Focus India
Focus India is a flagship project within the bachelor degree program of the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW). Organised by students for students in their final year, it allows them to apply and enhance the skills learned in school. Through the close collaboration with industrial partners, Focus India will be in its 20th consecutive successful year.
Our Mission
We aim to unleash innovation through collaboration in three main areas. Through a hands-on approach, we want to learn from each other, selected guest speakers, partners, Swiss and Indian organisations. We want to learn how to foster innovation, facilitate collaboration and sustainability and empower different generations to create a purpose-driven and future-ready society.
Our Vision
The Swiss Indian Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA): Innovation through Collaboration
The 20th edition of FOCUS INDIA promotes the dynamic connection between Switzerland’s business world and India’s booming economy. This year, under the theme "Innovation through Collaboration with the Swiss Indian TEPA," we’re diving into how companies can align their mission, values, and goals with a higher purpose that transcends profit. By embracing purpose-led strategies through our three P approach: People, Planet and Profit, we aim to explore new horizons in sustainable development and economic collaboration.
TEPA: The EFTA-India Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) represents a significant collaboration between India and the EFTA states (Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and the Principality of Liechtenstein). Set to take effect in 2025, TEPA aims to eliminate the majority of customs duties on industrial products, thus promoting economic growth and trade liberalisation. This agreement will impact key industries and promote sustainable development, creating a balanced approach to economic growth and environmental sustainability. .
Our 3 P Approach
People
The TEPA aims to create 1 million sustainable and inclusive jobs in India over the next 15 years by focusing on skill development, economic empowerment, and social inclusion.
Employment and Skills Development
A significant goal of the TEPA is to generate 1 million jobs in India within the next 15 years. The focus is on promoting sustainable and inclusive job opportunities that align with skill development and economic empowerment. Empowering a skilled workforce, can significantly enhance economic participation and improve living standards.
Economic Empowerment
The agreement underscores the importance of equipping the workforce with in-demand skills, fostering a competitive labor market, and ensuring individuals can secure meaningful, growth-aligned employment.
Social Inclusion and Labor Standards
TEPA is committed to protecting labor rights, promoting gender equality, and aligning with international standards to ensure fair working conditions. It also supports the inclusion of vulnerable groups in India’s workforce.
Planet
The TEPA promotes sustainable development by integrating economic, social, and environmental goals, encouraging responsible resource management, and supporting green technology and renewable energy projects to reduce carbon footprints.
Commitment to Sustainable Development
The TEPA emphasises the interdependence of economic, social, and environmental pillars. Innovation realised through this agreement will lead to more sustainable trade practices and higher environmental standards.
Sustainable Resource Management
Encouraging effective management of natural resources and ecosystems, the agreement focuses on conserving biodiversity, using it sustainably, and promoting responsible consumption.
Environmental Benefits
TEPA supports the transfer of green technologies, emphasising collaboration in renewable energy projects like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. Understanding how these efforts reduce carbon footprints is crucial, as this subject is more important than ever.
Profit
The TEPA enhances trade and economic integration between India and EFTA through tariff reductions, targets significant investments, and ensures strong intellectual property protection to foster innovation and fair competition.
Market Access and Economic Growth
TEPA enhances trade between India and EFTA through mutual tariff reductions, fostering economic integration and opening new opportunities for businesses to benefit from expanded market access.
Investment and Job Creation
Aiming for USD 100 billion in investments and 1 million jobs over 15 years, TEPA supports initiatives like «Make in India» and «Atmanirbhar Bharat,» encouraging technological innovation and sustainable economic development.
Intellectual Property Protection
TEPA provides robust intellectual property protection aligned with TRIPS (Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights), safeguarding patents, reducing legal risks, and promoting innovation while ensuring fair competition and access to medicines.