1. Swiss Economic Presence in the Philippines

• Economic relations between Switzerland and the Philippines date back in the early 1800s when Swiss traders ventured in Southeast Asia. At present, there are around 60 companies with varying degrees of Swiss equity, employing more than 12,000 people in the country - 25% of which belong to the industrial sector while 75% are in the service sector. In addition, there are a number of family-owned enterprises running small resorts, diving schools and tourism operators scattered around the archipelago.
  

• Switzerland has a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the Philippines as part of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) signed in 2016 at Bern, Switzerland. Annual economic talks are held since the establishment of the Joint Economic Commission (JEC) in 2013. 
  

• Bulk of Switzerland’s exports to the Philippines are chemical and pharmaceutical products; machines, appliances, and electronics; and precision instruments, clocks, watches, and jewelries. In 2019, total exports to the Philippines is CHF 328.6 million.
  

• A big component of Swiss imports from the Philippines are precious metals and minerals; machines, appliances, and electronics; precision instruments, clocks, watches, and jewelries; forestry and agricultural products, and fisheries; textiles, clothing, and shoes; and chemical and pharmaceutical products. Total imports in 2019 was CHF 592.7 million. 
  

• According to the Swiss National Bank, total capital stock of Swiss firms in the Philippines as of end 2017 amounted to CHF 2.154 billion.
  

• With regard to Corporate Social Responsibility, the Swiss multinational companies maintain high standards and belong to the group of so-called large taxpayers. 

2. The Swiss Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (SwissCham Philippines)

• The Swiss Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (SwissCham Philippines) is the new legal entity succeeding the Philippine Swiss Business Council (PSBC) registered before the Securities and Exchange Commission in September 2022. PSBC formerly operates under the auspices of – and strong guidance by – the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI). It was formed from a cooperation agreement signed in May 1995 between PCCI and the Swiss-Asian Chamber of Commerce based in Zurich, Switzerland, and established in November 2003.

• SwissCham Philippines enjoys close support from the Swiss Embassy in the Philippines. Led by the Swiss Ambassador to the Philippines, the Swiss Embassy is an active honorary member and participates in all the meetings of the Board of Directors. The Swiss Embassy team provides counsel for the Council’s projects and programs and through this partnership, the SwissCham Philippines is linked with the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) as well as with Switzerland Global Enterprise (SGE).
• To know more about SwissCham Philippines, please contact secretariat@swisscham.ph

3. The Commercial Section of the Swiss Embassy

• The Embassy provides assistance to Swiss companies doing business in the Philippines such as but not limited to trade inquiries, bilateral imports and exports, trade and investment promotions, and advice on the overall business climate in the Philippines. 
  

• We provide Swiss with qualified contacts and entry points. These contacts include importers, distributors, potential buyers, manufacturers, legal and finance experts, agents, market consultants, leading business chambers and Philippine Government offices. We have a contact knowledgeable with your technology and target market in most sectors. If we do not have the existing contact, we can find it for you.
  

• We have up to date market information and can refer you to our expert-partners for additional market research.
  

• Further, the Embassy may advise towards the resolution of business challenges and provide trouble shooting assistance.

Philippine Economic Report (2021) (PDF, 16 Pages, 1.5 MB)

Business Travel Guide for the Philippines  (PDF, 12 Pages, 1.0 MB)