Exporting companies are the backbone of the Swiss economy. At the same time, as a medium-sized, globally integrated economy, Switzerland is particularly vulnerable to external shocks. And 2024 saw no shortage of these: geopolitical divisions, the increasing fragmentation of international trade, industrial policy measures in partner countries, and the continued strength of the Swiss franc pose major challenges for the export sector. S-GE has an important role to play in this environment. Last year, support for Swiss companies was once again intensified. Effective services helped companies to overcome these hurdles and tap into new markets. In the future, special opportunities will also appear in the target market of India, where we were able to conclude a free trade agreement in 2024. 

In investment promotion, we successfully set the course for the strategy developed in cooperation with all the cantons. The positive and close collaboration that S-GE maintains with the cantons, regional organizations and other key players in Team Switzerland is crucial in this regard. Focusing on pioneering ecosystems helps to further strengthen Switzerland as a location for innovative and high value-added companies. In this way, the measures taken by S-GE contribute to further consolidating our location for industry and research, and to creating jobs. 

I am happy to continue to be able to count on the important work of S-GE in the future and to do my part to support the Swiss economy as part of the Team Switzerland approach.