A broad alliance of business groups, consumer organisations and political parties have launched an initiative aimed at combating unfair pricing practices for imported products.
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Urs Geiser, swissinfo.ch
“Multinational companies keep prices up in Switzerland arbitrarily to absorb the high purchasing power. Consumers, small- and medium-sized entreprises (SMEs) and state-run schools or hospitals pay the price,” said Prisca Birrer-Heimo at a news conference on Tuesday.
The president of a leading consumer organisation criticised the fact that Swiss prices are often higher for identical products in neighbouring countries. She said some cosmetics or fashion products cost 40% to 70% more than in Germany.
Oliver Müller, director of Swissmechanic – an umbrella organisation of SMEs in the machinery and engineering sector – said 50% price increases on imported machinery parts were frequent, but Swiss companies often had no choice but to accept the dominant position of importers.
The initiative wants to tighten anti-cartel regulations and put pressure on parliament to resume efforts on a legal amendment.
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