We had the pleasure to interview Justin Highman, Deputy CEO of the Monaco Economic Board about the Monaco et Suisse Investment Forum.
How would you describe the Monaco Economic Board?
The Monaco Economic Board (MEB) promotes the Principality’s economy and actively participates in its development. Established as an association in 1999, the MEB is the Monaco Government’s operational arm. Comprising companies, professional bodies and State representatives, the MEB’s Board represents all economic stakeholders in the Principality. The three main missions of the Monaco Economic Board are to be a chamber of commerce to the 550-plus companies in Monaco who are members of the MEB, to seek and accompany foreign business wishing to establish in the Principality, and lastly, to coordinate promotional and development actions undertaken abroad by public and private entities from Monaco.
How was the Monaco Economic Board involved in the Monaco et Suisse Investment Forum?
We became involved as you are dynamic members of our business association for a long time and we welcome efforts to strengthen business ties between our two countries. We thus naturally became partners to help promote the event notably to the Monegasque business community.
The Principality of Monaco and Switzerland have always had a good economic and cultural relationship. What are the main objectives that you would like to achieve or that have been achieved through the Monaco et Suisse Investment Forum?
Indeed, the relationship has existed for a long time for both economy and culture with many cultural entities going to Switzerland every year.
On the business side of things we have many companies but also residents coming from Switzerland and vice-versa. Some concrete examples – in the financial services with for example the world renowned Pictet Asset Services setting up in Monaco in 2021 or Monaco Asset Management, one of our largest asset management firms teaming up with Chenton SA based in Nyon. In technology also we have a fine and successful fintech Keesytem going into a strong partnership with Ebene, the holding company of the family of Pierre Dalmaz. Another example would be Gordon Blair, an independent law firm, established in Monaco since 1920 which has offices in Geneva. The synergies, collaborations and partnerships are numerous. We hope to see more of it as we are countries that have similar aims in the search for stability in our politics and economy and the search for quality and excellence.
What initiatives should be taken to encourage more investment in projects of common interest for Switzerland and Monaco?
Initiatives such as yours are always relevant. We are also thinking at the Monaco Economic Board of coming to similar events in Switzerland or also on a trade mission with a Monegasque business delegation.
Do you have any expectations for the second edition and for the future of this new event in the Principality of Monaco?
The first edition was a success but I believe this time round it will be even more successful as the pandemic is behind us so we shall more quality frequentation and hopefully deals!
