The European Union and the United States are by far Switzerland’s most important trading partners. Switzerland is negotiating a Framework Agreement to simplify bilateral relations with the EU. And twelve years after talks with the U.S. on a free trade agreement failed, Switzerland and the U.S. are trying again. Thomas Borer, a former Swiss ambassador … 
A small company holds its own against international competition in the beer industry. The example of M&L Consulting shows that this is possible. Even so, export deals also present some challenges in this case. Surviving as a small company in the beer industry, alongside multinational giants? Impossible. You might think so. Ernst Meier, certified brewer … 
U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to pull out of the Iran nuclear deal and re-impose sanctions has already prompted some Swiss companies to cancel deals there. The business environment in Iran is “tough,” says Simon Tiberius Fundel, the president of the Swiss-Iranian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. But the EU is trying to find ways … 
Innovation and a speedy response to customers’ needs are the key to staying ahead in a competitive global climate for exporters, says Michael Willome, the Group CEO of Conzzeta AG. How can export-oriented companies thrive in international competition? Innovation and permanent renewal are the keywords for me. Ultimately, it’s about added value that customers are … 
How do you improve effectiveness as a leader and deal with the increasing need for agility? – Find answers from academia, business and sports during the Rochester-Bern Leadership Summit in March 2019. Great leadership is THE success factor in today’s world, be it in business or sports. You must know how to lead yourself and … 
China’s enormous e-commerce market is alluring for foreign companies seeking to target consumers directly. A new law to take effect in January 2019 may make it more attractive by eliminating some of the risks and uncertainties, says Lukas Zuest, a board member of the Swiss-Chinese Chamber of Commerce who also serves as an attorney and … 
Grand Hotel Villa Castagnola, Lugano, is a five-star property, located within a subtropical park, and member of Small Luxury Hotels. It was built in 1880 by a Russian noble family to be their winter residence, before being bought by a Swiss family in 1885 and transformed into a renowned hotel. Rooms and suites for an … 
Reto Schmid from Sedrun makes what is surely the smallest Bündner Nusstorte, or Grisons nut cake, in the world and is currently conquering international markets with them. It’s a success based on innovation and determination – and a little help. Reto Schmid’s bakery lies in the heart of the Grisons mountains, at over 1,400 meters … 
Surround your soul – and immerse yourself in a world of peace and relaxation at Europe’s leading wellbeing and medical health resort. Nestled in a spectacular location, amidst the foothills of the Alps in Eastern Switzerland, the luxurious Grand Resort Bad Ragaz has been attracting those seeking wellbeing, relaxation and medical expertise for more than … 
The Swiss watch industry – the third largest national exporter after chemicals and machines – is powering ahead in 2018, benefiting from a strong world economy and a depreciation of the Swiss franc against other major currencies. If the environment remains stable, 2019 should be another good year, says Jean-Claude Biver, Chairman of Hublot and … 
Swiss exporters are thriving in a benign world economy, says Christoph Lindenmeyer, who is the Chairman of the International Economic Relations Commission of Economiesuisse. Conditions that will enable them to continue flourishing include the successful conclusion of negotiations on free trade agreements and a favourable rate for the Swiss currency. After the Swiss National Bank …
Peter Gisler is the CEO of SERV, the Swiss export risk insurer. He spoke to Swiss Trade about his switch to the insurer last year, the risks exporters face in unstable political situations, the importance of a solid contract between supplier and buyer, and how insurance can help exporters conquer new terrain. You have led …
Everyone is talking about northern Zurich – and with good reason. Oerlikon is justifiably frequently named as a trendy new place to be. It is growing and changing more quickly than any other district of Zurich. More and more young people are moving there and more than 2,000 new apartments were built there last year. …
In an increasingly globalized and digitalized business environment having the right communication skills is paramount. Many companies underestimate the risk for unintended consequences when communication is not adapted to new media channels and the global playing field. Swiss companies have a multi-lingual, international outlook ingrained in their very DNA. But today communication is changing fast. …
The Summer Olympic Games 2020 will be held in Tokyo from July 24 to August 9. They represent the highlight of a series of international events, starting in 2019 with Japan’s presidency of the G-20 and the first Rugby World Cup ever in Asia. The Olympic Games as a major sports event are expected to …
Inspired by the concept of cryptocurrencies, the renowned independent Swiss watch brand Chronoswiss has created five luxurious crypto-design watches. These extravagant models from the Blockchain Series are produced in a limited edition of 101 in each set. The traditional Swiss watch manufacturer Chronoswiss, known for its high standards of quality, showed an early openness to …
Cryptocurrencies have seen sharp rises and dramatic falls this past year. But one thing is certain – electronic cash and the underlying blockchain technology are here to stay and offer exciting investment opportunities. Just like Zug outside of Zürich, Dubai and the United Arab Emirates have developed into dynamic hubs for start-ups in the blockchain …
High up on the green slopes of Le Mont-Pèlerin, among Switzerland’s UNESCO heritage vineyards and only 50 minutes from Geneva Airport by car, lies the splendid Le Mirador Resort & Spa. The hotel is member of “The Leading Hotels of the World” and “Swiss Deluxe Hotels”, and combines inspiring views of the alpine landscape with …
Martin Nydegger, the new CEO of Switzerland Tourism, says his homeland offers tourists the compactness and diversity of a Swiss army knife combined with the reliability of a Swiss watch. No wonder the number of tourists who visit from China, South-East Asia and India has been climbing rapidly over the past four years. At the …