February 12, 2012

The network of business contacts between Switzerland and Russia is expanding. A few months ago, the Swiss Russian Industrial Business Club was launched in Neuchâtel. Meanwhile in Zurich the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation opened its first Swiss office.

On 29 September 2011, the "Swiss Russian Industrial Business Club" (SRIBC) was launched in Neuchâtel. And so the Swiss Russian Industrial Forum held in mid- February of the same year came to an end and, at the same time, it received a strong push for future endeavors. The industry forum took place very successfully in Basel under the auspices of Sergei Ganin, CEO at CIM-Ingenia SA, Neuchâtel, and the then head of the Russian commercial representation in Switzerland, Dr. Yuri Khromov. Around 180 industrial and business people took up the invitation even though it was the first event of its kind. No doubt many other events will follow in Switzerland or Russia as a result of the SRIBC.

In Zürich, on the other hand, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation extended invitations to attend the grand opening of its first Swiss representation on 1 December 2011. Since December it is now perfectly located on 10 Lintheschergasse, parallel to Bahnhofstrasse and not even 100 m from the main train station in Zurich.
Among those who attended the opening ceremony were, in addition to numerous invited guests from the business community, also all members of the official Mixed Economic Commission Switzerland Russia. The Commission convenes once a year in late fall or winter alternating in Switzerland and then in Russia the next year.

The Joint Chambers of Commerce (JCC) hardly needs any introduction among those business people familiar with Russia. The Chamber of Commerce has long been the prime address for business events concerning Russia, the Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan and other CIS countries. Moreover, it is the key point of contact for specific questions regarding export: for its members the JCC is happy to find suitable experts to address individual concerns.
In September 2011, a fresh breeze also began blowing through the JCC. Since then, the Joint Chambers has been newly headed up by the extremely dedicated co-directors Dr. Dorit Sallis and Dr. Aliya Yedilbayeva. Many exciting events will be offered and members can benefit from the reasonable admission prices as can interested individuals at small surcharge. The next events are posted here.