RESTRICTED  
  
WT/TPR/W/ 131 
16 June 2017  
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Trade Policy Review Body    
 
* In Original language only/ En langue originale seulement /En el idioma original solamente . 
  SWITZERLAND AND LIECHTENSTEIN  
DRAFT MINUTES  OF THE MEETING* HELD ON 16 AND 18 MAY 2017  
Delegations are invited to submit factual corrections, if any, on their own statement to the 
Secretariat ( Mrs Barbara Blanquart: barbara.blanquart@wto.org , or to  tprd@wto.org ) no later 
than 30 June 2017 . 
 
Organe d'examen des politiques commerciales  
 
SUISSE ET LIECHTENSTEIN  
PROJET DE COMPTE REN DU DE LA RÉUNION* TENUE LES 16 ET 18 MAI 2017  
Les délégations sont invitées à soumettre  leurs éventuelles corrections factuelles concernant leurs 
propres déclarations au Secrétariat ( Mme Barbara Blanquart: barbara.blanquart@wto.org , ou 
tprd@wto.org ) le 30 juin 2017  au plus tard.  
 
Órgano de Examen de las Políticas Comerciales  
 
SUIZA Y LIECHTENSTEIN  
PROYECTO DE ACTA DE LA REUNIÓN* CELEBRADA LOS DÍAS 16 Y 18 DE MAYO DE 2 017 
Las delegaciones pueden enviar a la Secretaría ( Sra. Barbara Blanquart: 
barbara.blanquart@wto.org , o tprd@wto.org ) a más tardar el 30 de junio de 2017  las 
correcciones fácticas que deseen introducir en sus propias decla raciones.  
 WT/TPR/W/131  • Switzerland and Liechtenstein  
 
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TRADE POLICY REVIEW  
 
 
SWITZERLAND AND LIECHTENSTEIN  
DRAFT  MINUTES OF THE MEETI NG 
Chairperson: H.E. Mr Juan Carlos Gonzale z (Colombia)  
CONTENTS  
 
1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS  BY THE CHAIRPERS ON ................................ .......................  3 
2  OPENING STATEMENT BY  THE REPRESENTATIVES OF SWITZERLAND AND 
LIECHTENSTEIN  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............  5 
3  STATEMENT BY THE DIS CUSSANT  ................................ ................................ ..............  13 
4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBER S ................................ ................................ ........................  16 
5  REPLIES BY THE REPRES ENTATIVES  OF SWITZERLAND AND L IECHTENSTEIN 
AND ADDITIONAL COMME NTS................................ ................................ ........................  65 
6  CONCLUDING REMARKS B Y THE CHAIRPERSON  ................................ .........................  72 
 
 
Note: Advance written questions and additional questions by WTO Members, and the replies 
provided by Switzerland a nd Liechtenstein are reproduced in document WT/TPR/M/355/Add.1 and 
will be available online at http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tpr_e/tp_rep_e.htm.  WT/TPR/W/131  • Switzerland and Liechtenstein  
 
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  1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS  BY THE CHAIRPERSON  
1.1.  The fifth joint Trade Policy Review of Switzerland and Liechtens tein was held on 16 and 
18 May 2017. The Chairperson, H.E. Mr. Juan Carlos Gonzale z (Colombia) welcomed the 
delegation of Switzerland headed by Mrs. Marie -Gabrielle Ineichen -Fleisch, State Secretary for 
Economic Affairs; the delegation of Liechtenstein hea ded by H.E. Ambassador Peter Matt; and the 
discussant, H.E. Ambassador David Walker (New Zealand).  
1.2.  The Chairperson recalled the purpose of the Trade Policy Reviews and the main elements of 
the procedures for the meeting. The report by Switzerland and Liech tenstein was contained in 
document WT/TPR/G/355 and that of the WTO Secretariat in WT/TPR/S/355.  
1.3.  Questions by the following delegations had been submitted in writing before the deadline: 
United States; China; Ukraine; Republic of Moldova; Australia; Mexico ; Norway; European Union; 
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; New Zealand; Brazil; Hong Kong, China; Colombia; Argentina; 
Costa  Rica; Malaysia; El Salvador; Chinese Taipei; Canada; Guatemala; and Ecuador. The 
following delegations submitted written questions after th e deadline: Chile; Dominican Republic; 
Singapore; Thailand; Japan; Republic of Korea; and Turkey.  
1.4.  In 2013, Members had highlighted that Switzerland and Liechtenstein ranked among the 
world's most innovative and competitive economies in spite of high costs . They had appreciated 
Switzerland and Liechtenstein's generally open trade regimes and their strong support for the 
multilateral trading system and its negotiating forum. Nonetheless, agriculture had stood out as an 
area that could benefit greatly from a more competitive environment. Members had also identified 
certain services sectors where further liberalization would be of interest to them.  
1.5.  The period under review was marked by developments in monetary policy. Turbulence in 
world markets frequently ind uced a flight into Swiss francs, and such persistent pressures led the 
Swiss National Bank to abandon its minimum exchange rate versus the euro in early 2015. The 
initial economic contraction caused by currency appreciation was quickly reversed, and the Sw iss 
economy resumed growth at a steady, though modest, pace. The Liechtenstein economy also 
showed remarkable resilience in a challenging economic environment.  
1.6.  Both Switzerland and Liechtenstein formally accepted the Trade Facilitation Agreement in 
2015. Liechtenstein became the first Member to ratify the revised Agreement on Government 
Procurement in 2013, while Switzerland's accession to the revised agreement might take place 
later this year. Pending approval by the Swiss Federal Parliament, tariff reduc tions stemming from 
the ITA II had been applied on a provisional basis since 1 January 2017.  
1.7.  Switzerland and Liechtenstein were both members of the European Free Trade Association 
(EFTA) and relied on the EFTA Framework to conclude an extensive network of  free trade 
agreements with non -EU partners. During the period under review, new EFTA FTAs entered into 
force with certain Central American States, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Gulf Cooperation 
Council. Other agreements had been signed but were not yet in force. Switzerland's bilateral FTA 
with China took effect in mid -2014. Its provisions relating to trade in goods also applied to 
Liechtenstein by virtue of the 1923 Swiss -Liechtenstein Customs Union Treaty.  
1.8.  Switzerland remained an attractive destination  for foreign direct investment. Most sectors 
were open, but state monopolies restricted investment in railways, some postal services, and 
certain insurance services.  
1.9.  Developments in trade policy instruments over the last four years were reflected in the 
written questions posed by Members in advance of this meeting. The tariff regime was unique in 
its reliance on specific duty rates for all imports. As a consequence, low -priced imports faced 
higher ad valorem protection than high -priced imports of identical  or similar items. High 
agricultural tariffs provided scope for further trade liberalization, which might also reduce the 
economic impact of the present complex system of tariff quotas. Certain imported goods were 
subject to levies to finance compulsory re serve stock requirements for those goods. Although the 
basic features of the trade regime were largely unchanged, some liberalization measures had been 
taken and further measures were under consideration. For example, tariffs had been suspended on WT/TPR/W/131  • Switzerland and Liechtenstein  
 
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  certain textile items until the end of 2019, and Switzerland/Liechtenstein had joined a new system 
that simplifies the verification of origin for imports from LDCs.  
1.10.   Regarding non -tariff measures, Switzerland had been harmonizing technical requirements 
with the EU . A new food safety regime entered into force on 1 May 2017. From now on, all safe 
food items were to be allowed unless they had been explicitly prohibited. In the area of 
trademarks and geographical indications, "Swissness legislation" had been adopted to  improve the 
protection of the Swiss brand at home and abroad.  
1.11.   As for sectoral policies, Switzerland had been implementing its Agricultural Policy 2014 -17, 
which involved a rearrangement and fine tuning of direct payments. Domestic procedures had 
been init iated to ensure the elimination of agricultural export subsidies by January 2019. 
Nevertheless, some Members continued to call for more market -oriented reforms.  
1.12.   Members showed interest in Switzerland's "Energy 2050 Strategy", particularly due to its 
emphas is on renewable energy. In financial services, higher capital requirements now applied to 
systemically important banks, and anti -money -laundering legislation had been reinforced. 
Switzerland continued to pursue a liberal policy in air transport services, a nd the reform of Swiss 
postal services had been fully implemented.  
1.13.   This meeting might not provide answers to all questions Members had raised, but the 
Chairperson hoped it would give Members an opportunity to reflect more deeply on issues of 
interest and relevance to the multilateral trading system. He looked forward to an active and 
fruitful exchange.  WT/TPR/W/131  • Switzerland and Liechtenstein  
 
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  2  OPENING STATEMENT BY  THE REPRESENTATIVE S OF SWITZERLAND 
(MRS.  MARIE  GABRIELLE INEICHEN -FLEISCH) AND LIECHTE NSTEIN (H.E. AMBASSA DOR 
PETER MATT)  
MRS.  MARIE -GABRIELLE  INEICHEN -FLEISCH  (SUISSE)  
2.1.  Nous vous sommes très reconnaissants de votre aperçu introductif. C'est avec plaisir que 
nous participons pour la 6ème fois à l'examen des politiques commerciales de la Suisse. Nous 
sommes honorés de nous exprimer aujourd 'hui devant une si large audience. Nous sommes 
également heureux de pouvoir mener cet exercice conjointement avec nos amis du Liechtenstein. 
Merci de prendre le temps de participer à ce processus qui nous est cher.  
2.2.  Nous remercions tout particulièrement l'A mbassadeur David Walker, Représentant permanent 
de la Nouvelle Zélande à l'OMC, qui nous fait l'honneur de tenir le rôle de présentateur dans cet 
exercice.  
2.3.  Permettez -moi, Monsieur le Président, de relever également l'excellence du rapport du 
Secrétariat de  l'OMC qui présente de manière claire et complète les politiques économiques et 
commerciales de la Suisse et du Liechtenstein. Le Secrétariat a fait preuve d'un professionnalisme 
exemplaire dans la conduite du processus de rédaction de son rapport. Les éch anges entre les 
responsables suisses et nos collègues de la Division de l'examen des politiques commerciales ont 
été constructifs et enrichissants. Nous exprimons au Secrétariat toute notre gratitude.  
2.4.   Monsieur le Président, la Suisse apprécie à sa juste v aleur le Mécanisme d'examen des 
politiques commerciales qui constitue un pilier indispensable des activités de l'OMC. Dès le début, 
les examens ont contribué à mieux comprendre les politiques commerciales des Membres. 
L'exercice met en lumière les attentes  et les souhaits des pairs examinateurs. Leurs interventions 
et questions permettent de cerner des points de convergence qui forment en quelque sorte un 
socle de valeurs communes. En cela, l'exercice n'est pas seulement profitable au Membre examiné. 
Il est  aussi important pour l'Organisation dans son ensemble car il dégage des orientations 
politiques qui pourraient être mises à profit pour renforcer le système commercial multilatéral.  
2.5.  Permettez -moi de saluer ici l'exercice récent d'évaluation et d'ajustemen t du Mécanisme 
d'examen des politiques commerciales mené sous la présidence de l'Ambassadeur Irene Young, 
Représente permanente de Hong Kong Chine. Cet exercice a abouti à un consensus bienvenu sur 
plusieurs aspects. Nous espérons que ces changements pourr ont être confirmés et mis en œuvre 
dans les meilleurs délais.  
2.6.  Sans compter les nombreuses sous -questions, nous avons reçu plus de 300 questions de 
28 Membres, dont une partie non -négligeable est arrivée après l'échéance du 2 mai. Nous nous 
sommes efforcés d'y répondre à toutes avant la rencontre d'aujourd'hui. Nous tâcherons de 
clarifier, lors de la réunion de jeudi, les nouveaux points qui seront soulevés aujourd'hui.  
Politique commerciale et renforcement de la compétitivité  
2.7.  Depuis le dernier Examen des po litiques commerciales en 2013, la Suisse a été confrontée à 
un environnement économique exigeant. Elle a souffert de la modeste reprise économique depuis 
la crise financière, notamment dans la zone euro. Elle a aussi subi le contrecoup des pressions à la 
hausse sur le franc suisse résultant entre autres de la faiblesse de l'euro. En dépit de ces 
conditions défavorables, l'économie suisse s'est montrée résiliente avec une croissance robuste sur 
la période 2013 -2016. La solidité de la demande domestique a en effet compensé le déclin 
momentané de la performance de notre commerce extérieur. Nous avons également pu compter 
sur la diversification des activités économiques, un marché du travail flexible, des finances 
publiques saines et la stabilité politique du pa ys. 
2.8.  La Suisse est une économie généralement ouverte. En 2015 et 2016, plus de 83% de nos 
importations ont bénéficié d'un régime de franchise. Et en 2014 le taux moyen des droits de 
douane appliqués sur les marchandises industrielles atteignait à peine 1,8% . En comparaison avec 
la moyenne mondiale, les coûts d'importation par container à la frontière suisse sont deux fois plus 
faibles, le temps qu'il faut à une marchandise pour la traverser est trois fois plus court, et le 
nombre de documents requis par nos douanes est deux fois plus petit.  WT/TPR/W/131  • Switzerland and Liechtenstein  
 
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  2.9.  Par ailleurs, la Suisse a poursuivi son processus de réforme de l'agriculture. La nouvelle 
politique agricole, en vigueur depuis 2014, oriente davantage les mesures de soutien interne vers 
la promotion des ressources natur elles et vers la sécurité des approvisionnements. Toutefois, au 
regard des contraintes géographiques caractérisant le secteur agraire et des demandes de la 
société civile, les mesures de protection à la frontière et le soutien interne demeurent des 
élément s importants de notre politique agricole.  
2.10.   Avec des exportations représentant environ 60% du produit intérieur brut, la Suisse est l'un 
des pays les plus intégrés dans l'économie mondiale. Elle doit sa prospérité à la compétitivité 
internationale de ses ent reprises, à leur capacité à innover et à leur spécialisation dans la 
production de biens et services à haute valeur ajoutée.  
2.11.   Afin de préserver ses atouts, la Suisse mène une politique commerciale qui s'inscrit dans 
une réflexion de long terme plus large in hérente à notre politique de croissance. L'augmentation 
de la productivité́ du travail et le renforcement de la compétitivité́ et de l'esprit d'innovation sont 
au cœur de cette politique.  
2.12.   Pour atteindre ces objectifs, notre politique commerciale vise à pro mouvoir et à garantir des 
marchés ouverts tout en contribuant au développement durable. Nous œuvrons en faveur d'une 
libéralisation du commerce et des investissements internationaux tout en cherchant à atténuer les 
effets négatifs de la croissance. À ce ti tre, nous portons une grande attention à la durabilité et à la 
cohérence des différentes politiques internationales.  
2.13.   Parallèlement à l'ouverture de nouveaux marchés, la facilitation des importations par 
l'élimination des entraves commerciales revêt une imp ortance croissante pour nos entreprises. 
Avec l'essor des chaînes de production mondiale, les marchandises - dont la plupart sont des 
produits intermédiaires - traversent les frontières plus souvent qu'auparavant. Les obstacles 
tarifaires et non tarifaires  s'accumulent donc plus fréquemment et génèrent des coûts 
supplémentaires qui réduisent la compétitivité internationale des producteurs domestiques.  
2.14.   En revanche, la facilitation des importations abaisse les coûts de transaction et renforce la 
concurrence s ur le marché intérieur. In fine, elle profite aux consommateurs de même qu'aux 
entreprises exportatrices achetant des biens intermédiaires. Ces dernières peuvent ainsi optimiser 
leurs processus de production et s'intégrer au mieux dans les chaînes de valeu r mondiales.  
2.15.   Pour la Suisse, la facilitation des importations se traduit surtout par une simplification des 
procédures douanières, une réduction du temps d'attente en douane, ou encore par la réduction 
des tarifs douaniers. Le Gouvernement prévoit d'étudi er les avantages et les inconvénients d'une 
suppression unilatérale des tarifs douaniers sur les produits industriels ainsi que d'une réduction 
ponctuelle des droits de douane dans le secteur agroalimentaire.  
Système commercial multilatéral  
2.16.   Un système comm ercial multilatéral prévisible, transparent et fondé sur des règles est le 
pilier le plus important de notre politique commerciale. Nous nous engageons sans réserve en 
faveur du maintien du système et de son amélioration, et en faveur d'une OMC garante de 
l'ouverture des marchés internationaux et de solutions intégrant l'ensemble de la communauté 
internationale. Nos efforts se font en cohérence avec l'ensemble de nos engagements 
internationaux tels que l'agenda 2030 des Nations Unies ainsi que la 21ème Conf érence des 
Parties de Paris sur le climat.  
2.17.   Les deux dernières conférences ministérielles à Bali en 2013 et à Nairobi en 2015 nous ont 
donné l'occasion de démontrer notre attachement au système commercial multilatéral. À Nairobi 
en particulier, la Suisse a consenti un effort majeur pour se rallier au consensus sur la concurrence 
à l'exportation. Cette décision ministérielle nécessite une réforme profonde que nous préparons 
actuellement.  
2.18.   Il va sans dire que les résultats tangibles obtenus lors des deux derniè res conférences 
ministérielles sont le fruit des efforts de tous les Membres. Nos succès ont envoyé un message fort 
à tous ceux qui ont mis en doute la crédibilité de l'OMC. Mettons l'Organisation à profit pour 
relever les défis que nous adressent les chan gements structurels de l'économie mondiale, à WT/TPR/W/131  • Switzerland and Liechtenstein  
 
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  commencer par sa digitalisation. La Suisse est prête à participer activement à ce projet à la 
hauteur des principes et objectifs de long terme de l'OMC.  
2.19.   L'OMC est également un forum où l'on surveille la bonne a pplication des règles du système 
commercial multilatéral. Elle joue un rôle crucial dans l'endiguement des tendances 
protectionnistes et la résolution des litiges commerciaux sur la base du droit. Le mécanisme de 
règlement des différends est, à n'en point douter, au cœur du système. Le respect de ses décisions 
constitue le meilleur moyen d'assoir la crédibilité des règles de l'OMC. Ces fonctions, qui relèvent 
de la gestion et de l'exécution de l'acquis, revêtent une importance fondamentale. Cependant, la 
bonne conduite du travail régulier de l'OMC dépend foncièrement de la transparence des politiques 
et pratiques commerciales. Il est donc essentiel que les Membres observent avec rigueur leurs 
obligations de notifications. Cette injonction s'adresse naturelle ment aussi à la Suisse.  
2.20.   Comme d'autres Membres, la Suisse s'emploie à faciliter le débat et à jeter des ponts entre 
les protagonistes. C'est dans cet esprit que nous accueillons chaque année la traditionnelle 
rencontre ministérielle informelle de l'OMC en marge du Forum économique mondial de Davos. 
Nous coordonnons aussi des groupes informels tels que le G10 ou la coalition W52 de même que 
les "Friends of the System". Ce dernier groupe réunit des pays développés et en voie de 
développement qui ont pour but de préserver et d'améliorer le système commercial multilatéral. 
En outre, nos représentants assument régulièrement la présidence de divers organes et processus 
de l'OMC.  
Commerce préférentiel  
2.21.   La conclusion d'accords commerciaux préférentiels constitue un complément aux 
engagements de la Suisse à l'OMC. Cette politique ne nous détourne pas du système commercial 
multilatéral. Au contraire, elle le renforce. De fait, les accords de libre -échange contribuent à 
l'ouverture globale des marchés. Nous espérons qu' à terme ces efforts de libéralisation bilatéraux 
et régionaux pourront graduellement se consolider et se multilatéraliser à l'OMC.  
2.22.   Le réseau d'accords de libre -échange de la Suisse est un instrument central de sa politique 
économique extérieure. Parmi nos partenaires sous régime préférentiel, l'Union européenne est de 
loin le plus important: 54% de nos exportations de marchandises y sont destinées, et 72% de nos 
importations proviennent de l'Union européenne. Dans ces circonstances, la voie bilatérale avec 
l'Union européenne reste une priorité pour le Gouvernement suisse. Depuis notre dernier examen 
de politique commerciale, le cadre bilatéral entre la Suisse et l'Union européenne s'est étendu à la 
Croatie après que celle -ci ait rejoint l'Union européenne en  2013. Depuis 2014 se tiennent des 
négociations sur des aspects institutionnels. D'autres sujets comme le marché de l'électricité et la 
sécurité alimentaire sont en cours de discussion.  
2.23.   Nos relations bilatérales avec l'Union européenne, traditionnellement excellentes, ont été 
affectées par l'acceptation d'une initiative populaire sur l'immigration adoptée le 9 février 2014. Il 
en est résulté un climat général d'incertitude. Fidèle à leur volonté de se conformer aux 
engagements internationaux de la Suisse, l e Gouvernement et le Parlement ont mis en œuvre les 
résultats de cette votation en respectant les accords existants avec l'Union européenne, et 
notamment l'accord sur la libre circulation des personnes.  
2.24.   L'Union européenne n'est évidemment pas le seul parte naire de libre -échange de la Suisse. 
Nous accordons aussi beaucoup d'importance à l'extension et à l'approfondissement de notre 
réseau d'accords de libre -échange de portée mondiale. À la fin 2016, la Suisse disposait de 
28 accords de libre -échange impliqua nt 38 pays non -membres de l'Union européenne et de l'AELE. 
Depuis notre dernier examen, 6 nouveaux accords ont été conclus par la Suisse et ses partenaires 
de l'AELE avec le Costa Rica, le Panama, le Guatemala, la Bosnie -Herzégovine, la Géorgie et les 
Philippines. Un septième accord purement bilatéral a été conclu entre la Suisse et la Chine. 
Associée à ses partenaires de l'AELE, la Suisse mène actuellement des négociations avec 
l'Équateur, l'Inde, l'Indonésie, la Malaisie et le Viet Nam. En outre, des négo ciations avec le 
Mercosur débuteront prochainement. Des négociations visant à approfondir et à actualiser les 
accords conclus avec le Chili, le Mexique et la Turquie sont également en cours. D'autres processus 
de discussions ont débuté avec l'Algérie, la T haïlande, la Russie, la Biélorussie et le Kazakhstan.  WT/TPR/W/131  • Switzerland and Liechtenstein  
 
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  Commerce et développement  
2.25.   L'intégration des pays en voie de développement dans l'économie mondiale est l'un des trois 
piliers de la politique économique extérieure de la Suisse. La promotion du commerce  est d'ailleurs 
un objectif clé de notre coopération au développement pour la période 2017 -2020. Nous 
contribuons ainsi au renforcement des conditions cadre favorisant le commerce international et les 
investissements dans une vingtaine de pays. Cet engagem ent se concrétise au travers d'initiatives 
multilatérales ou bilatérales. Il vise à aider les petites et moyennes entreprises des pays 
bénéficiaires à créer des emplois et à augmenter leurs capacités d'exportation. La Suisse soutient 
également de nombreux pays parmi les moins avancés à se conformer aux standards et 
prescriptions techniques internationaux.  
Commerce et durabilité  
2.26.   En accord avec l'agenda 2030 des Nations Unies, nos contributions en matière de commerce 
et de développement s'inscrivent dans not re stratégie de long -terme pour un développement 
durable. Cette stratégie englobe aussi bien la protection de l'environnement et les défis qui 
entourent le changement climatique que la promotion de normes sociales. À nos yeux, les travaux 
de l'OMC doivent s'effectuer en cohérence avec les autres politiques internationales, notamment 
environnementales et sociales.  
2.27.   La Suisse promeut cette cohérence, par exemple par sa participation active au Comité sur le 
commerce et l'environnement et aux négociations pour un Accord sur les Biens Environnementaux. 
Après les efforts considérables consentis par les participants à ces négociations, nous espérons 
qu'un consensus final pourra être trouvé dans un proche avenir. En ligne avec l'objectif de 
développement durable 14, 6, nous appuyons les processus multilatéral et plurilatéral traitant des 
subventions à la pêche. Dans ce contexte, je souhaite souligner que la Suisse a récemment 
promulgué une réglementation prohibant les importations de pêche illicite, qui sont non décla rées 
et non réglementées.  
2.28.   Hors du contexte de l'OMC, la Suisse s'engage en faveur de l'élimination des subventions 
aux énergies fossiles et pour la prohibition des exportations de mercure sous certaines conditions. 
Elle apporte son soutien au programme de  la CNUCED sur la facilitation du commerce de produits 
biologiques et au programme de l'ONUDI sur les modes de production propre et économes en 
ressources. Depuis 2010 déjà, tous nos accords de libre -échange contiennent un chapitre sur le 
commerce et le dé veloppement durable. Avec certains partenaires, la Suisse a engagé des 
dialogues sociaux qui accompagnent la mise en œuvre de nos accords de libre -échange. L'année 
passée, le Gouvernement a adopté un plan national d'action sur la mise en œuvre des principe s 
directeurs de l'ONU relatifs aux entreprises et aux droits de l'homme.  
Prochaines étapes  
2.29.   À l'avenir, la Suisse continuera à œuvrer avec détermination en faveur du développement 
durable et du renforcement du système commercial multilatéral.  
2.30.   Monsieur le P résident, nous n'ignorons pas que l'OMC traverse en ce moment une période 
difficile. Que de nombreuses incertitudes pèsent sur l'issue des travaux en cours. Mais ces 
circonstances ne doivent pas nous décontenancer. Il importe à ce stade de mieux comprendre  les 
situations complexes auxquelles nous sommes confrontés et de réfléchir aux solutions possibles. 
En automne viendra le temps de dresser un bilan et de déterminer les contours et l'équilibre des 
résultats potentiels de la conférence de Buenos Aires.  
2.31.   La 11ème conférence ministérielle de l'OMC donnera l'occasion à la communauté 
internationale d'apporter des réponses aux défis posés par les mutations de l'économie mondiale. 
La digitalisation de l'économie, les interactions entre le commerce et l'investisse ment et les 
difficultés des PMEs à s'intégrer dans l'économie mondiale sont des aspects que nous ne pouvons 
pas ignorer. Dans une logique de cohérence des politiques globales, les subventions à la pêche se 
présentent comme un sujet pertinent et prometteur.  
2.32.   Évidemment, nous ne négligeons pas les sujets qui sont de longue date à l'ordre du jour des 
négociations de l'OMC. Nous sommes conscients que le soutien interne à l'agriculture est un enjeu WT/TPR/W/131  • Switzerland and Liechtenstein  
 
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  important pour de nombreux Membres. La Suisse est prête à apporte r sa contribution à condition 
toutefois que l'effort qu'elle ferait soit proportionnel à celui de l'ensemble des Membres. Nous 
sommes aussi intéressés à faire progresser les négociations sur les services, notamment sur la 
réglementation interne. En outre, des progrès à plus long terme dans d'autres domaines couverts 
par le mandat de Doha, tels que l'accès au marché (NAMA) et la propriété intellectuelle, restent 
importants pour la Suisse.  
2.33.   Un succès à Buenos Aires dépend des efforts de tous et relève de la r esponsabilité de 
chacun. La Suisse a prouvé à maintes reprises sa résolution à favoriser le consensus. La prochaine 
conférence ministérielle ne fera pas exception. Nous continuerons à œuvrer en faveur d'un 
système commercial multilatéral fort, intégrateur et basé sur des règles. Nos contributions 
s'inscriront dans la logique de notre politique commerciale qui vise à accroître la compétitivité de 
nos entreprises et à réduire nos principales faiblesses, notamment une croissance insuffisante de 
la productivité . 
2.34.   En conclusion, Monsieur le Président, je souhaite, avec mon collègue du Liechtenstein, 
contribuer à un dialogue franc et ouvert sur l'examen des politiques commerciales de nos deux 
pays. Cette franchise et cette ouverture sont nécessaires pour aborder de s questions complexes 
auxquelles nous devons apporter des réponses communes dans l'intérêt du système multilatéral.  
2.35.   Je passe maintenant la parole à Monsieur l'Ambassadeur Peter Matt qui abordera les aspects 
propres au Liechtenstein. Je vous remercie de vot re attention.  
H.E.  AMBASSADOR  PETER  MATT  (LIECHTENSTEIN)  
2.36.   Let me start by thanking you, Chairman Ambassador Gonzalez and State Secretary 
Ineichen -Fleisch, for your statements and introductions. We are very pleased to participate in this 
fifth joint trade po licy review together with Switzerland. I would like to use this opportunity to 
thank our Swiss colleagues for their valuable support and excellent cooperation throughout the 
whole TPR process.  
2.37.   My thanks also go to His Excellency, Ambassador David Walker fr om New Zealand, who 
accepted to act as discussant for this joint review.  
2.38.   Last but certainly not least I would like to thank the WTO Secretariat for the good 
cooperation, it was a pleasure to work with the responsible team, and for the excellent report it 
has produced. It has succeeded in describing the particularities of Liechtenstein – which are quite 
a few indeed - in a concise and comprehensive manner.  
2.39.   In principle, I would not have much to add to the Secretariat's report, complemented by our 
policy stat ement. Nevertheless, let me highlight or add some information and remarks to these 
reports and to what State Secretary Ineichen -Fleisch just said.  
Liechtenstein: a small but economically successful country  
2.40.   Liechtenstein is – with a surface of about 2/3 of the Canton of Geneva and a resident 
population of about 38,000 - a very small country. Nevertheless, it has a highly developed, 
remarkably diversified economy. The number of jobs equals almost the number of inhabitants and 
more than half of the workforce c ommutes daily from the neighbouring regions to Liechtenstein. 
Altogether, close to 70 % of all jobs are held by non -Liechtenstein nationals.  
A highly developed and competitive industrial sector  
2.41.   The fact that Liechtenstein is a highly industrialized country  and home of several world 
leaders in their respective fields of activity is often little known. The high proportion of the 
manufacturing sector is striking: It contributes about 41% to GDP and employs as well over 40% 
of the total workforce. Investments b y the Liechtenstein industrial companies – by the private 
sector - in research and development represents in percentage of GDP certainly one of the highest 
figures worldwide. Businesses and products, focused on high -tech niche products, are broadly 
diversi fied, as are the export markets. About 1/3 of the production is exported to markets outside 
Europe. An interesting feature is also that Liechtenstein's industrial companies have - as an overall WT/TPR/W/131  • Switzerland and Liechtenstein  
 
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  average - 3 to 4 times more employees on their payroll abroad than at home. Let me just mention 
one example, for instance Hilti, the world leader of fastening systems for the building industry, as 
many others in Liechtenstein, a 100% family owned company, employs 1,500 people in 
Liechtenstein, but over 20,000 worldwi de. 
2.42.   Another important sector for Liechtenstein's economy is the financial services sector, mainly 
banking and insurance services, which represents a considerable 25% of GDP. The services sector 
as a whole is however smaller than in other European countries . Striking is also the comparatively 
low share of agriculture and forestry.  
Liechtenstein highly dependent on international trade  
2.43.   Liechtenstein is highly, almost entirely, dependent on imports and exports due to the very 
small domestic market. In order to secure favourable framework conditions for international trade, 
Liechtenstein therefore seeks strong international cooperation and partnerships and is, not 
surprisingly, a strong supporter of the multilateral trading system.  
2.44.   Four pillars form the legal ba sis of Liechtenstein's Foreign Economic Policy, namely:  
 the Customs Union Treaty with Switzerland since 1923;  
 the membership in the agreement on the European Economic Area (EEA) which provides full 
participation in the EU's internal market;  
 membership of t he World Trade Organization (WTO); and  
 Membership of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).  
2.45.   Let me in the following briefly touch upon the Customs Union Treaty and the EEA 
membership in particular.  
The Customs Union with Switzerland  
2.46.   In application of  the 1923 Customs Union Treaty, Liechtenstein became an integral part of 
the Swiss customs territory. Therefore, as far as trade in goods, including agricultural goods is 
concerned, trade policy measures affecting imports and exports, including TBT and SPS  measures 
are formulated by Switzerland and also applied in Liechtenstein. All these matters are also 
negotiated by Switzerland on behalf of Liechtenstein in this Organization as well as in EFTA or 
outside EFTA as well. In the same way, as far as trade in goods is concerned, commercial treaties 
and trade agreements concluded by Switzerland also apply to Liechtenstein.  
2.47.   However, Liechtenstein has its own regulatory framework in trade in services, government 
procurement, investment, and in all areas of intelle ctual property rights except patents. In these 
areas, our bilateral relationship with Switzerland is governed by the EFTA Convention.  
Liechtenstein: a member of the European Economic Area  
2.48.   The EEA Agreement is the legal basis for the economic cooperation o f Liechtenstein with 
currently 30 other member States of the European Economic Area. As generally known in this 
House, the EEA is based on the principle of the four freedoms (free movement of goods, services, 
capital and persons) with uniform and common ru les governing competition, including State aid. In 
addition, the EEA agreement covers cooperation in other important areas, known as flanking and 
horizontal policies, as well as participation in numerous EU programmes and EU agencies.  
2.49.   Liechtenstein is par t of the EU's Internal Market – a market of 500 million people - and 
therefore all relevant EU legislation is applicable in Liechtenstein. Accordingly, for example 
banking, insurance, securities and accounting legislation is based on the relevant EU regula tions 
and directives. By now, the impressive number of more than 8,700 EU acts has been taken over 
into national law. The EEA Agreement is dynamic, i.e. it provides for the on -going inclusion of new 
EU legislation in all policy areas covered by the EU's In ternal Market. As a consequence of this 
agreement, a large part of Liechtenstein's own economic legislation is based on or inspired by the WT/TPR/W/131  • Switzerland and Liechtenstein  
 
