WT/TPR/M/280  
31 July 2013  
(13-0000)  Page: 1/54  
Trade Policy Review Body  
23 and 25 April 2013   
 
 TRADE POLICY REVIEW 
SWITZERLAND AND LIECHTENSTEIN  
DRAFT  RECORD OF THE MEETING 
Chairperson:  H.E. Eduardo Muñoz Gómez 
 
 
Page 
1   INTRODUCTORY REMARK S BY THE CHAI RPERSON ...................................................... 2  
2   OPENING STATEMENT BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF SWITZERLAND (H.E. MR. 
DIDIER CHAMBOVEY) AND LIECHTENSTEI N (H.E. MR. NORBERT FRICK) ......................... 4  
3   STATEMENT BY THE DISCUSSANT (H.E. MS. MARIAM MD SALLEH 
(MALAYSIA)) ................................................................................................................. 1 4 
4   STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS........................................................................................ 17  
5   REPLIES BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF SWITZERLAND AND LIECHTENSTEIN 
AND ADDITIONAL COMMENTS ....................................................................................... 46  
6   CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON ........................................................ 53  
 
 
Note: Advance written questions by WTO Members and the replies provided by Switzerland and 
Liechtenstein are reproduced in document WT/TPR/M/280/Add.1 and will be available online at 
http://www.wto.org/english/tr atop_e/tpr_e/tp_rep_e.htm. WT/TPR/M/280 • Switzerland and Liechtenstein 
 
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  1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON 
1.1.  The fourth joint Trade Policy Review of Switzerland and Liechtenstein was held on 23 and 
25 April 2013. The Chairperson H.E. Mr. Edua rdo Muñoz Gómez (Colombia) welcomed the 
delegation of Switzerland headed by H.E. Mr. Didier Chambovey, Ambassador, Federal Council 
Delegate for Trade Agreements, and the delegation  of Liechtenstein headed by H.E. Mr. Norbert 
Frick, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Liechtenstein; the rest of the delegation from 
Bern and Vaduz and colleagues from the Mission in Geneva; and the discussant, H.E. Ms Mariam 
MD Salleh (Malaysia). 
1.2.  The Chairperson recalled the purpose of th e Trade Policy Reviews and the main elements of 
the procedures for the meeting. The report by Switzerland and Liechtenstein was contained in 
document WT/TPR/G/280 and that of the WTO Secretariat in WT/TPR/S/280. 
1.3.  Questions by the following delegations had been submitted in writing at least two weeks in 
advance and had been transmitted to the delegation  of Switzerland and Liechtenstein: the United 
States; Singapore; Australia; Colombia; Chinese Taipei; China; New Zealand; Republic of Korea; 
the European Union; Argentina; Hong Kong, China; Chile; Japan; Costa Rica; Brazil; Canada; 
Mexico; and India. The following delegations su bmitted written questions after the two-week 
deadline: Ukraine; Malaysia; Thailand; Norway; Turkey; Pakistan; El Salvador; and Ecuador. 
1.4.  Based on the reports prepared for this meeting by Switzerland, Liechtenstein and the 
Secretariat, it can be said that both Switzerland and Liechtenstein have recovered well from the global economic crisis. As a result of Switzerland's debt-brake rule, substantial fiscal surpluses were recorded at the federal level over 2006-08, which have allowed for the implementation of 
economic stabilization measures in 2009/10, as well as the package of measures to mitigate the 
effects of the strong Swiss franc on the economy in 2011-12. However, with the escalation of the sovereign debt crisis in the euro zone in spring 2010, the economic recovery of Switzerland and 
Liechtenstein lost momentum in 2011.  
1.5.  Trade is an important driving force of th e Swiss and Liechtenstein economies, with the GDP 
shares of trade in goods and services exceedin g 100%. The main recent challenge for the two 
economies has been the strong appreciation of the Swiss Franc, which has been threatening to 
undermine competitiveness.  
1.6.  On trade regimes, the reports indicate that, while Switzerland and Liechtenstein remain 
committed to the multilateral trading system and to an early conclusion of the Doha Round, they 
have also been negotiating new bilateral/regional free trade agreements with some of their trading 
partners, mainly under the ambit of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). Since their last Review, eight new FTAs concluded under EFTA have entered into force and a bilateral FTA between 
Switzerland and Japan has entered into force in 2009. This large network of free trade agreements 
increases the complexity of both Switzerland's and Liechtenstein's trade regimes. 
1.7.  Overall, this Review provides Members an opportunity to exchange views on a range of trade 
policy issues. Based on the reports and the questions raised in advance, these issues include: 
 Agriculture:  From an economic point of view, the im portance of agriculture for Switzerland 
and Liechtenstein remains marginal despite high protection by various tariff and non-tariff measures. Overall government support by Switzerland represents 2.8 times the OECD 
average. 
 MFN Tariffs:  There has been no major change in the tariff regime since 2008. The tariff 
comprises only specific rates and affords higher protection to agricultural products than to 
non-agricultural goods. The corresponding ad  valorem equivalents range from zero to 
1,676%, and almost 40% of tariff lines carry non-zero rates of less than 2% (nuisance rates). The simple average MFN rate incr eased from 8.1% in 2008 to 9.2% in 2012, 
reflecting in part the appreciation of the Swiss franc.  
 Technical Barriers to Trade:  In 2010, Switzerland unilaterally introduced the "Cassis de 
Dijon" principle to reduce technical barriers to trade but given its numerous exceptions, the benefits are limited.  WT/TPR/M/280 • Switzerland and Liechtenstein 
 
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   Intellectual property:  Switzerland attaches great importance to intellectual property. The 
main development is Switzerland's unilateral decision to introduce EEA-wide exhaustion principle for patent inventions.  WT/TPR/M/280 • Switzerland and Liechtenstein 
 
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  2  OPENING STATEMENT BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF SWITZERLAND (H.E. MR. DIDIER 
CHAMBOVEY) AND LIECHTENSTEIN (H.E. MR. NORBERT FRICK) 
2.1.  C’est avec plaisir que je vous présente ce matin les principaux accents de la politique 
économique et commerciale de la Suisse. Cette année encore, cet examen est conduit 
conjointement avec la Principauté du Liechtenstein.  
2.2.  Permettez-moi de relever tout d'abord la très grande qualité du rapport du Secrétariat qui 
présente de manière claire et synthétique les politiques économiques et commerciales de la Suisse 
et du Liechtenstein avec, d’une part, les politiques largement formulées par la Suisse et, d’autre 
part, les domaines où chaque partenaire développe ses propres politiques. Le Secrétariat a réalisé une analyse qui revêtira un grand intérêt dans nos pays respectifs. Je lui en exprime ici toute ma gratitude. De même, j’aimerais également adresser  mes sincères remerciements à la Cheffe de la 
Délégation de la Malaisie à l’OMC, S.E. Madame Mariam Md Salleh, qui a accepté la tâche de 
présentateur, ainsi qu’aux Membres qui nous ont fait l’honneur de nous poser des questions souvent pointues, toujours pertinentes, et sur lesquelles nous reviendrons également jeudi. 
2.3.  Après ces remarques introductives, le re ste de mon intervention sera consacré pour 
l’essentiel aux quatre points suivants: d’abord j’aborderai l'évolution économique récente, ainsi que les perspectives pour l’économie suisse; je rappellerai ensuite l’importance que revêt pour 
l'économie suisse son intégration dans l’économie mondiale et, troisièmement, je vous présenterai 
les grandes lignes de notre stratégie de politique  économique extérieure en mettant en exergue 
quelques-unes des réformes les plus significatives introduites sur le plan interne. Enfin, j'aborderai encore brièvement les vues de la Suisse dans le contexte actuel des négociations à l'OMC.  
2.4.  Ensuite, mon collègue, Monsieur l'Ambassadeur  Norbert Frick, interviendra pour vous exposer 
les aspects propres au Liechtenstein. 
Evolution économique récente et perspectives 
2.5.  Grâce aux réformes économiques internes poursuivies avec persévérance par la Suisse 
depuis 1993, à la globalisation croissante des échanges, ainsi qu’au renforcement de l’intégration économique avec l’Europe, en particulier la mise en œuvre effective de la libre circulation des 
personnes avec l’UE et l’AELE, l’économie suisse s’est rapidement remise de la récession mondiale 
qui a suivi le déclenchement de la crise financière et économique de 2008-2009. Un léger renchérissement, de faibles taux d’intérêt, des finances publiques saines, ainsi que les 
rationalisations opérées par les entreprises avant la crise et le redressement du commerce mondial 
ont été à la base d’une forte demande intérieure et d’une reprise de l’économie d’exportation dès 
la fin de 2009. Le recul sensible de 1,9% du produit intérieur brut (PIB) en Suisse en 2009 a en effet progressivement cédé la place à une phase de reprise réjouissante qui a atteint 3% en 2010. 
2.6.  L’apparition de la  crise de la dette dans les pays de la zone euro a cependant de nouveau 
changé la donne pour l’économie suisse  en 2010. La crainte que la crise de la dette en Grèce ne 
touche d’autres pays et éventuellement de grands pays européens a conduit les investisseurs à 
fuir vers les valeurs-refuge, telles que l’or, les biens immobiliers, et les monnaies fortes. Le franc 
suisse s’est ainsi fortement apprécié par rapport aux conditions de l’économie réelle. En plus, depuis le second semestre 2011, l’économie suisse s'est trouvée confrontée à un ralentissement marqué de la demande mondiale. L’industrie et le tourisme, deux secteurs clés pour l’économie 
suisse, ont été particulièrement touchés. Le secteur financier, dans le passé moteur de la 
croissance suisse, souffre, en outre, depuis l’éclatement de la bulle spéculative dans l’immobilier aux États-Unis. La valeur ajoutée dans le secteur financier se trouvait ainsi en 2011 environ 20% 
en-dessous du niveau de 2007.  
2.7.  Selon les dernières estimations disponibles, le taux de croissance du PIB de la Suisse a 
atteint 1% en 2012 en termes réels. Par rapport au 4
ème trimestre 2011, le PIB a même augmenté 
de 1,4%. Ce sont essentiellement les dépenses de consommation des ménages et du secteur 
public qui ont contribué positivement à la croissanc e du PIB. La formation brute de capital fixe a 
également fourni des impulsions positives, mais bien plus faibles. Par contre, les échanges de marchandises et de services ont contribué négativement à l’évolution du PIB. Pour 2013, les 
autorités suisses maintiennent leur prévision d'une croissance un peu plus forte du PIB en termes 
réels qu'en 2012 avec 1,3% pour autant que la situation économique mondiale ne se péjore pas. WT/TPR/M/280 • Switzerland and Liechtenstein 
 
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  De même, elles continuent de s'at tendre à une modeste hausse du taux de chômage qui ne devrait 
pas dépasser 3,3% en moyenne annuelle et demeur er dès lors très en-deçà du niveau observé 
dans bon nombre de pays de l'OCDE. 
2.8.  Pour ce qui est du commerce extérieur de  la Suisse on notera qu'au cours du premier 
trimestre 2013, tant les exportations que les importations ont fléchi, pénalisées par 3 jours 
ouvrables de moins qu'en 2012. Après correction de cette différence, elles ont toutefois présenté une hausse de respectivement 3,8% et 2,6% en valeur nominale. Les prix à l'importation comme à 
l'exportation ont sensiblement augmenté, de sorte que si les exportations ont encore augmenté de 
2,4% en valeur réelle corrigées des jours ouvrables, le volume des importations a légèrement fléchi (-1%). Au cours des trois premiers mois de l'année, les ventes à l'étranger de 4 des 9 principales branches exportatrices ont progressé. La palme est revenue à l'industrie des denrées 
alimentaires, boissons et tabacs (+10,6% en valeur nominale). L'horlogerie a, quant à elle, 
progressé de "seulement" 2,4%, alors qu'un an plus tôt elle bondissait encore de 17,5%. Pour sa part, l'industrie des machines et de l'électronique a fermé la marche avec un repli de 7,6%. Sur les 
marchés, ce sont essentiellement les ventes vers l’Amérique du nord qui se sont renforcées, celles 
vers l'Océanie (-5%) et l'Amérique latine (-4%) étant en net repli. De moindres baisses ont aussi été enregistrées vers l'Europe (-2%) et l'Asie (-1%). La balance commerciale a, pour sa part, 
bouclé avec un excédent de 5,9 milliards de francs au cours du premier trimestre de 2013 contre 
5,5 milliards de francs au cours de la même période de l'année dernière.  
2.9.  En matière de politiques macro-économiques, je relèverai tout d'abord que la politique 
monétaire demeure inchangée depuis septembre 2011. La Banque nationale suisse maintient son 
cours plancher inchangé à 1,20 franc pour un euro car le franc demeure à un niveau élevé. Une 
appréciation de notre monnaie menacerait la stabilité des prix et aurait de graves conséquences sur l’économie suisse. C’est pourquoi, la Banque nationale continuera de faire prévaloir ce cours 
plancher avec toute la détermination requise. A cette fin, elle est prête à acheter des devises en 
quantité illimitée. La Banque nationale maintient par ailleurs à 0%–0,25% la marge de fluctuation du Libor à trois mois en francs. En cas de beso in, elle est disposée à prendre en tout temps des 
mesures supplémentaires. Cela dit, on observe depu is maintenant plus de six mois que le taux de 
change de l'euro a pu se maintenir, au gré de l'offre et de la demande sur les marchés des changes, constamment au-dessus du cours plancher fixé par la Banque nationale. 
2.10.  En comparaison internationale, les finances publiques sont dans une situation favorable en 
Suisse. Entre 2009 et 2011, les soldes de financement ordinaire des administrations publiques 
sont, dans l’ensemble, restés positifs malgré la dégradation de la situation économique. Les communes ont toutefois été déficitaires, alors que les cantons affichaient en partie un excédent. 
Ces différences ont persisté en 2012. A l'échelon fédéral, le compte 2012 clôture avec un excédent 
de 1,3 milliard de francs alors qu'il était prévu de présenter des comptes équilibrés. Le bas niveau des dépenses d'intérêts a permis cette amélioration malgré une diminution des recettes due en 
particulier à la baisse de la distribution des bénéfices de la Banque nationale, ainsi qu'à une série 
de réformes fiscales telles que la réforme de l'imposition des familles, la compensation de la progression à froid de l'impôt fédéral direct et la suppression d'un droit de timbre d'émission. Si l'on tient compte des recettes extraordinaires déco ulant de la nouvelle attribution des fréquences 
de téléphonie mobile, le solde positif de financ ement s'est même établi à 2 milliards de francs.  
2.11.  Le budget 2013 adopté en décembre dernier par le Parlement comporte un très léger 
excédent structurel de 66 millions de francs, soit 0,01% du PIB. A fin mars 2013, le Conseil fédéral 
prévoyait des dépenses supplémentaires pour un montant net de 248 millions. Néanmoins, les 
exigences de la règle fiscale du frein à l’endettement devraient pouvoir être respectées car des soldes de crédits subsistent normalement en fin d’exercice. Par rapport au plan financier 
2014-2016 établi en août dernier, le Conseil fé déral entend préserver une marge de manœuvre 
suffisante. Ainsi, grâce au programme de consolidation et de réexamen des tâches de quelque 570 millions de francs qu’il a soumis au Parlement en décembre dernier, les années 2014 à 2016 devraient présenter des excédents structurels de 550 à 650 millions de francs. Toutefois, les 
dernières décisions prises par les Chambres fédérales à la session de printemps pourraient 
fortement réduire la marge de manœuvre prévue, voire la supprimer totalement. WT/TPR/M/280 • Switzerland and Liechtenstein 
 
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  Role of international trade for the Swiss economy     
2.12.  Let me now come to my second point, th e importance of international trade for the Swiss 
economy. International trade and investment play a major role in the Swiss economy and in the formulation of Switzerland’s economic policy. Some facts help to understand this better.  
2.13.  First, manufacturing and the services’ sectors represent about 25% and 68%, respectively, 
of Swiss GDP. The Swiss economy was able to re inforce its specialization in key sectors of 
industrial production, including in areas of high  technology and biotechnology, in addition to 
finance and insurance. Also, the share of export s and imports of goods and services (excluding 
valuables) represent 49.3% and 39.5%, respectively, of Swiss GDP. A large number of companies export more than 90% of their production. With  globalization and the opening of new markets, 
they acquire raw materials and semi-finished goods at the best possible conditions on very 
competitive international markets and tend to co ncentrate in Switzerland the high-tech and high 
value-added activities. Imports are facilitated by quick and efficient customs procedures as well as by average MFN customs duties of only  about 2.3% on manufactured goods.  
2.14.  Globalization and the importance of global value chains for Switzerland are also major 
reasons why my country does not resort to anti-dumping nor to countervailing measures. Also, the use of anti-dumping tends to undermine the effects of a country's own competition policy. In 
Switzerland where the price level is still high, the ch eaper the inputs are to our industry or the cost 
of imports to our consumers, the better. The Swiss market is therefore wide open for industrial products. Economic activity proceeds in this area without subsidies except for processed agricultural products, which benefit from a system taking into account the differences in prices 
between domestic and world raw materials.  
2.15.  The narrowness of the Swiss domestic market traditionally forced several key industrial 
sectors, as well as large banks, and the Swiss insurance companies to expand abroad. The fallout 
on Switzerland of these activities is generally both  significant and positive as they help to keep 
within Switzerland research, production, and particular centers of competence and decision. But this high degree of integration in the world economy can also represent at times a major source of 
risk for our economy, particularly when a major crisis hits the world economy, as we witnessed in 
2007-2009, in the wake of the world financial crisis.  
Switzerland’s foreign economic policy stra tegy and the need for domestic reforms 
2.16.  This leads me to my third point, i.e. Switzerland's foreign economic policy strategy and the 
need for domestic reforms linked to it. Given the paramount importance that international trade 
plays for the Swiss economy, it is not surprising that the Swiss Government attaches great importance to open world markets for goods and services, including in the area of procurement, as 
well as to a solid protection of intellectual property. Essentially, Switzerland's foreign economic 
policy has not changed since the last review in December 2008. The present Swiss Government's priorities remains based upon the strategy expo sed in the introductory chapter of the Federal 
Council's Report of foreign economic policy of 2004. This strategy was further strengthened in 
2008 by the inclusion of a section on natural resour ces and in 2009 by a section on sustainability.  
2.17.  This strategy rests on three pillars. The first aims at improving access to foreign markets 
and establishing a coherent set of international regulations. The second targets the improvement 
of Switzerland’s competitiveness through the strengthening of domestic competition, and the third 
was set with a view to integrate the largest possible number of countries in the world economy through contributions to the economic development in partner countries. 
Improvement of Market Access Abroad 
2.18.  The first of these objectives is to ensure nondiscriminatory access of Swiss suppliers to the 
markets of all countries. To reach this objective, Switzerland seeks, on the one hand, to eliminate 
obstacles to transborder trade, such as tariffs and non-tariff barriers. On the other hand, to 
guarantee a legal certainty and protection to our exporters and investors abroad, it is necessary to have trade rules established that are internationally transparent, efficient and compatible, and correctly applied by all. WT/TPR/M/280 • Switzerland and Liechtenstein 
 
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  2.19.  This is why the Swiss Government remains profoundly attached to an open multilateral 
trading system. In view of the growing tendency toward regionalism in trade, Switzerland considers the strengthening of the multilateral trading system as the priority. Multilateralism represents indeed the best means to obtain both efficient market access rules and an adequate 
protection of all economic actors. Also, generally, smaller countries are in a better position to 
defend their interests in a multilateral setting, rather than find them confronted with a situation of disproportionate power relationships. 
2.20.  For the Swiss authorities, a key role must be assigned to the WTO in the areas of a 
progressive liberalization of trade, the establishment of rules, rights and obligations governing international trade, as well as of the settlement of disputes. Also, it is necessary to reinforce the multilateral trading system through a better integration in world trade of developing countries, 
economies in transition, and least developed countries. 
2.21.  If Switzerland is also a party to a number of bilateral and regional trade agreements, it is 
because we consider that such agreements represent an additional tool to accelerate international 
trade liberalization. By no means, however, are they designed to be a substitute to an open 
multilateral trading system. Being geographically in the middle of Europe, Switzerland naturally developed close economic ties with the members of  the European Union (EU). In addition to the 
1972 Free Trade Agreement, Switzerland concluded with the EU since 1999 the bilateral 
agreements I and II which cover a large array of areas. Since 2009, Switzerland and the EU further signed an agreement on customs facilitation and security, the agreement on education, the agreement on the protection of designations of or igin and geographical indications for agricultural 
products and foodstuffs, and the cooperation agreement with the European Defense Agency.  
2.22.  In addition to its bilateral agreements  with the EU, the 1960 EFTA Convention, the Free 
Trade Agreement with the Faroe Islands as well as the Free Trade and Economic Partnership 
Agreement with Japan which was concluded in 2009, Switzerland is presently a party to a network 
of 24 free trade agreements concluded in the framework of EFTA. Since the last review, agreements entered into force with Canada in 2009; Albania and Serbia in 2010; Colombia and 
Peru in 2011; Ukraine; Hong Kong, China and Montenegro in 2012. Most of the free trade 
agreements with partners outside of the euro -Mediterranean area are agreements with an 
enlarged sectorial coverage. Beyond trade in good s, competition and intellectual property, these 
agreements generally include substantial commitments in the areas of services, investment and 
government procurement. In addition since mid-2010, Switzerland and the EFTA States propose to 
all of their negotiating partners the inclusion of specific provisions on trade and sustainable development. 
2.23.  Switzerland intends to pursue its policy of concluding free-trade agreements with partners 
beyond the EU. Accordingly, Switzerland is current ly negotiating in the framework of EFTA with 
Algeria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, four Central American States (Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras and 
Panama), India, Indonesia, Thailand, the Customs Union of Russia-Belarus-Kazakhstan, as well as 
with Vietnam. Negotiations with Malaysia are due to start in the near future. Bilaterally, Switzerland and China started negotiations toward a free trade agreement in January 2011. Finally, Switzerland and the other EFTA States are exploring the possibility of opening negotiations 
with other trading partners. 
Development of Switzerland’s Competitiveness 2.24.  As second objective of Switzerland’s fo reign economic policy strategy, the Government 
considers that more competition on the domestic market is essential for setting up competitive 
export structures in Switzerland. Particularly in the context of a strong Swiss franc, this requires the opening up in Switzerland of those economic sectors, such as agriculture and the health 
system, which remain largely sheltered from foreign competition and are experiencing lower than 
average productivity, to limit the cost of inputs for companies, and to maintain, and possibly reduce, the cost of living in Switzerland, to make it  affordable for its worker s as well as for the rest 
of the population.  
2.25.  This is why Switzerland has been pursuing, since the first Growth Report was issued in 
2002, a thorough reflection on the causes of th e weakness of its economic growth. The main six 
pillars of growth policy are to: (1) improve competition on the domestic market; (2) improve WT/TPR/M/280 • Switzerland and Liechtenstein 
 
