WEF Delegation Meets Minister MB Patil to Explore Indo–Swiss FTA Opportunities

Bengaluru

In a significant step toward strengthening global industrial ties, Karnataka’s Minister for Large and Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development, M.B. Patil, met with a high-level delegation from the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Bengaluru on Thursday. The WEF team was led by Aditi Vyas, Head of Business Engagement for South Asia.

The meeting focused on leveraging the recently signed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and Switzerland to boost trade, investment, and industrial cooperation. The delegation expressed confidence that the agreement would prompt a wave of Swiss companies to expand into India—particularly in Karnataka, which continues to be a leading FDI destination.

Swiss companies, known for cutting-edge innovation, face domestic expansion constraints, making Karnataka an attractive location to build industrial capacity. Minister Patil emphasized the state’s robust infrastructure, policy support, and readiness to facilitate such strategic collaborations.

Recounting his participation at the 2024 Davos Forum, the minister said it had opened new industrial and trade avenues, helping Karnataka attract high-value investments and generate jobs. “Karnataka is committed to global engagement through platforms like the WEF. Our aim is to drive sustainable economic growth and position the state as a global investment hub,” Patil said.

Aditi Vyas acknowledged Karnataka’s proactive engagement and identified potential collaboration areas, including clean hydrogen, industrial clusters, and advanced manufacturing. “With 50 WEF partner organisations in India and our upcoming biennial summit in Saudi Arabia, the scope to deepen global ties with Karnataka is immense,” she said.

WEF Business Development Officer Parv Bansal and Technology Pioneer Alok Medikepur Anil were also part of the meeting.