During his recent visit to Lahore, the Ambassador of Switzerland, Mr. Bénédict de Cerjat, called on the Speaker of the Provincial Assembly of Punjab and acting Governor Chaudhry Parvez Elahi at the Governor’s House Lahore. The Speaker appreciated the strong bilateral ties between Switzerland and Pakistan. Both sides also discussed further avenues of collaboration in health, education and other sectors.
Ambassador de Cerjat also visited the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI). During his welcome address, the President of the LCCI, Mr. Mian Tariq Misbah mentioned the relatively low volume of trade between Switzerland and Pakistan. He sought Swiss collaboration in the tourism sector and proposed exchange of business delegations, organization of trade fairs and single country exhibitions.
On this occasion, the Ambassador said that Switzerland offers business-friendly regulations, a stable economy, good governance and result-oriented innovation. The opportunity exists for Pakistani industrialists to join hands with their Swiss counterparts to realize the trade potential between the two countries.
Ambassador de Cerjat visited the manufacturing facility of Sika Pakistan, Bühler Pakistan and the corporate headquarters of ABB Power & Automation and Nestlé Pakistan. These companies have successful business operations in Pakistan and reported good prospects for the current and the next year.
Ambassador Bénédict de Cerjat hosted a luncheon for the CEOs of all Swiss companies based in Lahore. During the informal talk Ambassador de Cerjat was apprised of the ongoing business projects in Pakistan. The Ambassador appreciated the dynamism and strong business presence of Swiss companies in Pakistan and added “As long-term friends and partners of Pakistan, I am pleased to see that the Swiss companies enjoy an excellent reputation for providing quality products and services in the country. They also contribute by creating jobs, developing skills, sharing knowledge and building the capacity of the Pakistani employees.”
Moreover, Ambassador de Cerjat explored the cultural heritage of Lahore and visited the Lahore Museum, the Walled City of Lahore, Faqir Khana Museum and Har Sukh Arts School. The Assistant Director of Tourism of the Walled City Authority Lahore, Mr. Farhan Malik highlighted Lahore’s significance as the cultural capital of Pakistan.
