Ivana Wagner is charge d’affaires in the embassy of Switzerland in Ukraine, which is hidden on the heel of Koziatynska Street of Kyiv’s center.
Ivana Wagner is charge d’affaires in the embassy of Switzerland in Ukraine, which is hidden on the heel of Koziatynska Street of Kyiv’s center.
Unlike many other diplomats interviewed by Kyiv Post, Wagner didn’t boast about how close Ukraine and Switzerland are tied; instead, Wagner saw plenty of room for improvement.
Speaking to the Kyiv Post, Wagner explained how Swiss business feels in Ukraine and how she sees the dispute over Russian and Ukrainian languages in the country.
KP: How would you describe the relations between Switzerland and Ukraine?
IW: Economically there is room for the relationships to improve. In terms of investment and the number of companies in Ukraine, Switzerland is not comparable to countries like Austria, Germany or even the northern nations.
Foreign direct investment stands at more than $1 billion, which makes two percent of Ukraine’s total FDI. Our biggest investments came from Nestle, which poured some money into Svitoch chocolate factory in Lviv Oblast, and Tetra Pak, a packing material producer. There were also investments in wood and glass industries. We can’t boast a big trade turnover either – it stands at $120 million.
KP: Why do you think there is unfulfilled potential in our economic relations?
IW: Swiss people are quite prudent and cautious. They think twice before going somewhere. And conditions for business here are still to be improved.
The problems for Swiss business have increased here since the last year; I am hearing two times more complaints. It’s the usual scope of issues – taxes, VAT refund, and customs. So, of course, this doesn’t inspire confidence. When these issues improve, the Swiss will come.
KP: So you don’t feel that the announced government reform program helps?
IW: We feel that something is being done. But whether it goes in the right direction, whether it helps, I’m not so sure.
KP: Does Switzerland encourage Ukraine to liberalize the processes?
IW: We have been here for 11 years with a cooperation office that has programs for good governance, decentralizations, and helps to reform judicial system and healthcare. It’s a slow process.
KP: What is the Ukrainian diaspora like in Switzerland?
IW: There are around 8,000 Ukrainians living in Switzerland. Many work as nurses.
Right now it would be very difficult to apply for a job in Switzerland from Ukraine, but I think Ukrainians come through other countries.
KP: Are there many Ukrainians who travel to Switzerland?
IW: We issue around 20-22,000 visas per year. There are many demands for visas in winter and in summer with people going to the well-known Swiss resorts. Around 20 percent of visas are marriage visas and then some Ukrainians are going to Switzerland to study.
”I am hearing two times more complaints. It’s the usual scope of issues – taxes, VAT refund and customs. So, of course, this doesn’t inspire confidence.”
– Ivana Wagner
KP: Switzerland is known for its multilingualism. How do you combine so many languages in such a small country?
IW: German, French, Italian are our official languages and the fourth one – Retro Romansch – is our national language. Each canton decides which language they want to use in their schools and universities.
But one can use all three languages dealing with the public authorities in any canton. Public officials know at least two languages – German and French – while diplomats have to know Italian also.
A few valleys in the eastern part of the country speak Retro Romansch. Unfortunately the language is less and less popular as the youth is moving to the big cities from these valleys so the government tries to support its development.
KP: So what is your perception of the debate we have over Ukrainian and Russian languages?
IW: I really don’t understand it. When I interview students who are the finalists to receive scholarships from the Swiss government [Swiss government issues 5-8 scholarships yearly for Ukrainians to study in Switzerland], I always ask them about the languages in Ukraine.
Many give me a quick answer that Ukrainians have to defend Ukrainian language and if we introduce Russian, Ukrainian will disappear.
For someone who comes from Switzerland this is not understandable. I think two, three, four languages can live together.
KP: Do you find it difficult to be a woman diplomat?
IW: I would suggest every woman who dreams of becoming a diplomat to think twice because it is not easy, especially for the family life.
My husband followed me during my missions in Argentina and Czech Republic, but after that he returned to Switzerland to proceed with his career.
Since then, I took on posts that are 2-3 hour flight from Switzerland. But, of course, it is a rewarding experience because I get to learn about many cultures.
KP: So which chocolate is better, in your opinion, Ukrainian or Swiss ?
IW: I have to defend Swiss chocolate. I like it more.
Confederation Day
Swiss celebrate their national day on Aug. 1. On that date in 1291 three Alpine cantons — Schwyz, Unterwalden and Uri — swore the oath of confederation on the Rutli field. They also agreed to act jointly if their freedoms were threatened by outside aggressors. This act was later considered the foundation of Switzerland.
Only in 1993 did the Swiss make Aug. 1 their National Day. The official part of the celebration takes place on Rutli field, where the federal president pronounces his speech. Other politicians of all levels and the heads of communes appear from all over Switzerland. Fireworks are popular during the celebrations.
Switzerland at a glance:
Government type: Swiss Federal Council consisting of seven members who are elected by the Federal Assembly for a four-year term. These seven counselors have equal power but one of them is elected president of the confederation for one year.
Administrative divisions: 26 cantons
Location: Central Europe, east of France, north of Italy
Population: 7.6 million
Capital: Bern
Languages: German, French and Italian are official languages, Romansch is national language
Economy overview: Switzerland is a peaceful, prosperous, and modern market economy with low unemployment, a highly skilled labor force, and a per capita GDP among the highest in the world.
GDP – per capita: $42,600
Switzerland’s economy grew by 2.7 percent in 2010
GDP/PPP (gross domestic product; purchasing power parity): $324.5 billion
Exported commodities: machinery, chemicals, metals, watches, agricultural products
Major exports partners: Germany, US, Italy, France, UK
Imported commodities: machinery, chemicals, vehicles, metals; agricultural products, textiles
Major import partners: Germany, Italy, France, US
Military service: 19-26 years of age for male compulsory military service. Every Swiss male has to serve at least 260 days in the armed forces
The Swiss franc is among the world’s most stable currencies
In 2009, the Swiss financial sector employed 195,000 people, or 5.8 percent of the entire Swiss workforce
The Swiss are world leaders in offshore private banking. In 2007, they managed close to 27 percent of all private offshore funds.
One third of UBS and Credit Suisse profits are generated by their offshore banking services.
In 2008 Switzerland came under increasing pressure from the EU and the US to reform its banking secrecy laws.
Swiss government agreed to conform to Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development regulations on administrative assistance in tax matters, including tax evasion
Ukraine-Switzerland ties
Trade turnover: $123 million
Swiss exports to Ukraine:$ 47,5 million
Ukraine’s export to Switzerland: $76 million
Swiss living in Ukraine: 130 people
Ukrainians living in Switzerland: 8,000
Sources: CIA factbook, Ambacy of Swizerland in Ukraine.
Kyiv Post staff writer Katya Grushenko can be reached at [email protected].
