Swiss companies set sights on India as $100 billion trade pact promises more opportunities

Investments in India by Swiss companies such as engineering group ABB and transport firm Kuehne+Nagel are on the rise, with a $100 billion regional trade deal expected to further open it up to businesses long geared towards China. India's appeal has already reflected a broader shift among businesses in Europe eager to balance the costs of a U.S.-China trade spat and recognition that the Chinese economy is, by comparison to India, losing steam. But the trade and economic partnership (TEPA) signed in March with the European Free Trade Association, whose biggest member is Switzerland, is likely, when ratified, to provide an extra incentive to Swiss investment as it will slash tariffs on exports from chocolates to watches and machinery.