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  international economic integration: (3) optimize public finances; (4) maintain a high level of labor 
participation; (5) strengthen human capital (education, research and innovation), and (6) establish pro-business framework conditions for companies.  
2.26.  In 2008, the Federal Council approved a second Report on Growth Policy for the period 
2008-2011. This report emphasized three goals: first, reducing the high level of costs in the 
economy; second, improving the framework conditio ns for firms and third, improving professional 
training in Switzerland. Contrary to earlier growth enhancing measures, the 2008-2011 Growth 
Policy was not limited to measures that the Federal Council could submit to Parliament in its own 
right. International economic agreements and the ec onomic policy of cantons were also considered 
as having a growth potential and were henceforth included in the action plan of the 2008-2011 Growth Policy. Unfortunately, some measures foreseen by this growth policy could not be 
implemented as the Federal Council had hoped for. Among other things, the total elimination of 
the postal monopoly or the reform of the VAT could not be accomplished. 
2.27.  The Federal Council came also to the conclusion that, despite reforms undertaken so far, 
Switzerland's very favorable positions in international competitiveness rankings, and the 
impression that this country better weathered the international financial and economic crisis than others, reflect more the pursuit of adequate macroeconomic policies than an underlying strong 
growth potential. Indeed, if Switzerland appears both competitive and rich, it is because of the 
high labor participation rather than strong productivity. 
2.28.  Due to these findings, the Federal Council is targeting the improvement of productivity 
growth, notably in domestic sectors in its new 2012-2015 Growth Policy. It aims at improving 
productivity in the economy as a whole, so that domestic sectors no longer base their future 
growth excessively on additional labor as in the past, but increasingly on improved productivity. 
Agriculture and the health sector are among th e main sectors concerned. The 2012-2015 Growth 
Policy also includes an additional pillar, namely to ensure the sustainability of natural resources. 
The energy intensity indicator linking energy consumption to GDP illustrates this pillar of activity in order to foster environmentally friendly growth. In this context, pursuing climate objectives at a 
reasonable cost while using resources effici ently remains a major challenge. Developing 
infrastructure and linking Switzerland to international transport routes are other such challenges. Finally, the ageing of the population also has as consequences. In Switzerland today more persons are leaving active life than new qualified young people are entering the labor market.  
2.29.  Specifically, the 2012-2015 Growth Policy co ntributes to productivity growth through: (1) a 
reform of the health sector; (2) a further reform  of the agriculture policy; (3) a change in the 
orientation of energy policy as a result of the progressive elimination of nuclear energy without 
causing an excessive burden for companies; (4) the fixing of budgetary priorities over a period of 
eight years to be revised periodically; (5) the establishment of clear budgetary rules for the management of the social security system in order to prevent political blockades from threatening 
their financing and jeopardizing the promised benefits; and (6) a move toward e-Government with 
a view to alleviating administrative procedures. 
2.30.  To accompany and reinforce Switzerland's G r o w t h  P o l i c y ,  a  n u m b e r  o f  s t r u c t u r a l  r e f o r m s  
were implemented in recent years or are being considered on the domestic front to complement 
actions taken on the external front. I will limit myself to only mentioning briefly four of these 
reforms which are more fully detailed in the Swiss Government Report. First, the new revision of the Federal Law on cartels and other impediments to competition with a view to further 
intensifying competition in Switzerland, notably through the prohibition of horizontal agreements 
on prices, quantities and geographical distribution , as well as of vertical arrangements on minimal 
or fixed prices; second, the total revision of the Capital Adequacy Ordinance to reinforce financial 
stability and avoid that a bank of a systemic importance becomes "too big to fail"; third, 
Agricultural Policy 2014-17 which aims at systematically targeting direct payments toward the provision of public goods as wished for by the people and required by the Federal Constitution. 
Finally, the new revision of the Electricity Supply Act in the wake of the launching of the new 
Energy Strategy 2050 after the tragic events taking place in Japan in March 2011 which led 
Switzerland to decide to progressively eliminate nuclear energy as a source for electricity production and to replace it by renewable energies.  WT/TPR/M/280 • Switzerland and Liechtenstein 
 
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  Integration of developing countries and econ omies in transition in the world economy 
2.31.  The third objective of Switzerland's foreign economic policy strategy refers to the 
integration of developing countries and economies in transition in the world economy. Through economic development cooperation (multilateral and bilateral), Switzerland endeavors to help its 
partners to adjust their national framework conditions toward a better integration in the world 
economy and a sustainable economic growth. Fost ering trade, the development of the private 
sector, the reinforcement of economic and fiscal po licies, the development of infrastructure and of 
the supply of cities, as well as measures deemed  to protect climate and the environment should 
contribute to lastingly reduce poverty and economic and social disparities while favoring a rational use of resources in partner countries. The "Aid for Trade" Initiative launched on the occasion of the 6
th WTO Ministerial Conference in Hong Kong is  an example of the implementation of such 
development cooperation. In this context, Switzerland has particularly increased its commitment in 
favor of the promotion of sustainable trade. On a yearly basis, Switzerland contributes 
approximately 120 million francs to its development programs dealing with trade. One specific 
focus is related to trade facilitation where Swit zerland emphasizes capacity building of customs 
authorities. 
Switzerland and the WTO negotiations  
2.32.  Let me now say a few words, before I conclude, in relation to the ongoing negotiations in 
the WTO. The present situation of the Doha Round is no doubt critical. It’s difficult to see how and when the Round will be revived. As Members, our main priority should therefore be to preserve the "acquis" of the WTO, that is, to ensure the inte grity of its agreements, of the dispute settlement 
system and, last but not least, to contain protectionist pressures. As long as Members will continue 
to respect the WTO agreements and to settle their trade disputes within the dispute settlement mechanism, the system will work. Regarding protectionism, Switzerland remains very much 
concerned by the fact that despite repeated commitments to establish a "standstill" on trade 
restrictive measures and to roll back the trade restrictive measures taken in the wake of the financial and economic crisis, a number of Members, notably from the G20, have so far not lived 
up to their pledges. Therefore, to counteract th is tendency, Switzerland will continue to fully 
support any initiative leading to a further strengthening of the WTO monitoring exercise.   
2.33.  In the short run, with respect to the ongoing negotiations, it is important for Switzerland 
that the opportunity offered by the 9
th WTO Ministerial conference in Bali in December 2013 be 
seized. The objective of Members should be to reach a significant and balanced outcome in Bali 
and to contribute to the strengthening of the mu ltilateral trading system, while being aware that 
such a result will neither represent the end of the road nor allow conclusion of all the topics under 
discussion at the WTO. Nevertheless, such a step would represent a solid basis toward future work 
at the WTO and contribute to maintain the relevance of the WTO in the 21st century. Switzerland 
will continue to engage actively and constructively  in favor of the conclusion of agreements on the 
basis of paragraph 47 of the Doha mandate. An agreement on trade facilitation should be, in our 
view, at the core of the results obtained in Bali, together with some issues related to agriculture, as well as topics of special interest to developing and, in particular, least developed Members.  
2.34.  Switzerland is also engaging actively in parallel with many Members toward updating the 
Information Technology Agreement and the negotiation of an ambitious International Services 
Agreement. Such an agreement should be open to all the Members of the WTO who will be ready to participate. In addition, in order to support th e integration of developing countries, in particular 
of LDCs, in world trade, Switzerland will continue  to work toward the development of the "Aid for 
Trade" Initiative. Coherence between trade and envi ronment represents also an essential area for 
Switzerland. Switzerland made proposals on how to avoid and possibly settle conflicts between 
trade and environmental rules. In addition, Switzerland supports the liberalization of additional 
goods and services with demonstrated environmen tal value. We hope good progress can also be 
achieved in these areas. 
2.35.  One of the major challenges Members will face in the longer run will be to ensure that 
progress made to date in the Doha Round will no t be put into question and will allow, when the 
time is right, to conclude negotiations in all areas of the DDA.  WT/TPR/M/280 • Switzerland and Liechtenstein 
 
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  Conclusion 
2.36.  En conclusion, 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 les questions complexes, que notre Organisation, 
que nous tous, devons régler ensemble dans l’intérêt d’un système multilatéral renforcé et 
résolument tourné vers les défis d’aujourd’hui et de demain. 
2.37.  Ce dialogue, par ailleurs nécessaire pour l’ensemble des sujets traités à l’OMC, constitue la 
base essentielle pour tout progrès futur. Je me vois encouragé par le nombre de questions qui 
nous sont déjà parvenues. Nous avons fait de grands efforts pour répondre à toutes les questions posées par écrit et nous reviendrons sur les plus importantes à l’occasion des débats de jeudi. Si la Suisse est forte dans les services et dans les produits manufacturés, elle connaît des secteurs 
comme l’agriculture qui restent difficiles pour nos acteurs économiques, pour notre Gouvernement 
et pour nos partenaires commerciaux. Depuis la fin du Cycle de l’Uruguay, notre secteur agricole a relevé de nombreux défis. Il entend poursuivre sa route sur le terrain des réformes s’il n’est pas 
bloqué par des revendications excessives ve nant de l’extérieur ou de l’intérieur. 
2.38.  Monsieur l'Ambassadeur Norbert Frick va maintenant vous dire quelques mots concernant 
les aspects propres au Liechtenstein. 
H.E.
 MR. NORBERT  FRICK  (LIECHTENSTEIN) 
2.39.  Let me start by thanking Ambassador Didier Chambovey for his introduction in which he 
also referred to the close relationship between Switzerland and Liechtenstein and to the deep 
integration of our economies based on our customs and monetary union. For this reason, the 
Trade Policy Review of our two countries has been dealt with in a joint report. We are very grateful 
to the Swiss representatives for their support and excellent co-operation throughout the whole process. Once more, I wish to thank Switzerland for that, also on behalf of my authorities. 
2.40.  My thanks also go to her Excellency, Ambassador Mariam Md Salleh from Malaysia, who 
accepted to act as discussant for this joint review. 
2.41.  Last but not least I would like to thank the 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 in an excellent and comprehensive manner. 
2.42.  In principle, I would not have much to ad d to the Secretariat’s report, complemented by our 
policy statement. Nevertheless, let me highlight or add some information and remarks to this 
reports and to what Ambassador Chambovey said. 
Liechtenstein: a small but ec onomically successful country 
2.43.  Liechtenstein is – with a surface of about 2/3 of the Canton of Geneva and a resident 
population of about 37’000 - a very small country. Nevertheless, it has a highly developed, remarkably diversified economy. The number of jobs  equals almost the number of inhabitants. In 
spite of the difficult economic environment since the last TPR, the number of jobs has steadily 
grown, last year again by 1.3%. More than half of the workforce commutes daily from the 
neighbouring regions to Liechtenstein and altogether close to 70% of all jobs are held by non-Liechtenstein nationals. 
A highly developed and comp etitive industrial sector 
2.44.  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 close to 40% to GDP and employs over 40% of the 
total workforce. Investments by the Liechtenstein in dustrial companies – by the private sector - in 
research and development represents in percenta ge of GDP certainly one of the highest figures 
worldwide. Businesses and products, focused on high-tech niche products, are broadly diversified, 
as are the export markets. About 1/3 of the produc tion is exported to markets outside Europe. An WT/TPR/M/280 • Switzerland and Liechtenstein 
 
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  interesting feature is also that Liechtenstein’s industrial companies have - as an overall 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 abroad. 
2.45.  Of equal high importance for Liechtenstein’s economy is of course the financial services 
sector, mainly banking and insurance services, wh ich represents a considerable 27% of GDP. The 
services sector as a whole is however smaller than in other European countries. Striking is also the 
comparatively low GDP figure for agriculture and forestry. 
Liechtenstein highly dependent on international trade 2.46.  Liechtenstein is highly, almost entirely, dependent on imports and exports. In order to 
secure favorable framework conditions for international trade, Liechtenstein therefore seeks strong 
international co-operation and partnerships and is, not surprisingly, a strong supporter of the multilateral trading system.  
2.47.  Four pillars form the legal basis of Liechtenstein’s Foreign Economic relations, namely: 
 the Customs Union Treaty with Switzerland; 
 the membership in the agreement on the European Economic Area (EEA) which provides for 
full participation in the EU’s internal market; 
 the membership of the World Trade Organization (WTO); 
 the membership of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). 
 
The Customs Union with Switzerland 
2.48.  In application of the 1923 Customs Union Treaty – this very month we could celebrate 
90 years of the signature of this treaty – Liecht enstein became an integral part of the Swiss 
customs territory. Therefore, as far as trade in go ods, including agricultural goods is concerned, 
trade policy measures affecting imports and expo rts, including TBT and SPS measures etc., are 
formulated by Switzerland and also applied to Liechtenstein. All these matters are also negotiated 
by Switzerland on behalf of Liechtenstein in this organization and in EFTA. In the same way, as far 
as trade in goods is concerned, commercial treaties and trade agreements concluded by Switzerland also apply to Liechtenstein. 
2.49.  However, Liechtenstein has its own regulatory framework in trade in services, government 
procurement, investment, and in some areas of in tellectual property rights. In these areas, our 
bilateral relationship with Switzerland is governed by the EFTA Convention.  
2.50.  Concerning service negotiations Liechtenstein welcomes the initiative on a possible 
ambitious plurilateral trade in services agreement and is, therefore, currently preparing its request 
for joining the Really Good Friends of Services (RGFS). 
Liechtenstein: A member of the European Economic Area 
2.51.  The EEA Agreement is the legal basis for th e economic cooperation of Liechtenstein with the 
29 other – soon 30 - 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 rules 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.  
2.52.  Liechtenstein is part of the EU’s Inte rnal Market – a market of 500 Mio people - and 
therefore all corresponding EU law is applicable in Liechtenstein. Accordingly e.g. banking, 
insurance, securities and accounting legislation is based on the relevant EU directives. By now, the impressive number of close to 7000 EU acts have been taken over. The EEA Agreement is 
dynamic, i.e. it provides for the ongoing inclusion of new EU legislation in all policy areas covered 
by the EU’s Internal Market. As a consequence of this agreement, a large part of Liechtenstein’s 
own economic legislation is based on EU law. Proper implementation of the Internal Market WT/TPR/M/280 • Switzerland and Liechtenstein 
 
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  legislation is ensured through the two-pillar struct ure of the EEA, i.e. the monitoring by the EFTA 
Surveillance Authority and the judici al functions of the EFTA Court.  
Liechtenstein part of two internal markets 2.53.  It is noteworthy and a special feature of Liechtenstein to be part of two internal markets, 
the Swiss and the European. Both, the Customs Unio n with Switzerland and the participation in the 
EEA Agreement are success stories for Liechtenstein. The basic principle that allowed participation in both is that goods produced either in conformity with Swiss or EEA regulations may be sold in 
Liechtenstein. The good functioning of this arrang ement is assured with a specific Market Control 
and Surveillance Mechanism. 
Major changes to the trade regime since the last TPR in 2008 2.54.  There have been no major changes to the trade regimes as such, but a number of internal 
policy adaptations in reaction to the shockwaves caused by the global financial and economic 
crises since 2009, the escalation of the sovereign debt crises in spring 2010 and the massive strengthening of the Swiss franc - which is also the legal tender in Liechtenstein - as well as to the 
changing international environment and regulatory  framework concerning the financial services 
sector. 
2.55.  The long-standing liberal economic policy of the Liechtenstein Government is based on the 
principle of self-dependent economic actors, which means state interventions are limited to the 
establishment of framework conditions favorable to entrepreneurship. 
2.56.  Examples of changes respectively adaptations since the last TPR are:  A full revision of the old tax act of 1961 and replacement by the new one from 2011 with the 
aim of further promoting an investor-friendly environment in compliance with relevant EEA 
law; 
 A new Location Marketing Act establishing a public entity called “Liechtenstein Marketing” to 
promote and raise the profile of Liechtenstein internationally as a highly diversified place to 
do business and as an attractive tourism destination; 
 The establishment of the “RhySearch” centre to gether with the Swiss canton of St. Gallen 
with the aim of strengthening regional cooperation to foster research and innovation, 
especially designed for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises; 
 A new agricultural law with a focus on sustainable agriculture and entrepreneurial 
orientation.  
 
2.57.  Then, on 12 March 2009 the Liechtenstein Government adopted the “Liechtenstein Declaration”. Through this declaration, Liechtenstein publicly expressed its commitment to 
implement global standards of transparence and ex change of tax information as developed by the 
OECD and to advance its participation in international efforts in order to counteract non-compliance with foreign tax law. With the declaration, Liechtenstein also clarified its position 
regarding privacy and banking secrecy and confirmed its readiness to speed up the negotiation of 
tax information and other agreements. Since then Liechtenstein has negotiated and concluded a large number of tax information exchange agreements (TIEAs) and a number of double taxation agreements (DTAs) in accordance with the OECD-model conventions. Liechtenstein is actively 
participating in the work and review mechanism of the OECD Global Forum on Transparency and 
Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes. 
The necessity of fiscal consolidation 
2.58.  Traditionally, Liechtenstein’s national budgets always had a surplus and therefore fiscal 
reserves could be accumulated. However, the period under review has been marked by a 
downward trend. Since 2010 Liechtenstein has run budget deficits and the same is expected for 
this year. The reason for this downward trend is the accumulation of different factors which 
occurred at the same time, such us: 
 Higher public expenditures; WT/TPR/M/280 • Switzerland and Liechtenstein 
 
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   Tax shortfalls due to the combination of the structural changes in the financial services 
sector, the economic and financial crisis and the challenge of the strong Swiss franc with corresponding negative effects on all economic sectors and operators; 
 The new tax law the benefit of which is designed for the mid-term. 
 
