World Eye Reports met with David Syz, head of the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs, to talk about the trade mission he headed to Japan in May of 2003. With a delegation of Swiss government and business leaders as well as leaders of successful Japanese enterprises in Switzerland, the seminars held in Osaka and Tokyo were meant to foster cooperation between Japan and Switzerland in trade and economics and to promote Switzerland as a business location.

Switzerland is an open and liberal market in the heart of Europe with many advantages: a highly motivated work force and almost no strikes, an excellent infrastructure, an efficient administration and, last but not least, an attractive tax environment. Furthermore, we have an excellent educational system and invest heavily in Research and Development. We wanted to show that Switzerland is not just a country of cheese, chocolate and watches. Given our high level of R&D, we also have an economy that is focused on new technologies -- biotech, nano-technology and medicine. In all these business sectors we have a relatively strong position. My wish is to look for joint ventures in these areas, and to join forces between Swiss and Japanese companies. With such a cooperation between our two countries we could invest even more in R&D and could be even stronger in these fields.

In terms of setting up business and economic relations, why is Switzerland an ideal place for investment in relation to the question of independence with the EU?:

The EU is our most important economic partner, and we are tightly linked to it by bilateral treaties. Goods circulate freely between Switzerland and the EU, the labour markets are gradually being opened and Switzerland participates on equal rights in the EU Research Programs. Right now, we are about to finalize another package of bilateral treaties . So, economically speaking, we are like an associated member of the EU, but we keep our unique position: our tax system, for example, is in better shape than those of many other European countries, and this is a main advantage for locating a business in Switzerland. Another Swiss asset with regard to some EU countries is our sensible labor law which allows for the enterprises to easily adapt to the respective economic situation. Despite our independence from the EU, more and more investors are choosing Switzerland as location for their headquarters in Europe.

What is the next step with regard to focusing on economic relations with Japan?

Together with JETRO, we are currently studying ways and means to intensify our economic relations. One possibility would be, of course, a free trade agreement with Japan. To further strengthen our ties, I also hope to soon be welcoming an official Japanese delegation here in Switzerland! Japan already is an important business partner for Switzerland, and we are convinced that the Japanese investors will soon consider Switzerland not only as an ideal holiday destination, but also as an important trading country and as a hub for Europe.

What message would you like to send to our readers in Japan?

We may not be member of the EU, but we can offer you a lot: we are a reliable economic partner with low inflation, stable exchange rates, a flexible labour market and a low tax level. Please come and have a look yourself!