Switzerland and Japan seek to bolster economic relations
During a visit to Tokyo on Monday, Swiss President Ueli Maurer and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe reinforced strong economic relations between their two countries.
Following the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting in Fukuoka, Japan over the weekend, President Maurer reiterated Switzerland’s interest in updating the bilateral Free Trade and Partnership Agreement with Japan, which has been in force for ten years.
According to a government statementExternal link, Maurer and Abe also discussed regional issues during the meeting including the Korean peninsula, China, and Iran as well as opportunities to collaborate on cyber security.
The two heads of state also exchanged views on some of the major challenges facing the global economic and financial system, including digital transformation and sustainable investment – also key themes of the G20 meeting.
At the end of June, the G20 SummitExternal link will be held in Japan – the first time the country plays host.
Taxing in the digital age
During the G20 summit, finance ministers from major economies doubled-down on efforts “to put in place a fairer tax system”, including taxing global internet companies more heavily.
By 2020, there are expected to be common rules that close loopholes for tech giants like Facebook, Google and Amazon. Instead of taxing these companies based on their physical presence, specifically where their offices are located, the aim is to tax them based on where they generate revenue.
A change in attitude by the US, which had been blocking negotiations for years, was said to help make some headway towards an agreement.
President Maurer underscored the need for a consensus-based taxation solution and Switzerland’s willingness to tax profits where the added value is generated. According to a statement, Switzerland will continue to play an active role in the discussions.
Switzerland abstains from vote on Palestinian bid for full UN membership
This content was published on
On Friday, Switzerland abstained from the vote at the General Assembly on granting the Palestinians new rights at the United Nations (UN).
Protein in abdominal fat could help shape obesity treatment
This content was published on
The study analysed fat cells from different locations in the body, and found that those in the abdomen have unique properties.
North African asylum claims fall after rapid Swiss processing
This content was published on
The accelerated procedure, now out of its test phase, has resulted in a significant drop in applications from North African countries.
This content was published on
The artist's song "The Code" focuses on their journey as a nonbinary individual. It is one of the favourites to win this year's contest.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Swiss seek closer economic and scientific ties with Japan
This content was published on
The accord would pave the way for closer bilateral scientific and research projects, the Swiss government said on Thursday. Berset, who also holds the health portfolio, is due to attend a summit on patient safety and aims to hold talks with health ministers of various countries on the fringes of the event. Official talks between…
This content was published on
Japan is welcoming a new emperor, whose father's abdication marks the end of an era. Both men have paid visits to Switzerland over the years.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.