Switzerland

 

New Zealand's relationship with Switzerland

New Zealand’s relationship with Switzerland is long-standing and friendly. The focus is principally on trade, consular affairs and investment possibilities for companies in both countries. We are working on ways to strengthen these relationships. Contact at the international level, in specialised agencies and organisations, is increasing. New Zealand and Switzerland see eye to eye on a range of multilateral issues such as environment, disarmament, UN reform and human rights. We value Switzerland’s perspective on international issues, and consider that in return New Zealand can offer a unique insight into the Asia-Pacific region.

In February 1972 the Swiss Government accredited its first resident Ambassador to Wellington. In 1973 the New Zealand Government reciprocated by accrediting the New Zealand Ambassador in Bonn (now Berlin) to Switzerland.

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Key facts

Geography/Demographics

Land Area: 41,286 sq km
Population: 7.5 million (2007)
Capital City: Berne
Language: German (64%), French (20%), Italian (6.5%), Romansch (1%), others 8.5%

Political

Political system: Federal Republic, direct democracy
National government: Federal Council, consisting of seven members elected for a four year term by the Federal Assembly
National legislature: Bi-cameral Federal Assembly, consisting of the Council of States and National Council
Last election: October 2007
Next election due: Federal Assembly October 2011
Head of State: Hans-Rudolf Merz (from 1 January 2009)

Economic (2008)

GDP: US$491 billion
Real GDP growth: 1.6 %
Exports: US$241 billion
Imports: US$227 billion
Main exports: Chemicals, machinery, watches, metals
Current account balance: US$41 billion
Inflation: 2.4%
Unemployment: 2.6%

New Zealand Trade (year ended June 2009)

NZ Exports (FOB): NZ$100.749 million
Main Exports: Sheep meat, venison, dishwashers
NZ Imports (CIF): NZ$339.018 million
Main Imports: Medicaments, watches, orthopaedic appliances, blood/vaccines/toxins, medical/veterinary instruments

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Visits

Rt Hon Winston Peters, Minister of Foreign Affairs made a bilateral trip to Switzerland in June 2006.  New Zealand Ministers and officials regularly visit Geneva for UN Agency, WTO and related meetings.

Recent visits to New Zealand include:

• Jean Pascal Delamuraz, Federal Councillor, FDP in 1988.
• President of the Swiss National Council (the equivalent of New Zealand's Speaker) in October 1993.
• Paschal Couchepin, FDP and Minister of Health, in October 2006.

 

Representation

• The New Zealand Ambassador to Germany is accredited to Switzerland
• Embassy of Switzerland Wellington

 

Travel advice

The Safetravel website provides a travel advisory for travellers to Switzerland [external link].

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