The global environment remains challenging for Swiss exporters. International trends toward increasing protectionist and industrial policy measures are therefore continuing. With its diversified and efficient export economy, our country does not pursue an industrial policy, meaning that good framework conditions are crucial. These include, for example, a broad network of free trade agreements. The offer from S-GE is available to ensure the best possible use of the latter. Assistance in trade-related matters relating to exports is growing increasingly important. The fact that S-GE will be able to strengthen its measures in line with the parliamentary resolutions on the Dispatch for Investment Promotion 2024–2027 in the future is gratifying and illustrates the broad recognition of its offer.

The second mandate of S-GE also has a broad basis: the strategy, defined jointly with all the cantons, positions Switzerland as a leading location in future-oriented ecosystems. These are to be supplemented by a targeted approach to high-value and innovative foreign companies to contribute to further strengthening our business and innovation location.

I would like to thank S-GE for its great commitment to the Swiss export industry and to Switzerland as a business location.