Swiss Told To Ditch Discretion To Maintain International Edge

by Ulrika Lomas, Tax-News.com, Brussels

19 March 2002

Speaking at a technology and communications exhibition in Hanover last week, the Swiss ambassador to Germany, Thomas Borer, warned that Switzerland needs to compete more actively in the global market if the country is to remain internationally competitive.

Mr Borer told the 600-strong reception that although its traditional reputation for discretion has served his country well over the years, today's international arena is 'a real shark pool', and the emphasis now should be on active participation and 'continuous learning'.

The Swiss ambassador warned his countrymen not to rest on their laurels in terms of the development of expertise, observing that: 'As a captain of industry once pointed out, we have enough smart people, but too few quick learners. Our country does not want to become a knowledge warehouse, but a fitness centre for learning.'

Mr Dorer also stressed the beneficial effects that the bilateral agreements recently reached by Switzerland and the European Union are likely to have for international investors and entrepreneurs, pointing to free movement of labour and the easing of trade restrictions as two main advantages.

'We Swiss want you as our partners,' he announced, adding that: 'We do not only want to bridge the last mile, but we want to go the extra mile to get your business.'

However, the ambassador concluded that in order to attract international business and investment, and to maintain the country's traditionally strong economic performance, it is the daily duty of Swiss companies to concentrate their efforts on becoming faster, more efficient, and more competitive.

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