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
Articles
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2-Feb-2018 Public Eye Pas d’huile de palme dans l’accord commercial avec l’Indonésie
L’huile de palme doit être exclue de l’accord de libre-échange entre la Suisse et l’Indonésie. C’est ce qu’exigent les organisations suisses de défense de l’environnement, des droits humains et des consommateurs, ainsi que plusieurs organisations paysannes. -
22-Jan-2018 RTS Paysans suisses et indonésiens contre le libre-échange d’huile de palme
Un accord de libre-échange entre la Suisse et l’Indonésie pourrait profiter au commerce de l’huile de palme. De quoi alarmer les petits agriculteurs des deux pays. -
20-Dec-2017 Tax-News EFTA and Ecuador progress free trade talks
The European Free Trade Association (EFTA) states – Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland – and Ecuador have concluded the fifth round of talks towards an agreement that will reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers to bilateral trade. -
11-Dec-2017 Swiss Info La Suisse veut un accord avec le Mercosur "le plus vite possible"
L’AELE devrait aboutir "le plus vite possible" à un même résultat, a estimé à Buenos Aires le conseiller fédéral Johann Schneider-Ammann. -
21-Nov-2017 Tax-News EFTA states, Turkey close to concluding free trade deal
Delegations from the European Free Trade Association states and Turkey met in Ankara for the sixth round of negotiations on the modernization and expansion of their existing free trade agreement. -
17-Oct-2017 Tax-news EFTA and Ecuador make progress towards FTA
The European Free Trade Association (EFTA) states and Ecuador held their fourth round of negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement on October 9-13 in Geneva, Switzerland. -
1-Sep-2017 Swissinfo La Suisse et l’Inde veulent conclure leur accord de libre-échange
La Suisse et l’Inde souhaitent conclure un accord de libre-échange et un accord qui protège les investissements -
23-Jun-2017 EFTA EFTA and MERCOSUR hold first round of negotiations
After four days of discussions, the 1st Round of Negotiations between the MERCOSUR and the EFTA States on a Free Trade Agreement was successfully concluded. -
30-May-2017 MSF MSF response on the India-EFTA free trade agreement negotiations in Liechtenstein this week
Through this deal, Swiss pharmaceutical corporations are working to erode India’s ability to produce and supply generic medicines for people across the developing world. -
23-Mar-2017 WardsAuto EU suppliers push for Mercosur trade deal
The election of Donald Trump to the presidency in the U.S. and its potential impact on EU-U.S. trade talks has made the Mercosur negotiations that entered a new round this week a high priority for the European Commission. -
23-Mar-2017 Scroll.in Switzerland wants stricter intellectual property rules in India that could harm generic drug makers
Switzerland is pushing for tighter patent protection, data exclusivity and dropping compulsory licencing under a new free trade agreement. -
22-Mar-2017 KEI Leaked document: Note by Switzerland on India EFTA TEPA IP Chapter
In this note, Switzerland is proposing that India agree to broader patentable subject matter, particularly as regards biologic products. -
22-Mar-2017 MSF India–EFTA trade talks may make medicines more expensive
MSF and civil society urge Swiss negotiators not to undermine the ‘pharmacy of the developing world’ -
22-Mar-2017 Lexology EFTA and Malaysia hold eighth round of negotiations
Negotiations between EFTA and Malaysia have been ongoing since March 2014. The two sides have held eight rounds of negotiations, as well as intersessional expert meetings. -
10-Mar-2017 Tax-news European states, Ecuador pushing for free trade deal
The European Free Trade Association states – Iceland, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Norway – and Ecuador have continued discussions towards a free trade agreement. -
26-Jan-2017 Tax-news EFTA States, Mexico review free trade agreement
EFTA states and Mexico met in Switzerland mid-month for a third round of negotiations on the comprehensive review of the free trade agreement -
15-Dec-2016 Tax-News EFTA states, Colombia to improve free trade deal
Colombia and the member states of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) have discussed making improvements to their bilateral free trade agreement. -
25-Nov-2016 Tribune de Genève La Suisse ne veut pas adhérer au CETA
La Suisse ne veut pas adhérer à l’accord CETA mais ce traité pourrait contraindre la Suisse et ses partenaires de l’AELE à se rapprocher de ces standards. -
4-Oct-2016 Tax News EFTA, Indonesia progress free trade talks
Delegations from the European Free Trade Association states and Indonesia held the 11th round of negotiations on a proposed free trade agreement. -
30-Jun-2016 FIS Shrimp and tuna could benefit from trade agreement with EFTA
Next October Ecuador is to begin the negotiations for a comprehensive trade agreement with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).
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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
