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Villiger – no question of abandoning banking secrecy

This content was published on Jul 21, 2000 The two men were in the Swiss city to sign a protocol on double taxation between the two countries. They also discussed banking secrecy laws – which exist in both countries – and said the protocol represented a “coalition to maintain banking secrecy for the benefit of the investor.” The protocol abolishes the five per…

ABB forecasts rising profits

This content was published on Jul 20, 2000 The company made its estimate after publishing much better than expected half-year results. Net profit was up 16 per cent to SFr1.61 billion. The healthy profits were achieved despite a fall in turnover of six per cent to SFr17.96 billion. However, orders are up six per cent compared to the same period last year to…

Plans for energy tax come under fire

This content was published on Jul 20, 2000 Opposition to the proposed tax on fossil fuels and nuclear energy has been growing since it was announced that the issue would go to a nationwide vote in September. Critics led by the business community argue that the tax will lead to higher energy costs and deliver little benefit to the environment. Now they have…

NGOs call for fair trade liberalisation

This content was published on Jul 20, 2000 In a statement released on Thursday, the “Swiss Coordination for Fair World Trade” said Switzerland had to fundamentally revise its position concerning ongoing negotiations to liberalise agriculture and primarily the services sector. By March 2001, the Geneva-based World Trade Organisation hopes to launch formal negotiations on agriculture and services. No progress was made on these…

New businesses demonstrate fitness for survival

This content was published on Jul 20, 2000 The study followed the fortunes of more than 7,000 companies set up in the period 1996-1997. Four out of five were still in business 12 months later. But their chances of survival depend largely on which sector of the economy they belong to. In the construction industry, 91 per cent of new companies survived compared…

Swiss heavyweights reveal healthy figures

This content was published on Jul 20, 2000 Clariant, one of the world’s biggest specialty chemicals firms, saw sales rise by 17 per cent to SFr5.295 billion. In a statement, Clariant said it expected first half operating profits to be significantly higher than last year. These are due to be released on August 29. It also said sales should remain stable for the…

Swiss New Market blows out first candle

This content was published on Jul 20, 2000 After a slow start in the face of some strong European competition, 14 companies are now listed on the index, with a total market capitalisation of around SFr13 billion. By comparison, Frankfurt’s equivalent index has just 12 members after the same time frame. The New Market Index has been buffeted by strong price fluctuations over…

Zurich business cuts cost of designer lifestyle

This content was published on Jul 20, 2000 In Switzerland’s biggest city, Zurich, traditional Swiss chalet-type furniture is definitely out. What the style-conscious Zurich resident wants these days is cutting-edge design. But young design lovers seldom have the cash to pay designer prices, and that’s where Design Recycling has stepped in to fill a gap in the market. Fifteen months ago, Marcus Cella…

EFTA aims for trade deal with Mexico

This content was published on Jul 19, 2000 The announcement on Wednesday comes two weeks after the talks began, and follows similar negotiations between Mexico and the European Union. Making the announcement at a press conference in Mexico City, the Swiss ambassador, Marcus Keiser, said he hoped relations between the EFTA and Mexico would be strengthened by the arrival of the new Mexican…

Métraux expands presence in vehicle navigation market

This content was published on Jul 19, 2000 Financial details of the deal were not disclosed which also means that Métraux will become the main importer of products from Alpine Electronics from Japan. Under the deal, Alpine Switzerland’s activities are to be incorporated into Métraux’s automotive division. The acquisition comes a month after Métraux listed on the Swiss stock exchange. Métraux is by…

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Internal: Archive

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Villiger – no question of abandoning banking secrecy

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ABB forecasts rising profits

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Plans for energy tax come under fire

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NGOs call for fair trade liberalisation

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New businesses demonstrate fitness for survival

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Swiss heavyweights reveal healthy figures

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Swiss New Market blows out first candle

More

Zurich business cuts cost of designer lifestyle

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EFTA aims for trade deal with Mexico

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Métraux expands presence in vehicle navigation market

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