Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin signs free trade agreement with Kosovo
Bern, 22.01.2025 – On 21 January 2025, Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin, head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER), signed a free trade agreement (FTA) with Kosovo’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Donika Gërvalla-Schwarz. The agreement will eliminate customs duties on industrial goods and agricultural products, and will facilitate trade in services. It is expected to enter into force in 2026.
The FTA is part of Switzerland’s broader strategy to strengthen economic ties with the Western Balkans. Switzerland is already Kosovo’s second-largest trading partner, and the FTA is expected to further increase bilateral trade.
The agreement covers a wide range of goods and services, including:
- Industrial goods: Customs duties on industrial goods will be eliminated immediately upon entry into force of the FTA.
- Agricultural products: Customs duties on agricultural products will be gradually reduced over a period of time.
- Services: The FTA will facilitate trade in services by eliminating barriers to entry and investment.
The FTA also includes provisions on intellectual property, competition, and government procurement.
Federal Councillor Parmelin welcomed the signing of the FTA, saying that it “will create new opportunities for businesses in both countries and will strengthen our economic ties.”
Minister Gërvalla-Schwarz said that the FTA “is a major step forward in our relationship with Switzerland.” She added that “it will help us to attract investment and create jobs in Kosovo.”
The FTA is subject to approval by the parliaments of both countries. It is expected to enter into force in 2026.
Additional information:
- The FTA is the first that Switzerland has signed with a country in the Western Balkans.
- Switzerland is Kosovo’s second-largest trading partner, after Germany.
- In 2023, bilateral trade between Switzerland and Kosovo amounted to CHF 220 million.
- The FTA is expected to increase bilateral trade by up to 10%.
Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin signs free trade agreement with Kosovo
The AI has provided us with the news.
I’ve asked Google Gemini the following question, and here’s its response.
Swiss Confederation a new article on 2025-01-22 00:00 titled “Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin signs free trade agreement with Kosovo”. Please write a detailed article on this news item, including any relevant information. Answers should be in English.
140