this future together.”
With the official inauguration of the EFTA Desk, India and EFTA have entered a new era of economic cooperation, ensuring that businesses from both regions thrive in an era of sustainable and innovation-driven growth.
Swiss State Secretary for Economic Affairs Expresses Gratitude After Meeting with Piyush Goyal
“Had the great privilege of discussing business opportunities and challenges with @PiyushGoyal alongside the economic delegation. Thank you for your valuable time! Looking forward to welcoming you at the @swissmem Industry Day in June.”
— Swiss State Secretary for Economic Affairs posted on X.
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