DENPASAR, DEWATA.NEWS – Bali’s provincial government is exploring opportunities to promote local products in Switzerland following an offer from the Swiss Deputy Ambassador to Indonesia, as part of broader efforts to strengthen trade and tourism cooperation.
Governor Wayan Koster welcomed the proposal, highlighting its potential to open international market access for Bali’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
“Cooperation with Switzerland can be an important step in delivering innovative solutions while opening global market access for Bali’s local products,” Koster said in Denpasar on Saturday.
The initiative aligns with Bali’s current focus on developing quality tourism rooted in culture, alongside strengthening local product industries. Authorities believe Bali’s creative sector has strong potential to compete globally if supported with wider market access.
During the discussion, both sides also addressed tourism ties. More than 40,000 Swiss tourists visited Bali in 2025, with officials noting their positive contribution to the island’s tourism image.
“Swiss visitors respect local culture, are orderly, and contribute positively to Bali’s tourism,” Koster said.
Despite strong tourism performance, Bali continues to face challenges such as traffic congestion and environmental pressure, driven by more than 7 million international arrivals annually. The provincial government is therefore accelerating infrastructure development to support a more sustainable tourism model.
Swiss Deputy Ambassador Mathias Domenig expressed interest in facilitating connections between Bali-based producers and Swiss business networks to strengthen trade relations.
“We see strong potential for trade between Bali and Switzerland. Local products from Bali have significant opportunities in the Swiss market,” he said.
The engagement also coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Switzerland. Domenig described Bali as a globally recognized destination with a strong and harmonious relationship with Switzerland.
Beyond trade, existing cooperation includes vocational education programs with Bali State Polytechnic, as well as collaborations in infrastructure, energy, and SME development involving international partners.
Swiss authorities also indicated readiness to share expertise in addressing urban challenges such as traffic management and waste handling, two key issues facing Bali as tourism continues to grow.