to represent, promote and defend the interests of trade, industry and services of Switzerland and the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe; to study and discuss economic and industrial problems in order to determine the general interest of the economy of Switzerland and the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe; any initiatives and interventions aimed at improving economic conditions, particularly those whose necessity has been demonstrated by the above-mentioned work; to defend, before public authorities and administrations, the professional, general and individual interests of its members; to collaborate with federal, cantonal and communal authorities in Switzerland and Sao Tome and Principe to study economic problems and develop treaties, laws and regulations with economic scope; to develop relations with economic groups in Switzerland and Sao Tome and Principe; to provide services to members in the form of information, advice and assistance in economic, commercial and legal matters; to manage conflicts in any form through mediation and arbitration; to bring together different business partners and seek new business opportunities; to develop and manage economic documentation for the business world and to publish economic works, including an annual report; to organize assemblies, conferences and seminars with an economic character.