Philippine Ambassador to Switzerland Leslie J. Baja undertook an official visit on August 19 to the Canton of Valais to further enhance relations between the Philippines and Switzerland.

Ambassador Baja and the Embassy delegation were received at the reception hall of the Villa de Riedmatten by the President of the Canton Jean-Michel Cina, Vice President Jacques Melly, Chancellor Philipp Spörri, Legislative President Grégoire Dussex, and Judicial President Jean-Pierre Derivaz.

During the meeting with Valais’ state officials, including the local officials of the capital city of Sion, the Ambassador discussed the favorable living and working conditions of the Filipino community present in the entire Canton of Valais.

Ambassador Baja gave an overview about the Philippines and the trade and investment opportunities in the country for Valais’ investors and traders. Discussions focused on opportunities for cooperation between the Philippines and Valais that would capitalize on their respective strengths in the areas of agriculture, industry, information and communications technology (ICT) and renewable energy.

Both sides also agreed to further explore means to heighten cultural cooperation and people-to-people exchanges between Filipinos and the people of Valais.

The Ambassador further pursued economic diplomacy in Valais, by meeting with the Director of the Valais Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mr. Vincent Riesen in the afternoon of the same day.

Wine production, tourism, hydroelectric power generation are some of the main industries of the canton.

The wine industry of Valais is the largest in Switzerland. Hydroelectric power plants from the canton produce about 25% of Swiss electricity. The canton has a long touristic tradition with more 120 winter and summer destinations.

The Ambassador was accompanied in the official visit by Third Secretary and Vice Consul Jarie Osias, Protocol Officer Harley Tesorero and Consular Staff Florencio Francisco.