Machinery industry Swissmem President calls for improved economic relations
The uncertain economic environment, geopolitical tensions and increasing protectionism among the world's most important economic powers are bad news for the heavily export-oriented Swiss technology industry.
25.06.2024, 13:43
SDA
In this tense environment, Switzerland must not fall into a "foreign policy deep sleep", warned Swissmem President Martin Hirzel at the start of the Industry Day in Bern on Tuesday.
Switzerland must return to a pragmatic economic policy and strengthen the framework conditions, Hirzel continued. The keyword here is "multi-alignment", i.e. political efforts to maintain good relations with as many countries as possible. "The instruments for this are international partnerships and free trade agreements," emphasized the Swissmem President.
Hirzel cited the conclusion of the free trade agreement with India as a positive example. "We are now hoping to conclude similar agreements with Mercosur, Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia, as well as an improved agreement with China". The aim is a win-win situation from which everyone benefits.
Solution with the EU
According to Hirzel, Switzerland's relationship with the EU remains the biggest construction site for companies in the mechanical, electrical and metal industries. "Around 60 percent of Swiss technology industry exports go to the EU. We need a solution." After ten years of negotiations, the cards for a new agreement with the EU are on the table. "The task now is to finalize it and then put it to the people," says Hirzel.
According to Hirzel, the industry is also facing stronger domestic political headwinds: "The Swiss people no longer consistently follow the principle of 'What's good for the economy is good for Switzerland'". This was demonstrated by the people's acceptance of the 13th AHV revision.
Meanwhile, Hirzel does not want to "give the trade unions anything". "They want to make it easier to declare collective employment agreements generally binding. Swissmem will not go along with this," he emphasized. This would undermine the liberal labor market in Switzerland. In any case, Switzerland needs a political fitness program and less bureaucracy.
Focus on AI
The Industry Day will also focus on artificial intelligence (AI). "With AI, a new technology is entering our consciousness that will change our lives and also the industry," Hirzel is convinced. AI is not just a technical gimmick, but offers great potential that can be used along the entire value chain.
There is still a lack of qualified AI specialists in the Swiss economy and the high level of dynamism also poses problems for companies, as Hirzel explained. It is important that companies work together with third-party companies, universities of applied sciences and universities in a targeted manner.
In addition, the latest technological trends need to be integrated into vocational training. And Hirzel emphasized the need for stronger international networking in research with the exchange of specialists.
More than 1000 managers from industry, politics and science will meet at the Industry Day on Tuesday in the Kursaal in Bern. President of the Swiss Confederation Viola Amherd and UBS CEO Sergio Ermotti will be among the speakers at the event.
