Switzerland Exporting Manual
Jason Sohal & Luke Vartanian
11/12/2014
Mr.Ciarrocchi
BBB4M
Table Of Contents
Page 3: Executive Summary
Page 4 & 5: Snapshot of Switzerland
Page 6: Competitive & Absolute Advantages
Page 7: Working Condition
Page 8: International Agreements
Page 9: Opportunities & Trends
Page 10 & 11: Problem Areas
Page 12 & 13: Cultural Factors & Customs
Page 14: Level of International Risk
Page 15: Global Business Ethics & Social Responsibility
Page 16: International Marketing
Page 17: Logistics
Page 18: Works Cited Page
Executive Summary Let’s starts off with the basics, what exactly is exporting? Exporting is the action of countries outside of Canada purchasing Canadian goods and services in order to provide their citizens with products and services not available in their country. Exporting is vital to the economy of a country as it will; decrease unemployment through increasing the percentage of employed workers; allow for economic growth by increasing aggregate demand and allow businesses to grow and outsource to countries around the world.
Switzerland is small country located in central Europe, east of France and north of Italy, and is a relative small and mountainous country. Switzerland’s capital city is Bern while its two economic centres are Geneva and Zurich. Switzerland, a like Canada, is exceptionally democratic country but has implemented a federal directorial government. Business etiquette in Canada and Switzerland is especially similar: business is completed efficiently and women are treated just as fairly as men. Obtaining exceedingly high rating in financial freedom, investment freedom, and freed from corruption, Switzerland is certainly a safe place for investment. Most famous for its private banking system, Switzerland has much more to offer. The Swiss are known for their efficiency in chocolate, pharmaceuticals, and instruments production. The local competition between Swiss companies has created these absolute advantages. When it comes to banking and pharmaceuticals, Switzerland is far more superior to any other country. Additionally, Switzerland is known for their working conditions. The Swiss Confederation controls the labor laws, to ensure all workers are treated fairly and respectfully. Average work weeks are 41.8 hours and 5 weeks of paid vacation are given to employees if over the age of 50, a week longer than if you were younger than 20. Low unemployment rates in the “land of milk and honey” can be expressed thanks to no minimum wage. Obtaining exceedingly high rating in financial freedom, investment freedom, and freed from corruption, Switzerland is certainly a safe place for investment. I may have already convinced you that Switzerland is amazing country to export to, but continue reading and you’ll be properly amazed.
Snapshot of Switzerland
Size Relative to Canada: Switzerland is 41,277 sq. km, which is approximately 4.1% in relation to Canada (9,980,000 sq. km).
World Region: Europe
Capital City: Bern
Language: German/ French/ Italian/ Romansh
Currency: Swiss Franc
Population: 8.1 million (2013)
Time: 12:00PM in Ottawa (EST) is 7:00PM in Bern
Climate: The climate is moderate with no excessive heat, cold or humidity. Climate in Switzerland can highly depend on the location, including lowlands or mountain-tops. The seasons are clearly distinguishable, with autumn, winter, spring and summer. Winters have moderate temperatures and are much warmer than what they used to be.
Type of Government: Multi-Party Federal Directorial Democratic Republic. Switzerland has the closest government to a direct democracy.
GDP Per Capita: S46, 200 (CAD)
Labour Force by Occupation: Agriculture is 3.4%, Industry is 23.4% and services is 73.2% (2010).
Membership in World Organizations: United Nations (UN), European Free Trade Association (EFTA), Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD),
