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Bern and Beijing set to negotiate trade accord

This content was published on Aug 13, 2010 The document was initialed in Beijing on Friday in the presence of Swiss Economics Minister Doris Leuthard and the Chinese head of state Hu Jintao. A Swiss government statement said that both had approved the findings of a feasibility study for such an agreement. A joint study group found that the economies of Switzerland and…

Euro investments push central bank into red

This content was published on Aug 13, 2010 The bank’s first-half figures were affected by valuation losses in investments in euros, carried out to try to prevent the strong Swiss franc from further appreciation. Total exchange rate losses for the period totalled SFr14.3 billion. In a statement on Friday, the bank said the extent of the loss was limited by the rise in…

Furka steam railway line reopens to fanfare

This content was published on Aug 12, 2010 The successful revival of the Furka Cogwheel Steam Railway is a tribute to the persistence of thousands of train buffs, who volunteered time and money to resurrect the route. “This is a fantastic moment,” exclaimed Peter Bernhard, manager of the railway, at the start of three days of celebrations. The first train to make the…

Highway life

This content was published on Aug 11, 2010 The A2, which connects Basel and Chiasso, runs through a populated and yet mountainous area. In places it runs very close to people’s homes. The photo book Wohnort Autobahn (Benteli, 2010) explains the historical, cultural and social background of the people living along this road axis.

Job agency Adecco posts huge quarterly win

This content was published on Aug 11, 2010 The figures represent a stark contrast to the same period last year, when the Zurich-based firm registered a loss of €147 million. Turnover increased 29 per cent to €4.6 billion, Adecco announced on Wednesday. In the period under review, the company’s earnings before the deduction of interest, taxes and amortisation expenses amounted to €168 million…

Nestlé reports healthy half-year profit

This content was published on Aug 11, 2010 The Swiss-based company said sales reached SFr55 billion – up SFr3 billion or 7.5 per cent – compared with last year. “We have increased investment in our brands, people and capabilities and have prepared the company for a more challenging second half,” said chief executive Paul Bulcke on Wednesday. The maker of Nescafé, KitKat and…

What is fuelling floods and fires?

This content was published on Aug 10, 2010 Flooding of a 1,000km stretch along the Indus river has already claimed about 1,600 lives, and driven hundreds of thousands from their homes. Over 13 million people have been affected. In Russia temperatures have stood for weeks at almost 40 degrees; fires have destroyed villages and forests, while a pall of smog lies over large…

Tests prove wolves killed livestock

This content was published on Aug 10, 2010 There were two separate attacks on cattle from July 22-24 near Crans-Montana. Valais cantonal authorities suspected a wolf was involved and agreed on August 3 to allow one to be shot. One week later, authorities now have proof that a wolf was indeed behind both attacks. The Federal Environment Office also said on Tuesday that…

Consumer confidence hits three-year high

This content was published on Aug 10, 2010 Seco’s quarterly survey index settled at +16 points in July, just above +14 points in April. It is the highest level since April 2007. Households expect to be able to save more in the coming months but were less confident about job market prospects. As for the general economic situation over the next year, there…

Swiss complete balloon flight over Kilimanjaro

This content was published on Aug 10, 2010 The team, which includes mineralogists Mario Meier and Daniel Wiedenmann, drifted up to 5,500m and crossed over the massif but were unable to fly directly over the summit after winds pushed the balloon toward the south. Kilimanjaro rises to 5,895 metres above sea level and is Africa’s highest peak. “The landing was very impressive,” Meier…

Internal: Archive

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Internal: Archive

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Bern and Beijing set to negotiate trade accord

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Euro investments push central bank into red

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Furka steam railway line reopens to fanfare

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Highway life

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Job agency Adecco posts huge quarterly win

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Nestlé reports healthy half-year profit

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What is fuelling floods and fires?

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Tests prove wolves killed livestock

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Consumer confidence hits three-year high

More

Swiss complete balloon flight over Kilimanjaro

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