Despite earning a slightly better score than last year, Switzerland has dropped four places as a destination for foreign direct investment in a survey that looks at countries likely to attract the most FDI in the next three years.
This content was published on
2 minutes
swissinfo.ch/ac
العربية
ar
سويسرا تحتل المرتبة الثالثة عشر في جذب الاستثمار الأجنبي
The 2019 AT Kearney Foreign Direct Investment Confidence IndexExternal link puts the country in 13th place compared to 9th last year. According to the report Switzerland is highly vulnerable to political and economic instability abroad as it has one of the most globalized economies in Europe. Main risks include a weakening global economy and the impact of Brexit. The report warned that the Swiss prospects could weaken further if its relationship with the European Union continues to deteriorate.
“This issue could be affecting business confidence in the Swiss market and contributing to its relative fall in the Index ranking,” says the report.
External Content
In 2017, 55% of the FDI was concentrated in the Swiss finance and holdings sector. However, the report warns that increased competitiveness elsewhere could blunt the Alpine nation’s investment appeal. The country was one of the hardest hit by US tax reforms in 2017 and experienced net negative FDI flows of $141 billion in 2018.
On the positive front, mergers and acquisitions seem to be thriving. For example, French firm Worldline acquired Swiss company SIX Payment Services for around $3.2 billion. The chemicals and plastics sector are also doing well with Saudi firm SABIC taking a quarter stake in Clariant for $2.5 billion.
More
More
Swiss maintain top spot in country ranking
This content was published on
The Swiss remained in the number one spot for the third consecutive year, ahead of Japan, Canada, Germany and Britain, according to a survey by a United States media company published on Wednesday. Eight European countries feature in the top ten, with Australia and the US in seventh and eighth position respectively. “Switzerland is seen…
This content was published on
The Lufthansa Group, which includes Swiss International Airlines (SWISS) has once again extended its flight ban to Israel.
Swiss hoteliers are cautiously optimistic for the winter season
This content was published on
Most Swiss hoteliers are cautiously optimistic about the coming winter season but increases costs are likely to weigh on margins.
Swiss foreign ministry memo on UNRWA funding raises alarm
This content was published on
According to a Swiss foreign ministry internal memo, cutting off UNRWA supplies to Gaza could be a violation of the Genocide Convention.
Swiss justice minister reiterates call for safeguard clause with EU
This content was published on
Swiss justice minister Beat Jans reiterated the Swiss demand for a safeguard clause in the free movement of persons with the EU.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Switzerland named among biggest losers in expat survey
This content was published on
Switzerland is now the 44th best country to live as an expat, according to a survey which highlights the cold realities of life in the Alpine nation.
This content was published on
FDI is the amount of money invested by firms overseas, in the shape of factories, offices, workers and business projects. The strong franc makes it more expensive for companies from just about anywhere in the world to set up or expand operations in Switzerland. The buoyant currency also drives up the price of exports that…
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.