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  EU law. Proper implementation of the Internal Market legislation is ensured through the two -pillar 
structure of the E EA, i.e. the monitoring by the EFTA Surveillance Authority and the judicial 
functions of the EFTA Court.  
Liechtenstein part of two internal markets  
2.50.   This context is also noteworthy and a special feature of Liechtenstein to be part of two 
internal markets, the Swiss and the European one. Both, the Customs Union with Switzerland and 
the participation in the EEA Agreement are success stories for Liechtenstein. Therefore, goods 
produced either in conformity with Swiss or EEA regulations may be sold in Liechtens tein. The 
good functioning of this arrangement is assured with a specific Market Control and Surveillance 
Mechanism.  
Membership of WTO and EFTA  
2.51.   Liechtenstein's membership to WTO and EFTA are the other two very important pillars of its 
foreign trade policy.  Liechtenstein as a small and open economy attaches great importance to a 
strong and rules based multilateral trading system. We are committed to contribute to a successful 
conclusion of MC11 in Buenos Aires and to the strengthening of the multilateral tra ding system in 
general.  
2.52.   Liechtenstein's Membership to WTO is complemented by its membership to EFTA. 
Liechtenstein has negotiated in the framework of the EFTA 27 free trade agreements with 
38 countries. The network of FTAs within EFTA is a central corners tone of Liechtenstein's foreign 
trade policy.  
Major changes to the trade regime since the last TPR in 2008  
2.53.   The longstanding liberal economic policy of the Liechtenstein Government has been and 
remains based on the principle of self -dependent economic actor s, which means State 
interventions are limited to the establishment of framework conditions favourable to 
entrepreneurship.  
2.54.   There have been no major changes to the trade regimes as such, but a number of 
adaptations in particular in reaction to the changing  international environment and regulatory 
framework concerning the financial services sector.  
2.55.   In accordance with the "Liechtenstein Declaration" of 12 March 2009, Liechtenstein is, inter 
alia, actively participating in the work of the Global Forum on Trans parency and Exchange of 
Information for Tax Purposes and has been assigned a rating of "Largely Compliant" in the second 
phase of the Peer Review. Until now, Liechtenstein has negotiated and concluded 17 Double 
Taxation Agreements according to the OECD Sta ndard, concluded 27 Tax Information Exchange 
Agreements (TIEA), ratified the Multilateral Convention on Administrative Assistance in Tax 
Matters in August 2016 and signed the Multilateral Competent Authority Agreement on Automatic 
Exchange of Financial Acc ount Information ("MCAA") in 2014. As an early adopter to implement 
the global standard on automatic exchange of information, Liechtenstein has concluded an 
Agreement to Automatic Exchange of Information in Tax Matters (AEOI) with the EU. This 
agreement en tered into force on 1 January 2016. As of 1 January 2017, Liechtenstein's AEOI 
network comprises a total of 60 exchange partners. A further extension is planned with effect from 
1 January 2018 for exchanges in 2019. Liechtenstein has also joined the Inclus ive Framework of 
the OECD to implement BEPS measures.  
Fiscal consolidation  
2.56.   After structural problems were foreshadowed in the fiscal programming for 2010 -2014 due 
to, amongst other factors, the economic and financial crisis, the general demographic 
develo pment, and structural changes in the financial sector, fiscal consolidation was made one of 
the priorities of the Liechtenstein Government during the reporting period. On the basis of three 
fiscal stabilization packages, state budget consolidation measures  were successfully implemented 
leading to savings of about SwF 162 million and an increase of revenues of SwF 59 million. And 
there you have to bear in mind that the overall budget is around SwF 800 million. In 2014, 2015 WT/TPR/W/131  • Switzerland and Liechtenstein  
 
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  and recently again in 2016, the st ate budget posted a surplus. Liechtenstein focuses now on 
securing a balanced state budget. The sound budgetary position of Liechtenstein was one decisive 
factor for the recent confirmation of its triple -A rating from Standard and Poor's.  
2.57.   Finally, compare d to the last Trade Policy Review of Switzerland and Liechtenstein, the 
portion of non -Liechtenstein citizens of the resident and working population has slightly increased. 
Therefore, the Government does not see any leeway to ease restrictions concerning i mmigration 
and employment as also the special rules concerning the freedom of movement of persons, 
granted to Liechtenstein in the EEA, remain unchanged. Furthermore, in view of Liechtenstein's 
geographic situation and in order to respect its rural charact er and preserve access to real estate 
for the resident population, the Government regulates investment into real estate (this applies also 
for non -resident Liechtenstein citizens).  
2.58.   To conclude, let me re -iterate our strong commitment to the Trade Policy R eview 
Mechanism. It is an important opportunity to have an open dialogue and conversation about the 
trade policy of our two countries and to address complex issues we have to find a common answer 
to. I am looking to a fruitful exchange of views. I thank yo u for your attention.  WT/TPR/W/131  • Switzerland and Liechtenstein  
 
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  3  STATEMENT BY THE DIS CUSSANT  
3.1.  I would like to join you Chair in welcoming the delegations of Switzerland and Liechtenstein 
headed by State Secretary Marie -Gabrielle Ineichen -Fleisch and Ambassador Matt, respectively, to 
the fifth joint  Trade Policy Review of both Members (which I understand is also the seventh review 
in terms of Switzerland). I am honoured to be the Discussant for this Review.  
3.2.  Switzerland and Liechtenstein, by their own reports, are strong supporters of the rules -based 
multilateral trading system as embodied in the WTO. Indeed, sitting here today in Geneva, we are 
all witness to one very clear demonstration of Switzerland's commitment to the WTO.  
3.3.  The reasons for the emphasis that both Switzerland and Liechtenstein place on the 
multilateral trading system are many – but can probably be summed up as a display of the 
principle of "enlightened self -interest".  
3.4.  The Swiss report contains a pithy explanation of why trade is key for the prosperity of the 
Swiss people. The exactly same reasons apply for Liechtenstein.  
3.5.  Switzerland has few resources so needs to import many of the things its people rely on for a 
modern existence.  
3.6.  To finance those imports, Switzerland needs to export.  
3.7.  Beyond that, export markets allow Swiss firms to gro w beyond the size that could be 
sustained by its domestic market alone and thus take advantage of the opportunities for growth, 
jobs and prosperity that can be generated from the associated economies of scale. And Swiss 
consumers, through imports, gain adv antage of similar economies of scale generated elsewhere.  
3.8.  If that sounds familiar, it should, as I suspect most WTO Members could supplement their 
own name and ascribe to that statement.  
3.9.  Switzerland and Liechtenstein are highly integrated in trade and econ omic policy terms with a 
long-standing (90 years) Customs Union and a common currency, so it is appropriate that this 
review is conducted jointly.  
3.10.   The period under review was a challenging one for both economies, marked by significant 
monetary policy devel opments as Switzerland sought to limit the appreciation of the Swiss Franc.  
3.11.   In the face of these headwinds, however, their trade policy regimes have remained broadly 
stable with some specific initiatives to look to use trade -opening to mitigate price pres sure in the 
economy.  
3.12.   In terms of Switzerland and Liechtenstein's participation in the WTO, there have been 
several developments during the period under review.  
3.13.   Switzerland and Liechtenstein were early to come on board the Trade Facilitation Agreement 
being  respectively 14th and 17th to formally approve the Agreement in September 2015.  
3.14.   Both Switzerland and Liechtenstein are members of the Government Procurement 
Agreement. Liechtenstein, in 2013, was the first WTO Member to ratify the revised GPA. 
Switzerland  has yet to take that step pending approval of relevant legislation by the Federal and 
Cantonal levels. Several questions have been asked on the expected timeline for completion of this 
process.  
3.15.   Switzerland is among those WTO Members who maintain agricultu re export subsidies to be 
phased -out in accordance with the Ministerial Decision in Nairobi. Switzerland advises that it 
expects to submit proposals to Parliament accordingly in the course of this year. Again, Members 
have expressed interest in understandi ng more about the nature and timing of this process.  
3.16.   Also from MC10 at Nairobi, Switzerland and Liechtenstein are both participants in ITA II with 
associated tariff outcomes to be applied this year.  WT/TPR/W/131  • Switzerland and Liechtenstein  
 
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  3.17.   Switzerland and Liechtenstein have continued to be active  in efforts to advance international 
trade policy settings, both through multilateral negotiations at the WTO and through related 
initiatives such as the Trade in Services Agreement (TiSA) process.  
3.18.   Switzerland, in its report, places a lot of emphasize on a dvancing coherence between trade 
and sustainable development including through negotiations at the WTO for disciplines on fisheries 
subsidies and an Environmental Goods Agreement (EGA), and its active engagement in the Friends 
of Fossil Fuel Subsidies Refo rm process through G20 and APEC.  
3.19.   In terms of policy settings, Switzerland and Liechtenstein operate generally open trade 
regimes with the exception of agriculture and some services sectors. In goods, as at 2016, 
average applied MFN tariffs on agriculture ( 30.8%) are more than 13 times the average for 
non-agricultural products (2.3%).  
3.20.   The structure of the tariff is also unusual in its reliance on specific tariffs. The system is 
relatively simple to administer - based on a fixed levy per kilogram of gross wei ght – but can have 
regressive price effects for consumers on lower value items. As tables 3.2 (p. 46) and A4.2 
(p. 176) of the Secretariat report illustrate, such a tariff structure can also have other 
unanticipated effects, when expressed in AVE terms.  
3.21.   A number of Members have questioned what scope Switzerland and Liechtenstein see for 
further reductions in agriculture tariffs and/or changes in the tariff structure, including in respect 
of the tariff -rate quota regime which can be highly complex in its ope ration.  
3.22.   In this context, it is interesting to note that as a result of their participation in various 
preferential arrangements – both with the European Union and through FTAs with various other 
trading partners – MFN tariffs now encompass a relatively sma ll (less than 20%) share of 
Switzerland and Liechtenstein's external trade.  
3.23.   One policy development during the period under review, which has attracted questions from 
a number of Members, is the so -called "Swissness" legislation including its provisions on 
geographical trademarks.  
3.24.   As in the last review, the Secretariat report again notes that Switzerland (and Liechtenstein) 
stand out as "high priced islands" in the European context – with prices in Switzerland on average 
45% higher than those in the European  Union (25% for goods and 60% for services). Yet, the 
economies remain successful – Switzerland has been rated first in the Global Competitiveness 
Index and the Global Innovation Index for the years 2013 -2016 which is an impressive 
achievement.  
3.25.   I suspect t here are particular factors underpinning the circumstances of both economies 
that allow this situation to persist. At the same time though, neither economy is resting on its 
laurels.  
3.26.   In the context of this Trade Policy Review, it is perhaps particularly in teresting to ponder the 
Growth Agenda 2016 -2019 adopted by the Swiss Government in June 2016. This agenda 
envisages the introduction of a range of measures designed to facilitate the role of imports in 
increasing competition in the domestic market.  
3.27.   With a number of questions from Members again highlighting relatively longstanding areas 
of concern amidst a generally commendably open trade and investment regime – whether that be 
in the areas of tariffs, tariff -rate quotas, technical barriers to trade, service s regulation, intellectual 
property, or competition policy - it will be interesting to consider how the answers from 
Switzerland and Liechtenstein indicate those concerns might be addressed through measures 
adopted pursuant to this latest Growth Agenda and , at the next Review, to reflect on the extent to 
which they have been.  
3.28.   Personally, I have found preparing for this Review a most interesting exercise. I have learnt 
a lot about both Switzerland and Liechtenstein. And to those who haven't studied as close as I may 
have, I commend the Secretariat report, it really does contain enormous amount of breaths and WT/TPR/W/131  • Switzerland and Liechtenstein  
 
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  depths on both economies. I have also resolved that I must visit Liechtenstein to learn even more. 
Meanwhile though, I wish Switzerland and Liechtenstein  a successful Trade Policy Review.  WT/TPR/W/131  • Switzerland and Liechtenstein  
 
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  4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBER S 
UNITED  STATES  
4.1.  The United States enjoys a close friendship and partnership with Switzerland and 
Liechtenstein across a range of issues based on shared values and principles, including a robust 
trade and investment relationship. Two -way goods trade between the United States and 
Switzerland totalled almost US$60 billion in 2016, and two -way services trade between the United 
States and Switzerland totalled more than US$52 billion in 2015. The U.S. stock of foreign direct 
investment in Switzerland was more than US$150 billion in 2015. Swiss FDI in the United States 
was more than US$250 billion in 2015. With regard to Liechtenstein, total two -way goods trade 
between the United States and Liechtenstein was m ore than US$300 million in 2016. The U.S. 
stock of foreign direct investment in Liechtenstein was US$300 million in 2015.  
4.2.  As we have seen in previous reviews, the economies of Switzerland and Liechtenstein are 
among the world's most advanced and prosperous , and both are characterized by high living 
standards and a highly skilled labour force. Their trade regimes are among the most liberal in the 
WTO. However, as we have also seen in previous reviews, the agricultural sector remains highly 
protected from glo bal competition despite its limited contribution to GDP and employment.  
4.3.  Many of the questions we pose today reflect our desire to see Switzerland and Liechtenstein 
take steps to promote market -oriented support for agriculture. We would note that as a resul t of 
various tariff and non -tariff measures, Switzerland enjoys a greater than 3 to 1 trade surplus in 
agricultural products with the United States.  
4.4.  In particular, the report from the Secretariat states that the allocation of some tariff quotas 
in Switzerl and is a "discriminatory system whereby the allocation of the tariff quota is contingent 
upon local purchase". This is particularly true for the tariff quota for beef, sheep meat, and offal, 
where 50% of the quota is allocated based on the contribution to Swiss production. This provision 
is disadvantageous to companies that principally source product through imports.  
4.5.  The lack of competition for agricultural products is further reflected in the approach of 
Switzerland and Liechtenstein, along with the appro aches of their EFTA partners, to the negotiation 
of free trade agreements, which eliminate tariffs on markedly fewer agricultural tariff lines than 
non-agricultural tariff lines. We continue to encourage Switzerland and Liechtenstein to increase 
the market  orientation of their agricultural production and trade policies.  
4.6.  Switzerland has also noted "the need to adequately take into account non -trade concerns" in 
negotiations related to agriculture. We look forward to learning what non -trade concerns 
Switzerla nd intends to address in the WTO. Similarly, we look forward to more information on the 
recent "Swissness" legislation that came into force on 1 January 2017. That new law appears to 
create new requirements regarding the identification of country of origin  for food and industrial 
products and also appears to impact requirements regarding labelling of foods. We would like to 
know when Switzerland intends to notify the measure to the WTO.  
4.7.  We also have questions about the implementation of the "Precautionary P rinciple," and the 
implications of Switzerland and Liechtenstein harmonizing their SPS and TBT standards with those 
of the EU. We have several questions regarding Switzerland's scientific and risk basis for food 
safety measures, including pesticide and vet erinary drug standards, food additives, and the 
moratorium on approvals for the cultivation of biotechnology crops, which was recently extended 
until 2021. We would appreciate an explanation of the science behind the moratorium.  
4.8.  In addition to our agricul tural concerns, the United States remains particularly concerned 
about the ability of copyright owners to protect their copyrighted works in the digital environment. 
We look forward to updates on the status of draft Swiss legislation expected to address th is issue, 
including the timeline for implementation, as well as mechanisms under current Swiss law that 
could also provide protection. We also look forward to hearing from Liechtenstein about the status 
of its proposed copyright law amendments.  WT/TPR/W/131  • Switzerland and Liechtenstein  
 
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  4.9.  We thank bo th Governments in advance for their efforts to respond to our questions, and we 
plan to review the responses carefully and request clarifications as necessary during the course of 
this TPR.   
4.10.   We wish both Governments a successful review and thank the deleg ations for their attention 
to our questions.  
CHINA  
4.11.   We commend Switzerland and Liechtenstein for their sound and resilient economic 
performance over the period under review despite of the difficult circumstances. We welcome the 
continued efforts by the Swi ss Government in opening up its economy and appreciate the strong 
support of a rule -based multilateral trading system from Switzerland and Liechtenstein. This is 
particularly most needed against the current backdrop of uncertainties and growing protectioni sm 
around the world. And we are encouraged by the efforts of the two countries in the banking 
service area in order to combat cross -border tax evasion.  
4.12.   China and Switzerland enjoy close bilateral trade relations with Switzerland being our sixth 
largest tr ading partner in Europe and China being the fifth largest trading partner of Switzerland. 
Bilateral trade between China and Switzerland has increased to a historical amount of more than 
US$20 billion in 2016. Our statistics show that during the first quart er of 2017, trade between 
China and Switzerland has increased by 4% compared with that in the same period last year. 
President XI Jingpin's official visit to Switzerland in January 2017 has greatly strengthened the 
close relationship between our two countr ies. And we are willing to work with the Swiss 
Government to upgrade the Free Trade Agreement between China and Switzerland. As Switzerland 
is the sixth largest source of investment to China in Europe, and is among the top destinations for 
China's outward investment, we believe there is still great potential for further growth in the 
investment between China and Switzerland. We hope this TPR could offer another good 
opportunity to help Chinese enterprises better understand Switzerland's investment regime.  
4.13.   Although the volume of trade and investment between China and Liechtenstein is small, 
both the trade and outward investment from China to Liechtenstein have seen rapid growth 
recently. We are looking forward to further growth in those areas.  
4.14.   It is true tha t most economic sectors in Switzerland are open to investment, including 
investment by foreigners; however, there are still restrictions in certain areas under state 
monopoly. We would appreciate it if the Swiss government could provide further information  on 
such restrictions, which will help facilitate investment by Chinese enterprises in Switzerland.  
4.15.   During the review period, the Swiss Government has continued to take measures to reduce 
technical barriers to trade and promote market competition. We are e xpecting to get more 
information on the specifics steps that have been taken to encourage further growth of trade.  
4.16.   In addition to the first patch of questions, we would like to submit some follow -up questions 
relating to the issues above after this meeting , and we are expecting the Switzerland and 
Liechtenstein to provide replies to us soon.  
4.17.   Last but not the least, I would wish this TPR a complete success.  
UKRAINE  
4.18.   Our countries have enjoyed close bilateral trade, economic and technical cooperation. 
Switzerl and is the 5th largest bilateral donor and the 9th biggest investor in Ukraine. Since 2012, 
Ukraine and countries of the European Free Trade Area (EFTA), including Switzerland and 
Liechtenstein, are benefiting from a Free Trade Agreement. It has comprehens ive coverage, 
including trade in goods (industrial and processed agricultural goods, fish and other marine 
products), trade in services, investment, protection of intellectual property rights, government 
procurement and provisions on competition.  
4.19.   Trade tur nover between Ukraine and Switzerland was valued at US$1,96 billion in 2016, 
between Ukraine and Liechtenstein – at US$2,7 million. Among Swiss and Lichtenstein's leading WT/TPR/W/131  • Switzerland and Liechtenstein  
 
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  exports to Ukraine are pharmaceutical products, mechanical appliances, mineral fuel, boilers, 
electrical machinery, and chemicals. The main import items from Ukraine are precious stones and 
metals, woven apparel and clothing accessories, timber, machinery, nuclear reactors, paper, grain 
crops. Switzerland is the second biggest importer of Ukrainian services, consisting mainly of 
transport, raw materials processing and information technology.   
4.20.   Ukraine highly appreciates the partnership cooperation with Switzerland and Liechtenstein 
across the bodies of World Trade Organization on different issues. Being strongly committed to the 
rule-based multilateral trading system, Ukraine notes the efforts of Switzerland and Liechtenstein 
and their contribution to further development of the system and liberalization of trade in goods 
and services.  
4.21.   In par ticular we would like to underline our appreciation to the principal approach of 
Switzerland and Liechtenstein to their import regime measures covering some import prohibitions 
and restrictions of goods not accompanied by a certificate of origin issued by the Ukrainian 
authorities, compliant with the relevant international decisions and commitments on the issue.  
4.22.   Within this TPR exercise Ukraine has submitted a number of specific questions and is 
seeking clarification on a range of the following topics: Gov ernment's Growth Agenda; preferential 
tax provisions; export subsidies for agricultural products; implementation of the Protocol 
Amending the TRIPS Agreement; export restrictions on dual -used goods etc.  
4.23.   We would like to express gratitude for the responses,  which we are reviewing thoroughly.  
4.24.   In conclusion, I would like to express our deep appreciation to the delegation of Switzerland 
and Liechtenstein and especially to the teams of the Missions of both countries to the WTO in 
Geneva for their hard work in p reparing for this TPR and for cooperation on the range of WTO 
issues.  
4.25.   We wish the Switzerland and Liechtenstein a successful and fruitful trade policy review and 
look forward to continue further strengthening our bilateral relations.  
REPUBLIC  OF MOLDOVA  
4.26.   The Republic of Moldova acknowledges Switzerland and Liechtenstein as strong supporters 
of the WTO advocating for further liberalization of world trade, actively participating in the Doha 
Development Agenda (DDA) and engaging in initiatives aimed at strength ening the rules -based 
multilateral trading system. We would also like to seize this opportunity to congratulate 
Switzerland and Liechtenstein, for the establishment of their respective national trade facilitation 
committees and compliance with Section 1 of  the TFA Agreement. We also commend the 
ratification of the revised plurilateral Agreement on Government Procurement by Liechtenstein in 
2013 and are looking forward to the finalization of the ratification process by Switzerland, in 
parallel with ongoing r eforms at the federal and cantonal levels.  
4.27.   As a high -income country with a diversified economy and good governance, Switzerland has 
shown strong resilience in the challenging monetary context that has marked the period since its 
last trade policy review. W e would like to underline that the main economic and financial 
developments under the period of review was marked by the smart monetary policy and a strong 
appreciation of the Swiss franc. While this appreciation has impacted considerably GDP growth and 
traditional export industries, modest quarterly GDP growth has been registered for 2016 -beginning 
of 2017. Positive trends have also been registered in Liechtenstein, despite its share of the same 
monetary challenges.  
4.28.   A strong currency and low interest rate s lead to an increase in private consumption, while 
leaving behind economic challenges on the external level related to the competitiveness of the 
Swiss industries, weak productivity growth and decline in capital intensity of the economy.  
4.29.   In this context,  we believe that the New Growth Policy 2016 -2019 will manage to further 
open the economy to imports and reduce parallel barriers such as high input costs and output 
prices.  WT/TPR/W/131  • Switzerland and Liechtenstein  
 
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  4.30.   We welcome the active expansion by Switzerland and Liechtenstein, in the framework  of 
EFTA, of the network of regional trade agreements. Currently, the EFTA FTAs in force comprise a 
large network of 25 agreements with 35 partners outside the EU. Since 2013, several new FTAs 
entered into force with countries in Central America (Panama an d Costa Rica), Bosnia and 
Herzegovina, and the Gulf Cooperation Council. Agreements with the Philippines and Georgia are 
pending to be entered into force.  
4.31.   The Republic of Moldova has also expressed its interest for a FTA with EFTA countries. In 
this respe ct, I am pleased to note the openness of EFTA Governments to initiate consultations on 
this important endeavour. Moldova and EFTA Secretariat has reached a decision to start this 
process by signing a Joint Declaration on Cooperation as a first step towards  the initiation 
negotiations of Free Trade Agreement. We hope that the Joint Declaration between Moldova and 
EFTA will address several important trade -related topics, including customs and origin matters, 
technical barriers to trade, intellectual property rights, trade in services, public procurement, 
competition, and information on foreign trade.  
4.32.   Regarding the agricultural sector, we encourage Swiss and Liechtenstein Governments to 
further implement the commitments undertaken under paragraph 31 of the Nai robi Ministerial 
Declaration regarding the elimination of all of the export subsidies and domestic support granted 
to the agricultural sector.  
4.33.   The agriculture sector is sheltered from import competition through relatively high tariffs on 
sensitive agricul tural products and direct payments.  
4.34.   We note a paradigm shift to the Swiss approach on food safety – moving from the positive 
principle to the precautionary principle and thus eliminating an unnecessary barrier to trade.  
4.35.   Moldova welcomes the strengthening  of the IP system and Switzerland's status of one of the 
most innovative OECD economies with a vibrant technology industry. In this context, we 
congratulate Switzerland on ranking first in the Global Competitiveness Index and Global 
Innovation Index in the  years 2013 -2016.  
4.36.   On some of the points raised above, the Government of the Republic of Moldova has 
addressed several questions to Switzerland and Liechtenstein, mainly regarding:  
 the compatibility of its stock requirements with the WTO rules;  
 processing under customs control system;  
 rules of origin included in its FTAs with trading partners;  
 specific duties; and  
 public procurement procedures related to the financing of hospitals.  
4.37.   We thank Switzerland and Liechtenstein for the comprehensive replies provide d to our 
questions in due time.  
4.38.   Regarding bilateral trade and economic relations between Moldova and Switzerland, we 
believe that the current legal framework can be further expanded, which already includes the basic 
agreements, such as the Agreement on pro tection and mutual promotion of investment, the 
Agreement on trade and economic cooperation, as well as the Agreement on humanitarian 
assistance and technical cooperation. Moldova is interested to initiate negotiations on the air 
transportation agreement, which will have a positive economic impact mutually beneficial, 
especially in the course of this year marking the 25th anniversary of Moldova's bilateral diplomatic 
relations with Switzerland.  
4.39.   The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and the Liech tenstein Development 
Service are among Moldova's main development partners working closely with local authorities 
through technical assistance programmes and projects in the fields of health, water and sanitation, 
education and migration. Also, on the inve stment side, there are currently 94 Swiss enterprises WT/TPR/W/131  • Switzerland and Liechtenstein  
 
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  active in Moldova and we are pleased to see an increasing trend of Swiss direct investments in 
Moldova.  
4.40.   We also note a positive dynamic in the volume of bilateral trade. In 2016, exports of 
Moldovan pro ducts to the Swiss Confederation and Liechtenstein increased by 26% and 20%, 
respectively. Moldova mainly exports agricultural products, while imports comprise pharmaceutical 
and electrical products and hopes to see further expansion of exports of Moldovan  wine and 
organic products to the market in Switzerland and Liechtenstein.  
4.41.   We are committed to work closely in the near future towards concrete further development 
of our mutually beneficial trade and economic relations through all available means: bilater al, 
regional and multilateral.  
4.42.   The Republic of Moldova is confident that the 5th exercise of the joint trade policy review 
will help Switzerland and Liechtenstein to achieve their economic objectives and fully honour their 
international commitments.  
4.43.   We loo k forward to continue further strengthening our bilateral relations with Switzerland 
and Liechtenstein and, on behalf of the Republic of Moldova, I wish to the Swiss and Liechtenstein 
delegations the utmost success during their fifth joint WTO Trade Policy  Review.  
AUSTRALIA  
4.44.   Australia has a constructive working relationship with Switzerland in the WTO as well as in 
the G20, OECD, Asia -Europe Meeting (ASEM), and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.  
4.45.   Australia's trade and investment relationship with Switz erland is strengthening and growing, 
especially in the areas of scientific research and development, education and two -way investment. 
In 2016, Switzerland was our 10th largest source of foreign investment at $59.1 billion, of which 
FDI was worth almost $9 .5 billion. In 2016, total Australian investment in Switzerland was worth 
$20.4 billion. Total two -way goods and services trade with Switzerland was worth $5.8 billion in 
2015-16. Opportunities exist to further increase engagement in sectors including: inf rastructure, 
food and agribusiness, renewable energy, financial technology, medical technology and 
pharmaceuticals.  
4.46.   We are pleased that Australia and Switzerland have exchanged letters to commence an 
automatic exchange of tax information from 2018, based o n the OECD's common reporting 
standard. These exchanges will contribute to the tax integrity of both countries.  
4.47.   While acknowledging efforts aimed at reform of its agricultural sector under the Swiss 
Government's Growth Agenda, we remained concerned about t he high level of tariffs and non -tariff 
measures in place and strongly encourage ongoing trade -liberalizing measures in this area.  
4.48.   While our bilateral trade and investment relationship with Liechtenstein is small, we 
appreciate Liechtenstein's commercial i nterests in Australia and welcome the opportunity to further 
our trade and investment ties. We welcome Liechtenstein's ratification of the OECD Convention on 
Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters and participation in the Common Reporting 
Standard . 
4.49.   For both Switzerland and Liechtenstein, Australia strongly encourages continuing 
liberalization efforts, particularly in investment and agriculture, and looks forward to working with 
these Members in future to continue to grow our trade and investment re lations.  
MÉXICO  
4.50.   Es un honor para la delegación mexicana participar en el quinto examen de las políticas 
comerciales de Suiza y Liechtenstein. A sólo unos meses de mi llegada a Suiza como Embajador de 
México he podido constatar las fortalezas de la economía  suiza, sus políticas macroeconómicas 
acertadas, un sistema de gobernanza efectivo y así como el estado de bienestar de sus 
ciudadanos, pero he observado también algunos desafíos que enfrentan de cara al futuro, a los WT/TPR/W/131  • Switzerland and Liechtenstein  
 
