25/10/2023

How can we secure our global market access?

Chairman's Lunch with State Secretary Helene Budliger Artieda

The WTO is fighting with stagnation in recent years, failing to advance global trade agreements. Meanwhile, sanctions have led to the formation of trade blocks and existing barriers hamper international commerce. In an era of interconnected economies, fostering cooperation is essential to overcome these obstacles and promote economic prosperity. And still, Switzerland and the EU are struggling to solve the blockade of the bilateral agreements. What are the next steps in Swiss-EU relations? And what role can international an national business play in overcoming these hurdles? The insightful remarks of State Secretary Helene Budliger Artieda started a lively discussion on these important issues, her valuable expertise has been very much appreciated.

Thank you to all our Guests for the stimulating Discussion. A special thanks goes of course to the State Secretary Helen Budliger Artieda.

Chairman's Lunch 2023

14/09/2023

ICC Arbitration Conference

Damages in arbitration and their quantification

At our ICC Arbitration Conference in Geneva, we were pleased to speak about damages in arbitration proceedings and their quantification.

We were honoured to welcome Prof. Pierre Tercier, Honorary Chairman of the ICC International Court of Arbitration, who introduced the topic. The first panel was moderated by Carole Malinvaud and hosted by Zelda Hunter, Philippe Baertsch and Vanessa Liborio. The different concepts of damage under civil law and common law, liquidated damages and requirements of causality were profoundly analysed and vividly discussed.

The second panel was moderated by Anne Véronique Schlaepfer with enlightening presentations from an expert-, counsel and arbitrator-perspective by Thomas Voisin, Ryan Shalabi and Zachary Douglas. A spotlight was put on „assumptions“ in expert reports and the distinction between lawyers‘, experts‘ and arbitrators‘ duties when it comes to quantum issues.

The substantive part was followed by a cocktail reception which offered a perfect opportunity to discuss the topics in a more convivial way.

A very warm thank you to all participants and a special thanks goes to our sponsors Python, Schellenberg Wittmer and White & Case for their precious support!

ICC Arbitration Conference

14/08/2023

Annual Assembly 2023

Our Annual Assembly 2023 took place on 14 August at Credit Suisse Forum St. Peter in Zurich.

We were honoured to welcome State Secretary Livia Leu as keynote speaker. State Secretary Leu spoke to us about “Foreign Policy and Swiss Business", and touched on varied topics such as AI, the EU, trade and neutrality, and of course the impact of the war in Ukraine. Her speech was followed by an animated Q&A session with the audience.

This Annual Assembly marked two important changes for ICC Switzerland: Firstly, Thomas Wellauer is stepping down as Chairman after 10 years of service and handing over the chairmanship to Yannick Hausmann. Secondly, Thomas Pletscher announced that he will be retiring as Secretary General by the end of the year. His successor will be Jan Atteslander, Head of International Relations at economiesuisse.

The cocktail riche at the end of the event was the perfect opportunity to toast the departing Chairman and Secretary General, and to welcome their successors.

A big thank you to all and especially State Secretary Livia Leu for her time and her valuable insights, and to Credit Suisse for the excellent venue and hospitality.