JCC Joins FC Parmelin on Kazakhstan Mission

Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin travelled to Kazakhstan for a bilateral working visit from 27 to 29 November, accompanied by an economic delegation including Marcel Pawlicek, President of the Joint Chamber of Commerce (JCC).

As Head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER), Federal Councillor Parmelin met with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov in Astana. The visit focused on maintaining and further developing the strong economic ties between Switzerland and Kazakhstan, while also ensuring that the interests of the private sector are well represented to key ministries.

A key highlight of the trip was the relaunch of the Swiss–Kazakh Business Council, co-headed by Stadler and Kazakhstan Railways, on November 28. This private-sector-driven forum aims to deepen cooperation across various industries. Marcel Pawlicek represents the JCC within the Council. He was joined at the event by Jean-Paul Periat, Vice President of the JCC and Honory Consul of Kazakhstan in Geneva, and Andreas Bitzi, JCC Board Member.

On this occasion, the JCC and the Kazakhstan Chamber of Commerce and Industry signed an updated Memorandum of Understanding, refreshing the foundations laid by the original 2013 agreement.

The mission and the renewed Swiss-Kazakh Business Council mark an important milestone—setting the stage for even stronger business relations between Switzerland and Kazakhstan in the years ahead.