Swiss Trade - SwissCham

10 Swiss Trade November 2010
“A big difference between the chambers
of the Baltic States and others is, that you
get service from one hand”, Wolfensberger
points out. “The chamber representatives
also service the mandates. They have
to, or otherwise they would not be able to
survive.”
Joining the EU marked a turning point
for the Baltic States and caused a boom
during the years 2004–2007, but then
the economic crisis hit. The Baltic States
are gradually recovering from that blow
and therefore offer promising conditions
for market expansion at present because
of low wages and real estate prices – a
great opportunity also for SMEs, to set up
a business base in secure EU legal conditions,
with best possible access to Eastern
Europe beyond EU.
“The choice of the right partner is essential”,
emphasises also Gabriel Taus,
Director of the Joint Chambers of Commerce
(JCC), unifying several CIS chambers.
“You can not underestimate the
value of expert advice and good chemistry
between partners.”
In addition to solid financing, flexibility
and patience are needed in markets such
as the CIS countries.
“Expect your business to take twice as
Managing Director Thomas
Seghezzi, SABC
Join the Swiss-African Business Circle (SABC)
Next event: 18 November 2010, Zürich
More information and registration: www.sabc.ch
FOUNDING MEMBERS:
Director Ralf J. Bopp,
Chamber D-CH
With its
ever-growing
middle-class
it is a big market
for consumer
goods.
long and to cost twice
as much”, Taus says.
Africa
“Thorough preparation is
crucial before entering an
African market”, says Thomas
Seghezzi, Managing
Director of the Swiss-African
Business Circle (SABC)
and Managing Partner of
Rainbow unlimited. “Africa
consists of 53 countries,
and that means 53 markets,
each one working differently.”
But it also means 53 prospective markets
for your product.
At the moment only a meagre 1.9%
of Switzerland’s exports go to Africa.
Thanks to the World Cup, South Africa
has experienced a
slight boom, but there
are many less traditional
markets that deserve
a closer look as
well.
“With 150 million
people Nigeria is the
biggest market”, says
Director Gabriel Taus,
JCC
Seghezzi. “And with its
ever-growing middle-
Doing business in Africa? Interested in exclusive networking opportunities, in sharing
experience and fostering partnerships with other Swiss- and Africa-based companies
and investors active on the continent?
Castel Group
class it is a big market for consumer goods.”
One thing applies to the whole continent:
There is huge potential because demand
is greater than supply.
“You can pretty much do anything
there”, Seghezzi says. “And as far as resources
go, Africa has everything that will
be sought after in coming years.”
In 2050 two billion people will live in
Africa; that is, two billion consumers.
True, Africa does not have the best image,
but only success stories can gradually
change that stereotype. Travel there
(the chambers can set up trips for you),
get your own idea of and feel for the continent,
and identify the market most suit-
SWISS–AFRICAN
BUSINESS CIRCLE
Gateway to sub-Saharan Africa