Presenting Committee Member Spotlight: Switzerland Trade and Investment Promotion
The Switzerland Trade & Investment Promotion was among the original Participating Host Committee members of The Environmental Trade Mission and Conference TM
and they are participating again because Switzerland is dedicated to working with the U.S. on developing the innovation-based technologies that will sustain their common prosperity. The mission of Switzerland Trade & Investment Promotion is to help companies based in Switzerland and Liechtenstein to gain access to international markets. They are the Swiss government's "one-stop-shop" business solutions agency for small and medium-sized companies. In close collaboration with OSEC Business Network Switzerland, the umbrella organization for the promotion of exports, imports as well inbound investments, they help Swiss and Liechtenstein companies identify business opportunities in the U.S. and establish business contacts. Furthermore, the organization provides U.S. companies with vital information about investment options in Switzerland. As an objective and independent partner, they can help them every step of the way by providing tailor made information, advice and modular products such as market information and analyses, identification of potential business partners and support for those wishing to participate in leading international trade fairs abroad. Their vision is to match Swiss talent, innovation and quality with American marketing.
The Switzerland Trade & Investment Promotion offers in-depth knowledge of the American market to help Swiss and Liechtenstein companies make informed decisions and minimize their business risk The organization is a part of a global network of trade professionals through OSEC Business Network Switzerland with a focus on small to medium-sized Swiss and Liechtenstein companies In the United States they have seven offices i.e. Swiss Business Hubs with a team of trade professionals helping companies to succeed in the American marketplace.
For a country with a population of 7.5 million and which is only 2/3 the size of the state of Georgia, Switzerland continues to rank among the top in terms of competitiveness, having been ranked No. 1 in the 2009-2010 Global Competitiveness Report, an annual survey conducted by the World Economic Forum. Based on its efforts in environmental and climate policy, Switzerland was also determined to be the most greenhouse gas-efficient economy by Yale and Columbia Universities in the Environmental Performance Index. Switzerland continues to rank in the top 10 of direct foreign investment in the U.S., positioned as no. 7 in the most recent pole with Swiss companies creating approx. 500,000 jobs.
In January of this year the Consulate General of Switzerland in Atlanta and Georgia Tech presented a two day public policy forum on sustainable transportation which brought together local, regional, national and international experts to evaluate the challenges which the region faces with growing traffic congestion and the future of sustainable transportation options. Inspiration was drawn by Switzerland's transportation model as it has one of the best public transportation systems in the world.
Switzerland is putting together its tradition of being well organized, research driven, technically innovative and environmentally conscious to create a Cleantech hub. On behalf of the Swiss government, OSEC Business Network Switzerland has developed a Cleantech platform for the Swiss Cleantech sector which will support Cleantech companies with market entry and cultivation in strategically important foreign markets, including North America. Particular focus is on establishing purposeful relationships with promoters, investors, government agencies and foreign companies. The first market to look at is the United States as it is the biggest market in the world for environmental technologies. It is unrivaled in science and technology. From a Swiss point of view, the U.S. is a natural partner as Switzerland regards itself as a "sister republic" of the U.S. as it shaped its federation according to the model of the American Constitution.
In Switzerland, an estimated 160,000 jobs are connected with the Cleantech sector: that is 4.5% of all employment. The estimated gross value added is between 18 and 20 billion Swiss Francs and represents 3.5% of the gross domestic product. 38% of Swiss Cleantech companies export products and services.
Trade Commissioner Kimberly Roth Corradi of the Switzerland Trade & Investment Promotion explained that the organization wanted to be involved in the ETM as “it provides a unique platform where Swiss cleantech companies can leverage their innovative products and precision technologies with prospective local partners and public authorities. Switzerland is too small of a country to do on its own small domestic market. Switzerland benefits from its blend of innovative products, research and vocational education and training, however partners in other countries such as the U.S. where good technology and services can be sold effectively, are also needed to give innovative products their break. Climate and environmental problems affect our whole planet and both countries share the same challenge in that they have to work and live in a way that future generations inherit a world worth living in.”
If you would like to explore doing business with Switzerland in anyway please be sure to speak Ms. Corradi and her colleagues during The Environmental Trade Mission and Conference TM this November 17-19. To learn more visit www.swissbusinesshub.org.
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