Export promotion
Export promotion helps Swiss companies identify and capitalise on new business and sales opportunities abroad. This enables them to offer their products and services in additional markets and strengthen their international growth.
Support for export promotion
The Confederation supports Swiss companies in exporting their goods and services in a number of ways, including market information and advisory services, trade fair support, and business introductions. These services are provided by Switzerland Global Enterprise and are designed to complement rather than replace those offered by associations, chambers of commerce and private service providers, with the aim of supporting export-oriented companies as effectively and in as coordinated a manner as possible.
Switzerland Global Enterprise
On behalf of SECO, the independent body Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE) supports companies – in particular SMEs – in accessing export markets. S-GE provides information on international market developments, offers tailored business advice, facilitates contacts, and raises the profile of Swiss companies abroad.
Swiss Business Hubs
In-market presence and local expertise are key success factors for both export promotion and investment promotion. To this end, the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), S-GE and SECO jointly operate an overseas network. The Swiss Business Hubs, attached to Swiss embassies and consulates, support Swiss companies directly on the ground as they enter foreign markets. They provide individual advisory services, produce market analyses, and assist with trade fair appearances and trade missions.
Team Switzerland Infrastructure
Team Switzerland Infrastructure supports Swiss companies in participating in major international infrastructure projects, such as the construction of transport systems, energy facilities or public infrastructure. Such projects are complex, highly competitive and often difficult to access.
The initiative was developed in collaboration with the industry associations Swissrail, Swissmem and suisse.ing, together with Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE) and Swiss Export Risk Insurance (SERV). Since 2026 it has been based at SERV, which coordinates the parties involved with the aim of improving the positioning of Swiss companies, enhancing their access to information and contacts, and increasing their chances of successful participation in projects.
Trade Fair and Project Committee
Export promotion takes place in an increasingly competitive global environment. To support Swiss companies in their market presence and promotional activities, SECO makes funding available for joint promotional initiatives in support of export promotion. The Trade Fair and Project Committee (TFPC) is appointed by SECO. It evaluates and approves applications from industries and sectors of the Swiss export economy according to defined criteria, providing support for their export activities.
SECO's role
SECO exercises supervisory responsibility over Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE), further develops the strategic framework for export promotion and, as the competent government body, represents the interests of the Swiss export economy within the context of economic policy legislation. Through a service level agreement with S-GE, SECO sets performance targets and ensures that funding is deployed effectively.
Further information
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Contact
Promotion Activities Directorate
Export and Investment Promotion
Holzikofenweg 36
3003 Bern