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  cuales me referiré más adelante y que se encuentran incluidos en los informes que la Secretaría de 
la OMC nos ha preparado.   
4.51.   Sin duda Suiza y Liechtenstein siguen siendo dos países prósperos, que gozan de estabilidad 
económica y buena gobernanza. Ambas economías han mostrado gran capacidad pa ra resistir los 
embates causados por la inestabilidad de la zona euro y la apreciación del franco suizo.  
4.52.   Una buena gestión y el uso políticas prudentes en materia fiscal y monetaria, un incremento 
de su demanda interna y crecimiento demográfico positivo de bido a la inmigración, han logrado 
que la economía suiza creciera a una tasa moderada de 1,5% entre 2013 -2015 y registrara una 
tasa de desempleo baja que ha oscilado entre el 4,0% y 4,5% en el mismo periodo.  
4.53.   Reconocemos también los esfuerzos que Suiza ha r ealizado para impulsar su competitividad 
que la llevó a posicionarse en el primer lugar del Índice de Competitividad Global 2016 -2017 
elaborado por el Foro Económico Mundial. Suiza sigue siendo un país atractivo para la inversión 
extranjera y también es in versionista importante en otros países como el mío. Su régimen de 
inversiones es muy abierto aunque aún mantiene algunas restricciones a la IED en algunos 
sectores estratégicos.   
4.54.   El comercio exterior de bienes y servicios seguirá siendo un motor important e para el 
crecimiento de economía de Suiza y Liechtenstein. México reconoce los esfuerzos de Suiza por 
diversificar su comercio, a pesar de su condición geográfica y su vínculo natural con la Unión 
Europea, socio que recibe aproximadamente el 54% de sus ex portaciones.  
4.55.   Estos esfuerzos se traducen en la ampliación y profundización de su red de tratados de libre 
comercio, entre ellos el que tiene con México y que se encuentra en proceso de profundización. 
Recientemente se llevó a cabo la tercera ronda de nego ciación para ampliar el acuerdo comercial 
entre México y la Asociación Europea de Libre Comercio (AELC) en la ciudad de Lugano. 
Esperamos que estas negociaciones conlleven a un acercamiento y profundización de nuestras 
relaciones comerciales (destaco que e n los últimos 16 años, el comercio con la AELC ha crecido 
más de 150%, y las inversiones acumuladas de los países del AELC en México entre 1999 y 2016 
acumularon cerca de 10 mil millones de dólares EE.UU). El comercio bilateral con Suiza alcanzó los 
3400 m dd. en el 2015.  
4.56.   A diferencia de su sector manufacturero, la agricultura continúa altamente protegida a pesar 
que de que su contribución al PIB sea menor al 1%. Los aranceles aplicados a los productos 
agrícolas siguen siendo muy altos, con un promedio NMF d el 30,8%. Algunos productos agrícolas 
como lácteos, carne, y hortalizas gozan de una protección prohibitiva, con aranceles que superan 
el 100% en términos ad valorem . Considerando los datos disponibles en el 2015, Suiza se situó en 
el sexto lugar de 149 pa íses con el arancel NMF aplicado más alto según la publicación de Perfiles 
Arancelarios de 2016 de la OMC.  
4.57.   Además de la alta protección arancelaria, el nivel de apoyos internos es aún muy elevado. A 
pesar de la Política Agrícola 2014 -2017, que incluye med idas para reorganizar y ajustar el sistema 
de pagos directos, el nivel de apoyo interno aún permanece muy por encima del promedio 
otorgado por la UE. El informe destaca que dos terceras partes de los ingresos de los agricultores 
suizos proviene de las polí ticas de ayuda y, en términos relativos, recibieron una ayuda tres veces 
superior a los agricultores de la UE, además de que sus costos son 90% superiores al mercado 
mundial.  
4.58.   Esto provoca que los precios de los productos agrícolas y alimentos en Suiza sea n elevados 
en comparación con el resto del mundo. Esta situación acompañada de un poder adquisitivo 
elevado y baja sensibilidad de los consumidores suizos a los precios, ha llevado a Suiza a ser 
considerada una "isla de precios altos" en Europa, situación que puede comprometer su 
competitividad y crecimiento futuro.  
4.59.   Aplaudimos que, a través de una mayor apertura comercial, el Gobierno suizo trate de 
estimular la competencia para reducir los precios y estimular la productividad.  
4.60.   Suiza y Liechtenstein tiene n un amplio sector de servicios que contribuyen en más del 70% 
de su PIB. Los servicios financieros contribuyen con el 10% del PIB y más del 5% del empleo total. WT/TPR/W/131  • Switzerland and Liechtenstein  
 
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  Suiza sigue siendo uno los centros de servicios financieros más importantes del mundo. Nos 
congratulamos por la adopción del principio de intercambio automático de información para luchar 
contra la evasión fiscal, la firma de acuerdos bilaterales para este efecto, así como la aplicación de 
la norma sobre el intercambio de información de la OCDE.  
4.61.   Para concluir, quisiera reconocer el importante papel de Suiza en esta Organización, no sólo 
como país de acogida, sino por su fuerte compromiso con el sistema multilateral de comercio, 
particularmente su liderazgo en el grupo "amigos del sistema". Instamos  a Suiza a que ese 
liderazgo se traduzca en una mayor contribución al sistema multilateral de comercio, 
particularmente en la agricultura.  
4.62.   Agradecemos las respuestas a las preguntas que les planteamos, están siendo revisadas en 
nuestra capital.  
NORWAY  
4.63.   Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland, together with Iceland, enjoy a longstanding 
partnership as members of the European Free Trade Association. We cooperate closely in 
developing free trade relations with partners in all parts of the world as the EFTA countr ies 
negotiate free trade agreements together.  
4.64.   Liechtenstein and Norway are also partners in the Agreement on the European Economic 
Area, which extends the internal market of the European Union to the three EFTA States Iceland, 
Liechtenstein and Norway.  
4.65.   The Secretariat's report confirms the strong commitments of Switzerland and Liechtenstein 
to a rules -based multilateral trading system. This is highly appreciated in a time where 
globalization and free trade are being challenged and we see a worrying inclinat ion towards 
introducing trade -restrictive measures.  
4.66.   As evidenced in the report, Switzerland and Liechtenstein's economies are diversified and 
open, with low tariffs and few restrictions on trade in goods and services. Most economic sectors 
are open to fore ign investments. This openness should be commended. Openness and 
transparency are important tools to facilitate trade, investments and economic development.  
4.67.   Since the last TPR, both Switzerland and Liechtenstein have been affected by economic 
problems in t he Euro -zone and a strong appreciation of the Swiss franc. Both economies have 
proven resilient and have continued to grow. The unemployment rates remain low in both 
countries.  
4.68.   Switzerland is among the top global destinations for foreign investments and th e 6th most 
important investment country for the Norges Bank Investment Management (3.7%).  
4.69.   Tax transparency is of great importance to ensure a level playing field. In order to make the 
financial sector more transparent, and ensure the long term sustainabili ty of its financial sector, 
Switzerland has committed to implement the automatic exchange of information in tax matters 
(AEOI) standard. Joint statements on the introduction of AEOI were signed with Norway and other 
countries at the beginning of 2016. Norw ay also appreciates Liechtenstein's active participation in 
the work for transparency and exchange of tax information.  
4.70.   We commend Switzerland's leadership as a Friend of the System and appreciate the roles 
that Switzerland has taken on in chairing and faci litating negotiations. We appreciate our close and 
fruitful cooperation in the field of trade, climate and environment. Switzerland and Norway have 
long shared a common interest in the general work on environment in the WTO, in the 
negotiations on the Envi ronmental Goods Agreement and the important work to reduce harmful 
fossil fuels subsidies. We also appreciate our cooperation with Switzerland in the negotiations on 
fisheries subsidies to implement SDG 14.6 in the WTO.  
4.71.   While the Swiss and Liechtenstein ec onomies for the most part are very open, there are 
areas that are more restricted. Both Switzerland and Liechtenstein attach importance to non -trade WT/TPR/W/131  • Switzerland and Liechtenstein  
 
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  concerns in agriculture, which are understood and shared by Norway. We cooperate closely within 
the G10 and  our positions are well known.  
4.72.   Norway attaches great importance to our close cooperation with Switzerland and 
Liechtenstein in the WTO and the commitment of both countries to safeguarding the existing 
architecture of the multilateral trading system as well  as contributing to its further development. 
Together we can contribute to strengthen the global commitment to fight protectionism and 
develop the WTO of the future. We look forward to continue conversations and working together to 
bring issues forward in the WTO, as we move towards Buenos Aires and beyond.  
UNION  EUROPÉENNE  
4.73.   Comme le rapport du Secrétariat le  souligne, la Suisse et le Liechtenstein sont deux pays 
remarquables à plusieurs titres:  
 Les deux pays peuvent se féliciter de leurs performances économ iques: dette publique 
inférieure à 50% du PIB, inflation très basse voir négative, quasi plein emploi avec des taux 
de chômage oscillant entre 4 et 4,5%. Ceci est d'autant plus remarquable que les économies 
des deux pays se situent dans un contexte monétai re difficile, notamment une forte pression 
d'appréciation sur le franc suisse qui pèse de manière particulièrement lourde sur les 
secteurs orientés vers l'exportation.  
 La compétitivité des deux économies se base notamment sur la recherche et le 
développem ent (plus de 3% du PIB pour la Suisse et 8% pour le Lichtenstein). La Suisse 
continue d'être numéro 1 si l'on considère l'index de l'innovation et est très bien placée en 
matière de qualité d'environnement pour entreprendre.  
 Le succès des deux pays tient a ussi à leur attachement à une participation la plus grande 
possible aux flux commerciaux et plus largement aux échanges internationaux. Cette 
ouverture au commerce se traduit, entre autres, par leur appui sans faille à cette 
Organisation, à la fois à son t ravail quotidien de mise en œuvre des règles et aux 
négociations qui visent à ajuster les règles aux nouvelles réalités du commerce mondial.  
4.74.   Mais le rapport du Secrétariat met aussi en relief que les résultats excellents sont à mesurer 
à l'aune de salaire s et prix élevés (prix en moyenne 45% plus élevés que ceux de l'UE) et d'une 
productivité qui semble stagner. Ce constat a amené les autorités suisses à adopter une stratégie 
nouvelle de croissance 2016 -2019. Cette approche revêt une forte dimension commer ciale car - 
selon le rapport du Secrétariat - elle "vise aussi à faciliter plus amplement les importations, à 
examiner la réduction des exceptions au principe Cassis de Dijon pour les échanges avec l'UE et en 
particulier à revoir le traitement spécifique d es échanges agro -alimentaires". L'UE serait très 
intéressée de savoir où en est la mise en œuvre de cette stratégie 2016 -19 à mi -parcours.  
4.75.   L'UE est le premier partenaire commercial de la Suisse et du Liechtenstein et en matière 
d'investissements, un invest isseur clé.  
4.76.   La Suisse est notre troisième partenaire commercial pour les biens (avec environ 
140 milliards d'euros exportés en 2016) et notre deuxième partenaire en termes de services (pour 
une valeur de 116 milliards d'euros en 2015). La Suisse est le deu xième bénéficiaire de nos 
investissements directs étrangers après les États -Unis. 
4.77.   Ceci est dû à la situation géographique des deux pays mais aussi aux liens très étroits basés 
sur l'Espace économique européen dans le cas du Liechtenstein ou les accords bil atéraux dans le 
cas de la Suisse, qui l'associe à de vastes parties du marché intérieur de l'UE. Toutefois, il y a 
encore des marges de progrès y compris en matière de politique commerciale.  
4.78.   S'agissant de l'accord OMC sur les achats publics, nous espérons vivement que la Suisse 
sera en mesure de ratifier le nouvel accord prochainement et que certaines questions comme la 
transparence en matière d'adjudication seront couvertes par les lois confédérales et locales. Nous 
avons émis des questions écrites qui vis ent à clarifier certaines mesures prises par les cantons au 
regard de leur compatibilité avec l'Accord sur les marchés publics.  WT/TPR/W/131  • Switzerland and Liechtenstein  
 
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  4.79.   Par ailleurs, certaines politiques ont été régulièrement évoquées dans les examens de 
politique commerciale précédents et resten t toujours sujet de préoccupation, par exemple:  
 la haute protection tarifaire en matière agricole;  
 les tarifs douaniers spécifiques qui manquent de transparence et pénalisent notamment dans 
certains cas les pays en développement bénéficiaires du système d e préférence généralisée;  
 les quotas tarifaires opaques;  
 la difficulté d'accès à la prestation de services, y inclus en liaison avec la mobilité des 
personnes notamment en tant que transfrontaliers;  
 l'absence d'ouverture à la concurrence de certains sec teurs comme les télécoms; et  
 les mesures prises visant à protéger les produits nationaux que ce soit par des législations 
en matière d'achat public (tels que une récente loi cantonale) ou la fameuse loi "Swissness" 
qui définit les critères permettant à un produit d'obtenir un label ou la marque suisse.  
4.80.   Comme je l'ai déjà dit, la Suisse est un pilier de cette Organisation. La Suisse fonde sa 
politique internationale sur l'appui à l'élaboration des règles de droit qui renforcent la prévisibilité 
de l'environn ement économique et politique, essentiel pour sa prospérité comme pour la nôtre 
d'ailleurs. C'est pourquoi nous comptons sur elle et sur le Liechtenstein pour contribuer activement 
à la réussite de la prochaine Ministérielle en Argentine.  
4.81.   Pour conclure, je  voudrais souligner que nous aurions aimé que la Suisse et le Liechtenstein 
optent pour le schéma dit "alternatif" qui nous aurait permis de recevoir les réponses à nos 
questions écrites quelques jours avant la réunion.  
4.82.   Nous avons exercé une grande modéra tion en limitant nos questions à environ 40. Du fait 
de l'intégration très étroite entre les deux économies, de leur union douanière et de leur monnaie 
unique, nous avons posé nos questions principalement à la Suisse mais elles couvrent les deux 
pays.  
4.83.   Je souhaiterais terminer en adressant tous mes vœux aux délégations de la Suisse et du 
Liechtenstein pour la réussite de ces deux jours de discussion.  
KINGDOM  OF SAUDI  ARABIA  
4.84.   Known by their open and diversified economies, Switzerland and Liechtenstein have s hown 
resilience against the challenges revolved around the economic crisis in the euro zone and the 
strong Swiss franc. Switzerland's real GDP grew at an average annual rate of 1.5% in 2013 -2015. 
The Suisse government has yielded macroeconomic stability an d underpinned growth by 
establishing an open and business -friendly environment and a healthy financial system.  
4.85.   Despite its small size and lack of natural resources, Liechtenstein has developed into a 
prosperous, highly industrialized economy, based on hig h-tech and export -oriented manufacturing 
with a vital financial service sector. Liechtenstein remains among the highest per capita income in 
the world.  
4.86.   The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia commends both governments for their ambitious reforms and 
for their active engagement to reinforce their economic integration through preferential trade 
agreements with their major trading partners. The GCC -EFTA Free Trade Agreement is a milestone 
agreement in strengthening ties between Switzerland and Liechtenstein and the GCC c ountries.  
4.87.   Saudi Arabia enjoys a friendly and substantive relationship with Switzerland and 
Liechtenstein. Since 2006, initiatives were taken to develop trade and investment relations 
between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Switzerland and Liechtenstein. T he Swiss Business 
Association Saudi Arabia and the Saudi -Swiss Business Council were established to pave the way 
for closer economic ties, to strengthen trade cooperation and to enhance investment opportunities 
in the three countries.  WT/TPR/W/131  • Switzerland and Liechtenstein  
 
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  4.88.   Bilateral trade betw een the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Switzerland reached US$2.3 billion 
in 2016. The two countries aim to fortify their bilateral cooperation in several fields including 
construction, tourism, commerce, investment, education, and health.  
4.89.   We have submitted some questions to Switzerland regarding financial services and will be 
happy to receive Switzerland replies to these questions.  
4.90.   In closing, The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia looks forward to continuing the very close working 
relationship with Switzerland and Li echtenstein.  
4.91.   I wish the delegation of Switzerland and Liechtenstein a very successful Trade Policy 
Review.   
NEW  ZEALAND  
4.92.   The questions we have submitted, as well as our statement today, focus predominantly on 
Switzerland.  
4.93.   We applaud Switzerland for its ge nerally sound fiscal and economic policies. Despite a 
difficult global economic environment and the effects of the Euro crisis persisting during the first 
part of this review period, we were encouraged to see continued economic growth in Switzerland. 
International trade has contributed to this growth and this is even in spite of the difficulties faced 
in Switzerland's traditional export industries as a result of the strong franc.  
4.94.   It is no surprise then that Switzerland remains a strong advocate for the WTO  rules-based 
multilateral trading system. This is a role that we value and is of value to the multilateral trading 
system.   
4.95.   One example is Switzerland's tireless efforts to secure ambitious domestic regulation 
disciplines in services in fulfilment of the Article VI.4 GATS mandate, and we welcome their 
participation as a proponent in the current negotiations.  
4.96.   Switzerland and Liechtenstein participate actively in all aspects of the WTO agenda, 
including through WTO plurilateral agreements and initiatives suc h as the Government 
Procurement Agreement, Information Technology Agreement, and negotiations towards an 
Environmental Goods Agreement.  
Trade and Environnent  
4.97.   Switzerland is also a well -known advocate for trade and environment outcomes. A particular 
exampl e of this is Switzerland's participation in efforts to reform harmful fisheries subsidies. It 
joined a Ministerial Statement on the issue at MC10 and is a participant in the related plurilateral 
negotiations. Switzerland's commitment is consistent with the  systemic value it places on such 
matters, despite the absence of a commercial fishing industry and subsidy programme.  
4.98.   We also enjoy working closely with Switzerland in other environmental endeavours, 
including as fellow members of the Friends of Fossil Fu el Subsidy Reform group, and fellow 
participants (with Liechtenstein) in the Environmental Goods Agreement plurilateral negotiations.  
Trading Relationship  
4.99.   While we have a fairly modest trading relationship our strong and friendly wider 
relationship, and sh ared values, continue to provide a good foundation to develop our trading and 
investment links.  
4.100.   Switzerland and Liechtenstein's trade regimes must be commended on their openness. 
There are though familiar and significant exceptions. Trade distorting protec tionism and high 
tariffs, particularly in the agriculture sector remains an outlier and give us some cause for concern. 
Specifically we note that Tariffs on agricultural products remain considerably higher than industrial 
tariffs – with average agricultura l tariffs of 31% as compared to 2% for NAMA.  WT/TPR/W/131  • Switzerland and Liechtenstein  
 
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  4.101.   In saying this, New Zealand commends those steps taken and planned towards liberalising 
the agricultural sector. We, of course, welcome Switzerland having initiated domestic procedures 
to eliminate export subsid ies on agriculture within the deadline committed to in the MC10 
Ministerial Decision on export competition. It is encouraging that Switzerland is also acting under 
its own initiative and in this respect we welcome the Government's Growth Agenda focus on 
strengthening economic resilience and increasing productivity, including plans to "to facilitate 
imports to increase competition in the domestic market". We were pleased to observe that 
implementation of Switzerland's 2014 referendum on immigration was carri ed out in a manner to 
ensure EU -Swiss arrangements, including with respect to trade, were not affected.  
4.102.   New Zealand acknowledges Switzerland's leading role as an advocate for trade 
liberalisation in the services and the industrial goods sector. It is there fore no surprise that, as the 
Secretariat's report indicate, these are the most open and most successful sectors of the Swiss 
economy. This aligns with New Zealand and other nations' experiences, and underlines the 
importance of trade liberalisation.  
4.103.   New Zealand, therefore, would like to commend Switzerland and Liechtenstein on a 
successful trade policy review, while encouraging Switzerland to undertake further 
market -oriented reforms in its agricultural sector.  
BRAZIL  
4.104.   Ranking among the most prosperous soc ieties in the world, Switzerland and Liechtenstein 
have open and diversified economies and profit from an extensive network of preferential trade 
agreements, led by the Swiss -EU bilateral agreements and the RTAs within the framework of 
European Free Trade Association.  
4.105.   One of the top destinations for foreign investment worldwide, the Swiss economy is 
strongly tied to international trade, with a large services sector and a highly competitive 
manufacturing base; likewise, Liechtenstein has a strong industrial  sector corresponding to about 
40% of its GDP. Staunch supporters of the multilateral trading system, both countries are 
committed to strengthening the WTO and to further liberalizing world trade.  
4.106.   Since the last trade policy review, Switzerland has mainta ined a stable level of growth at a 
rate of 1.5%, and unemployment remains low at around 4.5%, despite a difficult economic 
environment. Efficient infrastructure, a flexible labour market, lean regulations, a stable political 
and macroeconomic climate and t he focus on innovation, research and development contribute to 
this resilience.  
4.107.   While the overall Swiss economy is open, the production and import of ethanol and spirits 
are federal monopolies. With the rejection of a revised Cartel Law in 2014, higher pr ices prevail for 
various goods and services in comparison to similar European markets. Administered prices are 
maintained at the federal, canton and municipal level for certain goods and services.  
4.108.   Agriculture is very protected. The average bound rate for a gricultural goods is 30.8%, 
whereas for non -agricultural products it stands at 2.3%. Tariff escalation and peaks, target import 
prices and seasonal tariffs are also applied, resulting in significant import barriers. The average 
tariff for products of anima l origin is 120%, with peaks of over 1000% for certain out -of-quota 
imports. There are 28 TRQs, implemented through several sub -quotas, but their administration 
raises concern: certain allocations appear to be contingent upon local purchases.  
4.109.   Domestic supp ort is also high. Direct payments to producers and price support for meat, 
dairy, cereals and other basic products have increased as of recently, and the percentage PSE 
measured by the OECD stands at 62%. The last DS notification to the WTO covers the year  2013; 
efforts should be made to promptly notify more recent years. Export subsidies remain in place for 
processed agricultural products, due to a specific carve -out included in the Nairobi decision on 
their elimination.  
4.110.   On the bilateral front, Brazil is S witzerland's largest trade partner in Latin America. The 
total bilateral trade flow has doubled in the period 2006 -2015, reaching 4.3 billion that year and 
slightly declining in 2016, in the wake of Brazil's deepening economic crisis. Brazil's exports and WT/TPR/W/131  • Switzerland and Liechtenstein  
 
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  imports are up this year, by 31% and 15%, respectively, reflecting an improvement in our 
domestic economic climate and results of the process of reforms underway.  
4.111.   Brazil has sustained persistent trade deficits with Switzerland that relate, in part, to hig h 
levels of agricultural protection. There is certainly room for a more balanced trade flow.  
4.112.   Swiss companies have been present in Brazil for a long time. The FDI stock amounts to 
around US$15 billion, concentrated in skilled and dynamic sectors such as pha rmaceutics, 
automation, construction equipment, food and financial services. Recently, Zurich Airport won the 
concession of the Florianopolis Airport, in southern Brazil. Several Brazilian companies, among 
which the giant mining company Vale, have invested  US$3.7 billion in Switzerland.  
4.113.   Brazil welcomes the launching of MERCOSUR -EFTA free trade negotiations. The conclusion 
of an agreement would provide a boost to economic integration between our countries. The first 
round of negotiations is set to take place  in June, in Buenos Aires, soon followed by a second one 
in Geneva, in the end of August.  
4.114.   Beyond trade and investment, Brazil and Switzerland enjoy a constructive and fruitful 
relationship that was elevated to the rank of "Strategic Partnership" in 2008. Federal Counsellor 
Schneider -Ammann, then President of the Swiss Confederation, visited Brazil in August 2016. The 
next round of bilateral political consultations will take place this June, in Bern.  
4.115.   Let me conclude by thanking both delegations for their an swers to Brazil's questions 
regarding certain aspects of the Secretariat and the Government reports and wishing Switzerland 
and Lichtenstein a very successful Trade Policy Review.  
HONG  KONG,  CHINA  
4.116.   Hong Kong, China (HKC) has, for a  long time, maintained clo se and mutually beneficial 
economic relations with both Switzerland and Liechtenstein. The Free Trade Agreement between  
HKC and the Member States of the European Free Trade Association,  which  entered into force in 
late 2012 , has brought about preferential market access for goods and services, as well as new 
impetus to trade and investment flows . 
4.117.   As fellow Members of the WTO, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and HKC also share common 
interests in promoting free trade and supporting the multilateral trading system.  We hope our 
strong bilateral ties and our partnership within the WTO will continue to strengthen.  
4.118.   Commenting on specific aspects of trade policies, we note that t he tariff structure of 
Switzerland and Liechtenstein has not changed since the last review i n 2013. This means that the 
applied tariffs are still expressed as specific rates. Although specific duties are simpler to 
administer, they do not offer sufficient transparency and predictability in terms of the level of 
protection. Furthermore, Switzerlan d operates a complex tariff quota system with  overlapping 
WTO and preferential tariff quotas, and numerous sub -quotas. Switzerland  also levies guarantee 
fund contributions for the purpose of financing reserve stocks for certain products.  Noting that the 
other duties and charges are bound at zero, we share the Secretariat's view that the imposition of 
such levies alongside tariffs may exceed Switzerland's bound commitment in several tariff lines. 
Given these various observations, we would encourage both cou ntries to  simplify and improve 
their tariff regimes.  
4.119.   Regarding the actual tariff rates, we are glad to see the percentage of duty -free lines 
increased from 18.7% in 2012 to 19.7% last year . However, the agricultur e sector of both 
countries remains highly p rotected  by MFN tariffs averaged at 30.8%, which is significantly higher 
than the 2.3% for non -agricultural products. For vegetables, meat, and dairy products, we also 
see tariff rates exceeding 100%.   
4.120.   We encourage Switzerland and Liechtenstein to reduce the tariffs for agricultural products. 
This would be consistent with Switzerland's Growth Agenda which seeks to facilitate imports, as a 
means of increasing competition and driving productivity domestically.  WT/TPR/W/131  • Switzerland and Liechtenstein  
 
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  4.121.   Switzerland and Liechtenstein are among the firs t 20 WTO Members to formally accept the 
Agreement on Trade Facilitation  (TFA) . We appreciate the trade facilitating measures  they 
implemented  during the review period, such as waiving the need for proofs of origin in some 
cases, and simplifying the documen tation for small consignments. We encourage both countries to 
continue their good  work in this regard . 
4.122.   Apart from multilateral agreements such as the TFA, Switzerland and Liechtenstein have 
also been actively pursuing plurilateral agreements within the WTO . Like HKC, they are a Party to 
the expanded Information Technology Agreement, the benefits of which are shared with all 
Members by virtue of the MFN principle. We are pleased to know that tariff reduction under the 
Agreement has been implemented in Switze rland and  Liechtenstein from 1 January 2017.  
4.123.   We look forward to Switzerland  depositing also  its instrument of acceptance  to the revised 
Government Procurement Agreement soon . 
4.124.   Meanwhile, w e are impressed with Switzerland 's and Liechtenstein 's record of neve r having 
applied  any specific anti-dumping, countervailing or safeguard measures. Their effort in containing 
the use of contingency measures is truly exemplary . 
4.125.   We also commend Switzerland's initiatives to reduce non -tariff barriers to trade . These 
include  reforming its food safety regime to bring it in line with EU legislation, resulting in, among 
other things, adoption of the negative list approach, whereby all safe food items are allowed unless 
explicitly prohibited. We also welcome Switzerland's legisla tive amendment to reduce technical 
barriers to trade on medicinal products and medical devices, although we are concerned that the 
numerous exceptions to the "Cassis de Dijon" principle1 will undermine its effectiveness.  
4.126.   Separately, we are glad to note tha t the Liechtenstein Act of 1995 on the marketability of 
goods was amended last year, to allow goods produced either in conformity with Swiss or EEA 
regulations to be sold in the country.   
4.127.   Most economic sectors in Switzerland and Liechtenstein are open to l ocal and foreign 
investors. However, in Switzerland , investment restrictions continue to apply to activities under 
state monopoly, such as certain rail transport, postal and insurance service s. Restrictions in the 
form of residency requirements also app ly to sectors such as air and maritime transport. In 
Liechtenstein,  investment restrictions apply to some sectors including financial services. We hope 
these restrictions  can be relaxed . 
4.128.   At the same time, we hope to work closely with the two countries to furt her liberalise and 
promote trade in services. In this connection, w e note that they have adopted regulatory changes 
in several  services sectors, in particular the financial services sector , with a view to enforcing 
international standards or protecting con sumer interests.   
4.129.   Finally, I wish to thank Ambassador Chambovey and Ambassador Matt for their valuable 
contributions to the WTO, both in their capacity as Permanent Representatives and in their own 
personal capacities. It has been my great privilege and p leasure working with them. I wish 
Switzerland and Liechtenstein  a successful trade policy review.    
COLOMBIA  
4.130.   Las relaciones comerciales entre Colombia y ambos países, que vienen de un tiempo atrás, 
se consolidaron en julio de 2011 cuando entró en vigor el Acuerdo de Libre Comercio entre 
Colombia y Suiza y Liechtenstein, dos de los países miembros de la Asociación Europea de Libre 
Comercio (EFTA por sus siglas en ingles). No obstante lo anterior, si bien el marco institucional 
para el crecimiento del comerci o bilateral fue establecido gracias a este Acuerdo, aun en mucho 
más lo que se puede hacer para lograr su aprovechamiento, principalmente para el crecimiento de 
las exportaciones manufactureras y agroindustriales de Colombia hacia Suiza.  
                                                
1 Under the  Cassis de Dijon principle,  products that are lawfully marketed in the EU or the EEA may be 
marketed in Switzerland without further checks regarding their technical requirements . WT/TPR/W/131  • Switzerland and Liechtenstein  
 
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  4.131.   En contraste con é l ámbito comercial, donde los resultados no han sido aún los esperados, 
la relación bilateral se ha fortalecido por las inversiones de Suiza en Colombia que alcanzaron su 
mayor registro durante el 2014, año en el que Suiza se posicionó como el país con may or inversión 
en Colombia. Adicionalmente, el número de turistas suizos visitando Colombia desde 2011 
mantienen una tendencia creciente. A su vez, celebramos y agradecemos que estas relaciones, 
que trascienden de lo comercial, se hayan materializado también  en el compromiso por parte de 
Suiza de acompañar el proceso de construcción de una paz estable y duradera en nuestro país. 
Animamos a Suiza a mantener y fortalecer su cooperación sobre todo en temas de comercio y 
desarrollo.  
4.132.   En cuanto al desempeño económ ico de Suiza, es notable la capacidad demostrada para 
afrontar el difícil entorno vivido principalmente por los problemas económicos de la zona euro y la 
apreciación del franco. Suiza logró mantener un crecimiento moderado y una tasa de desempleo 
baja. Sin  embargo, el país enfrenta un desafío en materia de competitividad por el estancamiento 
en la productividad y sus precios elevados. La puesta en marcha de la "Nueva Política de 
Crecimiento para 2016 -2019" busca mantener un sector de exportación competitivo  y mejorar la 
competitividad de un sector interno costoso.  
4.133.   En el ámbito comercial, se destaca la apertura del bloque EFTA y su amplia participación 
en acuerdos comerciales, con más de 25 acuerdos en vigor. Esta circunstancia le ha permitido a 
Suiza consoli dar y diversificar su portafolio sus exportaciones a países como Estados Unidos, China 
y Medio Oriente.  
4.134.   De otra parte, como se señala en el informe de la Secretaría, el arancel de aduanas 
comprende exclusivamente derechos específicos, que aunque se caracte rizan por su simplicidad 
administrativa, pueden generar inconvenientes por la falta de transparencia y de previsibilidad, no 
me queda claro si esto es verdad. A su vez, Suiza mantiene altos aranceles para productos 
agropecuarios, principalmente para carne,  hortalizas y productos lácteos.  
4.135.   Abonamos los esfuerzos realizados por Suiza para dar cumplimiento a la Decisión 
Ministerial de Nairobi relativa a la competencia de las exportaciones, que fue un hito en las 
negociaciones agrícolas y esperamos contar con su  compromiso para continuar el proceso de 
reforma en este importante sector de la economía.  
4.136.   También se destaca la armonización de sus reglamentos técnicos con las de la Unión 
Europea. Esto podrá impactar positivamente a socios comerciales que tienen relacio nes con ambos 
bloques de países, al facilitar el comercio y reducir las barrear no arancelarias de acceso a estos 
mercados.  
4.137.   En cuanto a los servicios bancarios celebramos las medidas de ambos países para adoptar 
la normativa del intercambio automático de i nformación en materia fiscal, para luchar contra la 
evasión fiscal transfronteriza. Además de las disposiciones concretas recomendadas por el Grupo 
de Acción Financiera.  
4.138.   Para finalizar, agradecemos a ambos países por las respuestas a las preguntas que 
realizamos en el marco de este examen y le deseamos a ambas delegaciones el mayor de los 
éxitos en este su quinto examen de Política Comercial. En especial, a la Secretaria de Estado por 
las contribuciones realizadas como jefa del Equipo Negociador de EFTA en  el acuerdo con 
Colombia.  
ARGENTINA  
4.139.   La Argentina quiere resaltar el alto grado de apertura y avance que presentan las 
economías de Suiza y Liechtenstein, lo cual les ha permitido atravesar con éxito los problemas 
económicos globales durante el período bajo  examen. A pesar de las dificultades del entorno, 
Suiza ha seguido creciendo a un promedio de 1,5 % entre 2013 -2015, y la tasa de desempleo se 
ha mantenido relativamente baja (4,5%). Por su parte, Liechtenstein ha mantenido su 
competitividad gracias a los productos especializados y a las reformas normativas en el sector de 
los servicios financieros.  WT/TPR/W/131  • Switzerland and Liechtenstein  
 
