Switzerland and China have signed a revised free trade agreement aimed at expanding market access, strengthening investment ties and improving economic cooperation between the two countries.
The agreement was signed in Beijing by Swiss President Guy Parmelin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, marking a significant update to the bilateral trade framework that took effect in 2014.
According to Switzerland’s Federal Department of Economic Affairs, the revised agreement is designed to improve access to the Chinese market for Swiss goods and investments, while removing many existing tariffs on Swiss exports once the deal receives approval from the Swiss parliament.
The updated pact builds on the original agreement by introducing improved trade provisions intended to facilitate commercial exchanges and create additional opportunities for Swiss businesses operating in China.
A major feature of the revised deal is the inclusion of a legally binding chapter on trade and sustainable development, which provides for stronger environmental protection measures and labour standards.
Swiss authorities described the provision as a first in a free trade agreement concluded by China, highlighting its potential significance for the integration of sustainability and labour protections into Beijing’s international trade arrangements.
Beyond trade liberalisation, the two countries also signed separate agreements covering cooperation in labour and employment, as well as regulated collaboration in research and development.
The agreements are expected to broaden bilateral engagement beyond the exchange of goods and services, creating additional avenues for cooperation in employment policies, scientific research and technological development.
However, the revised free trade agreement must still be ratified by the Swiss parliament before the proposed tariff reductions and other provisions can take effect.
