Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund 2023

The Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Embassy Bern is pleased to announce an open competition for past participants (“alumni”) of U.S. government-funded and U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs to submit applications to the 2023 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF 2023). We seek proposals from teams of at least two alumni that meet all program eligibility …

Read More»

Joint Statement of the United States of America and Switzerland on Cooperation in Quantum Information Science and Technology

Embassy of the United States of America For Immediate Release October 26, 2022   Joint Statement of the United States of America and Switzerland on Cooperation in Quantum Information Science and Technology The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America and Switzerland on the occasion of …

Read More»

Humanitarian Assistance and Visa Information for Ukrainians who have Evacuated to Switzerland or Liechtenstein

Return to U.S. Embassy in Ukraine Website Last Updated: 09-May-2023 HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE   If you are seeking information about immediate humanitarian assistance in Switzerland or Liechtenstein: Almost all refugee cases in countries abroad are processed by local authorities, in this case the government of Switzerland or Liechtenstein. Ukrainians should not contact the authorities of the United States or attempt to apply for visas …

Read More»

Register Now for the Virtual 2021 SelectUSA Investment Summit, June 7-11, 2021

The SelectUSA Investment Summit  https://www.selectusasummit.us/  is the premier event dedicated to promoting foreign direct investment (FDI) in the United States.  The Investment Summit plays a vital role in attracting and facilitating business investment and job creation by raising awareness about the wide range of investment opportunities in the United States and enabling essential direct connections between …

Read More»

Webinar on Business Travel to the U.S. During COVID-19

U.S. Embassy Bern held a webinar and question & answer session September 16, 2020 with a focus on business travel to the U.S. during COVID-19. If you missed the live stream, catch a recording of the webinar on our YouTube channel.    

Read More»

International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) Celebrates its 80th Anniversary

2020 marks the 80th anniversary of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) , the Department of State’s premier professional exchange initiative for emerging leaders. The short-term visits foster mutual understanding and develop cultural and professional connections. The program has over 225,000 alumni worldwide, including more than 300 Swiss alumni including Swiss Federal Councilors Simonetta Sommaruga and Karin Keller-Sutter; State Councilor Christian …

Read More»

Webinar for U.S. Investors With Promising Swiss Startups

This is a webinar for U.S. investors and venture capitalists in June: The U.S. Embassy in Bern, together with Venturelab , SelectUSA , and ENRICH in the USA invite you to participate in an invitation-only virtual pitching event featuring 10 of Switzerland’s most promising early-stage life science startups. The cohort is comprised of Seed/Series A investment stage companies, offering you the …

Read More»

SelectUSA Investment Summit 2020 Postponed

Given the uncertainty facing a large number of public events around the world due to the progression of COVID-19, SelectUSA has made the decision to postpone the SelectUSA Investment Summit to June 2021. You will find more information on applications and hotel reservations here. Save the Date: 2021 SelectUSA Summit,  June 6-9, 2021 in Washington Hilton, Washington, …

Read More»

Digital Support from SelectUSA

SelectUSA’s global network of experienced investment specialists remains hard at work helping their clients develop international business plans. Specialists are relying significantly on emails, conference calls, Skype sessions, and video conferences to stay connected with businesses all around the world. To learn more about how  SelectUSA  can help you with your investment plans in the United …

Read More»

Blockchain, Smart Cities, and Clean Energy: Mark Johnson Visits Switzerland

  With support from U.S. Embassy Bern, Mark Johnson visited Switzerland in February 2020, where he spoke at the International Block Chain Forum organized by the University of Applied Sciences in Lucerne (HSLU) on the topic of block chain applications in clean energy. Johnson is an expert in using blockchain applications to digitally track the use of clean energy …

Read More»

U.S. Cyberspace Policy Toward China: Adam Segal of the Council on Foreign Relations in Switzerland

At the invitation of U.S. Embassy Bern, Adam Segal of the Council on Foreign Relations , traveled to Switzerland to join other experts in a series of meetings and discussions focused on U.S. and Chinese international cyber policies. Adam talked with students of the University of Geneva, spoke at think tanks Foraus, GCSP and CSS, presented at the World …

Read More»

Ambassador McMullen Visits Swiss Canton of Glarus

Ambassador McMullen travels through Switzerland to get a fist-hand insight of regions, cultures, businesses and people – and their connections to the United States. His most recent trip took him to central Switzerland, where he visited the Canton of Glarus for a day. Glarus Businesses with Investment in the United States The first visit of …

Read More»

