EVENT | India: New Perspectives for Swiss Trade

From Trade Agreement to Strategic Advantage: Leveraging TEPA and Decoding India’s Business Culture

India is rapidly emerging as a key partner for international trade and investment. With one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies, a vast domestic market and an increasingly important role in global value chains, the country offers significant opportunities for Swiss companies.

The recent entry into force of the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) between India and the EFTA States marks an important milestone in strengthening bilateral economic relations. The agreement is expected to facilitate trade, improve market access and create new opportunities for Swiss exporters and investors.

This event aims to provide businesses in Ticino with a clearer understanding of the opportunities arising from TEPA, while also highlighting the importance of cultural awareness when operating in the Indian market. It will offer practical perspectives on how companies can seize new opportunities and strengthen their engagement with the Indian market.

Program

16:00 Welcome address

• Alex Chung, Head of Lugano Fair Trade Town Initiative

 16:05 Keynote address

• H.E. Mridul Kumar, Ambassador of India to Switzerland

 16:15 TEPA Explained: Key Provisions and Concrete Advantages for Swiss Companies

• Monica Zurfluh, Head of International Trade, Cc-Ti
• Pietro Poretti, Head of Economic Development, City of Lugano
  Pietro Poretti has more than two decades of experience in international trade law and policy. He has advised sovereign clients on the negotiation, implementation, and dispute settlement of international trade agreements, as well as private sector clients on achieving practical economic objectives through the application and negotiation of such agreements. He served as a Senior Legal Officer in the EFTA Trade Relations Division until 2014 and participated in the early stages of the TEPA negotiations between 2008 and 2013

 16:45 When Culture Becomes Competitive Advantage

• Marco Casanova, Director, ESG Center of Excellence
  Marco Casanova studied business administration at the University of Bern and graduated with a Lic.rer.pol. degree. He has travelled to India more than 25 times over the past 20 years on business as a consultant, keynote speaker, coach and lecturer, and has also in India an extensive network in politics, administration, science, business and civil society.

17:15 Q&A Session