Q: What is the history of globalization and Switzerland?

A: Since the late thirteenth century, Swiss people have practiced and advocated globalization. Switzerland has centuries of experience in dealing with people from different cultures and regions. As a nation, we are always ready to be a part of the evolving globalization process and to share our experiences with companies that are interested in locating in Switzerland.

The Swiss globalization knowledge base is deep because we have had a huge influx of foreigners for several centuries. Switzerland has always been a multi-cultural society, and our extensive dealings with other cultures enables us to make people from all different cultures around the world feel at home.

Q: When you refer to globalization, what do you mean?

A: In the beginning, the globalization meant trade flows from Northern Europe to Southern Europe. This brought refugees, and with them industries like precision engineering or banking. One of them was Mr. Nestle who built the Nestle Company, one of the most globalized companies in the world.

Q: Can you explain about the diversity in the economy?

A: The oldest business in Switzerland is providing services. The diversity and the advanced technology status of services in Switzerland are well known. Initially, it was transport services, then banking and financial services, and the next big industry to develop was the mechanical industry. An attitude for precision led to the development of the watch industry, followed by textiles, out of which was born the equipment industry and the chemical industry, which later became the pharmaceutical industry.

Now, to develop advanced knowledge and technologies for all of these services and diversified sectors, you needed to have advanced research in the areas of science and engineering. We focus heavily on that, too.

For example, researcher’s at IBM’s development center outside of Zurich won the Nobel prize a few years ago for discovering the Tunneling Microscope which has in turn unlocked the wonders of nanotechnology.

Q: What are the advantages of doing business in Switzerland?

A: One of the most important things about Switzerland is the multi-cultural aspect. Almost everybody in Switzerland speaks English, French and German. You need to speak at least two or three languages in Switzerland to be in the loop. That is one of the most important aspects of Swiss culture.

Also, being small the country had to always have a competitive and business friendly atmosphere. Moreover, we have successfully retained our identity while surrounded by larger nations. As a result, we have very extensive free trade relations with the European Union without being a member of it.

We also have a multi-lingual workforce, which is highly skilled because of our dual training educational system. After the ninth year of school, about 65% to 70% of students begin a four-year apprenticeship that combines preparation for the work environment with a general education. At the end of this apprenticeship, the student is awarded a federal diploma equivalent to an Associates Degree. From there he or she may continue on at a university or may choose to go directly into the workforce.

The other 30% to 35% go to college prep to receive a Baccalaureate, and then to university. Now, the Baccalaureate is an exam that gives them immediate access to all Swiss universities. They do not have to apply because this exam is very tough and difficult to pass, so every university accepts them in whatever faculty they wish.

In difficult times, like when the economy is shrinking and businesses are scaling back, we are prepared to deal with it. Our workforce is flexible and our labor laws permit hiring, firing and layoffs. We have a special fund that provides assistance during the time one is searching for a new job or in retraining.

Also, in Switzerland when a company has issues to discuss with authorities they can go directly and talk with them. They are very accessible. It comes from the fact that in Switzerland, the top legislator is neither the Parliament nor the government, but rather it is the people and our belief in direct democracy.

Another important trait is sustainability. We have learned to look after our environment in a way which is good for industries, so we are advanced in sustainable technology, environment and energy technology.

Switzerland has double taxation treaties with many nations. We are currently revising these double taxation treaties with several nations, including the Europeans ant the USA.

Switzerland also has one of the most highly developed infrastructures in the world, from the rail network to international air connections to the highway system to broadband internet access. There are more homes with broadband connections in Switzerland than there are in the U.S.

Q: How do you attract other countries in Asia to do business in Switzerland?