Für die angelaufene Sommersaison (Mai 2013 bis Oktober 2013) erwartet BAKBASEL ein Wachstum der Zahl der Hotelübernachtungen von 0.7 Prozent gegenüber der Vorjahressaison. Sowohl die Binnennachfrage als auch die ausländische Nachfrage werden voraussichtlich zunehmen (+0.5% bzw. +0.9%).

Neonicotinoid insecticides have adverse effects not only on bees but also on freshwater invertebrates. Exposure to low but constant concentrations of these substances - which are highly soluble in water - has lethal effects on these aquatic organisms.

The delegations from Switzerland and the People's Republic of China met between 9 and 11 May 2013 for a ninth round of negotiations on a free trade agreement between the two countries. At the end of the three days, negotiations were concluded at a technical level. The Swiss delegation was led by Ambassador Christian Etter, Federal Council Delegate for Trade Matters and the delegation of the People's Republic of China was led by Assistant Minister Yu Jianhua from the Chinese Ministry of Trade.

The Newsletter from the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation SERI is published.

On 8 May 2013 the Federal Council decided to grant Burkina Faso and Mozambique general budgetary assistance of CHF 32 million each for the years 2013 to 2016. This will support both countries in implementation of their poverty reduction strategies, which focus on broad-based and sustainable growth.