Kuala lumpur: Switzerland, which is heavily dependent on international trade, is intensifying efforts to strengthen trade and investment linkages with ASEAN, which has set its sights on becoming the world’s fourth-largest economic bloc by 2030. Swiss state secretary for Economic Affairs, Helene Budliger Artieda, stated the country’s firm commitment to the multilateral trading system under the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Switzerland has been successful in forging bilateral trade agreements with ASEAN members through the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) in recent months. Artieda emphasized Switzerland’s active engagement at the multilateral level and its eagerness to diversify trade and investment relations, notably with ASEAN. The country is also considering a closer look at the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
Artieda remarked on Switzerland’s direct democracy, highlighting that the country would consult its parliament and cantons to assess interest in these regional trade agreements, with more advanced considerations for the CPTPP. Her comments came during an exclusive interview with BERNAMA on the sidelines of the 57th ASEAN Economic Ministers’ (AEM) Meeting.
She noted the importance of enhancing Swiss-ASEAN trade relations amid global trade uncertainties and geopolitical fragmentation. ASEAN’s growing role as a global manufacturing hub and its ability to anchor international supply chains make it attractive to Swiss companies. Artieda highlighted the strategic significance of ASEAN, with its young population and robust economic growth, positioning itself well between different geopolitical powerhouses.
Swiss companies view some ASEAN member states as preferred investment destinations, seeing the region as a potential global manufacturing hub. Artieda added that the young population in ASEAN countries presents an opportunity for Swiss products and services to establish long-term consumer engagement.