58 June 2014 www.bahrainthismonth.com interview Now that his appointment as the Swiss government representative in Bahrain is formalised, Humbert Vincent Buemi is not in wasting any time. The Swiss honorary consul general is eager to re-establish contact between government agencies on both sides. “My priority is to restore our relationship, convince Swiss companies about the possibilities here and ensure that Bahrain’s image is presented correctly back home,” he says. The senior banker at the UBS Wealth Management office in Bahrain has lived in the Middle East for 12 years and calls Bahrain his second home. However, his roots are Italian and even though he was born in Switzerland, he recalls receiving his Swiss passport only after he had turned 19. Given the kindness Switzerland had shown his family, Humbert is now eager to pay back his adopted country. As the Swiss representative here, his priority lies in turning Switzerland into one of the major players. He’d like companies to be active in speciality areas such as medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, machinery, watches and jewellery, agricultural produce and food items in Bahrain. Last year, these sectors contributed over 50 per cent of bilateral trade, which is skewed in favour of the Swiss. Since taking charge Humbert has been holding meetings with various ministries in Bahrain, but concedes that the process will take energy and time. “I want to ensure that the Swiss government and companies are aware of the advantages and opportunities that exist in Bahrain, the proximity to markets in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar. Already, a few companies have asked us about the business climate in Bahrain,” he says. The Swiss community here is small, with around 100 members who are businessmen, bankers and professionals. Humbert believes the community could be re-energised if it’s organised under the banner of a Bahrain Swiss Business Society. Sulzer, a Swiss industrial engineering and manufacturing firm, has a base in Bahrain, as has the ABB Group, which operates in the power and automation technology sectors. Humbert is in talks with a Swiss medical equipment manufacturer for exploring opportunities in Bahrain. Switzerland, through the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) has signed a free-trade agreement with the GCC that will be effective from July this year. “The political leadership in Bahrain is very business-oriented. I remain optimistic about the future economic exchange between the two countries,” he notes. On the cultural front, the honorary consul plans to bring the communities closer with events and performances by Swiss artists and singers. He is designing a Swiss Week, a fully fledged event to showcase Swiss heritage, culture and cuisine. Environment pledge An environmental evangelist, Humbert has a keen interest in clean, sustainable technology and one of his top priorities in Bahrain is a push for technical collaboration with Swiss companies to clean up Bahrain’s air and seawater. “I believe clean technology is the way of the future and Swiss companies will work closely with Bahrain to develop that capacity here,” he says. Rekindling A Connection Humbert Vincent Buemi SIMI KAMBOJ Trade and investment are on the cards as banker and Swiss honorary consul general Humbert Vincent Buemi reboots bilateral relations with the Kingdom of Bahrain.
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