The government has set its goals for the coming year, stressing policies that limit the impact of the global financial crisis and support the economy.

President Pascal Couchepin announced the outline to the Senate on Thursday, keeping with the government's tradition of presenting political goals in early December for the following year.

Priorities include underlining the importance of measures designed to promote economic growth and free-trade accords that were put in place in 2004. That includes accompanying measures to help Swiss farmers stay competitive as markets open to more foreign goods.

In 2009 the government also hopes to present a new law on carbon dioxide in regard to future energy policy that will continue to focus on the international nature of climate change.

Security and integration issues will also be at the forefront as Switzerland settles into Europe's Schengen zone. Bolstering social cohesion should take centre stage, the government said.

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