The Swiss voice in the world since 1935
Top stories
Stay in touch with Switzerland

Swiss firms hold out hopes in US infrastructure upgrade

biden
The $2 trillion (CHF1.89 trillion) infrastructure investment programme unveiled by Biden on Wednesday is intended to help improve the ailing national power grid, water systems, schools, bridges and road networks. Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved

US President Joe Biden’s major infrastructure plan is raising high hopes for Swiss firms in the construction and building industry. Although first contracts are expected to go to local firms, experts believe Swiss firms could score opportunities thanks to their specialisation and presence in the US market.

The $2 trillion (CHF1.89 trillion) infrastructure investment programme unveiled by Biden on Wednesday is intended to help improve the ailing national power grid, water systems, schools, bridges and road networks.

According to John Plassard from Mirabaud Bank in Geneva, US firms are expected to be the first in line to win contracts. However, Plassard told the Swiss News Agency Keystone-SDA that Swiss companies were well-placed to be included as subcontractors.

The business umbrella organisation Economiesuisse is also optimistic. “The project not only increases demand for Swiss goods but also has an indirect impact,” said Jan Atteslander, head of foreign trade at Economiesuisse. Updating domestic infrastructure makes the US more competitive, which is also good for Swiss firms with a presence in the US, he added.

Niche expertise

Three-quarters of the financial analysts surveyed expect the Swiss economy to benefit from the US investment programme, according to a survey by Credit Suisse and the CFA Society Switzerland.

Björn Rosengren, CEO of Swiss-Swedish industrial giant ABB, is also positive about the planned investments. The modernisation of US infrastructure offers enormous potential for ABB, Rosengren told Keystone-SDA. The group already generates almost a quarter of its sales in the US.

Building materials giant LafargeHolcim, which also has a strong presence in North America, also sees positive growth prospects along with Swiss train manufacturer Stadler Rail and electricity meter specialist Landis+Gyr.

But Atteslander at Economiesuisse believes that not only large companies but also small and medium-sized firms could get a piece of the pie thanks to their expertise in niche areas.

Popular Stories

Most Discussed

News

New 3D simulations for better avalanche forecasting

More

New Swiss 3D simulation tool offers better landslide forecasting

This content was published on A new 3D simulation tool is enabling much more accurate avalanche forecasts. The model, which proved its worth during the landslides in Brienz (GR) and Blatten (VS), could lead to more effective management of alpine risks.

Read more: New Swiss 3D simulation tool offers better landslide forecasting
Alleged leader of Kosovar terrorist organisation indicted

More

Alleged leader of Kosovar terrorist group indicted in Switzerland

This content was published on The Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland has brought charges against a Kosovar on suspicion of being the leader of the Swiss branch of a Kosovar terrorist organisation. He is also suspected of having been active in the management of the organisation in Kosovo.

Read more: Alleged leader of Kosovar terrorist group indicted in Switzerland
Lenk Glacier Lake drained without complications

More

Swiss glacier lake drains without causing flooding damage

This content was published on The Faverges glacial lake on the Plaine Morte above Lenk in the Bernese Oberland drained over the weekend. There was no flooding or damage, the authorities announced on Monday.

Read more: Swiss glacier lake drains without causing flooding damage
Swiss managers distance themselves from the USA

More

Swiss bosses distance themselves from the United States

This content was published on According to a survey of managers, Swiss companies are increasingly turning away from the USA and orientating themselves more towards Southeast Asia and the EU. This is the result of a recent survey.

Read more: Swiss bosses distance themselves from the United States
A live scarecrow competition to thrill Denens (VD)

More

Live scarecrow competition set to thrill Swiss

This content was published on The Fête de l'Epouvantail (scarecrow festival) is celebrating its 30th anniversary and returns to Denens in canton Vaud for its seventh edition from July 10-20.

Read more: Live scarecrow competition set to thrill Swiss

In compliance with the JTI standards

More: SWI swissinfo.ch certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative

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.

SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR

SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR