17 June 2015 - Philippine Ambassador to Switzerland Leslie Baja, as Dean of the Asia Pacific Ambassadors in that country, led a delegation of 10 other ambassadors in visiting the Canton of Zug in central Switzerland.  Zug is one of the smallest cantons but one of the most progressive in terms of attracting multinational companies because of its low taxes.

The ambassadors met with Mr. Heinz Tännler, the Landamman or the President of the Canton as well as Mr. Matthias Michels, the Minister for Economy and Labor, and Mr. Tobias Moser, the Canton’s Chancellor.  They were briefed on the politics and state of economy of Zug.

The ambassadors also visited the premises of Roche Diagnostics and Etter Distillery, two of the major companies which are located in Zug.

Zug officials expressed elation over the visit, the first by the Asia Pacific ambassadors, saying that it will strengthen the relations with the individual countries.  For their part, Ambassador Baja said on behalf of the ambassadors that the visit provided insights on the potentials for greater economic cooperation between Asia and Switzerland and Zug in particular. END