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Small, medium Swiss firms keen on pact with local companies
Our Corporate Bureau
PUNE, January 13: Small and medium-sized companies from Switzerland have shown interest in entering into mutually beneficial agreements with Indian companies. A Swiss delegation, consisting of businessmen from various industries said they were keen to explore opportunities in areas like auto-components, information technology and management consultancy.The delegation is in the country to assess the investment opportunities in the country. The leader of the group, Peter Oertli said he was not discouraged by the present economic crisis prevalent in the country and envisaged a healthy long-term growth in the country's economy. "In the light of the turmoil in south-east Asian countries, the relatively stable situation in India is being viewed as a very positive signal in Europe, as far as interested investors are concerned," Oertli said. The crisis in these countries should be seen as a "blessing in disguise" for India. Earlier, welcoming the delegation, the Mahratta Chamber of Commerce and Industries
(MCCI) president RJ Rathi said mutual agreements with the Swiss would help local businessmen to "learn and improve, so as to produce high quality products for the global market". Companies would gain by entering into tie-ups in the areas of finance, technology and marketing, he added. MCCI Foreign Trade sub-committee chairman Pradeep Rathi said domestic exports to Switzerland had grown by 16 per cent in April to October 1997. This represents a 16 per cent rise over the corresponding period last year. Swiss foreign investment into the country had also registered an encouraging growth rate of 44 per cent last year. Exports to Switzerland are in the areas of gems and jewellry, cotton fabrics, drugs and pharmaceuticals, dyes and chemicals. Imports from Switzerland mainly include gold and silver, machine parts, transport equipment, and watches.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
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