Swiss National Day 2024: GEORG STEINER Ambassador of Switzerland to Pakistan

TEXT: It is a pleasure and an honor for me to address you today.

This year, Switzerland is again celebrating its national holiday on August 1. This day commemorates the founding of the Swiss Confederation 733 years ago. Today, Switzerland is an innovative, modern and dynamic country. Its beauty, diversity and uniqueness invite people to take a closer look and discover it.

With this in mind, the Swiss Embassy in Islamabad is delighted to celebrate this special day with Swiss and Pakistani guests and to also commemorate 75 years of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Pakistan. In the coming months and years, we will continue to focus on goal-oriented and effective cooperation in various areas of mutual importance, exploiting existing potential and exploring promising avenues.

We are particularly pleased to see that there is a considerable number of Swiss companies in Pakistan that supply first-class products and services to customers and offer many high-quality jobs. We hope that the business environment for these companies will be further strengthened for the benefit of all stakeholders.

We will also step up efforts to encourage Swiss Small and Medium Enterprises in establishing business relations with Pakistan. For this purpose, a Road Show on Pakistan will take place in Switzerland from 26 to 30 August 2024 under the guidance of Switzerland Global Enterprise and in close collaboration with the Embassy of Switzerland and the Swiss Business Council in Pakistan.

These efforts are to be seen against the following background:

Switzerland’s innovative strength, stability and entrepreneurial spirit have made it one of the most successful economies in the world. It owes this excellence not only to the large companies, but also to the countless small and medium-sized enterprises that form the backbone of its economy. Their commitment and creativity are impressive and deserve recognition.

Furthermore, Switzerland is a country of diversity. With four national languages and a rich cultural heritage, the country shows that unity and diversity can go hand in hand. Its different regions and cultures all contribute to what makes Switzerland special. The ability to live together peacefully and harmoniously in a pluralistic society is a strength that must be nurtured and protected.

Direct democracy is another feature that underlines Switzerland’s commitment to citizen participation and inclusiveness. The opportunity to directly influence political decisions through referendums and initiatives is a privilege that we cherish.

Nevertheless, there are many challenges ahead of us. The world is changing rapidly, and subject areas such as climate change, social and migration aspects, digitalization etc. are presenting us with new tasks. I am convinced that Switzerland and Pakistan can benefit and learn from each other on this common journey.

I wish you all a pleasant summer in Pakistan or in Switzerland and look forward to meeting you here or there. Finally, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to call Pakistanis on the upcoming Pakistan Independence Day on August 14. May this day serve to highlight the beauty and history of Pakistan and to look forward with courage and confidence.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024