Commodities - Switzerland's Most Dangerous Business

Today marks the release of the controversial book "Commodities: Switzerland's Most Dangerous Business". The fact-filled and groundbreaking analysis of the industry, as powerful as it is unknown, shows why resource-rich developing countries remain poor while Switzerland-based commodity companies rake in profits in the billions. And it illustrates the gray areas of a business model whose risks are becoming increasingly apparent.

Unnoticed by the public and politicians, Switzerland has become the world's most important commodities hub. Trade in oil, gas, coal, metals and agricultural products - particularly via deals made in Geneva and Zug - has grown by an incredible 1,500 percent since 1998, according to BD investigations. The result: Seven of the twelve corporations with the highest turnover in Switzerland trade in, and/or mine, commodities. Switzerland has become a global commodity hub thanks to its mix of tax privileges, a strong financial sector, weak regulation and lax embargo policy.

The Swiss commodities business is dangerous for developing countries that are blessed with natural resources but that suffer from weak governance. The business is life-threatening for all those who must live amid the filth and toxins of the mines and facilities.

The extensive misery of entire countries and the fairytale wealth of a few Swiss top traders are causally related. The book "Commodities: Switzerland's Most Dangerous Business" shows how. The richly-illustrated reference work offers a portrait of the key firms and people behind the discreet deals, provides insight into the social and ecological consequences for the producing countries, analyzes the practices and repercussions of tax avoidance and speculation, and offers proposals for achieving more justice in a multi-billion-dollar business that affects everyone.

The Berne Declaration is a Swiss non-governmental organization with 20'000 members. Through research, public education and advocacy work, it has promoted more equitable, sustainable and democratic North-South relations since 1968.

The Berne Declaration monitors the role of Swiss corporations, banks, and government agencies. It addresses the problems of unequal international trade and financial relations, unsustainable consumption patterns and cultural prejudices. It calls on all Swiss actors - the private sector and the state, citizens and consumers - to assume their responsibilities in resolving these problems.

The Berne Declaration is completely independent, and derives most of its revenues from individual membership fees and donations. It has a staff of 16 and two secretariats in Zurich and Lausanne for the German and French speaking regions. It also entertains a small branch in the Italian speaking part of Switzerland. The BD is an active member of many international NGO networks. It is your contact or partner organization in Switzerland.