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  4.140.   La Argentina desea resaltar el compromiso de Suiza y Liechtenstein con el comercio 
internacional, y comparte los esfuerzos por contribuir a un sistema multilate ral de comercio justo y 
equilibrado.  
4.141.   Deseamos destacar la activa participación de Suiza en las negociaciones en curso en el 
marco de esta Organización, como así también su aporte en iniciativas que pueden llevar a una 
mayor liberalización del comercio y de sarrollo, como el comercio electrónico y la mayor inserción 
internacional de las micro, pequeñas y medianas empresas. Resultan también positivos los 
esfuerzos destinados a facilitar el comercio, como la exención del requisito de las pruebas de 
origen en al gunos casos y la utilización de formularios simplificados para los pequeños envíos.  
4.142.   En relación con el sector agrícola, recibimos con optimismo que la Política Agrícola 2014 -17 
de Suiza contemple esfuerzos positivos para atender cuestiones relacionadas co n sus compromisos 
de Caja Verde. Destacamos especialmente el anuncio que para el año 2020 habrán sido 
completamente eliminados los subsidios a la exportación de productos agrícolas, en línea con la 
Decisión Ministerial de Nairobi de 2015.  
4.143.   El comercio bila teral con Suiza registró un saldo favorable para nuestro país en el período 
2008-2016. Durante el año 2016, las exportaciones alcanzaron la suma de 1.141 millones de 
dólares EE.UU. (una caída del 9,3% respecto de 2015) y las importaciones totalizaron 515,6  
millones de dólares EE.UU. (reducción del 25% respecto a 2015). Mientras que el saldo comercial 
con Suiza en 2016 fue superavitario para nuestro país en 625,2 millones de dólares EE.UU., el 
comercio bilateral con Liechtenstein registró en ese periodo un d éficit de 1,3 millones de dólares 
EE.UU.  
4.144.   En 2016, Suiza ocupó el decimocuarto (14º) lugar como destino de las exportaciones y el 
decimosexto (16º) lugar como proveedor de la Argentina. Liechtenstein, por otro lado, ocupó el 
lugar 206º como destino de las e xportaciones y el 103º lugar como proveedor del país.  
4.145.   En 2015, Suiza fue el 6º inversor en nuestro país. El stock de Inversión Extranjera Directa 
(IED) suiza fue de 3.749 millones de dólares EE.UU. Notamos que la inversión extranjera directa 
suiza en Arge ntina se encuentra poco diversificada, siendo los sectores más relevantes: 
oleaginosas y cereales (37% del stock de IED suizo en 2015), industria química, caucho y plástico 
(23%) y petróleo (7%).  
4.146.   En abril de este año la Presidente de la Confederación Suiz a, Doris Leuthard, realizó una 
visita oficial a la Argentina, ocasión en la que se realizó también un foro empresarial con 
funcionarios y representantes sectoriales de ambos países. Las conversaciones bilaterales se 
centraron en el desarrollo de infraestru ctura en los ámbitos de energía, transporte, agro alimentos 
y servicios. Se intercambiaron ideas sobre la reforma del mercado financiero, el financiamiento 
para pequeñas y medianas empresas y las potencialidades de un Acuerdo entre el Mercado Común 
del Sur  (MERCOSUR) y la Asociación Europea de Libre Comercio (EFTA, por sus siglas en inglés). 
Dentro de este contexto auspicioso, la Argentina continuará trabajando conjuntamente en busca 
de la profundización de los lazos bilaterales.  
4.147.   En el marco de este examen de política comercial, la Argentina presentó a Suiza preguntas 
vinculadas con la posibilidad de una mayor apertura en el sector agrícola, la aplicación de 
procedimientos de aprobación especiales a las importaciones de alimentos y la asistencia en la 
export ación de sus productos a las PyMES orientadas a la exportación. Las respuestas 
proporcionadas serán analizadas en detalle.  
4.148.   Finalizando, y al tiempo de reiterar nuestro reconocimiento por esta nueva oportunidad de 
intercambiar opiniones y consideraciones so bre las políticas y prácticas comerciales de Suiza y 
Liechtenstein, no quisiéramos dejar de resaltar una vez más la importancia de este ejercicio de 
transparencia en todos sus aspectos y desear a sus autoridades la exitosa conclusión de este 
ejercicio.  
COSTA RICA 
4.149.   Switzerland has been more than an active Member and a leader in the multilateral trading 
system. Together with Liechtenstein, they have given remarkable importance to elements like WT/TPR/W/131  • Switzerland and Liechtenstein  
 
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  innovation and expanding their participation in services as a driv ing force to diversify their 
economies. Understandably, Switzerland is a member of the Information Technology Agreement 
(ITA) and its expansion, and both Switzerland and Liechtenstein have been committed parties in 
negotiations in Services and the promotio n of agreements in environmental goods.  
4.150.   Costa Rica shares many similarities and common interests with Switzerland and 
Liechtenstein. We are small territories with beautiful mountainous landscapes, we share high 
literacy and life expectancy levels, and belo ng to a small and select group of neutral countries. We 
are also part of the group known as the "Small Five" at the United Nations, where we promote 
transparency and accountability. Here, at the WTO, we share with Switzerland our common views 
in the group of Friends of the System, Friends of Fossil fuel Subsidy Reform, Friends of 
Antidumping Negotiations and most recently in the informal group of Friends of MSMEs. As well as 
Switzerland, Costa Rica is committed to eliminate export subsidies. For that reason , we welcome 
Switzerland's efforts to implement these commitments as soon as possible, in line with the WTO 
agreements.  
4.151.   On August and September 2014, the Free Trade Agreement between Costa Rica and 
Panama, another neutral country, and the European Free Tr ade Association (EFTA) members, of 
which Switzerland and Liechtenstein are part, entered into force. This Free Trade Agreement 
represented a natural step in our process of consolidating the international trade platform we have 
been building for more than t wo decades. The growing importance of the relationship between our 
countries and our complementarity is reflected in the average annual increase rate of trade, which 
has been of 9.4% between 2012 and 2016. Switzerland is also an important source of FDI for  
Costa Rica, especially in the pharmaceutical sector and we see great potential in other areas like 
biotechnology, clean energies and value added services.  
4.152.   As increasingly open economies, Switzerland and Liechtenstein have taken important steps 
to stimulat e trade competition and exhort them to continue their efforts to increase their level of 
liberalization. We encourage the development of such actions, which include the harmonization of 
technical requirements and applying trade facilitation measures. There  are still opportunities to 
reduce particularly high tariffs currently applied to agricultural products which averaged 30.8% in 
2016, and to simplify their applied tariffs by changing them to ad valorem basis. Costa Rica also 
recognizes the shift taken by Switzerland to increase the support for renewables very positively, 
and awaits to see the development of the "Energy 2050 Strategy" after the upcoming referendum.  
4.153.   Finally, I would like to thank the reviewed Members for providing answers to the questions 
submitted by Costa Rica. These are being revised in my Capital and we will come back with 
follow -up comments in case needed.  
4.154.   I wish Switzerland and Liechtenstein a successful Trade Policy Review and look forward to 
their continuous engagement and leadership in this House.  
MALAYSIA  
4.155.   We are encouraged by the efforts by both Switzerland and Liechtenstein to maintain a 
generally open trade regime when protectionism is globally on the rise during these challenging 
times.  
4.156.   We note from the Secretariat's report that S witzerland has implemented the Agricultural 
Policy 2014 -17 as well as initiation of domestic procedures to eliminate such export subsidies by 
January 2019, in line with commitments made at the WTO Ministerial Conference in Nairobi. 
Nevertheless, agricultur e and some domestic services and remain the economy's greatest 
weaknesses in terms of international competitiveness and remains vulnerable to a more 
competitive environment – highlighting the need for more market -oriented reforms.  
4.157.   We also note Switzerland' s effort in improving her competitiveness, through its "New 
Growth Policy 2016 -2019" with the focus strengthening the resilience of the economy. It is 
encouraging to note that the policy would further open the economy to imports.  
4.158.   We are also pleased to not e that, in terms of investment, Switzerland and Liechtenstein 
have a stable and predictable investment regime. Most sectors are open to national and foreign WT/TPR/W/131  • Switzerland and Liechtenstein  
 
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  investment; however, we note that investment restrictions continue to apply in Switzerland to 
sever al sectors. Thus, we encourage both Switzerland to review and relax their existing 
restrictions.  
4.159.   While we gear up towards the MC11 this year, Malaysia calls on Switzerland and other key 
Members to help shape meaningful outcomes at the MC11, deliverables th at would benefit all 
Members with development at the core. In this, we appreciate Switzerland's participation in 
supporting discussion of Micro SMEs of which Malaysia and several other Members are also part of 
the initiative, to promote the participation o f MSMEs in the global value chain.  
4.160.   Bilateral trade between Malaysia and Liechtenstein is relatively small, with trade valued at 
US$1.8 million in 2016 of which Malaysia's exports amounted to US$800 thousand and imports 
valued at US$1 million. Meanwhile, Sw itzerland was Malaysia's 21st largest trading partner, 18th 
largest import source and 32nd largest export destination. In 2016, total trade in goods stood at 
US$2.4 billion with exports valued at US$600 thousand and imports at US$1.7 billion. Malaysia's 
main imports from Switzerland are mainly machinery, equipment, chemical and chemical products 
and, optical and scientific equipment. Malaysia's exports to Switzerland also include electrical and 
electronic products, metals, and rubber products among others.  
4.161.   Swiss companies are among the major investors in Malaysia, which today is valued at 
US$1.3 billion. In 2016, approved manufacturing projects were valued at US$116 million. The 
continued interest by Swiss investors is a reflection of Malaysia -Switzerland lo ng history of 
bilateral relations and the confidence shown in Malaysia's predictable open market.  
4.162.   To further strengthen trade between Malaysia and Switzerland as well as Liechtenstein, 
Malaysia has embarked on an FTA negotiation with the European Free Trad e Association (EFTA) in 
2012. Negotiation is still on -going and we do hope that this preferential agreement could be 
concluded in the near future for both the mutual benefit of businesses in both countries.   
4.163.   Malaysia had submitted several questions and we  would like to thank Switzerland for her 
responses and these are being examined at the Capital. We will also be submitting additional 
questions later and look forward to receiving the feedback.  
4.164.   Malaysia wishes the delegation of Switzerland and Liechtenstei n a successful fifth joint 
Trade Policy Review.  
EL SALVADOR  
4.165.   Para El Salvador es un honor participar en este ejercicio de transparencia de dos países 
que siguen siendo firmes promotores de un sistema multilateral de comercio sólido y basado en 
normas y, en tiempos difíciles para la economía mundial como los que atravesamos, promueven 
los principios de libre comercio en los que se basa esta Organización. En particular, reconocemos 
los importantes esfuerzos de Suiza como país sede de la OMC, y su contribución al fortalecimiento 
del sistema multilateral del comercio.  
4.166.   Entrando en la materia que nos ocupa, en el ámbito económico, es de reconocer que 
durante el período objeto de examen, la economía suiza, muy diversificada y avanzada, ha 
demostrado su capacidad de resiliencia ante los problemas económicos de la zona del euro. A 
pesar de las dificultades del entorno, su crecimiento ha sido en promedio del 1,5% en el período 
2013-2015, y la tasa de desempleo se ha mantenido relativamente baja, en un 4,5%.  
4.167.   Por su parte , Liechtenstein tiene una economía diversificada basada en un sector industrial 
relativamente amplio, el cual representa alrededor del 41% del PIB y el sector de los servicios 
financieros que representa cerca del 25% del PIB. Al ser un país con un mercado interno muy 
pequeño, su economía está muy orientada a la exportación y, en este sentido, ha mantenido su 
competitividad principalmente en virtud de sus productos especializados y las reformas normativas 
emprendidas en el sector de los servicios financieros . 
4.168.   Suiza es un socio comercial estratégico para El Salvador y el fortalecimiento de nuestras 
relaciones bilaterales continúa siendo una prioridad para mi país. Suiza y la región 
centroamericana comparten importantes lazos en materia de cooperación. En el ca so particular de WT/TPR/W/131  • Switzerland and Liechtenstein  
 
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  El Salvador, la Cooperación Suiza dio inicio en el año 1982, lo cual ha contribuido al 
fortalecimiento de las relaciones entre ambos países. En general, la Estrategia de Cooperación 
Suiza para América Central para el período 2013 -2017 se o rienta a contribuir a la reducción de la 
pobreza, a través del desarrollo económico inclusivo, la disminución de la vulnerabilidad ambiental 
y los efectos del cambio climático, entre otros.  
4.169.   En lo que respecta al comercio bilateral, el monto de las exportac iones salvadoreñas a 
Suiza se incrementaron en un 25,6% entre los años 2015 y 2016 y las mismas están compuestas 
principalmente por textiles confeccionados, prendas y complementos de vestir, café, caucho y sus 
manufacturas, muebles, entre otros.  
4.170.   Por su par te, las importaciones provenientes de Suiza han mostrado un incremento 
sostenido durante el período en examen, alcanzando un monto de alrededor de 51 millones de 
dólares EE.UU. en el año 2016. Las importaciones se concentran principalmente en productos 
farmacéuticos, aceites esenciales y resinoides, pigmentos y demás colorantes, preparaciones 
alimenticias diversas, entre otras.  
4.171.   Es importante resaltar el liderazgo y la destacada participación de Suiza en los trabajos 
ordinarios y de negociación que se llevan  a cabo en la OMC lo cual ha contribuido a alcanzar 
importantes resultados recientes en diversas áreas, incluyendo en materia de facilitación de 
comercio y agricultura. En este sentido, instamos a Suiza a continuar contribuyendo a la reducción 
de las disto rsiones en el mercado agrícola, a favor de un comercio más justo y equilibrado, en 
beneficio de todos los agricultores.  
4.172.   Igualmente es de señalar que la participación activa de Suiza en diferentes iniciativas 
encabezadas por líderes mundiales, encaminadas a  discutir temas de actualidad mundial y que 
tienen relevancia con esta Organización. Finalmente, cabe también destacar la importante 
contribución de Suiza y Liechtenstein al fomento de la participación de los países en desarrollo en 
las negociaciones comer ciales, a través de fondos de cooperación.  
4.173.   No me queda desear más que los mejores éxitos a Suiza y Liechtenstein en este ejercicio 
de política comercial.  
4.174.   Agradecemos a Suiza por la respuesta a las preguntas que realizamos, las cuales 
estaremos enviando a n uestra capital para su análisis.  
THE SEPARATE  CUSTOMS  TERRITORY  OF TAIWAN,  PENGHU,  KINMEN  AND  MATSU  
4.175.   I would like to take this opportunity to express how much we appreciate the leadership 
roles played by both Ambassador Didier Chambovey and Ambassador Peter  Matt in our day -to-day 
work. Their dedication and professionalism are important elements in helping to facilitate our 
discussions in many of the WTO negotiations.  
4.176.   Since their last review in 2013, the trade regimes of Switzerland and Liechtenstein have 
remained generally open, and we admire the work and the progress made in both economies in 
recent years.  
4.177.   Switzerland, with a trade -to-GDP ratio of 60% is among the most internationally 
integrated economies in the world. Despite a somewhat difficult internatio nal trading environment, 
the Swiss economy continued to grow by 1.5% on average between 2013 and 2015, accompanied 
by a relatively low unemployment rate of just 4.5%. The country enjoys good governance with a 
system of direct democracy that is deeply roote d in the Swiss tradition and an economy managed 
with a high degree of fiscal prudence.  
4.178.   Liechtenstein, despite its size, manages to maintain a diversified economy, based mainly 
on a comparatively large industrial sector (about 41% of GDP) and the financial services industry 
which accounts for about 25%. It retains its competitiveness by specializing in niche products, and 
a continuous programme of regulatory reform in the financial services sector. These seem to be 
the main reasons for its GDP increasing eve ry year over the period under review, with highs of 
+4.7% in 2013 and +3% in 2014.  WT/TPR/W/131  • Switzerland and Liechtenstein  
 
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  4.179.   Both Switzerland and Liechtenstein continue to be strong supporters of a rules -based 
multilateral trading system, and even during difficult times for the global economy they  advocate 
further trade liberalization. For example, Switzerland ratified the Trade Facilitation Agreement 
(TFA) in September 2015, a key outcome of the Bali MC9, and its implementation of the expanded 
Information Technology Agreement (an MC10 achievement that will surely benefit all Members), is 
currently subject to legislative changes that should be completed by mid -2017.  
4.180.   In our written questions to Switzerland submitted in advance, we are seeking further 
clarification of certain aspects of its trade poli cy direction and approach. Our thanks to Switzerland 
for its replies to these questions, which we shall examine very carefully.  
4.181.   I would like to mention a few of the issues that we raised, in which we have a particular 
interest.  
4.182.   First, the so -called "Swissn ess legislation" allows a previously recognized geographical 
indication (GI) to be registered as a geographical trademark. This new mechanism is introduced as 
an additional instrument in order to further facilitate the protection and enforcement of the rig hts 
of GIs abroad under trademark law regimes. We would like to engage with the Swiss Mission to 
explore the terms of implementing this new mechanism in further detail.  
4.183.   Second, while we appreciate that Liechtenstein was the first WTO Member to ratify the 
revised plurilateral Agreement on Government Procurement in 2013, Switzerland's ratification of 
the revised GPA is still eagerly awaited in the near future.  
4.184.   And, thirdly, along with many Members with similar concerns, we would appreciate having 
more informa tion from Switzerland on its restrictions or requirements affecting foreign investment, 
and its measures taken or planned to facilitate imports, to implement the Trade Facilitation 
Agreement, to protect copyrighted works in the digital environment, etc.  
4.185.   Finally, on our bilateral trade and investment relationship with Switzerland and 
Liechtenstein, we have very close and longstanding economic ties with both countries. Currently, 
Switzerland is among one of our top trading partner and an important destination  for our overseas 
investment. In 2016, the total value of bilateral trade between us was around US$2 billion, while 
our new investment in Switzerland and Liechtenstein together totalled about US$200 million.  
4.186.   Our trade and investment with both countries may  have shown significant growth, but it is 
evident that there is still huge potential for improvement. We would definitely benefit from 
continuing efforts to deepen our bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, culture and other 
important areas in the fut ure. 
4.187.   In conclusion, I take the opportunity to wish Switzerland and Liechtenstein a very 
successful Trade Policy Review.  
CANADA  
4.188.   Canada appreciates the opportunity to participate in the WTO's trade policy review 
mechanism, which is an important function of t he WTO. Canada welcomes a collaborative 
approach to examining key themes and questions with a view to enable practical exchanges of 
information on our bilateral commercial relations with Switzerland and Liechtenstein, respectively.  
4.189.   Switzerland and Liechten stein have reiterated their deep commitments to the multilateral 
trading system and to ongoing liberalization efforts. Like Canada, Switzerland and Liechtenstein 
are trading nations largely dependent on foreign markets for their economic prosperity. 
Canada -Swiss/Canada -Liechtenstein bilateral relations are close, positive and constructive. Our 
like-minded values are reflected in our strong commitment to working together on key global 
issues such as free trade, environmental protection, peacekeeping and prot ection of human rights, 
including a focus on inclusion and gender equality. Trade and innovation are of high importance to 
our respective markets and there are excellent business and investment opportunities for 
Canadian companies across a wide range of se ctors in the market. Many opportunities exist as well 
for Swiss and Liechtensteinian companies looking to do business and to expand their activities in 
Canada.  WT/TPR/W/131  • Switzerland and Liechtenstein  
 
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  4.190.   In partnership with Iceland and Norway, Canada, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein are 
parties to th e Canada -European Free Trade Association Agreement (CEFTA). This goods -focussed 
agreement reflects our shared commitment to trade liberalization. Canada and EFTA are also 
currently exploring the potential to expand this FTA. Expanding the CEFTA and other b ilateral trade 
agreements to include new and modern elements would be an opportunity to show leadership in 
international trade, secure the benefits of further liberalisation, and ensure that these benefits are 
broadly shared.  
4.191.   While we accord particular imp ortance to our relationships with Switzerland and 
Liechtenstein, we would like to share certain preoccupations in the hopes of maintaining and 
advancing our strong links. In relation to Switzerland's bans on the import of seal products with 
exceptions for those items derived from hunts traditionally conducted by Inuit or other indigenous 
communities, Canada continues to question the legitimacy of the ban from a policy standpoint. 
Moreover, Canada disputes any claim that the Swiss seal ban contributes to pre serving wildlife in 
the Arctic. Seals are integral to the livelihoods of Indigenous people in the Canadian Arctic, and 
these communities have been relying on this resource in a sustainable and humane manner for 
millennia.  
4.192.   Canada also encourages Switzerland  to enhance its efforts to liberalize trade in its 
agricultural sector. The progressive elimination of export subsidies, the reduction of domestic 
support and improved market access for agricultural products would benefit Switzerland as much 
as its commerc ial partners. Canada takes note of Switzerland's efforts towards a plan to eliminate 
export subsidies by 2020 and looks forward to further agricultural policy reforms.  
4.193.   Despite these concerns, Canada and Switzerland enjoy a very healthy trading relationship . 
The Government of Canada recognizes that trade, investment and innovation are vital to our 
respective economies, and Canada is committed to maintaining and expanding access to existing 
and new markets.  
4.194.   Trade and investment between both Canada and Switze rland and Canada and 
Liechtenstein is strong and growing. We have developed a sophisticated bilateral commercial 
relationship spanning from the traditional trade in goods to greater trade in services, innovation 
and investment. Together, Switzerland and Li echtenstein are Canada's 14th largest merchandise 
trading partner with two -way trade amounting to nearly $6 billion in 2016. Our mutual exchange 
of foreign direct investment with the two countries is also significant, with Switzerland being the 
10th larges t foreign investor in Canada.  
4.195.   Indeed, like Switzerland and Liechtenstein, Canada recognizes the importance of ensuring 
that trade results in broad -based benefits for our citizens and for those throughout the world. This 
is fundamental to Canada's progressi ve trade agenda. Canada looks forward to working 
constructively with Switzerland and Liechtenstein to facilitate the mutual prosperity that can flow 
from our economic relationship, and to build a strong domestic and global consensus on the value 
of trade, investment and inclusive growth.  
4.196.   The World Economic Forum Global Competitiveness Report ranked Switzerland as the most 
competitive economy in the world for 2016 -2017, a distinction it has held for the last eight years. 
Switzerland's innovation -driven and k nowledge -based economy provides foreign companies and 
institutions with opportunities for collaboration and for attracting investment in research and 
development.  
4.197.   Switzerland is a priority science, technology, and innovation partner for Canada. Canada 
deeply values its bilateral relationship with the numerous partnerships between our respective 
research organizations, and we welcome opportunities to further collaborate in the area of science, 
technology and innovation. Indeed, our mutual commitment to prom oting innovation and 
international business development contributes to growing a dynamic bilateral commercial 
partnership.  Other areas of collaboration include the Canada -Switzerland Tax Convention and the 
Canada -Switzerland Air Transport Agreement.  
4.198.   In closing, we appreciate the opportunity for this constructive exchange of views on all 
aspects of Switzerland's and Liechtenstein's economies. We have submitted a number of questions WT/TPR/W/131  • Switzerland and Liechtenstein  
 
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  and thank the parties for their responses, which we are still reviewing. Fin ally, we wish the 
delegation the utmost success during this review.  
GUATEMALA  
4.199.   Guatemala mantiene una sólida relación de amistad y cooperación con Suiza y 
Liechtenstein. Ésta se ve reflejada en una diversidad de áreas tales como el comercio y la 
economía, a sí como en los diferentes intercambios en materia científica,  de justicia, seguridad y 
cultura entre otros. De igual forma, Suiza y Guatemala han firmado acuerdos en diferentes 
ámbitos tales como el comercio, transporte aéreo y protección recíproca de inv ersiones.  
4.200.   El Acuerdo de Promoción y Protección Recíproca de Inversiones entre Suiza y Guatemala 
entró en vigor en mayo de 2005. En junio de 2015, Guatemala firmó el protocolo de adhesión al 
Acuerdo Comercial entre Centroamérica y la Asociación Europea de Libre Comercio (AELC), de la 
que forman parte tanto Suiza como Liechtenstein. Dicho Acuerdo está aún pendiente de ser 
aprobado por el Congreso de la República de Guatemala, pero tras su entrada en vigor, permitirá a 
Guatemala el ingreso exento de aranceles  para el 77% de los productos agrícolas y el 100% de los 
productos manufacturados.  
4.201.   En 2016, el flujo comercial entre Guatemala por un lado y Suiza y Liechtenstein por el 
otro, superó los 26.8 millones de dólares EE.UU. Los principales productos suizos imp ortados por 
Guatemala son productos farmacéuticos, cosméticos, aparatos mecánicos para usos 
electrotécnicos e instrumental médico. Los principales productos guatemaltecos exportados a 
Suiza y Liechtenstein son café, fungicidas y desinfectantes, así como pa pel y cartón.  
4.202.   Respecto de la revisión que hoy se realiza de las políticas comerciales de Suiza y 
Liechtenstein, durante el período 2013 -2017, subrayamos el carácter diversificado y avanzado de 
sus economías, característica que les ha permitido hacer frent e a las diferentes complejidades del 
entorno económico mundial en la última década. Gracias a ello, así como a su sólido nivel de 
gobernanza y la aplicación del principio de prudencia fiscal, ambos países han logrado mantener 
una posición sólida y constant e en la economía mundial.  
4.203.   Como retos futuros, instamos a Suiza a seguir adelante con la implementación de los 
compromisos alcanzados en la Décima Conferencia Ministerial realizada en Nairobi, relativos a las 
subvenciones otorgados a la exportación de prod uctos agrícolas y agroindustriales. De igual forma, 
es un importante reto a corto plazo encontrar vía para hacer frente a la dificultades económicas 
relativas a la competitividad, como resultado de la fortaleza del franco suizo, los elevados precios 
intern os y el reducido incremento de la productividad.   
4.204.   Reconocemos los esfuerzos y logros importantes alcanzados por Suiza y Liechtenstein 
durante el período estudiado. Agradecemos también las respuestas a las preguntas planteadas por 
Guatemala en el marco de este examen.  
4.205.   Esperamos continuar fortaleciendo nuestros importantes vínculos comerciales y deseamos 
a la delegación que representa hoy a ambos países, una exitosa conclusión de su examen de 
políticas comerciales.  
ECUADOR  
4.206.   Este Examen de Políticas Comercial es reviste gran interés para nuestro país puesto que, 
actualmente, estamos avanzando hacia la conclusión de un Acuerdo Global de Asociación 
Económica (CEPA) entre Ecuador y la Asociación Europea de Libre Comercio (EFTA). De hecho, me 
gustaría aprovechar la  oportunidad para expresar a todos los miembros de EFTA, por intermedio 
de las delegaciones de Suiza y Liechtenstein, nuestra gratitud por el excelente recibimiento que se 
brindó a los negociadores ecuatorianos durante la II Ronda que tuvo lugar en febrero  pasado en 
esta ciudad.  
4.207.   Confiamos en que las negociaciones continuarán avanzando positivamente, como la han 
venido haciendo hasta el momento, de modo que muy pronto podamos llegar a un arreglo 
mutuamente provechoso, que conjugue nuestros intereses comunes y refleje la tradicional relación 
de amistad que existe entre nuestros pueblos.  WT/TPR/W/131  • Switzerland and Liechtenstein  
 
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  4.208.   En cuanto se refiere al informe presentado por la Secretaría, tomamos nota de la gestión 
saludable y sensata de la economía suiza, lo cual se manifiesta en sus índices macroeco nómicos y 
su continuo crecimiento.  
4.209.   Notamos la habilidad que ha demostrado Liechtenstein, el cual se ha sobrepuesto a las 
dificultades que entraña ser un país pequeño, que no solamente ha desarrollado un sector 
industrial dinámico sino que se ha posicionado  como uno de los referentes a nivel mundial en el 
sector de servicios financieros.  
4.210.   Observamos que le "franco fuerte" genera problemas de competitividad, especialmente en 
vista de las grandes diferencias de precios internos con sus vecinos de la Unión Europ ea. En este 
sentido, anotamos el actual enfoque destinado a fomentar la competencia de los precios a 
estimular la productividad.  
4.211.   Sobresale de igual forma la aplicación del principio "Cassis de Dijon" para la eliminación de 
obstáculos técnicos a las importa ciones, más será necesario profundizar en más detalle sobre su 
aplicación práctica a fin de evaluar su efectividad.  
4.212.   En este marco, saludamos con agrado la eliminación del principio positivo en el régimen de 
inocuidad alimentaria vigente desde el 1° de mayo  pasado.  
4.213.   El informe subraya el aumento del volumen de comercio de Suiza en el marco de acuerdos 
preferenciales, en particular a través de la firma de varios acuerdos nuevos, una red que Suiza 
continúa ampliando de manera muy dinámica.  
4.214.   En lo multilateral, s aludamos la aceptación por parte de Suiza y Liechtenstein del Acuerdo 
sobre Facilitación del Comercio (AFC) de la OMC en 2015.  
4.215.   Felicitamos por las medidas tomadas para reforzar la legislación contra el blanqueo de 
dinero, así como las acciones emprendidas para la eventual eliminación de las subvenciones a la 
exportación, de conformidad con los compromisos adquiridos en la Conferencia Ministerial de 
Nairobi.  
4.216.   No obstante, se observa que Suiza continúa manteniendo su sector de la agricultura 
altamente protegid o mediante elevados aranceles a la importación de los productos sensibles. 
Asimismo, su sistema de contingentes es eminentemente complejo.  
4.217.   Para los países en desarrollo como Ecuador, comercio y desarrollo van juntos en la medida 
en que se cumpla el objetiv o de abrir nuevos mercados para nuestros productos y mejorar sus 
condiciones de acceso. Una mayor apertura para los países en desarrollo nos beneficia a todos, 
genera empleo y riqueza, aporta a la equidad y crea un mejor futuro.  
4.218.   Las previsiones económicas vaticinan la continuidad del crecimiento económico sostenido 
de Suiza y Liechtenstein en los años venideros. Esperamos que ambos países continúen 
robusteciendo su economía en los sectores en los que requieren refuerzo, a fin de continuar 
cumpliendo las met as socioeconómicas que se han planteado para el futuro.  
4.219.   Para concluir, deseamos agradecer a las delegaciones de Suiza y Liechtenstein por las 
respuestas que proporcione a las preguntas que hemos planteado sobre algunos aspectos 
concretos de su política com ercial, que serán información importante para el fortalecimiento de las 
relaciones bilaterales en materia de comercio exterior.  
4.220.   Auguro a ambos países el mejor de los éxitos en el presente Examen.  
CHILE  
4.221.   Los vínculos entre Chile y Suiza se remontan hacia fin es del siglo XIX, gracias al 
asentamiento de un grupo de ciudadanos suizos en la zona de la Araucanía, en el sur de nuestro 
país. Se estima que más de 8.000 suizos recibieron concesiones de tierras en esa zona donde, con 
el tiempo, lograron prosperar y dej ar une imprenta productiva y cultural característica.  WT/TPR/W/131  • Switzerland and Liechtenstein  
 
