EFTA states take ‘positive step’ towards free trade accord with India
India is one of Switzerland’s main trading partners in Asia.
Keystone/Peter Klaunzer
Top officials from Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway met with India’s trade minister, Shri Piyush Goyal, in Brussels on Saturday to “intensify” negotiations for a future free trade agreement between European Free Trade Association (EFTA) states and India.
This content was published on
2 minutes
swissinfo.ch/sb
Español
es
Los países de la AELC dan un “paso positivo” hacia un acuerdo de libre comercio con India
Guy Parmelin, head of the Swiss Federal Department of Economics, Education and Research, led the delegation on behalf of EFTA.
“Overall, the high-level meeting was a positive step to advance negotiations on an EFTA-India free trade agreement that can bring significant economic benefits to both parties,” the economics ministry saidExternal link in a statement on Sunday.
It is hoped that an EFTA-India agreement could create new business opportunities on both sides, and lead to increased trade and investment flows, job creation and economic growth, the statement said.
India is one of Switzerland’s main trading partners in Asia according to the Swiss economics ministry, but talks about a free trade deal, launched in 2008, have so far made limited progress.
Annual trade between Switzerland and India comes to around CHF30 billion ($31.7 billion), with exports largely driven by precious metals, machines, pharmaceutical products and chemicals. Imports are notably chemicals, textiles, precious metals and agricultural goods, according to the Swiss economics ministry.
Switzerland is also a significant source of foreign direct investment in India; and more than 300 Swiss companies there employ some 130,000 people, according to Economiesuisse business federation figures from 2021.
Swiss foreign minister backs Berset at Council of Europe
This content was published on
Cassis described Berset as the "ideal candidate" to help the Council realise its aim of ensuring security and peace in Europe.
Gay conversion therapy banned in Swiss canton of Valais
This content was published on
On Thursday, the canton approved a new Health Act which includes a ban on therapies aimed at changing sexual orientation or gender identity.
This content was published on
Some aspects of pro-Palestine sit-ins have gone too far, but the right to protest and debate must be upheld, the student association has said.
Swiss LGTBIQ helpline: attacks more than doubled in 2023
This content was published on
Three organisations jointly operating a helpline have called for more awareness, action and funding to address discrimination.
This content was published on
Switzerland's economy grew slightly at the start of 2024, with growth in the service sector contrasting with weak growth in industry.
Swiss employment rate rises in first quarter of 2024
This content was published on
The number of women and foreign nationals in employment increased particularly strongly, the Federal Statistical Office said on Thursday.
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.