Switzerland: Resources

SWISSFIRMS provides a search engine that allows users to seek out companies that are members of the Swiss Chamber of Congress based upon name, location, and what the company produces. In addition, the site offers the ability to search by various fields and sub-fields of those categories. Business links regarding associations, events, statistics, and the Swiss economy are available as well. The site also publishes a newsletter three to five times per year, but a subscription is needed. Certain features of the site are reserved for members, but a majority of the information is freely accessible.

Economy, finance, technology, investment, and world stock exchanges are some of the issues covered by L'Agefi, a daily newspaper from Switzerland. A paid subscription to the paper is required for some of the website's articles. Only available in French.

The Federal Department of Defense, Civil Protection and Sport of Switzerland (DDPS) is structured into six sectors: defense, civil protection, sports, environment, security policy, and procurement. The missions of the DDPS include area security, subsidiary operations to prevent dangers, protection of the citizens, promoting training, instruction, and research of sport; and researching the supplies of the armed forces. The website offers the latest news regarding these topics.

The Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM) handles issues related to telecommunications, broadcasting, and post. OFCOM is responsible for regulating industries and ensuring the quality of communications. This site provides access to legislation addressing the communications sector as well as a database of facts and figures which includes TV and radio statistics.

The Independent Complaints Authority for Radio and Television (ICA) determines whether broadcasted programs have violated law or telecommunications legislation. The ICA assess complaints concerning radio and television. This full site is only available in German, French, and Italian.

The Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products (Swissmedic) ensures that authorized therapeutic products are of high quality, effective, and safe. Its goal is to protect the health of humans and animals and to also safeguard Switzerland as a location for industry and research. Their site provides the latest news in the Swiss therapeutic industry and information on licensing, authorizations, market surveillance, and legal matters.

The Financial Markets Authority (FINMA) is responsible for the oversight and regulation of the Swiss financial services industry. The site contains information on regulation, enforcement, and institutions. Also provided are publications such as speeches, news articles, and fact sheets that provide information about specific functions and structures of FINMA. 

The Basel Chamber of Commerce is an association of over 900 companies in the industry, commerce, and services along with 1,200 individual members. It promotes the creation of new businesses and the relocation of companies into the Basel area. The site offers information on government regulations, the process of arbitration, and an events page for various business opportunities. Only available in German.

The Swiss Import Promotion Programme (SIPPO) assists small and medium-sized enterprises from developing and transition countries in gaining access to the Swiss and European Union markets. The site provides a listing of trade promotion events, an exporter's directory, and various publications.