04/05/2007 6:26:34 pm
Fascinating. The speech yesterday was very well received. Schindler is an impressive company; 133 years, bigger than ever and going strong. There were lots of interesting discussions, not least about the role and challenges for a global company today, followed.

Today, I had a very good lunch meeting with the Swiss Interior Minister, Pascal Couchepin. He showed me a great, old, countryside restaurant in a typical Swiss village.

Switzerland is a fascinating country, however not the one I know very well. I got to know several interesting facts during this visit. One being that the federal structure is extremely decentralised, allowing for real tax competition between the cantons. And Swiss taxes are very low, to be in Europe.

One canton actually introduced a tax rate that first increases, then decreases, with higher income - to encourage education and work. This was approved by 85 per cent of the population in a referendum. And so far, tax revenues have increased - just as the Laffer curve suggests.

Now on my way to Rome, where I will be joined by my wife Linda and daughter Rebecka for the week-end. Then, speeches and meetings again.