Lucerne Governor, Economy Minister Max Pfister and Jiangsu province's Vice-Governor Zhang Weiguo seal agreement in April.

Popular tourist site is now a growing business hub

Most cantons in Switzerland enjoy similar advantages when it comes to enticing inward investment or tourism.

Sometimes, however, there is one that offers just that little bit more - and Lucerne could be that one.

Not only is the canton planning cuts in corporate tax that will give it the edge over its neighbors, but the city was also voted the fifth-most popular tourism destination in the world in 2010 by Tripadvisor.

According to Max Pfister, the cantonal governor and minister of economy, Lucerne has "everything you would want to find in Switzerland".

Nothing is far away in Lucerne - Zurich's international airport is less than an hour away, it is on the main north-south highway, and as ever in Switzerland, the rail system connects you to where you need to go quickly and efficiently.

The minister agreed that Lucerne enjoys a reputation as an excellent tourism destination, but he added that "while tourism is an important part of the economy, it is important to note that we also house the European headquarters of a number of global companies and we are providing incentives to attract others to our region".

With its tax cutting policies Lucerne will be on its way to being Switzerland's most business friendly canton.

The next 50 percent cut is due in January 2012, when Lucerne will offer Switzerland's lowest corporation tax at the cantonal level.

Increased connections with China are also on the agenda. An agreement signed between Lucerne and Jiangsu province and with the Suzhou Industrial Park is helping Lucerne companies establish a foothold in China and Chinese companies that are looking for the ideal hub at the heart of Europe.

Lucerne is also establishing a Tao Chinese Center where Chinese companies can settle and exhibit.

From the Medieval history of the 14th century Chapel Bridge to the living history of Swiss watch making, guides and sales clerks are learning Chinese.

"The Chinese will like the tourist side of Lucerne as much as we like having them here and we make them feel very welcome," said Adelbert Btler, the president of Lucerne Tourism.

(China Daily 07/12/2011 page19)