Preventing over-regulation, strengthening the market economy: The annual media conference of economiesuisse, 2011
Zurich (ots)
The political and economic effects of the financial and economic crisis are not yet behind us. In Switzerland, too, tendencies towards protectionism and interventionism are hindering a consistent policy of growth. economiesuisse calls for the systematic application of competitive, market-oriented policies in the law on stock companies, in the finance sector and in the green economy.
The debt crisis and the Euro crisis will continue to put a considerable strain on economic and social stability in the coming years. From a Swiss point of view, there is an immense interest in finding a confidence-building solution to these serious problems in order to prevent a severe weakening of our export economy.
In the conflict surrounding the law on stock companies, which will still remain an important topic of discussion in 2011, economiesuisse is campaigning for goal-oriented solutions. Gerold Bührer, President of economiesuisse, states clearly that 'A solution is only in the interest of the economy and of employment when Switzerland maintains its strong, attractive position for international companies'. The bill passed by the Council of States goes above and beyond the international norms. The companies listed on the stock exchange are significant for growth and prosperity in Switzerland. 'There is no question that bonuses led to excess in individual cases. But rigid rules applied on account of isolated negative examples must not be allowed to put at risk what is in fact a formula for success', says Gerold Bührer.
There is only one economy: The job and financial markets form a single whole
Patrick Odier, Vice-President of economiesuisse and President of the Swiss Bankers Association warns of over-regulation in the financial markets, for this could damage employment. For the job and financial markets are dependent on each other in many ways and profit from their mutual strengths. In the past twenty years, the finance sector was one of the biggest drivers of growth in Switzerland. 'We are aware of the great responsibility that we bear for the vitality of the Swiss economy', says Patrick Odier. It is thus clear to him that the actors in the financial market will have to take greater note of their social and political responsibilities than they did in the past. 'A liberal economic system without individual responsibility cannot and will not function', warns Odier.
Climate policies: The economy is the solution, not the problem
In international terms, Switzerland's achievements in matters of climate and environment have been considerable. With its public appeal to protect the climate, the Swiss business world has announced its support for extending the CO2 law and for continuing the hitherto successful climate policy. According to Pascal Gentinetta, the chairman of the board of economiesuisse, there should be no talk of artificial opposition between 'good' and 'bad' business branches. A voluntary approach should rather be pursued, one based on innovation and the market economy that will make the most of the potential for reductions. In order to investigate the opportunities for the economy in the realm of clean tech, economiesuisse has commissioned a study. 'Such an analysis is necessary because hitherto studies often don't go far enough. For us it is decisive that clean tech should create a network of all businesses in all sectors. Only in this manner can we succeed in developing a true green economy', says Pascal Gentinetta. The results of the study are expected in the course of this year. With its focus on the green economy, economiesuisse wants to set in motion a dialogue on the chances for the Swiss economy's technology and services, and forestall misguided over-regulation.
Contact:
Ursula Fraefel
Tel.: +41/79/505'52'87
E-Mail: ursula.fraefel@economiesuisse.ch