Two days to help you succeed in international business.The Forum for International Business 07March 27 – 28, 2007 at Schiffbau, Zurich

Themes and SpeakersDiscover new market opportunities, establish contacts, exchange experiences: The Forum for

International Business provides a unique platform for setting you on the right track for the

successful internationalization of your business. For the sixth time, entrepreneurs, representatives

and decision-makers from the worlds of politics and business will be joined in Zurich by high-

ranking guests from abroad for a two-day forum. The main themes of the 2007 meeting will be:

Market opportunities: News and trends in international business

Traditional exports are the driving force of our economy, and Swiss SMEs play a leading role

here. However, markets are changing and new strategies need to be evaluated if we are to

continue to sell our products abroad.

Focus on India

With its gross domestic product growing by eight to ten percent annually and a population of

over one billion, India is making its economic presence felt ever more strongly on the interna-

tional stage. The steady opening up of the market and the strenuous efforts being made by the

Indian government are enabling new business areas to be tapped in a wide range of sectors.

The Networking Dinner on the first day of the Forum will place the spotlight firmly on India.

Al GoreAl Gore was US Vice President under Bill Clinton. Today he is Chairman of Current TV and

Generation Investment Management (founding member), serves on the Board of Directors of

Apple Computers and is a consultant to Google. He is also Visiting Professor at UCLA, Fisk

University and Middle Tennessee State University. The Global Marshall Plan Initiative in 2003

arose from his book «Earth in the Balance: Ecology and the Human Spirit». In 2006, Al Gore

created a sensation with the documentary film «An Inconvenient Truth» based on his book,

which explores the topic of greenhouse gases and the ensuing climate change.

John NaisbittJohn Naisbitt is a former executive with IBM and Eastman Kodak. He held top political appoint-

ments under Lyndon B. Johnson and John F. Kennedy, and was the first non-Asian to become a

Distinguished International Fellow of the Institute of Strategic and International Studies in

Malaysia, before founding his own company, Uran Research Company. Countless lectures all

over the globe and homes in the USA, Asia and Europe inform his view of the way the world is

changing. His global bestsellers «Megatrends», «Reinventing the Corporation», «Megatrends

2000» and «Global Paradox» have sold in their millions. His latest book, «Mind Set», was

published in October 2006.

Federal Councillor Doris LeuthardOn June 14, 2006, Doris Leuthard was elected to the Swiss Federal Council as Head of the Federal Department of Eco-

nomic Affairs, taking up office on August 1, 2006. After studying law at the University of Zurich, with periods of language-

learning and study in Paris and Calgary, Ms Leuthard began to practise as a lawyer in 1991. Between 1999 and 2006 she

served as a National Councillor, sitting on the Legal Affairs, Judicial and Political Institutions Committees, the Committee

for Economic Affairs and Taxation, as well as in charities and on the board of a number of companies.

Minister Kamal NathKamal Nath is an economist and has been Indian Minister of Commerce and Industry since 2004. During his tenure

he has launched a variety of major trade policy initiatives and – for the first time in Indian history – a comprehensive

foreign trade policy for India, with the focus on exports and job creation. India's goods exports registered growth of

24% between 2004 and 2005, to reach around USD 80 billion. As a Member of Parliament, Kamal Nath represented

India at the United Nations General Assembly in 1982/1983.

State Secretary Jean-Daniel GerberJean-Daniel Gerber is an economics graduate who has been Director of the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs

(SECO) since April 1, 2004. He is also Director of the Foreign Trade Directorate. Previously, he served as Director

of the Federal Office for Refugees from 1998. Between 1993 and 1997 he was Executive Director and Dean (1997)

of the Board of the World Bank Group. Jean-Daniel Gerber entered government service in 1973.

Professor Aymo BrunettiAymo Brunetti is Head of the Economic Policy Directorate at the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO); in

this capacity he is a Member of the Management Board of SECO. In 1999 he joined the Federal Department of Eco-

nomic Affairs, where he headed the economic policy unit as Deputy Director of the Department for Economic Affairs

and Labor. In July 1999 he became a Member of the Executive Board of SECO and Head of the Economic Policy

Directorate. He is a professor at the University of Basel and also teaches at the University of Berne.

Professor Thierry VoleryThierry Volery is Professor of Management and Entrepreneurship at the University of St. Gallen, where he is also

Director of the Swiss Research Institute of Small Business and Entrepreneurship. In addition, he is Managing Director

of the SME Intensive Study Program. He gained his doctorate from the University of Freiburg. He taught at Curtin

University of Technology in Perth (Australia), in Singapore and in Hong Kong. From 1999 to 2002 he was a profes-

sor at EM Lyon. Between 2000 and 2001 he taught as a visiting professor at China Europe International Business

School (CEIBS) in Shanghai.