2.59.  Budget consolidation and the continuation of Liechtenstein’s overarching policy of zero external debts – Liechtenstein is a triple AAA country – are the highest priorities for both, the 
newly elected Government and the opposition parties. These aims are being pursued through tight 
cost controls on the one hand and measures to secure revenues on the other. WT/TPR/M/280 • Switzerland and Liechtenstein 
 
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  3  STATEMENT BY THE DISCUSSANT (H.E. MS. MARIAM MD SALLEH (MALAYSIA)) 
3.1.  I am honoured to be the Discussant fo r this Trade policy review of Switzerland and 
Liechtenstein. My comments will be on the macroe conomic development, the overall tariff regime, 
certain sectoral policies and foreign economic policy.  
3.2.  Much has been said of Switzerland and Li echtenstein, two small landlocked countries with 
limited natural resources that are among the wealthiest countries in the world. Both economies are very much intertwined, forming an economic and monetary union and Liechtenstein in an integral 
part of the Swiss customs territory. 
3.3.  Liechtenstein has developed into a prosperous, highly industrialized, free-enterprise economy 
with a vital financial services sector. While, Switzerland for the fourth consecutive year, is ranked top in the overall global competitiveness by the World Economic Forum in 2012, from a field of 
144 economies. A remarkable achievement, with i nnovation being the driving force. World class. 
Swiss made.  
3.4.  Since the last review, the two economies have  gone through a period of overall growth. After 
a GDP growth rate of 2.16% in 2008, the GDP of Switzerland contracted by 1.94% in 2009 due to 
the severe global financial crisis during the period.  Since then, the economy has recovered to post a growth of 3.03% and 1.93% in 2010 and 2011, respectively.  
3.5.  In the case of Liechtenstein, following a sharp fall in GDP growth in 2009 of almost 11%, 
Liechtenstein enjoyed a quick recovery with an in crease of 8.7% in 2010. Unemployment in both 
countries remains low and inflation is under control. We commend both Members for the recovery made. 
3.6.  The Secretariat report notes that Switzerland and Liechtenstein are high-price "islands" in 
Europe. This is a fact that I am sure, is familiar to all WTO delegates here. The high prices led to the phenomena of border shopping. A recent study by the Swiss Retail Association indicated that 
cross border shopping has hit the level of 5 billion Swiss francs a year. The study shows the high 
Swiss franc is to blame in 80% of cases. 
3.7.  However, other factors also contributed to the high prices in these economies. As reported in 
both reports, these are the outcome of the high incomes, the high level of protection in 
agriculture, technical barriers to trade, and limited competition in various industries. The World Bank Report 2013 placed Switzerland at No. 28 in Doing Business, with the ranking for Starting A Business showing a 9 point drop from No. 88 in 2012 to No.97. 
3.8.  With this background and the strong apprec iation of the Swiss franc due to its safe haven 
status, as noted in the Secretariat report, threatening to undermine competitiveness, the Swiss National Bank decided to contain the appreciation of the Swiss franc by setting a minimum 
exchange rate of SwF1.20 per Euro. 
3.9.  Switzerland and Liechtenstein have also undertaken measures to stimulate competition 
during the period under review. 
3.10.  The first, to note, is the adoption of the Cassis de Dijon principle. It ensures that products 
that are lawfully marketed in the European Union or European Economic Association i.e. the EEA may, in principle, be put on the market in Sw itzerland without further checks regarding their 
technical requirements. However, some of the potential gains from trade are lost because the 
principle is not applicable to certain products, for e.g. animal feed, pharmaceuticals or certain 
chemicals, and food imports which are subject to special approval procedures. 
3.11.  Secondly, Switzerland has also adopted an EEA-wide exhaustion principle for patented 
inventions. This notable change in the intellectual property regime allows for more competition in 
the market through parallel importation of products from the EEA market. WT/TPR/M/280 • Switzerland and Liechtenstein 
 
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  Overall Tariff Rate Regime 
3.12.  As the Secretariat Report notes, there have  been no major changes in the tariff since 2008 
(paragraph 3.13). The tariff regime in Liechtenstein and Switzerland are indeed, unique. Nevertheless, it also raises questions of efficiency and competitiveness. 
3.13.  Tariff comprises only specific rates. Their range of ad valorem  equivalent go as high as over 
1,600%. While duty-free treatment applies to 18.7%  of all tariff lines, agricultural products 
continue to have high tariff protection with an average of 31.9%. Furthermore, almost 39% of 
tariff lines consist of nuisance rates, which bear rates of less than 2%. However, it is recognised 
that for non-agricultural goods, tariff prot ection is low, with an average of 2.3%. 
3.14.  The Secretariat report notes that no measures to increase tariffs were taken during the 
period under review (paragraph 3.14). Despite th is, the overall simple average applied MFN rate 
increased from 8.1% in 2008 to 9.2% in 2012. This  is as a result of the downward trend in the 
global prices of agricultural products and the stro ng appreciation of the Swiss franc, which led to a 
high ad valorem  equivalent of the specific duties. 
Agriculture 
3.15.  At the last review of the Swiss and Liechtenstein economies, the sector that attracted the 
most comments was agriculture. The Secretariat report notes that agriculture remains the “Achilles 
heel” of the Swiss and Liechtenstein economies. 
3.16.  Swiss agriculture contributed about 1% to GDP and 3.8% to employment in 2011. Likewise, 
the contribution of agriculture to Liechtenstein’s GDP is also marginal. Despite this, Agriculture remains the most protected sector in Switzerland and Liechtenstein. 
3.17.  A few tariff reduction initiatives have been carried out since the last TPR, in the context of 
the Agricultural Policy 2011 or as a result of bila teral agreements with the EU. However, the report 
also notes that the overall high level of import protection in agriculture has been left largely 
untouched. 
3.18.  Highlights are: 1. Meat and dairy products, in particular, are the most tariff-protected products, with averages 
over 100% and peaks of up to 1,676%. The tariff-quota system is highly complex. The 
28 WTO tariff quotas are being divided into 58 sub-quotas and aggregated with 80 bilateral 
preferential-tariff quotas. The tariff quota management system itself runs to about 300 pages long. 
2. The Swiss milk-quota system was abolished in 2009, but surplus problems persist. A surplus 
removal campaign or compulsory milk levy has drawn criticisms from Members. 
3. Export subsidies for basic agricultural products were eliminated in 2009, but remain in place 
for certain dairy products, flour, and other milled products that are incorporated into food 
products. 
3.19.  The Swiss Parliament has just approved the next reform of the Swiss Agricultural Policy for 
2014-17. As the Secretariat report notes, "While Sw itzerland's agricultural policy has been heading 
generally in the right direction, Swiss support and protection for agriculture is still almost three times the OECD average. The process of market-oriented reforms needs to be faster”. 
Services 
3.20.  The services sector is the main contributo r to the GDP of both economies and they are net 
exporters of services. The sector contributes clos e to 72% of total employment in Switzerland and 
56% of total employment in Liechtenstein.  
3.21.  Financial services represent an important service sector. In this era of austerity, tax havens 
are increasingly coming under strict scrutiny. Recent reports with the latest being the OECD report WT/TPR/M/280 • Switzerland and Liechtenstein 
 
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  to the G20 Finance Ministers, have put the spotlight on Switzerland’s tradition of banking secrecy. 
In the period under Review, both economies have carried out improvements in the area of exchange of information regarding tax matters. Swit zerland has lifted its reservation to the OECD 
model tax convention on income and capital regard ing exchange of information on tax matters.  
3.22.  Additionally, through the "Liechtenstein Declaration" of 12 March 2009, the Government 
publicly expressed its commitment to implement glob al standards of transparency and exchange of 
information as developed by the OECD. Liechtenstein confirmed its readiness to speed up the 
negotiation of tax information exchange and other agreements with a view to having a network of 
such arrangements in place as soon as possible in  order to address the global issue of tax fraud 
and tax evasion as well as the legitimate needs of its industrial sector to avoid double taxation. Liechtenstein was removed from the OECD List of Uncooperative Tax Havens on 
11 November 2009. 
Foreign Economic Policy Strategy 3.23.  The Secretariat report notes that trade is an important driving force of the two economies, 
with GDP shares of trade in goods and services exceeding 100%. Thus, the importance of the WTO 
and the multilateral trading system to Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Switzerland remains active in 
pursuing efforts towards the conclusion of the Doha Development Agenda and has taken the 
initiative to lead the informal group of "middl e-grounders" called the friends of the system. 
Switzerland joins others in working out a credible package for the Bali 9th Ministerial Conference. It must be recognized too that both Members have made commendable contributions to the WTO technical assistance and capacity building programmes.  
3.24.  At the same time, Switzerland and Liechtenstein are parties to multiple bilateral and 
regional trade agreements, seen as additional platforms to gain market access and forging closer economic ties. This, the secretariat notes, has made their trade regimes increasingly complex. 
There are many layers and permutations to this, particularly in economic arrangements with the 
European Union, the EEA and bilateral free trade agreements with non-EU trading partners, mainly within the EFTA Framework. Since the last Review, Switzerland has 26 FTAs with 35 trading 
partners, besides the EU. And all trade agreements concluded by Switzerland also apply to 
Liechtenstein. There are several FTAs still under negotiations and that between EFTA and Malaysia, negotiations will commence soon. 
3.25.  I trust Switzerland and Liechtenstein would provide further clarification on their trade 
policies through the many questions made to the So, in conclusion, I would like to commend 
Liechtenstein and Switzerland for its generally open dynamic economy and liberal trade and investment regime, and I wish them a successful trade policy review. WT/TPR/M/280 • Switzerland and Liechtenstein 
 
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  4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS 
UNITED  STATES 
4.1.  The United States enjoys a long tradition of friendly relations with Switzerland and 
Liechtenstein. Our countries have an active history of cooperation and we each appreciate the 
powerful role that international trade can play in global economic and political stability. The U.S. 
economic relationship with Switzerland and Liec htenstein is positive and growing across several 
dimensions. Two-way goods trade between the United States and Switzerland totalled 
US$51.9 billion in 2012, and two-way services trad e between the United States and Switzerland 
totalled US$43 billion in 2011. The U.S. stock of foreign direct investment in Switzerland was US$125 billion in 2011, led by the nonbank holding companies, manufacturing, and wholesale trade sectors. Swiss FDI in the United States was US$211.7 billion in 2011, led by the 
manufacturing and finance sectors. With regards to Liechtenstein, total two-way goods trade 
between the United States and Liechtenstein was US$332 million in 2012. The U.S. stock of 
foreign direct investment in Liechtenstein was US$285 million in 2012. Liechtenstein FDI in the 
United States was US$556 million in 2012. 
4.2.  As we have seen in previous reviews, the economies of Switzerland and Liechtenstein are 
among the world’s most advanced and prosperous, both of which are characterized by high living 
standards and a highly skilled labor force. Their economies have recovered well from the global 
economic crisis, and unemployment has been kept in check at about three to 4%.  The major economic challenge for the two economies has been how to mitigate economic distortions that result from the strong pressures for appreciation of the Swiss franc. 
4.3.  Trade continues to be an important driving force of both economies, with the value of trade 
in goods and services equivalent to more than 100% of GDP. The two countries together are home 
to some of the world’s most specialized enterpri ses, including electronics, metal manufacturing, 
pharmaceuticals, food products, precision instruments, optical instruments, and dental products.  
The services sector is the main employer and ma kes a significant contribution to GDP in both 
economies. Both are net exporters of services, and financial services represent an important 
branch of the sector.   
4.4.  The trade regimes of Switzerland and Liecht enstein are among the most liberal in the WTO, 
with the exception of the agriculture sector. Despite its marginal contribution to GDP and employment, agriculture remains highly protected from global competition by various tariff and 
non-tariff measures. And as the Secretariat report notes, this level of protection in agriculture has 
remained largely unchanged since the last TPR.  
4.5.  Several specific agricultural policies are particularly of concern to the United States. The 
Secretariat’s report notes that Switzerland does not apply administered prices for price support 
measures, but rather uses “observed” prices to calculate the support. Also, market support 
measures have been reduced by less than 50% since 2009. We would appreciate further 
explanation from Switzerland regarding how its system of “observed prices” differs from 
“administered prices.” We would also appreciate further explanation on how these prices are reflected in Switzerland’s domestic support notifications.   
4.6.  The United States understands that the Swiss Government does not appear to have taken 
into account the results of a comprehensive and de finitive review of the benefits and risks of 
genetically modified plants completed by the Swiss National Research Program in 2012. Rather, both chambers of Parliament recently adopted a second extension of the moratorium on approvals 
for cultivation of biotechnology crops until the en d of 2017. We therefore look forward to hearing 
Switzerland’s views on this scientific research including why a ban was imposed on something that Swiss research determined to be safe.   
4.7.  The lack of competition for agriculture products is further reflected in Switzerland’s and 
Liechtenstein’s approach, along with its 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. WT/TPR/M/280 • Switzerland and Liechtenstein 
 
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  4.8.  In addition to our agricultural concerns, the United States is particularly concerned about 
subsequent interpretations of a 2010 Swiss Federal Supreme Court decision that have seriously undermined the ability of companies and individuals to enforce their intellectual property rights against infringement over the Internet. We look forward to hearing about steps that the Swiss 
government is taking to address this concern an d to combat copyright piracy over the Internet 
generally. The United States will be closely monitoring the results of the current “Copyright Working Group 2012,” or AGUR12, as well as the Swiss Ministry of Economy-led process. 
4.9.  The United States also looks forward to hearing about the steps that both Switzerland and 
Liechtenstein are taking to address issues caused by their dominant or government-owned telecommunications service providers.   
4.10.  Finally, we note that the Government of Switzerland indicated that it is in the process of 
revising its long standing legislation on alcohol, and we look forward to hearing Switzerland’s views 
on how the revised legislation may affect imported products.  
4.11.  The United States, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein share a common fundamental desire to 
ensure the health and vitality of an open global trading system, which we view as critical to 
promoting economic growth and development for all Members. We share Switzerland and 
Liechtenstein’s view that a strong, rules-based syst em is the best guarantee against protectionism, 
and provides important transparency and pred ictability for traders around the world. 
SINGAPORE 4.12.  We are very encouraged to find that Sw itzerland and Liechtenstein continued to pursue 
generally liberal trade and investment policies in the period under review. The economies have 
recovered from the global financial crisis and despite the ongoing European debt crisis, have 
continued to register growth albeit at a reduced rate. They are amongst the wealthiest countries in 
the world and ranked high on quality of life indices. Switzerland has also been recognized as the 
most competitive economy in the world in 2012 by  the World Economic Forum, for the fourth 
consecutive year.  
4.13.  As we have stated in the previous trade policy review, Switzerland and Lichtenstein are fine 
examples of how small countries can achieve sustained economic growth and a high quality of life 
with the appropriate economic strategies and by building up competitive advantages in selected niche areas such as financial services and high technology products. Small countries can turn the challenges of size into an advantage by being more nimble, business-friendly and plugged into the 
global economy.   
4.14.  Singapore was the first Asian country to conclude a free trade agreement with Switzerland, 
Liechtenstein and their partners in the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). Following its entry 
into force on 1 January 2003, the EFTA-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (ESFTA) has boosted 
trade and opened doors for Singapore and EFTA part ners into each other’s markets. Our bilateral 
trade with Switzerland almost doubled between  2002 and 2012, to US$6.18 billion. Singapore’s 
total stock of direct investment in Switzerland grew more than six-fold to reach US$2.66 billion in 
2012. As of 2011, the total Swiss investment in Singapore was US$17.5 billion, making Switzerland our 3rd largest European investor and the 7th largest investor globally. These investments span a diverse range of sectors including financial and insurance services, 
pharmaceuticals, food, precision engineering, chemicals and electronics. Switzerland is also 
Singapore's 22nd largest trading partner.  
4.15.  Singapore's economic links with Liechtenstein have similarly benefited from the 
EFTA-Singapore FTA and there is still much potential for growth. Total bilateral trade between 
Liechtenstein and Singapore stood at US$4.8 milli on in 2012. Liechtenstein is Singapore’s 12th 
largest European investor, with FDI in Singapore standing at US$1.17 billion in 2011, mainly in the 
financial and insurance services sector. We look forward to the fourth review of the ESFTA this 
June to further strengthen our bilateral economic ties.  
4.16.  As a small economy highly dependent on international trade, we share Switzerland's and 
Lichtenstein's steadfast commitment to the multilateral trading system and desire for a successful 
9th Ministerial Conference in Bali at the end of the year. We commend the highly constructive role WT/TPR/M/280 • Switzerland and Liechtenstein 
 
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  that Ambassador Remigi Winzap and his colleagues play in the DDA negotiations, and their 
unflagging efforts to search for convergence in th e difficult area of NAMA. As G10 coordinator, 
Switzerland is also well-placed to help deliver a meaningful outcome on some elements of agriculture in Bali. As Swiss support for its agriculture sector remains at almost three times the 
OECD average, we encourage Switzerland to cons ider further liberalisation of this sector.  
AUSTRALIA 4.17.  Australia and Switzerland enjoy a strong tr ading relationship that is underpinned by growing 
two way trade and substantial Swiss investment in Australia. In 2011, Switzerland was Australia's 
fifth largest source of foreign direct investment at A$23 billion and the sixth largest investor overall at A$42 billion. In 2011-12, merchandise trade between Australia and Switzerland was worth A$3.8 billion, while two-way services trade amounted to around A$1.8 billion. Australia also 
appreciates its positive bilateral relationship with Liechtenstein. 
4.18.  As strong supporters of the multilateral  trading system, Australia and Switzerland work 
together across a range of international bodies, including the WTO, to advance our respective 
trade and economic agendas. We welcome Switze rland's continuing efforts to strengthen and 
further liberalize the multilateral trading system through the Doha Round negotiations. We also welcome Switzerland's positive support for new approaches to progress multilateral trade 
liberalization, including through Switzerland's efforts to help achieve a credible package for MC9 in 
Bali, including the important role it plays each year to bring trade ministers together in Davos, as well as its efforts here in Geneva. 
4.19.  Australia works closely with Switzerland in the Financial Stability Board, supported by the 
annual Australia-Switzerland Financial Dialogue. Lead ing up to Australia's term as Chair of the G20 
in 2014, we look forward to working closely with Switzerland on trade liberalization and other economic stimulus measures advanced through the G20. 
4.20.  It will come as no surprise that Australia for many years has been concerned about the 
heavily-controlled Swiss agriculture market. Whil e we understand there are cultural, historic and 
environmental sensitivities in this sector, we continue to be concerned by the high tariff and 
non-tariff barriers that Switzerland imposes on a range of agricultural products. The very high 
levels of support Switzerland provides to its agricultural industry, almost three times the OECD average, impedes trade and imposes significant costs on Swiss tax-payers and consumers. By 
lessening competition from international producers, Switzerland's agricultural policies constrain the 
productivity of its agricultural sector and undermine its own stated aims of increasing domestic 
competitiveness and enhancing food security. This is why completion of the Doha agriculture negotiations as quickly as possible needs to be a priority for all WTO Members. 
4.21.  Australia is also concerned about Switzerland's practice of not including substantial 
agricultural trade liberalization in its preferential trade agreements. Negotiating more comprehensive agreements would offer greater opportunities for Switzerland's FTAs to be more 
supportive of efforts to achieve broad-based multilateral trade liberalization. 
4.22.  While we continue to have strong differe nces on such issues, we nevertheless welcome the 
healthy state of our overall trade and investment relationship with Switzerland and our strong government to government links. 
COLOMBIA 
4.23.  En el suplemento especial de la revista The Economist (The World in 2013) aparece una 
clasificación de ochenta países, con un índice que mide en qué país es mejor nacer: "The lottery of 
life: where to be born in 2013". Según este índice, el mejor país para nacer en este momento es 
Suiza. Los factores que determinan el índice son: el ingreso por habitante, la expectativa de vida al nacer, la calidad de la vida familiar, el estado de libertad política, la tasa de desempleo, el clima, 
la seguridad y la igualdad entre géneros. Esta clasificación sugiere que el país hoy ha hecho las 
cosas bien y que es un buen referente a seguir. 
4.24.  Durante el período objeto de examen, resalta la rápida recuperación de Suiza y 
Liechtenstein de la crisis económica y financiera mundial. Ello gracias a una economía sólida y a un WT/TPR/M/280 • Switzerland and Liechtenstein 
 
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  acervo importante de capital humano, financiero y económico. Empero, la recuperación se ha visto 
afectada por la crisis de la deuda en la zona euro y por el debilitamiento en las economías de sus principales interlocutores. Esos problemas externos incidieron en la sobrevaloración del franco suizo, que se tornó en uno de los valores refugio para los inversionistas, junto con el oro, los 
bienes inmuebles y otras monedas fuertes. Este factor se sumó a otra dificultad que afronta la 
economía suiza: los elevados costos internos. 
4.25.  En general, Suiza y Liechtenstein son países con una economía abierta, altamente 
dependientes del comercio exterior, las exportaciones e importaciones de mercancías y servicios 
en Suiza representaron el 49,5% y el 38,7% del PIB en 2011. Y la política comercial adoptada durante el período de examen apuntan continuar en esta misma senda, como quiera que se han acometido reformas en dos esferas: 1) mayor acceso a los mercados y 2) mejoras en la 
competitividad. 
4.26.  En el ámbito del mayor acceso, destacamos la activa participación de Suiza en acuerdos 
bilaterales o regionales de libre comercio: Suiza cuenta con una red de 24 acuerdos firmados en el 
marco de la AELC, dentro de los cuales se encuentra el Acuerdo con Colombia, firmado en 2011, y 
actualmente se encuentra negociando 8 acuerdos más en el marco del AELC y uno a nivel bilateral con China. 
4.27.  En el eje de mejoras en la competitividad, también hay reformas que resaltar, como la 
revisión de la Ley Federal OTC y el principio Cassis de Dijon; el acuerdo sobre libre circulación de personas, algunas reformas en la esfera de la agricultura y algunas revisiones a la Ley sobre los cárteles, la ley de Banca, la Ley de energía y la aplicación interna de la revisión del Acuerdo de 
Contratación Pública. Esta última parece indicar que Suiza ratificará el Acuerdo revisado hacia el 
2015. 
4.28.  A pesar de las reformas acometidas, hay sectores como la agricultura o el sistema de salud 
que siguen estando muy protegidos frente a la competencia exterior y tienen una productividad 
inferior a la media. El sector agrícola muestra aranceles promedio de más del 100% y crestas arancelarias de hasta el 1,676%; un sistema de contingentes sumamente complejo y un nivel de 
ayuda internan tres veces por encima del promedio de la OCDE. 
4.29.  Adicionalmente, en la legislación postal, sigue habiendo un monopolio parcial en los 
servicios postales a favor del proveedor público tradicional. También se mantienen restricciones a la inversión en esferas sujetas al monopolio estatal, como los seguros y el transporte ferroviario. 
4.30.  Antes de finalizar, queremos destacar el activo rol de Suiza en los programas de Ayuda para 
el comercio. En particular, en el marco de nuestro ALC, firmamos un capítulo de fortalecimiento de capacidades comerciales que nos permitió adelantar proyectos de gran calidad y ser país en 
SIPPO. Suiza además destina aproximadamente 120 mil millones de francos suizos anuales a sus 
programas de cooperación relacionada con el comercio. 
SEPARATE
 CUSTOMS  TERRITORY  OF TAIWAN,  KINMEN,  PENGHU  AND  MATSU 
4.31.  During the period under review, the econom ies of Switzerland and Liechtenstein, like many 
others, have been hit by the severe global economic crisis. We are pleased to see both countries have recovered quickly, and have managed to maintain relatively low levels of unemployment. But, the recent European sovereign debt crisis has had some noticeable adverse effects on their 
economies. Thanks to its substantial fiscal surplu ses recorded in previous years, Switzerland has 
been able to implement some economic stabilization measures as well as measures to mitigate the effects of the appreciation of the Swiss franc. And, since the Swiss National Bank set a minimum 
exchange rate of 1.20 Swiss francs to the euro Se ptember 2011, this too must have had an effect 
on trade between Switzerland and its trading partners. 
4.32.  As the Secretariat's report suggests, althou gh Switzerland's investment regime is generally 
open to foreigners, investment restrictions continue to apply to areas under state monopoly, and 
domicile or residency requirements apply in certain sectors. In this respect, we would encourage Switzerland of further liberate its investment regime. WT/TPR/M/280 • Switzerland and Liechtenstein 
 
