Dezan Shira & Associates Opens Asia Panel at Swiss International Trade Forum 2025 in Basel

BASEL – On May 15, Marco Förster, ASEAN Director at Dezan Shira & Associates, opened a key panel at the International Trade Forum 2025, hosted by Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE) in Basel. The session provided strategic insights into one of the world’s most compelling economic growth narratives: the rise of ASEAN and India.

Held under the theme “The Future Seven: Swiss SMEs’ Gateway to Growth in India, Southeast Asia, and Beyond”, the panel brought together leading industry voices to discuss regional expansion strategies and evolving trade dynamics in the Indo-Pacific. Expertly moderated by S-GE’s very own Angela Di Rosa—who originally pitched the panel as a necessary complement to Europe and North America-focused sessions with the observation, “America we know already, Europe is nearby—Asia is the growth driver Swiss SMEs need”—the discussion featured:

• Marcel Pernici, President, Feintool System Parts Asia
• Fabienne Tihon, Global Business Intelligence Manager, Neoperl Group
• Marco Förster, ASEAN Director, Dezan Shira & Associates

Marco highlighted the strategic importance of ASEAN and India as twin growth engines for Swiss SMEs seeking new markets, supply chain diversification, and long-term scalability. He underlined the accelerated momentum of regional economic integration—underscored by the surge in EFTA free trade agreements and bilateral FTAs across Asia.

“ASEAN and India are not just alternative markets—they are defining the future of global demand, and manufacturing. Companies that position themselves early stand to gain long-term resilience and relevance.” Marco noted during his keynote.

The discussion explored practical pathways for Swiss companies entering or expanding within Asia, emphasizing key sectors such as high-tech manufacturing, consumer goods, and advanced services. Special attention was paid to the interplay between EFTA ecosystem synergies between Switzerland in markets like Singapore, Thailand, India, and the cost-performance advantages of destinations like Vietnam and Indonesia.

Riccardo Benussi, Director Europe at Dezan Shira & Associates, also joined the forum to support the engagement, offering Swiss firms an on-the-ground Asia contact in Europe.

Dezan Shira & Associates extends its appreciation to Switzerland Global Enterprise for organizing a world-class event. Particular thanks go to Feranica Susanto, Roger Zbinden, Alain Graf, Daniel Bont, Renée Koh, and the entire S-GE team for their continued efforts in equipping Swiss companies with actionable intelligence and support in APAC.

Looking Ahead

For Swiss enterprises looking to explore expansion into ASEAN or India, our specialists across Asia stand ready to advise. To connect with our teams on-the-ground in India or Southeast Asia, reach us at: asia@dezshira.com