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Winterthur Churches in Zurich
Zurich Chamber of Commerce
Confident about Canton’s Future
The Zurich Chamber of Commerce plays a major role
in the life of the canton of Zurich. In addition to
providing a forum for business leaders in the canton,
the Chamber also handles many other issues, including
three upcoming referendums concerning airport noise.
The Chamber also serves as an essential liaison between
the government and the private sector. Dr. Lukas
Briner, Director, says, “The Swiss believe that a relatively
marginal role of government intervention is the key to
a progressive country, for example one which will be
able to emerge from the current global financial crisis
with a healthy economy. However, we are working to
provide a network of companies within the cantonal
government to further facilitate the spread of information
and innovation in Switzerland. In addition, we
work as a medium for arbitrage in which we mediate
conflicts between the private sector and the government
through serving as an intermediary.”
Well prepared to cope with financial crisis
Concerning the effects of the financial crisis on the
canton of Zurich, Dr. Lukas Briner says that Switzerland
in general and Zurich in particular had
prepared the necessary fundamentals for surmounting
challenges like the current crisis. He explains,
“No doubt the local economy is weaker due to the
influence of the crisis, but we are still quite strong.
Beginning in the late 1990s, there was a lot of innovation
and restructuring of industry within Switzerland
and this has prepared us well to adapt to the onset of
economic challenges. When the crisis hit us, Switzerland’s
economy was at a very strong level, which has
been very fortunate for us.”
The Chamber of Commerce aims to help reinforce Switzerland’s
international reputation as an ideal base for
business. Dr. Lukas Briner says, “It is important for Switzerland
to be acknowledged and recognised for what it
really is. Contrary to some media reports, it is not a tax
haven for criminal interests! We have been abiding by
the same laws since the end of the Second World War,
and have a proud, longstanding tradition of consistent
moral codes and a very stable political system.”
The Chamber of Commerce is very confident about the
future of Switzerland and the future of the canton of
Zurich. Dr. Lukas Briner says, “Switzerland is committed
to trying to differentiate itself and remain internationally
competitive by focusing on its high level of progression
and development.”
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