Thurgau Economic Forum: Geopolitics and its impact on the domestic market
The 29th Thurgau Economic Forum took place on November 13, 2025 at the Thurgauerhof in Weinfelden under the title «Geopolitics - Impact on the Single Market». Around 300 representatives from business, politics and society came together to discuss how developments in geopolitics affect Switzerland and how companies can remain resilient in a challenging environment.
This year's Thurgau Economic Forum combined geopolitical topics with a strong focus on resilience and dealing successfully with crises.
Thomas Koller, Chairman of the Executive Board of Thurgauer Kantonalbank, and Daniel Wessner, Head of the Office of Economy and Labor, kicked off the event together with moderator Mona Vetsch. During the discussion, it became clear how closely international developments are linked to the canton's economic and financial situation and why Thurgau remains well positioned despite the challenges.
Between global politics and the domestic market
Prof. Dr. Christoph Frei, titular professor at the University of St.Gallen, took an in-depth look at the international context. He gave an eye-opening summary of the most important developments and showed how centers of power are shifting and why the increasing emancipation of the global South is becoming important for Europe and Switzerland. His analysis made it clear that geopolitical changes have direct consequences for the Swiss domestic market.
National Councillors Simon Michel, CEO of Ypsomed AG, and Magdalena Martullo Blocher, CEO of EMS Chemie, shed light on the importance of bilateral relations from a business perspective. While Martullo-Blocher warned against excessive regulation and emphasized Switzerland's independence, Michel spoke out in favour of reliable relations with the EU and open markets. The exchange, moderated by Mona Vetsch, showed impressively how different business perspectives on the same political issues can be.
Innovation, a passion for the future and resilience
After the networking break, entrepreneur Christina Kehl focused on how managers can act successfully in an environment full of uncertainty. She showed that entrepreneurs are doers who have to lead the way, make decisions and at the same time take good care of themselves. She described this balance as a key success factor in challenging times.
Marc Wallert followed on from this. He gave insights into his personal story and explained how he survived being held hostage for 140 days as a young man during a kidnapping in the Philippine jungle. From this extreme experience, he developed his resilience model with six factors: acceptance, optimism, hope, realism, self-efficacy and social support. His message made it clear how one can withstand stress and emerge stronger from crises.
Thurgau woman of the year: Noelle Maritz
The audience experienced an emotional moment when the Thurgau player of the year, Noelle Maritz, who had been named by the Thurgauer Zeitung newspaper the previous evening, was introduced. The player from Thurgau, who is under contract with English club Aston Villa, was unable to attend in person due to an upcoming match and sent her greetings to the audience via video message from Birmingham. With her commitment, team spirit and perseverance, she stands for values that are also crucial in business.
Focus on networking and exchange
In addition to the presentations, the forum offered plenty of room for encounters. The gathering of decision-makers from Thurgau and the wider region showed once again how important networks are for economic resilience.
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