Economic development Freiburg successful despite challenges
The solid annual report of the Economic Development Agency of the Canton of Fribourg was presented today at the new premises of IMMOMIG AG in Düdingen. Despite the challenges of the geopolitical environment, the WIF supported a total of 40 business projects in 2023. These 40 companies plan to create 767 new jobs in the canton of Fribourg in the coming years. In addition, around 1,000 existing jobs in Fribourg companies have been secured thanks to the WIF. In addition, 23 projects are supported by the new regional policy.
The Economic Development Agency of the Canton of Fribourg, or WIF for short, supports companies wishing to expand their activities in the canton or relocate here. It is also responsible for implementing the New Regional Policy (NRP) in the canton. Last year, the WIF supported a total of 40 company projects and 23 NRP projects. Of the business projects, 24 were expansions and 16 were new establishments. The majority of the 16 new establishments (10 projects) came from Switzerland. One example of a Swiss new establishment is the Algaltek GmbH project, which has settled on the AgriCo-Campus in St-Aubin. Algaltek is a biotech spin-off of the EPFL and specialises in the production of algae.
Strengthening 1000 jobs in Fribourg companies
In addition to expansions and new settlements, projects are also helping to strengthen existing jobs in the long term. Last year, around 1000 jobs were secured in the canton thanks to WIF measures. One example of this is SMG Swiss Marketplace Group AG in Flamatt. The WIF supported SMG in its search for a new location in order to retain the 160 jobs in the canton of Fribourg. The choice fell on the bluefactory site in the centre of Fribourg, an attractive location that is easily accessible for employees from all over Switzerland and especially from western Switzerland. The move is planned for the second half of 2024. “The work of the Economic Development Agency is geared towards the long term,” said State Councillor Olivier Curty, Director of Economic Affairs and Vocational Training. “Every year, its work has a profound impact on our economy, both quantitatively and qualitatively, which pleases me.” WIF Director Jerry Krattiger also emphasised that the WIF is increasingly supporting research and development projects. “The importance of R&D projects in Fribourg companies is increasing. in 2023, we supported 13 such projects, 6 of which were co-financed by Innosuisse at federal level.”