1) Information – Consulting – Networking
GROWTH IN
EXPORTS
2) Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE) was founded in
1927 as a non-profit association. Its mandate as an official
export promoter comes from the State Secretariat for
Economic Affairs (SECO). As a Center of Excellence for Internationalization, S-GE helps companies – especially
SMEs – in Switzerland and Liechtenstein to identify and
make use of sales opportunities around the world. We
provide consultancy and support services to companies on
an individual basis, with an emphasis on supplying
contacts and helping develop new business opportunities.
With 90 years’ experience, S-GE has been instrumental
in shaping the history of Swiss export trade. Alongside its
work promoting exports, S-GE has been involved in promoting the advantages of Switzerland as a business location
to foreign companies and also in import promotion
on behalf of companies in selected partner countries.
3) Go International
Whether you are planning to start exporting for
the very first time or hoping to further expand your
existing international presence, Switzerland
Global Enterprise (S-GE) will support you in your
present development phase and help you with
each step in the process of planning and implementing the internationalization of your business.
Take advantage of our wealth of experience and
our official status in your target countries.
1. PREPARING TO EXPORT
Are you aiming to expand your business internationally and looking for foreign
markets for your products?
Our experienced specialists can advise you on the best way to proceed.
2. COUNTRY ANALYSIS
Looking for a new market for your products and services?
Choosing the right market and understanding it fully can be a real challenge,
but with our extensive network and years of experience behind us we are in an
excellent position to help.
3. MARKET ENTRY
Do you need some practical knowledge about how to work the market you have
chosen and expand your business there?
Our experts based both in Switzerland and in the target country will conduct
a professional analysis of that market and evaluate its potential so that you can
build up your sales.
4. BUSINESS PARTNERS
Are you seeking reliable business partners in your target market?
Our network enables us to identify potential business partners for you so that
you can expand your presence in the target market. After that we are available to
provide further support with the follow-up steps as required.
5. GLOBAL IMPLEMENTATION
Who can help you reinforce your international presence, open up new markets
abroad and make more of your potential in your existing markets?
We can: with our in-depth knowledge of the specific requirements in different
countries and the local business culture there, you can rely on us to set you up
for future success. Our services cover over 70 countries, providing information,
consultancy and contacts.
EXPORT PROMOTION
ANNUAL FIGURES 2014
2,951
consultancy meetings
in Switzerland
720
customer projects
5,142
Swiss companies
supported
GROWTH IN EXPORTS
3
4) SWISS BUSINESS HUBS
21
America
Brazil / São Paulo
Canada / Montreal
Mexico / Mexico City
USA / New York City
Europe
Austria / Vienna
France / Paris
Germany / Stuttgart
Italy / Milan
Poland / Warsaw
Russia / Moscow
Spain / Madrid
Turkey / Istanbul
UK / London
Africa
South Africa / Pretoria
Asia
ASEAN / Singapore
China / Beijing
China / Hong Kong
Gulf States / Dubai
India / Mumbai
Japan / Tokyo
South Korea / Seoul
SMEs supported in 75 countries (blue)
International Network
After an initial discussion in Switzerland with
the relevant country consultant, your next port of
call should be the Swiss Business Hubs. These
foreign-based representatives of S-GE usually work
out of a Swiss Embassy or Consulate-General.
The official Swiss presence enables employees, who
are usually locally recruited, to access reliable
information and find the best connections with
which to network the Swiss companies. In
certain countries, this role is adopted by bilateral
chambers of commerce.
5) NATIONAL NETWORK
For S-GE to work effectively it needs to have a firm foothold in the Swiss regions,
as well as managing a smoothly functioning network around the globe. This
applies especially to all the commercially important countries and regions. Within
Switzerland, S-GE maintains close contacts with the cantonal chambers of
commerce and industry and also participates in cooperation agreements and
projects in which we collaborate with industry associations and specialists.
