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  1. Negotiations

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

EFTA states and Malaysia sign economic partnership agreement with investment promotion chapter
1-Jul-2025 CMS Law-Now
The trade agreement includes an investment chapter aimed at promoting mutual foreign investment flows between the EFTA states and Malaysia
Remove TRIPS+ demands from the EFTA-Malaysia Free-Trade Agreement
25-Jun-2025 Alliance Sud
The undersigned Swiss NGOs are urging the Swiss government to actively engage within EFTA to drop these provisions known as TRIPS+.
Malaysia-EFTA economic partnership agreement (MEEPA) would tie Malaysia’s hands on access to medicines
12-Jun-2025 Info Justice
Malaysian negotiators have accepted intellectual property protections above those required by the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights, which will adversely affect affordable and equitable access to medicines in Malaysia for generations.
After India-Norway pact, Nordic cos eye Goa as hub
19-May-2025 The Times of India
The recently signed India-EFTA (European Free Trade Association) Free Trade Agreement between India and Norway has prompted Nordic firms to explore Goa as a potential hub.
European bloc turns to Southeast Asia in bid to hedge protectionism
28-Apr-2025 Nikkei Asia
Four-member EFTA comprising Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland concludes trade deal with Malaysia as US tariffs sweep world.
EFTA and Ukraine sign updated free trade agreement
9-Apr-2025 Swiss Info
The European Free Trade Association (EFTA), of which Switzerland is a member, and Ukraine signed an updated free trade agreement in Kyiv.
EFTA–Moldova Free Trade Agreement takes effect for all parties
4-Apr-2025 SeeNews
The EFTA–Moldova Free Trade Agreement came into force for all parties on April 1, following the completion of the necessary internal procedures by Switzerland and Liechtenstein, the European Free Trade Association said.
Swiss foreign minister pushes for free trade deal in Latin America
10-Feb-2025 Swissinfo
During a five-day trip to Brazil, Bolivia and Paraguay this week, Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis tried to push forward negotiations on a free trade agreement between Mercosur and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).
Sustainability Impact Assessment (SIA) of the free trade agreement between the European Free Trade Association and Thailand – A critical analysis
24-Jan-2025 Alliance Sud and Public Eye
The SIA falls short of its promises. It contains strong methodological and analytical shortcomings which limit its usefulness for negotiators, stakeholders or the general public.
Switzerland expands free trade network despite doubts
24-Jan-2025 Swiss Info
Switzerland is taking its tally of free trade agreements up to 37 with new economic deals being signed with Thailand and Kosovo.

    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