My fellow Countrymen, dear members of the Swiss Chamber,

In the wake of the sudden tragedy caused by the Great Tohoku Kanto Earthquake on 11 March 2011, and on behalf of the Swiss government, I would like to express my heartfelt condolences and my deepest sympathy to the people and the government of Japan, especially to those who lost loved ones and are suffering from the earthquakes, devastating tsunami and troubles at the nuclear power stations.

Switzerland has enjoys a strong and long-lasting friendly relationship with Japan and stands by the people of Japan. We will do our best efforts to support Japan at this difficult time. I am very happy to see how quickly some of you already have launched initiatives to help Japan.

In this spirit, I would like to call upon all Swiss firms to consider helping and contributing in the best possible way to help Japan. As you all know, social responsibility is a very important value in Japanese society and in its business community. I am convinced that Swiss firms will show solidarity and will work shoulder to shoulder with our Japanese partners in this difficult time.

In agreement with your President Martin Stricker, I would kindly ask you to inform the SCCIJ about your initiatives in order for us to have an overview of your efforts for Japan.

Let me express you my deepest appreciation for all your efforts in helping our Japanese friends.

Yours sincerely,

Urs Bucher
Ambassador of Switzerland