)
|
|
|
|
The Japan Times
WORLD EYE REPORTS
SWITZERLAND |
|
|
|
|
|
©THE JAPAN TIMES
|
Saturday, October 18, 2003
|
|
A beacon of neutrality, stability and prosperity
For a country that occupies only 0.5 percent of Europe’s land mass, Switzerland is one of the world’s most competitive in economic terms.
Equipped with virtually no natural resources, the strength of the Swiss economy is striking, with per capita GDP of $36,940. The country’s 7.3 million inhabitants speak four national languages, and it is ranked as the world’s second most globalized country based on its share of trade in the world economy, level of foreign investment, and per capita use of international telecommunications and internet.
The anomaly of Switzerland’s success — its small size versus its position as the worlds 6th most competitive economy — is at first glance difficult to explain. Pull back the covers and you’ll find that Switzerland has grown economically and internationally while maintaining its individuality and high standard of quality.
|
|
|
eBox
|
|
|
Chocolats Halba offers a range of over 390 high quality Swiss chocolates including seasonal, traditional, choice, and exclusive specialty chocolates. A passion for “Chocolate Perfection” has evolved under the leadership of Managing Director Felix Rucksthul. Company experts also advise about fully-packaged chocolate retail requirements. Distributed through the 2nd largest Swiss retailer, Chocolats Halba is enjoyed by chocolate lovers all over Switzerland. www.halba.ch |
|
|
The Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry presents Switzerland’s most popular and rare watch brands. Find news, events, and links for Audemars Piguet, Baume and Mercier, Chopard, Harry Winston, Festina, Hermes, IWC, Leonard, FP Journe, Mont Blanc, Omega, Rado, Parmigiani, RSW, and Vacheron Constantin. www.fhs.ch |
|
|
Location Switzerland is the official government agency catering to foreign companies that wish to set up operations in Switzerland. This site also provides specific tax and financial information for all 26 Cantons. www.standortschweiz.ch
|
|
|
 The Federal Palace in Bern illuminated with the flags of Switzerland's 26 cantons on National Day on Aug. 1. |
|
The Swiss economy has always been based on free trade, relying on most of its business beyond its borders. Switzerland’s foremost trading partner is the EU, followed by the United States. Japan is Switzerland’s third largest trading partner with a 150-year history.
According to the Swiss Federal Councillor, Joseph Deiss: “Switzerland’s most important asset is its people. If you have no raw materials you have to push education and research to be a leader in all fields of progress.”
|
Amid the worldwide economic slowdown, Deiss is working on different levels to keep Switzerland as competitive as possible. He points to biotech and nanotechnology as future major growth industries for Switzerland. FULL STORY
|
Education in a truly international environment
Walking through the halls of the International University in Geneva, it is not surprising to find the door to the office of the president, Eric Willumsen, always open. The university’s relatively small size and ever-accessible administration and staff have made it almost a second family for a student body that represents 56 nations around the globe.
The International University in Geneva is aptly named. It is perhaps the most international school in Switzerland. Founded in 1997, it provides accredited American degrees in Business Administration and Media/Communications, for undergraduates and graduates as well as an MBA program for graduate students.
|
|
 Eric Willumsen, president of International University in Geneva |
The school’s teaching methods are based on both the theoretical and practical side of learning. “Due to our small class sizes we help the students progress further in interpersonal communication through role playing and case study analysis from the real world of business,” says Willumsen. FULL STORY
 The Airbus A340-300, the newest addition to the already modern fleet of Swiss International air Lines |
|
SWISS: quality and comfort aloft
No airline is more “Swiss” than Swiss International Air Lines, so to speak. For customers, that quality translates into the patent traits of reliability, cleanliness and hospitality.
SWISS understands the needs of all its customers across the entire travel spectrum. It meets them too, by offering a range of in-flight products that extend from the exclusive luxury of Swiss First to the calm comfort of Swiss Business and the friendly service of Swiss Economy.
|
The airline currently serves 71 destinations from its Swiss homebase, including all major cities in Europe along with key points in Africa and the Middle East. SWISS currently offers six weekly flights to Tokyo and five during winter. As a further plus, the route will be flown on the new Airbus A340 from November onwards. FULL STORY
|
|
|
|
Haven in Switzerland
Situated just across from the shores of Lake Geneva, in the center of the city's financial and shopping district, the Hotel Des Bergues is a masterpiece of stately gracefulness. It represents Swiss luxury at its highest level, with attention to detail that creates a wonderful ambience
The hotel features Louis Phillipe- style furniture, a marble entry and staircase, roomy suites draped in European tapestry, first-rate restaurants, and fine details such as heated towel hangers.
A home away from home for many diplomats and celebrities visiting Geneva, the Hotel Des Bergues is a true experience in Swiss luxury. www.hoteldebergues.com
The Arabella Atlantis Sheraton Hotel is a five-star hotel conveniently located in a forested parkland with panoramic views of Zurich and is only 10 minutes away from the city center.
Guests can enjoy friendly customer service and spacious rooms, most of which have a balcony with a view. The two restaurants offer rustic Swiss and international specialties as well as elegant French gourmet cuisine.
As for the business traveler, the hotel boasts technologically advanced business services, including total wireless connectivity and high tech conference rooms that can hold up to 300 people. For business or pleasure, visit The Arabella Atlantis Sheraton Hotel. www.arabellasheraton.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
