Ongoing Federal Council Commitment on Commodities
Took stock of progress in terms of competitiveness, innovation, integrity and sustainability of practices in use daughters of 16 2018 recommendations
The Federal Council has adopted the first report regarding the implementation of the recommendations contained in the 2018 official document on the commodities sector in Switzerland.
The report shows that important progress has been made to improve the framework conditions for the commodities sector while strengthening its integrity.
On November 30, 2018, the Federal Council had made 16 recommendations in the document “The Commodities Sector in Switzerland: Assessment of the Situation and Prospects.”
A dialogue with stakeholders (cantons, businesses and NGOs)
The new report shows that fundamental progress has been made in terms of competitiveness, innovative strength, integrity, sustainability of practices in the sector and dialogue with stakeholders (cantons, companies and NGOs).
The commodities sector, particularly trade, continues to be one of the most important economic sectors for Switzerland.
A group of experts will improve the Swiss fiscal centre
Taxation, sixteen fields of action for the Switzerland of the future
Yes to consultation on Swiss tonnage tax
New statistics published in March 2021 by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) show that there are around 900 companies active in the commodities trading sector in Switzerland, employing around 10,000 employees nationwide.
These players are flanked by an important cluster of companies from various industries that engage in related activities in financing, certification and transportation.
Switzerland as an effective and responsible partner
According to the Federal Council, the major themes that characterize the ongoing work, namely strengthening Switzerland’s position as a competitive and ecologically and socially responsible business location as well as the commitment to better governance of the sector at the international level, remain relevant.
Since the publication of the report in November 2018, Switzerland has focused on implementing its recommendations to address concrete challenges, particularly in the areas of gold, trade financing, transparency, and research support.
900 commodity traders in Switzerland
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Switzerland will reduce the environmental impact of its food supply
The combined work of several offices of the Federal Administration has ensured a good flow of information with external partners.
This coordinated approach strengthens Switzerland’s position in contributing to the development of multilateral standards applicable to the commodities sector.
Switzerland will continue to be committed to a level playing field worldwide and to promote responsible practices by maintaining a lively dialogue with all parties involved.
To this end, the interdepartmental platform on commodities will be maintained and will continue its ongoing work.