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  4.33.  Switzerland and Liechtenstein share similar views with ourselves on many issues, and we 
are generally working closely together within the WTO forum. For example, all of us are signatories to the Plurilateral Agreement on Trade in Civi l Aircraft, the Government Procurement Agreement 
and the Information Technology Agreement. In th e DDA negotiations, we are all in the G10 group 
on Agriculture. Switzerland and ourselves are also members of the Friends of Anti-Dumping 
Negotiations and the Really Good Friends in the Services negotiations. 
4.34.  On the bilateral front, Switzerland has long been a valued trade and investment partner of 
ours, and our economic relationship had broadene d and deepened over the years. Switzerland is 
our 7
th largest European trading partner, with two-way trade reaching a total value of 
US$2.3 billion in 2012, in which Switzerland enjoys a trade surplus of more than US$1.8 billion. Bilateral cooperation has been established in areas such as double taxation avoidance, technical 
cooperation in medical devices and the mutual recognition of patent priority rights. We look 
forward to further strengthening this bilateral relationship in the future. 
CHINA 
4.35.  It’s great to know that the economies of Switzerland and Liechtenstein have recovered well 
from the global economic crisis. The unemployment  has been kept in check at about 3-4% and the 
inflation has generally remained below 1%. During the review period, Switzerland’s current 
account has been traditionally in surplus. Liechtenstein continues its status of zero external debt. 
The sound performance of both economies demonstrates their strong competitiveness and proper responses to the crisis as well. Switzerland has ranked top in overall global competitiveness for four consecutive years. 
4.36.  We have taken note that the ratios of trade to GDP for both countries exceed 100%, which 
clearly indicates the vital role that trade has played in both economies. It’s commendable that both countries generally maintain liberal trade and investment regimes. Nonetheless, as the Secretariat 
Report points out, the agricultural sector is still highly protected by tariff and non-tariff measures 
and some tariff peaks on NAMA products such as textiles and clothing remain. We are pleased to note that both countries have taken steps towards reducing technical barriers and enhancing 
domestic competitions. It’s also impressive that the self-reflection and sober evaluations on the 
reform measures are made in the government reports. We encourage both countries to continue their reform more effectively to address the decline in productivity and maintain competitive advantages. 
4.37.  China, Switzerland and Liechtenstein enjoy friendly bilateral relations. Economic and trade 
relations have also been developing smoothly during the period under review. In 2012, trade volume between China on the one side, and Switze rland together with Liechtenstein on the other 
side, reached almost US$26.4 billion, more than doubled in the past 4 years. China’s shares in 
Swiss export rose from 2.8% to 4.2%, and import  from 2.5% to 3.4%, ranking China the largest 
trading partner of Switzerland in Asia.  
4.38.  On investment, Switzerland has the largest investment in China among non-EU countries in 
Europe, while investment by China in Switzerland also increased rapidly from US$8 million in 2008 to US$102 million as of December 2012. China is re ady to continue all our efforts in collaboration 
with both countries to tap the potentiality to further our economic and trade co-operations. The 
FTA negotiation between China and Switzerland launched in January 2011 is obviously a crucial 
step. We have made great progress after eight rounds of negotiation and expect an early conclusion.  
4.39.  On the multilateral side, like many other Members, we always appreciate the firm 
commitments of Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the multilateral trading system and the 
successful conclusion of the DDA negotiations. We commend them for playing an active role both 
in the regular work of WTO and the negotiations. Switzerland has made great contributions to the 
negotiations by hosting meetings at the ministerial level during the annual World Economic Forum in Davos. We also would like to extend our special thanks to Ambassador WINZAP for his leadership as Chair of the NAMA Group as well as his strong team in Geneva. We fully share the 
view expressed in both Government reports that  the multilateral trading system has to be 
strengthened and we should seize the opportunity  afforded by MC9 to achieve deliverables and 
reinforce the system. WT/TPR/M/280 • Switzerland and Liechtenstein 
 
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  NEW  ZEALAND 
4.40.  We should first acknowledge that despite the global economic crisis, Switzerland has, due 
largely to sound fiscal and economic policies, recovered well from the economic challenges of recent years. This is very positive. International trade continues to play a dominant role in the 
Swiss economy and Switzerland remains a strong advocate for the multilateral trading system. 
4.41.  New Zealand and Switzerland have a fairly modest trading relationship; however, we enjoy 
excellent bilateral relations, which provide a good foundation to develop our trading and 
investment links further. 
4.42.  While this broad context is positive, the mixed report of the Secretariat gives us cause for 
concern in a number of areas, most significantly in agriculture. Domestically, Switzerland has removed tariffs and trade barriers across many of its sectors. As the Secretariat notes however, 
agriculture remains the stark exception to this picture. 
 Current applied ad valorem  equivalent (AVE) tariff duties have increased since 2008, from a 
range from 0% to 1,468% to 0% to 1,676%; 
 The simple average tariff had increased from 8.1% to 9.2%; 
 Tariffs on agricultural products remain higher than industrial tariffs, with average 
agricultural tariffs of 31.9% as compared to 2.3% for NAMA; 
 The Secretariat sums up these and other policies with the observation that support and 
protection for agriculture is currently at "three times the OECD average". 
4.43.  New Zealand nevertheless remains optimistic  about Switzerland pursuing further reforms in 
the area of agriculture, given its evident desi re and ability to do so. The positive reforms 
associated with the Agricultural Policy 2011 illustrat e this. The current proposals in the Agricultural 
Policy 2014-2017 however do not, in our view, take the reforms much further and, in the words of the TPR report, "The high level of import protection will be left virtually untouched". 
4.44.  New Zealand was also one of the WTO Members that raised concerns regarding the 
compulsory levy on milk approved by the Swiss Fe deral Council in August 2011 to provide relief on 
the butter market. This measure would appear to fit the definition of an export subsidy under 
Article 9.1(c) of the Agreement on Agriculture and in our view is therefore not WTO compliant. 
New Zealand, like other WTO Members, calls for the non-renewal of the levy when it expires on 30 April 2013. 
4.45.  Notwithstanding our concerns over agriculture, New Zealand acknowledges Switzerland's 
leading role as an advocate for trade liberalization in the services and the industrial goods sector. 
We note that the most successful sectors of the Swiss economy are also the most open. In keeping with this approach, New Zealand encourages Switzerland to undertake further market-oriented 
reforms in its agricultural sector. 
KOREA 4.46.  We are very pleased to note that in February 2013, Korea and the Swiss Confederation 
celebrated the 50
th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations. The relationship 
between our two countries is, and will remain one of the most prosperous partnerships which is characterized by both an ever-growing network of contacts at all levels and a solid growth of economic and trade ties. It is a source of satisf action that our economic relations have continued 
to deepen since the EFTA and Korea came into force in 2006. As a corollary, the volume of 
bilateral trade reached record levels in 2010 and again 2011. We find it very encouraging that more than 50 Swiss companies which are operating in  Korea are playing an important role as both 
countries work closely to further develop mutually beneficial and future-oriented relations. In Asia, 
Korea is Switzerland's sixth largest export mark et while Switzerland is Korea's ninth export 
destination. Korea's total stock of investments in Switzerland reached US$250 million in 2012. 
Switzerland has substantially increased its investments in Korea, with its cumulative investments 
reaching the level of US$2.1 billion in 2012. With re gard to Liechtenstein, we are also pleased to 
witness our bilateral trade volume steadily increasing, reaching US$14 million in 2012. WT/TPR/M/280 • Switzerland and Liechtenstein 
 
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  4.47.  From a trade policy perspective, as the Secr etariat's report noted, there has been no drastic 
change during the period under review. The struct ure of the applied MFN tariff and the competition 
regimes of Switzerland and Liechtenstein have changed little. Both countries remain generally open to foreign investments and no specific trade concerns regarding Switzerland measures have 
been raised at the TBT and SPS meetings since 2008.  It is also noteworthy that Switzerland as one 
of the most important global financial service cent res, did not introduce any measure to change its 
market access conditions during the period under review. 
4.48.  As the Secretariat also noted, we very much appreciate that Switzerland and Liechtenstein 
have been staunch supporters of the multilateral trading system. Both countries, signatories to the ITA and the GPA in close cooperation with Korea. When it comes to the DDA negotiations, as the Secretariat's report pointed out, Switzerland has emphasized the importance of preserving the 
progress that has been achieved in the negotiations, especially in the area of trade facilitation. We 
share this view. Korea will also continue to work closely with Switzerland and Liechtenstein, as the 
G10 group proceeds to play its due dole in the DDA negotiations. In this regard, we expect and 
trust that Switzerland and Liechtenstein will make meaningful contributions as Members try to 
ensure the success of the MC9 in Bali. 
ARGENTINA 
4.49.  Nos complace saber que la economía suiza se recuperó de la crisis financiera internacional, 
cuyos efectos se hicieron sentir particularmente en 2009, y que el PBI real creció 3% y 1,9% en 2010 y 2011 respectivamente. Ello le permitió mantener el desempleo acotado en un nivel del 3-4%. 
4.50.  La Argentina tiene una importante relación económica con Suiza. El intercambio comercial 
entre ambos países ha venido creciendo desde 2005 y en 2012 el comercio total alcanzó los 1.204,5 millones de dólares EE.UU., lo que representó un aumento de aproximadamente 9% 
respecto al año anterior. 
4.51.  Este incremento se explica tanto por el aumento de nuestras exportaciones, que pasaron de 
567,9 millones de dólares EE.UU. a 652,2 millone s de dólares EE.UU., como también por el 
aumento de nuestras importaciones que crecieron durante 2012, pasando de 543 millones de 
dólares EE.UU. a 552 millones de dólares EE.UU. 
4.52.  Estamos convencidos que el comercio bilateral sería mayor si no existiera en Suiza el 
elevado nivel de protección agrícola, que es casi tres veces el promedio de la OCDE. En ese 
sentido, deseamos remarcar que el promedio de los aranceles NMF aplicados a los productos 
agropecuarios fue del 31,9% en 2012, siendo la carne, los productos lácteos y las hortalizas los productos más protegidos, con un arancel promedio de 177% en el caso de la carne. 
4.53.  A ello hay que agregar el uso de instrumentos de ayuda interna como subvenciones, 
medidas de sostenimiento de los precios y pagos directos. Si bien en los últimos años el promedio anual de la ayuda a los productores agropecuarios disminuyó, todavía continúa en un nivel 
elevado: 5.700 millones de francos suizos en 2009-2011. Esta cifra no guarda relación con la 
contribución de la agricultura al PBI (3.900 millones en 2010), como se destaca en el Informe de la Secretaría. 
4.54.  El proteccionismo agrícola contrasta fuer temente con la apertura aplicada en el caso del 
comercio de manufacturas. Esta disparidad se refleja en las negociaciones en la OMC, en las que 
Suiza mantiene una posición que dificulta realizar avances con miras a corregir las distorsiones que aún persisten en el comercio agrícola, de crucial importancia para muchos países en 
desarrollo. 
4.55.  Seguiremos con atención la nueva Política Agrícola para 2014-2017 que está en trámite en 
el Parlamento. 
HONG
 KONG,  CHINA 
4.56.  Hong Kong, China has long maintained close and cordial economic relations with 
Switzerland and Liechtenstein. With the entry into force of the Free Trade Agreement between WT/TPR/M/280 • Switzerland and Liechtenstein 
 
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  Hong Kong and the Member States of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) in late 2012, we 
expect our trade and investment ties with Switzerland and Liechtenstein will take new heights. 
4.57.  We appreciate 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. However, only 18.8% of 
non-agricultural lines are duty free. International tariff peaks are also applied to certain 
non-agricultural products, including textiles and clothing. We would encourage Switzerland and Liechtenstein to improve in these aspects further to liberalise trade. Moreover, we note customs 
duties are still calculated on the basis of quantity instead of value. We believe this is anachronism 
and would encourage Switzerland and Liechtenstei n to change them to one based on value. 
4.58.  We note that the agricultural sector of Switzerland and Liechtenstein remains highly 
protected. The average level of applied tariff on agricultural products is estimated to be about 32% 
in 2012. Various measures are in place to prov ide domestic support and stimulate production, 
including subsidies, direct payments and interest-free credit schemes. In Switzerland, export subsidies are available to certain products to compensate the price gaps between the domestic and 
world markets. As a result of these and other measures, Switzerland's support to agricultural 
producers was almost three times the OECD average for the period of 2009-11. We strongly encourage Switzerland and Liechtenstein to review their measures with a view to reducing the 
level of protection and distortion, and further liberalizing the agricultural sector. 
4.59.  Switzerland participates very actively and positively in the WTO negotiations on the draft 
Trade Facilitation Agreement. It has initiated and co-sponsored a significant number of proposals, including the temporary admission of goods/inward and outward processing, goods in transit, risk 
management, separation of release from clearance, and more, and given support to other 
proposals. We appreciate Switzerland’s constructive participation in the negotiations, and look forward to working closely with Switzerland and other WTO Members towards an early conclusion 
of the agreement. 
4.60.  We are pleased to note that Switzerland and Liechtenstein do not have any anti-dumping, 
countervailing or safeguard measures in place. We commend the two countries’ continuous efforts 
in containing the use of contingency measures. 
4.61.  We commend Switzerland's active engagement in the anti-dumping negotiations for seeking 
to clarify and improve the relevant trade disciplines. Both Hong Kong, China and Switzerland share the same objective of strengthening the Anti-dumping Agreement to forestall the abusive use of 
such trade instrument for protectionist purposes. We shall continue to work constructively with 
Switzerland and other Members on improving th e multilateral trade rules and to bring the 
negotiations to a fruitful conclusion. 
4.62.  In 2010, Switzerland introduced the Cassis de Dijon principle which allows products that are 
lawfully marketed in the EU or the European Econ omic Area (EEA) to be marketed in Switzerland 
without further checks regarding their technical requirements. Similarly, Liechtenstein also allows 
goods produced in conformity either with Swiss or EEA regulations to be sold in its country. We 
welcome these arrangements as they can reduce te chnical barriers to trade and facilitate free flow 
of goods. 
4.63.  Switzerland is also amending its food law to lift the “positive principle” for foodstuffs, so that 
most foodstuffs and additives offered for sale will no longer need prior approval by the relevant 
authorities. In addition, Switzerland is a member of various bilateral and regional mutual recognition agreements (MRAs) on the conformity assessment procedures of various products. We 
would encourage Switzerland to continue engaging in  the development of MRAs to further facilitate 
the free flow of international trade. 
4.64.  Turning to trade in services, Hong Ko ng, China shares very similar ambition with 
Switzerland for a liberalised services regime underpinned by robust disciplines to prevent 
cumbersome domestic rules which restrict and distort trade. We look forward to our continuous and close cooperation in achieving our common goal. 
4.65.  Switzerland and Liechtenstein have generally open investment regimes. Most economic 
sectors are open to local and foreign investors. However, investment restrictions continue to apply WT/TPR/M/280 • Switzerland and Liechtenstein 
 
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  in Switzerland to areas under state monopolies like postal, insurance, and rail transport services.  
Restrictions in the form of residency requirements also apply in certain sectors such as air transport. Liechtenstein’s investment restrictions mainly apply in public utilities as well as a number of financial services. Hong Kong, China would encourage both Switzerland and 
Liechtenstein to review and further relax their existing restrictions. 
EUROPEAN
 UNION 
4.66.  The EU is pleased to participate in the 4th Trade Policy Review of Switzerland and 
Liechtenstein and discuss developments in their trade policies and practices since the previous 
review in 2008. 
4.67.  Switzerland and Liechtenstein, both landlocked countries in the heart of Europe, are among 
the wealthiest countries in the world; just only to mention that, in terms of gross national income 
per capita, in 2011 Switzerland ranked seventh and Liechtenstein second in the world.  
4.68.  Switzerland and Liechtenstein have formed a customs and monetary union, with Switzerland 
acting on behalf of Liechtenstein in monetary, agricultural, and much of trade in goods policies. 
This explains why their economies are highly in tegrated and why the two countries under review 
pursue similar economic strategies, including in areas such as manufacturing and services. Under the 1924 Customs Union Treaty, Switzerland acts on  behalf of Liechtenstein in Customs Union 
matters, such as trade policy measures affecting imports, and agricultural policy. Trade is also a 
very important driving force of the Swiss and Li echtenstein economies, with the GDP shares of 
trade in goods and services of almost 100%.  
4.69.  Switzerland and Liechtenstein are among our closest neighbours, not only geographically, 
but also culturally and economically. Switzerland is the EU's third largest economic partner, after 
the US and China. In turn, the EU is by far the most important trading partner for Switzerland, accounting for 78.4% of its imports and 57.4% of its exports in goods in 2011, respectively. 
Liechtenstein’s exports to the EU amounted to €1.1 billion in 2011, representing about 60% of 
total exports (without counting those to Switzerland), while goods directly imported from the EU worth about €1.3 billion. 
4.70.  Our preferential trade agreement with both  countries, which was part of an overall EU – 
EFTA cooperation, dates back to 1972. Since then, Switzerland and Liechtenstein have built up strong economic relationships with its European neighbours. Starting point for this is their membership to the European Free Trade Association.  Within this context Liechtenstein took a step 
further in joining the European Economic Area and thus fully participates in the internal market of 
the European Union. Switzerland, since the reject ion of the ratification of the EEA Agreement in 
1992, attempts to improve access to the EU market  by sector specific agreements designed to 
complement the old free trade agreement. Although substantial progress was achieved both sides 
were unable to agree on a general agreement li beralising trade in services or to implement 
measures allowing for the free movement of goods. In addition, investment restrictions continue to 
apply to insurance, rail transport and certain postal services.  
4.71.  Since 1999 Switzerland and the EU have as well deepened their trade relations notably in 
the area of customs procedures and mutual reco gnition of conformity assessments and trade in 
agricultural and processed agricultural products.  
4.72.  Switzerland and Liechtenstein have a policy of promoting themself as a stepping stone to 
the EU market for both third country based and EU based companies alike. In particular Switzerland became an important hub for trading, holding companies and license management. 
Geographical and cultural proximity to the main markets is an important natural asset. Of concern 
are specific advantages offered on company taxation, lacking co-operation in competition law enforcement, cross border labour law issues as well as limited information exchange, flexible 
accounting standards, and reduced financial supervision. 
4.73.  the EU maintains very close cooperation to  Liechtenstein and Switzerland, which goes well 
beyond trade. It also comprises many other policy strands, such as education, social and economic 
cohesion, research and environment, amongst others. In most areas Liechtenstein is strongly 
integrated into EU policies by virtue of the EEA Agreement. But also in relation to Switzerland the WT/TPR/M/280 • Switzerland and Liechtenstein 
 
