“We are always on the move,” added Anita Koulis, KWE Switzerland commercial director. “In addition to offering air and sea freight, customs brokerage, trucking and warehouse and logistics solutions, today our cross-border e-commerce business is growing rapidly.”

An Authorised Economic Operator, KWE Switzerland is a member of the International Air Transport Association, International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations, Spedlogswiss, Interest Group Air Cargo Switzerland and the Swiss-Japanese Chamber of Commerce.

“When KWE Switzerland was first established, Japan accounted for 80 percent of our business,” said Moor. “Having reached out to the local Swiss business community, we have successfully diversified our business and today work with Japanese, international and domestic customers.”

This year KWE Switzerland is increasing its workforce to strengthen its e-commerce business and aims to work more closely with industry leaders across Switzerland.

“While every day is a challenge, we love challenges,” concluded Moor.

“Both Swiss and Japanese companies are driven to deliver quality services and there are many similarities between our two countries. Most importantly, we respect one another and as a company, we will continue to contribute to the Swiss-Japanese partnership.”

www.kwe-switzerland.com
www.kwe.co.jp

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Japan and Switzerland initiated their AEOI exchange agreement in January 2017. Since then, Kendris has been continuously ensuring disclosures under the AEOI are performed in a controlled and precise manner and updates clients at each stage of the reporting process.

In order to respect clients’ privacy, Kendris developed an in-house AEOI platform that is compliant with global regulations, including those in Japan. Customer relationship management, accounting, due diligence and reporting systems are incorporated in Kendris’ AEOI platform to reduce clients’ compliance costs.

Kendris’ regulatory team analyzes the impact of AEOI for foreign individuals holding offshore or Swiss corporate structures and optimizes structures to ensure, where possible, that the reporting is meaningful to clients, tax advisers and local tax authorities.

Kendris pre-notifies clients of upcoming submissions well in advance of reporting deadlines to ensure clients are able to discuss matters with their advisers and be better informed.

www.kendris.com

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The approach of EurAsia Competence is based on a comparative theory of culture. The theory provides the background to understand cultural differences beyond empirical and generic generalizations.

Based on this pioneering work, EurAsia Competence built its proprietary “culture grid.” The tool forms the base for services in the field of cultural due diligence. The theoretical base of the tool allows a clear differentiation between strategic and organizational development in all corresponding fields of leadership and management. Tailor-made solutions will allow us to inform, train and, if demanded, coach boards and executive teams, as well as management and employees on lower company levels.

EurAsia Competence has established an extensive partner network and has close connections with Swiss and Japanese institutions to source talent and competencies during projects.

“Company culture, while based on a firm’s country of origin in the context of its global expansion plans, requires constant alignment of cross-cultural elements and values throughout the organization to deliver on respective targets and objectives,” said Sorg.

“We help Japanese firms expanding across Europe and provide our services to European firms that are in the process of expanding their presence in Asia. Our unique approach to understanding the decision-making processes across cultures enables our clients to communicate more effectively, optimize the company’s performance and ultimately raise their bottom lines.”

For further information refer to: www.eurasiacompetence.com

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“Vehicle-electrification will be an important corner for us to navigate in the coming years,” said Muller. “We recognize we have a social responsibility while also growing our business through our partners, dealers and customers.”

From development, production and delivery, Honda is driven to provide products that are both appreciated and enjoyed by customers.

“Honda’s product range is well-suited to the Swiss market,” concluded Muller. “This year will see the launch the CR-V Hybrid at the Geneva Motor Show and the introduction of a fully electric vehicle. Our excellent dealers and service teams will continue to drive Honda Suisse forward.”

www.honda.ch

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“We are strong in delivering solutions to clients active in mechanical and electrical engineering and chemistry and also those in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, software and computer technology,” said Jacobus Sonderhoff, head of Rentsch Partner’s Japan Desk. “As most of our clients are export-oriented, international patent applications are regularly filed, particularly for Japan. On the other hand, we assist Japanese firms not only with Swiss, but also European intellectual property rights.”

Today, Switzerland is recognized as having one of the highest numbers of patents and other IP rights per capita.

“Together with Swiss SMEs (small- and medium-sized enterprises) and ETH (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich) affiliated institutes, we already operate in a very innovation-driven economy and receive regular inquiries regarding IP applications, recently also relating to blockchain technologies,” said Sonderhoff. “With the upcoming Patent Box regime, taxes on IP-generated revenue would be reduced by up to 90 percent, and this will be bolstered further by the R&D (research and development) super tax deduction.”

