Market profile
Doing business
Give your business card to the receptionist/secretary on arrival at an appointment. Exchange cards with your contacts at the first meeting. Include all titles and qualifications on your business card.
More information on doing business in Switzerland
Country Profile
Content supplied by Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
- ECONOMIC CLIMATE
Switzerland is an open economy with one of the highest standards of living and one of the highest per capita incomes in the world.
» read more at DFAT
- TRADE RELATIONS
In 2011-12, merchandise trade between Australia and Switzerland was worth A$3.8 billion.
» read more at DFAT
- POLITICAL CLIMATE
Switzerland has a federal structure with three levels of government: the Confederation (federal government equivalent), the cantons (state/territory government) and the communes (local government).
» read more at DFAT
Top Business Risks
OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises
Multinational Enterprises should be aware of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises that provide voluntary principles and standards for responsible business behaviour in a variety of areas, consistent with applicable domestic laws. These Guidelines are endorsed and promoted by the Australian Government. For more information, go to the AusNCP website.
Bilateral agreements
Australia has social security agreements with several countries that address the issue of 'double super coverage' for employees sent to work overseas. To take advantage of these agreements, Australian employers sending employees overseas to work must apply to the Tax Office for a Certificate of coverage.
For more details, please visit the Australian Taxation Office website.