Press release of the Zurich Chamber of Commerce and Eurochambres

Meeting of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Switzerland (CCIS) with Eurochambres, the association of European Chambers of Commerce and Industry, in Zurich.

At a working meeting today, representatives of Eurochambres, the Zurich Chamber of Commerce and economiesuisse emphasised the enormous economic importance of Switzerland's bilateral relationship with the European Union. The preservation and further development of the bilateral relationship is therefore at the top of the list of priorities.

Dr. Regine Sauter, Director of the Zurich Chamber of Commerce and Head of Delegation of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Switzerland (CCIS) to Eurochambres, welcomed Luc Frieden, President of Eurochambres, the association of European Chambers of Commerce and Industry, for talks in Zurich today. Luc Frieden expressed his pleasure that the CCIS has recently upgraded its status within Eurochambres to become an affiliated member with voting rights.

Both sides emphasise the importance of close cooperation between European chambers of commerce and industry for the economy. Switzerland and the EU are mutually important trading partners. 52 percent of Swiss exports go to the European single market. 70 percent of its imports come from the EU.

In these difficult geopolitical times, it is more important than ever that Switzerland and the EU, who share common values, strengthen their cooperation on mutually beneficial areas, such as innovation, research and development.

Luc Frieden and Dr Regine Sauter therefore call on both the European Union and Switzerland to quickly rebuild a strong partnership.