Ticino Chamber of Commerce calls for new White Paper for 2040

At Friday evening's assembly in Bellinzona, the Ticino Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Crafts and Services (Cc-Ti) revived the idea of a new White Paper, a document meant to set out a development strategy for the canton through 2040.

Chamber president Andrea Gehri referred back to "Ticino 2015", the White Paper published in 1998 that outlined a cantonal economic strategy. According to Gehri, the canton now needs a new pact to make Ticino more modern, leaner and more competitive on taxation, moving past what he called an overly ordinary style of administration, "che evidentemente non soddisfa più nessuno" (which clearly no longer satisfies anyone).

Public spending takes centre stage

Gehri asked the State to review which of its tasks are essential and to identify where savings could be made. The Cc-Ti president linked this to public demands for more state support, for instance over health insurance premiums: in his view, before granting new contributions it should be clear where spending can be cut.

Christian Vitta, director of the Department of Finance and the Economy, acknowledged the value of a long-term vision, but noted that the pandemic, wars and other major changes in recent years have forced the canton to also prioritise short-term responses.

Vitta pointed to results already achieved in innovation and taxation, citing the Parco dell'innovazione Ticino and the cut in the corporate profit tax rate from 9 to 5.5 percent. "Quando si ottiene 100 si vuole 110, quando si ottiene 110 si vuole 120" (when you get 100 you want 110, when you get 110 you want 120), he observed, adding that it is also necessary to recognise when the moment has come to consolidate what has already been achieved.

Gehri reiterated that Ticino needs different strategies to revive the economy and secure sound public finances. The change being called for, he specified, concerns not so much people as the way problems are approached.