Thurgau appeals for greater cooperation

Global political upheaval, uncertain economic prospects and social forces drifting apart provided the framework for the meeting of the Thurgau business community in Weinfelden. Zurich-based economic philosopher and publicist Katja Gentinetta provided the philosophical context by outlining the three main challenges of our time. She described Switzerland's relationship with the EU as the greatest challenge in the context of globalization, which is in the midst of a transformation in terms of sustainability. "Business and politics should increasingly see themselves as partners, for the benefit of others," Gentinetta demanded. The second major challenge is a society that is becoming divided, and the third is Generation Z, "I call them Generation Demanding", which cannot be counted on without a doubt. 

"The young are fed up"

Ipek Demirtas, CEO of Forster Swiss Home in Arbon, picked up the thread, as she is skeptical about Switzerland's future innovative strength. She has the impression that young people in Switzerland today are fed up and resting on the successes of their fathers and grandfathers: "I miss the fact that they are on fire, that they have goals and visions, that they make an effort. A company, an economy, cannot develop successfully with this attitude."

Ipek Demirtas herself has proven how to successfully get a company (back) on track. She took over the kitchen company, which was on the verge of going out of business, together with a partner in 2017. She did this out of passion, she said. She instilled new self-confidence in the 80 employees at the time by talking to everyone and telling them that Forster produces something very special, namely the Mercedes of kitchens. Today, the company has over 180 employees.

In the subsequent panel discussion led by moderator Mona Vetsch, Gentinetta and Demirtas were joined by Thurgau entrepreneur and SVP National Councillor Diana Gutjahr. Gutjahr said she was bothered by the fact that "people want to work less and less". Gutjahr wished "that people would not only think about their own profit, but that they would focus more on the collective again".

Solid economy in a volatile environment

The economic forum in Weinfelden naturally also focuses on the situation in the canton of Thurgau. Daniel Wessner, Head of the Office of Economy and Labor, referred to the stable situation of the Thurgau economy with its approximately 19,000 companies. Their number has grown steadily, as has the number of jobs. The labor market had recovered rapidly after coronavirus and the unemployment rate was now 1.8 percent, which is below the Swiss average of 2.1 percent. Wessner identified weaknesses in terms of innovative strength and the exodus of talent. Over 90 percent of Thurgau companies are currently looking for workers.  

Ivo Germann, Head of the Foreign Economic Affairs Directorate at the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO, stood in for SECO Director Helene Budliger Artieda, who had to cancel her planned appearance at the Economic Forum due to the state visit by French President Emmanuel Macron. Germann presented a State Secretariat that has set out to become more dynamic and present. Although value creation in industry has declined recently, he said that the Swiss economy would continue to grow, albeit at a slower pace.

Award-winning chef as Thurgau chef of the year

As in the previous year, a discussion with the newly crowned Thurgau Chef of the Year was integrated into the business forum. This time, the award went to the canton's culinary figurehead, Silvio Germann, who was named Chef of the Year by Gault-Millau for his culinary skills at the "Mammertsberg" in Freidorf. At 34, he leads a young team that has quickly made a name for itself with innovative cuisine. 

The Economic Forum at the Thurgauerhof Congress Center was opened by Thomas Koller, CEO of the main sponsor, Thurgauer Kantonalbank, and Urs Martin, President of the Thurgau cantonal government. Martin, for his part, referred to the recent somewhat cooler mood in the Thurgau economy. With regard to the canton's finances, he said that revenue had recently been lost.

Once again, the Thurgau Economic Forum proved to be a well-attended platform for inspiration, information and exchange. The 28th forum will take place on November 7, 2024.

Source and further information: www.wft.ch