Highlights from WEF week

In Ukraine, a high-level delegation, led by First Deputy Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko, engaged in discussions to enhance cooperation and establish fast communication channels. Both sides are working towards finding case-by-case solutions, addressing immediate needs, and considering future mobility concepts post-war. Discussions also include the possibility of a fact-finding mission to Ukraine. The Swiss government is actively preparing an investment package and legal structure to support infrastructure projects in Ukraine. Swissrail member companies are committed to provide immediate help and contribute to future mobility with their innovative and sustainable technologies.

India showcases a commitment to sustainable transportation, with approximately 93 % of its railway network already electrified. The Indian government plans to invest $29 billion in 2024 in railway projects in the coming years, emphasizing network improvement, expansion, and future technology integration. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw extends an open invitation to the Swiss railway industry to explore opportunities in India, while the Swiss Federal Office of Transport and SBB highlights the success story of Swiss mobility in the Indian context. Next to the success of railway in India, there are also opportunities for rope propelled mobility systems. During another meeting with the Indian EPC Shapoorji Pallonji and our member company Garaventa at SG-E, the future collaboration has been discussed.

 

In Brazil, the focus lies on the immense potential for infrastructure development, with ongoing preparations for a mobility study indicating a strategic approach. The prospect of deploying battery buses is significant, especially in Sao Paulo, where a fleet of 13,000 diesel buses presents a massive opportunity for decarbonization. Additionally, Brazil emerges as an attractive market for hydrogen trains, boasting ample resources.

 

The United States emerges as an intriguing market for Swiss companies, with a substantial government investment in the pipeline. The mayors in the delegation expressed significant interest in Swiss technologies, underscoring the potential for fruitful collaborations. The U.S. delegation, comprising several mayors, had the chance to visit Stadler with a tour of the production facilities and networking lunch. In the afternoon, the delegation visited the SBB Control Center, showcasing the high standard of reliability, punctuality, and security inherent in the Swiss railway system. 

 

One highlight of the week was our Team Switzerland side event at House of Switzerland in Davos with active participation of our international partners and Swissrail member companies. The event focused on green infrastructure for a sustainable future and how Team Switzerland can support in finding the right local partners for international collaboration. A perfect example was presented by our member company HESS, when Alex Naef explained how his buses ended up driving in Australia and decarbonized the urban public transport system in Brisbane. The overarching message conveyed was Team Switzerland's commitment to aiding global partners in finding appropriate Swiss Sustainable Mobility Solutions and facilitating connections with companies offering relevant technologies.

Huge thanks to our #partners from #Team #Switzerland, including Switzerland Global Enterprise, SECO Economic Cooperation and Development , SERV Swiss Export Risk Insurance, Swissmem, and suisse.ing - Schweizerische Vereinigung Beratender Ingenieurunternehmungen for their outstanding organization and contributions. Special gratitude to our member companies — Stadler, Arthur Flury AG, Schwihag, ABB, HESS AG, Wyss&Lila, Otimon GmbH, Hitachi Energy, Schweizer Electronic AG and Garaventa AG — for their valuable contributions. Lastly, immense appreciation to Federal Office of Transport FOT and CFF (SBB) for their support throughout the week.