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  4.222.   Tal herencia y presencia en nuestra sociedad se ha visto reflejada en el tiempo, por 
ejemplo, con la elección de dos destacados Presidentes de la República de segunda y tercera 
generación suiza, los pre sidentes Eduardo Frei Montalva, en 1964, y Eduardo Frei Ruiz -Tagle, en 
1994. Hoy, los flujos migratorios son inversos y alrededor de 7.000 chilenos han hecho de Suiza su 
hogar y su lugar para trabajar y prosperar.  
4.223.   Los pilares centrales de la relación Chile -Suiza están asociados a materias como energía, 
minería, educación, innovación, cooperación, inversiones y comercio, medio ambiente y joint 
ventures  a nivel de Pymes. Ambos países compartimos, asimismo, valores y principios en su 
accionar internacional, y somos miembros activos de una serie de instancias internacionales 
multilaterales.  
4.224.   Reflejo de esta estrecha relación es precisamente la realización de una reunión de 
consultas políticas entre ambos países, el próximo 22 de mayo, en Berna.  
4.225.   Chile, Suiza y Lie chtenstein son economías abiertas al mundo y con un alto grado de 
dependencia del comercio internacional. Por lo tanto, la colaboración en el marco de la OMC es 
esencial para mantener el sistema multilateral basado en reglas, y seguir avanzando en la 
liberalización comercial, particularmente en aquellas áreas más sensibles como la agricultura.  
4.226.   La relación comercial entre Chile y Suiza así como de Chile y Liechtenstein, se enmarcan 
en el Tratado de Libre Comercio suscrito el 2003 en nuestro país y la Asociac ión Europea de Libre 
Comercio (AELC o EFTA por sus siglas en inglés), comunidad integrada por Islandia, Noruega, 
Liechtenstein y Suiza.  
4.227.   Dicho tratado cubre todas las áreas principales de las relaciones económicas, incluyendo el 
comercio en bienes, servicio s e inversiones. Como complemento a este TLC, Chile y Suiza han 
instaurado una instancia de Diálogo Económico Bilateral.  
4.228.   El TLC entre Chile y EFTA ha permitido ir aumentando nuestro comercio bilateral desde su 
suscripción. Desde la entrada en vigencia del Acuerdo el año 2004, el intercambio comercial con 
EFTA se ha expandido a una tasa anual del 20% lo que ha permitido crecer en un 50% en estos 
años.  
4.229.   Producto del Acuerdo, la mayor parte del monto exportado a los países EFTA ingresan libre 
de arancel. En cua nto a Suiza, ingresa con arancel cero el 90,7% del universo arancelario, lo que 
corresponde a más del 96% del monto exportado por Chile. Por su parte, el 88% de las 
importaciones provenientes de Suiza entran a Chile libres de arancel.  
4.230.   El intercambio comerc ial con Suiza – que representa el 89% del comercio exterior chileno 
con el EFTA – totalizó 819 millones de dólares EE.UU durante el año 2016. Ello representa un 
aumento del 5,5% respecto al año anterior. Este aumento es una señal positiva, especialmente si  
se comparan con la variación entre el 2014 y 2015 donde se produjo una contracción del 46%. En 
relación a la balanza comercial, en 2016 ésta presentó un saldo positivo para Chile de 306 millones 
de dólares EE.UU.  
4.231.   Pese al éxito que ha representado el Acuer do entre Chile y EFTA, es importante analizar y 
ver si existen espacios para mejoras y poder darle un sello de Acuerdo Siglo XXI. En tal sentido, 
ambas partes hemos iniciado un proceso con miras a modernizar el Acuerdo y poder incorporar 
nuevos elementos d e comercio que no necesariamente era la norma incluir hace más de 10 años.  
4.232.   En otro ámbito, cabe mencionar que Suiza es un Estado Observador de la Alianza del 
Pacífico desde el 10 de febrero de 2014.  
4.233.   En cuanto a las características económico -comerciales de Suiza, saludamos el hecho que a 
pesar de las dificultades del entorno, ha seguido creciendo un promedio del 1,5% en el período 
2013-2015, y la tasa de desempleo se ha mantenido relativamente baja (4,5%).  
4.234.   Saludamos, asimismo, la adopción por parte de Suiza y Liechtenstein del intercambio 
automático de información (AEOI) en materia fiscal, para luchar contra la evasión fiscal WT/TPR/W/131  • Switzerland and Liechtenstein  
 
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  transfronteriza, en lo que respecta a los servicios bancarios. Al mismo tiempo, estimamos como 
altamente positivo que Suiza haya reforz ado la legislación contra el blanqueo de dinero.  
4.235.   Otro aspecto positivo a destacar se refiere al hecho que el Gobierno de Suiza haya iniciado 
procedimientos internos para eliminar su política de subvenciones a la exportación – contenidas en 
su Política Agrí cola 2014/2017 – a más tardar en enero de 2019, de conformidad con los 
compromisos adquiridos en la Conferencia Ministerial de Nairobi.  
4.236.   Si bien los regímenes comerciales de Suiza y Liechtenstein se sitúan entre los más 
liberales en el marco de la OMC, no p odemos de dejar de llamar la atención respecto de la 
excesiva protección existente en el sector agropecuario, a través de diversas medidas arancelarias 
y no arancelarias.  
4.237.   Si analizamos el Perfil Tarifario de Suiza y Liechtenstein en la OMC, se puede ver qu e el 
arancel promedio aplicado a los productos agrícolas (NMF) es 30,8%; promedio que para Chile, y 
pese al ALC, es de 29,2%. El contrapunto es que Chile aplica a las importaciones agrícolas (NMF) 
sólo un 6% parejo. Es decir, seguimos teniendo un atípico c aso de trato especial y diferenciado 
inverso.  
4.238.   Seguimos, por lo mismo, alentando a Suiza y Liechtenstein a orientar en mayor medida al 
mercado sus políticas de producción y comercio en el sector agropecuario.  
4.239.   Para concluir, quisiéramos subrayar lo señalado en el informe de la Secretaría en cuanto a 
que Suiza y Liechtenstein siguen siendo firmes defensores de un sistema multilateral de comercio 
basado en normas y, en tiempos difíciles para la economía mundial, propugnan una mayor 
liberalización del comercio. A nuestro juicio, estos son hoy principios fundamentales y por ello los 
destacamos.  
4.240.   Para este sexto Examen, Chile formuló 10 consultas cuyas respuestas agradecemos.  
4.241.   Deseamos a Suiza y Liechtenstein una exitosa revisión de su política comercial en este 
exam en. 
REPÚBLICA  DOMINICANA  
4.242.   Las relaciones entre Suiza y República Dominicana se iniciaron hace aproximadamente 
80 años, y desde entonces no han dejado de crecer y estrecharse. Suiza es el sexto destino en 
valor de las exportaciones totales de República Domin icana, alcanzando un total de 727.5 millones 
de dólares EE.UU. para el período 2010 -2016. Asimismo, Suiza ocupa el sexto lugar en 
importancia, como origen de inversión extranjera directa para nuestro país.   
4.243.   Felicitamos a ambos países por el manejo de su e conomía, la cual como indica el informe 
de la Secretaría, y a pesar de la crisis económica que ha afectado a todo el mundo desde el 2008, 
es muy diversificada y avanzada, y ha salido airosa ante las perturbaciones causadas por los 
problemas económicos de l a zona del euro y por la apreciación de su moneda el franco suizo, todo 
esto en base a la prudencia fiscal. La economía suiza ha seguido creciendo un promedio del 1,5% 
en el período 2013 -2015, y la tasa de desempleo se ha mantenido relativamente baja (4,5% ). Sin 
embargo, Suiza sigue teniendo desafíos importantes en relación a la competitividad, la fortaleza 
del franco suizo, los elevados precios internos, y la productividad.  
4.244.   El principal sector de la economía suiza es el de los servicios que representa cerc a del 74% 
del PIB, pero también tiene una industria manufacturera sólida, que cuenta con alta tecnología y 
está orientada a la exportación y que representa aproximadamente el 19% del PIB. En el caso de 
Liechtenstein, el sector industrial es importante, rep resentante el 41% del PIB y es seguido por los 
servicios financieros que representa el 25% del PIB.  
4.245.   Destacamos también como elemento positivo, el hecho de que Suiza ha sabido diversificar 
sus mercados de exportación, y a pesar de que la Unión Europea sigu e siendo su principal 
mercado de exportación e importación, también  ha registrado un aumento significativo de las 
exportaciones a los Estados Unidos y a China. La industria química y farmacéutica es el mayor WT/TPR/W/131  • Switzerland and Liechtenstein  
 
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  sector de exportación del país; en 2015 alcanzó  unos 85.000 millones de francos suizos o más del 
40% del total de las exportaciones de mercancías.  
4.246.   En cuanto al régimen comercial, tanto Suiza como Liechtenstein siguen teniendo un 
régimen de comercio en general abierto, y propugnan por una mayor liberal ización del Comercio. 
En este sentido, saludamos la ratificación del Acuerdo de Facilitación de Comercio por ambos 
países.  
4.247.   Por otro lado, es de destacar el alto grado de protección del sector agrícola así como el 
hecho de que todos los aranceles aplicados son específicos, como dos elementos que se deben 
mejorar.  
4.248.   También, llama la atención el régimen de constitución de reservas obligatorias para 
determinados productos, a través de las contribuciones al fondo de garantía, el cual, junto a los 
aranceles aplic ados pueden llegar a exceder los compromisos consolidados de Suiza en varias 
líneas arancelarias, lo cual debe ser tomado en cuenta y corregido.  
4.249.   Felicitamos a Suiza y a Liechtenstein por las reformas realizadas en los servicios bancarios 
al adoptar el int ercambio automático de información en materia fiscal, con el fin de evitar el fraude 
fiscal y el blanqueo de dinero.  
4.250.   Hemos presentado varias preguntas a Suiza, en relación a los contingentes arancelarios y 
a ciertas medidas que afectan las importaciones, cuyas respuestas agradecemos. Finalmente, solo 
nos queda desearle a Suiza mucho éxito en este examen y en el futuro.  
SINGAPORE  
4.251.   The connections between Singapore, Switzerland and Liechtenstein run deep. We are all 
small, open economies with limited natural resources, which are highly reliant on international 
trade for our growth. Our approach to trade, openness and globalisation are similar. It is therefore 
not surprising that the Singapore -EFTA Free Trade Agreement which came into force in 2003 was 
the firs t FTA signed between EFTA and an Asian country. Last year, Switzerland was Singapore's 
3rd largest European trading partner, and 4th largest source of FDI from Europe. Our bilateral 
trade with Liechtenstein has also been on the upward trend,  
4.252.   During the pe riod under review, both Switzerland and Liechtenstein have emerged as an 
oasis of stability and resilience amidst volatile global and regional developments. Despite the 
challenges, both economies have done well, and more importantly, maintained its progres sive 
posture towards trade and liberalisation. We note with particular interest Switzerland's Growth 
Agenda 2016 –2019, which is focused on tackling labour productivity growth, strengthening the 
resilience of the economy, and improving resources and infrast ructure productivity. We commend 
the Swiss Government for taking proactive steps to embrace these challenges, which we, too, face 
in Singapore. We would therefore be interested to learn from, and exchange ideas on how best to 
address these structural issue s as our economies mature.  
4.253.   We note also that the Growth Agenda comprises, amongst others, measures to open up 
the Swiss economy to imports to increase competition in the domestic market, and to enable the 
digital economy. In this regard, while we have abs olutely no doubt about the tastiness and quality 
of Swiss agriculture products, reducing the disparity between the average tariffs for agriculture 
products (30.8%) and that for non -agriculture products (2.3%) is one area which would benefit 
both the Swiss economy, and consumers alike. We also look forward to the implementation of 
measures such as the raising of de minimis thresholds for small consignments, which would spur 
the development of a more vibrant e -commerce landscape.  
4.254.   In today's environment of gr owing protectionism and cynicism towards trade, the WTO – 
and the world - needs more Members such as Switzerland and Liechtenstein who are strong 
supporters, and defenders, of the rules -based multilateral trading system. Their faithful 
implementation WTO A greements and commitments, including the Trade Facilitation Agreement 
are commendable. On the plurilaterals, we thank Liechtenstein for its ratification of the revised 
GPA, and note that Switzerland is in the process of doing so; as is the case with the 
implementation of the expanded ITA.  WT/TPR/W/131  • Switzerland and Liechtenstein  
 
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  4.255.   Finally, we would like to say a word about the important contributions of the Swiss 
delegation, in particular, to the work of the WTO. We are reminded week after week in Geneva the 
indispensable role played by the Swiss d elegation – from the convening of the Friends of the 
System group, to the hosting of the annual Davos Informal WTO Ministerial Gathering, to the 
Chairing of the NAMA Negotiating Group, and not forgetting its critical contribution to the 
Ministerial Decisio n on Export Competition in Nairobi. We very much appreciate the facilitative, 
problem -solving, and consensus -building role which generations of Swiss diplomats, including of 
course Ambassador Didier Chambovey and his very able team, have played in upholdin g, and 
advocating for the multilateral trading system. They are indeed very good and true friends of the 
System, and also of Singapore.  
THAILAND  
4.256.   Switzerland and Liechtenstein continue to be important trade partners for Thailand. In 
2016, Switzerland ranked  as Thailand's 15th largest trading partner as bilateral trade grew by 
28% from the previous year reaching a total trade value of approximately US$9 billion. The two 
way trade between the two countries is complementary with Thai exports consists of Gems an d 
jewelleries, electrical machineries, and automobile, while major imports from Switzerland include 
Gems and jewelleries, clock and watches, machineries, and pharmaceutical products.  
4.257.   As for Liechtenstein, the bilateral trade grew by 4.2% in 2016 totalling US$154 million. 
Thailand's major exports to Liechtenstein consist of Gems and jewelleries, glass and glassware, 
and processed meet. While imports include pharmaceutical products, electrical machineries, and 
medical instruments.  
4.258.   We are pleased to note stron g economic fundamentals of Switzerland and Liechtenstein 
which resulted in upward economic growths since the last review. Thailand also commends the two 
countries for their continued efforts to improve their trade and investment environments.  
4.259.   For agricult ure, although we are pleased to note that, in line with its MC10 commitments, 
the Swiss Government has initiated domestic procedures to eliminate export subsidies by 
January  2019, we feel that further work can be done in Market Access for agriculture as th e vast 
difference between average MFN tariffs on agricultural products and non -agricultural products 
remain high at 28.5 percentage points in 2016. The tariffs regime can also be improved with 
simplification of the tariffs system as all of Switzerland -Liechtenstein's applied tariffs continue to 
be expressed as specific rates and administration of the tariff quota system continues to be 
complex in nature.  
4.260.   In this review, Thailand submitted a few of questions to Switzerland, covering the policies 
and measures  of our interests such as standards, privatization of STEs, and competition policies. 
We appreciate the prompt replies provided to our questions, for which we will study carefully with 
great interest.  
4.261.   In conclusion, Thailand would like to express its appre ciation to the both the delegations of 
Switzerland and Liechtenstein for today's presentation. We are thankful for the cooperation with 
both countries in every level, and wish them every success in their 5th joint Trade Policy Review.  
JAPAN  
4.262.   It is a pleasur e for Japan to take part in the TPR meeting for Switzerland and 
Liechtenstein.  
4.263.   Needless to say, Liechtenstein and Switzerland are two important political and economic 
partners for Japan. Japan is ready to make constant efforts to maintain and develop such  good 
relationships.  
4.264.   According to the Swiss Government, the Swiss economy recovered from stagnation in the 
latter half of 2016, supported mainly by domestic consumption. 1.7% of GDP growth rate in 2017 
and 1.9% in 2018 are forecasted. Following the recover y of the economy, the unemployment rate 
is also expected to be at a very low level of 3.2% in 2017 and 3.1% in 2018. These results are due 
to the growth in domestic consumption, the steady increase in population and also the growth of WT/TPR/W/131  • Switzerland and Liechtenstein  
 
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  exports of pharmaceut ical, machinery, electronic equipment and metal industry. Japan evaluates 
them positively.  
4.265.   These strong economic indicators are based on the assumption that the Swiss franc will be 
stable. As mentioned in the Secretariat report, during the review period, t he Swiss National Bank 
had been actively implementing a monetary policy including the well -known negative interest rate 
policy.  
4.266.   Let me make some comments on specific issues.  
4.267.   First, I would like to touch upon the ongoing pension reform. According to the 
announcement of the Swiss Government, the pension reform "AV 2020 pension reform package" 
has been discussed in the Swiss Federal Assembly and has been adopted in March. We have been 
informed that this reform proposal will be put to the national referendum in  September. Said 
reform includes rising the age of starting pension payment of women, reducing the pension 
amount of corporate and welfare pension, maintaining the rate of value added tax rate, which 
appears to be primarily due to addressing the aging of t he population. Japan faces similar 
challenges and has great interest in this reform. Japan would like Switzerland to explain how it 
was discussed at the Federal Assembly and the prospects for a referendum.  
4.268.   Second, some reports noted that the State Secretar iat for Economic Affairs (SECO) is now 
preparing a report about robots for discussions in autumn. According to the reports, this report by 
the SECO will focus on the impact of digitization and automation on employment and the social 
security system. Regard ing technology substitution by Artificial Intelligence, we hope that Swiss 
Government proceeds with a calm discussion based on objective facts. Japan would like the Swiss 
Government to explain the current situation of the preparation of the SECO's report.  
4.269.   In conclusion, I would like to express our strong wish to continue cooperation among 
Liechtenstein, Switzerland and Japan.  
4.270.   We wish Liechtenstein and Switzerland every success in this Trade Policy Review.  
REPUBLIC  OF KOREA  
4.271.   Korea and Switzerland  have develo ped a strong economic relationship since the  
establishment of diplomatic relations  in 196 3. Our economic relations have continued to deepen 
since the FTA between Korea and the EFTA came into force in 2006.  
4.272.   As a result , the volume of bilateral trade reache d a record level in 2015, amounting to 
approximately US$4 billion. Korea is Switzerland's fifth -largest export market in Asia, while 
Switzerland is Korea's ninth -largest  export destination as of 2015.  
4.273.   Korea's total stock of investment in Switzerland reache d US$123 million in 2015. 
Switzerland has substantially increased its investment in Korea, with the cumulative amount 
reaching US$2.5 billion. With regard to Lichtenstein, we are pleased to witness that our bilateral 
trade volume is steadily increasing, ac counting for US$18 million in 2015.   
4.274.   From a trade policy perspective, as the Secretariat's report noted, there has been no 
drastic change during the review period.  
4.275.   The structure of the applied MFN tariff2 and the competition regimes of Switzerland and 
Liechtenstein have changed little. Both countries remain generally open to foreign investment, and 
no specific trade concerns have been raised in the TBT and SPS Committees. It is also noteworthy 
that Switzerland and Liechtenstein do not have any specific an ti-dumping, countervailing or 
safeguard legislation, and have never applied such measures.  
                                                
2 The average applied MFN tariff was 9.0% in 2016, compared with a simple average o f 9.2% in 2012. 
MFN tariffs on agricultural products averaged 30.8% in 2016, while the average for non -agricultural products 
was 2.3%.  WT/TPR/W/131  • Switzerland and Liechtenstein  
 
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  4.276.   As the Secretariat also noted, we appreciate that Switzerland and Liechtenstein have 
strongly supported the multilateral trading system. Both countries formally acc epted the Trade 
Facilitation Agreement (TFA) in September 2015, and have participated in plurilateral agreements 
such as the expansion of the ITA and the revised  GPA. In addition, Switzerland has submitted well 
over 100 notifications on a broad range of su bjects, showing its commitment to implementing the 
WTO Agreements.  
4.277.   We commend Switzerland for playing  a constructive role in the WTO negotiations. 
Switzerland has made great contributions to the negotiations by hosting the Informal WTO 
Ministerial Gatheri ng during the annual World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos. Furthermore, 
Ambassador Chambovey is making efforts to seek convergence in NAMA as Chair. He is also 
presiding over the Friends of the System (FoS) meeting, in which middle -grounders share their 
views and information on the ongoing negotiations. As a G10 coordinator, Switzerland continues 
making endeavo urs to facilitate agricultural discussions.  
4.278.   We should  take note as well that the Swiss Government has initiated domestic procedures 
to eliminate expor t subsidies by January 2019, in line with commitments made at the WTO 
Ministerial Conference in Nairobi. Despite these steps, as (the previous speakers and) the 
Secretariat' s report noted, the agriculture sector in Switzerland remains vulnerable to a more 
competitive environment, highlighting the need for more market -oriented reforms.  
4.279.   Notwithstanding the strong  performance  of both countries , Korea must mention its concern 
about Switzerland's visa programme. According to Korean companies doing business in 
Switzerland, they have experienced  difficulties in relation to excessive administrative procedures  of 
visa issuance and renewal for foreign nationals, which can function as a non-tariff barrier (NTB).  
4.280.   My delegation has submitted , albeit somewhat late,  our wr itten questions on this point.  We 
look forward to receiving answers in due course .  
4.281.   Korea fully share s the view expressed in both Government reports that the multilateral 
trading system has to be strengthened . It is my sincere hope that we will seize the o pportunity 
afforded by MC11 to achieve deliverables and reinforce the system against the backdrop of rising 
protectionism.  In this regard, we expect and trust that Switzerland and Liechtenstein will make a 
meaningful contribution to ensur ing the success of  MC11 in Buenos Aires.  
4.282.   With this, we would like to express our deep appreciation to the Swiss and Liechtenstein  
delegation for their hard work and wish them every success in this TPR.  
TURKEY  
4.283.   There is no question that the Swiss economy has proven to be hi ghly resilient especially in 
the aftermath of global economic and financial shocks.  
4.284.   Bearing in mind that Switzerland's biggest trading partner is the EU, its economic activity 
will also be determined to a great extent by the economic recovery in Europe, wh ich remains to be 
fragile. The question for the period ahead will be to maintain this resiliency, something the EU and 
the OECD have put at the center of their discussions.  
4.285.   Strong Swiss franc, weak productivity growth and being high -priced economy remain as 
important issues to tackle.   
4.286.   The EU is also Turkey's single biggest trading partner, something we have in common with 
Switzerland. We will be following the implementation of the New Growth Policy for the term 
2016-2019, centered on the further opening to imports.  
4.287.   Turkey commends the commitment of Switzerland to the multilateral trading system and 
active participation in it. Turkey will also be closely following Switzerland in its efforts to support 
the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.  
4.288.   The intr oduction of the Registered Exporter system (REX system) on 1 January 2017 is 
noteworthy as a trade facilitation measure for LDC's.  WT/TPR/W/131  • Switzerland and Liechtenstein  
 
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  4.289.   We welcome that Switzerland hasn't been involved in any dispute settlement cases as a 
respondent during the period under rev iew.  
4.290.   Turkey has a well -established framework for trade with Switzerland and Liechtenstein. 
Indeed, one of Turkey's first Free Trade Agreements was concluded with EFTA in 1991.  
4.291.   The Agreement covers industrial products, processed agricultural, fish and mari ne 
products, and complements Turkey -EU and Swiss -EU and EEA (for Liechtenstein) agreements. 
Revision of parts of Turkey -EFTA FTA is underway, which we hope will stimulate more activity.  
4.292.   The "High -Level Consultation Mechanism" established in 2001 has proven  to be functional. 
Its seventh meeting was in November 2017. It also brought the representatives of the private 
sector with the most trade activity. We find this platform highly useful and intend to utilize it as 
much as possible to address important trade  related issues.   
4.293.   One expectation is the application of rules and regulations in product safety, quality and 
standardization. Products under the FTA enjoy a smooth movement between the Parties.  
4.294.   However, for products not covered by the FTA, we continue to  face difficulties that 
negatively impacts bilateral trade. For instance, high customs duties applied by Switzerland to a 
number of food products hinder market access for those products. The Swiss Agricultural Code has 
a similar effect as it discriminates between the imports of products that are produced in 
Switzerland and those that are not. It also sets up quotas for the import of seasonal products off 
season.  
4.295.   On the other hand, the difficulty of employing workers from non -EU and non -EFTA 
countries, Canto n-based working quotas, visa application procedures, the high cost of domestic 
labour and services and the relatively conservative structure of the Swiss construction sector 
constitute deterrents for Turkish construction firms.  
4.296.   When it comes to trade flow , the volume of trade between Turkey and Switzerland has had 
ups and downs between US$5 and US$10 billion.  
4.297.   One of the reasons for this is the difference in the way Turkey and Switzerland register 
gold. Gold has been a key component, which accounts over ha lf of our trade. If we do not take 
that into account that numbers look steady. This is also true for other countries' balance sheets 
with Switzerland.  
4.298.   With respect to the trade policy regimes of Switzerland and Liechtenstein, Turkey 
submitted a number of written questions in advance, seeking further clarification on policy 
direction and approach. We look forward to receiving responses in due course.  
INDIA  
4.299.   Switzerland is a high income country with strong institutions and good governance. 
Liechtenstein also is a small but wealthy country with a vibrant industrial sector, financial services 
industry and a diversified economy. During the period under review we note that, despite the 
challenging global environment the Swiss economy which is well diversified, con tinued to grow at 
an average rate of 1.5% between 2013 -15 with a relatively low rate of unemployment. The current 
account of Switzerland also has been traditionally surplus and it is a key destination for foreign 
direct investment. The key challenges for t he Swiss economy include maintenance of competitive 
edge despite strong currency, high prices, weak productivity growth and complexity of relations 
with the EU. We commend the Swiss Government for the various measures and policies 
undertaken to further str engthen the economy and sustained efforts to preserve its competitive 
position. As part of the growth agenda, the Government is focussing on labour productivity growth, 
strengthening resilience of the economy and improving resources and infrastructure prod uctivity.  
4.300.   During the period under review, the GDP of Liechtenstein which is essentially an export 
oriented economy continues to grow with the rate of 3% in 2014. Despite its small size, 
Liechtenstein is amongst the highly industrialized countries with comp etitive strengths in high -tech 
niche products and financial services. While the challenges of Liechtenstein are also similar to the WT/TPR/W/131  • Switzerland and Liechtenstein  
 
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  Swiss economy, we commend the Government of Liechtenstein for their measures to promote 
exports and employment.  
4.301.   India shares  warm, friendly and close relations with both Switzerland and Liechtenstein. 
We have a broad framework in place for strengthening commercial relations between both 
countries. The bilateral trade between India and Switzerland stood at US$2.02 billion in 201 5-16. 
The major items of trade between both countries include chemicals, pharmaceuticals, textiles, 
transport equipment and machinery. Investments from Switzerland in India have also continued to 
grow steadily in areas like services, chemicals, food proces sing, etc. with the presence of major 
Swiss multinationals and stood cumulatively at US$3.57 billion in 2016. Indian companies are 
investing in Switzerland in the area of information technology, banking, finance and 
pharmaceuticals.  
4.302.   Recognizing the immense  potential of our relations, India and EFTA have held several 
rounds of negotiations for an Agreement on Trade and Economic Partnership. We hope for an early 
conclusion which would give further fillip to our trade and commercial ties with Switzerland and 
Liechtenstein.  
4.303.   To conclude, we look forward to working closely with the authorities of Switzerland and 
Liechtenstein for further expanding and harnessing the vast potential of our trade and investment 
ties for mutual benefit. We wish the delegations of Swit zerland and Liechtenstein a productive and 
successful TPR.  
PHILIPPINES  
4.304.   Switzerland and Liechtenstein are strong advocates of economic integration and trade 
liberalization. The close economic cooperation between the two countries is reflected in more than 
100 bilateral treaties, the most important of them being the Customs Union Treaty and the 
Currency Union Treaty. Through these treaties, Switzerland is authorized to represent 
Liechtenstein in relevant negotiations and to conclude such treaties with effect in Liechtenstein.  
4.305.   Over the years, both countries continue to negotiate and conclude bilateral and regional 
preferential agreements that complement and support the multilateral trading system. Most of 
these free trade agreements are negotiated, concluded an d administered in association with the 
other European Free Trade Association (EFTA) member States, namely Norway and Iceland.  
4.306.   The Philippines has successfully concluded the Free Trade Agreement with the EFTA in 
April 2016. This FTA seeks to provide greate r market access and increase trade between the 
Philippines and the EFTA countries. The Philippines and the other parties to the Agreement expect 
to complete the ratification process of the FTA within the year.  
4.307.   A Joint Economic Commission (JEC) was also es tablished between the Philippines and 
Switzerland in June 2013. The first meeting of the Commission was held in July 2014. The 
Philippines looks forward to hosting the 3rd JEC Meeting in November this year to further 
invigorate the Philippine -Swiss bilater al trade relations, and pave the way for closer economic 
cooperation in various areas of mutual interest. In 2016, Philippine exports to Switzerland 
increased by 54% and imports from Switzerland to the Philippines went up by more than 10% 
compared to the p revious year.  
4.308.   The Philippines appreciates Switzerland's support in the integration of developing countries 
into the global economy, particularly by strengthening the export capabilities of micro, small, and 
medium enterprises (MSMEs) to participate in int ernational trade.  
4.309.   With the Philippine -EFTA FTA and the Philippine -Switzerland JEC, the Philippines looks 
forward to further enhancing the mutually beneficial economic relations with Switzerland and 
Liechtenstein.  
4.310.   In closing, the Philippines would like to congratulate Secretary of State Marie -Gabrielle 
Ineichen -Fleisch and Ambassador Didier Chambovey of Switzerland, and Ambassador Peter Matt of 
Liechtenstein for their 5th joint trade policy review. Our appreciation also goes to H.E. David WT/TPR/W/131  • Switzerland and Liechtenstein  
 
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  Walker of New Zeal and for his insightful comments as discussant, and to the Secretariat for 
preparing a comprehensive report.  
BURUNDI  
4.311.   Ma délégation note avec satisfaction que la Suisse et le Liechtenstein font partie des 
économies les plus intégrées au niveau mondial avec u n système commercial international fort et 
fondé sur des règles malgré certaines difficultés économiques connues.  
4.312.   Ma délégation salue également la mise en œuvre par la Suisse de la politique agricole 
2014-2017 dotée d'un nouveau cadre de politique qui prév oit principalement la refonte et 
l'ajustement précis du système de paiements directs pour améliorer son efficience et son efficacité 
avec les mesures d'accompagnement en vue de remédier aux contradictions avec les critères de la 
catégorie verte de l'OMC.  
4.313.   Cependant, le Burundi note que la part de l'agriculture dans le PIB suisse est marginale 
(moins de 1%) et en baisse tandis qu'au Liechtenstein, la part de l'agriculture dans le PIB est 
négligeable, bien que les terres agricoles couvrent environ un tiers du  territoire. En même temps, 
les deux pays partagent les défis d'avoir un marché intérieur de très petite taille.  
4.314.   La Suisse et le Liechtenstein accordent un traitement tarifaire préférentiel non réciproque 
aux marchandises originaires des pays bénéficiaires , tandis que tous les produits des PMA 
bénéficient d'un accès en franchise de droits et sans contingent.  
4.315.   Dans le même sens, la Suisse a conscience qu'il est impératif de développer le commerce 
et d'améliorer son fonctionnement pour les pays en développemen t en particulier les PMA – et 
généralement pour le développement durable, conformément au Programme des Nations Unies à 
l'horizon 2030.  
4.316.   Le Burundi soutient que le développement du commerce est l'une des solutions 
multilatérales qui banniraient les discrimi nations entre les pays et qui créeraient des possibilités 
d'intégrer le système commercial multilatéral de tous les Membres.  
4.317.   Ma délégation note que la Suisse et le Liechtenstein appliquent un certain nombre de 
prohibitions et de restrictions à l'importatio n et à l'exportation, principalement pour des raisons de 
sécurité, de santé, de protection de la propriété intellectuelle et de protection de l'environnement, 
ou pour garantir le respect des obligations internationales.  
4.318.   Dans cette perspective, ma délégati on soutient que la Suisse veille à ce que ces mesures 
ne constituent pas des obstacles non nécessaires au commerce.  
4.319.   Pour terminer, le Burundi félicite les deux pays sous examen pour leur engagement à 
participer au renforcement du système commercial multil atéral, à travers la ratification de l'Accord 
sur la facilitation des échanges, la mise sur pied par la Suisse d'un comité national de la facilitation 
des échanges ainsi que les notifications à l'OMC.  
4.320.   En même temps, ma délégation félicite la Suisse pour av oir engagé des procédures 
internes en vue d'éliminer ces subventions à l'exportation d'ici 2019, conformément aux 
engagements pris à la conférence ministérielle de l'OMC de Nairobi.  
4.321.   Ma délégation se réjouira de voir la Suisse accélérer les conclusions des procédures 
d'approbation de l'accord sur le marché public, au niveau fédéral et cantonal, afin de déposer son 
instrument de ratification.  
4.322.   Le Burundi souhaite plein succès à la Suisse et au Liechtenstein à l'occasion de leur 5ème 
Examen des politiques comm erciales.  
VIET  NAM 
4.323.   Switzerland and Liechtenstein are among the wealthiest countries in the world and rank 
high on quality of life indices. Switzerland has also been recognized as the most competitive WT/TPR/W/131  • Switzerland and Liechtenstein  
 
