GENERAL INFORMATION:

Switzerland, a country which has practically no resources and has a highly specialized industry that is export –oriented, is largely dependent on imports. Because of the importance of foreign trade for its economy, the country has traditionally followed a liberal import policy. Switzerland has only 6.7 million inhabitants it is a highly attractive market, particularly owing to the high standard of living of the population.

Switzerland has a total area of 41,293 square kilometers and 74.4% of this area consists of productive land. Because of the decline in the rate and the increase in life expectancy, the pollution is showing a marked aging tendency. The average pollution density is 162 inhabitants per square kilometer. Approximately 60% of the population lives in the urban areas. Switzerland has three official languages: German, French Italian.

ECONOMY:

Switzerland has a free market economy based on the principle of free enterprises. The Federal Constitution guarantees freedom of trade and industry and there is a minimum of state intervention. Switzerland’s grows national product (GNP) recorded a 3.5% rise, in real terms, in 1999.

Switzerland has specialized in the manufacture of products requiring a minimum of raw materials and a maximum of value added through labour. The countries main industries are highly export-oriented. The machinery, electrical equipment and metal industry, employs close to 50% of the industrial labour force, accounts for 45% of the exports. Services play a vital role in Switzerland's economy and now account for almost 60% of the domestic product growth. Tourism, banking insurance and consultancy are among the branches with high earnings. Because of its high population density, it’s economic development and the world.

IMPORTING ENVIRONMENT:

Switzerland’s average customs tariff (2.6% advalorem in 1989) is one of the lowest in the world. The policy as regarding imports is liberal and most goods can be imported into Switzerland with out special authorization, import licenses are required for only limited number of products in order to permit the application of certain special measures. These are two categories: measures for protection of the country’s agriculture and measures of state control.

Important licenses are required for certain products which are not quotas, but which are covered by special regulations concerned with public health, quarantine, veterinary regulations and regulations concerning the protection of species, safety measures, price control measures, and measures for protection of the Swiss economy and public morality. Import licenses are required for fabrics of silk wool or cotton, knitwear. Such licenses, which are not subject to quantitative restrictions, are granted automatically on production of the suppliers' invoices and official proof of the origin of the goods.