SJCC 40th AGM with Keynote Speaker Walter Frey, President and Chairman Emil Frey Group

Last month, the Chamber successfully held its 40th Annual General Meeting on May 19, 2025 at the Haus zum Rüden in Zurich.

Drawing a large audience and featuring keynote speaker Walter Frey, the event marked an important milestone in the enduring partnership between Switzerland and Japan.

In his opening remarks SJCC President Martin Herb highlighted the excellent and longstanding relations between the two countries. He focused on the strong trade ties, the stable economic cooperation, and the shared core values that continue to underpin the two countries’ collaboration.

Insightful speeches were delivered by Walter Frey, President and Chairman of the Emil Frey Group, and the Ambassador of Japan H.E. Yoshinori Fujiyama. Both congratulated the SJCC on its 40th anniversary.

Mr. Walter Frey recalled that Emil Frey AG was among SJCC’s founding members. In his presentation, he shared the impressive story of Emil Frey’s early engagement with Japan – starting with the discovery of Toyota vehicles in South Africa, followed by a visit to Japan, and culminating in a historic partnership agreement in 1966.

Ambassador Fujiyama emphasized the ongoing Swiss-Japanese collaboration in science, technology, and innovation. He also presented EXPO 2025 in Osaka, Kansai as a symbol of future cooperation.

The 40th General Meeting of the SJCC underscored the exceptional significance of the close partnership between both countries and the key role the SJCC plays in strengthening it.