Ambassador McMullen Travels to Fribourg for Official Cantonal Visit

For his first official cantonal visit in 2020, Ambassador McMullen visited Fribourg. He values the opportunity to experience different Swiss regions and cultures. He was warmly welcomed by State Chancellor Danielle Gagnaux-Morel. Afterwards, in his meeting with the Cantonal Council, he wanted to hear about topics they are working on and what their most important …

Read More»

Ambassador McMullen Embarked on a three-state Visit to the United States

Ambassador Edward T. McMullen, Jr. and SelectUSA Investment Specialist Sandor Galambos embarked on a three-state visit to witness firsthand Swiss investments in the United States. As a first stop, Stadler Rail Executive Chairman Peter Spuhler and CEO USA Martin Ritter hosted Ambassador McMullen at its state-of-the-art facility in Salt Lake City for Stadler Rail’s Grand …

Read More»

Eli Stern and Rik Willard Engaged in Discussions on Block Chain

With support from the U.S. Embassy in Bern, Rik Willard from Agentic Group and Eli Stern from Ernst & Young came to Switzerland for a U.S – Swiss exchange on block chain in the financial and other sectors. They and other experts spoke on the hype that surrounds the topic of block chain and bitcoin, …

Read More»

Ambassador McMullen Engaged in a Public Discussion on Trade Relations

On April 4 Ambassador McMullen engaged in a public discussion on the trade relations between Switzerland and the United States at the Graduate Institute in Geneva. The event was organized by Foraus Foreign Policy think tank, for with support of the U.S. Embassy in Bern. The discussion focused on the challenges and opportunities for mutual …

Read More»

Deputy Chief of Mission Erath Speaks on U.S.-Swiss Trade and Investment Opportunities

Deputy Chief of Mission Tara Feret Erath was one of the keynote speakers at the Switzerland Global Enterprise Exporter Demain! Event for the Swiss small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) at the SwissTech Convention Center in Lausanne. During the dialogue with Kudelski Group Chairman and CEO André Kudelski, DCM Tara Feret Erath highlighted the business opportunities …

Read More»

Ambassador Edward T. McMullen, Jr. Visits OC Oerlikon

On September 11, OC Oerlikon leadership welcomed Ambassador Edward T. McMullen, Jr. at its Balzers facility to discuss the company’s sizable footprint in many states in the United States. OC Oerlikon is a global technology and engineering Group specialized in advanced materials, surface solutions and manmade fibers. Oerlikon has a strong presence in the U.S. with manufacturing facilities in Illinois, Oklahoma, …

Read More»

Ambassador Edward T. McMullen, Jr. Visits Cilag AG, a Johnson & Johnson Family Company

Mr. Andrea Ostineli, Senior Finance Director and Chairman of the Swiss Johnson & Johnson Leadership Team, welcomed Ambassador Edward T. McMullen, Jr. at Cilag, a member of the Johnson & Johnson family of companies in Switzerland, in Schaffhausen. The Cilag/Johnson & Johnson team provided an overview of the company’s overall footprint in Switzerland and the …

Read More»

Chargé d’Affaires Tara Feret Erath Welcomes Indiana Governor Eric J. Holcomb

Indiana Governor Eric J. Holcomb and his business development delegation were welcomed by Chargé d’Affairs Tara Erath at the official residence in Bern to meet with current and prospective investors.  Indiana is home to 38 Switzerland-based companies that employ over 11,300 Indiana workers, accounting for 6% of all jobs in Indiana supported by foreign investment.  …

Read More»

Ambassador McMullen, Jr. Welcomed the Central South Carolina Alliance Investment Delegation

On May 16, 2018, Ambassador Edward T. McMullen, Jr. welcomed the Central South Carolina Alliance investment delegation for a business luncheon at the “Zunfthaus zum Rüden” guild house in Zurich to promote the Palmetto State as an investment destination.  South Carolina, which emerged as an industrial powerhouse with over $4.8 billion in new capital investment …

Read More»

Ambassador Edward T. McMullen, Jr. Discusses American Job Creation and U.S. Investments with Mercuria Leadership

Ambassador Edward T. McMullen, Jr. met with Mercuria CEO Marco Dunand and President Daniel Jaeggi to discuss Mercuria’s significant investments in the United States, as well as continued plans for expansion and the creation of jobs at its various operations.  Mercuria Energy, one of the largest independent commodity traders in the world, is also one …

Read More»

Embassy Bern Celebrates World Intellectual Property Day

April 26, 2018, marks the 18th annual celebration of World Intellectual Property (IP) Day.  Intellectual property underpins nearly every aspect of the economy – it supports good paying jobs, creativity in the arts, innovation in sciences and technology, and it creates a framework that allows new industries and innovations to flourish. Every year, we celebrate …

Read More»

