New economic alliance strengthens the voice of the Bernese Oberland
Wirtschaft Thun Oberland and HIV Interlaken-Oberhasli are merging. From 2027, they will operate as the Bernese Oberland Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The organisation represents the interests of trade, industry, commerce, services and tourism. It is chaired by Carlos Reinhard.
Wirtschaft Thun Oberland and the Interlaken-Oberhasli branch of the Trade and Industry Association of the Canton of Bern (HIV) have merged. According to a press release, the merger was approved unanimously.
During a transitional phase, the organisation will continue to operate under both names. From the start of 2027, it will operate as the Bernese Oberland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK). It is a member of the Trade and Industry Association of the Canton of Bern.
The founding meeting on 13 May approved the articles of association and elected the new board. Its members are Bruno Abbühl, Sandro Bolton, Sandro Bottazzo, Daniel Eschmann, Luc Frutiger, Alex Kipfer, Remo Kobluk, Louis Krebser, Carlos Reinhard, Nicole Wenger, Christian Zenger and Andrea Zimmermann.
Carlos Reinhard, previously President of Wirtschaft Thun Oberland, was elected President of the new association. “We are not creating a structure for the sake of structure,” he is quoted as saying in the press release. “We are pooling our resources, connecting businesses and giving the economy in the Bernese Oberland a clear and strong voice.”