Switzerland
Switzerland is a small inland country in Central Europe with an area of some 41,300 km2, out of which more than half is covered by the Alps. Some people refer to it as an Island as well…
Milestones in History
Switzerland’s official name is Helvetian Confederation, a federal state divided into 20 Cantons and 6 sub-cantons. The Federal Capital is Berne, whereas economical centers are mainly Zurich, Geneva and Basle where also the three main international Airports are located. One of the many particularities of Switzerland are its four official national languages: German (64%), French (19%), Italian (8%) and Raeto-Romansh (1%). The seven million people living in Switzerland (of the total population one fifth are foreigners) also widely speak English.
National Day:
1st of August
Government:
Swiss Federal Council consisting of 7 members, i.e. Ministers who are elected by the Federal Assembly for a 4 year term. These 7 Counselors have equal power but one out of them is elected President of the Confederation for one year (Primus Inter Pares). The parliament is composed of a Council of States and a 200-member National Council.
www.admin.ch = The Federal Authorities of the Swiss Confederation
www.swissworld.org = Switzerland abroad
Economy:
Switzerland traditionally reports a small trade surplus and a positive balance of payment. GDP per capita and the saving rates are among the highest in the world whereas unemployment and inflation are relatively low. Switzerland is a major financial center and the Swiss franc one of the strongest currencies. R&D spending is among the top five countries globally.
www.seco.admin.ch = State Secretariat for Economic Affaires (SECO)
www.osec.ch = Business Network Switzerland (OSEC)
www.statistik.admin.ch = Swiss Federal Statistical Office (SFSO)
Law No. 77 on Foreign Investments
Agreement 5290 on Joint Production and Service management
Trade:
Due to the small size of its home market, Swiss businesses have always been international. Switzerland reports traditionally a small trade surplus and a positive balance of payment. The main trading partner is the European Union and Switzerland ranks among the global leaders in foreign direct investments.
www.sippo.ch = Swiss Import Promotion Programme (SIPPO)
www.serv.com = Swiss Export Risk Insurance (SERV)
Relation Cuba:
Little commercial exchange between both countries (less than 0,1% of Swiss exports/imports. However, some 20,000 Swiss tourists visit Cuba each year, Several Swiss MNC opened a branch in Havana. In 1996, Representatives of both Governments signed the Swiss-Cuban Agreement for the Promotion and Protection of Investments.
The visit of a delegation of the Swiss Government to Havana in March 2005 strengthens the bilateral cooperation and economical exchange.
For additional information as well as business opportunities we kindly invite you to contact our Secretariats.
Other useful links:
www.myswitzerland.com = The official site of Switzerland tourism
www.swissinfo.ch = News from/about Switzerland
www.kultur-schweiz.admin.ch www.culturelinks.ch Federal Office for Culture
www.latcam.ch = Lateinamerikanische Handelskammer in der Schweiz