Ambassador Edward T. McMullen, Jr. Visits Novartis Campus in Basel

Ambassador Edward T. McMullen, Jr. was welcomed by Novartis CEO Dr. Vasant Narasimhan and his team at the Novartis Campus in Basel for a discussion and a campus tour.  Ambassador McMullen learned about Novartis’ significant footprint in the United States, as well as the company’s diversified portfolio of healthcare businesses and cutting-edge research in innovative …

Read More»

Ambassador McMullen Participates in Panel Discussion at GDI in Rueschlikon

Ambassador Edward T. McMullen, Jr. participated in a panel discussion with industry leaders at the Zurich Economic Impulse event on Swiss-U.S. relations with a focus on innovation and regulation. Ambassador McMullen highlighted the robust economic ties between Switzerland and the United States spurred by both countries’ innovative economies, the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act …

Read More»

Ambassador Edward T. McMullen, Jr. Toured the ABB Facility

Ambassador Edward T. McMullen, Jr. was welcomed by ABB CEO Dr. Ulrich Spiesshofer ‎at ABB for a guided tour at the Zurich facility. Ambassador McMullen saw first hand the power and automation technologies that enable utility, industry, transport and infrastructure customers to improve their performance. ABB has a very robust presence in many states in …

Read More»

Ambassador McMullen Hosts U.S. Business Delegation and Swiss Business Executives

Ambassador Edward T. McMullen, Jr. welcomed ‎officials from Ernst & Young, Kuehne + Nagel, Parker Poe, the Charlotte Chamber, Central Piedmont Community College, and the Swiss business community at his residence to discuss areas of interest pertaining to investment opportunities in the United States. Participants included business officials that either have investments in the United …

Read More»

Ambassador Edward T. McMullen, Jr. Visits Train Maker Stadler Rail in Eastern Switzerland

On March 19, Ambassador Edward T. McMullen, Jr. was welcomed by Stadler Rail Executive Chairman Peter Spuhler and CEO Dr. Thomas Ahlburg to tour the Stadler Rail manufacturing facility in Bussnang.  Mr. Spuhler and Dr. Ahlburg provided an overview on Stadler Rail’s activities in Switzerland and Salt Lake City, Utah, where Stadler Rail is establishing …

Read More»

U.S. Tax Reform in a Nutshell

How U.S. Tax Reform Impacts Doing Business and Investments Between the United States and Switzerland The U.S. Embassy will host a seminar followed by a luncheon on the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act signed into law by President Trump in December 2017. Tax professionals from PwC Switzerland and K&L Gates of South Carolina as …

Read More»

Registration Now Open For 2018 SelectUSA Investment Summit

Original post by  Wilbur Ross , U.S. Commerce Secretary Today, I am pleased to announce that registration is open for the 2018 SelectUSA Investment Summit, with this year’s theme of: Invest Here. Grow Here. Succeed Here. The SelectUSA Investment Summit will take place on June 20-22, 2018, at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center near Washington. The goal is …

Read More»

Profile in Swiss-U.S. Entrepreneurship: Toggle

Switzerland is the 12th largest trading partner of the United States and the 7th largest source of foreign direct investment.  There is a nearly balanced exchange of goods and services amounting to over $100 billion annually, and Swiss companies employ almost half a million U.S. workers.  With numbers like that, you might think that only …

Read More»

Chargé d’Affaires Welcomes Washington State Governor and His Delegation in Bern

On November 8, Chargé d’Affaires Tara Feret Erath welcomed Washington State Governor Jay Inslee and his delegation as part of an investment mission and in-depth study program to learn about Switzerland’s highly-successful vocational education system.  In her opening remarks at the investment luncheon, Chargé d’Affaires Tara Feret Erath greeted 75 guests and highlighted the robust …

Read More»

Chargé Erath and Virginia Governor McAuliffe Meet with Swiss Business Leaders

As part of Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe’s tour through Europe, he visited SICPA’s headquarters in Lausanne yesterday, meeting with CEO Philippe Amon, Chargé d’Affaires Tara Feret Erath, together with Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade Todd Haymore. SICPA is the leading global provider of security inks and integrated security solutions for bank notes and value …

Read More»

Swiss Companies to Make Their Mark at 2017 SelectUSA Investment Summit

28 Swiss Companies – one of the largest delegations from Europe – to Join Global Business Leaders and U.S. Government Officials at Top Investment Event   June 19, 2017, Bern – A total of 36 Swiss business leaders representing 28 companies from a variety of industries across Switzerland are travelling to Washington D.C. to participate …

Read More»

