12:00 Noon (11:30 a.m. cash bar reception)
The Plimsoll Club, World Trade Center
(Free parking at the WTC Garage - Plimsoll Club receptionist will validate your ticket)

Switzerland is a small, highly developed market situated at the crossroads of Europe. Its population of 6.9 million people is diversified, well-educated, and affluent. Switzerland serves as an excellent test market for businesses hoping to introduce new products into the dynamic European marketplace.

Language: Switzerland is one of the most multilingual countries in Europe. The national languages are German (used by 65% of the people), French (18%), Italian (12%), and Rhaeto-Romanic (1%). English is commonly understood in the business environment.

Economy: Switzerland has a strong and stable economy, low inflation (0.9%), relatively low unemployment (4.7%), and a highly qualified workforce -- factors which contribute to making the Swiss Confederation a desirable market environment. Per capita income is the highest in Europe. Spending power for foreign goods and services is thus extremely high.

Manufacturing: The machinery, metals, electronics, and chemicals sectors are world-renowned for precision and quality. Together they account for over half of Swiss export revenues. Finance: Switzerland is known for liberal trade and investment policies. Fiscal policy is moderate and cautious. The Swiss franc is one of the world's soundest currencies. The country is famous for its high standard of banking, ensuring rapid, reliable processing of business transactions.

Agriculture: Switzerland is only 65 percent self-sufficient and imports over $6 billion of agricultural products annually. The U.S. share of the Swiss agricultural import market is currently quite small, but adoption of Uruguay Round measures should improve the situation.

Trade and prosperity are synonymous in Switzerland. The country is dependent upon export markets to absorb its production and sustain its wealth, but is equally dependent upon imports for raw materials and to expand the range of goods and services available in-country. The U.S. ranks fourth as a source of Swiss imports, and third as a destination for Swiss exports.

The Best Prospects for U.S. exports of non-agricultural goods and services are: computer software, computers and peripherals, telecommunication services and equipment, travel and tourism services, aircraft and parts, medical equipment, pollution control equipment, laboratory and scientific instruments, industrial process controls, renewable energy equipment, electronic components, security and safety equipment, sporting goods and recreational equipment, industrial chemicals, drugs and pharmaceuticals, automotive parts and service equipment, plastic materials and resins, and apparel. The Best Prospects for U.S. exports of agricultural products are: horsemeat, wine, wine coolers, fresh green asparagus, sweet corn, pet food, beef, and raw tobacco.

Sponsors

Honorary Consulate of Switzerland, New Orleans

Consulate General of Switzerland, Houston

BellSouth

Louisiana Department of Economic Development

French-American Chamber of Commerce

Hoffman Sutterfield Ensenat

Port of New Orleans

Sazerac Co., Inc.

U.S. Postal Service

Whitney National Bank

World Trade Center of New Orleans

In Cooperation With

Air Cargo Association

Ark-La-Tex Regional Export & Technology Center

City of New Orleans, Office of International Trade

Consular Corps of New Orleans

New Orleans U.S. Export Assistance Center

Louisiana Districe Export Council

Louisiana International Trade Center/SBDC

Traffic Club of Baton Rouge

Traffic & Transportation Club of Greater New Orleans

World Trade Club of New Orleans

Registration Fee: $20 for members of the sponsoring organizations and $25 for non-members.

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