OSEC - Business Network Switzerland

Key Competitive Attractions

Switzerland is an exceptional communications and transport hub, connecting northern and southern Europe with its unique position between the Alps and the Jura mountains.

Switzerland's economy enjoys high levels of development due to its liberal economic system, political stability, and its close collaboration with the economies of its surrounding countries. In addition, high standard of education and excellent infrastructure create the base for its competitive economy.

Key economic benefits:

• Switzerland is one of the most liberal and competitive economies in the world
• Switzerland maintains close economic relationships with other countries
• Switzerland has the 5th largest per capita gross domestic product (GDP) in the world
• In 2007, the per capita GDP was a considerable amount higher than the EU average, at $56,651, outranking the UK by 23%, and France and Germany by 35% and 41% respectively

Economic Statistics:

• 70% of Switzerland's GDP is generated by the services sector
• The Swiss economy is dominated by SMEs with over 99% of companies employing less than 250 full-time employees

Key Industry Sectors:

• Life sciences
• Chemicals
• Pharmaceuticals
• Medical technology
• Financial services
• Electrical engineering
• Metals industry
• ICT
• Environmental technology