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Marking the 100th anniversary of the Friendship Treaty between Switzerland and Türkiye, the 5th Swiss–Turkish Business Forum took place on 2 December 2025 in Zurich. Hosted by Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE) and organized by the Swiss Turkish Business Council (STBC), the forum featured a comprehensive program examining the past, present and future of bilateral relations.
Held under the theme “100 Years of Friendship”, the event combined historical context, geopolitical analysis and forward-looking strategies aimed at deepening cooperation between the two countries.
High-Level Attendance and Substantive Exchange
Among the distinguished participants were:
- Şebnem İncesu, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Switzerland
- Fazlı Çorman, Consul General of Türkiye in Zurich – Ambassador
- Osman Beyhan and Cumali Semeğir, Oberhandelsräte (Chief Commercial Counsellors) of the Turkish Embassy in Bern
- Representatives of the STBC, alongside senior business leaders from both Switzerland and Türkiye
The culinary offerings were supported by Set AG as beverage sponsor and Lekkeray as catering partner, both receiving strong praise from attendees.
A Program Structured Around: Yesterday – Today – Tomorrow
The forum’s keynote speeches were grouped into three central themes:
- Yesterday: Historical foundations of bilateral relations
- Today: Current geopolitical and economic dynamics
- Tomorrow: Emerging fields of cooperation and new business opportunities
STBC President Philippe Graber – Opening Remarks
In his introductory address, Philippe Graber emphasized the long-standing stability of Swiss–Turkish relations:
“On the foundation of a century, we aim to further expand sustainable and forward-looking cooperation models.”
Ambassador Şebnem İncesu – Strategic Partnership in a Time of Global Transition
Ambassador İncesu highlighted the rapid evolution of the global political landscape and the rise of geopolitical uncertainty. The diversification of economic partnerships, she stressed, has become essential for both nations.
She noted Türkiye’s increasing strategic relevance in regions such as Gaza, Ukraine and Syria, and pointed to the strong economic ties:
- Bilateral trade reached USD 12 billion in 2024
- The same level was recorded again in the first nine months of 2025
- The medium-term target is USD 20 billion
Dr. Max Schweizer – Historical Insight: “100 Years of Friendship”
Historian Dr. Max Schweizer delivered an analytical overview of bilateral relations dating back to the Lausanne negotiations of 1922/23.
He outlined seven key historical periods, including:
- Switzerland’s role at the Lausanne Conference
- Nation-building and the early years of the Turkish Republic
- The impact of the Second World War
- Soviet demands in 1944
- Türkiye’s path to NATO membership
- Economic modernization in the 1950s
His remarks provided a compelling narrative linking diplomatic history with current geopolitical realities.
**Çalık Enerji Swiss AG – The Future of Energy Partnerships
Speaker: Naci Can**
Representing Çalık Enerji Swiss AG, Naci Can presented the company’s current and upcoming energy projects, underscoring Switzerland’s growing importance within the firm’s global EPC ecosystem.
Key strategic areas include:
- More than 10 GW of energy projects across EMEA and Central Asia
- H₂-ready power plants in Poland and Hungary
- Renewable energy investments in Angola, Kosovo and Albania
- Stronger integration of Swiss suppliers into international project structures
- Expansion of the company’s Swiss presence through its Lucerne office
Naci Can highlighted the long-term vision:
“Sustainable energy, emission reduction and innovative infrastructure solutions will define the next era of our cooperation.”
