Why the need to support the Swiss industry? The US market is very complex in its distribution structures, geographical size, customer preferences, number of competitors from all over the world, state and federal product regulations. Local experts such as the Local Trade Officers in the Trade Sections of the Consulates General, all of whom come from industry are in position to cut through those complexities and provide your firm with the answers you seek and in a cost-effective manner. In close cooperation with the Swiss Office for Trade Promotion (OSEC) and its business network partners which act as your local contacts, the services of the Trade Section enhance your successful entry into the US market through:

• market studies including industry and competitor analyses, distribution channel evaluation, regulatory overview, assessment of the most cost-effective promotional/advertising opportunities
• annual face-to-face discussion with the Local Trade Officer and OSEC experts of your needs and cost constraints, development of a partner profile and periodic briefing of the status and procedures used in achieving the mandate
• personal assistance by the Local Trade Officer in arranging meetings with US partners
• assistance in establishing a representative office or formation of a subsidiary
• answering U.S. tax questions in close cooperation with local tax experts
• providing industry sector reports on a regular basis
• offering insights into selected industry sectors of special importance in the respective Consular District including the multimedia sector in Southern California

Your initial resource should be the OSEC which has useful information material available and will assist you, in close cooperation with the Local Trade Officers, to develop a plan of action.