on behalf of the Parliament has addressed to the Federal Council with the risks and possible measures relating to Chinese Takeovers of companies. He came to the conclusion that the existing laws are enough to any dangers to counteract.
A state investment in control would currently be no additional Benefit for Switzerland, writes the Federal Council in a Wednesday report published. Such a measure would lead to additional administrative burden and uncertainty for investors. This would reduce the attractiveness of Switzerland, warns the Federal Council. The open policy of Switzerland towards foreign investments for the economic location of Central importance.
development
The Federal Council stressed but at the same time, he was aware of the risks. Therefore, he wanted to carry out a Monitoring and report within the next four years to update. In addition, he would like to examine in the area of computer science of critical infrastructures, such as the resistance to unfair foreign activities could be further improved.
the vast majority of The companies that provided critical infrastructures are, however, already in the possession of the Confederation, the cantons or municipalities, writes the Federal Council. This is the strongest protection against foreign influence.
No action needed
Whether a company is not relevant to the system and could be offered products or services by other companies, could not lead to a foreign Takeover of a hazard.
Also in relation to the possible loss of jobs and the withdrawal of know-how, the Federal Council sees no need for action. Jobs and technological advantage would be guaranteed most effectively through an innovation – and competition-friendly design of the environment, he writes.
Switzerland as a Magnet
Switzerland is, according to the report, a Magnet for foreign direct investment. In 2017, the inventory of the investments amounted to 1088 billion Swiss francs. The stock of direct investment by Swiss companies abroad amounted to 1228 billion Swiss francs.
The foreign influence via direct investment in other countries to discussions. A number of countries, therefore, various forms of capital controls. Half of the EU States, especially smaller countries such as Belgium, Ireland or Sweden, the waivers, but for good reasons, writes the Federal Council.
Strategic
the report of the Council of States had called for. He accepted postulates of Pirmin Bischof (CVP/SO) and Hans Stöckli (SP/BE). The Bishop refers in his proposal on a study by the Credit Suisse. According to this today, Chinese investors for a fifth of all takeovers in the world.
The Acquisitions were strategically targeted and according to the state-funded program, “Made in China 2025,” says Bishop. Targeting especially companies without defining an anchor shareholder, the number of which in Switzerland is generally very high. Appropriate Acquisitions and takeover attempts became more frequent. As examples, Bishop, Syngenta, Swissport and Gate called Gourmet.
the Last was to talk to the Chinese company Huawei, in connection with the introduction of the 5G mobile standard In the country and abroad. (fal/sda)
Created: 13.02.2019, 17:46 PM
