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Stone bridge in Giornico
it is focusing on high value added,
knowledge-based activities and on
bringing its economic practices in line
with the EU. Switzerland has recently
renegotiated its double taxation
agreements with numerous countries,
including the US, to incorporate
OECD standards.
The global financial crisis and
resulting economic downturn put
Switzerland into a recession in 2009,
and to counter the crisis, the Swiss
National Bank implemented a zero
interest rate policy which helped to
prevent appreciation of the Swiss
franc, and the country’s largest bank
was assisted by a government rescue
package. This year, however, Switzerland’s
economy is recovering and
will probably experience modest
GDP growth in 2010, spurred on by
a third fiscal stimulus programme.
Switzerland remains a global leader
in international investments. Switzerland’s
exposure to global markets is
among the strongest of any country,
and in 2007, the country’s total
direct investments abroad reached
€515.5 billion, or 145% of GDP. Swiss
companies with direct investments
abroad employ around 2.4 million
staff in their foreign subsidiaries and
operating units, and they are also
important employers in Switzerland.
Attractions for investors
Switzerland continues to offer significant
attractions for investors.
According to the government’s Trade
and Investment Promotion Agency
(OSEC), “Switzerland is a communications
and transport centre
between northern and southern
Europe where European cultures
and languages overlap. No other
country offers such great variety in so
small an area. The Swiss economy’s
high degree of development exists
thanks to its liberal economic
system, its political stability, and its
close integration with the economies
of other countries. The state creates
the necessary framework and only
intervenes when this serves the
interests of society at large. Switzerland’s
high-class education system
and outstanding infrastructure form
the basis for the competitiveness of
the Swiss economy.”
Free competition and trade and the
protection of intellectual property
are the cornerstones of economic
success in today’s global economy
and make Switzerland particularly
attractive to both domestic
and foreign companies. Efficiently
organised administrative processes
guarantee security for planning and
day-to-day operations while progressive
environmental laws promote
sustainability.
In addition, Switzerland is closely integrated
into the European transport
infrastructure system thanks to a
dense network of road, rail and air
connections. Frequent and reliable
connections guarantee the smooth
and efficient transport of passengers
and goods, and the supply of energy,
water, communications services and
postal services is guaranteed at all
times in Switzerland. As many have
pointed out, in Switzerland, everything
works smoothly.
High quality of life
Switzerland is especially known for
its very high quality of life. A welldeveloped
healthcare system ensures
that the population has access to
medical care without having to travel
long distances, and the educational
system is ranked one of the best in
the world. Switzerland’s multiculturalism
– the country has four official
languages – and its location in the
heart of Europe add to its attractions
and make it easy for companies
in Switzerland to attract the highest
quality human resources.
For investors looking to set up a
company in Switzerland, numerous
official and private organisations
provide assistance, and the federal
government’s various websites offer
a wide range of information on all
aspects of the company formation
process – from business plan to
official registration.
All investors and residents can
benefit from Switzerland’s international
reputation for high quality in
every sphere of life.
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