Dacca
Manuscrit, non publié à l’époque. Seul le prononcé fait foi. Les notes de travail ont été retirées.
Discours prononcé en anglais. Texte original, non traduit.
Ministers,
Excellencies,
Distinguished business leaders,
Ladies and gentlemen,
It is an honour to address you all today.
I am impressed by Bangladesh’s continued growth. And I commend the government’s goal of making Bangladesh a middle-income country by 2021.
The recent efforts to improve the business climate have already had a beneficial impact with greater flows of inward investment.
As a thriving economic region, Asia is very important to Switzerland. Although it is not yet a major player, the Bangladesh economy has proved to be resilient and dynamic. Which is reflected in our trade statistics.
Over the past seven years, the volume of trade between our two countries has more than doubled. Thanks to growing exports from Bangladesh to Switzerland.
We enjoy good economic relations that rely on sound bilateral framework conditions, which facilitate business-to-business endeavours.
When framework conditions are good and legal certainty prevails, companies can prosper. And focus on what they do best: namely innovate and do business.
We live in a global economy which is developing at an ever faster pace, and where structural risks add to internal challenges. In this situation, private companies need simple but efficient framework conditions at home and abroad.
I acknowledge the recent efforts by the Bangladeshi government to further improve framework conditions. To support the private sector and create a fair legal environment for both local and foreign companies. The greater the level of legal certainty, the deeper and more sustainable our economic bilateral relations will be.
Areas of business-to-business cooperation are numerous and diverse. That diversity is reflected in the composition of the Swiss-Bangladeshi business community and the prestigious audience gathered here today.
The question of business conduct is nothing new. Businesses must run on sound decisions, efficiency and innovation. And they need to be tested by competition on the market.
In recent years the debate about corporate social responsibility has gained momentum.
People are gradually realising that chasing profit may bring economic success in the short term, but it may not pay dividends in the long term.
The public now expects greater transparency, is more sensitive to corporate social responsibility, and identifies more with companies that make such a commitment.
It goes without saying that your business has to be legal. But you also need to take the legitimacy of business conduct seriously. This can be a great challenge when the values of a society shift.
Businesses are increasingly expected to assume their responsibilities with respect to society and the environment in their business activities both at home and abroad.
These include dignified working conditions, compliance with environmental standards, respect for human rights, the rejection of unethical practices and not deceiving consumers.
Most Swiss businesses already assume their responsibilities.
Large firms follow international CSR guidelines, such as the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, or the UN Global Compact. Many CEOs have recognised that responsible business conduct is vital for the long-term success of their businesses and is therefore in their own interest.
The Swiss government has been promoting responsible business conduct for many years now. The Federal Council adopted a CSR position paper along with an action plan in 2015.
The paper sets out the government’s aims and expectations with regard to CSR. It also provides an overview of the government’s diverse CSR activities, thereby encouraging coherent policy.
In order to successfully implement CSR, there has to be openness on the part of businesses and stakeholders to dialogue, as well as initiative on the part of the private sector.
Swiss companies active in Bangladesh seem to be involved in this dialogue. Which will contribute to strengthening their future cooperation with Bangladeshi companies.
Minister,
Excellencies,
Distinguished business leaders,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Today’s business exchange was a valuable opportunity for Swiss and Bangladeshi companies to discuss their visions for the future, reflect on the potential of the Bangladeshi market, and identify potential new areas of cooperation. While shining a light on the positive long-term effects of following a responsible code of conduct. It has helped to deepen our mutual understanding and strengthen our bilateral economic relations.
Our bilateral economic relations are about to enter a new era – carried by the enthusiasm and willingness of both Swiss and Bangladeshi companies to explore new ways to cooperate.
I believe that their common commitment will contribute to greater mutual prosperity.
I’ll try this in Bengali: “Bangladesh Switzerland-er schom-por-ko aa-ro modsche-bot houk.”
Thank you.