GLOBAL NETWORK
Our work in the area of export promotion involves a key role for the Swiss
Business Hubs. These are present in 21 countries and regions of importance to
the Swiss export industry. S-GE can count on support from embassies,
consulates, chambers of foreign trade as well as partners in the private sector.
EXPERT DIRECTORY
FURTHER INFORMATION
s-ge.com/map
s-ge.com/expertdirectory
The Expert Directory is an online register of internationalization and export
specialists. In it, you can find local experts in the fields of strategy, marketing,
sales, law, logistics and human resources. This resource is quick and easy to
use – and free of charge.
GROWTH IN EXPORTS
5
6) INFORMATION
Markets
Export know-how
News / studies
CONSULTING
Analysis
Strategy
Implementation
CONTACTS
Partners / companies
Government agencies
Trade fair participants
NETWORK
Swiss Business Hubs, embassies, chambers of commerce,
specialists, export platforms, associations, partners
Enabling
New Business
The following provides an overview of the targeted,
individualized, modular services that will help
you develop your foreign market to best effect.
INFORMATION
COUNTRIES, INDUSTRIES, TOPICS
Make sure you are always up to speed on the latest developments in various
markets, countries and industries by subscribing to export.news, our free Export
newsletter (available in German, French and Italian). You can also visit our
website, which provides a wealth of useful information.
EXPORTHELP
Our ExportHelp team is there to provide initial advice and information to SMEs
on all aspects of export trade, such as free trade agreements, customs issues,
value added tax and designations of origin. There is no charge for any inquiries that
can be answered straight away or only need a maximum of one hour’s research.
ONLINE TOOLS
Switzerland Global Enterprise can provide an extremely wide range of online
tools which can assist you in various areas of internationalization.
EVENTS
Consolidate your knowledge of the export industry. Build up your list of contacts
at the Swiss Foreign Trade Forum, at our country-specific events and industry
forums, and through the regular members’ events.
CONSULTANCY
INITIAL AND COUNTRY-SPECIFIC CONSULTING
EXPORTHELP
A free consultancy service for SMEs
s-ge.com/exporthelp
exporthelp@s-ge.com
T 0844 811 812
An initial personal meeting with our country advisers will give you an
opportunity to analyze your export plans in depth and gain your first important
knowledge and experience. This first consultation is free of charge and you
can then decide which of our additional services you would like to make use of.
We are always happy to visit you on site or welcome you at our offices in
Zurich, Lausanne or Lugano.
MARKET FINDER
The online “Market Navigator” tool will help get you started in your search for
the most attractive market for your company, with 30 adjustable indicators and
a selection of 100 countries to enable you to compare and evaluate the markets
in relation to your specific requirements. We will be happy to work with you to put
practical plans in place for your export business. You can also take advantage
of a tailored strategic workshop or a personal consultation meeting with our
country specialists.
MARKET ANALYSES
If you require information about a certain market and would like to know more
about requirements relating to a specific product or country, we can provide
you with specially tailored services ranging from a general overview of the market
to a detailed analysis.
7) LEGAL CLARIFICATION
We will clarify the legal situation in a specific country on your behalf to smooth
your path into that market. Our consultancy services cover contracts, trademarks,
intellectual property rights and many other issues.
MARKETING SUPPORT
Together with our network of partners we will support your marketing activities in
your target country, including trade fairs and customer events.
HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT
An understanding of cultural differences and local customs becomes even more
important once you have to manage employees abroad. We can help you with all
your questions about recruitment and general HR issues.
ESTABLISHMENT OF A COMPANY
Open up a company in the country of exportation quickly, safely and with the
minimum possible amount of bureaucracy, and save time and resources in
the process. We will work with the relevant experts to assist you with each step
of the process or even the entire process.
CONTACTS
FINDING SALES PARTNERS
It is essential to find the right representative, agent, dealer or end-customer.
We have a tried and trusted procedure involving a number of steps for doing this.
We always rely on cooperation with our official partners in the field.
