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EFTA

While often overlooked, the European Free Trade Association — composed of Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway and Switzerland — actively seeks comprehensive bilateral FTAs much like its rivals the EU, the US, Japan, Canada or Australia. EFTA’s outward push towards FTAs is led and dominated by corporate powerhouse Switzerland, home to some of the world’s biggest pharmaceutical, agricultural biotechnology, banking and insurance companies.

EFTA has established important bilateral FTAs with Chile (2003), Israel (1992), Jordan (2001), Korea (2005), Lebanon (2004), Mexico (2000), Morocco (1997), the Palestinian Authority (1998), Turkey (1991), Singapore (2002), Tunisia (2004), the Southern Africa Customs Union (2006), Egypt (2007), Canada (2007), the GCC (2008), Colombia (2008) and Peru (2008).

The group is currently negotiating FTAs with India, Indonesia, Thailand, Algeria and Pakistan. It is expected to launch talks shortly with Malaysia and Vietnam, while similar deals with Russia and Ukraine are planned for later.

last update: May 2012
Photo: Campax


Modernisation of the EFTA–Chile free trade agreement conclusion of negotiations
A chapter-by-chapter factsheet by the EFTA Secretariat.
EFTA updates free trade agreement with Chile
The countries of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), of which Switzerland is a member, and Chile have concluded negotiations to modernise their free trade agreement.
EFTA and India meet in Delhi for 21st round of negotiations towards a Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement
Delegations from the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) States – Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland – and India gathered in Delhi from 8 to 13 January 2024 for an intense 21st round of negotiations towards a trade agreement.
EFTA and Ukraine heads of delegation meet to discuss modernisation of their Free Trade Agreement
High-level representatives from the EFTA States and Ukraine discussed the way forward in the modernisation of their existing EFTA-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement originally signed in 2010.
Switzerland signs free trade agreement with Moldova
Switzerland joined Liechtenstein, Norway and Iceland in signing an agreement to boost economic and trade relations with Moldova.
EFTA and Moldova conclude negotiations on a free trade agreement
The European Free Trade Association (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland) and the Republic of Moldova reached an agreement on a comprehensive free trade agreement.
EFTA and Malaysia met for 13th round of FTA-negotiations
Malaysia and member states – Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland – of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) met for a 13th round of negotiations on an Economic Partnership Agreement.
Imposing double standards: Why EFTA should not demand an UPOV clause in FTA with Thailand
As part of free trade negotiations with Thailand, EFTA will most likely demand clauses that oblige the Asian country to introduce strict plant variety protection regulations that are in line with UPOV 91
Contested Turkey trade deal to finally come into force
A controversial free trade agreement upgrade between the European Free Trade Association and Turkey will come into force from October 1 after surviving stinging criticism and delays.
EFTA-Mercosur: another low blow to climate, peoples’ rights and food sovereignty
Emissions from increased bilateral trade in 10 farm products are expected to go up by 15%, compared to 2019, if the EFTA-Mercosur free trade agreement is implemented.

    Links


  • EFTA FTAs
    Database of all FTAs entered into by the European Free Trade Association (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.)
  • EFTA Secretariat
    Website of the EFTA Secretariat