Chargé d’Affaires Erath Hosts the Global Tampa Bay Investment Delegation

On May 15, Chargé d’Affaires Tara Erath welcomed the Global Tampa Bay investment delegation and Swiss business leaders at the official residence to highlight the Greater Tampa area as an investment destination. In her opening remarks, Chargé Erath emphasized the Florida region’s opportunity to build upon existing links with Switzerland and the formidable economic dynamism …

Read More»

NOW OPEN: Registration for the 2017 SelectUSA Investment Summit 

We are happy to announce that registration for the 2017 SelectUSA Investment Summit is now open!  SelectUSA’s annual Summit, the top foreign direct investment (FDI) event in the country, will be held June 18-20, 2017 at the Gaylord Hotel – National Harbor in the Washington, D.C. area. The SelectUSA Investment Summit is the premier venue …

Read More»

Ambassador LeVine Greets Microsoft Delegation

On October 20 and 21, Ambassador Suzan LeVine and her husband, Mr. Eric LeVine, hosted a high-level delegation from Microsoft headed by President Brad Smith as well as a JP Morgan Chase executive. Microsoft had expressed particular interest in how the Swiss Vocational Education and Training system works, meeting with apprentices, and comparing programs to …

Read More»

Ambassador LeVine Visits Thurgau

On September 27, 2016, Ambassador LeVine and her husband, Mr. Eric LeVine, visited Thurgau Canton. They met with representatives of the cantonal government, Deputy President Carmen Haag, Minister Cornelia Komposch-Breuer, Minister Dr. Jakob Stark and Minister Walter Schönholzer in Frauenfeld to explore avenues to broaden bilateral cooperation. They discussed the strategic importance of the region …

Read More»

Ambassador LeVine Visits Major Liechtenstein Companies

  On August 29, 2016, Ambassador Suzan G. LeVine and her husband, Mr. Eric LeVine, met with CEO Dr. Christoph Loos and his team at the Liechtenstein-based Hilti facility in Schaan to discuss Hilti’s footprint in the U.S. as well as its vocational education program in Liechtenstein.  Hilti is a leading manufacturer and supplier of …

Read More»

Swiss Delegation to 2016 SelectUSA Summit Largest from Europe

Ambassador Suzan LeVine led the largest delegation from Europe to the third SelectUSA Investment Summit in Washington, D.C., June 19-21, 2016. Ambassador LeVine and 60 delegates from Switzerland joined President Barack Obama( Remarks by the President at the 2016 SelectUSA Investment Summit ), Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker ( Remarks by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker at the 2016 SelectUSA Investment Summit ), Secretary of State John Kerry, and other administration officials at the Summit, designed to promote the …

Read More»

Ambassador LeVine Hosts South Carolina Investment Forum for Swiss Companies

On April 20, Ambassador Suzan LeVine, her husband, Eric LeVine, as well as an investment delegation from South Carolina welcomed a distinguished group of Swiss business leaders from medical, life science, IT, renewable energy, machinery and space industries at an investment forum in Bern.  In her opening remarks, Ambassador LeVine highlighted South Carolina’s diverse market, …

Read More»

U.S. Depts of State and Commerce Increase Understanding of Defense Export Controls

On Tuesday, April 19, Dr. Judd Stitziel, State Department Office of Defense Trade Controls Policy, led a joint U.S. State Department and U.S. Commerce Department team to headline the second annual defense export control seminar in Bern, Switzerland. The seminar, run in conjunction with Switzerland’s Federal Department of Economic Affairs (SECO) and Switzerland’s largest manufacturing …

Read More»

Ambassador LeVine Welcomes Colorado Investment Delegation

On February 11, 2015, Ambassador LeVine welcomed a high-level investment delegation from Jefferson County, Colorado at the U.S. residence in Bern. Attendees at the gathering included leading members of the Jefferson County Economic Development Corporation, as well as executive members of the world renowned Swiss aircraft manufacturer Pilatus , which has its North American headquarters in …

Read More»

Ambassador LeVine Speaks at Swiss-American Chamber of Commerce and the American International Club of Geneva Lunch

On January 15 Ambassador LeVine spoke to more than 70 participants at a luncheon in Geneva jointly organized by the Swiss-American Chamber of Commerce and the International Club of Geneva.  In her remarks, Ambassador LeVine highlighted her priorities, including increasing economic ties between Switzerland and the United States, encouraging more cooperation on security and development …

Read More»

Leading Swiss Executives Announce Plans to Invest, Bring Apprenticeships to the U.S. During White House Meeting

On January 13, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker, U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas Perez, Senior Advisor to the President Valerie Jarrett and Director of the National Economic Council Jeffrey Zients hosted a delegation of Swiss business leaders in Washington, D.C. The delegation, led by Vice President of the Swiss Confederation, Federal Councilor Johann Schneider-Ammann …

Read More»
Show More ∨