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Just a few years ago, given current exchange rates, there was only one subject for an interview with the general manager of an export association: the strong Swiss franc. Now the franc is harder than before. The association’s boss, Claudia Moerker, 60, of Swiss Export, says the shoe is still stuck elsewhere, though, mainly due to a lack of staff.
Blick: The exchange rate is surprisingly calm. Franks are tough as nails. Why?
Claudia Morker: It is like pain: although there are different kinds of pain, you only feel the most intense pain. The shortage of skilled workers is doing the most damage right now.
To what extent is the shortage of skilled workers harming the export industry?
We are badly impressed! Our industry needs employees who are willing to go the extra mile and often work in shifts. It’s extremely hard to find something like this right now.
A job in an international environment is exciting!
I agree. This is a big plus when hiring. But it’s also clear that companies need to break ground when looking for talent.
Do you have any examples?
For example, values are important for the Z generation. Companies investing in sustainability are exciting for this generation. An export firm that offers the opportunity to work four days a week may also be attractive. Social media presence is also important. One member of the association quickly found 30 new contacts with a creative social media campaign.
Claudia Moerker (60) is the Managing Director of the Swiss Export Association since 2003, which has become the largest private export promotion organization with nearly 700 member companies since 1973. Moerker began his career in the healthcare industry and, among other things, spent ten years working in various managerial positions at 3M (Switzerland) AG. She has completed various management trainings, mediation and coaching trainings as well as marketing and sales trainings.
Claudia Moerker (60) is the Managing Director of the Swiss Export Association since 2003, which has become the largest private export promotion organization with nearly 700 member companies since 1973. Moerker began his career in the healthcare industry and, among other things, spent ten years working in various managerial positions at 3M (Switzerland) AG. She has completed various management trainings, mediation and coaching trainings as well as marketing and sales trainings.
Artificial intelligence (AI) can also fill the shortage of skilled workers. Where is it gaining importance in the export sector?
Robots are used extensively in logistics today. For example, high-bay warehouses are chaotically organized. AI helps to make more optimal use of available space and condense the warehouse without reducing availability.
Are jobs at risk due to artificial intelligence?
As in many places, there will be a change. IT knowledge will become more important. Logistics evolves with speed and high process reliability. Both requirements require digitization. Accordingly, the brain power of a company is becoming increasingly important. However, it is not yet clear how strong and fast this transformation will take place.
Is AI an agenda item at the association’s board meetings?
No, it hasn’t come up yet. AI is like a sudden tsunami: In 1999, it took 3.5 years for Netflix to have one million users. ChatGPT took five days to launch last November.
Are you afraid of getting in touch with AI if your association has never discussed this?
Currently, the industry relies even more on automation. However, AI will increasingly put pressure on the export economy to adapt its business models to stay competitive. We discussed the issue with the activities on the Swiss Export Day, which we organized in the past days. Purpose: To inform SMEs of impending challenges at an early stage.
Why are many small and medium-sized companies hesitant to engage with this future technology?
Logistics means the transportation of physical goods from point A to point B. So they’ve been around since people traded goods. Many things have already been invented, proven and, of course, will be further developed. If new aids are available, it will take some time before they are widely used.
In fact, the topic should be at the top of your agenda because artificial intelligence has the potential to turn the entire working world upside down.
There is no doubt that artificial intelligence-based applications also offer great potential for medium-sized companies, especially in the fields of logistics, sales, production, purchasing and customer management. Intelligent use and connectivity of data enables processes to be optimized across the entire value chain.
Where do you see the chance to use artificial intelligence among exporters?
As I said, AI primarily helps to organize and optimize. Time is at the center of our work. And I see great potential there. An international customs clearance artificial intelligence would actually turn the business world upside down.
Maybe at some point AI will help remove bureaucratic barriers to exporting, which is a huge burden for your company?
Yes, it demands a lot of edits! It would be great if AI could help break down bureaucracy. Customs, taxes, laws and regulations are getting more and more complex. Companies have to constantly check their data and structure it in such a way that various assessments can be created, processes can be tracked seamlessly, and questions can be answered quickly. Bureaucracy must be reduced!
How are export companies affected by the CS decline?
In the past, companies had two options for banking transactions. Now one is gone. This also means: One sponsoring partner less, one contact person less, one competitive bid less. This applies to everyone. This is where Swiss cantonal banks and large foreign banks come into play.
What does the association expect from the new UBS?
That we can build on good cooperation. And that there is no disassembly.
Which bank has been more important for export companies so far: UBS or CS?
UBS is also and always has been an SME bank.
But now your answer is surprising. People always say that CS Schweiz is the corporate client bank.
This was not the case with our association members.
Source :Blick
I’m Tim David and I work as an author for 24 Instant News, covering the Market section. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, my mission is to provide accurate, timely and insightful news coverage that helps our readers stay informed about the latest trends in the market. My writing style is focused on making complex economic topics easy to understand for everyone.
