Swiss MP Nik Gugger Highlights India’s Opportunities in European Markets Amid Concerns Over Chinese Products

Kathmandu, July 21 — Member of the Swiss Parliament and President of the Swiss-India Parliamentary Group, Nik Gugger, has emphasized that India has a significant opportunity to supply goods to Europe, especially as European countries are increasingly wary of the influx of cheap Chinese products in their markets.

In an interview with ANI, Gugger stated, “We can say that it is India’s chance. The big chance. India can now, with their slogan, Incredible India, show the world that we do not need cheap products from other countries and that we have a free trade agreement with them where we want to work together in high quality. And that’s the chance.”

European Union officials have been vocal about their concerns regarding cheap Chinese imports, including electric vehicles, solar panels, and wind turbines, which they believe are flooding their markets and harming local industries.

During his visit to India, Gugger also discussed the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) between India and four European countries: Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein. The agreement was signed on March 10, 2024, and aims to promote free trade and economic integration among these nations.

“It’s a unique free trade agreement between four countries. That means Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Iceland, and Norway. And this free trade agreement is the first trade agreement that India has with four countries in Europe. This opens a lot of chances for both countries,” Gugger explained.

He highlighted the potential benefits of this agreement for various sectors, including healthcare, medical care, steel, and particularly vocational education. Gugger noted the importance of dual education systems, stating, “In between India and Switzerland, we have good universities, good colleges, good high schools, and good vocational training centers, especially in Switzerland.”

Gugger also mentioned the upcoming TEPA event in Mumbai, set to take place this Sunday, which will further solidify the trade relations between the involved countries.

Reflecting on the longstanding bilateral relations between India and Switzerland, Gugger remarked, “Especially the synergy between, for example, Switzerland and India because we have a friendship treaty. We are in the 76th year. Last year, we celebrated 75 years. Now we are in our 76th year and we started not only with our friendship treaty but also with our free trade agreement. And as I mentioned, vocational training has huge potential. India has the youngest population. More than 50 per cent are younger than 30 years. And there I see the big potential between India and Switzerland.”

Gugger’s statements underscore the growing importance of India as a key trading partner for Europe, particularly in the face of shifting global trade dynamics and the need for high-quality, reliable products.