Switzerland wants to negotiate a revision to the 2009 free trade agreement (FTA) with Japan, the announcement was made through a press release on 7 August 2024.
President Viola Amherd travelled to Tokyo on Wednesday, 7 August, to meet with Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. In honour of the 160th anniversary of bilateral relations, the talks focused on the further development of friendly ties between Switzerland and Japan, prospects in Europe and East Asia, and the global security architecture.
Among the bilateral topics discussed was the issue of how economic trade and contacts in science and innovation can be further strengthened.
Japan is Switzerland’s third most important trading partner in Asia. Economic ties are excellent, but there is a lack of dynamism in trade in goods.
Amherd stressed that, from Switzerland’s perspective, an update of the 2009 free trade agreement would be desirable. Both sides also recognised the importance of dialogue and pursuit of prospects in strategic areas such as energy and sustainability.