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  agreements signed since 1999 have considerably increased the areas of policy coordination. Let 
me recall, that in 2010 an agreement was signed on Swiss participation in EU education, professional training and youth programmes. 
4.74.  Leaving aside our bilateral relations, the EU recognizes the importance and dependence of 
both economies on external trade and understands  the need of Switzerland and Liechtenstein to 
improve the access to foreign markets extending the network of free-trade agreements, although 
the EU believes that this trend makes their trade regimes increasingly complex. Indeed, since their 
last Review, eight new FTAs concluded under EFTA have entered into force. In addition, a bilateral 
FTA between Switzerland and Japan entered into force in 2009.  
4.75.  Switzerland and Liechtenstein remain staunc h supporters of the multilateral trading system, 
advocating resistance to protectionism since the financial crisis developed. The EU shares with 
them the efforts to break the current deadlock, considering necessary to overcome the DDA 
impasse. 
4.76.  The EU, Switzerland and Liechtenstein have important common interests, including our 
longstanding shared support for the WTO.  
4.77.  From a trade policy perspective, agriculture remains the "Achilles heel" of the Swiss and the 
EU thinks that there is room for significant improvement on agriculture, which is still highly 
protected by tariff and non-tariff measures. Our hope is that such improvements can be achieved 
with the planned new Agricultural Policy 2014-17. The EU encourages Switzerland to re-arrange 
and fine-tune the direct payments scheme to improve its effectiveness and address conflicts with WTO Green Box criteria. Also, export refunds available for agricultural components in processed 
food should be adjusted to meet the disciplines  set out in the WTO agreements. The EU finally 
encourages Switzerland (as Liechtenstein already abandoned similar schemes) to bring to an end 
those cantonal tax schemes which grant indirect subsidies for Swiss exports of goods and services. 
CHILE 
4.78.  Chile es uno de los países en Latinoamérica con mayor proporción de descendientes de 
helvéticos en su población. Ello ha quedado consagrado con dos Presidentes de la República de 
Chile de ascendencia Suiza, además de académicos, empresarios y Ministros de Estado. 
4.79.  En efecto, la inmigración suiza en Chile tuvo lugar principalmente a fines del siglo XIX; 
todos de lengua suizo-alemana. Se estima que más de 8.000 suizos recibieron concesiones de tierras. Llegaron al sur de Chile y hasta el día de hoy las familias se dedican mayoritariamente a 
labores agrícolas, ganadería, lechería, producción de quesos, turismo, la gastronomía o la 
chocolatería. De ahí que en el sur se habla de Suiza Chilena.  
4.80.  Chile comparte con Suiza y Liechtenstein el alto grado de dependencia del comercio 
internacional, alrededor del 80% (72% Chile y 89% Suiza), por lo que los tres países vemos como 
una prioridad y como una necesidad el fortalecimiento del sistema multilateral de comercio. 
4.81.  Esta dependencia del comercio internacional, se ve reflejada en la activa participación de 
Suiza y Liechtenstein en el quehacer de esta casa y la conclusión de 26 Acuerdos de Libre 
Comercio, además de los numerosos acuerdos qu e rige su relación con la Unión Europea. 
4.82.  Nuestros vínculos comerciales se enmarcan en un acuerdo suscrito en el marco de EFTA 
(AELC) vigente desde 2004 y que tuve el honor de negociar a nombre de mi país. 
4.83.  La relación económica de Chile con Suiza y Liechtenstein se afianza año a año aunque 
todavía tiene un gran potencial; debe continuar creciendo. En cifras, en 2012 el intercambio comercial totalizó los 1.400 (1.392) millones de dólares EE.UU., lo que corresponde a un 0,9% del 
total intercambiado por Chile con el mundo. Suiza concentró el 84% del total intercambiado por 
Chile con el bloque de la EFTA en 2012, seguido por Noruega con el 13%. 
4.84.  Chile –como otros- aprovecha esta ocasión para instar a Suiza y Liechtenstein a acelerar la 
apertura agrícola. Si bien se observan algunas iniciativas de reducción de aranceles desde el 
último Examen de Políticas Comerciales, en general aún queda un alto nivel de protección a la WT/TPR/M/280 • Switzerland and Liechtenstein 
 
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  importación en la agricultura. Como ejemplo, la  carne y los productos lácteos, se encuentran 
protegidos por aranceles promedios de más del 100% y con crestas cercanas al 1.700% (1.676%). Además, se suma un sistema de contingentes arancelarios complejo y ciertos subsidios a la exportación que aún permanecen. 
4.85.  Si analizamos el Perfil Tarifario de Suiza y Liechtenstein en la OMC se puede ver que el 
arancel promedio aplicado a los productos agrícolas (NMF) es 31,9%; promedio que para Chile y pese al ALC es de 30,6%. El contrapunto es que Chile aplica a las importaciones agrícolas (NMF) 
sólo un 6% parejo. Es decir, acá tenemos un caso  de trato especial y diferenciado inverso.  
4.86.  En el resto de las áreas de OMC (servicios, bienes industriales, reglas, solución de 
controversias, facilitación de comercio, etc.) compartimos con Suiza y Liechtenstein las mismas visiones y principios.  
4.87.  No quiero terminar esta intervención con un sesgo negativo, porque Chile admira la acción y 
presencia de Suiza en la comunidad internacional. Hace poco tiempo un destacado economista amigo mío, de visita en Ginebra, me dijo “Suiza es un país imposible, pues se sale de todos los 
parámetros del desarrollo económico: es un país pequeño, sin materias primas, sin acceso directo 
al mar, montañoso y de difícil comunicación interna, con cuatro idiomas, cuatro culturas distintivas… ¡debería ser un país subdesarrollado!”. No obstante ello, es uno de los países más 
ricos del mundo, altamente competitivo, con uno de los mejores estándares de vida del orbe, con 
gran presencia internacional y un ejemplo a seguir  en muchos ámbitos como la sólida y profunda 
democracia, su estabilidad macroeconómica, su vocación por la paz y la seguridad internacional; su sistema educativo, la protección del medioambiente; y, en el contexto energético, Chile mira 
con interés la meta del gobierno suizo de garantizar el abastecimiento eléctrico, sin recurrir a la 
energía nuclear para el 2050.    
4.88.  Finalmente un dato anecdótico. Uno de nuestros Nobel de literatura, Pablo Neruda, estando 
en el exilio, eligió en pueblo de Nyon, en Suiza, para pasar su luna de miel. De hecho, él –Neruda- 
creó su propia bandera la cual enarbolaba en cada una de sus varias residencias en el Chile. Se trata de una bandera blanca con la imagen de un pescado en su centro; es una copia de la 
bandera de Nyon. Por lo tanto, los lazos entre Chile y Suiza también llegaron a la poesía. Por 
suerte para Neruda, TRIPS no existía en la época. 
JAPAN 4.89.  We are pleased to note that Switzerlan d and Japan will celebrate 150 years of diplomatic 
relations and friendship next year. Both countries have also worked closely in terms of economic 
relations, such as having concluded economic partnership agreement which entered into force in 2009. Trade between Japan and Switzerland has been generally expanding since then. 
4.90.  The report by the Secretariat considers the EPA as one of the reasons why Switzerland and 
Liechtenstein experienced stronger than expected growth in the period after the global economic 
crisis. Japan also hopes that it will develop the traditional good relationship further with 
Switzerland and Liechtenstein. 
4.91.  Let me turn to Switzerland’s and Liechten stein’s macro-economic environment and policies. 
According to the Report by the Secretariat, despite GDP contraction in 2009 due to the severe global financial crisis, both economies started reco vering quickly. In addition, they achieved the 
recovery through the implementation of economic stabilization measures, without introducing 
protectionist trade measures. Japan commends that both countries generally maintained liberal trade regimes even during the crisis. 
4.92.  The Report by the Secretariat mentions that Switzerland and Liechtenstein remain staunch 
supporters of the multilateral trading system. Based on a firm conviction of centrality of multilateral trading system, they have been active participants in DDA negotiations as well as 
other regular activities of WTO. They are also participants to GPA and ITA and their expansion 
process. Also Japan appreciates Switzerland’s participation in new negotiation on trading services. 
4.93.  Japan also notes that they are active in concluding FTAs and other arrangements for 
economic integration with outside, including Mutual Recognition Agreements. WT/TPR/M/280 • Switzerland and Liechtenstein 
 
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  4.94.  According to the report by the Secretar iat, the main regulatory changes for financial 
services in Switzerland occurred since the last re view. They include the reinforcement of banking 
supervision by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Agency. Japan hopes that such a regulatory reform will continue to ensure fair and efficient implementation. 
COSTA
 RICA 
4.95.  Para Costa Rica es de gran interés formar parte de este Examen de Políticas Comerciales de 
Suiza y Liechtenstein, en particular por los importantes vínculos que existen entre nuestros países. 
Suiza, es nuestro principal socio comercial entre los cuatro países que integran la Asociación 
Europea del Libre Comercio (AELC). Precisamente hace un año, Costa rica y la AELC lanzaron negociaciones para un acuerdo comercial que diera seguridad jurídica a las transacciones comerciales y de inversión entre ambas partes y reforzara nuestros vínculos comerciales. Las 
negociaciones concluyeron satisfactoriamente y en la actualidad el tratado se encuentra bajo 
revisión legal. Esperamos poder firmarlo a finales del primer semestre del 2013. 
4.96.  Por otro lado, mi delegación quisiera resaltar la importancia que ambos países le otorgan a 
la participación activa en el sistema multilateral de comercio y nos complace el trabajo conjunto en 
grupos come Friends of the System, el Grupo Colorado o en la iniciativa plurilateral sobre servicios. Quisiéramos reconocer en particular el importante papel que Suiza ha desempeñado en 
negociaciones como NAMA, el examen del Entendimiento de Solución de Diferencias y las 
negociaciones sobre normas, como en el caso de antidumping. Este protagonismo demuestra el compromiso de Suiza y Liechtenstein hacia el sistema multilateral de comercio. 
4.97.  Tal y como han señalado otros, a pesar de la crisis económica mundial, el desempeño 
económico de estas dos economías es envidiable. Los superávits fiscales acumulados antes de la 
crisis y las medidas de estabilización aplicadas, como las políticas de gasto en infraestructura y las medidas en el campo laboral, han permitido mantener el desempleo en torno a un 3-4%, uno de 
los más bajos de la OECD y muy por debajo del resto de Europa.
1 
4.98.  El comercio sigue siendo un importante motor para ambos países; su participación en el PIB 
es superior al 100%, lo que las hace muy sensibles a la evolución de la demanda mundial. De igual 
forma, la fuerte apreciación del franco suizo frente a otras monedas plantea retos importantes a la 
competitividad de sus exportaciones. 
4.99.  Si bien, Suiza y Liechtenstein son un ejemplo a seguir en muchos aspectos, no deja de 
preocuparnos el alto nivel de protección que si guen manteniendo frente a las importaciones de 
productos agrícolas, como bien lo destaca el Informe de la Secretaría, así como su complejo 
sistema de contingentes arancelarios. Además, el nivel de protección para la agricultura en Suiza sigue siendo el triple del promedio de la OCDE. En este sentido, nos interesa conocer con mayor 
detalle los pasos que están tomando con relación a la nueva Política Agrícola para 2014-2017 y 
cómo esperan reducir las distorsiones en este sector.  
BRAZIL 
4.100.  Switzerland and Liechtenstein stand out amon g the wealthiest countries in the world. Their 
economies are founded on services and capital-intensive manufacturing, with a large participation of research and development. 
4.101.  Both have striven to strengthen the WT O and the Multilateral Trading System. They have 
demonstrated to be fully committed to the successful conclusion of the Doha Round and to the 
negotiations to reach a deliverables package until the Ninth Ministerial Conference, in Bali. It is worth noting that Brazil and Switzerland have similar positions in the Doha Round regarding 
geographical indications, and Brazil looks forwar d to continue working in Switzerland and this 
issue. 
4.102.  Since their last TPR, Switzerland and Lichtenstein have successfully faced the challenges 
posed by the international financial crisis. We note with satisfaction that Switzerland, in particular, 
has experienced a 1.3% average yearly growth since 2008. An important contributor to this 
                                               
1 11,6% para zona euro. Fuente: http://www.oecd.org/std/labour-stats/HUR_NR11e12.pdf. WT/TPR/M/280 • Switzerland and Liechtenstein 
 
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  success was the ability of the Swiss monetary authority in handling the challenges posed by the 
appreciation of the Swiss Franc.  
4.103.  The record value of the Swiss Franc in  the end of 2011 shows how the turmoil in the 
financial markets may have a destabilizing effect on other economies. Switzerland has one of the 
most productive and competitive industries in the world, and yet its companies were strongly hit 
by the unprecedented appreciation of the Swiss Fr anc. The SNB bold decision to intervene and to 
set a ceiling for the value of the Swiss Franc was not an easy one. It demonstrates how seriously 
countries may have to respond to a currency ap preciation led by external factors.     
4.104.  Trade volume between Brazil and Switzerland has grown 35% since 2007, amounting to 
US$4,5 billion in 2012. There is a consistent commercial surplus in favor of Switzerland, of approximately 25% of total bilateral trade flows. Ninety eight percent of Swiss exports to Brazil 
are composed by manufactured goods such as medicines, machinery and organic chemicals. 
Brazilian exports to Switzerland are concentrated on semi manufactured products, largely gold and aluminium. 
4.105.  At this juncture, it is worth noting that f ood products, in which Brazil is highly competitive, 
accounted for no more than 8% of Brazilian exports to Switzerland and Lichtenstein. This shy record reflects the extraordinary level of tariff protection and subsidies accorded to the agricultural 
sector.  
4.106.  It is a cause for concern for Brazil that Switzerland imposes tariffs exceeding 100% and 
peaks of up to 1,676% on essential goods such as animal and dairy products. The report by the Secretariat confirms that Switzerland and Lichtenstein are viewed as “high-price islands” in Europe 
due to, among other reasons, the high level of tariff protection in agriculture.  
4.107.  Additionally, while imposing tariff-quotas in agriculture leading to a level of support that 
amounts to almost three times the OECD average,  Switzerland seems to administer these quotas 
in a manner that discriminates between domestic and foreign products.  
4.108.  Protectionism in agriculture hinders the overall competitiveness of the Swiss industry and 
harms the interests of farmers in the developing world. A more market-driven approach towards 
agriculture would certainly benefit not only businesses but also consumers in Switzerland and 
would help promote development in other parts of the world, especially in the Least Developed Countries. 
4.109.  A market-driven approach to agriculture requires efforts in the short term that will bear 
fruit in the long run by eliminating protectionist, distortive policies. Brazil is hopeful that 
Switzerland, given its proven excellence in a number of sectors, will take more effective steps to 
address the competitive challenges facing its agricultural sector. 
4.110.  Bilateral relations with Switzerland and Lichtenstein have always been close and 
constructive. Brazil and Switzerland signed a Me morandum of Understanding for the establishment 
of a Strategic Partnership Plan in 2008, and have maintained various bilateral mechanisms for 
dialogue and cooperation. 
4.111.  The role of Swiss investments and companies in the Brazilian economic development is of 
major importance because of the amounts involved and, more importantly, their quality. Between 
2001 and 2011, Swiss companies invested US$12.5 billi on in our country, with a marked presence 
in the food, pharmaceutical, machinery, insurance and energy industry. We hope this continuous 
investment inflow to increase and contribute  to job and technology creation in Brazil. 
CANADA 
4.112.  Switzerland and Liechtenstein are deeply committed to the multilateral trading system and 
to ongoing liberalization efforts, with Switzerland, exercising leadership at the WTO as host and a key delegation. Like Canada, Switzerland and Liechtenstein are trading nations largely dependent 
on foreign markets for their economic prosperity. We work together with Switzerland in many 
areas at the WTO, including plurilateral negotiations on services, negotiations on trade facilitation and on the expansion of the coverage of the Information Technology Agreement. The Secretariat WT/TPR/M/280 • Switzerland and Liechtenstein 
 
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  report and the Discussant’s opening statement confirm that Swiss policies over the review period 
have created an attractive environment for busine ss and investment, as well as for trade in goods 
and services. 
4.113.  Malgré l’impasse dans laquelle se trouvent les négociations du Programme de Doha pour le 
développement, les deux pays ont multiplié leurs accords de libre-échange. Le Canada a bénéficié 
de l’intérêt grandissant que portent ces deux pays aux accords bilatéraux, comme en témoigne l’entrée en vigueur de l’Accord de libre-échange Canada-AELE depuis le dernier examen des 
politiques commerciales. Le Canada est heureux des retombées positives de cet accord qui a pris 
effet en 2009. Les Parties à l’Accord ont amorcé des discussions exploratoires visant à élargir sa 
portée afin d’y inclure d’autres domaines tels que l’investissement, les services et les marchés publics.  
4.114.  Depuis le dernier examen des politiques commerciales, la Suisse et le Liechtenstein ont dû 
faire face à plusieurs tempêtes économiques. Malgré certains reculs, divers secteurs ont conservé tout leur dynamisme grâce à des politiques judicieuses. Puisque nous accordons une importance 
particulière à notre relation avec la Suisse et le Liechtenstein, nous souhaitons partager quelques 
préoccupations visant à maintenir et développer davantage ce lien. 
4.115.  Le Canada encourage cependant la Suisse à élargir au domaine de l’agriculture ses efforts 
pour libéraliser les échanges. La réduction substantielle des mesures de soutien interne, qui 
faussent le commerce et l’amélioration de l’accès au marché pour tous les produits agricoles et alimentaires bénéficieraient tant à la Suisse qu’à ses partenaires commerciaux. Le Canada prend note des grandes avancées réalisées à cet égard et attend avec intérêt la poursuite de la réforme 
des politiques agricoles de la Suisse et du Liechtenstein. Le Canada se réjouit aussi de la 
reconnaissance de l’équivalence des produits biologiques du Canada et de la Suisse, tel qu’annoncée en décembre 2012. 
4.116.  Despite those concerns about Switzerland’s agriculture policies, we enjoy a very healthy 
trading relationship. In fact, trade and investment between Canada and Switzerland and Liechtenstein is strong and continues to grow. We have developed a sophisticated bilateral 
commercial relationship spanning from the traditional export/import of goods to greater trade in 
services, innovation and investment. Together, Sw itzerland and Liechtenstein are our 16th largest 
merchandise trading partner with two-way trade totalling US$4.4 billion in 2012. Our mutual exchange of foreign direct investment with the tw o countries is also significant, even as certain 
restrictions on investment remain in Switzerland. 
4.117.  The World Economic Forum Global Competitiveness Report ranked Switzerland as the most 
competitive economy in the world for 2012-2013, a distinction it has held for a number of years 
now. Switzerland’s innovation-driven and knowledge economy provides foreign companies and 
institutions with opportunities for collaboration and attracting investment in R&D sectors. In our case, the science and technology agreement betwee n Canada and the EU provides an additional 
framework for Switzerland to leverage funding for collaborative project. Beyond the S&T sector, 
there are other areas of collaboration between Switzerland and Canada, including the signature of the Canada-Switzerland Tax Convention and the Canada-Switzerland Air Transport Agreement.  
4.118.  We appreciate the opportunity for this co nstructive exchange of views on all aspects of 
Switzerland and Liechtenstein’s economy. We have submitted a number of questions and look 
forward to reviewing the responses. Finally, we wi sh the delegation the utmost success during this 
review. 
MÉXICO 
4.119.  Suiza y Liechtenstein se encuentran entre los países más prósperos del mundo y esto lo 
han logrado, entre otras cosas, por su estabilidad macroeconómica y su apertura comercial. 
Ambos países se recuperaron rápidamente de la crisis financiera internacional y han sabido 
enfrentar los retos generados por la crisis de la deuda soberana de algunos miembros de la Unión Europea.  WT/TPR/M/280 • Switzerland and Liechtenstein 
 
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  4.120.  Reconocemos los esfuerzos que Suiza ha realizado por mantenerse en el primer lugar 
mundial de competitividad y ser uno de los países más atractivos para la inversión extranjera, así como conservar un nivel de desempleo bajo, el cual alcanza tasas admirables de entre 3 y 4%.  
4.121.  La fortaleza del franco suizo sin duda ha presentado más de un reto para la economía de 
ambos miembros, como lo demuestra el Estudio Ec onómico de la OCDE sobre Suiza de 2011, la 
condición de divisa “refugio” del franco suizo mantiene latentes tensiones en la competitividad de sus sectores exportadores.  
4.122.  El informe destaca repetidamente la importancia que tiene el comercio exterior de bienes y 
servicios como motor de la economía de Suiza y Liechtenstein, el cual supera el 100% del PIB. 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 alrededor del 60% de las 
exportaciones suizas. Estos esfuerzos se pueden apreciar en la ampliación de su red de tratados 
de libre comercio y la creciente interacción comercial con Asia, continente al cual en 2011 se dirigió casi el 20% de sus exportaciones, y en su reciente acuerdo comercial con Japón y 
negociaciones en curso con otros países de la región.  
4.123.  A diferencia de sus sectores manufactureros y de servicios, el comercio agrícola continúa 
altamente protegido. Los aranceles agrícolas de Su iza  siguen siendo muy altos, con un promedio 
NMF por encima del 30%, lo que lo sitúa en el lugar 128 de 136 países con datos disponibles 
según la publicación de perfiles arancelarios de 2011. Productos agrícolas como lácteos y cárnicos gozan de una protección prohibitiva, con aranceles que superan el 100% en términos ad valorem .  
Aunado a esto, las múltiples subdivisiones que sufren los 28 contingentes arancelarios hacen su 
sistema sumamente complejo, entorpeciendo el comercio para esos productos.  
4.124.  No podemos dejar de enfatizar nuestra preocupación por el elevado nivel de apoyos y la 
protección a la agricultura, así como de resaltar la necesidad de una mayor reforma a la política 
agrícola suiza. A pesar de la reciente reorganizaci ón y reajuste que supuso la revisión de los pagos 
directos en la Política Agrícola 2014-2017, el nivel de apoyo no ha sido objeto de reducción y permanece muy por encima del promedio otorgado por los países de la OCDE. Nos preocupa que 
esa reorganización no prevea una mayor orientación al mercado.  
4.125.  Reconocemos que Suiza ha hecho esfuerzos considerables para eliminar los subsidios a la 
exportación de los productos agropecuarios de base. No obstante, dada la naturaleza altamente distorsionante de los subsidios a la exportación, exhortamos a Suiza a eliminar los subsidios aún 
vigentes.   
4.126.  En materia de obstáculos técnicos al comercio, aplaudimos los esfuerzos para armonizar 
las prescripciones técnicas mediante la introducción del principio “Cassis de Dijon”, que permite la 
comercialización de productos en Suiza a pesar de que no estén en conformidad con los 
reglamentos técnicos suizos, siempre y cuando se comercialicen legalmente en la Unión Europea o en el Espacio Económico Europeo y cumplan con prescripciones técnicas de estos ámbitos o de 
algunos de sus Miembros. Empero, exhortamos a Suiza a utilizar este principio para todos los 
productos con la finalidad de facilitar el comercio. 
4.127.  En el ámbito de competencia económica, invitamos a Suiza y a Liechtenstein a que 
continúen elaborando e instrumentando políticas públicas que favorezcan la entrada de más 
competidores a sus mercados y que sancionen con mayor rigor las prácticas monopólicas.  
4.128.  En relación con los servicios financieros, Suiza y Liechtenstein continúan situándose entre 
los centros de servicios financieros más importantes del mundo. Nos congratulamos por la 
adopción por Suiza de los principios de Basilea III en materia de niveles de capitalización de los 
bancos, y por la adopción y puesta en vigor la Ordenanza sobre adecuación de capital, destinada a resolver la cuestión de las entidades "demasiado grandes para quebrar", que entró en aplicación el 
1º de enero de 2013.   
4.129.  Para concluir, quisiera reconocer el papel relevante de Suiza en esta organización y su 
compromiso con el sistema multilateral de comercio que lo hace líder del grupo de miembros llamado “amigos del sistema”. Lo instamos a que ese papel se traduzca en una aún mayor WT/TPR/M/280 • Switzerland and Liechtenstein 
 
