Innovation and trade at heart of Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis's official visit to Japan

On the occasion of Switzerland's National Day for the Osaka World Expo on 22 April, Mr Cassis, who heads the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), honed in on Switzerland's status as a leader in innovation and cutting-edge technology. He was accompanied by a number of representatives from Swiss research and technology institutions, including Michael Hengartner, president of the ETH Board, and André Kudelski, president of Innosuisse, highlighting the importance of the public and private sector partners at the Swiss Pavilion. One such example is the pavilion’s Geneva Public Portal to Anticipation, which allows visitors to interact with the scientific expertise on anticipation developed by GESDA. On 23 April Mr Cassis held talks in Tokyo with the Japanese foreign minister, Takeshi Iwaya, highlighting the two countries’ excellent bilateral relations based on extensive exchanges and shared values. Discussions also focused on current geopolitical challenges, both in terms of trade and regional politics in the Asia-Pacific region. With regard to the war in Ukraine, the two ministers discussed possible paths towards a just and lasting peace. At the meeting with the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Switzerland and Japan agreed to strengthen exchanges in innovation and digital trade, as well as on economic and trade policies. Mr Cassis also met representatives from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sport, Science and Technology, consolidating a mutual interest in deepening cooperation in strategic areas such as quantum technology. In addition, Mr Cassis met with NEC Corporation CEO Takayuki Morita during his visit to their headquarters in Tokyo, where it was announced that NEC's digital government and digital finance activities would be based in Zurich – a testament to the quality of the Swiss ecosystem. Japan is one of Switzerland's key Asian partners in economic, scientific and technological terms. Japanese companies are now the main Asian investors in Switzerland. The official visit has thus provided an excellent opportunity to consolidate bilateral ties and promote Swiss interests in a rapidly changing international environment.

Bilateral relations Switzerland–Japan

Article about the trip

Press release - Japanese

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