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Business
Business Profile
The economic centre of Switzerland, Zurich is renowned for its role in international finance, and in a country of banks it is home to the headquarters of most Swiss banks (including the Schweizerische Nationalbank). Of the region’s 400 banks and offices, 95 represent foreign banks. Zurich has the world’s largest trade in gold and the fourth largest stock market. Other significant industries are insurance, tourism, machine and textile industries, trade and light industry. In total, the service sector accounts for 77% of employment – financial services and insurance alone account for more than one fifth of employment. Per capita GDP is one of the highest in Europe and unemployment is typically low at 2.5%, although higher than the national average at 1.9%. The estimate for 2002 was that Zurich’s unemployment would rise, seeing as the city was especially hit by the closure of Swissair and continuing problems in the telecommunications industry.
The focus of the city’s financial power is Bahnhofstrasse and the Paradeplatz. This area is also literally the country’s centre of wealth – vaults holding gold and silver lie below the street. The city is a popular destination for international conferences and conventions, with high-class facilities and an enviable setting in terms of the lovely Old Town and spectacular scenery within easy reach. With two conference centres at the airport, the Kongresshaus (tel: (01) 206 3636) in the city centre, and the Messe trade fair centre (tel: (01) 318 7111) in the suburb of Oerlikon, the city is well equipped to receive large groups. The proximity of the airport to the city means that a number of companies are situated in the area –the location of the new Messe between the centre and the airport is hardly a coincidence. Zurich is also a strong draw for high-tech companies and is an important research centre with partnerships between the two universities and private companies. Major corporations in the area include Crédit Suisse, Swiss Re, General Motors, Dow Chemical, IBM and UBS. The well-trained and highly educated workforce is reflected in the demand for high-quality goods and an enviable standard of living.
Business Etiquette
It is always important to address Swiss colleagues by their surnames (including any academic or honorary titles) and to use the polite Sie form, rather than the informal du, until familiarity has been established. Punctuality is important and business cards are widely used. Do not be surprised by Zürchers’ apparent brusqueness – they believe in speaking the truth, even if it is not pleasant. If invited to a Zürcher’s home, guests should bring a small gift of flowers (these should be unwrapped) or chocolates. Business attire tends to be somewhat casual but is more conservative in financial institutions where business suits should definitely be worn. Business hours are typically Monday to Friday 0800-1200 and 1400-1700.
Business Services
Business Contacts: Zürcher Handelskammer
(Zurich Chamber of Commerce)
Bleicherweg 5, Postfach 4031, 8022 Zurich
Tel: (01) 217 4050. Fax: (01) 217 4051.
E-mail: direktion@zurichcci.ch
Website: www.zurichcci.ch
The Swiss Embassy in the UK provides economic and commercial information:
Swiss Embassy (UK)
16-18 Montagu Place, London W1H 2BQ
Tel: (020) 7616 6000. Fax: (020) 7724 7001.
Website: www.swissembassy.org.uk
Swiss-American Chamber of Commerce
Suite 309, 608 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10020
Tel: (212) 246 7789. Fax: (212) 246 1366.
E-mail: swissny@mindspring.com
Website: www.sacc.net
Swiss-Canadian Chamber of Commerce
1572 avenue Dr Penfield, Montréal, Québec H3G 1C4
Tel: (514) 937 5822. Fax: (514) 932 9028.
E-mail: info@cccsmtl.com
Website: www.cccsmtl.com
Swiss Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI)
Suite 209, 203 New South Head Road, Edgecliff, NSW 2027
Tel: (02) 9326 1986. Fax: (02) 9328 7299.
E-mail: admin@sacci.com.au
Website: www.sacci.com.au
Business centres
World-Wide Business Centers
Bahnhofstrasse 52, 8001 Zurich
Tel: (01) 214 6262. Fax: (01) 214 6519.
E-mail: info@wwbc.ch
Website: www.wwbcn.ch
Services include office hire, phone service, translation and conference management.
Regus Business Center
Dreikönigstrasse 31a, 8002 Zurich
Tel: (01) 208 3535. Fax: (01) 208 3500.
E-mail: regus.zh@datacomm.ch
Website: www.regus.com
Business libraries
Bibliothek der Schweizerische Nationalbank
(Swiss National Bank library)
Börsenstrasse 15, 8022 Zurich
Tel: (01) 631 3284. Fax: (01) 631 8114.
Website: www.snb.ch/e/snb
This public library is open 0800-1200 and 1300-1600 Monday to Friday.
Bibliothek für Betriebswirtschaft
(Business Management Library)
Plattenstrasse 14, 8032 Zurich
Tel: (01) 634 2978. Fax: (01) 634 4995.
E-mail: bfb@irc.unizh.ch
Website: www.irc.unizh.ch/bfb
Open 0830-1730 (until 1300 July and August).
Convention and meeting planner
Zürich Tourism Convention Bureau
Bahnhofbrücke 1, 8023 Zurich
Tel: (01) 215 4086/7. Fax: (01) 215 4099.
E-mail: congress@zurichtourism.ch
Website: www.zurichtourism.ch
Convention and meeting venues
Messe Zürich
Wallisellenstrasse 49, Postfach, 8050 Zurich
Tel: (01) 316 5000. Fax: (01) 316 5050.
E-mail: messe-zuerich@messe-zuerich.com
Website: www.messe-zuerich.com
Purpose-built trade fair centre with 29,000 sq metres (313,000 sq ft) of exhibition space and meeting rooms with a maximum capacity of 2200 delegates.
Kongresshaus Zürich
Gotthardstrasse 5, Postfach 4779, 8022 Zurich
Tel: (01) 206 3636. Fax: (01) 206 3659.
E-mail: info@kongresshaus.ch
Website: www.kongresshaus.ch
Centrally located convention centre with a variety of meeting rooms (the largest seats 1435).
Airport Forum Conference Centre
Postfach, 8058 Zürich-Flughafen
Tel: (01) 816 3422. Fax: (01) 816 4455.
E-mail: conferencecentre@uniqueairport.com
Website: www.uniqueairport.com
Translation service
Dolmetscher- und Übersetzervereinigung
(Interpreters and Translators Association)
Lindenbachstrasse 7, Postfach 228, 8035 Zurich
Tel: (01) 360 3030. Fax: (01) 360 3033.
E-mail: kontakt@duev.ch
Website: www.duev.ch
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