“There is increased awareness of distributed ledger technology,” said Benz. “Innovative technologies are becoming commonplace in the banking and financial services, property and real estate, supply chain management and logistics industries. We are seeing Japanese clients come to Switzerland to establish a European presence for their blockchain business projects.”

From technology and innovation to quality, precision and service, Benz and Sonderhoff both agree that the Swiss and the Japanese share many common characteristics.

“In terms of our legal practices, our shared goal is to stay ahead of the curve regarding new technologies,” said Benz.

“We will continue to take a leading position regarding the advice we provide clients relating to the legal implications of the new technologies we see entering the global economy.”

www.froriep.com
www.rentschpartner.ch/en/

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Consequently, we offer a wide range of products that serve our needs and help us to be healthier from all perspectives. Spanning from oral care to environmental safety, all our products have a strong body of evidence behind and are designed to improve our quality of life. In addition, one of the main reasons why I say Sunstar is a crucial player in this health movement we are witnessing is the value we give to education and research. During all these years we have not only developed high-quality products, but also contributed to improving oral health awareness among the population as well as promoted research to help our society move forward to a healthier future.

How well suited are Switzerland and Japan in terms of the two countries efforts to strengthen their economic ties?

Both countries are ready to strengthen their economic ties. Traditionally, Switzerland has been one of the most attractive business hubs, and it provides a precious international atmosphere; we have been based in Switzerland for fifteen years now, and the country has offered everything we needed to continue with our internationalization process. Besides, we are located in the Vaud region, an area where innovation and cutting-edge technologies are part of the environment, which is the perfect scenario for a multinational company to grow and expand its businesses. On the other hand, if we pay attention to Japan, it is true that we have seen an impressive evolution in a very short time; the country has gradually opened to international business, and it is becoming one of the most attractive markets for external investors. On top of that, the Japanese sense of loyalty helps foreign companies that understand the culture to establish more solidly.

Definitely, we have integrated many from the Swiss and Western culture that, mixed with our Japanese background, has helped Sunstar to create a unique way of being. As we have mastered in several different fields, we promote a cross-sectional approach to innovation in our company. This, for instance, allows us to apply the latest techniques from engineering to R&D (research and development), or the industrial vision to the development of new consumer-focused products. We did it since the beginning of our history; for example, we would utilise the similar manufacturing technology (tubes filled with glue) but for an entirely different and innovative idea: a “state of the art” toothpaste that would fill the aluminium tubes.

What is the next step for Sunstar in terms of growth in 2019?

Our main objectives for 2019 are strengthening our presence in Europe and Japan and increasing our developing markets. Our business plans, of course, depend on the business sector, but in general they will incorporate our efforts toward solutions related to oral health and its connection with general health, health promotion considering the differences in our life stages and indoor air quality improvement. In our strategy, we will leverage some of our recent achievements — our construction sealer has been selected by several facilities associated with a major sports event in Japan on the basis of a high degree of trust, and we are successfully launching the GUM brand in the Swiss market. As a long-term vision, we see ourselves helping to extend people’s healthy life span and improving their quality of life by continuing to develop products and services that promote general health based on a holistic health care approach.

www.sunstar.com

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Besides that, Sharp Switzerland offers displays and digital signage applications, as well as point of sale and EPOS (electronic point of sale) solutions that are widely used in the retail sector.

“For many years, we have been working on driving synergies, strengthening our business and further growing our expertise in order to offer innovative solutions to our clients,” Suter said. “Today we are in a good position for further growth in the Swiss market. Our team is highly motivated, aiming to deliver ever more advanced solutions and services to our clients across the country. This year, we will focus on improving our sales performance and streamline our processes in order to better serve our local clients in Switzerland.”

Suter leads 150 employees in Switzerland and brings more than 30 years of industry experience in distribution, marketing, logistics, printing and information technology to the company. During his career, he has led various companies on their way to success, with a strong focus on growth and new market development.

“Sharp is part of a dynamic industry that is experiencing major changes due to digitization,” said Suter. “In this environment, Sharp offers pioneering technologies that help transforming the way people work together and share information. I am glad to be in a position with Sharp to actively shape this process.”

For further information, please visit www.sharp.ch.

