Switzerland strengthens economic ties with Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan
Bern, 13.04.2013 - Federal Councillor Johann N. Schneider-Ammann will conclude his official visit to Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan on 13 April. The mission began on 10 April with the aim of strengthening economic relations with these increasingly important members of Switzerland’s constituency in the Bretton Woods institutions. Federal Councillor Schneider-Ammann was accompanied on his trip to Astana and Baku by around twenty private sector representatives.
The main topics of discussions between the head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER) and Prime minister Serik Akhmetov and other members of the Kazakh government in Astana were bilateral economic relations, the country's efforts towards joining the World Trade Organization (WTO), questions concerning energy and negotiations between EFTA and the Customs Union of Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan (RuBeKa).
Other topics covered included the organisation of the 2017 World Expo on green energy which will be held in Astana, the transfer of Swiss know-how, particularly with regard to cleantech, and certain difficulties experienced by Swiss businesses in the country. Relations within the constituency of the Bretton Woods institutions were also discussed at one of the meetings. Kazakhstan's economy is dependent on exports of commodities. The government therefore wants to integrate the country into the world trade system and invest heavily in modernising its industry and infrastructure.
Accompanied by a delegation of Swiss business representatives, the head of the EAER also attended the inauguration of the Switzerland-Kazakhstan Business Council. This is a new forum bringing together Swiss and Kazakh businesses, chaired by Peter Spuhler, the president of Stadler Rail and former member of the National Council and Vladimir Shkolnik, the CEO of Kazatomprom and former Minister of Science. The aim of this council is to promote investment and strengthen economic ties between the two countries.
In Azerbaijan, Federal Councillor Schneider-Ammann paid a courtesy visit to President Ilham Aliyev. The meetings with the Azeri government provided an opportunity to discuss topics concerning the country's future economic policy, where one of the main challenges is to diversify the country's economy given that energy products represent 90 per cent of exports.
Other topics covered in the course of various meetings included Azerbaijan's preparations to join the WTO, development cooperation projects and collaboration in the constituency at the Bretton Woods institutions. Azeri interlocutors mentioned the quality of the Swiss technical cooperation, especially in regard with the project to develop financial services in the national postal service Azerpost, which is supported by the State Secretariat for Economical Affairs (SECO)
The head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER) also expressed his support for private sector activities in Azerbaijan. Switzerland has a strong interest in the realisation of the Trans Adriatic Pipeline project in which a Swiss company from the energy sector is involved. Other sectors of the Swiss economy are also interested in the Azeri economy, particularly the infrastructure, transport and telecommunications sector. In order to gain a better insight into the situation in the country, the head of the EAER and business delegation also visited a cement works and an oil terminal in Baku.
Azerbaijan is increasingly interested in Switzerland as a location for business; the Azeri government views Switzerland as a gateway to the EU. Both parties affirmed that economic relations are intense and that there are no major problems. Switzerland enjoys a very positive image in this country. Federal Councillor Schneider-Ammann nevertheless reminded some of his discussion partners of the values held by Switzerland in the fields of democracy and individual liberties.
Address for enquiries
State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO
Holzikofenweg 36
CH-3003 Bern
Tel. +41 58 462 56 56
medien@seco.admin.ch
Publisher
Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research
http://www.wbf.admin.ch
