Brought to you by Investec Switzerland. European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said he was aiming to solve a two-year-old dispute with Switzerland over immigration in a country-specific manner even in the wake of Brexit. The Swiss government has been at pains to implement restrictions on European Union newcomers decided upon in a 2014 referendum without […]
Swiss to vote on a plan to cut ecological footprint by two thirds
On 25 September 2016, the Swiss electorate will vote on the ‘Green Economy’ initiative, the work of the Green party. Switzerland’s per capita consumption of the earth is far from sustainable. The Green party says three earths would be required if everyone on the planet consumed natural resources, such as water, air, soil or raw materials, […]
Traffic alert: flower-covered cows take to Swiss streets – the event’s history and where to see it
By Bill Harby What exactly is the alpine descent or désalpe / alpabzug? In Switzerland, we know the clock will soon strike autumn when processions of cows crowned with flowers and hung with huge clanging bells, descend from summer alpine pastures to their winter barns before the snows come. Led by cowherds and children dressed […]
Syngenta CEO appoints new finance chief ahead of China takeover
Brought to you by Investec Switzerland. Syngenta AG Chief Executive Officer Erik Fyrwald appointed a new head of finance as he works to complete a new strategic plan for the world’s largest agrochemical company, soon to be acquired by state-owned China National Chemical Corp. for $43 billion. Mark Patrick, who has been with the company […]
Solar powered tuk tuk stops in Switzerland on its way from India to London
On 21 February 2016, after spending his life’s savings creating a solar powered tuk tuk, 35 year-old electrical engineer, Naveen Rabelli, set off to London from Bangalore, India in his creation, with Austrian film maker Raoul Kopacka. The pair want to prove that being good to the planet is a state of mind and something […]
The head of the Red Cross talks about the importance of family and how “home gives you your dignity”
Renu Chahil-Graf takes a Walk in the Park with As Sy, Secretary-General of the International Federation of the Red Cross to discuss his journey to this big job and what drives him. Hope and motivation drove the unstoppable As Sy to devote a lifetime of work to humanitarian issues. Born into a “normal” Senegalese family, […]
Two Swiss Corbusier buildings added to UNESCO list
Last Sunday, UNESCO added 17 buildings designed by the Swiss architect Le Corbusier to its world heritage list. The modernist buildings span seven countries: France, Argentina, Belgium, Germany, Japan, India, and Switzerland, where there are two. The modernist architect Charles Edouard Jeanneret, who adopted the nickname Le Corbusier, was born in La Chaux-de-Fonds in the canton of […]
Post-Brexit relief rally fading – Swiss quality stocks as safe haven
8 July 2016 – Swiss and global market roundup. Brought to you by Investec Switzerland. The SMI is set to post moderate losses this week as the post-Brexit relief rally faded and commodities slipped. Swiss stocks outperformed key European markets as investor’s fled to quality stocks such as Nestlé, Novartis and Roche. After Swiss companies trailed their […]
Swiss government wants vaccinations to be free from 2017
Le Matin. From 2017, all vaccinations covered by Switzerland’s compulsory health insurance could be free, even for those with a deductible. The extra costs have not yet been calculated and health insurers are concerned. Residents of Switzerland are required by law to take out basic health insurance. Individuals are free to choose their provider and […]
Switzerland reduces CO2 emissions by 3 million tonnes
20 Minutes. Government subsidies of around CHF 260 million cut Swiss emissions by a CO2 equivalent of more than three million tonnes in 2015. The Swiss government’s “Building Programme” has two parts to it. The first subsidises improvements to building insulation. In 2015, subsidies of CHF 179 million encouraged improvements to the insulation of 3.6 […]
