State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO)

The State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) is the Confederation’s centre of expertise for all core issues relating to economic policy. Its aim is to ensure sustainable economic growth by implementing the general framework for economic activities.

On the domestic front, SECO acts as the interface between companies, social partners and government. It supports regionally and structurally balanced development of the economy and ensures the protection of workers. Through its labour market policy, it significantly contributes to reducing unemployment and maintaining social peace.

In terms of foreign trade policy, it actively works to implement effective, fair and transparent rules for the world economy. Switzerland’s relations with the European Union are coordinated by the Integration Office, which is a joint body managed by the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) and the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER).