The foreword is by Johann Schneider-Ammann, Federal Councillor and Minister of Economic Affairs. The Switzerland Business and Investment Handbook covers all key aspects of doing business, investing and living in Switzerland. It is a unique reference manual featuring over 30 separate chapters, each of them concise and to the point, providing the information that really matters. Besides an introduction to Switzerland's historical, political, social and economic framework, the book covers the Swiss legal system, company and contract law, antitrust and competition law, intellectual property law, taxation of personal income and investments, corporate taxation, VAT, international tax aspects, real estate, residence, the social security and pension system, Swiss annuities and life insurance, corporate and private banking, financial market regulation and other important subjects. Overview tables, useful check lists, portraits of the Swiss cantons, a bibliography, a comprehensive facts and figures section as well as a clearly organized address section make the handbook user-friendly and practice-oriented. The book is aimed at: -Company executives who wish to have a clear overview of the legal, tax and economic framework in Switzerland -Investors and entrepreneurs interested in investing and doing business in Switzerland -International tax and legal advisors -Business consultants and fiduciaries -English-speakers living, working and doing business in Switzerland In Cooperation with Swissnetwork Media AG, Zurich, www.swissnetwork.com, the leading portal for Swiss business and investment.