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China willing to advance talks to upgrading Switzerland trade pact, ministry says

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on April 18, 2026

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· Last updated: April 18, 2026

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China willing to advance talks to upgrading Switzerland trade pact, ministry says
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BEIJING, April 18 (Reuters) - China said on Saturday it is willing to advance negotiations on upgrading the China-Switzerland free trade agreement. A high-standard free trade agreement will inject new

China Ready to Advance Negotiations on Switzerland Free Trade Agreement Upgrade

China and Switzerland Discuss Free Trade Agreement Enhancement

China Expresses Willingness to Advance Negotiations

BEIJING, April 18 (Reuters) - China said on Saturday it is willing to advance negotiations on upgrading the China-Switzerland free trade agreement.

Potential Impact of a High-Standard Free Trade Agreement

A high-standard free trade agreement will inject new momentum into trade, investment and innovation cooperation between the two countries, the Commerce Ministry said in a statement during a bilateral trade meeting in Bern.

Official Statement and Reporting

(Reporting by Mei Mei Chu; Editing by William Mallard)

Key Takeaways

  • China and Switzerland launched feasibility talks in January 2024 and formally began upgrade negotiations in mid‑2024, with the second round held in Geneva in July 2025 showing positive progress.
  • The original FTA, signed in July 2013 and effective from July 2014, eliminated most tariffs (99.7% on Chinese exports, 84.2% on Swiss exports), significantly boosting bilateral trade—worth about $57–62 billion in recent years.
  • Upgrading the agreement targets deeper cooperation in areas like services, e‑commerce, market access, IP protection, investment facilitation, and digital economy, signaling both countries’ commitment to free trade amid rising protectionism.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did China announce about the Switzerland trade pact?
China announced it is willing to advance negotiations on upgrading the free trade agreement with Switzerland.
What benefits are expected from a high-standard free trade agreement between China and Switzerland?
A high-standard agreement is expected to boost trade, investment, and innovation cooperation between the two countries.
Which ministry released the statement regarding the China-Switzerland trade agreement?
The statement was released by China's Commerce Ministry during a bilateral trade meeting in Bern.
When did China make the statement about advancing talks with Switzerland?
China made the statement on Saturday, April 18.
Where did the bilateral trade meeting between China and Switzerland take place?
The meeting took place in Bern, Switzerland.

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