Economy

Innovation and progress in the heart of the mountains
Valais lives from its landscape and has the expertise necessary to make the most of it. Diverse natural resources and an unspoilt natural landscape aren’t just good for tourism, they’re also major features of the economy. Valais’s strong energy industry uses the huge water reserves in the mountains to produce environmentally friendly electricity. Valais has a lively economic structure that mixes tradition and innovation: there are major internationally active companies such as the pharmaceutical and chemical groups Lonza, BASF, DSM, Syngenta, Siegrfried and Debiopharm, the aluminium processors Novelis and Constellium as well as Synthes (medical technology), Bosch (power tools), and a large number of SMEs. Together, they cover a wide range of sectors including trade, industry, construction and agriculture.

Tourism

Employment in the holiday region
Valais is a holiday destination, and tourism is a big part of Valais. The industry has brought CHF 2.39 billion in gross value added to

Facts and figures 24’100 jobs in Valais Tourism (2014) 15 % of value added in the canton comes…

Industry

Expertise and innovation at the highest level
From family-owned SMEs and young start-ups to large international corporations: Valais offers fertile ground for industrial

Facts and figures 21,000 jobs in Valais industry 25% of value added in the canton is generated in…

Health

From research to care
The health industry is of considerable economic importance in Valais. In addition to comprehensive health care, the market is defined above all by

Active in all areas of modern medicine Valais Hospital was created in 2004 from the merger of 10 institutions. With 5,700 employees, it is the…

Innovation, research and development

While Valais stands out in terms of its idyllic landscape and renowned tourist resorts, it also distinguishes itself by its creative strength in specialised industries. As…