“The support of the Economic Development Agency during our relocation was instrumental to a successful start-up, and since then our business has gone from strength to strength.”

Mark Dady
Vice President, Purchasing
Pepsico International

Investing in success

The open and welcoming policy toward foreign companies that exists within the GREATER GENEVA BERNE area (GGBa) is recognition of the essential role played by external investment in the region’s industrial excellence. To encourage this participation and make the relocation or start-up process as smooth as possible, a series of business promotion incentives exist on a cantonal and federal level.
Provided free of charge, this help is aimed at:

• Companies which have shortlisted the GGBa as a
  desirable business location;
• Companies that have decided to relocate here and
  need practical and administrative assistance.

Direct access to Government representatives

Thanks to the GGBa’s federal structure, investor companies have easy access to decision-makers in government, more so than in other centralized countries. The GREATER GENEVA BERNE area’s business development representatives have long-standing relationships with cantonal government figures in key areas, such as tax. The strength of these relationships can facilitate the set-up process and avoid administrative delays.

Hit the ground running

Concrete, practical assistance from the GGBa is based on the principle of a minimum of red tape. It includes helping new companies find suitable office space, industrial premises, free-zone facilities and building sites with attractive conditions.
Assistance is also offered in securing work permits for personnel and spouses, in identifying accomodation, schools, services, transportation and insurances.

All cantonal officials are encouraged to put their local knowledge to the benefit of companies new to the GGBa by helping them network with other international firms, banks, accountants, notaries, lawyers and consultants. Breakfast meetings or cocktail soirées have a proven track record in this respect.

Investment incentives

The GGBa cantons offer a comprehensive set of investment incentives to foreign companies looking to establish operations in the region, as well as to newly formed companies. These incentives include:

• Tax reductions or tax holidays for periods up to 10 years;
• Risk and loan guarantees to provide cover for
• exporting companies and bank interest;
• Investment support;
• Training contributions;
• R&D and commercialization incentives.

Year after year, executives move operations to the GGBa because of the region’s proven track record in helping business competitiveness. In real terms, this means a minimum of administrative interference, along with a consistently positive political and legislative approach to business.