… Swiss foreign policy puts greater focus on services for citizens and the economy Swiss people are travelling more and more. The number of Swiss nationals living abroad now exceeds 760,000. Over half of Swiss GDP is generated outside Switzerland. Two-thirds of SMEs also operate abroad in addition to multinationals. The export industry contributes significantly to Switzerland’s prosperity. The services available to Swiss nationals abroad will increasingly be delivered through digital platforms in future. However, embassies and consulates will continue to provide assistance and support to Swiss travellers, expatriates and businesses. In future, Switzerland’s foreign representations will be conceived as innovative platforms open to a wide range of actors from politics, business, the media, science and culture, for example, and offering them a bridge to the host country. In 2028, Switzerland attaches great importance to the promotion of economic interests, research and its innovation centres. Foreign and trade policy are closely linked. Promoting legal certainty and investment protection for companies is an important component of foreign policy. Conversely, the private sector is an active partner of the authorities, particularly with regard to Agenda 2030, climate protection and respect for human rights. The FDFA plays a central role in ensuring coherence. 5