Message of State Secretary Jean-Daniel Gerber on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of SACCI

On behalf of the Swiss authorities, I would like to warmly congratulate the Swiss-Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) on the occasion of its 20^th anniversary. This milestone provides me with a welcome opportunity to underline SACCI's numerous and outstanding achievements since its establishment in 1985 on behalf of Swiss-Australian economic cooperation. The months to come will indeed be a great time of celebration for Switzerland’s presence in Australia, as our Consulate General in Sydney is commemorating its 150^th anniversary, just one year before its counterpart in Melbourne.

Two decades ago, SACCI's founders were faced with challenging tasks. Basically starting from scratches, the Chamber did not take long to establish a large network and to affirm its expertise. Simultaneously, it developed a sound base of cooperation with the Swiss authorities, to be finally entrusted with the mandate of handling all trade related enquiries from Australia and Switzerland. It has thus become the main correspondent of the OSEC Business Network Switzerland in Australia. SACCI took the initiative for organizing, among other projects, the Swiss participation at Australian trade exhibitions, starting in 1993. It has continued annually with a Swiss Pavilion at the National Manufacturing Week, the largest exhibition of its type in Australia. This fair, due to take place again from 10^th – 13^th May this year, is all the more important to us that the machinery sector is the backbone of Switzerland’s exporting industry.

The Swiss authorities appreciate that, directly and indirectly, SACCI’s actions are also an important tool for the promotion of the general image of Switzerland in Australia. For example, different projects developed in view of the 2000 Sydney Olympics and Paralympics showed how synergies can be generated between trade development and the broader promotion of Switzerland in Australia. SACCI’s development has been made possible thanks to the dedication of its successive Presidents and General Managers. The results achieved are impressive and I cannot but express my gratitude to all those concerned for their excellent work and cooperation.

Economic relations between Switzerland and Australia have developed very satisfactorily in the past two decades in spite of the large distance. Roughly speaking, since SACCI's establishment, Swiss exports have doubled whereas our imports have increased by half. Last year was a good year for our bilateral trade. Swiss exports to Australia increased by 23% to reach 1.3 billion Swiss francs, reflecting the continued dynamism of the Australian economy. Direct imports from Australia increased slightly during the same period to reach 146 million Swiss francs. Australia is now the 7^th trade partner of Switzerland within the Asia-Oceania region. The structure of our bilateral trade being rather complementary, there is certainly scope for further expansion in both directions.

As far as investments are concerned, Swiss companies are well aware of the potential represented by the Australian market. Switzerland is currently number 6 among the foreign direct investors in Australia. As SACCI members rightly figured out, Australia, currently in its 14^th year of uninterrupted economic growth, offers Swiss firms many opportunities  of looking for an expansion of their activities in the Asia-Pacific zone. I am convinced that SACCI can offer great support and counseling to Swiss SMEs in this regard, using the large expertise it has acquired over the past 20 years. The other way round too, Australian entrepreneurs should be aware of the fact that Switzerland offers an interesting and very competitive market and business location. Its strategic position in the hearth of Europe makes it the ideal basis for those who want to boost their business relations in this part of the world. Dear SACCI members, do not hesitate to spread the world! 

Please accept my best wishes for the continued success of your activities

State Secretary Jean-Daniel Gerber

Director State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (seco), Bern

 Corporate Sponsors of SACCI

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