Federal Councillor Schneider-Ammann on economic and innovation mission to India
Bern, 14.05.2015 - Federal Councillor Johann N. Schneider-Ammann, the head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER), will travel to India between 15 and 17 May. His main meeting in Delhi will be with his counterpart, the Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Nirmala Sitharaman. Discussions will focus on bilateral economic relations, negotiations on the free trade agreement between EFTA and India, and economic developments in southern Asia. Visits on the theme of innovation are also planned in Bangalore.
During his visit to Delhi, Mr Schneider-Ammann will also meet Finance Minister Arun Jaitley to discuss a number of issues related to economic and financial cooperation. The head of department will also have the opportunity to discuss topics related to vocational education and training with the Minister for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Rajiv Pratap Rudy. The ministerial meetings of 15 May will be an opportunity to exchange views with members of the new Indian government and to deepen bilateral relations between Switzerland and India.
On 16 May in Bangalore the focus will be on innovation; Mr Schneider-Ammann will officially launch the CTI Market Entry Camps, an initiative of the Commission for Technology and Innovation (CTI) run by swissnex India, aimed at encouraging Swiss start-ups to enter the Indian market. The federal councillor will take advantage of his trip to southern India to visit the Bangalore Institute of Management and the local branch of a Swiss business.
Mr Schneider Ammann will be accompanied by a private delegation consisting of Sawiss business representatives with interests in India, as well as by members of a number of a cantonal governments and the National Council.
Address for enquiries
Erik Reumann, EAER press spokesperson, Tel. +41 79 303 81 53
Publisher
Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research
http://www.wbf.admin.ch
