SWITZERLAND

By Kapil Ostwal Sahil Gupta Sourabh Bhattacherjee Akshit Madhav Vishal

Submitted To Prof. Kalyan Chakrabarthy

General Information
Official Name : The Swiss Confederation Population : 7,782,900 people Size : 41,284 square km (15,940 squares miles) Slightly less than twice the size of New Jersey Capital : Bern Largest city : Zurich Official languages : German, French, Italian, Romansh

General Information
Location : Landlocked country situated in Western Europe
Bordered by Germany, France, Italy, Austria and Lichtenstein Territory divided into two parts by the Alps: the Central Plateau and the Jura

Religion : 79.2% Christian, 11.1% without any religious affiliation, 4.3% Muslim, 0.2% Jewish Government : Federal State with a parliamentary system and a direct democracy Currency : Swiss franc

Industries
Pharmaceuticals Chocolate Banking System Watches Tourism

Pharmaceuticals
Switzerland is among the world's leading producers of chemicals and pharmaceuticals. The chemical industry focuses on dye-stuffs, perfume essences and food flavorings. The centre of the industry is Basel. The largest pharmaceutical companies are Roche and Novartis. The chemical and pharmaceutical industries export 85% of their output.

Chocolate
More than 400 years ,since Columbus became the first European to see cocoa beans, Switzerland has come to the forefront of chocolate manufacturing worldwide. Swiss chocolatiers have created such delights as truffles, pralines, cakes, and mousses (enough to make every child forget about the bread ). Swiss chocolate is great on its own, or with an espresso, a sweet wine, whisky or a Cognac, and on any conceivable occasion. Famous Brands:

LINDT TOBLERONE FERRERO ROCHER HERSHEYS

Swiss Watches
Switzerland is one of the world's largest watch manufacturers. In terms of value, it is responsible for about half of all world production. The average price of a watch exported from Switzerland in 2006 was 410 dollars. But along with its luxury output, Switzerland is also known for the world's best selling plastic watch: the Swatch.

Swiss Watch Companies

Rolex Omega Tag Heuer Breitling Swatch

Swiss Banking System

Banks and financial institutions play a key role in the Swiss economy. The Swiss franc is among the worlds most stable currencies. The Swiss capital market is one of the most important in the world. The two major Swiss banks UBS and Credit Suisse are major forces in the global financial market.

Tourism Industry
Tourism is an important source of income. Visitors from abroad spent 15.6 billion francs in Switzerland in 2008. Figures released by the United World Tourism Organization ranked Switzerland 19th among world destinations for international tourism earnings in 2008. Visitors from abroad accounted for about three per cent of Swiss GDP in 2008. Tourism is the fourth most important source of export revenue, after the metal and machine industry, the chemical industry and the watch making industry. The tourist industry is also a major employer.

The People
The Swiss value cleanliness, honesty, hard work, and material possessions. Motto: "Unity, yes; Uniformity, no." They are very proud of their environment and have a long tradition of freedom. They value sobriety, thrift, tolerance, punctuality and a sense of responsibility. They are very proud of their neutrality and promotion of worldwide peace. The Swiss have a deep-rooted respect for saving and the material wealth it brings.

Meeting and Greeting

Shake hands with everyone present -- men, women, and children -- at business or social meetings. Shake hands again when leaving. Handshakes are firm with eye contact. Allow the hosts to introduce you at parties. Use last names and appropriate titles until specifically invited by your Swiss hosts or colleagues to use their first names. Academic and professional titles are used frequently. First names are reserved for very close friends and family.

Body Language
Poor posture is frowned upon. Do not stretch or slouch in public. Do not point your index finger to your head. This is an insult. Body language varies from region to region in Switzerland.

Corporate Culture
The Swiss take punctuality for business and social meetings very seriously and expect that you will do likewise. Call with an explanation if you will be delayed. Business cards in English are acceptable. Hand your business card to the receptionist upon arrival for a meeting. Give a card to each person you meet subsequently. Generally, English is spoken in business with foreigners. Inquire beforehand to determine if an interpreter is needed. Business climate is very conservative. Meetings are generally impersonal, brisk, orderly, planned and task oriented.