ENTREPRENEUR VISITS
You will want to get your own impression of the target market and meet the local
decision makers in your sector, potential customers and representatives of administrative bodies. We organize trips designed to take these needs into account.
We also regularly organize group trips to various countries, each trip focusing
on a different industry.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter:
s-ge.com/LinkedIn
twitter.com/sge
OUR ONLINE TOOLS
s-ge.com/marketnavigator
s-ge.com/warmup2export
s-ge.com/trade4free
s-ge.com/xrisk
s-ge.com/customstariffs
TRADE FAIRS
If you want a strong trade fair presence without compromising your ability to
achieve your targets while you are there, we can help. Our trade fair team at
SWISS Pavilion will support you throughout the process of implementing your
presentation, from the preparation stage to the on-site support services and
post-processing. We have a consistent and recognizable presence at all major
international trade shows.
NETWORK
With a global network of our own specialists and partners, S-GE can put you in
touch with the right contacts wherever you need them.
GROWTH IN EXPORTS
7
8) “We have worked very closely with Switzerland Global
Enterprise since 2009. Together, we are ideally positioned to meet the needs of the exportoriented companies that are so vital to the national economy. We
support them through our broad range of professional
products and services. Our customers also gain
direct access to S-GE’s country experts and know-how,
notably through the Swiss Foreign Trade Forum.”
Urs P. Gauch, Head of SME Business Switzerland, Credit Suisse AG, Premium Partner of Switzerland
Global Enterprise – member since 1989
Networking at the Foreign Trade Forum
9) Connecting
Our events geared to specific countries and
industries provide you with an excellent opportunity to meet people with the same business
interests as you. The Swiss export industry’s
most important rendezvous is the annual Swiss
Foreign Trade Forum. Each year the best export
solutions are recognized with the Export Award.
S-GE’s SWISS Pavilion provides an all-round
package of services to support participation at
leading international trade fairs.
SECTOR/COUNTRY EVENTS
Extend your knowledge of foreign markets and use our events to build up your
network of contacts. Get first-hand information and hear other entrepreneurs
explain their successful export strategies. Qualified speakers representing specific
industries, countries and specialist areas pass on their particular expertise. You
never know: this may be where you come across an exciting idea for your next
export project!
SWISS PAVILION
Our SWISS Pavilion are designed to give SMEs a chance to show off their products
and services to a wide audience abroad, shoulder to shoulder with other
Swiss providers, and all under the umbrella of the “Swiss” brand. S-GE maintains
a presence at over 20 trade fairs a year. We will give you advice on every aspect
of your presentation, from the initial design to implementation, and will look after
all the arrangements with the trade show organizers. Appearing as part of the
SWISS Pavilion will give you the advantage of having a stand that is exceptionally
well presented and in a prime position, so that you can concentrate on your job
of presenting your products and services and acquiring new customers.
SWISS FOREIGN TRADE FORUM
The Swiss Foreign Trade Forum is an annual meeting place for CEOs, company
owners, heads of export and marketing, and experts in the field of export
trade. Every spring, this is the place where representatives of successful international companies and renowned specialists convene to provide a stimulus
for the Swiss export industry. The industry presentations, panel discussions and
informative “Impulse Sessions” combine to form an indispensable package
of knowledge on the topic of internationalization. Built-in breaks for networking
afford participants an opportunity to make contacts among the key figures
of the Swiss export economy. You will be able to explore the full range of export
opportunities available to you and talk to our country experts and the heads of
our 21 Swiss Business Hubs. Our qualified market experts will be happy to provide
you with no-obligation information on the markets from first-hand experience.
EXPORT AWARD
SWISS Pavilion: strong presence at trade fairs
Companies from Switzerland and Liechtenstein can compete for this annual
award, given in recognition of an export project that achieves particular success,
both in terms of its concept and realization. The Export Award looks at the
whole process behind the project, starting with the planning and organization
and continuing through to its potential for further development. It highlights
innovative examples of Swiss export success and serves as an incentive to others.