Stephan KlapprothStephan Klapproth, the presenter of the news program «10vor10», studied political science, economics and contemporary

history in Geneva before going on to study jurisprudence. He then undertook research and teaching duties at the Univer-

sity of Geneva as an assistant lecturer in political science. Since 1993 he has presented a number of programs on Swiss

television, winning the «Swiss TV Awards» prize as the most popular news presenter. Stephan Klapproth is a lecturer in

television and radio journalism at the University of Freiburg. He will host the two-day forum in his own inimitable style.

March 27, 2007 – Swiss Foreign TradeSourcing, relocation, financing and «born globals» are just some of the buzzwords that will be

considered on the first day of the Forum. We shall be taking a look at developments in various

international markets, in terms of both country and sector, while highlighting opportunities and

identifying stumbling blocks. Current trends in international business will be discussed and

critically examined from the globalization perspective.

Schiffbau

13.30 h Check-in

14.15 h Welcome Daniel Küng, CEO Osec Business Network Switzerland

14.20 h Market changes and new models of cooperation in international business:

Necessity or opportunity?

Prof. Thierry Volery, Director of the Swiss Research Institute of Small Business and

Entrepreneurship (KMU-HSG), University of St. Gallen

14.45 h How is Switzerland doing compared with other European countries?

Prof. Aymo Brunetti, Head of the Directorate for Economic Policy at the

State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO)

15.05 h And how is Austria doing?

Our neighbour as a benchmark

15.25 h Networking break

16.00 h Paths to internationalization

Podium discussion with real-life examples – from «starters» to «born globals»

Chaired by Stephan Klapproth

17.00 h Switzerland's foreign trade policy

Federal Councillor Doris Leuthard,

Head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs

17.20 h Osec Export Award

Inaugural presentation of the award for export excellence

17.35 h Thought-provoking ideas on internationalization

John Naisbitt, trend predictor, futurologist and author

18.15 h Networking drinks

Giessereihalle Puls 5

19.30 – Indian Night – Networking Dinner

22.30 h Cultural interlude and short addresses from Federal Councillor Doris Leuthard,

Minister Kamal Nath and Martin Vogel, UBS, Head of Corporate Clients Switzerland

March 28, 2007 – Focus on IndiaThe spotlight will be on bilateral relations, especially market opportunities and openings for

cooperation in the up-and-coming Indian market. Swiss companies report on their experience of

entering this market. Cultural differences present a particular challenge here. Themed workshops

based on real-life examples bring out the actual potential for various sectors of industry, together

with lessons learned.

Schiffbau

08.45 h Check-in

09.30 h Welcome Daniel Küng, CEO Osec Business Network Switzerland

09.40 h Switzerland and India: Tradition with a future

Jean-Daniel Gerber, Director of the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO)

10.00 h Market opportunities in India Kamal Nath, Indian Minister of Commerce and Industry

Novotel/Technopark

10.40 h Refreshment break

10.50 h Themed workshops with Swiss and Indian entrepreneurs A. Infrastructure: Inevitable growth for engineering, railways, energy, telecomsB. Automotive: Opportunities for the supply industryC. Machinery: Rising demand D. Life Sciences: Business opportunities in biotech and medtechE. Outsourcing: IT, processes, resourcesF. Finance & Risk Mitigation: Case study – «Trade and export financing

using India as an example»

11.50 h Relocate to next workshop venue

12.00 h Themed workshops (part 2)

Schiffbau

13.15 h Buffet lunch in foyer

14.30 h How to do business with India: Cultural and practical aspects

Waseem Hussain, Managing Director, MARWAS AG

14.50 h Podium discussion: Successes and failures in entering the Indian market

Swiss-Indian Chamber of Commerce (SICC) in conjunction with KPMG: Swiss entrepre-

neurs pass on the benefit of their experience. Chair: Franz Probst, President of the SICC

16.00 h The fascination of Bollywood

Film as an economic force and cultural interface, with a prize draw: «Visit to Bollywood

studios, including SWISS business class flights and accommodation for two people»

16.30 h Networking drinks

17.30 h Global Commitment – Global Responsibility

Al Gore, 45th Vice President of the United States of America, author,

delivers keynote address and talks to Stephan Klapproth

WorkshopsA. Infrastructure:

The theme of infrastructure is a perennial hot topic in one of the most highly populated countries

in the world. There are far-reaching plans to expand the rail and road network – especially outside

the major conurbations. Whatever the outcome of current debate about privatizing the airports,

there are also attractive business opportunities for foreign firms in this sector. Expanding the infra-

structure is a necessary precondition if the regions are to see industrialization proceed as planned.

B. Automotive:

There has been impressive development in this sector – especially over the past 10 years. India

has now firmly established itself as an international production location for all types of vehicles.

In this respect, it has been shown over and again that India sees itself above all as a manufacturer

of quality parts and not as a mass-producer – an important distinction for Swiss automotive

suppliers in particular.

