Swiss drugmakers views on recession

Switzerland's association for foreign-based innovative drugmakers, the  SGCI Chemie Pharma Schweiz, has issued its position statement in advance  of the new parliamentary session. The overriding theme is the economic  situation and the contribution that the chemical and pharmaceutical  sectors can make to recovery.

The SGCI Chemie Pharma Schweiz notes that the second phase of  stabilization action taken by the federal authorities is largely  targeted at other areas of the Swiss economy. However, the group  welcomes changes to unemployment welfare arrangements, although  drugmakers have so far avoided some of the serious difficulties  experienced by automobile, electronics and textile manufacturers.  Despite warnings that protectionist trade policies may be adopted in  many parts of the world, the drugmakers' group remains optimistic about  the continuing benefits of the World Trade Organization's contribution  to the free movement of goods and services. "It is important to avoid  any excessive short-term political response, as well as any normative  hyperactivism, for which the prejudice to the economy would overcome in  the long-term any immediate benefits. In no way must the brake on debt  be released," the group argues.

Instead, the SGCI Chemie Pharma Schweiz calls for recognition of the  "very strong added value" to the economy, which is brought about by the  national chemical and medicines' sectors. Encouraging young people to  take up careers in the life science field is already on the trade body's  priorities, but this is something with which the government could help.