TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION PAGE I. COMMERCIAL OVERVIEW (Executive Summary) Overview of Import Market 1 Brief Synopsis of Commercial Environment 2 Host Country Business Attitude Toward the U.S. 4 Major Business Opportunities 4 - Sectors 4 - Major Projects 5 - Market Openings 6 Major Roadblocks to Doing Business 6 Nature of Local and Third Country Competition 6 II. LEADING TRADE PROSPECTS FOR U.S. BUSINESS Best Prospect Products and Services for U.S. Exporters 7 - Industry 7 - Agriculture 13 III. ECONOMIC TRENDS AND OUTLOOK Major Trends and Outlook 15 Principal Growth Sectors 16 Government Role in the Economy 17 Balance of Payments Situation 19 Trade and Investment Barriers 20 Labor Force 23 Major Local & Third Country Competitors in Specific Sectors 24 Infrastructure Situation Re: Goods/Services Distribution 25 Major Infrastructure Projects Underway 26 IV. POLITICAL ENVIRONMENT Nature of Bilateral Relationship with the United States 26 Major Political Issues Affecting Business Climate 27 Brief Synopsis of Political System, Schedule for Elections, and Orientation of Major Political Parties 27 V. MARKETING U.S. PRODUCTS AND SERVICES Distribution and Sales Channels 28 Use of Agents/Distributors; Finding a Partner 30 Franchising 31 Direct Marketing 32 Joint Ventures/Licensing 32 Steps to Establishing an Office 33 Selling Factors/Techniques 34 Advertising and Trade Promotion 35 Listing of Major Newspapers and Business Journals 36 Pricing Product 39 Sales Service/Customer Support 40 Selling to the Government 40 Protecting Your Product From IPR Infringement 41 Need for a Local Attorney 42 VI. TRADE REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS Tariffs and Import Taxes 42 Customs Valuation 43 Import Licenses 44 Export Controls 45 Import/Export Documentation 46 Temporary Entry 46 Labeling, Market Requirements 47 Prohibited Imports 48 Standards 48 Free Trade Zones/Warehouses 49 Special Import Provisions 50 Membership in Free Trade Associations 50 VII. INVESTMENT CLIMATE Openness to Foreign Investment 51 Conversion and Transfer Policies 52 Expropriation and Compensation 52 Dispute Settlement 53 Performance Requirements/Incentives 53 Right to Private Ownership and Establishment 53 Protection of Property Rights 54 Regulatory System: Laws and Procedures 55 Efficient Capital Markets and Portfolio Investment 56 Political Violence 57 Bilateral Investment Agreements 57 OPIC and Other Investment Insurance Programs 58 Labor 58 Foreign Trade Zones/Free Ports 59 Capital Outflow Policy 59 Foreign Direct Investment Statistics 59 VIII. TRADE AND PROJECT FINANCING Brief Description of Banking System 60 Foreign Exchange Controls Affecting Trading 64 What is General Financing Availability 65 How to Finance Exports/Methods of Payment 65 Types of Available Export Financing and Insurance 65 Project Financing Available, including Lending from Multilateral Institutions and Types of Projects Supported 66 List of Banks with Correspondent U.S. Banking Arrangements 66 IX. BUSINESS TRAVEL Business Customs 68 Travel Advisory and Visas 68 Holidays 69 Business Infrastructure 70 APPENDICES 71 A. COUNTRY DATA 1. Profile 72 2. Domestic Economy 72 3. Trade 73 4. Investment 74 B. DATA ON BEST PROSPECTS FOR INDUSTRY AND AGRICULTURE SECTOR EXPORTS Matrix of Best Prospects for Industry and Agriculture 75 - Industry 76 - Agriculture 99 C. U.S. AND COUNTRY CONTACTS Swiss Government Agencies 107 Swiss Trade Associations 109 Swiss Chambers of Commerce 112 Swiss Market Research Firms 115 Swiss Commercial Banks 116 U.S. Embassy Trade Personnel 117 Washington-Based USG Country Contacts 118 U.S.-Based Multipliers Relevant for Switzerland 119 Other Multipliers Relevant for Switzerland 120 D. MARKET RESEARCH List of Available and Upcoming USDOC Industry Subsector Analyses (ISAs) 122 USDOC International Market Insight (IMI) Reporting 124 List of USDA/FAS Commodity Reports and Market Briefs 125 E. TRADE EVENT SCHEDULE 126