The title «The Untold Story of Everyday Commodities» is intriguing. Can you elaborate?
This title reflects a need to demystify the commodities trading sector. Many people don’t realize how present commodities are in everyday life. We want to raise public awareness about our work, which is essentially bringing essential goods to people’s doorsteps.
In the magazine, the focus is on coffee, wheat, copper, and LNG. These are all very different commodities. Why did you choose these commodities?
These four commodities represent a range of essential goods that we all use in our daily lives, whether knowingly or unknowingly. For instance, did you know that gas is needed to produce fertilizers?
Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala of the WorldTrade Organization stated, «Commodities traders are indeed the actors of development in Africa. They play a crucial rolein facilitating trade, connecting producers to global markets, and contributing to economic growth and prosperityon the continent.» Can you elaborate on your perspective regarding this quote?
This statement by Director-General Okonjo-Iweala accurately highlights the significance of commodities traders in Africa’s development. Our role goes beyond simply buying and selling goods. We act as facilitators of trade, connecting African producers with international markets. This creates economic opportunities for African countries and fosters their growth. However, our impact often extends beyond just trade, we also play a role in promoting education, and sustainable practices within the industry.
It is important to acknowledge that ethical practices and responsible sourcing are crucial. While commodities trading plays a positive role, we must ensure it benefits all stakeholders involved, including producers and local communities.
As you embark on your two-year term as Suissenégoce president, what is your vision for the associationand the commodities trading sector as a whole?
I will build upon the foundation laid by my predecessor, Ramon Esteve in strengthening communication with Swiss authorities and the public. Our industry is frequently misrepresented in the media, while many member companies quietly achieve amazing things. We cannot afford to let the loudest voices be the only ones shaping public perception.
We will also continue to engage with authorities, advocating for policies that ensure Switzerland remains a competitive hub for commodity trading houses of all sizes.
At Suissenégoce, we bring together a diverse membership of both large multinational corporations and smaller, independent businesses (SMEs). We strongly believe that SMEs play a vital role in keeping our industry healthy and flourishing. However, SMEs often face challenges with regulatory intricacies, complex administrative reporting, and difficulties to keep up with the latest developments. By encouraging collaboration between our members, we can create knowledge-sharing initiatives. Larger companies can share their experience on navigating ESG factors and technological advancements, helping SMEs overcome these hurdles. Ultimately, when all our members, regardless of the size, can thrive, the entire industry benefits.
Finally, I support the excellent work of the Suissenégoce Academy, its program directors and its teachers. We are grateful for the fruitful collaboration with the University of Geneva which offers a Master of Commodity Trading program and trains the next generation of traders. While Switzerland is not rich in commodities, we have a wealth of brains. Investing in education and innovation is crucial for nurturing the skilled workforce our industry relies on.