Corporate Culture
The Swiss tend to get right down to business after a few minutes of general discussion. Presentations and reports should be orderly, wellprepared, thorough and detailed. The Swiss are fair bargainers but not hagglers. Discussions are detailed, cautious, and often pessimistic. Decisions are made methodically. It is not acceptable to call a Swiss businessperson at home unless there is an emergency.

Dining and Entertainment

In the German parts of Switzerland, beckon a waiter by saying Herr Ober, and a waitress by saying Frulein. It is considered rude to wave your hand. Business luncheons are more common than business breakfasts. Business entertainment is almost always done in a restaurant. Spouses are generally included in business dinners. The host proposes the first toast. Don't drink until after the toast is proposed. Keep your hands on the table at all times during a meal -- not in your lap. However, keep your elbows off the table.

Dining and Entertainment

Cut potatoes, soft foods and salads with a fork, not a knife. Use eating utensils at all times, including to eat fruit. Break bread with your hands if possible. Do not use a knife. If salt and pepper are not on the table, don't ask for them. Don't smoke at the dinner table. Wait, watch and ask permission before smoking. Sample everything offered to you. Try to finish everything on your plate when dining in someone's home. It is impolite to leave food on your plate.

Dining and Entertainment

When you are finished eating, place knife and fork side by side on the plate at the 5:25 position. Leave a party no later than midnight. It is considered impolite to ask for a tour of your hosts' home. If your hosts want to give a tour of their home, they will offer.

Dress
Appearance should always be clean and neat. The Swiss are known for conservative and neat attire. Overly casual or sloppy attire is not appreciated. For business meetings, men should wear suits and ties; women should wear suits or dresses.

Gifts
Gifts are normally not exchanged at business meetings, but small gifts may be appropriate at the successful conclusion of negotiations. Be prepared to give a gift in case you are given one. A gift with your company logo is acceptable. Give books, desk attire, whisky, cognac, good bourbon, or wine. Do not give anything sharp. When invited to someone's home, always bring a small gift for the hostess and a small gift for children. Give candy (good quality), pralines, flowers (unwrap before presenting, odd number), pastries.

Gifts
Do not bring large or expensive gifts. This is considered vulgar and makes receiver uncomfortable. Don't give red roses or carnations (these imply romance). White chrysanthemums and white asters are for funerals only. It is polite to send flowers to the hostess before a large party or the next day with a thank you note.

Helpful Hints
Be punctual. Show great respect for elderly. Dont litter (you will be scolded publicly). Dont chew gum or clean your fingernails in public. Refrain from putting your hands in your pockets while talking with people. Never put your feet on a desk, chair or table.

Especially for Women

More women are becoming more and more involved in business and public life in Switzerland. Foreign businesswomen will be treated fairly and professionally in Switzerland. Many Swiss businessmen would be embarrassed if a foreign businesswoman invited them to dinner. Swiss men are very conservative and still expect to pay for a meal. If possible, a foreign businesswoman should invite a Swiss businessman to lunch rather than dinner.

Benefits & Issues For Foreign Companies

Benefits
taxes Free trade Administrative links with the EU Center of Europe Widespread use of English
Low

Issues
Image

As Tourist destination. High Labor Cost High Living cost

Foreign Companies
Asian firms investing in the Swiss market. These include
Indian

software firm Birlasoft Taiwanese computer makers ASUS Japanese medical devices manufacturer Terum Chinese solar energy specialist Suntech. Chinese Packaging giant GA Pak.

GA Pak
It is Chinese company that manufactures aseptic packaging for the food industry. Recently set up its European HQ in Winterthur. According to them Switzerlands close trade and administrative links with the EU make up for the Swiss opting out of the European economic bloc. But they chose Germany as a manufacturing base because it is an optimum location for shipping while offering a skilled work force and low labor costs.

Alibaba
It is online trading giant According to it finding a home in Switzerland on cost efficiency grounds for staff is difficult. Consumer base is not near . Labor Cost is high. So Alibaba opens its European HQ in Britain.

Thank You Merci Grazie Va multumesc