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  contribución a los esfuerzos para mejorar las disciplinas en las áreas que reglamenta esta 
Organización, particularmente la agricultura.   
INDIA 4.130.  The Swiss and Liechtenstein economies have shown notable resilience during the period 
under review by recovering rapidly from the negative effects of the global financial crisis of 
2008-09 and the subsequent eurozone crisis. After a contraction in their GDP in 2009, the two economies have maintained positive growth rates. Maintaining stability has been a challenge in 
view of the uncertain financial markets and a surge in the Swiss franc caused by the eurozone 
crisis. However, the Swiss National Bank has been  successful in limiting the appreciation of the 
Swiss franc by increasing liquidity and setting a minimum exchange rate of CHF 1.20 per Euro 
since September 2011.  
4.131.  Ranked among the richest countries in the world, Switzerland and Liechtenstein are highly 
dependent on foreign trade which represents almost 100% of their GDP. As a result, their economies are deeply sensitive to global demand and exchange rate fluctuations, as demonstrated 
by a slowdown in their exports resulting from a co stly Swiss franc and deterioration in the global 
economic situation. Furthermore, as the EU remains the main supplier of imports and largest destination of exports for Switzerland and Liechtenstein, developments in the EU have major 
repercussions for them. A diversification of export markets would enable Switzerland and 
Liechtenstein to overcome such vulnerabilities.  
4.132.  While trade policies of Switzerland and Li echtenstein are generally liberal, their trade 
regime is complex due to the large number of FTAs  concluded by them. There is a high level of 
protection in agriculture with average tariffs of 32% as compared to only 2.3% for non-agricultural 
goods. Meat and dairy products are the most protected, with tariff averages of over 100% and peaks of up to 1,676%. The tariff-quota system remains highly complex with the 28 WTO tariff 
quotas being divided into 58 sub-quotas and a ggregated with 80 bilateral preferential-tariff 
quotas. While export subsidies for basic agricultural products were eliminated in 2009, they remain in place for certain dairy products, flour and other milled products.  
4.133.  Though the share of agriculture is margin al in terms of GDP and total employment, overall 
government support to the agricultural sector remains quite high at almost three times the OECD average. As a result, domestic prices of agricultural and food products remain high by international standards. We encourage Switzerland to lower protection and expedite reforms in this sector.   
4.134.  Switzerland and Liechtenstein are among the most attractive destinations for foreign 
investment in light of their high standards of living, highly skilled labour force, flexible labour laws, reliable infrastructure and relatively low levels of taxation. They are also an important source of 
FDI. While their investment regimes are generally open, investment restrictions apply in certain 
areas. In this context, we welcome the reforms initiated by Switzerland and Liechtenstein to stimulate competition and promote greater openness in sectors such as energy, electricity, 
financial services, transport, etc.  
4.135.  The Swiss decision to allow certain products on the Swiss market without checking their 
technical compliance if they are lawfully marketed in the EU or EEA is welcome, but benefits only those members whose products meet EU/EEA techni cal requirements. Further, the potential gains 
from this initiative are limited by the exclusion of pharmaceuticals and food imports which are 
subject to special approval procedures. 
4.136.  On the bilateral front, economic and commercial relations between Switzerland and 
Liechtenstein have deepened and diversified over the years. High level visits and business to 
business contacts have contributed to strengthening these ties. India’s bilateral trade with Switzerland recorded an all time high of US$ 33.5 billion in 2011-12, primarily comprising imports 
of gold & silver bullion worth approximately US$30 billion, and imports of machinery and 
equipment, precision instruments and watches,  and chemicals and pharmaceuticals. India’s 
exports to Switzerland comprise textiles and garments, organic chemicals, carpets, precious stones and jewellery, chemicals and leather products. These figures do not include the growing trade in 
services and invisibles like software exports. WT/TPR/M/280 • Switzerland and Liechtenstein 
 
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  4.137.  Switzerland is the 11th largest investor in India with investments worth US$2.35 billion up 
to February 2013. Several joint ventures have been set up in India in collaboration with prominent Swiss companies in the areas of electrical eq uipment, chemicals, industrial machinery, 
miscellaneous mechanical and engineering industri es and drugs and pharmaceuticals. Recognizing 
the immense potential of enhancing our bilateral cooperation, India and EFTA launched 
negotiations on a Comprehensive Trade and Investment Agreement. Several rounds of 
consultations have taken place and we hope for an early conclusion which would give a further 
boost to our trade and commercial ties with Switzerland and Liechtenstein.  
4.138.  Before concluding, we would like to comme nd Switzerland’s active role in the WTO and in 
strengthening the multilateral trading system.  
UKRAINE 
4.139.  Ukraine has always had good trade and economic relations with Switzerland and today are 
proud to say that we have created yet another opportunity for trade and economic growth by 
signing the FTA with the EFTA States. 
4.140.  This make us attach even more attention to trade regimes of these countries and we 
observe with pleasure a steady growth of the ec onomies of Switzerland and Liechtenstein, which 
are among the wealthiest countries in the world. Despite of some GDP contraction because of the 
2008/09 global financial crisis, the two countries quickly managed to recover. 
4.141.  With the entry into force of the Free Trade Agreement between Ukraine and the European 
Free Trade Association in 2012 we are committed to and hope for further development of our mutually beneficial trade and economic relations. 
4.142.  Ukraine and EFTA experts are now finalizi ng preparatory process for the first meeting of 
the Joint Committee for FTA implementation to be held in May in Kiev. Its agenda is quite extensive and intensive, it will cover the current and future implementation aspects at its 
operational level. We do hope this will bring together the experts in many areas with direct links 
allowing for working dialogue between them. We ho pe bilateral trade promotion can be ensured by 
growing mutual understanding and commitment to resolve trade issues. 
4.143.  However, as far as non-preferential trade regime is concerned, there are several issues 
Ukrainian experts observe in trade policies and prac tices in the agricultural sector. As an exporter 
of agricultural products Ukraine has concerns about the high level of domestic support provided in the agricultural sector, as well as export subsidies granted by the government for some 
agricultural products. 
4.144.  Besides, we are concerned with high levels  of average tariffs on agricultural products, in 
particular, meat and dairy products, the complexi ty of tariff quota allocation system and the 
application of the "prise en charge". 
4.145.  We also note the complicated system of specific duties, which leads to the lack of 
transparency and predictability, and a complex scheme of variable tariffs to protect domestic 
producers of cereals and oilseeds. 
4.146.  We believe that further market-oriented steps are needed to enhance competition in the 
agricultural sector. 
THAILAND 
4.147.  The two-way trade between Thailand and Switzerland and Liechtenstein for the past three 
years averaged at US11.76 billi on and US$163.6 million. At the end of 2010 and 2011, the trade 
value was registered with increasing trend; however, at the end of 2012, the trade value slightly 
decreased for about 8.9% with Switzerland and 4.7% with Liechtenstein. Switzerland and 
Liechtenstein together rank as our eleventh glob al trading partner and Switzerland alone is our 
largest trading partner in Europe. WT/TPR/M/280 • Switzerland and Liechtenstein 
 
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  4.148.  Switzerland and Thailand celebrated the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relationship in 
2010. Our bilateral trade relationship includes the Swiss-Thai Chamber of Commerce, established in Bangkok in 1992 and the Agreement on the Promotion and Reciprocal Protection of Investment.  Swiss consumer and luxury goods are very popular in Thailand, and Switzerland is one of the most 
important Thai tourists’ destinations in Europe. When we consider foreign direct investment value 
in Thailand, Switzerland ranks third among Eu ropean countries and comes 10th globally. 
4.149.  Thailand also established a good diplomat ic and commercial relationship with Liechtenstein 
and we appreciate the tie developed over the past years.  
4.150.  Not only do we appreciate our bilateral re lationship with these two countries, but Thailand 
also hopes that the regional trade agreement ne gotiations between Thailand, and EFTA countries, 
including Switzerland and Liechtenstein, can resume and reach a successful development in the 
future. 
4.151.  With regard to the multilateral trading system, Thailand appreciates that the trade regime 
of Switzerland and Liechtenstein remain generally liberal, with a relatively low MFN rate for non-
agricultural goods at 2.3%. The investment regimes of the two countries are also generally open 
with some restrictions. Thailand recognizes Switzerland and Liechtenstein’s high protection on the agriculture sector in both tariff and non-tariff measures, and would like to see if the two countries 
can reduce any protection in this sector so that the market-oriented reforms can be accelerated. 
4.152.  Thailand and Switzerland also have similar views and interests in maintaining the balanced 
multilateral trading system, and Thailand is looking forward to continuing this work and effort with Switzerland and other Members with this objective. 
NORWAY 
4.153.  Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland cons titute, together with Iceland, the European 
Free Trade Association. We enjoy a long-standin g partnership and continue to cooperate very 
closely to develop free trade relations with an increasing number of partners in our immediate 
neighbourhood as well as further afield. We are therefore fairly well acquainted with Swiss trade policy. Although we do not necessarily agree on all issues we usually find a common way forward. 
We would like to thank Switzerland and Liechtenstein for the close cooperation during these 
negotiations. Our relations are such that we often talk about ourselves as members of the EFTA family. 
4.154.  Liechtenstein and Norway are also partne rs in the development of the Agreement on the 
European Economic Area which effectively extends the internal market of the European Union to 
the three EFTA states Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. 
4.155.  As Switzerland's and Liechtenstein report confirms, their Governments remain deeply 
committed to a strong multilateral trading system. Norway recognizes and appreciates the active 
participation of Switzerland and Liechtenstein in the WTO. 
4.156.  As evidenced in the reports, both Swit zerland and Liechtenstein have open economies, 
with low tariffs and generally few restrictions on trade in goods and services, as well as on foreign 
investment. Both countries refrain from applying anti-dumping and countervailing measures, indeed they have never done so. They have al so not imposed any safeguard measures since the 
previous TPR. 
4.157.  Norway has close co-operation with Swit zerland and Liechtenstein in a number of areas 
both in the DDA and in the regular activities of the WTO. Agriculture is one, where we cooperate 
very closely within the G10 and where our positi ons are well known. Switzerland and Liechtenstein 
attach importance to non-trade concerns in agriculture. These are concerns that are understood 
and shared by Norway. 
4.158.  We also appreciate our good collaborati on within the context of ITA-expansion and the 
TISA-process. WT/TPR/M/280 • Switzerland and Liechtenstein 
 
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  4.159.  In the current global turbulence all countries with open economies will be challenged by 
the economic slowdown. An important challenge now is to avoid a proliferation of trade-restrictive measures by WTO Members. It is highly appreciated that Switzerland and Liechtenstein, like Norway, are firmly committed not to use protectionist measures to cope with the current crisis. 
4.160.  The regulatory regime for the financial sect or is highly topical. Switzerland is one of the 
most important financial centres in the world, attracting high volumes of foreign business. A liberal regime on capital movements and a tradition of ba nk secrecy is well-known (cf. paragraph 4.62). 
At the same time, Switzerland is one of relatively few countries taxing financial transactions at a 
substantial level. A transfer duty is levied on transfers of domestic or foreign securities. Another duty is levied on issuance of shares of Swiss corp orations (while the stamp duty on the issuance of 
corporate debt securities and money market papers was abolished in 2012). The regulatory regime 
is thoroughly described in the documents prepar ed by the Secretariat, while taxation is not 
mentioned. It would be interesting to hear from the Swiss Delegation if there is evidence of trade effects or other trade relevance of the relative ly heavy tax burden on financial transactions. 
4.161.  Norway takes great satisfaction from our close co-operation with Switzerland and 
Liechtenstein in this organization, and commend their commitment to both safeguarding the existing architecture of the multilateral trading system as well as contributing to its further 
development. 
TURKEY 4.162.  During the review period, like most WTO Members, Switzerland and Liechtenstein have 
suffered the negative effects of the global econ omic crisis. However, after three quarters of 
economic decline, Switzerland and Liechtenstein ex perienced stronger than expected growth from 
mid-2009. This was driven largely by domestic demand, but also by recovery in foreign trade, supported by preferential access under new trade agreements with Japan and the free movement 
of persons in Europe. 
4.163.  However, as mentioned in the Secretariat Report, with the deepening of the sovereign debt 
crisis in the euro zone from 2010 onwards, economic recovery lost momentum in 2011 and as 
result Swiss annual GDP growth declined from 3%  in 2010 to 1.9% in 2011. The decline in global 
demand, in combination with the appreciation of the Swiss franc, has negatively affected exports, and employment in export-oriented industries. 
4.164.  Although Switzerland and Liechtenstein have a comparatively low level of unemployment 
at around 3%, annual decline in labour productivity between 2008 and 2011 was around 0.53%. 
This remains an issue for concern because its impact on future prospects for GDP growth. We are happy to hear from Switzerland that it has a strategy to effectively enhance the level of 
productivity. 
4.165.  Coming to the trade and investment front, the Secretariat report underlines that "the trade 
regimes of Switzerland and Liechtenstein remain generally liberal, except in agriculture, which is 
still highly protected by high tariffs and non-tariff measures. With a share of more than 100% of 
GDP, international trade in goods and services plays a dynamic role in the economies of Switzerland and Liechtenstein. However, it seems that with this degree of dependence on trade, 
both countries remain exposed to serious risk factors in international markets such as volatility in 
global demand, appreciation of the currency due to  its safe haven status, and resulting decline in 
competitiveness. 
4.166.  As we all know, Switzerland's investment regime is generally open and liberalized. 
However, investment restrictions continue to apply in areas under state monopoly, including 
certain postal, insurance and rail transport services. Restrictions in the form of domicile requirements are also applied in certain sectors, including air transport. 
4.167.  The Secretariat report states that although they remain staunch supporters of the 
multilateral trading system, due to the current impasse of the DDA negotiations, Switzerland and Liechtenstein have also extended their network of  free-trade agreements to help improve access to 
foreign markets. Since their last Review, eight ne w FTAs concluded under EFTA have entered into WT/TPR/M/280 • Switzerland and Liechtenstein 
 
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  force (with Albania; Canada; Colombia; Hong Kong, China; Montenegro; Peru; Serbia; and 
Ukraine). In addition, a bilateral FTA between Sw itzerland and Japan entered into force in 2009. 
4.168.  We also observe that the structure of the applied MFN tariff of the Switzerland-
Liechtenstein Customs Union has changed little since the last TPR. However, the simple average 
MFN rate increased from 8.1% in 2008 to 9.2% in 2012, which reflects in part the appreciation of 
the Swiss franc. 
4.169.  From a trade policy perspective, agriculture remains the weak point of the Swiss and 
Liechtenstein economies, despite its marginal contribution to GDP and employment. A few tariff 
reduction initiatives have been carried out since the last TPR, but overall the high level of import protection in agriculture has been left largely untouched. 
4.170.  Switzerland has taken steps towards reducing technical barriers to trade and enhancing 
import competition in the domestic market. In 2010, Switzerland unilaterally introduced the 
"Cassis de Dijon principle" for certain products. It is good to see that exports from the broader WTO Membership to Switzerland may benefit too. However, the Secretariat Report explains that 
some of the potential gains from trade are lost because the Cassis de Dijon principle is not 
applicable to certain products (e.g. animal feed , pharmaceuticals or certain chemicals), and food 
imports are subject to special approval procedures. 
4.171.  Turkey has an excellent relationship in all areas with Switzerland which is a partly to the 
Turkey-EFTA Free Trade Agreement. Regrettably, si nce the last trade policy review, the total trade 
volume between Turkey and Switzerland has declined from US$8.4 billion in 2008 to US$6.4 billion in 2012. We hope to see this decline reversed as the Swiss economy recovers from the effects of 
the crisis. 
4.172.  We are very happy that Switzerland and Liechtenstein do not implement any trade policy 
measures against Turkish products. Turkey has close co-operation with Switzerland in the areas of 
international investments, logistics and in the en ergy sectors. The total volume of Swiss FDI in 
Turkey amounts to US$1.1 billion. There is also a total of 68 Turkish companies operating in Switzerland. We, of course, want to improve and deepen our current level of trade and investment 
relations with Switzerland through all available means, bilateral, regional and multilateral. 
PAKISTAN 4.173.  Switzerland and Liechtenstein are highly prosperous and advanced economies with per 
capita GDP among the highest in the world, high ly skilled labor force, and low unemployment. 
They weathered the 2008-2009 crisis well, due to "debt break" rule and substantial fiscal 
surpluses. The Swiss National Bank (SNB) implemented a zero-interest rate policy to prevent downslide and to prevent appreciation of the fran c, with the result that Swiss economy rebounded 
with a 3% growth in 2010. Swiss franc is now considered a safe-haven currency. 
4.174.  They have GDP shares of trade in good s and services exceeding 100% and therefore have 
a high dependence on international trade. 
4.175.  Services and manufacturing are the key se ctors of the Swiss and Liechtenstein economies. 
A prominent niche in the world of financial service is another main feature. The economies benefit from a highly developed services sector and attract large volumes of foreign business. Manufacturing specializes in high-technology products based on R&D. Both are net exporter of 
services. Switzerland's current account has been traditionally in surplus driven mainly by trade in 
services (financial services in particular), followed by investment income. 
4.176.  Switzerland ranked top in overall global competitiveness in 2012, for the fourth 
consecutive year due to economic and political stability, transparent legal system, modern 
infrastructure, sophisticated capital markets, and low corporate tax rates. 
4.177.  The main economic challenge for the two economies has been the strong appreciation of 
the Swiss franc, which poses a threat to competitiveness. A major objective is to improve 
competition in the domestic market. WT/TPR/M/280 • Switzerland and Liechtenstein 
 
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  4.178.  The simple average MFN rate increased from 8.1% in 2008 to 9.2% in 2012, which is also 
attributable, in part, to the appreciation of the Swiss franc. 
4.179.  Switzerland and Liechtenstein do not have  any specific anti-dumping, countervailing or 
safeguards legislation, and do not apply such measures. They maintain no export taxes, charges or 
levies. 
4.180.  The Swiss GSP utilization rate varies be tween 40% and 50% of its potentially because of 
complex rules conferring origin. 
4.181.  Switzerland and Liechtenstein have a high level of protection in agriculture, technical 
barriers to trade, and have limited competition in various industries. Tariff-quota system remains highly complex. Some international tariff peaks ar e maintained on products such as textiles and 
clothing, which are of export interest to the developing countries. According to the Secretariat 
Report, agriculture remains the "Achilles heel" of the Swiss and Liechtenstein economies, despite 
its marginal contribution to GDP and employment. Swiss support and protection for agriculture is 
still almost three times the OECD average and the Secretariat Report recommends that the 
process of market-oriented reforms needs to be fast er in order to catch up with its OECD peers. 
4.182.  Swizterland and Liechtenstein have extended their network of FTAs, which has been 
adjudged to make their trade regimes increasingly complex. 
4.183.  Switzerland has been an active player in fostering the MTS. It has retained the chair of 
NAMA for a long time, besides an active role as coordinator of Friends of System. We hope for an 
active Swiss role in developing a balanced Bali package. 
4.184.  Pakistan's exports to Switzerland include articles of apparel and other made textiles, 
ethanol, leather items, etc. In 2012, Pakistan was th e first supplier of the Swiss market in Ethanol, 
Pakistan supplied 41% of the total ethanol import ed by Switzerland. Swiss exports to Pakistan 
include pharmaceutical products; nuclear reactors; boilers; machinery and mechanical appliances; 
cloks and watches, organic chemicals. 
EL
 SALVADOR 
4.185.  De acuerdo a los informes detallados por la Secretaría, ambos miembros se encuentran 
ubicados dentro de los países más ricos del mundo, gozando de un PIB per cápita de 42,783 
millones de dólares EE.UU. con un crecimiento promedio que oscila entre el 2,2%, respectivamente, debido al impulso de las exportaciones y consumo privado. Sus regímenes comerciales en el periodo objeto de examen continúan siendo liberales, salvo en la agricultura, que 
está aún fuertemente protegida por medidas arancelarias y no arancelarias. Observamos que el 
régimen suizo de competencia se ha fortalecido en sectores como la agricultura, la atención de la salud y el transporte público.  
4.186.  La competencia continua siendo limitada lo cual de acuerdo a los sendos informes 
presentados, contribuye a que los precios de ciertos productos sean elevados y para el período examinado han emprendido varias iniciativas para estimular la competencia y poner freno a los 
altos precios así como nueva Política Agrícola para el periodo 2014- 2017, iniciativa que se 
encuentra en trámite ante el parlamento Suizo. 
4.187.  Observamos que el régimen de Suiza en materia de inversiones es por lo general abierto 
con respecto a los extranjeros, sin embargo, continúan las restricciones a la inversión en esferas 
sujetas a monopolio estatal tales como determinados servicios postales, de seguros y de 
transporte ferroviario. Liechtenstein también tiene un régimen de inversiones en general abierto. Se aplican restricciones a la inversión en los servicios públicos, así como en varios servicios 
financieros (gestión de activos, consultoría de inversiones y administraciones fiduciarias) y 
prescripciones en materia de residencia.   
4.188.  En el marco de nuestra relación bilateral me complace indicar que la inversión Suiza en El 
Salvador oscila en 150 millones de dólares EE.UU. en el periodo 2008-2013, en rubros de tales 
como sectores textiles y de confección, cemento (Cementera Holcim) y en algunos sectores de servicios. A su vez nuestro intercambio comercial y tomando en consideración que deseamos WT/TPR/M/280 • Switzerland and Liechtenstein 
 
