A high-profile political meeting took place yesterday – 14 April 2025 – in Pazzallo, at the headquarters of Helsinn Healthcare, between the State Councilor Christian Vitta and Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin.
The event, organized on the sidelines of the session of the Foreign Policy Commission of the Council of States (CPE-S) in Lugano, represented a crucial opportunity to discuss the current dynamics of the Ticino economy and the related implications at the federal level.
The visit to Helsinn Healthcare, a leading pharmaceutical company, allowed the two institutional representatives to directly engage with local business realities, delving into the challenges that Ticino companies face in a rapidly evolving global economic context. Stefano Rizzi, Director of the Economics Division, accompanied State Councilor Vitta, underlining the importance of constant dialogue between the canton and the Confederation.
One of the key points of the discussion was the impact of the recent customs duties imposed by the United States, an issue that raises considerable concern for the Ticino economy, which is strongly oriented towards exports. The need for a constant flow of information between Bern and Bellinzona was highlighted, with particular attention to the instrument of short-time work as a possible support measure.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to address broader issues, such as the general trend of the Swiss economy and its impact on the Ticino labor market. Vitta presented to Parmelin a series of key issues for the canton, including wolf management and its consequences for the Alpine economy, collaboration with the Federal Office for Agriculture in managing post-flood damage in Vallemaggia, and concerns about the proposed federal cuts to regional economic policy.
The issue of federal funding for regional airports, and particularly the impact on Lugano Airport, was another hot topic. The State Councilor emphasized the importance of maintaining federal support to ensure connectivity and economic development in the region.
Finally, the meeting gave space to the discussion on the Switzerland Innovation Park Ticino, a strategic project for the future of the Ticino economy. Vitta underlined the importance of a cantonal representation on the board of the Switzerland Innovation Foundation, to ensure that the needs and specificities of Ticino are adequately considered.
The meeting between Vitta and Parmelin concluded with a commitment to maintain an open and constructive dialogue, essential to address the challenges and seize the opportunities that the Ticino economy faces in a constantly evolving global context.
