Switzerland sees PH as bridge in AI, trade, innovation

Switzerland sees the Philippines playing an important role in connecting ASEAN, the global economy and a rapidly changing world of technology, with Swiss State Secretary for Economic Affairs Helene Budliger Artieda pointing to artificial intelligence, innovation, academia, and rules-based trade as areas where the two countries can deepen cooperation.

Speaking to Filipino journalists in Manila, Secretary Budliger Artieda said the Philippines has strong human capital and an important position in the region, but needs to continue improving its interconnectivity and access to opportunities in the ASEAN and global markets.

“You are on a good path, but you can do better,” she said.

For the Swiss official, one of the major changes confronting ASEAN and its economies is the rapid development of artificial intelligence.

“I think it’s interconnectivity, I think it’s dealing with new topics such as AI, which is a big, big issue,” she said.