EDITOR’S PAGE

Switzerland's highly developed economy is large because of its technologically

Switzerland's highly developed economy is large because of its technologically progressive industrial sector, which is differentiated by highly specialized, internationally experienced, and flexible small and medium-sized companies.

Switzerland and Pakistan have good, long-standing relations. The two countries have signed a range of economic agreements that have helped to develop bilateral trade. There are numerous bilateral agreements between Switzerland and Pakistan covering a range of areas including investment protection, debt consolidation, aviation, double taxation and disaster relief. Switzerland also engages in regular political dialogue with Pakistan.

The Swiss Business Council had also been set up for providing guidance to Pakistani businessmen to enhance trade volume between the two counties.

Over the years this level of cooperation has increased significantly which is the reason why Switzerland has been among the top five largest investors.

The Swiss multinational companies that operate in Pakistan, do not just market their world class products and services, but also create employment opportunities in the country. There are 21 Swiss companies in Pakistan employing 15,000 people. Major Swiss companies that have invested in Pakistan include ABB, Archroma, Clariant, Sika, Gate Gourmet, Nestle and Novartis.

In 2020-21, Swiss exports to Pakistan amounted to US$ 108 million and consisted mainly of machinery, chemical and pharmaceutical products and watches. Swiss imports from Pakistan mainly textiles and agricultural products amounted to US$ 752 million.

Import of textile machinery from Switzerland to Pakistan increased from CHF 22.4 million in 2020 to CHF 42 million in 2021, thus showing an decrease of 22%. Imports of textile machinery (Major items) from Switzerland to Pakistan.

Members of the Swiss Textile Machinery Association introduced their innovations in the field of digitalization on the occasion of an international press conference on February 8, 2022.

Digitalization is a big story in the world of business. It’s all about change, making use of technology to transform attitudes and create new opportunities to grow revenue. At its heart is innovation, with new systems and intelligent use of data. In textiles, the entire value chain is going digital, as evidenced by the commitment of Swiss Textile Machinery Association member firms.

Their story was presented in six ‘chapters’ – spanning industry sectors through spinning, weaving, finishing and nonwovens. The member coompanies who gave their presentations were: Uster, Autefa, Espritech, Rieter, Jakob Müller and Saurer. The session was initiated by by Cornelia Buchwalder, Secretary General, Swiss Textile Machinery who informed about the Swiss textile machinery sector and introduced the presenting member companies. Following are the exerpts of the presentations.

The Swiss Textile Machinery Association is part of Swissmem – the leading association for SMEs and large companies in Switzerland's mechanical and electrical engineering (MEM) industries and related technology-oriented sectors. Swissmem provides member companies in industry sectors with a forum for information exchange and marketing activities. Swiss Textile Machinery is the oldest of the 25 industry sectors within Swissmem.

March 2022 Established 1951

Swiss Review

“The Archroma Way to a Sustainable World: Safe, Efficient, Enhanced. It’s our nature.”

Mujtaba Rahim, President & CEO, Archroma Pakistan Limited

March 2022