The Export Award has two categories: “Step-in” for a recent marketing success,
,
and “Success” for export projects which have been running successfully in the
,
target market for at least three years.
Export Award presentation with Supervisory Board
President Ruth Metzler-Arnold
FURTHER INFORMATION
s-ge.com/events
s-ge.com/awf
GROWTH IN EXPORTS
9
10) Business Expertise
We can identify your potential export markets
thanks to our presence in the field. Our experienced specialists can give you advice which
focuses specifically on local conditions and
opportunities. Coupled with our knowledge of
individual countries we also have extensive
expertise in a range of specific industries. By
taking an approach to business opportunities
which focuses both on the country and the
industry we can evaluate them thoroughly, quickly
generate cross-referenced links and provide a
comprehensive network of information.
FOCUS ON MARKET AND SECTOR
S-GE has extensive knowledge of all the main international growth sectors.
Thanks to our close contacts with the relevant export industries and their associations, and a worldwide presence which includes all the most important
markets, S-GE always has its finger on the economic pulse. We provide targeted
advice to companies operating in all sorts of industries, always ensuring
their specific requirements are taken into consideration. We always factor in the
latest developments in the individual target markets and can identify all the
most promising prospects for you.
PRIORITY SECTORS
S-GE places a strong emphasis on growth industries in which Swiss SMEs display
high levels of expertise and competitiveness. The potential of industries such
as food, ICT, life sciences or mechanical and electrical engineering, is particularly
underdeveloped abroad. In these focus sectors we work closely with the relevant
Swiss trade associations, provide industry-specific reports and organize events
and entrepreneur visits. However, even if you do not work within one of these sectors we will still be able to offer support: thanks to our international network we
can provide you with important infor-mation and contacts in locations all around
the world.
11) Membership
Switzerland Global Enterprise values its 2,213
THE BENEFITS
As a member you will benefit from attractive discounts on chargeable services
and receive exclusive special offers. Membership helps support and promote
the exchange of knowledge and networking among decision-makers in SMEs
with an international orientation.
members and provides them with valuable
privileges: S-GE members are informed on export
topics rapidly and comprehensively. They enjoy
opportunities to meet useful contacts face-to-face
and virtually and benefit from a wide range of
attractive free services, as well as exclusive
benefits.
“We’ve been a member of Switzerland Global Enterprise
since 1989.”
Daniel Bloch, Owner and CEO, Chocolats Camille Bloch SA, Courtelary
“I’m happy to pay the subscription because the Switzerland Global Enterprise network enables me to develop
business more quickly.”
Christoph Lang, Managing Director, Agro-Hygiene AG Wald / Living Power AG, Laupen
“I’d like to say a big ‘thank you’ to the S-GE team for the
excellent get-together event for members on the subject
of ‘Overcoming contractual stumbling blocks in new
international deals’ It was very interesting, with useful
.
practical information put across in a stimulating way.
At the same time, there was also plenty of opportunity
to talk to the other participants and exchange ideas.
A superb event. Thank you.”
BECOME A MEMBER TODAY!
s-ge.com/member
s-ge.com/joinusnow
member@s-ge.com
Paul Eberle, Area Manager International Sales and Head of Marketing International Sales,
Bauwerk Parkett AG, St. Margrethen
GROWTH IN EXPORTS
11
12) ExportHelp
s-ge.com/exporthelp
exporthelp@s-ge.com
T 0844 811 812
Switzerland Global Enterprise
Stampfenbachstrasse 85
CH-8006 Zürich
T +41 44 365 51 51
Switzerland Global Enterprise
Corso Elvezia 16
CH-6901 Lugano
T +41 91 601 86 86
Switzerland Global Enterprise
Avenue d’Ouchy 47 – CP 315
CH-1001 Lausanne
T +41 21 545 94 94
s-ge.com
info@s-ge.com
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