The “Business Networking Session” between the members of Bhutan Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCCI) with the Swiss Economic Mission was held on 2nd August, 2023, in Thimphu, Bhutan. The event was aimed at fostering business linkages and promoting trade and investment between Bhutan and Switzerland. The session provided a platform for members of the Bhutan Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCCI) and a high-level Swiss business delegation to interact and explore potential collaborations in the field of investment and trade.
The Swiss business delegation, led by His Excellency Ralf Nikolaus Heckner, Ambassador of the Embassy of Switzerland to India and Bhutan, consisted of 30 representatives from diverse sectors, including Agriculture, Healthcare, Education, Traditional Herbal Medicine, Infrastructure & Engineering, Transportation, Tourism, Finance, and Cleantech. This diverse representation indicated Switzerland’s keen interest in exploring various sectors for business opportunities and partnerships in Bhutan.
The main objectives of the Business Networking Session were:
Creating Business Linkages: The event aimed to facilitate interactions and networking among the business members of BCCI and the Swiss delegation. By providing a platform for one-to-one discussions, the event encouraged the exploration of potential collaborations, joint ventures, and partnerships.
Promoting Trade and Investment: Both Bhutan and Switzerland sought to strengthen trade ties and increase investments in each other’s markets. The session allowed participants to discuss potential investment opportunities, import-export prospects, and ways to boost bilateral trade.
Sector-specific Explorations: With representatives from various sectors in the Swiss delegation, the event allowed Bhutanese businesses to gain insights into specific industries of interest. Participants had the opportunity to learn about the latest trends, technologies, and best practices from the Swiss representatives, promoting knowledge exchange and innovation.
The event also witnessed the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Bhutan Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCCI) and the Swiss-Asian Chamber of Commerce (SACC), as well as the Geneva Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Services (CCIG). These MoUs are aimed to further strengthen business-to-business ties and facilitate trade and investment between the two countries.
The Business Networking Session and the signing of MoUs marked a significant step in strengthening economic relations between Bhutan and Switzerland. The event provided a platform for businesses to explore potential opportunities and laid the groundwork for increased trade and investment activities between the two nations.