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CCIG, the stable anchor of the Genevan economy
Geneva Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services
Founded in 1865, the Geneva Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services is part of the historic and elegant Maison de l’économie, which looks a bit like a prosperous and discreet bank building. But it’s not a public service — the CCIG is a private and independent organisation that acts as a key government interlocutor in the Genevan economy.
The most important business Network in the canton
Its mission? “To enlighten the cantonal and federal governments with information, to formulate requests and suggestions (…) and to disseminate our principles of free enterprise,” specified banker and politician Ernest Pictet when the association was founded. The CCIG spearheaded the creation of the Geneva Freeport (1887), the École de Commerce (1888), and the Alliance des Chambres de commerce suisses (1956), all of which work to limit customs tariffs, support the creation of an office of certification of origin, and always favour regional and cantonal transportation.
Today, the organisation works towards assuring a strong and lasting Genevan economy. The CCIG makes itself heard through voting campaigns and by improving conditions for town planning, energy, fiscal policy, and transportation, all while favouring exchange, meetings, and the promotion of its 2,500 business members, which represent some 133,000 jobs. The CCIG also supports its members through market analyses, economic intelligence resources, and its export services that facilitate customs formalities by promoting best practices, digitalisation, and sustainability.
A wide range of businesses
Over time, the CCIG council has evolved from initially encompassing watchmaking and banking — the original local economic drivers — to also include foundry, tobacco, and tanning trades. These then gave way to other industries like chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and information technology. So who makes up the Chamber these days? Lots of small and midsize enterprises, “the backbone of our economy,” explains Vincent Subilia, Director General of the organization. Among them are Banque Pictet (founded in 1805!), Banque Cantonale de Genève (1816), the CGN (1873), and numerous international companies headquartered (or not) in the canton, like large-scale fragrance producers Firmenich and Givaudan, the leader of maritime transport MSC, and beyond. The CCIG also includes other innovative businesses making history, like the legendary CERN (which was responsible for the creation of the Internet), Dreamscape (aka the Artanim Foundation), which is associated with Steven Spielberg’s studios, and ID Quantique, a leader in quantum cryptography.
Key events
For more than a decade, the CCIG in collaboration with the city of Geneva, has awarded the Genevan Prix de l’économie (Economic Prize), the Prix de l’innovation (Innovation Prize), and, since 2021, the Prix de l’égalité (Equality Prize).
And while those awards generate great visibility, the largest event of 2023 is the 13th
World Chambers Congress, taking place June 21-23 at the Palexpo Convention Center. Co-organized by the CCIG and the World Chambers Federation — which represents 42 million companies across 120 countries — it’s “the most important CCIG event in our 158-year history” said Vincent Subilia, who adds that it’s an ideal setting for promoting Swiss know-how. The agenda includes over 40 workshops and conferences, 80 keynote speakers, and 1,500 participants from 80 different countries, including key representatives from the OECD, the UN, and the WTO. This edition’s central theme is Achieving peace and prosperity through multilateralism. Vincent Subilia adds, “Geneva is the cradle and bastion of multilateralism, a rare and precious resource that makes up the very core of Geneva’s spirit.”
