| EXCHANGE OF LETTERS BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENTS OF INDIA AND SWITZERLAND REGARDING TRADE RELATIONS Berne, 10 October and 6 November, 1959 Berne, 10th October, 1959 Dear Mr. BUHLER, During the course of recent discussions between representatives of the Governments of India and Switzerland regarding development
of closer economic and commercial relations between the two countries, the trends in Indo-Swiss trade were reviewed and the following
conclusions were reached 1. The Governments of India and Switzerland being desirous of expanding economic and commercial relations between the two countries
upon a mutually beneficial basis will give all facilities for the promotion of Indo-Swiss trade within the framework of their respective
laws and regulations. 2. The representatives of the two. Governments recognizing the importance of an increase in mutual exchanges for the expansion of
trade and closer economic and industrial cooperation between the two countries have affirmed the desire of their respective Governments
to facilitate practical measures for promoting contacts and developing closer business relations between businessmen, industrial
enterprises and sales organizations on both sides. 3. The parties have noted with concern the recent decline in Indian exports to Switzerland and in Swiss exports to India. They are
of the opinion that the promotion of exports of Indian goods to Switzerland would contribute to maintaining a high and stable level
of trade between the two countries and to enabling India to import to an increasing extent from Switzerland her expanding requirements.
It has been noted in this connection that there is considerable scope for an increase in Indian sales to the Swiss market, particularly
in respect of the commodities mentioned in the annexure to this letter. It has been explained that there are at present no quantitative
restrictions on the import into Switzerland of goods which India is in a position to supply. It has, however, been recognized that
a major obstacle to larger exports from India is the inadequacy of contacts between Indian and Swiss Trade Organizations and businessmen.
The two parties have accordingly agreed to use their best endeavours to foster contacts between the Swiss and Indian trade and industrial
firms and organizations. It has further been considered that it will be mutually beneficial if Swiss and Indian producers and manufacturers
could explore possibilities of meeting each other's requirements, in the light of what each has to offer to the other. 4. It has been agreed that the two Governments will consult each other from time to time on measures for the promotion and expansion
of - trade relations between the two countries. For this purpose, a Commission composed of representatives of the two Governments
will meet at the request of either party at a place and time to be mutually agreed upon. The Commission will endeavour to take such
steps as may be found necessary and practicable to develop trade between the two countries and facilitate the development of fruitful
cooperation between trade and industrial organisations on either side. Sd/- K.B. LALL.
Leader of Indian Trade Delegation. Addl. Secretary to the Government of India Mr. H. BUHLER Chef de Service, Division du Commerce, Department Federal de PEconomic Publique,
Berne. ANNEXURE INDIAN COMMODITIES FOR WHICH THERE IS CONSIDERABLE SCOPE FOR AN INCREASE IN INDIAN SALE TO THE SWISS MARKET 1. Ferro-manganese 2. Manganese ore 3. Steeltubes 4. Shellac 5. Pig iron 6. Jute manufactures 7. Raw wool 8. Leather ware 9. Mica 10. Essential oils 11. Tobacco 12. Cotton waste 13. Silk waste 14. Pharmaceutical raw materials 15. Bristles 16. Precious
stones 17. Gut 18. Tea 19. Coir manufactures 20. Spices 21. Cashewnuts 22. Walnuts 23. Carpets 24. Textile manufactures 25. Hydrogenated
vegetable oils 26. Pickles and chutneys 27. Mangoes and bananas 28. Tinned fruits 29. Brassware 30. Caper. Berne, November 6th, 1959 Dear Mr. LALL, I have the honour to aAnowledge receipt of your letter df 10th October, 1959, reading as follows : (Not reproduced) I have the honour to confirm to you that the foregoing letter correctly sets out the understanding we reached in the course of our discussions in Berne. Yours sincerely, Sd/- H. BHULER
Chairman of the Swiss Delegation. Mr. K.B. LALL, I.C.S.,
Additional Secretary to the Government of India and
Leader, Indian Trade Delegation to Europe.
C/o Embassy of India,
Berne.
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