About Sharp Information Systems Europe

Sharp Information Systems Europe (SISE) is a division of Sharp Electronics Europe, which offers a unique portfolio of award-winning document management and display solutions to help organizations transform the way they engage with information. Sharp’s industry- leading MFPs and large production systems sit at the heart of integrated applications for digital transformation, while the company’s display solutions include innovative video walls, digital signage displays and interactive flat panel displays for collaborative presentations. Sharp’s mission is to develop new products that support individual expression, creating life-enhancing experiences that let consumers be original. Please visit www.sharp.ch for further information.

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There are also numerous knowledge and technology transfer platforms in Switzerland, including the Switzerland Innovation Park Biel/Bienne, the Swiss Smart Factory and the Swiss Institute for Translational and Entrepreneurial Medicine (sitem-insel), where the latest developments and findings in research and science join forces with the proven experience of local businesses.

During the 150th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Japan in 2014, the Canton of Bern established the first friendship agreement between a Swiss canton and a Japanese prefecture.

Nara Prefecture and the Canton of Bern promote the exchange of knowledge in the fields of tourism, culture, forestry, energy and environmental technology. Renowned Japanese companies such as Gilgen Door Systems AG (a subsidiary of Nabtesco Corp.), Fanuc Corp. and Montbell Co. Ltd. have already established a presence in Bern.

Bern’s unrivaled natural beauty and cultural attractions have positioned the canton as one of Switzerland’s top three tourism destinations.

Japanese tourists looking for an authentic Swiss experience continue to enjoy the iconic Swiss village of Grindelwald, Jungfraujoch in the Bernese Alps, the majestic Schilthorn summit and UNESCO World Heritage site, the Old City of Bern.

Looking forward, the Canton of Bern will continue to attract business and investment from Japan.

www.berninvest.be.ch

Empa: www.empa.ch/web/empa/home

 Switzerland Innovation Park Biel/Bienne: www.sipbb.ch/?lang=en

 Swiss Smart Factory: www.sipbb.ch/forschung/swiss-smart-factory/?lang=en

 sitem-insel AG: https://sitem-insel.ch/en/

 

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“There is a lot of unreliable information and false claims surrounding aromatherapy, so we invested heavily into research conducted by independent experts in Europe following strict protocols,” shared AromaStick co-founder Nick Singer.

Thirteen studies involving over 700 individuals have been made thus far, eight of which have been peer reviewed and published in trusted academic publications around the world.

“The findings from our products exceeded all our expectations and show that the effects are not only psychological but also physiologically measurable,” explained Nick’s brother and co-founder Tim Singer.

Depending on the blend, stress-related biomarkers such as blood pressure, heart rate and cortisol are drastically reduced, or blood-oxygen levels are increased, enhancing wellbeing after a few inhalations.

AromaStick is manufactured entirely in Switzerland and proudly bears the Swiss mark of quality. The products were launched in September 2017 and are now sold in over 15 countries, including Japan, through trusted distribution partners.

“Japan is one of our most exciting markets at the moment,” said Nick. “We have built a very good relation with our distribution partner in Japan, MK Enterprise Inc., which has not only made our products available in several department stores, pharmacies and convenience stores, but also opened doors to potential collaborations extending to research and development, as well as product development.”

“There is a huge potential for the company to continue growing and we appreciate sharing the same values — such as diligence and an unrelenting adherence to quality — with our partners in Japan.”

AromaStick is distributed in stores and pharmacies such as Tokyu Hands, Aroma Bloom, Aeon Body, Beauty Library, Keio Department Store and Tanabe Pharmacy.

www.aromastick.net
www.aromastick.jp

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“Our Outlander PHEV has become a leading model in the Swiss market and we are continuously driving volume in Switzerland. I often explain that the technologies offered by Mitsubishi Motors are comparable to a ‘Swiss Army knife’ in that the customer has a range of options at their disposal – hybrid and electric solutions – which improve the driving experience.”

Mitsubishi Motors has had a presence in the country for over forty years and today the SUV 4X4 range has become sought in the Swiss market.

“In terms of market share, we are above the current European average,” says Hoch. “We have sold a total of 300,000 cars in the Swiss market.”

It is often stated that Japan is recognised as a country which values quality, a characteristic which is mirrored here in Switzerland.

“The Japanese and Swiss share a similar mentality in that we both appreciate the ideals of trust, honesty, hard work and traditional values,” says Hoch. “We have a strong cultural bond and a deep friendship is shared between our two countries which both sides are keen to nurture. Our historical relationship is founded on an appreciation for one another and this will continue as we strengthen our ties.”

www.mitsubishi-motors.ch

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