Embassy of Switzerland in India
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The delegation of Focus India 2015 started its first day in India by visiting the Swiss embassy in Delhi. The diplomatic relations between Switzerland and India are going back to the late fifties; Switzerland was one of the first foreign countries investing into India after the country’s independency from England in 1947. Today, Switzerland is the 11th strongest foreign investor in India, which is quite impressive for such a small country.
One of the reasons why Switzerland became famous in India was a Bollywood production in Interlaken. Every year, the Swiss embassy in India is issuing more than 100’000 visa applications. No other Swiss embassy is issuing more visas. However, Indian students still prefer studying in the United States instead of countries like Switzerland. Therefore, the Swiss embassy in India tries to make Swiss universities more attractive by providing scholarships.
The middle class in India is rising, which also encourages Indians to travel more often. Nevertheless, poverty is still a huge topic in India. Thus, the major goal of the Swiss embassy with the launching of “Swiss year of innovation” is being found in foreign investments in order to industrialise and create jobs.
In 2015, more than 200 Swiss companies can be found in India doing business, research and development. Especially unknown Swiss enterprises are doing very well in India regarding niche markets such as machinery and hi-tech sectors.
One of the efforts of the Swiss embassy is pushing the research and development, which also emphasises that projects such as the «Solar Impulse – Around the world in a solar airplane» have received great exposure in the media. This project is considered as the most innovative project at the time and should raise more awareness of the innovation in India. Switzerland is being seen as one of the most innovative countries in the world. (Article by Darko Bosnjak and Patricia Lexow // Photo by Jonas Hufschmid)
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Blaser Swisslube
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After a short break at the hotel, the delegation made its way through the bustling streets of New Delhi to visit Blaser Swisslube in the technological hub Gurgaon. Mr Punit Gupta and two of his employees warmly welcomed the Swiss guests and began their presentation with an introduction of India’s history and culture.
Afterwards, the company itself was presented: The family-owned company was founded in 1936 by Willi Blaser. The entry to the Indian market took place in 2001/2002. The main business of Blaser in India is to be not only a supplier but also a solution provider. Their main goal is to increase the profitability and productivity of their clients with high performance cutting fluids and oils for their manufacturing – and as such adding value to their customers’ companies. The challenges, which Blaser faces in India, are mainly the lack of awareness of the importance of the product and the price-driven market. To keep up with the challenge, Blaser wants to provide a high level of service for their customers. Mr Gupta finally outlined their main values such as having a long-term relationship with their customers and their employees, and keeping the business as a family-owned enterprise, which is professionally managed. He pointed out how important it is to be passionate about one’s job in order to be successful. Listening to his speech you could notice his own passion for his job.
To complete this highly interesting company visit, the delegation was invited by Blaser Swisslube to a traditional Indian dinner, which exceeded everyone’s expectations. Thank you very much, Blaser Swisslube, once again for this amazing experience! (Article by Alexandra Borner and Lorena Coletti // Photo by Jonas Hufschmid)