Openness to the world as a key prerequisite for the future of Swiss competitiveness.
Tuesday, 08. November 2011, 18:15 – 20:00 h
At the University of Zurich, Rämistrasse 71, 8006 Zurich, KOL-G-201 (Aula)
Switzerland is a country whose success is largely based on the exchange of goods and services with other countries. Openness to the world is therefore a key prerequisite for the future of our competitiveness. The largest market is the European Union. It is therefore crucial how productively and sustainably the relationship with the EU can be organised. At the same time, a broader view of global markets is also essential if quality and reliability are to be honoured around the world.
Kaspar Villiger was born in 1941. Together with his brother, he ran the family business of the same name for 23 years. After a parliamentary career first in the National Council, then in the Council of States, he was elected to the Federal Council in 1989. He headed the Military Department for 7 years and the Finance Department for 8 years. In 1995 and 2002 he held the office of President of the Confederation. After his resignation, he served on the boards of Swiss Re, Nestlé́ and NZZ. At the height of the UBS crisis, he took over as Chairman of the Board for three years.