Counselor Gregor Muischneek (right) and Professor SAKUYAMA Takumi (left).
We presented a commemorative gift after the lecture
On July 8, Mr. Gregor Muischneek, a counselor of the Embassy of Switzerland in Japan, visited the Ikuta Campus and gave a special lecture titled “Economics, Agriculture and Trade: A Swiss Perspective” with Japanese–English interpretation. This lecture was planned by Professor SAKUYAMA Takumi of the School of Agriculture, who was involved in the negotiations on the formulation of the Japan-Switzerland Economic Partnership Agreement, which came into effect by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in 2009, and has continued exchanges with the Embassy of Switzerland in Japan even after his arrival at Meiji University. He invited Counselor Muischneek to his lecture on Food Trade Theory at the Department of Agri-Food and Environmental Policy in the School of Agriculture, where about 150 students attended.
A special lecture
Counselor Muischneek, a former member of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of the Swiss Confederation, arrived at the Embassy of Switzerland in Japan in September 2021. First of all, he introduced Switzerland's characteristics, such as the composition of the federal government and direct democracy. On the economy, he explained the status of free trade agreements and how to deal with geo-economic tensions.
In addition, regarding agriculture in Switzerland, features of agricultural production, provisions of agriculture in the constitution, direct payment system, self-sufficiency rate by item, characteristics of export and import, organic agriculture, etc. were introduced. Finally, regarding the bilateral relationship between Japan and Switzerland, which celebrates 160 years this year, he explained the current state of trade and investment, agricultural policy dialogues, and the operation of the Japan-Switzerland Economic Partnership Agreement, which incorporated pioneering elements such as geographical indications at the time of conclusion.
During the Q & A session, many questions were asked by the participants, such as why organic farming is thriving in Switzerland, why Switzerland exports so much coffee, the country's relationship with the European Union, and the treatment of immigrants and their impact on the economy. After the lecture, Professor SAKUYAMA presented a Meiji University original commemorative gift to Counselor Muischneek.
Q & A session after the lecture