Jaishankar meets Switzerland Federal Councillor Ueli Maurer

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with Ueli Maurer,
head of the Federal Department of Finance of Switzerland and
discussed fintech and digital domains.

The two leaders also exchanged views on global economic
challenges.

“A good conversation with Ueli Maurer, Head of Federal
Department of Finance of Switzerland. Reviewed our bilateral
relations and discussed fintech and digital domains. Also exchanged
views on global economic challenges,” Jaishankar said in a
tweet.

Ealier this month, India and Switzerland held the 11th round of
India-Switzerland Foreign Office Consultations in New Delhi.

During the consultations, both sides undertook a comprehensive
review of bilateral relations. They referred to their long-standing
dynamic partnership and agreed to make it future-oriented, read the
Ministry of External Affairs press release.

Both sides appreciated that the annual bilateral trade had
exceeded USD 30 billion and agreed on the importance of
diversifying their trade, added the release.

Over 330 Swiss companies are present in India in sectors such as
engineering, services, precision instruments, chemicals and
pharmaceuticals while Indian companies are present in Switzerland
in sectors such as IT, pharmaceuticals, and machinery.

The two sides took note of the progress made in the negotiations
on India-Switzerland Bilateral Investment Treaty and India-EFTA
Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) and agreed on the
need for their early conclusion.

They agreed to further cultural and people-to-people relations
and looked forward to commemorating 75 years of bilateral
diplomatic relations next year in a befitting manner.

Both sides agreed to continue high-level exchanges and regular
meetings of the institutional mechanisms such as the Joint Economic
Commission, Joint Working Groups on Railways and Environment and
Financial Dialogue to keep up the momentum in bilateral relations,
added the release. (ANI)