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  economy in the world in 2016 by the World Economic Forum  for the seventh consecutive year. It 
leads the world in its capacity to innovate and scores highly for its education system and labour 
market efficiency.  
4.324.   Viet Nam has been enjoying stable trading relations with Switzerland and Liechtenstein. 
Development w ill continue to be an important dimension of the Viet Nam -Switzerland cooperation 
strategy for the period of 2017 -2020, in which Switzerland is going to provide ODA for Viet Nam to 
implement joint projects supporting the promotion of institution and econom ic policies, assisting 
the building of competitive and effective private economic sector, and helping the sustainable 
urban development and climate change response.  
4.325.   Viet Nam, Switzerland and Liechtenstein are actively taking part in the negotiations of th e 
Viet Nam –EFTA free trade agreement, which aims at further liberalization of trade and investment 
among the partners in order to unleash the potential for future cooperation. We hope that the two 
sides will reach a balanced outcome in the near future, tak ing into account the different levels of 
economic development between the two parties.  
4.326.   Viet Nam would also like to highlight the importance which Switzerland and Liechtenstein 
place on an active participation in the multilateral trading system. I would lik e to acknowledge the 
constructive role Switzerland plays in various negotiations groups within the WTO, which 
demonstrates the commitment of Switzerland and Liechtenstein in supporting the multilateral 
trading system.  
4.327.   Viet Nam wishes to commend Switzerland  and Liechtenstein on their economic 
performance in the aftermath of the global economic crisis, and for their good standings amongst 
the most competitive and innovative economies in the world. We also commend their generally 
open trade regimes, strong sup port for expanding global trade. We look forward to enhancing the 
Viet Nam – Switzerland and Liechtenstein connectivity even further in the years to come.  
4.328.   We wish Switzerland and Liechtenstein a successful trade policy review.   
NEPAL  
4.329.   The consistent positi on taken by Switzerland as a staunch supporter of the multilateral 
trading system, coupled by liberal trade and investment policies, are appreciable. We commend 
the positive role played by Switzerland over the years in DDA negotiations, support for Aid for  
Trade initiatives, provisions for DFQF market access, simplified rules of origin and notification of 
services waiver for LDCs.  
4.330.   The support extended to LDCs through EIF tier II programme, and trade facilitation 
support programme in cooperation with World Bank are also mention -worthy. As trade plays a 
crucial role in economic growth, sustainable development, job creation and poverty reduction and 
can be an important tool for realization of Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development, Switzerland 
could play an e xemplary role by lowering technical barriers to trade to the products of LDCs.  
4.331.   Nepal is a longstanding beneficiary of Swiss aid and technical cooperation, which has made 
significant good impact on our socio -economic life. In line with the excellent bilater al cooperation, 
we want to attract more Swiss investment in trade -enhancing industrial ventures. Given similar 
geographic situation of high mountainous landlocked terrains, some of the landmark successes 
achieved by Switzerland in the areas of value chains  development and servicification of trade draw 
our attention to take lessons for shaping our own future in the multilateral trading system. 
Harnessing renewable energy, especially hydropower, and rich biodiversity products and tourism 
potentials through va lue chains development are among our priority in which we could work 
together.  
4.332.   To conclude, the delegation of Nepal once again commends the role played by Switzerland 
in advancing the rules -based open and fair multilateral trading system, and its favourabl e 
disposition to LDC agenda. I wish a successful trade policy review of Switzerland.  WT/TPR/W/131  • Switzerland and Liechtenstein  
 
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  MONTENEGRO  
4.333.   Montenegro would like to associate itself with the statement of the European Union.  
4.334.   Montenegro congratulates Switzerland and Liechtenstein for being stable an d important 
pillars of the EFTA and the role models of vibrant, innovative and advanced economies in the heart 
of Europe. We commend Switzerland for showing resilience against the headwinds from the 
economic challenges including consolidation of its financ ial position after departure from the 
minimum currency peg to the euro and the strong Swiss franc, and on ensuring that the economy 
grew by modest but steady 1.5% on average in 2013 -2015, accompanied by a relatively low 
unemployment rate of 4.5%. Montenegr o similarly commends Lichtenstein for a strong economic 
performance during the challenging times. Against the backdrop of economic parameters during 
the sluggish economic results in the neighbouring economies, such trends are very impressive.  
4.335.   Montenegro o bserves that Liechtenstein has a diverse economy, which is based on a 
comparatively large industrial section and the financial services industry (about 41% and 25% of 
GDP respectively); and most sectors are open to national and foreign investment (subject to 
residency requirements), except for restrictions on: the purchase of real estate, production, trade 
and transport of electricity, gas and water.   
4.336.   Montenegro equally observes that Switzerland remains among the top destinations for 
foreign direct investm ents; and that economic sectors are open to investment, including by 
foreigners. While investment restrictions continue to apply to activities under state monopolies, 
including certain rail transport services and telecommunication, Montenegro is pleased to  see that 
foreign investment is an important aspect of the Swiss and Liechtenstein economies.   
4.337.   Of particular interest to Montenegro is the importance that Liechtenstein attaches to the 
WTO and the rules based multilateral trading system, as well as Switze rland's commitment to the 
WTO. We would like to congratulate Switzerland and Liechtenstein for the ratification of the Trade 
Facilitation Agreement and we equally recognize their successful participation in the plurilateral 
ITA II and GPA. We are looking f orward to Switzerland's final ratification of the revised GPA soon. 
Montenegro is firmly committed to the WTO and the multilateral trading system and looks forward 
to further cooperating with Switzerland and Liechtenstein as we approach the MC11. In additi on, 
we value the EEA/EFTA deep cooperation based on 25 free trade agreements in force with 
35 partners outside the European Union in which both Liechtenstein and Switzerland participate.  
4.338.   On the bilateral side, Montenegro has strong and sound relationships with both countries 
strengthened by the agreement within the EFTA as an important cooperation framework that 
entered into force in 2012 with political and diplomatic contacts at all levels. The first review of the 
implementation of the agreement was held i n 2014 proving our mutual commitment, economic 
cooperation and reliable partnership. We want to use this opportunity to extend our interest for 
the next second review and to thank Liechtenstein for being our contact country and for further 
consideration of  this request in the upcoming months. In addition, we are pleased to report that 
the Investment promotion agreement signed between Switzerland and Montenegro has resulted in 
significant increase of the FDI originating from Switzerland. This includes the 12  years investment 
project to be implemented in 3 phases in one of the top tourist destination in Montenegro 
projected in the amount of €1.1 billion. In addition, total FDI since 2007 from Switzerland 
amounted for over €480 million. Montenegro is eager to e xpand the economic cooperation with 
both markets, to learn from the specific opportunities arise from Liechtenstein's identity as a small 
State and the innovative capacity of Switzerland. We will continue to appreciate both countries' 
valuable contribution  to the international community and sustainable trade and development.  
4.339.   Finally, Montenegro is looking forward to continuing excellent and constructive 
engagement with both Switzerland and Lichtenstein Missions in Geneva. I express our deep 
appreciation to  Ambassador Chambovey and Ambassador Matt for their contribution to the work of 
the WTO and for the continuous support to my delegation. We wish both States every success in 
their fifth joint Trade Policy Review.  WT/TPR/W/131  • Switzerland and Liechtenstein  
 
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  SRI LANKA  
4.340.   My delegation notes with interes t the economic achievements of Switzerland and 
Liechtenstein by maintaining an average economic growth of 1.5% during the period of 2013 -15 
with the relative low unemployment rate despite many economic impediments in the region, and in 
particular in the eu ro zone. Strong industrial sector complemented by financial and other services 
of Switzerland have contributed significantly for a stable economy, despite its own limited 
domestic market.  
4.341.   Both Switzerland and Liechtenstein's commitments to a rules -based mu ltilateral trading 
system are commendable. They have contributed effectively to WTO TBT, SPS and TRIPS 
measures, Trade Facilitation Agreement, expansion of the Information Technology Agreement 
(ITA II), and both countries have not been involved in any disp ute settlement cases as a 
complainant or respondent during the period of review. Further, we noted Liechtenstein became 
the first WTO Member to ratify the revised plurilateral Agreement on Government Procurement in 
2013, while Switzerland also intends to r atify the revised GPA. We appreciate the initiations taken 
by Switzerland and Liechtenstein to eliminate the agriculture export subsidies.   
4.342.   It is also interesting to note that the high degree of predictability in 
Switzerland -Liechtenstein's import tariff structure. In 2016, the average applied MFN tariff was 
9.0% compared with a simple average of 9.2% in 2012. MFN tariffs on agricultural products 
averaged 30.8% in 2016, while the average for non -agricultural products was 2.3%. The Energy 
Strategy 2050 with  increased emphasized on renewable energy is another notable directive of the 
Swiss Government.  
4.343.   Let me briefly reflect on the bilateral trade relations between two countries. The total trade 
turnover which stood at US$229.2 million in 2015 between two cou ntries has increased to 
US$376.6 million in 2016 registering the significant increase by 64%. Switzerland is the 21st 
largest market destination for Sri Lankan products and the 25th largest supplier to Sri Lanka. 
Export of Electronic machinery and equipmen t and parts has become dominant and accounted for 
43% of Sri Lankan exports to Switzerland in 2016 followed by Diamonds and Gems. Gold is the top 
most importing item to Sri Lanka from Switzerland over the recent years and which accounted for 
50% of total i mports in 2016 followed by pharmaceuticals. Sri Lanka has been a beneficiary from 
the Switzerland GSP scheme and it has facilitated Sri Lanka to strength in its market positions in 
Switzerland.   
4.344.   More than 26 Swiss companies including Nestle, Holcim & Baur 's are currently operating in 
Sri Lanka. The latest conglomerate to add to this directory is Hotel Movenpick which was opened a 
week ago in the heart of the capital Colombo.  
4.345.   In the multilateral front, my delegation appreciates Switzerland's contribution t o the 
multilateral trading system and its active engagement in the negotiations in the WTO. We 
appreciate the dynamic role played by Ambassador Didier and his team in proactively engaging in 
ongoing activities of WTO is highly commendable.  
4.346.   In concluding, m y delegation sincerely wishes Switzerland and Liechtenstein delegations a 
successful deliberation on their fifth joint Trade Policy Review.  
ALBANIA  
4.347.   The Switzerland economy has shown resilience against the headwinds from the economic 
problems in Europe and in the World which has continued to grow by 1.5% on average in 2013 -15, 
and with low unemployment. This advanced and performed economy managed with fiscal 
prudence is also the outcome of good governance with a direct democracy system in the country 
which c onstitutes a model for many economies in the World. The same assessment goes to 
Liechtenstein economy which is based on a comparatively large industrial sector and the financial 
services industry as well as highly export -oriented.  
4.348.   This is why the 5th Swis s and Liechtenstein TPR has great interests among members to 
further learn from their trade policy achievements, their engagements in the World trade affairs in 
particular their role in the ongoing negotiations in many issues that our Organization is facin g with.   WT/TPR/W/131  • Switzerland and Liechtenstein  
 
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  4.349.   Albania echoes Switzerland and Liechtenstein foreign trade policy which seeks to promote 
economic growth, increasing trade in goods and services and transfer of technology in the world. 
Both Government delegations in WTO are actively engaged in m ultilateral negotiations, as well as 
in regional or plurilateral settings.  
4.350.   It is to mention here some of the WTO agreements and the active participation of 
Switzerland and Liechtenstein like:  
1. both formally they accepted the Trade Facilitation Agreement i n September 2015;  
2. the tariff reductions resulting from the expansion Information Technology Agreement 
(ITA II) are being implemented; and more  
3. Liechtenstein became the first WTO Member to ratify the revised plurilateral Agreement on 
Government Procurement , while Switzerland intends to ratify this agreement in parallel with 
ongoing reforms aimed at harmonizing its procurement regime at the federal and cantonal 
levels.  
4.351.   In any WTO negotiation, It is important the transparency principle as one of the basic 
negotiating principles. Switzerland and Liechtenstein, by submitting over 100 notifications on a 
broad range of subjects, they are the best example respecting broadly this principle and, 
consequently, they are not involved in any dispute settlement cases as a complainant or 
respondent during the period under review.  
4.352.   Bilaterally, Albania and Switzerland have assessed the bilateral relations as priority and 
strategic importance, and both countries have established a long term partnership in particular in 
econo mic, trade and technical and financial assistance. For example, Swiss governmental 
assistance by SDC and SECO programmes for 2014 -2017 reached SwF 88 million which is the 
higher compared with other Western Balkans countries.  
4.353.   These contributions and assista nce along with the encouragement of the business 
community in investment and trade are welcome and very much appreciated by Albanian 
government which is a direct contribution to further economic and social development in the 
country as well as to the democ ratic stabilization process in the region.  
4.354.   With Liechtenstein, the relations started more than two decades ago with humanitarian 
aids, and there are potentials of development in the area of trade and investments.  
4.355.   Finally, we welcome and appreciate the com mitments of Switzerland and Liechtenstein to 
the multilateral trading system because we think the strong engagement of the important trading 
players is essential to advance negotiations in multilateral trading System. In addition, Albania will 
continue to be engaged with the Switzerland and Liechtenstein delegations and other Members' 
delegations to implement the post -Nairobi work programme, and to get tangible outcomes in 
upcoming MC11 in Argentina in December 2017.  
4.356.   As conclusion, Albania wishes to Switzer land and Liechtenstein a successful and productive 
TPR. 
BÉNIN  
4.357.   La délégation du Bénin s'associe à la déclaration faite par le Cambodge au nom du Groupe 
des Pays les moins avancés (PMA).  
4.358.   La délégation du Bénin salue les efforts déployés par la Suisse et le L iechtenstein depuis 
leurs derniers Examens en 2013.  
4.359.   Ouvertes, innovantes, compétitives et tournées vers l'exportation, les économies de la 
Suisse et du Liechtenstein offrent des modèles de succès, à maints égards, soutenues par des 
infrastructures de grand e qualité basés sur l'innovation, la recherche, le développement et les 
technologies de pointe, des services professionnels de niveau élevé et des services financiers 
structurés et diversifiés.  WT/TPR/W/131  • Switzerland and Liechtenstein  
 
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  4.360.   Elles ont également une grande capacité d'adaptation aux besoi ns et exigences des 
marchés, ce qui n'est pas un moindre avantage, tout au contraire. Le lien fonctionnel établi entre 
économie et environnement en est une illustration parfaite.  
4.361.   La Suisse est un acteur majeur de la défense du Système commercial multilatér al. Elle l'a 
démontré à travers ses contributions constructives aux travaux de négociations multilatérales 
commerciales, visant à ajouter des résultats dans le cadre du Cycle commercial de Doha. La 
ratification, en septembre 2016, de l'Accord de l'OMC sur la Facilitation des échanges en est une 
preuve manifeste. Dans le cadre de l'intégration des Pays les moins avancés (PMA) dans le 
Système commercial multilatéral, elle apporte également de précieuses contributions financières 
au Budget du programme du Cadr e intégré renforcé (CIR), notamment à sa deuxième phase.  
4.362.   Il convient de souligner également les bonnes pratiques de la Suisse en faveur de la 
promotion du commerce dans le cadre de l'Aide pour le commerce et du renforcement des 
capacités de production et d 'exportation des PME.  
4.363.   La délégation du Bénin remercie la Suisse pour l'assistance précieuse qu'elle lui apporte 
dans la réalisation de projets et programmes économiques et sociaux, spécifiquement dans le 
domaine de l'éducation, le développement agricole et  rural, de promotion de la sécurité 
alimentaire, de construction d'infrastructures socio -sanitaires et éducatives, de la promotion du 
genre et de la culture béninoise, toutes initiatives qui contribuent à lutter contre la pauvreté et 
soutenir la réalisatio n des Objectifs de développement durable à l'Horizon 2030.  
4.364.   Au titre du renforcement des capacités productives et d'exportation du coton et de ses 
produits dérivés, la délégation du Bénin souhaiterait bénéficier de l'accompagnement de la Suisse 
et du Liecht enstein, ainsi que des autres partenaires bilatéraux, régionaux et multilatéraux, pour la 
mise en œuvre du Programme route du coton qui offre un potentiel important de développement 
des chaînes de valeur, de création d'emplois et de lutte contre la pauvret é dans les pays du C -4, et 
au-delà dans les autres Pays les moins avancés et en développement appartenant aux mêmes 
régions que les pays du C -4.   
4.365.   La délégation du Bénin salue la poursuite par le Liechtenstein de la politique d'ouverture 
économique et comm erciale qu'il mène, particulièrement dans les secteurs de l'industrie et des 
services.  
4.366.   Tout comme la Suisse, le Liechtenstein est un acteur engagé dans la promotion et la 
défense du Système commercial multilatéral.  
4.367.   La délégation du Bénin félicite les Amba ssadeurs Didier Chambovey et Peter Matt, et leurs 
équipes pour leurs engagements dans les travaux de négociations commerciales multilatérales, et 
pour les interactions constructives qu'ils font avec les autres délégations, en particulier celles des 
PMA. 
4.368.   Elle remercie le Secrétariat de l'OMC et les Gouvernements de la Suisse et du Liechtenstein 
pour les Rapports très informatifs élaborés dans le cadre de la présente session d'Examen des 
politiques commerciales des pays.  
4.369.   Elle souhaite plein succès à la Suiss e et au Liechtenstein, et un examen réussi de leurs 
politiques commerciales.  
CAMBODIA  ON BEHALF  OF THE LDC GROUP  
4.370.   Switzerland and Liechtenstein are among the most integrated countries in the world, due 
both to their geographical location and to their econom ic policy choices.  
4.371.   We note that the integration of both countries into the world economy depends mainly on 
their trade with the EU. In the case of Switzerland, in particular, the level of exports to the EU, in 
2015, was 54% of total exports, while imports from the EU were representing 72% of total 
imports.  WT/TPR/W/131  • Switzerland and Liechtenstein  
 
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  4.372.   In the context of trade relations with the LDCs, the report of the Secretariat indicates that 
the products imported by both countries from LDCs reached to 8.4% of the total imports, in 2015. 
This rate ha s grown gradually since 2012, as the level of imports from LDCs was at 5.4% of the 
total imports.  
4.373.   The export level from the LDCs to both countries is positive and has been achieved 
although it is still relatively low. We thank to the preferences scheme for  LDCs. LDCs benefit from 
duty-free and quota -free market access for both countries, for 100% of agricultural and non -
agricultural products.  
4.374.   However, significant progress remains to be made in order for LDCs to be able to export 
more to them, given that the  rate of use of preferences granted was 51%, in 2015, according to 
the Secretariat report. Thus, only half of the potential of GSP is realized.  
4.375.   The adoption of an electronic system for the registration of exporters (REX system) is one 
of recent initiatives  taken by Switzerland and Liechtenstein, this can contribute to the export 
potential of LDCs. As part of the implementation of the Nairobi Decision on preferential rules of 
origin for LDCs, this system allows LDC exporters a self -certification of the origi n in order to 
benefit from the Swiss GSP since 1 January 2017. On the other hand, the system is designed to 
significantly reduce the administrative burden of documentary and procedural requirements for 
LDCs.  
4.376.   This initiative appears to be modern and effecti ve in facilitating access to the markets of 
Switzerland and Liechtenstein. However, we would like the Members to re -consider the mandatory 
requirement for the registration of exporters by electronic means, as many LDCs have problems 
with the existence of e lectronic infrastructures, not to mention training requirements, which we 
hope can be provided for LDCs.  
4.377.   We welcome the adoption by the Federal Council of Switzerland, on 1 April 2016, of an 
Ordinance that terminates export subsidies on products for LDCs, in accordance with the Nairobi 
Decision.  
4.378.   LDCs also welcome the fact that Switzerland has notified its preferential treatment for 
services and service suppliers of LDCs. We applaud Switzerland for introduced preferences beyond 
Article XVI measures as well. We hope that Switzerland can provide further assistance in line with 
paragraph 1.5 of the Nairobi Decision to help implement the preferences provided in their 
notification so that LDC suppliers on the ground can appreciate the good news about the 
notificat ions. 
4.379.   Switzerland is a privileged partner with whom LDCs wish to further develop trade relations. 
The LDCs appreciate Switzerland's support for the initiative "Aid for Trade" and its commitment to 
phase II of the EIF. We rely heavily on Switzerland and Lie chtenstein to maintain their visions of 
enhancing trade capacities of developing countries, especially LDCs.  
4.380.   Finally, we would like to express our appreciation to Switzerland and Liechtenstein, in 
particular to Ambassador Didier Chambovey and his delegatio n for their constructive engagement 
with our delegations here in Geneva. The LDCs wish both countries a successful of their trade 
policy review.  
KYRGYZ  REPUBLIC  
4.381.   Switzerland and Liechtenstein are the most stable and resilient trading Members of the 
WTO. The y continue to be strong supporters of a rules -based multilateral trading system, making 
successful steps on the WTO platform by accepting and acceding to numerous agreements on 
trade facilitation and promotion. The two countries have worldwide trade networ k and vividly 
demonstrate the promotion of high quality and high -technology production all over the countries.  
4.382.   Switzerland continues to be one of the strategic partners of Kyrgyzstan both bilaterally and 
within the framework of international organizations and institutions. The areas of cooperation differ 
from trade capacity building and fostering economic development of Kyrgyzstan to strengthening 
governmental institutions and promoting rule of law. It is worth mentioning that Switzerland is one WT/TPR/W/131  • Switzerland and Liechtenstein  
 
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  of the main  donors and assist partners of Kyrgyzstan and it participates in implementation of 
several national programmes and development strategies in my country, to which we are very 
much thankful to Swiss colleagues.  
4.383.   Switzerland remains one of the main export dest inations of the Kyrgyz Republic as well. 
Trade between the two countries within recent years has risen to some extent from percentage 
point of view. While export from Kyrgyzstan to Switzerland mainly includes golden and silver bars 
and coins, we do import from Switzerland chemical and pharmaceutical products, equipment and 
electric devices, watches and jewellery, paper and foodstuff.  
4.384.   The Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation existing between 
Kyrgyzstan and Switzerland serves as anot her tool to deepen cooperation between the two 
countries. The primary purpose of establishing this Commission was precisely to establish and 
strengthen ties between business communities of both sides, development of business links and 
fostering trade and i nvestment cooperation between the two.  
4.385.   Meanwhile, the economic and trade relations between Kyrgyzstan and Liechtenstein 
unfortunately are not of satisfactory level so far and we do hope for further expansion and 
deepening of those. We are particularly inte rested in attracting Liechtenstein's direct investments 
to the economy of the Kyrgyz Republic and would also like resumption of project activities of the 
Liechtenstein Development Agency in Kyrgyzstan.  
4.386.   In conclusion, we would like to wish the delegations o f Switzerland and Liechtenstein a 
very successful Trade Policy Review.  
OMAN  
4.387.   Oman enjoys excellent trade relations with Switzerland and Liechtenstein who are 
important trading partners of Oman. We expect our bilateral trade to expand, given the Free Trade 
Agreement between GCC and EFTA states.  
4.388.   Switzerland is a highly developed and diverse economy. It has an open and liberal 
economy which has demonstrated resilience in the face of difficult global economic conditions, 
having secured an average growth rate of 1.5% during the period 2013 -2015. One indication of 
the success of the Swiss economy is its unemployment rate, which compares very favourably with 
other developed countries. According to the Secretariat report, the unemployment rate is about 
4.5% while man y other developed economies have rates ranging between 7% to 10%. This is a 
tribute to the policy decision makers and managers of the Swiss economy.  
4.389.   Switzerland's foreign trade regime is very liberal for non -agricultural goods for which the 
applied tariff s are very low, 2.3% on average. However, in respect of agricultural products, the 
Swiss trade regime is quite restrictive, as it is highly protected by both tariffs and non -tariff 
measures. We are pleased to note that Switzerland and Liechtenstein are sta unch supporters of 
the WTO and the multilateral trading system.  
4.390.   To conclude, the delegation of Oman wishes Switzerland and Liechtenstein a very 
successful trade policy review.  
PERÚ  
4.391.   Si bien el Perú no ha realizado preguntas para este examen, deseamos aprov echar esta 
ocasión para expresar nuestro reconocimiento por la solidez y alto grado de desarrollo de las 
economías de Liechtenstein y Suiza, que se han mantenido sobre el período examinado gracias a 
empresas modernas y tornadas hacia la competitividad, sis temas educativos muy avanzados y un 
alto grado de integración económica a nivel internacional. En este sentido, estamos complacidos 
de nuestros lazos con ambos países, particularmente en el ámbito comercial, en donde contamos 
con un Acuerdo de Libre Comerc io entre Perú y los Estados de la Asociación Europea de Libre 
Comercio, en vigor desde el 1° de julio de 2011, el cual ha sido un factor importante para que la 
suma anual de nuestros intercambios con ambos Miembros examinados se mantenga por encima 
de los 2 800 millones de dólares EE.UU. en el período objeto de este examen. Asimismo, contamos 
con un acuerdo bilateral sobre agricultura con Suiza, que ha permitido el desarrollo de nuestras WT/TPR/W/131  • Switzerland and Liechtenstein  
 
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  exportaciones no tradicionales agrícolas, en fomento de nuestra indust ria asociada a este sector. 
Deseamos continuar explorando opciones para fomentar nuestras exportaciones no tradicionales 
con ambos Miembros examinados el día de hoy.   
4.392.   De igual manera, queremos destacar la importancia de las actividades de ambos Miembros 
en el seno de la OMC y en las discusiones y negociaciones paralelas a esta Organización, en donde 
siempre aportan un enfoque muy concreto y práctico. Fuera de la OMC, somos socios en la 
iniciativa para concluir el Acuerdo sobre el Comercio de Servicios "TIS A", por sus siglas en inglés, 
para el cual deseamos una próxima conclusión favorable.  
4.393.   Por último, deseamos a Suiza y Liechtenstein un exitoso quinto examen de sus políticas 
comerciales.   
RUSSIAN  FEDERATION  
4.394.   Russia enjoys a long tradition of friendly relat ions with Switzerland and Liechtenstein, 
which provide a good foundation for our trade and investment cooperation. Both countries are 
relatively small landlocked nations that have built robust and open economies and enjoy today one 
of the highest living st andards in the world. We commend their staunch support for the open trade 
and the multilateral trading system and are glad to work closely within the WTO framework.  
4.395.   Switzerland and Liechtenstein are home to some of the most sophisticated technological 
enterprises in the world, including in the field of electronics, manufacturing of optical and medical 
equipment, pharmaceuticals and chemical industry products. These lines constitute a major part of 
Swiss exports to Russia. Our country, on the other hand, exp orts metals, chemical products, 
including high -tech chemicals, nuclear fuel, minerals and agriculture products, which reflects 
complementary nature of our economies.  
4.396.   Bilateral trade between Russia and the Members under review grows steadily. In 2016, 
Russi a's export to these countries amounted to US$3 billion 109 million, while import reached 
US$1 billion 952 million. In total, our trade turnover has expanded by 9.4% last year.  
4.397.   We are pleased to note mutually beneficial investment cooperation between Russia n and 
Switzerland. In total, more than 600 companies with the participation of Swiss capital are 
registered in Russia. Among the most known of them are Nestlé, Asea Brown Bovery and 
Schindler.  
4.398.   In order to further expand our economic relations and promote p ractical contacts between 
our businesses, a Russia -Switzerland Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic 
Cooperation was established in 1998. We are pleased to note that recently, both parties pay higher 
attention to developing regional coop eration and ties between medium and small enterprises.  
4.399.   We have not submitted written questions to date. We are satisfied with our bilateral 
contacts that proved to be useful for clarifying certain aspects of our partners' trade policy. We 
look forward to c ontinue fruitful discussions on a bilateral level, as well as here in Geneva.  
4.400.   In conclusion, we would like to thank the delegations of Switzerland and Liechtenstein, the 
Secretariat and, of course, our esteemed discussant, for their hard work in preparing this exercise. 
We wish both Members a successful Trade Policy Review.  
HONDURAS  
4.401.   Suiza y Honduras mantienen unas excelentes relaciones las cuales se han consolidado a lo 
largo del tiempo mediante la firma de acuerdos en áreas tales como la cooperación técnic a, la 
promoción y la protección de inversiones y la exención de visados entre otros.  
4.402.   Suiza participa activamente en la cooperación para el desarrollo y la ayuda humanitaria en 
nuestro país a través de diversos proyectos de la Agencia Suiza para el Desarrol lo y la Cooperación 
(COSUDE) y prueba de ello es que nuestro país ha sido uno de los países prioritarios de la 
recepción de cooperación desde 1978, con apoyo enfocado en tres áreas principales, como ser la WT/TPR/W/131  • Switzerland and Liechtenstein  
 
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  promoción de las micro, pequeña y mediana empresas  (PYME), la gobernanza y el presupuesto 
nacional y la infraestructura y los servicios públicos locales, en particular agua potable y energía.  
4.403.   En el marco de sus puntos temáticos prioritarios, la COSUDE apoya también iniciativas 
regionales y se estima que p ara el periodo 2013 -2017 el presupuesto planificado será de 
210 millones de dólares EE.UU. aproximadamente, lo que representa la confirmación del 
compromiso del Gobierno suizo de cooperar con los países de la región centroamericana en sus 
esfuerzos por red ucir la pobreza y promover un desarrollo más equitativo.  
4.404.   En ese sentido, quisiéramos agradecer y destacar que con apoyo de la Agencia Suiza para 
el Desarrollo y la Cooperación (COSUDE), la Universidad hondureña el ZAMORANO implementó el 
proyecto Fortalecim iento de la Gestión Ambiental en Adaptación al Cambio Climático (ACC) y 
Reducción de Riesgos de Desastres (RRD).  
4.405.   Al mismo tiempo, vale la pena destacar que con el financiamiento de COSUDE se 
estableció la cadena de valor del cacao en Honduras y en los próx imos días, con el financiamiento 
del COSUDE se llevara a cabo el primer censo nacional de productores y productoras de cacao de 
Honduras.  
4.406.   Tal como lo destaca el informe de la Secretaría, aún están pendientes las negociaciones 
para lograr la participación de Honduras en el Acuerdo de Libre Comercio Centroamérica y la Zona 
EFTA. A pesar de esto, el comercio bilateral registró exportaciones de Honduras por alrededor de 
4 millones de dólares EE.UU. en café, té, yerba mate, especias, cacao y sus preparaciones, tabaco 
y sucedáneos del tabaco elaborados y se importó de Suiza alrededor de 25 millones de dólares 
EE.UU. en productos farmacéuticos, máquinas, aparatos y artefactos mecánicos, reactores 
nucleares e instrumentos y aparatos de óptica, entre otros.  
4.407.   En lo qu e respecta a los informes presentados, notamos con agrado que Suiza y 
Liechtenstein siguen siendo firmes defensores de un sistema multilateral de comercio basado en 
normas y ambos países gozan de una buena gobernanza, con un sistema de democracia directa y  
la gestión de sus economías se fundamenta en la prudencia fiscal.  
4.408.   En el caso de Suiza, destacamos en el período 2013 -2015, su tasa de crecimiento 
promedio fue del 1,5%, y la tasa de desempleo se mantuvo relativamente baja y Liechtenstein 
mantiene una econ omía diversificada basada en un sector industrial relativamente amplio y con un 
sector de servicios financieros muy competitivo gracias a los productos especializados y a reformas 
normativas en el sector de los servicios financieros.  
4.409.   Desde el primer trime stre de 2015, la economía suiza ha registrado tasas de crecimiento 
trimestral modestas y la cuenta corriente de Suiza suele arrojar superávits, sumado a que 
continúa siendo uno de los principales destinos de la inversión extranjera directa y uno de los 
elementos centrales de la actual política de crecimiento del Gobierno de Suiza es una mayor 
apertura de la economía a las importaciones con el fin de fomentar la competencia de los precios y 
estimular la productividad.  
4.410.   Destacamos las reformas suizas sobre un a nueva legislación que está basada en la 
"Estrategia de Energía 2050" y prevé, entre otras cosas, un mayor apoyo a la energía renovable y 
el cierre progresivo de las centrales nucleares. Al mismo tiempo, resaltamos la reforma integral del 
régimen suizo de  inocuidad alimentaria, la legislación sobre valores y mercados de capital y las 
reformas de las pensiones de 2020.  
4.411.   Identificamos que Liechtenstein ha seguido incorporando la legislación financiera y contra 
el blanqueo de capitales de la UE a través de lo s mecanismos del EEE, y de manera unilateral en el 
caso del primer paquete legislativo sobre organismos de supervisión financiera.  
4.412.   Destacamos que ambos países cuentan con instituciones y políticas altamente 
desarrolladas y sofisticadas en materia de propi edad intelectual, y en el caso de Liechtenstein, los 
datos muestran un aumento de las solicitudes tramitadas por residentes, especialmente en la 
esfera de las concesiones de marcas de fábrica o de comercio y patentes.  WT/TPR/W/131  • Switzerland and Liechtenstein  
 
