Switzerland and India enhance their cooperation in vocational and professional education and training

With the signing of this agreement, the two countries intend to complement the existing commitment of Swiss and Indian players to professional skills development and vocational and professional education and training. The agreement institutionalises cooperation between the two countries in these areas and aims to promote Swiss vocational and professional education and training internationally. The agreement was signed at the second International Congress on Vocational and Professional Education and Training held in Winterthur. The first such congress was held in 2014. The agreement is consistent with the strategy of the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation SERI on international cooperation in vocational and professional education and training.

Switzerland and India have fostered excellent bilateral relations in the field of education, research and innovation for many years. In 2008, to mark the 60th anniversary of the bilateral friendship agreement between Switzerland and India, the Swiss VET Initiative India (SVETII) was launched. It is based on the initiative of the Swiss private sector and is implemented by vocational training experts of both countries in different locations in India. In addition, there has been an agreement on scientific and technological cooperation between the Federal Council and the Government of the Republic of India for around 13 years.

Both countries benefit from the joint activities in vocational and professional education and training, and in research and technology. They share the conviction that promoting professional and technical skills at various levels bolsters individual, social and economic development and growth.