Switzerland is closely integrated into the European transportation infrastructure thanks to a dense network of road, rail and air connections. Frequent and reliable connections guarantee the smooth and efficient transport of passengers and goods. The supply of energy, water, communication services and postal services is guaranteed at all times. A well-developed healthcare system ensures that the population has access to medical care without having to travel long distances.

With 5,323 kilometers of railways and 71,500 kilometers of roads, Switzerland has an extremely dense transportation network, allowing easy access to its neighboring countries.  For air traffic, the airports in Geneva, Zurich, Basel and Bern ensure efficient connections to European and worldwide airports.  As a result of bilateral agreements, Swiss products can be exported to the European Union and EFTA countries without paying customs duties.  The same is true for imports to Switzerland of products originating in these countries. 

Cantons highlighted are Bern, Fribourg, Vaud, Neuchâtel, Geneva and Valais – which constitute Western Switzerland and the territory covered by GGBa.

In addition to the EFTA Convention and the Free Trade Agreement with the European Union (EU) of 1972, Switzerland currently has a network of 31 free trade agreements (FTAs) with 41 partners. Switzerland normally concludes its FTAs together with its partners Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein, in the framework of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). Nevertheless, Switzerland has the possibility to enter into FTAs outside the EFTA framework as well, as it has been the case of Japan and China.

Switzerland has a modern system of taxation designed to respond to the needs of the economy. Consistent with the country’s federal structure, taxes are imposed at the federal, cantonal (state) and municipal levels. In Western Switzerland, statutory corporate tax rates are in the range of approximately 13-21%, which is highly competitive by international standards. An array of possible deductions are also available, with a focus on R&D and innovation. Additionally, companies that create jobs locally can take advantage of partial or full tax relief for up to 10 years at cantonal and communal level under certain conditions. At the federal level, an annual tax credit of CHF 95k per new job for up to 10 years can be granted in certain areas. Cantonal and federal incentives can be combined, bringing the tax rate close to zero based on IP amortization deduction and/or debt leverage.