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Message of the Charge d'affaires a.i.
TODAY is the National Day of Switzerland. On this momentous occasion, I wish to extend, on behalf of the Government of Switzerland, the best wishes and greetings to the people and the Government of Bangladesh. I also seize the opportunity to offer felicitations to my Swiss compatriots living in Bangladesh.
A country celebrates its national day by commemorating a historic event of the past which attributes immense significance to the creation of that state. Likewise, the Swiss National Day pays tribute to an event which took place almost 723 years ago. Legend has it that, in the first days of August 1291, the representatives of three Alpine cantons (administrative units) met on the meadow of Riitli to swear the oath of confederation, and agreed to act together if their freedom was at stake by external
aggression. However, the Swiss National Day was introduced 600 years later in 1891, after the formation of the democratic and federal state of Switzerland.
Today, Switzerland boasts a thriving, stable and export oriented economy with low unemployment rate, highly skilled human resources and a per capita GDP larger than that of many other developed economies. The Swiss political system, a combination of semi-direct democracy, decentralization and strong local governance, with 4 national languages, is quite unique. It also has a vibrant society and a lively art scene. The Swiss businesses, comprising large and well known multinationals and a myriad of small and medium enterprises, constitute the backbone of the Swiss economy. Research, innovation and technology are the "USP" of the Swiss economy.
Switzerland is one of the pioneering countries in the field of science, research and technology. In order to maintain its competitive edge, generous investments are made for research and innovation at both public and private level. Swiss researchers are involved in many research programs around the world. In this newspaper supplement, the readers will find a number of articles showcasing recent scientific works and achievements that have helped Switzerland to maintain its image as a prodigious nation in the field of innovation, hi-tech and green-tech industry.
I would also like to take the opportunity to underscore the existing excellent relations between Switzerland and Bangladesh. Switzerland was one of the first countries to recognize Bangladesh following its independence. Ever since, relations between Switzerland and Bangladesh have remained very friendly and are based on mutual respect. The relations have witnessed a positive evolution over the years. Humanitarian assistance had been the main element of the bilateral ties in the past. Now, trade and development cooperation are the two major components in the Swiss-Bangladesh relations. Last year, total trade between the two countries stood at USD 406 million, registering a significant growth of around 21% over 2011. Switzerland's annual development contribution to Bangladesh stands at over USD 30 million. In 2012, our two countries celebrated the 40 years anniversary of the bilateral relations and organized a number of events both in Bangladesh and Switzerland throughout the year. I am confident that the multifaceted cooperation with Bangladesh will further deepen in the future.
Lastly, I'd like to avail myself of this opportunity to convey my most sincere wishes to the people of Bangladesh for a prosperous future.
Caroline Trautweiler Charge d affaires a. i. of Switzerland