To promote trade, investments and enterprises in general in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) area, in particular to: serve as a platform for the establishment and facilitation of contacts between Swiss, European Union (EU) and CIS companies, entrepreneurs and individuals engaged in economic and productive activities in Switzerland, the EU and the CIS area; maintain and strengthen contacts with government authorities, economic institutions and trade associations of the countries, in order to represent the interests of its members engaged in business in Switzerland, the EU and the CIS area; disseminate and support the exchange of information on all matters related to enterprises and through the promotion of business opportunities, joint ventures and technology exchange; support cooperation between Switzerland, EU and CIS countries, in order to strengthen and improve the environment for bilateral business; represent the legitimate interests of its members at government and intergovernmental level, through participation at local, regional, national, bilateral and international level to address conventions, treaties and laws that impact bilateral business and economic environment; support, coordinate and conduct research and studies on national and bilateral developments that may affect members; provide concrete assistance to members, through information, start-up support, mediation and arbitration services; and in general to promote the common interests of members. The Centre must maintain neutrality in political and religious matters. The association is non-profit, however, in order to achieve its social purpose, it may carry out commercial and financial operations. The association may collaborate or participate in public or private entities with similar purposes.