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  4.413.   Finalmente, Honduras felicita a Suiza y a Liechtenstein por sus importantes esfuerzos y 
logros durante el período de examen y les deseamos el mayor de los éxitos en la presentación de 
su quinto Examen de políticas comerciales.  
INDONESIA  
4.414.   We are pleased to have this opportunity to be directly en gaged with two of our EFTA 
partners. Together with Norway and Iceland, Indonesia has recently completed another round of 
negotiations towards a comprehensive economic partnership agreement with Switzerland and 
Liechtenstein.  
4.415.   Indonesia commends Switzerland for constantly increasing its resilient and mitigation of 
negative effects to economic shocks. We praise the success of Switzerland in diversifying its 
economy; in having in place a flexible labour market and sound infrastructures; in increasing 
productivi ty of its inwards -oriented sectors; and in its deep integration in the global value chains.  
4.416.   In the four years between 2012 and 2016, bilateral trade flows between Indonesia and 
Switzerland demonstrated an upward trend of 48.27%, with trade value reaching a  five-year high 
of US$2.9 billion in 2016. The increasing trend of both export and import components of our 
bilateral trade balance indicates an ample room for further improvement in our bilateral trade 
performance. And this shall be amongst the basis for Indonesia and Switzerland to work together 
in strengthening the multilateral trading system.  
4.417.   Indonesia commends Liechtenstein for its high degree of economic integration into the 
regional and global value chain, with an economic regime characterized by fas t administrative 
channels and a low -level of bureaucracy.  
4.418.   We are aware of the very limited domestic market in Liechtenstein. And hence, amongst 
the foreign economic policies of Liechtenstein, is to embark on joining a network of free trade 
agreements, incl uding with Indonesia through the EFTA.  
4.419.   We are happy to see that Liechtenstein has benefitted from our bilateral trade relationship. 
Export to Indonesia from Liechtenstein has steadily been increasing. Between 2015 and 2016 
alone, our bilateral trade increa sed by over 90% from the previous year. And between the same 
2015 and 2016, a very significant increase accrued in both exports of Indonesia into Liechtenstein, 
as well as exports from Liechtenstein to the Indonesian market.  
4.420.   Again, Indonesia sees this enco uraging trend as a sign of untapped trade potential 
between our two countries. We look forward to further strengthening our trade cooperation, as we 
move forward to engaging with each other through the EFTA framework, as well as our multilateral 
cooperatio n in strengthening the multilateral trading system.  
4.421.   I would like to conclude our remarks by expressing our profound appreciation to the 
delegations of Switzerland and Liechtenstein, for their hard work; and to Ambassador Didier 
Chambovey, the Permanent Rep resentative of Switzerland to the WTO, as well as to Ambassador 
Peter Matt of Liechtenstein, for their continued cooperation in advancing together the multilateral 
trading system. Indonesia wishes Switzerland and Liechtenstein every success in their fifth joint 
Trade Policy Review.  
TAJIKISTAN  
4.422.   The trade policy review reports, prepared by the Governments of these countries reveal 
the stability of their countries economy.  
4.423.   The Republic of Tajikistan and Switzerland have strong economic relationships.  
Switzerl and takes one of the leading positions among the major political and economic partners of 
the Republic of Tajikistan.  
4.424.   The Republic of Tajikistan has the numbers of bilateral agreements with Switzerland in 
spheres such as promoting of the economy, investmen ts, technical cooperation and others.  WT/TPR/W/131  • Switzerland and Liechtenstein  
 
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  4.425.   The Republic of Tajikistan wishes to Switzerland and Liechtenstein a successful trade policy 
review and all of the best for the future.  
GEORGIA  
4.426.   At the outset, I would like to express appreciation to the Governments of Switzerland and 
Liechtenstein and the Secretariat for their work in compiling the comprehensive report on trade 
policy developments over the course of the review period.  
4.427.   It is very important to note that economic, political and diplomatic relations Georgia  
established with Switzerland and Liechtenstein date back from 1992 and have been evolving and 
consolidating ever since.  
4.428.   From the economic viewpoint, Georgia had been a beneficiary of Generalized System of 
Preferences (GSP) from Switzerland over the years enabling Georgian exports enjoy lower import 
tariffs on certain type of commodities. It is being even more liberalized under the Free Trade 
Agreement signed last year between Georgia and EFTA States. We very much hope that the 
Agreement will enter into for ce by the end of this year. Once the Agreement enters into force, it 
will become an instrument with the potential to further strengthen economic ties and to promote 
more inclusive trade among the parties.  
4.429.   Switzerland and Liechtenstein continue to be stron g supporters of a rules -based 
multilateral trading system and they always advocate further trade liberalization.  
4.430.   Switzerland has a well -diversified and advanced economy that easily withstands the 
turbulences deriving from the economic problems in the euro zone. Since the last trade policy 
review in 2013, the Swiss economy has continued to grow (1.5% on average during the period 
2013-15). Bilateral trade between Georgia and Switzerland has been demonstrating significant 
growth over the past few years reachin g US$125 million in trade turnover in 2016 with 32% 
growth as compared to 2015. Georgia's exports to Switzerland in 2016 also shows huge increase 
by 165% compared to previous year.  
4.431.   We commend Liechtenstein for its stable and predictable investment regime.  Georgia and 
Liechtenstein have concluded the Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) which entered into force last 
year. We strongly believe that the entry into force of the FTA with EFTA States will give significant 
contribution towards more economic integration  with these two states.  
4.432.   In conclusion, we would like to underline that Switzerland and Liechtenstein are valued 
partners of Georgia. We are convinced that the existing strong and amicable cooperation will be 
further strengthened.  
4.433.   We wish Switzerland and L iechtenstein a successful review.  
ISRAEL  
4.434.   At the outset, Israel would like to note that international trade continues to play a 
dominant role in these economies which have largely maintained an open trade regime. Since the 
last review in 2013, these two WTO  Members have continued to pursue liberal trade and 
investment policies and have remained strong advocates of the multilateral trading system.  
4.435.   Switzerland is our main trading partner among the four countries which make up the 
European Free Trade Associatio n (EFTA), with bilateral trade reaching over US$4.9 billion in 2016 
and Swiss capital stock in Israel amounting to US$1.2 billion by the same year. Switzerland 
became our 4th most important trading partner for imports and 8th for exports, amounting in 
2016 to (in US$ millions) US$3,651.2 and US$1,265, respectively. Israel imports pharmaceutical 
products, machinery, stones and precious metals, and watches. Israeli exports into Switzerland 
are chiefly stones and precious metals, machinery and agricultural pro ducts.  
4.436.   Switzerland and Liechtenstein have diversified developed economies which have shown the 
ability to quickly adapt and resist macroeconomic shocks. In spite of an adverse regional economic 
environment and a highly valued currency these economies have  continued to grow while keeping WT/TPR/W/131  • Switzerland and Liechtenstein  
 
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  protectionism at bay. Israel appreciates that Switzerland and Liechtenstein have bound 99% of 
their tariff lines and applied a low average tariff rate of 2.3% to non -agricultural goods, although 
some tariffs peaks continue to be applied, 19.7% of tariff lines are duty free. Notwithstanding, 
Switzerland and Israel share a similar approach in tackling the concern for high domestic prices 
through opening -up the economy to imports. For example, Switzerland suspended MFN tariffs on 
60 tariff lines in textiles from 1 January 2016 for a period of four years. Israel would like to note 
that all tariffs are specific duties and customs duties are still calculated on the basis of gross 
weight, or quantity, instead of value and would enco urage Switzerland to change its system to one 
based on value.  
4.437.   Israel is pleased to note that Switzerland and Liechtenstein do not have any anti -dumping, 
countervailing or safeguard measures in place. We commend these countries continuous efforts in 
contain ing the use of contingency measures. Further, we commend Switzerland's active 
engagement in the anti -dumping negotiations which seek to clarify and improve the relevant rules. 
Israel also shares the objective of strengthening the Anti -dumping Agreement to forestall its abuse 
for protectionist purposes. We shall continue to work constructively with Switzerland and other 
Members on improving the multilateral trade rules and to bring the negotiations to a fruitful 
conclusion.  
4.438.   Turning to trade in services, Isra el shares a very similar ambition with Switzerland working 
towards a liberalised services regime underpinned by robust disciplines which provide transparency 
and predictability enabling the free exchange of services. We look forward to continue cooperating  
closely towards achieving our common goal.  
4.439.   Switzerland and Liechtenstein have generally open investment regimes whereby most 
economic sectors are accessible to local and foreign investors. However, investment restrictions 
continue to apply in Switzerland in certain areas and sectors. Liechtenstein's investment 
restrictions mainly apply in public utilities as well as a number of financial services. Israel would 
encourage both Switzerland and Liechtenstein to review and further relax their existing 
restricti ons. Although we did not submit written questions, we remain interested in Switzerland's 
responses in relation to the adoption of the Automatic Exchange of Information and its implications 
for tax and banking practice.  
4.440.   Switzerland and Liechtenstein share s imilar views with Israel in regards multilateral trade 
liberalization, and work alongside them on a large number of issues in the WTO and plurilaterally. 
We are parties to the Government Procurement Agreement and the Information Technology 
Agreement, while  we are also participants in the negotiations of the EGA and TiSA. Regarding the 
DDA negotiations, we are part of the G10 group on agriculture, and are also members of the 
Friends of Anti -Dumping Negotiations, and of the Really Good Friends in the Services  negotiations. 
We would like to take this opportunity to extend our sincere appreciation to the hard working 
teams in the Missions of Switzerland and Liechtenstein in particular we would like to thank 
Switzerland for its effective leadership in the Friends  of the System and for its impeccable 
coordination of the G10 group on agriculture.  
4.441.   To conclude, allow me to wish these two countries every success in this trade policy 
review.  
GHANA   
4.442.   On the bilateral front, Ghana's relationship with Switzerland dates back  to 1828 when 
Missionaries from Basel arrived in the ten Gold Coast, now Ghana. The Missionaries pioneered the 
establishment of many schools in the country.  
4.443.   With regards to trade, the volume of trade between Switzerland and Ghana hits 
US$1.8  billion in 201 4 and has been rising since.  
4.444.   For instance, in 2016, Switzerland imported over US$2 billion worth of gold from Ghana for 
conversion to finished products. This showed an overwhelming increase of about US$90  million 
dollars over the 2015 figure of about US$1 billion. In fact, Ghana is the third most important 
supplier of gold for Switzerland after Peru and Uzbekistan, respectively.  WT/TPR/W/131  • Switzerland and Liechtenstein  
 
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  4.445.   Ghana is Switzerland's second most important trade partner in Sub -Saharan Africa. The 
most recent imports are led by refined petro leum which represents 14.7% of the total imports of 
Ghana, crude petroleum which accounts for 3.68%.  
4.446.   Furthermore, Ghana remains a major supplier of cocoa and other cashew products as well 
as pineapple for Switzerland. Switzerland, in turn, exports finished  products such as 
pharmaceutical products, tools, equipment and vehicles to Ghana.  
4.447.   My delegation requests Switzerland to, as part of measures to address the persistent trade 
imbalance, forge strategic partnerships with Ghanaian businesses to enable us add value to our 
raw cocoa and gold for better returns.  
4.448.   Ghana notes that Switzerland is a high -income country whose wealth is highly dependent 
on international trade, enjoying good governance based on a system of direct democracy with the 
right to a popular vo te on legislative reforms.  
4.449.   Ghana further notes that Liechtenstein is a small but wealthy country with a diversified 
economy, with a GDP of over SwF 5 billion which grew by 2.1% and 3% in 2013 and 2014, 
respectively. A distinctive feature of the economy is the large number of inward cross -border 
commuters. 54% of Liechtenstein's workforce in 2015 mainly lived in Switzerland and Austria.  
4.450.   It is interesting to note that Liechtenstein's economic performance is tied, amongst others, 
to the exchange rate movements  of the Swiss franc, as it shares a common currency with 
Switzerland.  
4.451.   As a member of the European Economic Area (EEA), Liechtenstein participates in the single 
market among the EU and EEA/EFTA countries which is designed to provide for the free movement 
of goods, services and persons.  
4.452.   My delegation again notes the fact that Switzerland remains among the top destinations 
for foreign direct investment with most economic sectors open to investment.  
4.453.   With regards to trade policy, one of the key objectives of Swi tzerland's foreign economic 
policy is to strengthen the country as a business location and support the positioning of 
Switzerland in the European and global market.  
4.454.   As a strong supporter of the WTO and an advocate for further liberalization of world trade,  
Switzerland has been an active participant in the Doha Development Agenda (DDA) negotiations, 
and engages constructively in initiatives within the multilateral trading system.  
4.455.   Ghana commends Switzerland and Liechtenstein for formally accepting the Trade 
Facilitation Agreement (TFA) during the period under review. It also notes that tariff reductions 
resulting from the expansion of the Information Technology Agreement (ITA II) are being 
implemented on a provisional basis since the beginning of this year.  
4.456.   My delegation commends Switzerland for submitting well over 100 notifications on a broad 
range of subjects, notably on TBT and TRIPS matters.  
4.457.   Having acknowledged the very impressive macroeconomic performance as well as the 
impressive trade policy regime of Switzerland and Liechtenstein, Ghana notes that the Swiss 
economy is challenged with the issue of competitiveness in the face of a strong Swiss franc, high 
prices prevailing in the economy, weak productivity, growth and open issues in Switzerland's 
relatio nship with the EU.  
4.458.   Ghana further recommends that Switzerland addresses the issue of investment restrictions 
that are continually applied to activities under State monopoly, including certain transport 
services, some postal services and insurance services, as well as its agricultural sector for 
competition.  
4.459.   To conclude, my delegation wishes Switzerland and Liechtenstein a successful joint Trade 
Policy Review.  WT/TPR/W/131  • Switzerland and Liechtenstein  
 
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  PAKISTAN  
4.460.   Switzerland has consistently been ranked as the most competitive economy by the World 
Economic Forum, for the last so many years. We continue to learn from our hosts but the Swiss 
never cease to impress. In 2016, UNDP, Human Development Index (HDI) ranked Switzerland at 
2nd place out of 188 countries.  
4.461.   UNCTAD B2C e -commerce index ranked Switzer land at 9th place out of 137 countries, a 
further up from its rank in 2014 at 14th place. Although Cross border Ecommerce doesn't match 
the standards of excellence Swiss have in all other fields.  
4.462.   In 2016, WEF global gender gap report, Switzerland ranked 11 th out of 144 countries, this 
is slightly lower compared to its ranking and score in 2015 where Switzerland was at 8th out of 
145 countries.  
4.463.   Between Switzerland and Pakistan there are numerous bilateral agreements in fields as 
wide-ranging investment prote ction, debt consolidation, aviation, and double taxation. We have in 
March this year signed a New Double Taxation agreement with Switzerland, which contains 
provisions of information exchange in accordance with the international standard and an 
anti-abuse provision with minimum standard set by the BEPS (Base Erosion and Profit Shifting) 
initiative of G20/OECD.  
4.464.   Switzerland has traditionally run a trade surplus with Pakistan and has been one of the 
country's biggest direct investors for many years. In 2016, b ilateral trade between the two 
countries went up from US$436 million to US$491.9 million, an increase of 12.8%. Both Swiss 
imports from and exports to Pakistan increased respectively by +14 and +12.4%. Switzerland 
ranks fifth in terms of foreign direct inv estment (FDI) in Pakistan and a very reliable trading 
partner.  
4.465.   The Swiss -based multinational companies have invested 1.2 billion in Pakistan, in various 
sectors including food processing, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, machinery, engineering and 
banking. The se firms employ around 12,000 people. Nestle has the world's largest milk processing 
plant in Pakistan.  
4.466.   Pakistan has signed a Joint Declaration of Cooperation (JDC) with EFTA to increase 
bilateral trade with EFTA States, in addition to promoting investment  and economic cooperation. 
We look forward to working with EFTA to achieve these goals.  
4.467.   Pakistan is highly appreciative of the fact that the trade regimes of Switzerland and 
Liechtenstein remain generally open. Switzerland and Liechtenstein continue to be  strong 
supporters of a rules -based multilateral trading system.  
4.468.   The Swiss economy is a well -diversified and advanced economy. Despite a difficult 
environment, the economy continued to grow by 1.5% on average in 2013 -15, accompanied by 
relatively low unem ployment. Switzerland has a large services sector but also possesses a strong, 
high-tech and export - oriented manufacturing sector.  
4.469.   Pakistan is very impressed by the fact that Switzerland remains among the top 
destinations for foreign direct investment. M ost economic sectors are open to investment.  
4.470.   Despite being a small country, Liechtenstein too has a diversified economy, which is based 
on a comparatively large industrial sector and the financial services industry. As a consequence of 
the very small dome stic market, Liechtenstein's economy is highly export -oriented. We are 
impressed that it has retained its competitiveness owing to niche products, and regulatory reforms 
in the financial services sector.  
4.471.   In Liechtenstein, most sectors are open to national and foreign investment (subject to 
residency requirements), except for restrictions on certain sensitive sectors.  
4.472.   Pakistan appreciates the fact that, Switzerland and Liechtenstein were one of the first to 
ratify the Trade Facilitation Agreement in 2015.  WT/TPR/W/131  • Switzerland and Liechtenstein  
 
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  4.473.   Pakistan is pleased to note that the Swiss Government has initiated domestic procedures 
to eliminate relevant agriculture export subsidies by January 2019 in line with commitments made 
at the WTO Ministerial Conference in Nairobi.  
4.474.   Switzerland -Liechtenstein 's average applied MFN tariff was reduced to 9.0% in 2016, 
compared with a simple average of 9.2% in 2012. MFN tariffs on agricultural products averaged 
30.8% in 2016, while the average for non -agricultural products was 2.3%.  
4.475.   We appreciate that Switzerlan d and Liechtenstein do not have any specific antidumping, 
countervailing or safeguard legislation, and have never applied such measures.  
4.476.   Switzerland has been liberalizing its services sector, albeit, with certain reservations. This 
general liberalization i s very welcome, and Pakistan feels that there is a lot to be learnt from their 
experience in services sectors. These sectors include energy sector, air transport services, postal 
services, professional services, with specific focus on architectural and con struction services. 
Medical and hospital services are subject to a non -discriminatory economic needs test to ensure 
universal services at the lowest cost for the Swiss social security system. Social services, such as 
retirement homes, are open to foreign i nvestment.  
4.477.   With regard to banking services, Pakistan welcomes a key regulatory development, which 
is the adoption of the automatic exchange of information (AEOI) regarding tax matters, in order to 
combat cross -border tax evasion. Liechtenstein was among th e early adopters of the OECD 
standard, and it put in place the necessary legislation for the AEOI. In addition, 
Anti-money -laundering legislation has also been reinforced.  
4.478.   We view Switzerland as the most committed and faithful Friend of the system, a very  keen 
supporter of the multilateral system. In these trying times, the Swiss role as the coordinator of the 
Friends of the System becomes all the more important. We greatly appreciate the role of 
H.E. Didier Chambovey, and his team at the Swiss Mission in assisting the other Missions generally 
and in always trying to move towards convergence in different trade related issues. We immensely 
value our partnership with Swiss Mission on issues of e -commerce and MSMES.  
4.479.   In the end, we wish Switzerland and Lichtens tein a very successful and fruitful TPR.  
URUGUAY  
4.480.   Nuestro país ha tradicionalmente mantenido amistosas y constructivas relaciones con 
Suiza y Liechtenstein en los distintos ámbitos de la relación bilateral; tanto en el plano político, 
económico -comercial, c omo de cooperación y cultura.  
4.481.   Desde el último examen de las políticas comerciales del año 2013, el relacionamiento 
político y comercial entre Uruguay, Suiza, y Liechtenstein se caracterizó por su estabilidad.  
4.482.   Respecto a la relación bilateral con Suiza, la dimensión de la cooperación bilateral entre 
nuestros países se caracteriza por la continua consolidación de varios acuerdos relevantes, entre 
los cuales vale la pena mencionar el Acuerdo relativo a la Promoción y Protección recíproca de las 
inversiones, y el Convenio para Evitar la Doble Imposición en Materia de Impuestos sobre la Renta 
y sobre el Patrimonio.  
4.483.   Asimismo, Uruguay y Suiza suscribieron durante el año 2016 un acuerdo para intercambiar 
información financiera en el marco de la Convención de Asisten cia Mutua en Asuntos Fiscales y el 
Acuerdo Multilateral de Autoridades Competentes.  
4.484.   Con relación al intercambio comercial, durante el año 2015 y 2016, los principales 
productos de exportación desde nuestro país fueron el oro en bruto, semi -labrado o en pol vo; 
carne de animales de la especie bovina, fresca o refrigerada; y carne de animales de la especie 
bovina, congelada; así como la soja.  
4.485.   Sin embargo, se registró una disminución en el año 2016 de las exportaciones uruguayas a 
Suiza, vinculada a la fluctuac ión de los valores internacionales de los dos principales productos de 
exportación de nuestro país: el oro y la carne.  WT/TPR/W/131  • Switzerland and Liechtenstein  
 
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  4.486.   En el año 2016, las importaciones desde suiza se concentraron en torno a los productos 
farmacéuticos, instrumentos y aparatos de óptica, así como productos químicos orgánicos.  
4.487.   Uruguay desea encomendar el trabajo realizado por Suiza y Liechtenstein en el 
fortalecimiento del sistema de comercio multilateral, y destacar el importante rol de la Misión 
Suiza ante la OMC por su liderazgo del Grup o Friends of the System.  
4.488.   Finalmente, quisiéramos reafirmar el interés de nuestros países por aunar esfuerzos para 
alcanzar un resultado positivo en la CM11, y proteger el sistema multilateral de comercio basado 
en normas previsibles, transparentes, y equil ibradas.  
4.489.   Uruguay le desea a Suiza y Liechtenstein el mayor de los éxitos en su quinto examen de 
políticas comerciales.  
TCHAD  
4.490.   Le Tchad apprécie hautement l'engagement de l'Organisation mondiale du commerce 
(OMC) à soutenir les efforts de la Suisse visant à créer les conditions favorables au développement 
des pays les moins avancés dans le respect des règles du commerce multilatéral. Nous saluons 
l'adoption par la Suisse du système des exportations enregistrés en matière des règles d'origines 
préférentielles pour les PMA, qui est censé réduire de manière substantielle la charge 
administrative liée aux prescriptions en matière de documents et de procédures.  
4.491.   Dans cette perspective, il est à noter que le niveau d'exportation des PMA vers la Suisse 
est encouragea nt et a été rendu possible grâce à ce système de préférences pour les PMA. Les 
PMA bénéficient incontestablement d'un accès au marché en franchise et sans contingent pour la 
Suisse et le Liechtenstein aussi bien pour les produits agricoles et non agricoles .  
4.492.   Toutefois, des progrès importants restent à faire pour que nos pays qui sont plus 
vulnérables puissent exporter davantage vers la Suisse et le Liechtenstein, étant donné que le taux 
d'utilisation des préférences accordées était de 51% en 2015, selon le rapport du Secrétariat.  
4.493.   Le Tchad se félicite de la vision à laquelle souscrit la Suisse en ce qui concerne les règles 
commerciales multilatérales et sa détermination à satisfaire aux prescriptions en matière de 
notification et à son engagement à se mettre en conformité avec ses obligations à l'OMC. De ce 
point de vue, le Tchad se félicite de l'adoption par la Suisse d'une ordonnance qui met fin aux 
subventions à l'exportation sur les produits destinés aux PMA, conformément à la décision 
ministérielle de Nai robi.  
4.494.   Nous nous félicitons également que la Suisse ait notifié son traitement préférentiel pour les 
fournisseurs de services et de services des PMA en y ajoutant des préférences au -delà des 
mesures de l'article 16. La Suisse possède un important secteur d es services mais également un 
tissu industriel solide, à la pointe de la technologie et tournée vers l'exportation et qui intéresse 
particulièrement nos pays.  
4.495.   A l'instar des autres PMA, le Tchad considère la Suisse comme un partenaire important 
avec lequel  il souhaite développer davantage ses relations commerciales. Le secteur privé tchadien 
développe depuis quelques années des partenariats fructueux avec les opérateurs économiques 
suisses, notamment dans le domaine du textile. Le Tchad apprécie le soutien de la Suisse à 
l'initiative "Aide pour le commerce" et son engagement pour le Cadre intégré renforcé (CIR). Il 
nous semble pertinent de maintenir et de renforcer la vision développée par la Suisse et le 
Liechtenstein en ce qui concerne l'amélioration des c apacités commerciales des pays à faible 
revenu pour faire face à leur vulnérabilité macroéconomique.  
4.496.   Le Tchad salue l'intérêt de la Suisse et du Liechtenstein en faveur des PMA et des pays en 
développement dans le cadre de l'amélioration du climat des écha nges au niveau multilatéral, 
notamment à travers leurs appuis multiformes et toujours soutenus aux renforcements des 
capacités humaines et institutionnelles de ces pays. Le développement à terme des PMA ne peut 
se soustraire de l'évolution des nouvelles qu estions actuellement abordées à l'OMC. Nous réitérons 
un dialogue inclusif et constructif afin de pallier les différentes difficultés observées. Avec la vision 
2030 du Gouvernement tchadien, le développement du secteur des produits de base et des WT/TPR/W/131  • Switzerland and Liechtenstein  
 
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  services restent une priorité nationale et nous comptons sur votre habituelle et étroite 
collaboration pour y parvenir.  
4.497.   La Suisse avec une prospérité économique évidente, des institutions solides fondées sur 
une bonne gouvernance, une démocratie directe et son prin cipe de prudence budgétaire est un 
exemple à suivre. Un proverbe africain dit: "Pour qu'un enfant grandisse, il faut tout un village". Le 
Tchad salue les efforts non négligeables de la Suisse et du Liechtenstein en vue de créer une 
dynamique inclusive impo rtante pour le commerce et le système commercial multilatéral. Ma 
délégation encourage les deux pays à poursuivre leurs efforts et souhaite à la Suisse et au 
Liechtenstein plein succès pour leur examen des politiques commerciales.  
JORDAN  
4.498.   We would like to t hank the Heads of the delegations for the statements made, which 
highlight the continuous positive economic developments and the resilience of both economies in 
spite of the economic challenges. It is a proof of productive trade policies that are based on the 
rules of the multilateral trading system, which provides a solid base for a predictable, fair and 
comprehensive trade for all.  
4.499.   Out of this inclusive vision, Jordan along with Switzerland and Lichtenstein worked on 
expanding and deepening relations with in the multilateral trading system, and beyond, to a free 
trade area agreement between Jordan and EFTA States, which was signed in 2001 and entered 
into force in 2002.  
4.500.   This FTA provides a comprehensive trade framework that plays an important role in 
increasing bilateral trade and reinforcing global economic integration for all partners.  Exchanged 
trade between Jordan and EFTA Countries reached in 2016 (327) million USD, where Switzerland is 
a major trading partner. We believe that many potentials are stil l ahead of us; on bilateral and 
multilateral levels.  
4.501.   Jordan appreciates its longstanding relations with both countries and looks always forward 
to advancing cooperation in different areas of mutual interest.  
4.502.   Finally, we wish Switzerland and Lichtenstein a  successful Trade Policy Review.  
KAZAKHSTAN  
4.503.   Resilience of Switzerland's economy against the backdrop of a volatile global economy of 
recent years is a remarkable achievement and in continuing this trend I would like to wish every 
success in the implementat ion of the Growth Agenda 2016 -2019.  
4.504.   Switzerland's valuable assistance in capacity -building efforts in developing countries has 
been also most notable through participation in various initiatives.  
4.505.   Kazakhstan enjoys a solid relationship with Switzerland. Si nce 1999, bilateral meetings 
have been held regularly within the framework of a Joint Economic Commission.  
4.506.   Switzerland is Kazakhstan's 5th major trade partner. In 2016, turnover amounted to 
US$2.8 billion. Kazakhstan exports to Switzerland energy products , precious stones and metals. 
Swiss imports to Kazakhstan are represented by the precision instruments and optics, watches, 
chemical products and pharmaceuticals.  
4.507.   Switzerland is the third largest investor in the economy of Kazakhstan. From 2005 to 
1 Septe mber 2015, the gross inflow of direct Swiss investments in Kazakhstan amounted to 
US$14.5 billion. The gross outflow of Kazakh investments in Switzerland amounted to 
US$802.8  million. I believe there is still a huge potential for further strengthening trad e and 
investment relations between our countries.  
4.508.   In order to enhance the effectiveness of linkages between the business communities of the 
two countries the Kazakh -Swiss Business Council (a coordinating and Advisory body) was 
established in October 2012. About 40 Swiss companies are operating in Kazakhstan.  WT/TPR/W/131  • Switzerland and Liechtenstein  
 
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  4.509.   Switzerland is an important strategic partner for Kazakhstan and I believe that there is a 
bright future for further enhancement of trade and economic cooperation.  
4.510.   Bilateral relation between Kazakhstan and Liechtenstein are also developing in a 
constructive way and there is significant potential for their expansion.  
4.511.   I also would like to use this opportunity to thank the Government of Switzerland and 
Liechtenstein for their full cooperation and support wh ich has been provided to the Government of 
Kazakhstan in its WTO accession negotiations.  
4.512.   In closing I would like to wish the delegations of Switzerland and Liechtenstein a very 
successful Trade Policy Review.  WT/TPR/W/131  • Switzerland and Liechtenstein  
 
