Switzerland and Wallonia-Brussels have many close relations covering a wide range of fields: cultural, academic, commercial, research and innovation, and French language training.
These relations are supported and strengthened by the presence of the Wallonia-Brussels General Delegation in Geneva and an economic and trade office, as well as by the large number of Belgian citizens living in Switzerland.
Relations between Switzerland and Wallonia-Brussels are also linked to the many international organisations that Switzerland hosts on its territory, including the United Nations in Geneva, the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, and the European Organization for Nuclear Research. The Wallonia-Brussels General Delegation in Geneva is responsible for monitoring the work of these organisations and representing the interests of the governments of Wallonia and the Wallonia-Brussels Federation in these institutions.
The mission of Wallonia's economic and trade representation in Geneva is to help Walloon firms identify new contacts with potential Swiss partners.
The mission also involves approaching Swiss firms considering setting up in Wallonia and supporting them in their dealings with the relevant Walloon authorities.
In addition, the Economic and Commercial Advisor has also been appointed Industrial Liaison Officer (ILO) at CERN, with particular responsibility for contacts with Procurement. She encourages Walloon firms to respond to CERN's invitations to tender so that they can win the contract, if necessary.
Relations with the United Nations also focus on Procurement, and Walloon firms are invited to register as potential suppliers on the joint purchasing portal of some 30 UN organisations.