In the lead-up to its trade mission to Zurich in March 2026, the Monaco Economic Board (MEB) held a Business Destination conference last week, focusing on Switzerland — one of the world’s most resilient and innovation-driven economies.
The event, organised in partnership with the Honorary Consulate of Switzerland in Monaco and in collaboration with the Swiss Embassy in France and Monaco, drew a crowd of Monegasque business leaders keen to explore commercial opportunities in the Swiss market.
Innovation and resilience define the Swiss economy
Opening the event, MEB CEO Guillaume Rose welcomed attendees before handing over to Carole Lanteri, Monaco’s Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein. She was followed by Tania Cavassini, who delivered a detailed overview of Switzerland’s economic structure and appeal.
Cavassini outlined the country’s remarkable sectoral diversity, spanning pharmaceuticals, chemicals, machinery, and watchmaking, alongside a world-leading financial centre and an advanced services sector. “This diversity is a key driver of Switzerland’s economic resilience,” she said, citing the country’s disciplined public financial management and inclusive governance model.
She also underlined Switzerland’s long-standing commitment to innovation, noting that it has topped the WIPO Global Innovation Index for 15 consecutive years. This achievement, she explained, is thanks to consistent investment in research and development, a globally respected education system, and deep collaboration between academic institutions and industry.
An attractive and competitive environment
Switzerland’s business environment was another focal point, with Cavassini highlighting the country’s liberal labour market, accessible workforce recruitment within Europe, and a favourable corporate tax regime—where rates typically range from 12% to 15% across most cantons. These advantages have drawn over 850 regional headquarters of multinational companies to establish a presence in the country.
A Q&A session followed the presentation, where Monaco-based businesses expressed strong interest in Switzerland’s stable yet dynamic ecosystem. Many of the Swiss model’s strengths—such as economic agility, sustainable innovation and strategic neutrality—were noted as aligning closely with Monaco’s own economic ambitions.
The MEB’s upcoming economic mission to Zurich in March is expected to build on this momentum, offering Monegasque entrepreneurs a valuable opportunity to engage directly with potential Swiss partners and better understand a market that combines global influence with enduring stability.
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Photo source: MEB