Swiss government approves mandate for US trade negotiations

Switzerland-USA: Federal Council adopts definitive negotiating mandate Keystone-SDA

Talks on a trade deal between Switzerland and the United States are set to begin after the Swiss government gave the green light. On Wednesday, the government approved the final mandate for negotiations.

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Parliament’s foreign affairs committees and the cantons were consulted. Based on their feedback, the government has made some minor clarifications, it said in a statement.

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If new areas or issues outside the original mandate are added during the talks, parliament’s committees and the cantons will be consulted again, not just kept informed.

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The final mandate builds on the declaration of intent signed on November 14. This sets out plans for Bern and Washington to start talks on a legally binding trade deal as soon as possible. Under the current agreement, customs duties have already been cut from 39% to 15%.

Translated from French by AI/sp

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