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SWITZERLAND and Singapore may have significant differences in their cultures and political systems, but both countries often opt for similar approaches to achieve success, said Switzerland's Federal Councillor Doris Leuthard in an interview with The Business Times. The Swiss minister paid an official visit to Singapore in early July, which further consolidated the strong and growing relations between the two countries. Ms Leuthard added that the geographical locations of the two nations not only induce healthy competition, but also provide "more room to partner" and "more room to look for niche solutions" as the pair continue to establish themselves as global smart cities.

Singapore and Switzerland, both highly developed open economies serving as hubs in South-east Asia and Europe respectively, face similar challenges being small nations with limited natural resources, an aging population and immigration issues. To handle these challenges and continue to outperform, according to Ms Leuthard, "our economies must be adaptive, innovative and productive".

As the two countries establish themselves as smart nations, sustainability and innovation are linchpins in attaining long-term development.