Switzerland and Japan – a trusted connection

Japan and Switzerland share a unique closeness despite their physical distance and cultural differences. Their value for respect and their trustworthiness as a community serve as a solid foundation for mutual economic progress.

Japan is highly industrialized, and the Japanese frequently set new standards in terms of quality, technology and customer service. This is not much different from Switzerland, which also adheres to the same principles. It is no wonder, then, that Japan is one of the main partners of Swiss professionals in education, research and innovation.

Precision, punctuality, reliability and a penchant for good quality are just some similarities or common threads in terms of fundamental values that run strong within Japan and Switzerland.

Values that bring the countries closer
Let’s take a closer look at the concept of ‘precision’.

Swiss skills that go into meticulous watch-making and the designing of precise weighing equipment; or the detailed approach to traditional Japanese Origami that has created its own place in modern-day engineering and robotics, are both skills that need exactness and accuracy. Nothing short of 100% precision is considered perfect.

Similarly, the concept of ‘handmade’ is genuinely appreciated and valued both in Japan and Switzerland. Be the Japanese knives that are folded and battered multiple times – a skill passed from one generation to the next, resulting in perfect functionality and design; or the intricate Swiss lace, chocolate or machinery – if handmade, these products are sold at a premium. Quality is appreciated.

Check out the Swiss and the Japanese high-tech train systems: they are clean, punctual and reliable. And if you forget your bags or wallet on the train in either of the two countries, you will – more often than not – find your belongings intact at the lost property counter. Remarkably, the people of the two countries that are continents apart live and work in trust-based societies.

These similarities, despite cultural differences, are what make the two geographies tick in tandem economically as well.

Taking a step back in time
Economic ties between Switzerland and Japan date back to 1863, when the first Swiss delegation led by watch industry representative Aimé Humbert from the canton of Neuchâtel arrived at the port of Yokohama in Japan after a five-month sea voyage.

The intention was to establish trade relations between the two countries. A treaty of amity and commerce between Japan and Switzerland was signed in Edo on February 6th, 1864, marking the beginning of friendly relations. This was followed by close political and economic cooperation based on trust, transparency and mutual interests.

Much later, in 1981, the Swiss Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan (SCCIJ) was established to support Swiss companies in Japan as well as Japanese enterprises interested in businesses in Switzerland. With about 140 corporate and 60 individual members, the SCCJI is among the most active chambers in Japan today, organising events to facilitate business and actively contribute to bilateral relations between the countries.

Fast-forward to early 2009: the Japan-Switzerland Free Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (JSFTEPA) was signed in Tokyo. This comprehensive agreement further deepened the pre-existing bilateral ties.

The two nations celebrated 150 years of diplomatic relations in 2014. At the same time, Japan-Switzerland Economic Council (JSEC) was established. This Council focuses on information for, and contacts among, Japanese companies with direct investments in Switzerland.

And now…
Presently, Japan is one of Switzerland’s most important partner states in Asia. Trade between the two countries has always been notable. According to the Swiss Federal Customs Administration, as of 2017, Japan was Switzerland’s sixth largest export market, accounting for 2.5% of overall Swiss exports to Asia (total exports to Asia: 22%). The main exports included: products from the chemical-pharmaceutical industry, precision instruments, watches and jewellery, machines, apparatus & electronics. At the same time, the top merchandise imports from Japan to Switzerland included: precious metals, gems and semi-precious stones, vehicles and products from the chemical-pharmaceutical industry.

Japan and Switzerland are among the world’s 20 strongest economies with a high level of development and a strong capacity for innovation, and the former has traditionally been represented with a strong delegation at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos.

Based on the past and ongoing economic ties, along with the common values shared between the two nations, air cargo has come to the forefront as an important factor for cementing stronger economic relations.