Press releases
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Switzerland and China strengthen cooperation in trade and science
On 30 October, President Guy Parmelin met with Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss bilateral relations and current international issues. Switzerland and China are deepening their cooperation particularly in trade and science. Several agreements were signed during the visit, including the optimised bilateral free trade agreement, the associated agreement on cooperation in labour and employment matters, and an agreement governing cooperation in research and development.
Switzerland and Vietnam strengthen ties in trade, investment and innovation
During his official visit to Hanoi on Saturday, 17 October, President Guy Parmelin was welcomed by President Tô Lâm and Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng. The discussions focused particularly on bilateral relations between Switzerland and Vietnam, with agreements reached in several policy areas. On Sunday, 18 October, the free trade agreement between the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) member states and Vietnam will also be signed.
Switzerland and Thailand underscore opportunities offered by free trade
President Guy Parmelin met with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul in Bangkok on Thursday, 15 October, during his official visit to Thailand. The talks focused on bilateral relations, the free trade agreement negotiated between the European Free Trade Association and Thailand, and current international affairs. President Parmelin will then pay a presidential visit to Vietnam and, together with the EFTA partners, sign a free trade agreement.
New agreement on digital trade
On 14 October, the Federal Council launched the consultation process on the plurilateral Agreement on Electronic Commerce (E-Commerce Agreement, ECA). The ECA establishes a common regulatory framework for digital trade among 67 members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and enhances legal certainty for businesses. The consultation procedure will run until 28 January 2027.
Ukraine reconstruction agreement enters into force
The bilateral agreement establishes the legal basis for greater involvement of Swiss companies in rebuilding Ukraine's infrastructure and economy.
Ukraine: Federal Council approves additional Swiss private-sector projects
On 2 October, the Federal Council decided to fund eight projects by Swiss companies to support reconstruction in Ukraine. The projects were selected through a competitive selection process.
Federal Council clarifies its sanctions ordinances
On 25 September, the Federal Council took the decision to harmonise and clarify financial provisions in four sanctions ordinances implementing UN sanctions relating to the financing of terrorism and proliferation. Furthermore, international organisations will henceforth benefit from an exemption from the reporting and authorisation requirements for certain transactions under the Iran Ordinance.
Ukraine: Switzerland helps safeguard grain harvest
Switzerland is providing CHF 3 million in support of a project run by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) to safeguard the Ukrainian grain harvest and prepare for the next planting season. Providing additional storage capacity should prevent crop losses and safeguard the livelihoods of farms in regions affected by the war. The project was a topic of discussion for Jacques Gerber, the Federal Council’s Delegate for Ukraine, during his visit to Kyiv from 20 to 23 September.
Ukraine: Switzerland adopts further EU sanctions against Belarus
On 18 September, the Federal Council decided to impose further sanctions on Belarus, aligning itself with the measures the European Union (EU) adopted against Belarus on 23 April. The changes will come into effect on 19 September.
Economic forecast: 2026 growth stronger than previously expected
The Federal Government Expert Group on Business Cycles is raising its forecast for economic growth in Switzerland. For 2026, it now expects growth of 1.7% (June forecast: 0.9%), while the forecast for 2027 remains unchanged at 1.6% [1]. Swiss GDP has recently grown strongly. However, the Iran conflict, high energy prices and continuing uncertainty over trade policy pose significant risks to the economic outlook.
OECD analysis of Switzerland’s economic policy: Switzerland is well positioned – reforms needed to ensure competitiveness
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) published its report on Switzerland’s economic policy on 15 September. The OECD commends Switzerland’s economic policy approach. In light of a wide range of challenges, the report also identifies the need for action to safeguard Switzerland’s competitiveness and innovative capacity over the long term. This includes further reforming the healthcare and pension systems, reducing the administrative burden on businesses, utilising labour potential more effectively and increasing competition.
Federal Council joins EU sanctions against trade in gold from Sudan
The Federal Council has banned the purchase and import of gold originating in Sudan. The sale to Sudan of certain goods used in gold mining and gold extraction is also prohibited. In so doing, the Federal Council is aligning itself with the EU’s equivalent sanctions. The measures will come into force on 10 September.
Gross domestic product in the second quarter of 2026: strong, broad-based growth – large contribution from the chemical and pharmaceutical industry
In the second quarter of 2026, Switzerland’s gross domestic product (GDP) adjusted for sporting events grew by 1.5%, following growth of 0.5% in the previous quarter.(1)(2) This is the strongest GDP growth recorded since the third quarter of 2021. The chemical and pharmaceutical industry made the largest contribution to growth, while value added also increased across a wide range of other sectors. Domestic demand recovered after a weak start to the year.
Switzerland and China conclude negotiations on optimisation of free trade agreement
President Guy Parmelin and Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao announced on 20 August, during a meeting in Bern, that negotiations on the optimisation of the free trade agreement (FTA) between Switzerland and the People’s Republic of China had been concluded.
Ukraine: Federal Council implements 20th package of sanctions in line with previous practice
On 19 August, the Federal Council decided to adopt the further measures from the European Union’s (EU) 20th sanctions package against Russia in line with previous practice. The new measures will take effect on 20 August. Switzerland already added 115 individuals and entities to its sanctions list on 22 May.
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