March 2, 2016
No. 050
Former President of Switzerland Adolf Ogi is leading a 23-member delegation from the Swiss Economic Forum to the Republic of China from March 2 to 5.
During their stay, the delegation will have an audience with President Ma Ying-jeou, call at the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Economic Affairs, and meet with Leo C. J. Lee, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, who will host a banquet in their honor. They will also visit Taiwanese enterprises and Hsinchu Science Park, explore Taiwan’s business and investment environment, and interact with local business owners.
Dr. Ogi, who served twice as both the president and vice president of Switzerland, was also the minister of transport, communications and energy and the minister of defense, civil protection and sports during a 13-year period from 1988 to 2000. In addition, he has been the Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations, making him a major figure in Switzerland.
The other members of the delegation are either leaders or chief executives of key Swiss enterprises in a wide range of fields, from information technology, aeronautics, solar energy, and bicycles to machinery, finance, legal consultancy, and tourism.
Taiwan and Switzerland enjoy robust economic and trade relations. In 2015, bilateral trade totaled US$2.12 billion, while Switzerland is Taiwan’s sixth-largest trading partner in Europe. The delegation expects to gain a better understanding of Taiwan’s political and economic development, and will hold exchanges with Taiwanese businesses, share experiences in operational strategies, and look for trade opportunities. This will further enhance future bilateral economic and trade cooperation, as well as investment relations. (E)