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  mejorar nuestra balanza comercial, nuestra balanza comercial aspira ser superavitaria, 
identificando por parte de nuestras autoridades, oportunidades de negocio en el sector de agroindustria como frutas y verduras orgánicas, frutas y verduras procesadas y otros productos 
orgánicos.   
4.189.  En el marco multilateral coincidimos con Suiza en considera que el fortalecimiento del 
sistema multilateral de comercio es una prioridad para todos los miembros de esta casa, constituyéndose el multilateralismo “el medio por excelencia” para garantizar la apertura del 
comercio y proteger a los agentes económicos (estado, empresa, sector público, etc.), 
particularmente porque para los países pequeños como los nuestros, pueden defender mejor sus intereses en un marco multilateral que en una situación en la que la relación bilateral podría ser “ desproporcionada”.  
4.190.  Respecto a las negociaciones comerciales que se desarrollan en esta casa, Suiza y 
Liechtenstein participa activamente en las diversas áreas de negociación de la Agenda de Doha para el Desarrollo, presentado contribuciones y participando a un nivel altamente técnico en el 
comité de agricultura y NAMA, grupo el cual Preside, el Embajador de Suiza. 
4.191.  Con respecto a la labor ordinaria de esta casa, Suiza ha mantenido un ritmo de trabajo 
delicado pero constante, el cual estimula la participación de todos los miembros brindando el 
espacio la presentación de ideas y contribuciones para la construcción de un consenso todo lo 
anterior con el fin que el comercio nos conduzca por las sendas de crecimiento económico y desarrollo de nuestros pueblos. En dicho contexto, expresamos nuestro agradecimiento a la delegación de Suiza por la labor realizada en el periodo objeto de examen, Presidiendo el Consejo 
de Administración del plan de pensiones entre otros. 
4.192.  A su vez, aprovechamos esta oportunidad para agradecer a la Fundación de Inmuebles 
para las Organizaciones Internacionales (FIPOI) de la Confederación Helvética y el Cantón de 
Ginebra por el apoyo brindado a esta casa en lo s proyectos de ampliación extramuros del Centro 
William Rappard así como la construcción del perímetro de Seguridad de esta organización.    
4.193.  Finalmente, tomando en cuenta el papel que Suiza desempeña en esta casa, su mística de 
trabajo, el peso de su diplomacia y liderazgo, le alentamos a que continúe con las reformas de las 
políticas agrícolas a fin de ampliar y fortalecer su compromiso con la liberalización del comercio.  Una eliminación de las subvenciones a la exportación, una reducción importante de la ayuda interna e iniciativas en mejoras para el acceso a mercados para todos los productos agropecuarios 
y alimenticios, serían beneficiosas no solo para la Suiza sino para sus actuales y futuros 
interlocutores comerciales.   
4.194.  Nuestra delegación ha formulado preguntas en materia de Propiedad Intelectual, 
particularmente en lo relativo a Patentes y Observancia de derechos de Propiedad Industrial, por lo 
cual quedamos atentos a la respuesta que la delegación de Suiza nos brinda. 
ECUADOR 
4.195.  Suiza y Liechtenstein han logrado superar los negativos efectos de la crisis económica 
mundial debido a los superávits fiscales acumulados y a las políticas de "no endeudamiento público" que mantuvieron previa a ella. Más aún, Suiza implementó políticas anti-cíclicas de estabilización consistentes en gasto en infraestructura y de manejo del mercado laboral, que 
apoyaron la recuperación económica del país. No obstante ello, y debido a la general dependencia 
del comercio de ambos países, la principal sensibilid ad ha sido la inusitada apreciación del franco 
suizo frente a otras monedas, lo que amenaza con debilitar la competitividad de sus productos en 
el mercado exterior. Sobre este último hecho, Ecua dor entiende la preocupación de los dos países 
con relación a la apreciación de su moneda, puesto que esto encarece a sus productos de exportación, tanto de bienes como servicios, en los mercados internacionales, algo que mi país ha 
tenido que también sufrir debido al uso del dólar como moneda de curso legal. 
4.196.  Respecto de sus políticas comerciales, cabe tomar en cuenta la aseveración hecha en el 
informe de la Secretaría de la OMC de que si bien éstas no han variado ostensiblemente desde su último examen de las políticas comerciales en 2008, el régimen comercial aplicado en el sector 
agrícola está aún fuertemente protegido por medidas arancelarias y no arancelarias de toda índole. WT/TPR/M/280 • Switzerland and Liechtenstein 
 
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  Lo que explica en parte los elevado precios de varias mercancías, particularmente los productos 
procedentes de la agricultura, y que, lógicamente, afecta a las expectativas de exportación de los países en desarrollo, cuyos productos de exportación son fundamentalmente agrícolas o agro industrializados y, por supuesto, también al bolsillo del consumidor suizo. En este estado de cosas, 
notamos que la protección por aranceles varía significativamente entre sectores, con promedios de 
protección del 31,9% para los productos agropecuarios y del 2,3% para los productos no agropecuarios, inclusive constatándose picos y crestas arancelarias en varios productos de interés 
de los países en desarrollo de hasta 1.676%. 
4.197.  En cuanto a su posición con respecto al sistema comercial multilateral, los dos países son 
importantes participantes en los procesos de negociación de la Ronda de Doha y en los trabajos regulares de esta organización. Sin embargo, en seguimiento de las tendencias actuales y a falta 
de acuerdos multilaterales están incrementando su red de acuerdos comerciales bilaterales para 
mejorar el acceso a mercados foráneos. En estos acuerdos, la mayoría de productos no agropecuarios reciben un tratamiento arancelario muy bajo a cero o, contrariamente a ello, los 
productos agropecuarios son objeto de ciertas limit adas preferencias de acceso que generalmente 
están sometidas a complejos contingentes arancelarios. Esto evidencia la necesidad de que los dos países bajo examinación reevalúen sus regímenes agrícolas y los acoplen a la realidad del mercado 
internacional a fin de equilibrar las contraprestaciones comerciales con sus socios comerciales y 
particularmente con los países en desarrollo. 
4.198.  Aspectos de relevancia de las políticas que Suiza y Liechtenstein han adoptado como 
respuesta a la crisis económica mundial son las relativas a los nuevos sistemas de seguro y 
garantía de las exportaciones que tienen el fin de apoyar la mejora de la competitividad de las 
exportaciones y aliviar problemas de liquidez de las empresas. Políticas sobre las que mi país desearía conocer con mayor profundidad puesto que parecería responden a una clara necesidad de 
intervención del Estado para apoyar el desarrollo sectorial y mitigar los efectos de la falta de 
financiamiento para el comercio. Agradeceremos las respuestas que nos puedan brindar a las preguntas que hemos presentado respecto a éstas políticas. 
4.199.  Con relación a las políticas comerciales por medidas, se observa que los dos países 
mantienen un "alto grado de protección" con respecto a las importaciones agrícolas de terceros países. Tanto así que existe una amalgama de medidas arancelarias y no arancelarias que limitan el acceso de dichos productos, como por ejemplo, promedios arancelarios de 100% o más y picos 
de hasta un 1.676%. Además, existen contingentes arancelarios altamente complejos y medidas 
técnicas y sanitarias que si bien se fundan en regímenes internacionales son también de complejo manejo y cumplimiento. Realidades que podría afectar la exportación de los productos de interés 
de los países en desarrollo a los mercados de ambos países. 
4.200.  La relación comercial bilateral sigue siendo desfavorable para Ecuador. Por ejemplo, en el 
período enero 2008 a febrero 2013 Ecuador exportó a Suiza cerca de 325 millones de dólares 
EE.UU., fundamentalmente en metales preciosos y flores, con exportaciones correspondientes a 
328 líneas arancelarias, de las que 28 cubren la mayor parte del citado monto de exportación y de las que solo 4 registran significativas exportaciones; en tanto que Suiza, en ese mismo período, exportó a Ecuador alrededor de 547 millones de dólares EE.UU., consistentes en productos 
farmacéuticos y productos industrializados, con exportaciones correspondientes a 1736 líneas 
arancelarias, de las que 33 líneas registran exportaciones interesantes, y 7 reportan importantes montos de intercambio. Es evidente que desde el último examen de política comercial, la situación 
anterior no ha variado significativamente puesto que Ecuador mantiene aún un importante déficit 
en su balanza comercial con Suiza y Liechtenstein. 
4.201.  Reiteramos nuestro interés en ampliar, diversificar y profundizar aún más nuestra 
participación comercial en los mercados de ambos países y para el efecto estimamos que sería 
posible considerar positivamente negociaciones comerciales para establecer un Acuerdo de comercio para el desarrollo que reconozca las asimetrías existentes entre nuestros países. 
BÉNIN 
4.202.  Petits pays à grandes économies, que leur réussite porte à des niveaux qui culminent. 
Ainsi, nous accorderions-nous tous, ici et ailleurs, à appeler la Suisse et le Liechtenstein. WT/TPR/M/280 • Switzerland and Liechtenstein 
 
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  4.203.  Le Bénin apprécie hautement le rôle majeur joué par la Confédération Suisse dans la 
consolidation du système commercial multilatéral.  
4.204.  En effet, la Suisse s’est dotée d’une stratégie claire contenue dans le "Rapport du Conseil 
fédéral sur la politique économique extérieure" de 2004 définissant les priorités nationales en la 
matière, et a élaboré une nouvelle politique de croissance pour 2012. 
4.205.  Au plan économique interne, la Suisse a su résorber le recul de 2,9% du Produit Intérieur 
Brut (PIB) enregistré au cours du premier semestre  2009, en le portant à une tendance positive de 
+3% en 2010. 
4.206.  Les effets de la crise économique mondiale ont affecté ce résultat, faisant retomber le taux 
de croissance de l’économie suisse à 1% en 2012 et 1,3% en 2013. 
4.207.  La délégation du Bénin remercie la Suisse pour ses actions et initiatives en faveur des pays 
en développement, traduites notamment par la  promotion d’une large ouverture des marchés 
suisses aux produits des Pays les Moins Avancés (PMA), l’appui aux pays qui sont dans le processus d'accession à l'OMC et l’octroi d’une assistance technique aux pays en développement 
pour  leur permettre de s'intégrer dans le système multilatéral et de renforcer leurs capacités.  
4.208.  Des entreprises suisses importent du Bénin, entre autres produits agricoles, le coton et 
l’ananas, appelé "pain de sucre", au goût très apprécié et unique au monde. 
4.209.  Le Bénin remercie la Suisse pour l’assistance qu’elle lui accorde pour la promotion des 
activités économiques en milieu rural et la lutte contre la pauvreté. 
4.210.  En sa qualité de PMA, le Bénin apprécie également le soutien apporté par la Suisse au 
principe d’octroi à cette catégorie de pays par les nations développées, sur une base prévisible et 
durable, d’un accès aux marchés en franchise de droit et sans contingents et la remercie d’avoir 
elle-même accordé ce régime à l'ensemble des importations en provenance des PMA. Nous exhortons la Suisse à poursuivre son soutien et sa contribution active reconnue dans les 
négociations commerciales et multilatérales du Cycle de Doha, afin que nous parvenions à l’OMC à 
l’octroi de ce régime à tous les PMA et pour l’intégralité des lignes tarifaires.  
4.211.  Le Liechtenstein forme un territoire douanier et monétaire unique avec la Suisse, avec un 
degré élevé d’intégration dans l'Es pace Economique Européen (EEE).  
4.212.  Après une chute marquée (de près de 11%) de la croissance de son PIB en 2009, le 
Liechtenstein a connu une reprise rapide, avec une augmentation de 8,7% en 2010 et une croissance située entre 0,1 et 0,5% en 2012-2013.  
4.213.  Les autorités du Liechtenstein ont mis en œuvre des politiques qui, sur le plan social ont 
permis de poursuivre la création, à un rythme stable, d’emplois se situant à 35.253 en 2011.  
4.214.  Pendant la période sous examen, le Liechtenstein a procédé à l’adoption et à la mise en 
œuvre de réformes hardies. Il s’agit notamment  de mesures visant le renforcement de la 
coopération régionale et de la mise en œuvre d'une nouvelle législation fiscale entièrement 
révisée. 
4.215.  Le modèle exemplaire d’économie diversifiée réalisée en un demi-siècle par le 
Liechtenstein, qui est passé du statut d’État presque exclusivement agricole à celui de l'un des pays les plus industrialisés du monde, et les stratégies et approches développées par ce pays, méritent d’être suivies par d’autres Membres de notre Organisation. 
URUGUAY 
4.216.  La intervención en esta oportunidad estará centrada en las relaciones con la Confederación 
Helvética. En este sentido corresponde destacar que nuestro país mantiene amistosas y 
constructivas relaciones con Suiza que datan de más de 100 años y están basadas en la 
solidaridad y respeto mutuo. Precisamente, el respeto al derecho, la vocación democrática, la WT/TPR/M/280 • Switzerland and Liechtenstein 
 
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  estabilidad política y la ubicación geográfica rodeados de países gigantes llevó a que Uruguay 
también fuera conocido como la Suiza de América. 
4.217.  En este sentido, las autoridades de Urug uay destacan los fructíferos resultados de la 
relación bilateral con un fluido intercambio de visitas y encuentros de alto nivel, este semestre 
marcada por una nueva visita a Suiza del Ministro de Relaciones Exteriores, Dr. Luis Almagro en la 
cual se firmaron una serie de acuerdos entre am bos países. Mientras que el año pasado recibimos 
en Uruguay la visita de la Canciller Corina Casanova quien entre varias actividades también 
participó de las celebraciones en ocasión del 150 aniversario del nacimiento de colonia suiza 
“Nueva Helvecia” fundada por inmigrantes suizos que se instalaron en el oeste de Uruguay para comenzar una nueva vida, cambiando para mejor la producción agrícola-ganadera y aplicando un 
nuevo y actual concepto de apertura en la agricultura. 
4.218.  Otros aspectos a destacar son los concretos avances en la agenda bilateral, el incremento 
de los flujos comerciales, las inversiones suizas en nuestro país, y el muy buen nivel de diálogo y coordinación entre ambos países en los planos regi onal e internacional. En este sentido indicar que 
Uruguay ve con mucha importancia el poder alcanzar un acuerdo entre MERCOSUR y el EFTA.  
4.219.  También corresponde destacar que Suiza representa un mercado de creciente interés para 
el comercio uruguayo siendo hoy el segundo mercado europeo de destino de nuestros productos 
luego de Alemania. Conforme a los últimos datos vemos que el comercio entre ambos países se 
multiplicó por siete en el último período bajo análisis. Los principales productos que se venden a Suiza son: oro, carne bovina y soja; mientras que se importan medicamentos, tecnología química y maquinaria. 
4.220.  A futuro se prevé colocar en el mercado suizo otros alimentos con mayor valor agregado.  
4.221.  Asimismo, escuchamos con gran interés las presentaciones de hoy donde se señaló la 
necesidad de continuar las reformas en algunos sectores de la economía. 
4.222.  Los principales acuerdos políticos y económicos firmados recientemente entre ambos 
países refieren a acuerdos para evitar la doble impo sición tributaria y prevenir la evasión fiscal, la 
protección de inversiones y la protección de  la seguridad social de los trabajadores. 
4.223.  Previo a finalizar, Uruguay quiere destacar el rol de Suiza en el sistema multilateral y su 
compromiso para alcanzar una finalización exitosa de la Ronda de Doha para el Desarrollo, así como del fortalecimiento del sistema multilateral de comercio basado en normas previsibles, transparentes y equilibradas. 
NIGERIA 
4.224.  From the outset, my delegation is pleased with Switzerland's commitment to the 
multilateral trading system and the WTO. As the host of the WTO, Switzerland has contributed to 
the expansion of the premises of the WTO, in pa rticular, the provision of modern meeting rooms 
and parking facilities for delegations. 
4.225.  Nigeria is pleased to note that the trade regimes of Switzerland and Liechtenstein remain 
generally liberal. Their economies have recovered well from the global economic crisis. Thanks to 
the "debt break" rule and substantial fiscal surpluses accumulated at the federal level prior to the crisis, Switzerland implemented economic stabiliza tion measures in 2009/10, mainly infrastructure 
spending and labour market measures. Thus, unemployment has been kept in check at about 
3-4%. 
4.226.  The Secretariat report also indicates that trade is an important driving force of the 
economies of Switzerland and Liechtenstein, with  the GDP share of trade in goods and services 
exceeding 100%. Given their degree of dependence on trade, both countries remain exposed to 
developments in global demand. The main economic challenge for the two economies has been the strong appreciation of the Swiss franc (due to its safe haven status), which has been threatening 
to undermine competitiveness. In September 2011, the Swiss National Bank decided to contain the 
appreciation of the Swiss franc by setting a mini mum exchange rate of 1.20 Swiss franc per euro WT/TPR/M/280 • Switzerland and Liechtenstein 
 
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  and committing to unlimited purchases of foreign currencies, if needed. Liechtenstein uses the 
Swiss franc as its national currency. 
4.227.  Though, the report suggests that Switzerland's agricultural policy has been heading 
generally in the right direction, however, the proc ess of the reforms has remained slow despite its 
marginal economic importance in terms of its contribution to the GDP and employment. Nigeria, 
therefore, calls on Switzerland to hasten the pr ocess of the reforms, in order to enhance the 
efficient allocation of resources and consumer welfare. 
4.228.  At the bilateral level, Nigeria has long-standing relationship with Switzerland dating back 
to 1960 when full diplomatic relations were established. The bilateral relations have been characterised by co-operation and trust between  the leaders of the two countries; and set to 
continue to grow through the desire of our tw o countries to forge ahead in addressing the 
important issues that would make the world a better place to live. The bilateral relations generally 
cover air services and investment promotion and protection. The close relationship between the two countries is also reflected in the high-level official visits in the past few years. There are on-
going efforts for Nigeria to sign a Joint Declaration on Economic Cooperation with the EFTA States, 
which promote and enhance the existing bilateral trade and investment relations between the two 
countries. 
4.229.  As important Members of the WTO, Switzerland and Liechtenstein have remained staunch 
supporters of the multilateral trading system. It is our hope that the two countries would continue to promote trade liberalization and structural reform; and to contribute to the further progress of the DDA negotiations. We look forward to continue working with Switzerland and Liechtenstein to 
conclude the Doha Development Agenda negotiations. 
HONDURAS 4.230.  Nos complacemos por la pronta recuperación de la crisis económica mundial observada en 
ambas economías, la cual fue posible gracias a la aplicación de la norma de "freno al 
endeudamiento" y a los sustanciales superávits fiscales acumulados a nivel federal anteriores a la crisis. Asimismo, el Gobierno suizo implementó medidas de estabilización que consistieron 
principalmente en gasto en infraestructura y medidas destinadas al mercado laboral, manteniendo 
el desempleo en torno al 3-4%. Liechtenstein por su parte, ha registrado excelentes resultados económicos, atrayendo cada vez más a la fuerza laboral extranjera la cual representa dos tercios de su población activa en la actualidad. 
4.231.  Ambas economías son catalogadas por el Banco Mundial de entre las primeras a nivel 
mundial con arreglo a su renta nacional bruta en condiciones de paridad de compra. El comercio sigue siendo un importante motor de ambas economías, donde la participación del comercio de 
bienes y servicios en el PIB es superior al 100%. Es por ello que el Gobierno suizo concede gran 
importancia a la apertura de mercados mundiales al comercio de bienes y servicios, incluida la contratación pública, así como a una sólida protección de la propiedad intelectual. 
4.232.  Según el Informe del Gobierno, Suiza considera que el fortalecimiento del sistema 
multilateral de comercio es una prioridad, lo cual permite que los países pequeños puedan defender sus intereses mejor en un marco multilateral que en una situación en la que relación de fuerzas es desproporcionada. En el marco de la OMC, en especial en el de las negociaciones del 
Programa de Doha para el Desarrollo, reconocemos la participación activa de Suiza por lograr un 
resultado ambicioso y la realización de una ronda de negociaciones de base amplia. 
4.233.  Por otro lado, desde principios del año pasado, Honduras, en conjunto con Guatemala, 
Costa Rica y Panamá se encuentran negociando un acuerdo comercial con la Asociación Europea 
de Libre Comercio (EFTA), compuesta por Noruega, Suiza, Islandia y Liechtenstein. Para Honduras y los demás países centroamericanos, esto significaría una ampliación de la cartera comercial de 
productos agrícolas hacia países como Noruega, y asimismo, representaría el complemento ideal 
del Acuerdo de Asociación entre Centroamérica y la Unión Europea. Esperamos lograr concluir dicho acuerdo en el transcurso de este año. 
4.234.  Permítame hacer una referencia a las relaciones bilaterales entre Honduras y Suiza las 
cuales son de larga data ya que desde los años 70 ambos países concluyeron una serie de WT/TPR/M/280 • Switzerland and Liechtenstein 
 
