Message of Brazilian Ambassador to Switzerland

Brazil and Switzerland have for a long time worked together to promote economic and social development. The relationship between our countries is based on common trade interests, investments, and scientific and technological cooperation, among others. We have achieved a lot. We share the same values in terms of democracy, peace, freedom, and human rights. Our governments have always participated in international forums with a spirit of cooperation, and we are constantly working to strengthen our bilateral political relationship.

I had the honor to attend, together with president Lula da Silva, Chancellor Celso Amorim, and other ministers and state governors, the ceremony held at FIFA’s headquarters, in Zurich, on October 30, 2007. At the occasion, FIFA announced that Brazil had been chosen to host the 2014 World Soccer Championship. On the same day, president Lula met with counselor Micheline Calmy-Rey, president of the Swiss Confederation, to discuss different issues of interest to both countries. The meeting brought about opportunities to further enhance our bonds, especially concerning initiating trilateral cooperation efforts, partnerships to develop biofuels, a new scientific and technological agreement, and another agreement to foster vocational education. Other topics discussed included multilateral aspects, such as the reform of the United Nations and the Doha Round. The chancellor invited president Lula for a State visit to Switzerland.

One day before the meetings in Zurich, Minister Celso Amorim was in Bern for an official visit, the first visit of a Brazilian Chancellor to the Helvetian capital since the early 1960’s. The Minister met with three Federal Counselors - Doris Leuthard (Economy), Pascal Couchepin (Interior), and Micheline Calmy-Rey (Foreign Businesses), and attended the inauguration of the First Meeting of the Swiss-Brazilian Mixed Commission on Economic and Trade Relations. The meeting of the Commission, set up in February 2007 during the visit of the Swiss Federal Counselor Doris Leuthard to Brasilia, was attended by representatives of both governments and the private sector.

Last year, therefore, we had a great number of activities aimed at enhancing the relations between Brazil and Switzerland. We are currently implementing the programs and agreements, as planned, and creating new cooperation and dialog instruments. Companies from both countries are expanding their reach in the trade, financial, and technological spheres, bringing about the necessary conditions for sustainable development. Access to the Swiss market is especially important for many Brazilian businesses, mainly for the prestige enjoyed by products offered on the Swiss market, which demand products of proven high quality. A significant number of Brazilian companies have set up offices in Switzerland to reach the European market.

Regarding Swiss investments in Brazil, it is encouraging to see that traditional companies in the pharmaceutical, food, and service sectors are expanding their presence in the country. In July 2007, for instance, I had the pleasure to attend the inauguration of some of Novartis’ new plants in Brazil. The Novartis Group has confirmed its plans to expand its activities in the country, including a project to set up a meningitis vaccine production plant.

So, we can say the relationship between Brazil and Switzerland is going through a very fruitful period, to which SWISSCAM has greatly contributed with its continuing work to support the common interests of the business community in both countries.