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Setting up a Business in Switzerland

 

“Switzerland has more to offer than Chocolate and Watches”
 
 
Switzerland business services Overview
Switzerland business services The Economy
Switzerland business services The Government
Switzerland business services Laws, Regulations and Standards
Switzerland business services Facts and Figures
Switzerland business services The People
 
About Switzerland - Economy
 
Switzerland’s gross domestic product (GDP) is estimated to be CHF 322.3 billion (2005 estimation) with CHF 28,165 of the GDP per capita.

A high degree of political and monetary stability as well the central location of the country are the major factors of the economical appeal of Switzerland whose economy is on of the most productive in the world. The political system of the country is free of bureaucracy. The labour force of the country is highly educated and dynamic.

Switzerland is one of the world’s major financial centres. Swiss banking network is one of the most highly developed in the world. In 1998, around 3.9% of the economically active population in Switzerland was working in the finance and banking industry. The Electronic Stock Exchange in Zurich is Europe's third largest, based on the value of equity trading.

An important aspect of the Swiss banking system is its tradition of banking secrecy, which is protected by law. Any violation of bank secrecy automatically gives rise to criminal proceedings. Bank secrecy is an expression of the importance given to the protection of the individual’s private affairs. Consequently, as a rule, banks are not required nor are they permitted to give any information to the tax authorities. However, banking secrecy is not absolute as it can in particular be lifted in the scope of criminal proceedings.

The main strength of the Swiss finance centre is the asset management and investment advisory services. The total funds under management in Switzerland currently amount to roughly 2.800 billion Swiss Francs. About 50 % of that impressive sum is owned by foreign clients.

In addition, Switzerland is highly industrial country with the following major industries: machinery, pharmaceutics, chemical manufacture, high-technology and precision instruments.

The freight forwarding, insurance and tourism are another significant part of the country’s economy.


 

 

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