C. Machinery:

Just as for automotive manufacturing, development in the past 10 years has been striking in this

sector, too. India has advanced from simply importing machines to developing and manufacturing

them itself. Ever-rising purchasing power in the domestic market was and is an important pre-

requisite here. This also stimulates demand for highly specialized tools and machines from

Switzerland.

D. Life Sciences:

The life science industries are advancing rapidly throughout the world, and are regarded as having

almost unlimited potential. Unlike in other industries, India has not yet succeeded in positioning

itself firmly in the biotech and medtech sectors. This could be the very opportunity for Swiss

companies to safeguard or even expand their leading positions over the next few years by forming

partnerships.

E. Outsourcing:

India's first real growth industry. In the meantime, outsourcing potential has moved on from the

straightforward administrative processes carried out at the beginning, to tasks right at the top of

the value creation chain (research, analysis, customer service). And these opportunities can now

increasingly open to medium-sized and even small businesses from Switzerland, thanks to new

business models that are continually being developed.

F. Finance & Risk Mitigation:

Broadening a company's commitment abroad, step by step. At this round table workshop,

specialists in trade and export financing, together with an expert on the Indian banking industry,

will demonstrate the opportunities and constraints using realistic case studies. This workshop

will be rounded off with a field report from a company, and a question-and-answer session.

Event Details

Date

Venue

Language

Registration

Tuesday, March 27, 2007 13.30 – 19.00 h

Indian Night – Networking Dinner 19.30 – 22.30 h

Wednesday, March 28, 2007 08.45 – 18.30 h

Schiffbau, Schiffbaustrasse 4, Zurich

German and English with interpreting into both languages

You can enrol directly at www.osec.ch/forum and pay by credit card or invoice. Or you can send

us the enclosed registration form by fax. Payment for registration using this form can be made

via invoice only.

Registration(and payment of registration fee)

by December 31, 2006

Registration(and payment of registration fee)

by February 28, 2007

Registration(and payment of registration fee)

as from March 1, 2007

Osec member /non member Osec member /non member Osec member /non member

2-day passMarch 27 – 28, 2007Entire event, inc. dinner

CHF 900.– /CHF 990.– CHF 990.– /CHF 1090.– CHF 1050.– /CHF 1150.–

1-day pass March 27, 2007 CHF 380.– /CHF 420.– CHF 450.– /CHF 490.– CHF 480.– /CHF 530.–

Networking Dinner March 27, 2007

CHF 150.– /CHF 180.– CHF 150.– /CHF 180.– CHF 150.– /CHF 180.–

1-day pass March 28, 2007 CHF 580.– /CHF 640.– CHF 650.– /CHF 720.– CHF 700.– /CHF 770.–

Conference rates

(all prices in CHF excluding VAT)

osec.ch/forum

Patron State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO)

economiesuisse

Principal sponsor

Co-sponsors

Partners

Media partner

Further information Service Center Business Network Switzerland

Phone 0844 811 812 (in Switzerland), +41 (0)44 365 57 70 (from abroad)

Hotline for Osec members 0800 811 812

Fax +41 (0)44 365 52 20

forum@osec.ch

You can enrol directly at www.osec.ch/forum and pay by credit card or invoice. Or you can send us this registration form by fax.

Payment for registration using this form can be made via invoice only.

Our company is a member of Osec Our company is not a member of Osec

2-day pass including Networking Dinner (entire event): March 27 and 28, 2007Please select two workshops you would like to attend on 28 March.

1-day pass: March 27, 20071-day pass: March 28, 2007

Workshops on March 28, 2007Please select two of the following workshops. The workshops will be held in German or English.

A. Infrastructure C. Machinery E. Outsourcing

B. Automotive D. Life Sciences F. Finance & Risk Mitigation

Networking Dinner: March 27, 2007 No. of persons

I shall be accompanied by the following persons at the Networking Dinner:

Last Name: First Name:

Last Name: First Name:

RegistrationLast Name: First Name:

Company:

Position:

Street/Number:

Postcode/Town:

Country: Telephone:

E-mail: Website:

Mobile: Fax:

The latest information on the Forum for International Business can be found at www.osec.ch/forum

Which person or organization first drew your attention to this Forum?

I am interested in attending the Osec Business Network Switzerland AGM on March 27, 2007,

at 10.30 h at Schiffbau, Zurich. Please send me the registration documents.

Please send me information about Osec Business Network Switzerland's products and services.

I am interested in becoming a member of Osec: please send me the relevant documentation.

Date: Signature:

Cancellation terms: You may withdraw your registration up to 30 days before the event on payment of a fee of CHF 100.–. Registration fees will not be returnedin the case of withdrawals after that date. You may however give us the name of a substitute who can attend in your place: forum@osec.ch

Fax registration +41 (0)44 365 52 20