Federal Councillor Schneider-Ammann promotes vocational education and training and stronger economic relations at the White House
Bern, 13.01.2015 - Federal Councillor Johann N. Schneider-Ammann, the head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research, today met with members of the US cabinet, high-ranking advisors to President Barack Obama and Swiss business leaders in the White House. The round table discussions covered ways of strengthening economic relations between Switzerland and the USA and presented Switzerland’s successful dual-track system of vocational education and training.
The round table talks took place at the invitation of the White House as part of the US government's Select USA programme aimed at highlighting the many advantages the United States has to offer as a location for domestic and foreign investors. The US government was represented by Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker, Secretary of Labor Thomas Perez and President Obama's economic policy advisor, Jeffrey Zients. Federal Councillor Schneider-Ammann was accompanied by leading Swiss business figures.
At today's meeting, Federal Councillor Schneider-Ammann praised Switzerland's dual-track system of vocational education and training as a huge success. Thanks to its practical approach and permeability, it provides young people with high quality education and training and is a significant factor in accounting for Switzerland's low rate of youth unemployment. Switzerland's VET system, which is based on the voluntary involvement of businesses, is attracting ever greater interest internationally. The USA is also interested in finding out more about the Swiss system. Following initial meetings last autumn a memorandum of understanding is currently being drawn up to deepen cooperation.
Switzerland and the USA foster close economic relations. The head of the EAER stressed that as the sixth largest investor with a trade volume of around CHF 190 billion - and the most important in the field of innovation - Switzerland plays a major role in the US economy. Swiss firms employ over 450,000 people in the USA. Both countries wish to further strengthen their excellent relations. Federal Councillor Johann Schneider-Ammann will travel to the USA in July on an extended mission to promote economic affairs, education and innovation.
Federal Councillor Johann Schneider-Ammann:
"We had an extremely interesting exchange of views. I am extremely proud that our American partners have taken an interest in Switzerland's successful VET system. At the same time, we also want to further strengthen the intensive economic relations that we have with the USA. Creating jobs and prospects for as many as possible - those are our common aims. We've been able to develop contacts at ministerial level and look forward to the next steps in our cooperation."
Address for enquiries
Noé Blancpain, Head of Information EAER
Tel. +41 58 462 39 60
Publisher
Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research
http://www.wbf.admin.ch
Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research
http://www.wbf.admin.ch
State Secretariat for Economic Affairs
http://www.seco.admin.ch