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  5  REPLIES BY THE REPRE SENTATIVE S OF SWITZERLAND  AND LICHTENSTEIN AND  
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS  
MRS.  MARIE -GABRIELLE  INEICHEN -FLEISCH  (SUISSE)  
5.1.  En premier lieu, je voudrais remercier au nom de la délégation suisse tous les Membres qui 
ont participé et contribué à cet examen des politiques commerciales. Lors de  la rencontre de 
mardi, pas moins de 53 Membres ont pris la parole. La grande majorité des intervenants a relevé 
nombre d'aspects positifs de la politique commerciale suisse. Notre engagement en faveur du 
système commercial multilatéral a également fait l' objet de nombreux compliments. J'ai été 
particulièrement touchée par les témoignages de gratitude soulignant le rôle constructif que la 
Suisse joue à l'OMC. Ces encouragements nous incitent à persévérer dans cette voie. J'ai 
également apprécié la reconnais sance pour notre soutien envers les pays les moins avancés.  
5.2.  Il a été fait souvent mention de la bonne gouvernance de la Suisse, de la résilience, de la 
diversité et de la compétitivité de son économie. Les Membres ont salué le régime commercial 
généraleme nt ouvert de la Suisse, qui favorise son intégration dans l'économie mondiale. Notre 
politique de facilitation des importations dans un contexte d'incertitudes a été mise en exergue. 
Les efforts que la Suisse a consentis dans le domaine de la concurrence à  l'exportation ont été 
reconnus.  
5.3.  À ce propos, le Gouvernement a approuvé hier le paquet de réformes concernant la 
suppression des contributions à l'exportation pour les produits agricoles transformés 
conformément à la décision de Nairobi. Cette réforme pr évoit des mesures d'accompagnement 
telles que la facilitation du trafic de perfectionnement et des paiements directs additionnels aux 
producteurs de lait et de céréales panifiables. Cette réforme, de même que la décision ministérielle 
sur la concurrence à l'exportation et la modification de la liste d'engagements suisse sont 
maintenant soumises au Parlement pour approbation. Ces mesures devraient effectives le 
1er janvier 2019.  
5.4.  Permettez -moi maintenant de revenir sur certains des points importants que les Membres et 
le présentateur, l'Ambassadeur David Walker, ont soulevé.  
5.5.  Monsieur le Président, je structurerai mon intervention suivant la structure du rapport du 
Secrétariat.  
Environnement économique et régime commercial et d'investissement  
5.6.  S'agissant des se ctions relatives à l'environnement économique et notre régime commercial 
et d'investissement, plusieurs Membres ont évoqué la politique de croissance 2016 -2019. Pour 
répondre à une question orale de l'UE, la mise en œuvre de cette politique est actuellemen t en 
cours. Le Gouvernement établira une première évaluation au début de l'année prochaine. 
Toutefois, certains jalons ont déjà pu être posés avec succès. Il s'agit notamment du rapport sur 
les "conditions -cadres de l'économie numérique" et du rapport sur l'obstruction des importations 
parallèles. Dans le contexte de notre politique de croissance, plusieurs questions se rapportent aux 
mesures de facilitation des importations. La Suisse évalue actuellement le potentiel économique de 
l'assouplissement autonom e des restrictions à l'importation. Par exemple, l'élimination unilatérale 
des droits de douane pour les produits industriels, la réduction ponctuelle des droits de douane 
dans le secteur agroalimentaire, l'augmentation du seuil de minimis sur le prélèveme nt des droits 
de douane, ainsi que la simplification des procédures douanières sont actuellement examinés.  
5.7.  Les conséquences économiques des obstacles techniques au commerce sont également 
étudiées. En ce qui concerne les exemptions au principe du Cassis de  Dijon qui s'appliquent aux 
importations en provenance de l'UE, l'objectif des travaux en cours est de développer des 
propositions spécifiques d'ici fin 2017.  
5.8.  Pour ce qui est du cadre institutionnel de notre politique commerciale, plusieurs Membres ont 
évoqué la question de notre participation à divers accords de libre -échange. Notre priorité 
demeure le renforcement du système commercial multilatéral. L'intégration dans l'économie 
mondiale passe par l'appartenance à l'OMC et le développement de son cadre ré glementaire. WT/TPR/W/131  • Switzerland and Liechtenstein  
 
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  Cependant, la conclusion d'accords commerciaux régionaux est un moyen complémentaire de 
s'ouvrir au marché global.  
5.9.  Dans le domaine des investissements, plusieurs Membres ont demandé si la Suisse entendait 
libéraliser davantage l'accès aux sec teurs sous monopole ou contrôlés par des entreprises d'État. 
De manière générale, la Suisse est très ouverte aux investissements étrangers et les restrictions 
ne continuent de s'appliquer qu'à quelques secteurs. C'est le cas pour certaines entreprises de 
transport de passagers, quelques services postaux spécifiques, et l'assurance obligatoire contre 
l'incendie et les dégâts naturels. Ces monopoles d'État sont clairement définis dans la loi. La 
plupart de ces restrictions sont ponctuelles et ne couvrent pas l'intégralité d'un secteur. 
Concernant le marché de l'éthanol, la Suisse va abolir son statut de monopole sur les importations. 
Ce marché sera libéralisé dès début 2018.  
Instruments de politiques commerciales  
5.10.   Permettez -moi, Monsieur le Président, de répond re maintenant à quelques questions en 
rapport avec les instruments de notre politique commerciale. Premièrement, je voudrais aborder la 
question du maintien de nos droits de douane spécifiques pour l'ensemble de nos positions 
tarifaires. La Suisse n'envisa ge pas de modifier son système de droits de douane. Ce système est 
simple, prévisible et transparent. Il ne pose pas de problème dans son application quotidienne. 
J'aimerais aussi rappeler que l'article II du GATT ne prescrit pas le type de droits de douan e que 
les Membres de l'OMC doivent utiliser.  
5.11.   De même que lors du dernier examen, nombre de Membres ont évoqué le principe dit du 
"Cassis de Dijon" – une mesure autonome prise par la Suisse. Conformément à ce principe, les 
produits qui satisfont aux prescri ptions techniques de l'UE peuvent être commercialisés librement 
en Suisse sans contrôle préalable. Les exceptions à ce principe sont motivées par des intérêts 
publics, tels que la protection de la santé, de l'être humain, des animaux et de l'environnement.  
Pour les denrées alimentaires, l'application du principe du Cassis de Dijon est soumise à une 
réglementation spéciale pour des raisons de protection des consommateurs. Dans des cas dûment 
motivés, le Gouvernement peut arrêter une exception. Le principe du  Cassis de Dijon s'applique 
exclusivement aux produits de l'Union européenne et de l'Espace économique européen. 
Néanmoins, il profite aussi aux producteurs extra -européens, dans la mesure où ils remplissent les 
exigences techniques de l'Union européenne.  
5.12.   Dans le domaine des mesures non -tarifaires, les États -Unis nous ont questionnés oralement 
mardi sur la notification de la réglementation sur les exigences d'origine pour l'étiquetage des 
aliments. Cette réglementation a été notifiée à l'OMC le 3 septembre 2015 au Comité OTC. Cette 
réglementation fait partie du nouveau régime sur la sécurité alimentaire. Les mesures finales de ce 
nouveau régime seront notifiées prochainement aux Comités OTC et SPS.  
5.13.   Nous avons reçu quelques questions sur les taxes prélevées s ous forme de contributions à 
des fonds de garantie. Afin d'assurer l'approvisionnement du pays en biens et en services 
d'importance vitale lors de graves pénuries, la Suisse constitue des réserves de certaines 
marchandises, par exemple certaines denrées al imentaires de base, des aliments pour animaux, 
des engrais, des carburants et des produits thérapeutiques. Les coûts de gestion de ces stocks 
sont financés par des taxes prélevées sur la production et/ou l'importation de ces marchandises. 
Ces taxes sont ap pelées contributions aux fonds de garantie. La Suisse a remarqué que ces taxes 
peuvent parfois engendrer un dépassement des droits de douane consolidés à l'OMC. La Suisse va 
travailler à la mise en œuvre d'une solution entièrement compatible avec ses oblig ations 
internationales dans le cadre de l'OMC.  
5.14.   La ratification de l'accord sur les marchés publics révisé a été évoquée à plusieurs reprises. 
À la suite de la signature par la Suisse de cet accord le 30 mars 2012, les autorités fédérales et 
cantonales ont décidé d'accompagner sa transposition dans la législation nationale par un 
processus d'harmonisation parallèle des législations fédérales et cantonales. Au niveau fédéral, les 
deux Chambres du Parlement devraient délibérer au cours de l'année 2017. Au nive au cantonal, 
les procédures internes pour l'approbation des législations cantonales révisées sont également en 
cours. La Suisse sera en mesure de déposer à l'OMC son instrument de ratification de l'accord 
révisé une fois que toutes les procédures d'approba tion fédérales et cantonales auront abouti.  WT/TPR/W/131  • Switzerland and Liechtenstein  
 
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  5.15.   S'agissant de la propriété intellectuelle, plusieurs questions se sont rapportées à la nouvelle 
législation "Swissness", entrée en vigueur le 1er janvier 2017. Les nouveaux critères sur la 
protection des marques permettent de définir plus précisément un produit ou un service suisse. 
Cela assure une concurrence loyale et empêche des pratiques mensongères relatives aux  
indications de l'origine des biens ou des services. La législation "Swissness" est conforme au dr oit 
de l'OMC, à la Convention de Paris pour la protection de la propriété industrielle et aux autres 
obligations juridiques internationales pertinentes. Elle garantit la sécurité juridique, la 
transparence du commerce et les pratiques commerciales équitabl es. 
Politiques sectorielles  
Agriculture  
5.16.   De nombreuses questions nous ont été adressées en relation avec l'agriculture. Je me 
limiterai ici à répondre à celles de nature plus politique. La Suisse a en effet répondu en détail par 
écrit aux questions plus tec hniques.  
5.17.   La politique agricole de la Suisse a connu depuis le début des années 1990 un 
développement en plusieurs étapes visant à renforcer le rôle du marché. L'évolution constante de 
l'économie et des conditions sur les marchés nationaux et internationau x impose une analyse 
continuelle des politiques en vigueur et des ajustements de celles -ci si nécessaire. Le 
Gouvernement souhaite améliorer la compétitivité de l'agriculture suisse sur les marchés 
nationaux et internationaux, assurer une meilleure gestion  des ressources naturelles et faciliter un 
développement entrepreneurial des exploitations.  
5.18.   Plusieurs intervenants nous ont demandé quelles étapes étaient envisagées afin de 
poursuivre la libéralisation de notre agriculture. La politique agricole se mène s elon une stratégie 
de long -terme qui prend en compte des facteurs de nature non -commerciale comme 
l'environnement, la topographie particulière du paysage suisse et la répartition de la population 
suisse sur son territoire. Au niveau multilatéral, la Suisse  s'est toujours engagée dans des 
processus de réforme selon l'article 20 de l'Accord sur l'agriculture de l'OMC. Dans ce contexte, 
nous sommes prêts à poursuivre nos efforts, dans le cadre de paquets de négociations plus larges 
et en cohérence avec les obj ectifs de l'agenda 2030 des Nations Unies. La libéralisation de notre 
agriculture se concrétise aussi par la mise en œuvre de la décision de Nairobi sur la concurrence à 
l'exportation, évoquée en début d'intervention.  
5.19.   Beaucoup de Membres ont critiqué le ni veau élevé des droits de douane pour les produits 
agricoles. Il convient de rappeler que le commerce se fait principalement à l'intérieur des 
contingents tarifaires au bénéfice de taux réduits. Dans ce sens, la constatation d'une moyenne de 
droits de douan e élevés ne reflète pas une image économiquement correcte de l'ouverture du 
marché.  
5.20.   Plusieurs Membres ont évoqué notre système d'administration des contingents, souvent 
considéré comme complexe. L'instrument des contingents tarifaires garantit un accès au marché 
suisse à des droits de douane réduits. La Suisse augmente régulièrement et significativement ses 
contingents tarifaires afin de satisfaire la demande intérieure. De plus, certains contingents 
tarifaires ne sont plus administrés et les produits soumi s aux conditions du contingent peuvent 
être importés en quantité illimitée. L'utilisation de cet instrument est conforme aux règles de 
l'OMC.  
Services  
5.21.   Outre le secteur agricole, nous avons reçu également quelques questions sur les services. 
La Chine a sou levé oralement mardi la question de la libéralisation du secteur des télécoms. De 
fait, le secteur des télécommunications en Suisse est ouvert depuis 1998. Selon les "Perspectives 
de l'économie numérique de l'OCDE 2015", les prix des abonnements fixes à ha ut-débit en Suisse 
se situent à un niveau concurrentiel à l'échelle internationale. Même si l'entreprise Swisscom 
occupe une position forte tant sur le réseau fixe que sur les marchés mobiles, la pression de la 
concurrence a un impact continu sur les mouve ments du marché, l'innovation, la qualité des 
services et les prix.  WT/TPR/W/131  • Switzerland and Liechtenstein  
 
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  5.22.   J'espère qu'avec ces explications j'ai pu aborder une grande partie des questions et 
remarques qui nous ont été adressées. Je suis reconnaissante de l'opportunité qui nous a été 
offerte d' exposer nos points de vue.  
5.23.   Pour terminer, Monsieur le Président, je voudrais mentionner quelques aspects du processus 
selon lequel cet Examen s'est déroulé. Lorsque ce processus a débuté, nous avons choisi d'opérer 
selon les délais normaux ("regular timeli ne"). Cela signifie que, malgré nos efforts, nos réponses 
écrites n'ont été circulées que le mardi matin. Il se trouve que les débats lors du premier jour 
auraient gagné en valeur si nos réponses avaient été circulées deux semaines avant la rencontre. 
C'est une constatation que nous n'oublierons pas lors de notre prochain examen. Nous choisirons 
alors vraisemblablement d'appliquer les délais alternatifs ("alternative timeline").  
5.24.   Je vous remercie Monsieur le Président et chers collègues pour votre attention.  
H.E.  AMBASSADOR  PETER  MATT  (LIECHTENSTEIN)  
5.25.   Let me start by thanking all delegations, our discussant and you, Mr. Chairman, for the 
interest shown in this Trade Policy Review and for all questions and comments received. Let me 
start with comments.  
5.26.   Liechten stein has in the past years gone through substantial reforms in the financial sector 
and is participating actively in the area of taxation and tax cooperation. We appreciate that these 
efforts have not gone unnoticed but have also been highlighted by vario us delegations in the 
current framework of this trade policy review. Liechtenstein will certainly continue this path and 
further widen its AEOI -network. Exchange of information is, however, only one aspect or side of 
the medal. The other one is directly tr ade and investment related and therefore important to 
mention here, too: Double Taxation Agreements (DTAs). Besides free trade agreement and 
information exchange, comprehensive trade relations nowadays should also include rules 
governing the topic of doubl e taxation. Accordingly, Liechtenstein is constantly extending its 
DTA-network as an important element of the framework conditions offered to economic operators 
both local and foreign.  
5.27.   Another aspect commended widely upon in appreciation was the clear and undiluted support 
of the multilateral trading system by my country. Let me assure you that Liechtenstein and myself 
will continue this path without hesitation. Let me at this stage also extend my own and my 
country's deep appreciation to my Swiss colleague s both here in Geneva and in Bern for their 
strong and outstanding commitment to this Organization.  
5.28.   Allow me to highlight some questions we received. More detailed answers to the received 
questions have already been distributed on Tuesday and another batc h will follow shortly.  
5.29.   Our close link with Switzerland is in particular based on the Customs Union Treaty dating 
from 1923. This treaty is not only the basis for this joint review but also for the simplified 
Liechtenstein answer to most of the questions re ceived that are not exclusively addressed to 
Switzerland or Liechtenstein. What remains for me here is to thank State Secretary 
Ineichen -Fleisch and her team for the exhaustive answers given to this large number of issues 
raised. The answers given by Switz erland are equally valid for Liechtenstein.  
5.30.   When it comes to questions specifically addressed to Liechtenstein, I would like to 
emphasize at the outset that our answers to a number of issues have to be seen in light of 
Liechtenstein's very specific situati on to which I already referred on Tuesday. For instance, when it 
comes to possible further liberalization of the generally open, stable and predictable investment 
regime, Liechtenstein has to manage a difficult compromise between our interests for new 
investments on the one hand and what is politically acceptable and physically possible on the 
other. The financial service sector, for example, has basically been fully liberalized for banks, 
insurances and funds with merely prudential requirements in place. B ut even these requirements 
are not nationality or strictly residency based as, where a presence is considered necessary, 
residing in one of the 4 countries in the region often suffices.  
5.31.   Another specific feature of Liechtenstein which is related to a number  of questions received 
and which I already mentioned in my introductory statement on Tuesday is that Liechtenstein is WT/TPR/W/131  • Switzerland and Liechtenstein  
 
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  part of two markets, the Swiss and the European one. Accordingly, many aspects are regulated or 
influenced by EU/EEA -legislation. The gove rnance of EEA -rules can cover whole sectors like 
financial, telecom or energy but also specific fields like IPR. More concrete and with reference to 
questions received, such EEA -acts include various banking Regulations such as Capital 
Requirement Directive  (CRDIV); the Bank Recovery and Resolution Directive; Solvency II, 
anti-money -laundering/terrorist -financing directives; Securities Regulations, the so called telecom 
and energy packages or Directive 2014/26/EU on collective management of copyrights and re lated 
rights and multi -territorial licensing of rights in musical works for online use in the internet - to 
name just a few. The proper implementation of these EU/EEA -acts is monitored by the EFTA 
Surveillance Authority and can be challenged with a complai nt to the EFTA Court of Justice. I think 
it is fair to say that Liechtenstein enjoys a good track -record when it comes to living up to the 
obligations stemming from its EEA -membership.  
5.32.   Another question referred to the control and management of state -owned  enterprises. In 
Liechtenstein, the state -owned enterprises (on national or communal level) are nearly exclusively 
supplying basic services in the classical sectors, i.e. water, energy, health, elderly care or 
telecommunication. In addition, the state owns  institutions in the cultural sectors (e.g. museums) 
and for financial market surveillance.  
5.33.   The few enterprises that are participating in the market have already years ago been 
restructured into capital companies in which the State holds shares to a varyi ng degree 
(51% -100%). For these companies, a strict corporate governance regime is in place which 
includes a framework law, a corporate governance code, semi -annual controlling and reporting to 
the audit committee of the Parliament.  
5.34.   In spite of these parti cularities, Liechtenstein shares a high number of policy communalities 
with Switzerland, including for the sector which attracted most comments in this review, namely 
agriculture. Liechtenstein fully shares the Swiss policy of the multifunctional role of a griculture 
which goes beyond the mere calculation of the latter's contribution to GDP. About two thirds of the 
territory of Liechtenstein is hilly and mountainous areas. The general maintenance of its rural 
character is one of the overarching goals of Liec htenstein's internal development policy. 
Agricultural use of the mountainous areas ensures their sustainable development which in turn is 
also an important factor for Liechtenstein's positioning as an attractive tourism destination. Such 
use and maintenanc e of these mountainous areas is, however, costly. Green box measures are 
therefore necessary and enjoy widespread public support in Liechtenstein despite their high price.  
5.35.   This brings me to the end of my statement. Let me express again our appreciation fo r the 
comments and questions of delegations which provided very valuable input to this Trade Policy 
Review. I thank you.  
DISCUSSANT  
5.36.   I was struck by the large number of Members who participated in this Review, both through 
written questions and those who to ok the floor to comment on the trade and investment policies of 
Switzerland and Liechtenstein.  
5.37.   Notable was the extent to which Members commended Switzerland for its commitment to 
the multilateral trading system as demonstrated through:  
 Hosting the WTO head quarters here in Geneva;  
 Hosting the "Mini -Ministerial" meeting of Trade Ministers in conjunction with the annual 
World Economic Forum in Davos; and  
 Switzerland's role as Chair of the "Friends of the System" grouping of WTO Members.  
5.38.   There was also widespre ad praise for the generally open nature of the Switzerland and 
Liechtenstein trade regimes, and for their role in seeking to advance WTO norms and processes, 
including across a broad range of issues in preparation for MC11 in Buenos Aires.  WT/TPR/W/131  • Switzerland and Liechtenstein  
 
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  5.39.   That said, Membe rs commented critically on some longstanding aspects of the regimes 
including the structure of tariffs, the high levels of protection accorded to agriculture, and the lack 
of contestability in some services sectors.  
5.40.   Members posed a broad range of questions  seeking clarifications and asking about prospects 
for reform both on these issues and in other areas of interest. Switzerland and Liechtenstein have 
sought to provide clear answers which Members will no doubt study carefully.  
5.41.   It was useful to hear the fur ther clarifications provided in the statements today, including in 
respect of the implementation of the Nairobi decision on agriculture export subsidies. I noticed 
particularly the answer given to a question posed by Ecuador about contribution fees to guar antee 
funds for coffee and rice. Switzerland responds clearly that given the possibility the contribution 
fees can exceed the relevant tariff bindings, a solution to that issue is to be identified by this 
September and then subsequently implemented and thi s was reiterated again this morning.  
5.42.   That I think is an exemplar of how the Trade Policy Review process can function.  
5.43.   It has been a pleasure to be the discussant at this fifth joint Trade Policy Review of 
Switzerland and Liechtenstein.  
5.44.   I congratulate both Switzerland and Liechtenstein on a successful Review and, going 
forward, wish them every success economically and in their policy evolution ahead of the next 
Review process. Thank you.  
UNITED  STATES  
5.45.   The United States would like to sincerely thank the deleg ations of Switzerland and 
Liechtenstein for all of their very hard work and constructive participation in this Trade Policy 
Review and especially under the somewhat disruptive circumstances this morning. Thank you very 
much for all of the work. We have lis tened with a great deal of interest to the statements this 
morning and very much appreciated the reflection that clearly has gone into considering comments 
that were made on the first day of the TPR and the responses that were brought to the meeting 
this m orning.  
5.46.   We would also just like to really express appreciation for the very excellent collaboration 
between the two Governments for this review. These joint reviews are still a bit unusual for us but 
we saw in this review a very excellent cooperation betwe en the Swiss and Liechtenstein authorities 
both in preparation for and during the course of the meeting and that created a lot of efficiencies 
for us.  
5.47.   We found particular value through this process in gaining a more complete understanding of 
Liechtenstein  and its economy. I mentioned this the other evening to Ambassador Matt, we have 
learned a lot through your presentation on Tuesday about your very impressive country. So thanks 
for that opportunity.  
5.48.   We will just touch very briefly on several issues that w e raised on Tuesday and in our 
advance written questions. Again just to highlight some of our particular concerns. And we do 
continue to have serious concerns with very high import duties and domestic support that shield 
Swiss agriculture from competition and limit export opportunities from all agricultural exporters. 
We appreciated that there were many expressions of concern along this line from a number of 
Members on Tuesday. We note that while Switzerland is harmonizing many agricultural policies 
with th ose of the European Union, Switzerland's domestic support per farm still far exceeds that of 
the EU. Certain Swiss SPS and TBT barriers also continue to be of concern. As we emphasized on 
Tuesday, we encourage Switzerland to adopt science -based SPS measure s and to operate its tariff 
rate quotas in accordance with WTO rules.  
5.49.   We thank both delegations for their answers to our previously submitted written questions. 
We recognize the work that goes into answering Members' advance written questions. Not all of 
our agriculture -related questions have yet been answered but we appreciate the responses that we 
have received to date.  WT/TPR/W/131  • Switzerland and Liechtenstein  
 
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  5.50.   The United States has submitted follow -up questions on several topics and I will briefly 
outline those for the information of Members of the TPRB. We have submitted follow -up questions 
related to notifying draft measures to the SPS and TBT Committees, whether Switzerland intends 
to conduct risk assessments in order to establish import tolerances for substances that do not 
have MRLs establis hed in the EU. We posed questions on how Swiss authorities define the terms 
"reasonable suspicion" and "hazardous" in the context of approving the commercialization and 
cultivation of biotechnology crops. We are interested in Switzerland's explanation of t he science 
behind the moratorium on approvals for the cultivation of biotechnology crops. We posed 
questions regarding what measures Switzerland is taking to lower its high out -of-quota rates and 
why Switzerland believes that the additional burden of a dom estic support purchase requirement is 
beneficial to small enterprises. We look forward to receiving answers to these follow -up questions 
in due course.  
5.51.   Again we thank both Governments for their attention to our questions. We thank 
Ambassador Walker for his  very thoughtful and concise perspectives as discussant and we always 
recognize our colleagues in the Secretariat for their really excellent work in connection with these 
reviews. We also appreciated this TPR as an opportunity to welcome our new Chair, Amb assador 
Gonzalez. We look forward to a continued fruitful relationship with both of the subjects of this 
review and we wish you all a good rest.  
EUROPEAN  UNION  
5.52.   The EU would like to thank the delegations of Switzerland and Liechtenstein for the replies 
to our advance written questions and the statements on Tuesday and this morning. These have 
provided many useful insights into the context and objectives of trade policies of Switzerland and 
Liechtenstein.  
5.53.   In this context, we take note of the announcement mad e this morning about the formal 
proposal being submitted to the Parliament concerning the abolition of agricultural export subsidies 
which the EU will study with great interest.  
5.54.   As already mentioned by others and the discussant, the EU also notes the consi derable 
attention of WTO Members shown to this joint Trade Policy Review. This demonstrates the strong 
interest of Members in the trade policies of Switzerland and Liechtenstein and the importance of 
Switzerland as an important trading partner to many WTO Members, including, of course, the EU 
as the closest trading partner to both.  
5.55.   We also heard on numerous occasions and fully share the sentiment of the wide recognition 
and appreciation of the commitment that both countries show to the multilateral trading system as 
embodied in the WTO, including to the transparency pillar of the Trade Policy Review Mechanism 
and also the crucial role of both countries to this Organization.  
5.56.   We would like to take the opportunity of the second day by submitting a few follow -up 
questions. They are mostly for clarification purposes on IPR issues and on procurement. We look 
forward to the replies in due course.  
5.57.   In conclusion, the EU would like to thank the delegations of Switzerland and Liechtenstein 
for their constructive partici pation in this important exercise and we look forward for the next TPR 
under the alternative timeline as announced. Thank you very much.  WT/TPR/W/131  • Switzerland and Liechtenstein  
 
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  6  CONCLUDING REMARKS B Y THE CHAIRPERSON  
6.1.  This joint Trade Policy Review was a very useful opportunity for Members to deep en their 
understanding of the economic, trade, and investment policies of Switzerland and Liechtenstein. 
I would like to thank the two delegations led by the State Secretary for Economic Affairs 
Mrs. Marie -Gabrielle Ineichen -Fleisch, for Switzerland, and A mbassador Peter Matt, for 
Liechtenstein, our discussant Ambassador David Walker, and the more than 50 delegations that 
took the floor for their valuable contributions.  
6.2.  Members were generally impressed by the resilience demonstrated by the economies of 
Switzerland and Liechtenstein during the period under review in spite of strong economic 
headwinds. Both countries are trading nations and, as importers and exporters, depend on foreign 
markets for their economic prosperity. Unemployment has remained low, and the economies had 
continued to expand, although the pace had been moderated by several factors, particularly the 
appreciation of the Swiss franc and low productivity growth. The economic resilience was 
underpinned by a skilled workforce and flexible labour  market; hi -tech production; an emphasis on 
research, development and innovation; good governance; and fiscal prudence.  
6.3.  I sensed a universal appreciation among the Membership for the consistent and staunch 
support of the rules -based multilateral trading s ystem by both Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Their 
constructive contributions, provided by multiple formal and informal approaches including "Friends 
of the System", aim to ensure that the WTO remains relevant and strong in the fight against 
protectionism.  Switzerland and Liechtenstein have consistently advocated further trade 
liberalization, and have taken active part in numerous initiatives to expand trade, including efforts 
to promote the participation of micro, small, and medium sized enterprises in glo bal value chains. 
In addition, Switzerland and Liechtenstein rely on an extensive network of trade agreements, 
mostly through the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), to complement their membership of 
the WTO.  
6.4.  Overall stability characterized the trade and investment regimes of Switzerland and 
Liechtenstein for the period under review. As a consequence, the positive elements of their 
regimes continued to prevail, but conversely the concerns were mostly a repeat of what was said 
at the last Review in 2013 . 
6.5.  On the positive side, the trade and investment regimes were generally open and liberal for 
goods as well as for services. Tariffs on non -agricultural goods were as a general rule zero or very 
low on an MFN basis. Some Members highlighted that Switzerland  and Liechtenstein had never 
resorted to trade defensive measures to remedy perceived imbalances, nor were they involved in 
dispute settlement cases inside or outside the WTO.  
6.6.  On the other side, among the general concerns, Members noted:  
 That the tariff r egime is unique in its reliance on specific duties based on gross weight, 
and several delegations reiterated their recommendation that a more transparent 
ad valorem  regime should be considered.  
 The agriculture sector remains a weak point both in terms of h igh domestic support and 
border protection in the form of high tariffs; tariff peaks for meat, horticultural goods, 
and dairy; seasonal duties; target import prices; and complex tariff quota systems that 
included allocations contingent upon local purchases . Although the Agricultural Policy 
2014-17 involved a rearrangement and fine -tuning of direct payments, support remains 
high, and some Members called for further market -oriented reforms.  
 Outside of agriculture, it was noted that state monopolies restricted  investments in 
certain rail transport, postal and insurance services, and that competition could be 
enhanced in sectors such as telecommunications and construction services.  
6.7.  Several other aspects of the trade regime also attracted the attention of Members . The 
evolution of these policies and measures will be of continued interest to them, notably the reform 
of the Swiss food safety regime, implementation of the "Cassis de Dijon" principle to dismantle 
technical barriers to trade, and the levying of fees re lating to reserve stocks of certain 
commodities. Members took note that Switzerland will look for a solution where the contribution 
fees to the guarantee funds exceed the tariff bindings, such as for rice and coffee. The recent WT/TPR/W/131  • Switzerland and Liechtenstein  
 
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  introduction of "Swissness" legislation to enhance the Swiss brand at home and abroad, and the 
protection of copyright in a digital environment in Switzerland also attracted substantial interest.  
6.8.  Within the overall picture of stability, Members welcomed the introduction of some meas ures 
that will further liberalize trade. The prompt ratification of the Trade Facilitation Agreement and 
the establishment of trade facilitation committees by Switzerland and Liechtenstein were 
appreciated. Tariff reductions stemming from the expanded Info rmation Technology Agreement 
(ITA II) had been applied since 1 January 2017, and Switzerland had unilaterally suspended the 
MFN tariffs on certain textile items from 1 January 2016 for a period of four years.  
6.9.  Furthermore, Liechtenstein had been the first W TO Member to ratify the revised plurilateral 
Agreement on Government Procurement in 2013 but, as several Members noted, we are still 
looking forward to its formal acceptance by Switzerland. Members are also waiting for the 
completion of domestic procedures  to eliminate export subsidies for processed agricultural 
products in accordance with the Nairobi Ministerial Decision, and we welcome the statement made 
by the State Secretary that the Government has approved yesterday the necessary measures to 
eliminate export subsidies by 1 January 2019, ahead of the Nairobi schedule.  
6.10.   Switzerland was complimented for its emphasis on sustainable development, including 
renewable energy. It recently introduced a ban on imports stemming from illegal, unreported, and 
unregul ated fishing. Several Members pointed to the automatic exchange of information in tax 
matters, and the reinforcement of anti -money laundering legislation as positive steps for the 
financial sectors of Switzerland and Liechtenstein. With regard to LDCs, bey ond the longstanding 
commitment to the Enhanced Integrated Framework and the "Aid for Trade" initiative, positive 
developments included the termination in April 2016 of export subsidies on products for LDCs and 
participation in the Registered Exporter Syst em (REX) to facilitate self -certification of origin.  
6.11.   Members noted with interest the Growth Agenda of the Swiss Government for 2016 to 2019, 
in particular its focus on enabling the digital economy and the streamlining of government 
regulations. The role of  autonomous import liberalization as a means to enhance competitiveness 
and labour productivity in the domestic market should not be underestimated, particularly given 
the relatively low rates of growth in productivity. Looking forward to further such init iatives, many 
Members underscored that the present high agricultural tariffs and some technical barriers to trade 
provided scope for substantial trade liberalization and would contribute to a significant reduction in 
the "high -price island" effect experien ced by Switzerland as well as Liechtenstein.  
6.12.   Finally, I would like to thank all those that participated in our discussion and Switzerland 
and Liechtenstein for their statements and the high quality of their replies to nearly 500 questions. 
I look forward to getting the answers to any outstanding questions within the next month, and 
I hope that Switzerland and Liechtenstein can use this process to further improve their already 
generally open trade and investment regimes.  
 
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