Zurich is the most attractive region for conducting business in all of Europe, according to the Swiss research institute BAK Economics.
The BAK Economic Attractiveness Index placed Zurich at the top of nearly 200 regions thanks to its low taxes, ability to foster innovation and good accessibility. Geneva came fourth.
Published for the first time, the Attractiveness Index ranks regions according to their appeal for both people and companies. In none of the 192 European regions is the effective tax burden for employees as low as in Zurich, BAK said in its study.
Beat Rhyner of canton Zurich’s Economic Development Department told swissinfo that taxes and accessibility were important, but said another decisive factor was Zurich’s high standard of living.
The Swiss financial capital was named in June the city in the world with the best quality of life for the seventh year in a row by the Mercer consulting company.