3.9.2026
CEE Swiss Business Forum – CEE Matters!
17 Countries – Baltics – Central Europe – Southeast Europe
The business, the politics, the security, the people – why this matters now!
With the annual CEE Swiss Business Forum 2026: CEE Matters!, SEC is launching the three-year “CEE Matters!” initiative.
Overview
With the “CEE Matters!” initiative, the Chamber of Commerce Switzerland Central Europe (SEC) is launching a new three-year strategic focus at the CEE Swiss Business Forum 2026. The initiative aims to raise awareness of why the 17 countries of Central and Eastern Europe – from the Baltics through Central Europe to the Western Balkans – are of strategic importance to Switzerland from an economic, geopolitical and societal perspective.
For Swiss companies, Central and Eastern Europe is far more than a geographically close region. The CEE countries offer attractive sales markets, strong industrial locations, highly qualified talent and a wide range of opportunities in sourcing, nearshoring, technology, investment and innovation. At the same time, stable relations with the region play an important role in strengthening Europe’s resilience and competitiveness.
The CEE Swiss Business Forum 2026 brings together entrepreneurs, senior executives, diplomatic and institutional representatives, universities, business organisations and partners. The focus will be on exchanging experience, exploring concrete business opportunities and discussing how relations between Switzerland and the CEE countries can be further strengthened.
The launch of “CEE Matters!” marks a special moment for SEC and the Swiss–CEE community. This year’s forum aims to bring together individuals and organisations that recognise the importance of the region and want to help unlock the full potential of relations between Switzerland and CEE.
The morning programme will examine the importance of the CEE region for Switzerland from economic, political, security-policy and societal perspectives. Following the flying lunch, participants will have the opportunity to hold individual discussions with country representatives and experts in areas such as international taxation, sourcing and market entry.
A special highlight of the programme will be the official launch of the three-year “CEE Matters!” initiative.
CEE matters – for the Swiss economy, for Europe’s competitiveness and for strong, trust-based relations across borders.
Key Facts and Target Audience
Key Facts
📅 Date: Thursday, 3.9.2026
🕝 Time: 09:00 – 14:00, with Networking Lunch. During the afternoon, participants have the opportunity to schedule speed business meetings with experts.
📍 Place: Zunfthaus zur Schmiden, Marktgasse 20, 8001 Zürich
Ticket-Prices:
– CHF 90.- SEC Members l S-GE Members l Forum Ost-West Members
– CHF 90.- Embassies and participating Chambers of Commerce and their Members
– CHF 110.- Partner Organizations
– CHF 150.- Other Guest
Target Audience
The event is aimed particularly at:
- Representatives of the CEE countries in Switzerland
- Swiss companies with activities in, or an interest in, the partner countries
- Experts, institutions and project promoters involved in cohesion programmes
- Stakeholders from business, diplomacy, research, education and the public sector
- SEC members
