Bilateral agreements with other European countries, but also a series of agreements with other important markets, or with the Geneva-based World Trade Organisation (WTO), guarantee companies that are active in LAKE GENEVA REGION:

• a free circulation of industrial products,
• a free circulation of services,
• a free circulation of capital
• a free circulation of people,
• access to investors
• access to administrators
• access to specialists

The economy in LAKE GENEVA REGION functions practically the same as in the neighbouring countries, with the advantage of political independence on top.

Switzerland is a member of the European Free Trade Association (AELE) which opens another commercial zone.

Swiss products (produced in the country or undergoing a certain modification) circulate freely among the EU and AELE countries, without being subjected to either tax or customs duties. For other products, customs duties are levied in accordance with a weight-fixing price scale that is interesting for high value added light products, like electronics or luxury clock-making.

Switzerland also benefits from the Schengen agreement on visa granting and the moving of people. Employed or independent researchers, managers and specialists are free within this zone.

Following the example of other European countries Switzerland has not adopted the Euro. Its actual currency still remains the solid Swiss franc. This does not prevent international business from being handled in Euros, in dollars and in all other main currencies of the planet.

Factually, the neutrality of the country still reinforces the exchange among LAKE GENEVA REGION and the most important world markets. Half way between the Americas and the Far East, the world is yours!

Informations from the Federal department of foreign affairs

Switzerland’s European policy and bilateral agreements

Business Network Switzerland

Export risk guarantee

Informations on Federal administration of customs