A solid 2022 for the Fribourg Cantonal Economic Development Agency
Even though the past year was associated with many uncertainties due to the outbreak of the Ukraine war and the associated energy crisis, the Economic Development Agency of the Canton of Fribourg (WIF) presented a solid result for 2022. After two record years, no fewer than 41 projects were successfully implemented (45 in 2021). In the process, the participating companies have announced the creation of around 600 new jobs and investments amounting to 140 million francs for the next five years. In addition, around 1900 existing jobs in the canton of Fribourg could be strengthened with the support of the WIF. Even though the Rolex settlement project in Bulle was announced at the end of 2022, it is not included in these figures.
Of the 41 projects supported, 25 are business expansions and 16 are business relocations. Of the 16 relocations, 3 are from Switzerland and 13 from abroad. These include the Japanese company Epson, which has set up in the Marly Innovation Centre, and the Brazilian company Carob House in Fribourg. Among the expansions, the projects of Immomig in Düdingen and Wago Contact in Domdidier are worth mentioning.
Although the WIF devoted considerable resources to it in 2022, the Rolex project is not included in the figures in the annual report. The project will take shape in 2023 with the finalisation of the spatial planning and construction process and the establishment of temporary production and training facilities. This project of exceptional scope and quality will strengthen Fribourg’s industrial base and accelerate the canton’s competences in the fields of automation, robotisation and, more generally, Industry 4.0.
Olivier Curty, State Councillor for the Economy and Vocational Training, told the media conference: “Fribourg companies have demonstrated their resilience over the last few years and months, and neither the global pandemic nor the war in Europe can stop them from investing and creating new jobs. The canton of Fribourg is continuing its economic development successfully and vigorously
WIF Director Jerry Krattiger summarises: “The WIF has had a good year despite the difficult global economic context. After the Council of State defined the bio-economy and Industry 4.0 as the main axes of the cantonal economic development strategy almost three years ago, the Canton of Fribourg has successfully continued its positioning in these areas
New regional policy with 15 new projects
Under the 2020-2023 implementation programme of the New Regional Policy (NRP), 15 projects were approved last year, with a contribution of CHF 1.35 million. These projects are divided into the following areas: Community projects (9), programme for mountain regions (3), tourism (2) and new themes (1).
Work has also started on the NIP implementation programme 2024-2027. Industry and tourism remain the two priority themes. New cross-cutting themes include the local economy, sustainable development and digitalisation. In addition to its usual activities to support the creation, establishment and development of businesses and its activities in the field of NRP, the WIF has finalised the last COVID business support package last year.