NEC establishes growth division in Zurich

(CONNECT) NEC plans to locate the global headquarters for its Digital Government and Digital Finance business unit in Zurich. This was announced by CEO Takayuki Morita during a meeting with Ignazio Cassis, according to a press release. The Federal Council paid an official state visit to the NEC headquarters in Tokyo on 22. and April 23rd.

In a white paper, NEC describes the Digital Government and Digital Finance division as one of its key growth areas. In 2021, NEC completed the acquisition of the Schwyz-based banking software company Avaloq for CHF 2.05 billion. Since then, the company has operated under its original name as an independent NEC unit in Zurich.

Mr. Cassis headed the Swiss delegation on 22 April, the Swiss National Day at Expo 2025 in Osaka. There, he reportedly emphasized Switzerland's leading role in innovation and cutting-edge technology. He was accompanied by numerous representatives of Swiss research and technology institutions, including the President of the ETH Board, Michael Hengartner, and Innosuisse President André Kudelski.

On April 23, the head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs met with Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya. The focus was on current geopolitical challenges. At subsequent meetings with representatives of the Ministries of Economic Affairs and Education, Science and Technology, the interest in closer cooperation was confirmed. ce/mm