Sustainability at SECO

Corporate sustainability encompasses the impact of business activities on society and the environment. It is regarded as a contribution to sustainable development.

The National Contact Point promotes awareness of the OECD Guidelines for Responsible Business Conduct among interested parties. It answers questions about the Guidelines and acts as an out-of-court mediation body.

Sustainable development is a key consideration in free trade agreements. The aim is to negotiate agreements that are compatible with sustainable development in Switzerland and in partner countries.

ACCTS is an open plurilateral trade agreement for climate and sustainability that combines environmental and trade policy. Membership is growing as more WTO members join.

The Confederation's tourism strategy forms the foundation of its tourism policy. The existing strategic framework is currently under review.

The Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) is the instrument used to analyse and present the economic effects of federal proposals. This page provides the requirements and tools for planning and conducting an RIA. The RIA unit at SECO supports the federal administration in carrying out these analyses.

The OECD Guidelines recommend that multinational enterprises act responsibly worldwide. They cover areas such as human and labour rights, the environment, the prevention of corruption and consumer interests. The Guidelines provide guidance on risk-based due diligence for enterprises and their supply chains. Practical guides support implementation.

The Economic Cooperation and Development division implements Swiss economic and trade policy measures for the benefit of developing countries.

Economic growth and high labour productivity are key prerequisites for maintaining and increasing our prosperity. The Federal Council places great importance on a long‑term and competition‑oriented growth policy. SECO regularly analyses the development of the Swiss economy as well as existing challenges and derives the need for action from these assessments.