Epilogue: Implications for Swiss foreign economic policy

Abstract

Economic development and prosperity in Switzerland have since considerable time hinged on income originating from either sales of services abroad or from sales of services to foreigners coming to Switzerland. Historically, Switzerland has been - and still is - a gateway country between northern and southern European centers of major economic activity and trade. Transit across the Alps generated not only revenue from transport services, but also permitted development of other important service activities such as banking, insurance, and (tele-)communications, that have at least in the beginning been linked more or less closely to trade over long distances, and hence to transport. The process of industrialization later on gave rise to the development of engineering, consulting and other business and personal services, fueled by rising business needs and growth of private income, and modern transport infrastructure has been a prerequisite for the development of the great variety of services related to tourism.

The views expressed herein are those of the author and not necessarily those of the institution represented