The region

One dynamic region, six major players

Strategically located at the heart of Europe, the Greater Geneva Bern area is comprised of six cantons: Bern, Fribourg, Vaud, Neuchâtel, Geneva and Valais. The region covers almost half of Switzerland’s territory and shares borders with France and Italy. Furthermore, it is located in close proximity to Germany, its principal commercial partner.

An ideal location

The Greater Geneva Bern area is ideal for establishing an international company. In addition to its central location, the region provides privileged access to the European market and its 500 million consumers. Moreover, the multicultural and multilingual population (26% of whom are foreigners) and their expectations for quality create an ideal test market.

Important advantages

Well-developed industry clusters in a number of domains
A highly-qualified, productive and multilingual workforce
Consistent political stability
Flexible labor laws
Moderate tax rates
State-of-the-art infrastructure
A safe environment
An exceptional quality of life

3,192,504
inhabitants, including

835,467
foreign nationals

Attractive networks for international investors

The economic fabric of the Greater Geneva Bern area includes a number of centers of excellence, particularly in the fields of micro and nano-technologies, life sciences, information and communications technologies and clean technologies. The cantons which form the GGBa share the same philosophy and a common objective: to develop and maintain a competitive economy based on high value products and services. In order to achieve this goal, the GGBa supports the establishment of companies who are at the forefront of global innovation and who can bring complementary products and services to the existing economy.

Innovation is key

Discover the advantages of the six member cantons of the GGBa

It could be said that innovation is in Switzerland’s DNA. Our companies and higher educational institutes excel in creating and developing new ideas. A tradition of innovation and a high quality educational system are among the numerous advantages that make the Greater Geneva Bern area a sought-after destination for foreign investors. Each of the six member cantons of the GGBa has its own advantages, and the different industries represented in the region are complementary.

Bern

The canton of Bern benefits from its well-developed infrastructure, low corporate tax rates, an exceptional educational system, and a well-qualified and multilingual workforce. Its central location in Switzerland and in Europe is ideal for accessing European markets. As the federal capital, Bern is the political center, and as such ensures close ties with government and political representatives. A diverse group of clusters brings together companies, researchers, and educational institutions, creating an efficient business network in the canton.

Fribourg

The officially bilingual canton of Fribourg serves as the link between the French-speaking and German-speaking regions in Switzerland, providing access to the two most important markets in Europe. Fribourg is known for its cultural diversity and its excellent and comprehensive multilingual educational system. The educational institutes include universities as well as technical and management schools, making the canton a stronghold for apprenticeships and research. Numerous multinational companies have chosen Fribourg as the location for their international headquarters, logistic centers and R&D and manufacturing operations.

Vaud

Located in the heart of Europe, between the lakes and the mountains, the canton of Vaud is Switzerland’s largest French-speaking region. It combines all the qualities associated with Switzerland: innovation, dynamic economic development and investment, productivity, high-quality education, political stability, an attractive tax framework, flexible labor laws, a highly-qualified and cosmopolitan workforce, first-rate financial services, a prosperous and diverse economy, and above all, an unparalleled quality of life.

Neuchâtel

Neuchâtel, a pioneering canton, industrial and exporting, producer of wealth and innovation, open to the world and new ideas. Thanks to three centuries of industrial history, the Neuchâtel economy and its companies know how to adapt with agility and reactivity to the needs of the markets. They develop reliable, miniaturized, complex and high value-added products. Based on this DNA and supported by strategic services in line with its needs, the region’s industrial fabric can make all the difference in the face of increased global competition and the economic challenges of the 21st century. The canton’s expertise is now available to the following industries: MedTech, Machine Tools, Luxury and Watchmaking, Pharmaceuticals, Space, Photovoltaics, Communication Technologies.

Geneva

With its deep-rooted international tradition, the canton of Geneva is an ideal setting for a global enterprise. More than 1000 multinational companies, with 140 landmark companies, have chosen to set up their headquarters on the territory of the canton. In addition, 37 international organizations, over 390 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and 179 diplomatic missions compose the international landscape of Geneva. The canton is a leader in a number of sectors, such as banking and financial services, commodity trading, life sciences, information and communications technologies as well as aromas and fragrances. It offers a first-class economic environment, excellent infrastructure and a highly-qualified workforce supported by business-minded authorities.

Valais

Valais is best known for its magnificent landscapes, exceptional climate and its rich cultural and culinary traditions. But Valais is also a center of excellence with regard to technology, applied research and innovation. Located in the heart of Europe, at the principal transportation, cultural and linguistic crossroads, Valais offers leading-edge technology parks specialized in life sciences, information and communications technologies, energy and engineering.

Newsroom

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Our clusters

Discover our 10 most dynamic business sectors

Discover our clusters