General Programme of Business Statistics (GUS)

This programme aims to reform business statistics and to develop a coherent and intergrated system of business surveys.

General aims of the programme

• Optimise the output (production of information, results and articles better suited to customers’ needs)
• Lessen the burden on data suppliers (which are mainly small and medium entreprises)
• Respond to new requirements (national and international norms, statistical conventions CH-EU)

• Improve coordination and harmonisation of existing statistical activities
• Exploit all the possible synergies
• Make better use of administrative data and registers
• Use new technologies and new statistical methods
• Improve standardisation of production processes

Delimitation of the programme
The programme is coordinated with: 

• Other FSO activities and projects in the field of business statistics (economic nomenclatures, Business Register, some elements of transport, tourism, agriculture and fishing statistics etc.)
• Household surveys ESPA and CH-SILC
• Some external activities: Foreign trade statistics (AFD), banks and balance of payments statistics (BNS), quarterly national accounts (SECO), public finance statistics (AFF), insurance statistics (OFAP), energy statistics (OFEN), activities in the field of transport, tourism, agriculture and fishing statistics