Bengaluru, Oct 28 Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar and Swiss Ambassador Maya Tissafi on Wednesday held discussions regarding strengthening bilateral cooperation across sectors, including hospitality education, infrastructure, manufacturing and investment.
During the meeting, the Swiss ambassador highlighted the potential for establishing a world-class hospitality training institution in Karnataka, drawing on the expertise of internationally renowned hospitality education institutions, including those in the Geneva region, the CMO said in a statement.
She also stressed the need for study tours to Switzerland to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and best practices in cultural heritage management, while showcasing Karnataka’s rich cultural heritage.
Tissafi invited Shivakumar to attend the AI Summit scheduled to be held in Davos, Switzerland, in 2027, the statement said.
Shivakumar highlighted Karnataka’s strong industrial base, skilled workforce and vibrant innovation ecosystem, and said there was considerable scope for collaboration between Swiss companies and the state, particularly in tunnel infrastructure.
He urged Swiss companies to explore investment opportunities in Karnataka and emphasised the need for the Swiss Investment Fund for Emerging Markets (SIFEM) to invest in the state, citing its potential to support sustainable investments, promote industrial growth and generate employment.
The chief minister noted that around 40 Swiss companies were operating in Karnataka, employing more than 20,000 people.
He welcomed greater cooperation in advanced manufacturing, engineering, pharmaceuticals, food processing and infrastructure.
The proposed direct air connectivity between Bengaluru and Zurich would further strengthen business and people-to-people ties, Shivakumar said.
He also invited Switzerland to participate as a country partner in Karnataka’s Global Investors Meet 2027.
(PTI News)
