Commodities: Federal Council remains committed to a competitive, integrated business hub

Bern, 21.04.2021 - The Federal Council has approved on 21 April 2021 the first status report on the implementation of the recommendations of the 2018 report on the Swiss commodities sector, which shows that significant progress has been made in improving the framework conditions for the commodities sector, while at the same time strengthening its integrity.

On 30 November 2018, the Federal Council had made 16 recommendations in its report 'The Swiss commodities sector: current situation and outlook.' The new report shows that essential progress has been made in the areas of competitiveness, innovative strength, integrity, sustainability of industry practices and dialogue with stakeholders (cantons, companies and NGOs).

The commodities sector – in particular commodities trading – remains a significant segment of the Swiss economy. New figures published in March by the Federal Statistical Office show that some 900 firms in Switzerland are engaged in commodities trading. Nationally, they provide employment for almost 10,000 people. These actors are supported by a whole range of associated professions in the areas of finance, certification and transport.

In the Federal Council's view, the principal focus areas of work currently in progress are still relevant. These are to reinforce Switzerland's position as a competitive, environmentally and socially responsible place to do business, and a commitment to improve sector governance at the international level. Since the November 2018 report, Switzerland has focused on implementing its recommendations to address specific challenges, particularly in the areas of gold, commodity trade finance, transparency and research support.  The joint work of the Federal Administration's various offices has ensured a smooth flow of information with external partners. This coordinated approach strengthens Switzerland's standing as a contributor to the development of multilateral standards for the commodities sector.

Switzerland will remain committed to achieving a level playing field at the international level and will continue to promote responsible practices, and to maintaining dialogue between the various stakeholders. To this end, the interdepartmental platform on commodities will be maintained and will continue work already under way.


Address for enquiries

For further information:
FDFA Communication
Tel. +41 58 462 31 53
Tel. Press service +41 460 55 55
kommunikation@eda.admin.ch



Publisher

The Federal Council
https://www.admin.ch/gov/en/start.html

Federal Department of Foreign Affairs
https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home.html

Last modification 30.01.2024

Top of page

Contact

Media enquiries

We kindly request you to address your written media enquiries to medien@seco.admin.ch  

Head of Communications and Media Spokesperson

Antje Baertschi
Tel. +41 58 463 52 75
E-Mail

Deputy Head of Communications and Media Spokesperson

Fabian Maienfisch
Tel. +41 58 462 40 20
E-Mail

Print contact

Subscribing to news

https://www.seco.admin.ch/content/seco/en/home/seco/nsb-news.msg-id-83190.html