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Osec – Business Network Switzerland

This content was published on Sep 18, 2006 Osec is the official promoter of Swiss foreign trade. Mandated by the government, it has a main task of helping companies from Switzerland and Liechtenstein develop their international business relations. Founded in 1927, Osec is particularly oriented towards small- and medium-sized companies. Its services include consulting, information, training and marketing in foreign countries.

Old age insurance

This content was published on Sep 18, 2006 The state-run insurance scheme is aimed at providing a minimum cover for all people over the age of 65 (men) and 64 (women), surviving dependents and those who need constant care.Set up in 1948 it is the backbone of Switzerland’s social security system. All people living and working in Switzerland have to contribute to the…

New Rail Links through the Alps

This content was published on Sep 18, 2006 This major project (NRLA), which includes two new rail tunnels on the Gotthard (57 kms) and Lötschberg (34.6 kms) routes, is intended to greatly improve rail transit infrastructure from north to south. The goal is to shift heavy goods traffic from road to rail. There has been controversy because the total budget has been increased…

Nagra

This content was published on Sep 18, 2006 The National Cooperative for the Disposal of Nuclear Waste – Nagra –was in 1972 given the task of finding a permanent solution to the storage of radioactive waste. At present it manages a temporary storage site at Würrenlingen in canton Aargau. But for the long term, Nagra’s mission is to find two sites in deep…

Law on Occupational Benefits

This content was published on Sep 18, 2006 People earning a salary above SFr19,350 per year must join an occupational pension scheme. The employer and the employee pay equal contributions. The money accumulated is paid out as a lump sum or as a monthly pension on retirement. It is also used to cover cases of invalidity or is paid to orphans or surviving…

Disability insurance

This content was published on Sep 18, 2006 The mandatory insurance pays out benefits to policyholders who cannot finance their livelihood because of a disability. The insurance also helps to finance special institutions for the disabled. The insurance scheme is funded by contributions from employees and employers, as well as the state.

Institute for Business Cycle Research

This content was published on Sep 18, 2006 The Swiss Institute for Business Cycle Research – KOF – produces one of the most widely respected Swiss economic forecasts. Its monthly barometer points to likely economic developments six months ahead. KOF is part of the Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich.

Financial adjustment

This content was published on Sep 18, 2006 Financial adjustment is a system of solidarity. At the federal level, money is transferred from cantons with a high level of finances to cantons with more limited means. This balancing also allows the confederation to compensate for structural charges that are considered excessive for some cantons. A similar system of adjustment is also inside the…

Holiday camp offers getaway for the homeless

This content was published on Sep 18, 2006 The accommodation – two railway wagons fitted with hammocks – is spartan to say the least, but those behind the project reckon there’ll be no shortage of guests. Dubbed Club Med for the homeless, the Hameau des Chemineaux is the brainchild of Noël Constant, who runs the Geneva-based welfare organisation Carrefour-Rue. Founded more than a…

Expert pushes Swiss opportunities in Vietnam

This content was published on Sep 17, 2006 Vietnam, which has one of southeast Asia’s fastest-growing economies, is on the verge of joining the World Trade Organization (WTO). After more than a decade of bilateral and multilateral negotiations – an accord with Switzerland was concluded in 2005 – Vietnam is preparing to become the 150th member of the WTO by the end of…

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Osec – Business Network Switzerland

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Old age insurance

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New Rail Links through the Alps

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Nagra

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Law on Occupational Benefits

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Disability insurance

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Institute for Business Cycle Research

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Financial adjustment

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Holiday camp offers getaway for the homeless

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Expert pushes Swiss opportunities in Vietnam

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