Meeting with Leader of Life Sciences Mission of Swiss Indian Chamber of Commerce

      The Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FAPCCI) organized a Meeting on October 26, 2010, with Life Sciences Mission of Swiss Indian Chamber of Commerce, at JS Krishna Murthy Hall, Federation House, Red Hills, Hyderabad.

      Dr. (Mrs.) Dorit Sallis, Leader of Life Sciences Mission of Swiss Indian Chamber of Commerce was the Chief Guest at the Meeting held at FAPCCI.   Mr. Shekhar Agarwal, President, FAPCCI, Mr. V. S. Raju, Senior Vice-President, Mr. Srinivas Ayyadevara, Chairman, International Trade & Relations Committee, FAPCCI, Mr. M V Rajeshwara Rao, Secretary General, FAPCCI and many other businessmen, industrialists and others participated in the said meeting. 

      Dr. (Mrs.) Dorit Sallis, in her address said that she was absolutely overwhelmed by the response to this meeting with Swiss Delegation and stated that there is vast potential for cooperation between Swiss and Indian companies.  The key areas of business sought being Life Sciences biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, machinery building, manufacturing precision machinery. They are here to promote Swiss Flagship industry i.e. Small and Medium Enterprises, apart from promoting SMEs and Vocational Education and Training.  They are here as facilitators.  The members of delegation were introduced to the members present with details of their area of business interest.  The members of the delegation also clarified about the legal aspects relating to tax, labour laws and visas if one has to set up business in Switzerland.   

       Welcoming the Chief Guest, President, Mr. Shekhar Agarwal said that economic relations between India and Switzerland have become comprehensive, evolving into a full-fledged partnership between the two countries.  Swiss economy is one of the most diversified in the world.  Financial, pharmaceutical along with bio, micro medical and information technology contribute to Switzerland’s leading position among industrialized countries. 

       The Indo-Swiss bilateral trade volume amounts to $ 3.3 billion – two thirds of which are exports to India and one third, imports from India.   Andhra Pradesh is the first State to recognize the importance of Biotechnology in the economic development of the country.  India’s first Biotech Cluster-Genome Valley (GV) is located near Hyderabad.  The visit of this High Level Business Mission is an excellent opportunity for our entrepreneurs to strengthen healthcare research and development in modernizing the A.P’s healthcare sector.  A.P.  would be happy to share its experience and expertise with Swiss in agriculture, small scale industries and infrastructure projects.  The delegation’s visit to Andhra Pradesh will further expand the economic ties between the two countries.

       Mr. V. S. Raju, Senior Vice-President, FAPCCI., present FAPCCI literature and memento to the Chief Guest. 

      Mr. Srinivas Ayyadevara, Chairman, International Trade & Relations Committee, FAPCCI proposed vote of thanks.