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  acuerdos de inversión, promoción y cooperación técnica. En los últimos años, Suiza ha 
implementado en Honduras programas encaminados a la reducción de la deuda. A la vez, Suiza ha contribuido decididamente con programas de ayuda para el desarrollo, apoyando áreas como la protección al medio ambiente, la energía hidroeléctrica y los servicios de agua potable. 
4.235.  Asimismo, deseamos aprovechar esta oportunidad para reconocer y agradecer la labor 
realizada por la Agencia Suiza para el Desarrollo y la Cooperación (COSUDE), la cual centra su interés en el fomento a las pequeñas empresas, la gestión de las finanzas públicas y en la 
prestación de servicios de infraestructura a nivel local. Como muestra de su renovado compromiso 
con la región centroamericana, el pasado mes de marzo COSUDE presentó la nueva Estrategia de Cooperación Suiza para América Central 2013-2017, destinando 210 millones de dólares EE.UU. para los próximos cinco años con el fin de promov er el desarrollo económico, la gobernabilidad 
inclusiva y la reducción de la vulnerabilidad ambiental. 
NEPAL 4.236.  Nepal and Switzerland have enjoyed friend ly relations since long and Switzerland is an 
important development partner of Nepal. 
4.237.  It is a great pleasure to us to acknowledge that both economies became successful to save 
them limiting on modest and short-term impact of World Financial Crisis and Euro Zone Crises, 
because of their proper trade and economic po licies. Customs and Monetary Union between the 
two economies and their full participation in the Eu ropean internal market based on the principle of 
free movement of goods, services, capital and persons, with uniform and common rules governing competition is remarkable.  
4.238.  Both economies firm commitment to the rule-based, transparent and open multilateral 
trading system of the WTO and their fundamental belief on well-functioning of this system to 
economic growth and development is appreciable. My delegation is thankful to their foreign 
economic policy objective of “integrating the deve loping countries and countries with economies in 
transition into the global economy”. We hope all LDCs will be more benefited from this initiation by getting sufficient aid for trade to remove their supply-side constraints and getting full market 
access for their goods and services. 
4.239.  My Government would like to express sincere appreciation to Switzerland for its full 
commitment on “Aid for Trade” wits and duty-free quota-free market access launched in Hong Kong and requests to increase the volume of AfT and simplify its Rule of Origin. Our Government is 
fully thankful to the Government of Switzerland for its contribution on DDA negotiations and also is 
expecting that the Government of Switzerland will  play a significant role to forward the LDCs 
package in Bali Ministerial as well.   
SAUDI
 ARABIA 
4.240.  The economies of Switzerland and Liecht enstein have performed admirably during the 
review period, marked as it has been by extraordinary regional and global economic turmoil. In no 
small part their performance can be attributed to these countries' deep-rooted commitment to 
open markets for goods and services. Switzerlan d's reasonableness and sensitivity to the give-
and-take underpinning international trade is further evidenced by its 2001 foreign economic policy, which is still in effect. That policy balances the pursuit of market-access for Swiss exports, on the 
one hand, with a commitment to making Swiss dome stic markets more competitive, on the other. 
4.241.  Saudi-Swiss economic and trade relations continue to develop. Over the review period, 
bilateral trade improved. Swiss exports to Saudi Arabia have remained stable and significant. 
Switzerland is one of the leading exporters to Saudi Arabia and key exports to the Kingdom include 
pharmaceuticals, machinery and watches. Exports from Saudi Arabia to Switzerland, which were 
decreasing until 2010, started picking up again in 2011. The ratification of the EFTA-GCC free 
trade agreement by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's Council of Ministers in 2011 reflects a firm 
commitment to deepening our ties, as does the ex isting bilateral agreements on the promotion 
and protection of investments between our countries. WT/TPR/M/280 • Switzerland and Liechtenstein 
 
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  4.242.  Economic and trade relations between our count ries will also benefit from the initiatives of 
private business organizations such as the Saudi-Swiss Business Council, the Swill Business Association Saudi Arabia and the Arab Swiss Chamber of Commerce and Industry. During a visit to Switzerland at the end of last year, Saudi busi nessmen sought greater co-operation between the 
industries of our countries in multiple sectors, including tourism, education, construction and 
pharmaceuticals and invited Swiss companies to invest in Saudi Arabia. 
4.243.  Home of the WTO Secretariat, Switzerland is a key Member of this organization and an 
active contributor to its activities. As part of the Friends of the Sy stem, Switzerland seeks 
constructive solutions to support the reinforcement of a truly multilateral trading system. 
4.244.  In addition to considering long-term improvements to the system, Switzerland and 
Liechtenstein support the conclusion of the multilateral trade negotiations. We note Switzerland's 
leading role in the trade-facilitation negotiations ahead of the Ninth Ministerial Conference and 
support a comprehensive package including these an d issues that are of paramount importance to 
developing and least developed Members. We also continue to actively support the conclusion of a 
single undertaking agreement that will benefit all Members. 
OMAN 4.245.  The Sultanate of Oman enjoys excellent relations with Switzerland and Liechtenstein who 
are important trading partners of Oman. 
4.246.  Switzerland is a highly developed and diverse economy. It has an open and liberal 
economy which successfully weathered the financial crises of 2008-2009. An index 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 3-4% 
while many other developed economies have rates of  7% to 10%. It is a tribute to the managers 
and operators of Swiss economy. 
4.247.  Switzerland's foreign trade regime appears to be a mixed bag. It is a very liberal regime 
for non-agricultural goods for which the tariffs ar e very low, 2.3% on average, with no import 
restrictions, no quotas. Also Switzerland does not provide any export subsidies or any actionable 
subsidies which is praiseworthy. However, as for agriculture products, Swiss trade regime is quite 
restrictive, highly protected by tariffs and non-tariffs measures. 
4.248.  We note with appreciation that Sw itzerland and Liechtenstein has never applied 
anti-dumping or countervailing duties. In fact, Switzerland has no specific anti-dumping, 
countervailing or safeguards legislation. 
4.249.  Another feather in the cap of Switzerland is it program of export promotion for developing 
countries which is highly commendable. 
4.250.  The delegation of Oman is pleased to no te that Switzerland and Liechtenstein are staunch 
supports of the WTO and the multilateral trading system. Both have also been active participants in DDA negotiations. However, we noted with concern that Switzerland is favouring an 
"international agreement on services open to all WTO Members ready to participate". Does it mean 
a selective agreement or a plurilateral type of agreement which fragments the WTO? We would like to hear some clarity from Switzerland on this issue. 
GUATEMALA 
4.251.  Suiza y Liechtenstein se encuentran dentro de los países más ricos del mundo. Al igual del 
resto de los Miembros de esta Organización, ambo s tuvieron que enfrentar la crisis financiera 
mundial. Lograron superar gracias a sus diligentes medidas macroeconómicas necesarias para 
reducir el impacto en sus economías.  
4.252.  Felicitamos los trabajos para prevenir la crisis financiera implementando normas como 
Basilea III que estamos seguros fortalecerá la confianza en su sistema bancario y financiero. 
Asimismo, es importante resaltar que estos países lograron sobrepasar uno de los desafíos más 
serios de su economía como lo fue la fuerte apreciación del franco suizo. Los que vivimos aquí WT/TPR/M/280 • Switzerland and Liechtenstein 
 
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  fuimos testigos de la dificultad que ello causó así como de los importantes esfuerzos de las 
autoridades competentes para solucionar este problema.  
4.253.  Suiza y Liechtenstein han sido fieles defensores del sistema multilateral de comercio. Con 
el mismo ímpeto han continuado con su apertura comercial a través de tratados de libre comercio 
con otros países. Tal es el caso del tratado que se encuentra en fase de negociación entre los 
países de EFTA y algunos países de Centroamérica. Esperamos que dicho tratado llegue a su pronta conclusión y que ello acerca aún más nuestras economías. 
4.254.  En cuanto al comercio agrícola, si bien comprendemos las sensibilidades que este tema 
tiene para ambos, los exhortamos a que continúen con el proceso de liberalización de los productos agrícolas reduciendo el grado de protección y permitiendo un mercado más abierto. 
4.255.  Por otro lado, sabemos que Suiza y Liechtenstein se preocupan por promover el comercio 
de países en desarrollo y de países menos adelantados. Es por esto que los motivamos a aportar 
más claridad e información en cuanto al sistema de preferencias que se encuentra vigente tanto en su otorgamiento así como los requisitos necesarios para poder optar al mismo. WT/TPR/M/280 • Switzerland and Liechtenstein 
 
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  5  REPLIES BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF SWITZERLAND AND LIECHTENSTEIN AND 
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS 
SWITZERLAND 5.1.  J’ai enregistré avec une grande satisfaction les remarques généralement positives de 
beaucoup de Membres quant à l'évolution de la politique commerciale de la Suisse et de notre 
engagement en faveur du système commercial multilatéral. Par ailleurs, nous avons reçu près de 400 questions écrites et orales qui démontrent clairement l'intérêt que les Membres portent à 
notre politique commerciale. Je les en remercie vivement. Pour notre part, nous avons fourni dès 
lundi nos réponses à l'ensemble des questions qui nous sont parvenues jusqu'au 19 avril 2013. Ce matin, les Membres recevront encore un document révisé contenant également les réponses écrites à l’ensemble des questions, y compris à celles que nous avons reçues depuis lors. 
Permettez-moi de saisir l'occasion qui m'est donnée aujourd'hui de reprendre certains des points 
les plus importants que les Membres et la présentatrice, Madame Mariam MD Salleh, ont soulevé. 
5.2.  Je structurerai mon intervention de réponse orale en trois parties qui reflètent les principaux 
thèmes couverts dans le rapport du Secrétariat. Dans une première partie, je traiterai des 
questions relatives à l'environnement économique et au cadre institutionnel de notre politique commerciale. Dans une seconde partie, je traiterai des questions ayant trait aux politiques 
commerciales et à leurs instruments et enfin, dans une troisième partie, je couvrirai les principales 
questions sectorielles. 
5.3.  Ensuite, si vous le permettez, Monsieur le Président, mon collègue, Monsieur l'Ambassadeur 
Norbert Frick, interviendra pour répondre aux questions spécifiques qui ont été adressées au 
Liechtenstein. 
Environnement économique et cadre instit utionnel de la politique commerciale 
5.4.  Pour ce qui est de l'environnement économique, plusieurs Membres nous ont demandé les 
raisons de la tendance baissière à long terme de la croissance de la productivité. J'aimerais tout 
d'abord préciser que la baisse de la productivité entre 2008 et 2011 est largement de nature temporaire. Néanmoins, il est vrai que l'on ne prévoit pour le moment aucune croissance de la 
productivité à long terme dans le secteur bancaire en raison de la crise de la dette et des nouvelles 
réglementations dans ce domaine. Pour la Suisse, ceci représente un changement considérable qui va peser sur la performance globale de l'économ ie. Cela explique aussi que la politique de 
croissance du Conseil fédéral pour 2012-2015 mette l'accent sur la nécessité d'améliorer la 
productivité des secteurs domestiques comme l'agriculture, la santé, l'énergie et les transports. 
L'ouverture aux échanges du secteur de la distribution, la rationalisation de l'Administration fédérale avec le gouvernement électronique ("e-Government") devraient aussi stimuler la 
productivité. 
5.5.  Certains nous ont aussi demandé de préciser la nature des mesures prises à l'automne de 
2011 par la Confédération dans son programme d'impulsion de 870 millions de francs. Ces 
mesures qui représentaient environ 0,2 % du PIB visaient principalement à atténuer les 
conséquences du franc fort et à améliorer les conditions-cadre de l'économie suisse sur le long terme. Ces moyens étaient destinés à l’assurance-chômage, au transfert de savoir et de technologie, au tourisme, à la promotion des exportations et aux infrastructures. Même si le 
montant de ces mesures était relativement modeste, elles ont créé de la confiance parmi les 
entreprises orientées vers l'exportation. 
5.6.  Pour ce qui est du cadre institutionnel de notre politique commerciale, je note tout d'abord 
que plusieurs Membres ont évoqué la question de notre participation à divers accords de 
libre-échange. Nous avons répondu par écrit aux questions spécifiques que ces Membres ont posées, notamment en relation avec les accords récemment conclus et ceux en négociation. 
J'aimerais néanmoins souligner que si la conclusion d'accords commerciaux régionaux est un 
moyen complémentaire de s’ouvrir au marché global, notre première priorité demeure le renforcement du système commercial multilatéral. Pour le Gouvernement suisse, l'intégration dans l'économie mondiale passe par l'appartenance à l'OMC. Tous les pays candidats à l'accession l'ont 
d'ailleurs parfaitement compris. Cependant, cela ne saurait suffire et nous considérons que les 
accords de libre-échange peuvent représenter un moyen complémentaire pour accélérer la WT/TPR/M/280 • Switzerland and Liechtenstein 
 
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  libéralisation des échanges sur le plan international, notamment dans des domaines qui ne font 
actuellement pas encore, ou seulement en partie, l'objet de négociations à l'OMC. C'est ainsi que dans nos accords les plus récents, nous avons inclus, outre la libéralisation des échanges de biens et de services, également des clauses en relation avec les marchés publics, la concurrence, 
l'investissement, la propriété intellectuelle, la facilitation des échanges ainsi que, dans certains 
cas, des dispositions spécifiques en matière de commerce et de développement durable. Il est vrai que ces accords conduisent à un environnement comme rcial plus complexe pour ceux qui utilisent 
ces préférences. Le Gouvernement suisse préférer ait que de telles solutions puissent aussi être 
trouvées dans le contexte multilatéral.  
5.7.  Dans le domaine des investissements, plusieurs Membres nous ont demandé si la Suisse 
entendait libéraliser davantage l'accès aux secteurs 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 ainsi le cas pour certaines entreprises de transport de passagers, le transport des marchandises étant quant à lui 
libéralisé. Par ailleurs, le monopole de la poste est maintenu pour les lettres de moins de 
50 grammes. En outre, l'assurance obligatoire contre l'incendie et les dégâts naturels fait l'objet d'un monopole dans certains cantons. Il en va de même pour le commerce du sel qui est aussi du 
ressort des cantons. Ces monopoles d'État sont clairement définis dans la loi. Il s’agit pour la 
plupart de restrictions ponctuelles qui ne couvrent pas l'intégralité d'un secteur comme certaines questions semblaient le supposer. Il n'y a pas eu de changements législatifs dans ces domaines durant la période sous revue et il n'y a en principe actuellement aucun plan visant à libéraliser 
davantage ces secteurs qui demeurent dans le giron de l'État.  
5.8.  Certains Membres ont aussi soulevé la question des allégements fiscaux offerts par des 
cantons. Permettez-moi tout d'abord de préciser que les politiques cantonales sont basées sur les 
pouvoirs constitutionnels dont disposent les cantons. Ils visent à aider au développement 
économique général. Les allégements d'impôts au niveau subfédéral sont souvent liés à ceux du gouvernement fédéral dans le cadre de sa politique régionale en faveur des zones rurales et 
structurellement faibles. Toutes ces mesures sont publiées. Ces programmes d'allégement 
d'impôts ne visent pas à favoriser spécifiquement les entreprises étrangères et sont applicables et ouverts aussi bien aux entreprises domestiques qu'étrangères dans la mesure où elles remplissent les critères objectifs qui ont été établis par le canton ou la commune concernés. 
Instruments de la politique commerciale 
5.9.  Permettez-moi, de répondre maintenant à quelques questions de portée plus générale en 
rapport avec les instruments de la politique commerciale. 
5.10.  Certains Membres ont soulevé la question du maintien par la Suisse de droits spécifiques 
pour l’ensemble de ses positions tarifaires. Il se trouve que le système suisse a été utilisé de manière conséquente depuis des décennies. Il est donc bien connu des opérateurs économiques. 
Le système est simple et prévisible. Il ne pose donc pas de problème dans son application 
quotidienne. Je ne pense donc pas que l’on puisse dire qu’il manque de transparence. J’aimerais aussi rappeler que l'article II du GATT ne prescrit pas le type de droits de douane que doit avoir un Membre. La seule obligation est que les droits appliqués ne soient pas supérieurs aux droits 
consolidés dans la liste d'engagement OMC, une disposition que la Suisse respecte pleinement.  
5 . 1 1 .   D e  m ê m e ,  c e r t a i n s  n o u s  o n t  p o s é  l a  q u e s t i o n  d e  s a v o i r  s i  l a  S u i s s e  a v a i t  l ' i n t e n t i o n  
d'éliminer complétement les droits de douane de s quelque 39% de lignes tarifaires qui comportent 
de faibles droits de douane compris entre 0% et 2%. La Suisse considère, à cet égard, que les 
importations sont facilitées à la fois par des proc édures douanières rapides et efficientes, ainsi que 
par des taux de droits de douane faibles. Ce sont clairement les droits de douane élevés qui 
constituent une nuisance pour les exportateurs. D'ailleurs, même sans droits de douane, les 
marchandises sont soumises de manière générale à la taxe à la valeur ajoutée qui est prélevée par la douane, de sorte que l'existence de faibles droits de douane ou leur absence n'a aucune incidence sur le coût ou la rapidité des procédures de dédouanement. Le résultat des négociations 
de l'OMC déterminera les progrès qui pourront être réalisés dans la réduction ou l'élimination 
complète de ces droits de douane bas.   WT/TPR/M/280 • Switzerland and Liechtenstein 
 
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  5.12.  Des Membres nous ont aussi demandé des informations en relation avec le fait que les 
droits d'importation NPF sur les textiles et vêtements variaient de 0% à 71%, la moyenne étant de 6%. En fait, les droits de douane élevés dans les textiles et l'habillement s'appliquent vraisemblablement à des textiles usagés ou des friperies qui n'ont pas ou guère de valeur 
économique ainsi qu'à des produits textiles bon marché pour la couverture de semences ou de 
plantations. Selon le tarif douanier suisse, les vêtements usagés ou friperies sont généralement soumis au même droit de douane que des produits  neufs. Etant donné que la Suisse n'a que des 
droits de douane spécifiques, les équivalents ad valorem peuvent varier beaucoup en fonction de 
la valeur marchande de ces produits qui est d'ailleurs souvent faible voire inexistante.  
5.13.  Nombre de Membres ont évoqué l'introduction du principe dit "Cassis de Dijon" par la Suisse 
en 2009 et certains nous ont demandé de préciser quelles en étaient les exceptions. Il y a deux 
catégories principales d'exceptions à l'application du principe dit "Cassis-de-Dijon" : les produits 
soumis à autorisation, que ce soit pour la mise sur le marché ou pour l'importation, ou des exceptions décidées par le Conseil fédéral. En Suisse, les produits soumis à autorisation sont ceux 
qui présentent un risque élevé pour la vie ou la santé de l'être humain et de l'animal ou pour 
l'environnement. Les produits soumis à autorisation sont, par exemple, les produits pharmaceutiques ou certains produits chimiques, ce rtains instruments de mesure et les véhicules à 
moteur ainsi que les matières fourragères. Le principe dit "Cassis-de-Dijon" s’applique 
exclusivement aux produits de l’Union européenne et de l’Espace économique européen. Néanmoins, l'introduction du principe dit "Cassis de Dijon" profite aussi aux producteurs extra-européens, dans la mesure où ils remplissent les exigences techniques de l'Union 
européenne. 
Politiques sectorielles Agriculture 
5.14.  De nombreuses questions nous ont été adressées en relation avec l'agriculture. Je me 
limiterai à répondre ici essentiellement à celles de nature plus politique. La Suisse a, en effet, répondu en détail par écrit aux questions plus techniques.  
5.15.  Malgré les importantes réformes que nous avons entreprises, certains Membres ont 
considéré que les efforts déployés par la Suisse en matière de réforme agricole demeuraient encore fort modestes voire insuffisantes. J’aimerais répondre à cette critique en mentionnant que, depuis le début du Cycle de Doha en 2001, la Su isse a entrepris trois réformes de sa politique 
agricole. Elles ont amené l’agriculture suisse vers plus d’écologie et plus de compétitivité en 
réponse aux revendications citoyennes dans le doma ine agro-alimentaire. Des places de travail et 
des revenus ont certes été perdus mais les acteurs de l’agriculture suisse ont entrepris et 
poursuivent le mouvement vers une agriculture moderne, diversifiée, durable et répondant à la 
demande des consommateurs et de l’industrie agro-alimentaire.  
5.16.  Plusieurs intervenants nous ont aussi dema ndé pourquoi la Suisse qui souhaite stimuler la 
concurrence sur le marché intérieur, y compris dans l'agriculture, continue de maintenir un haut 
degré de protection de son agriculture. La réponse est relativement simple: pour pouvoir poursuivre des réformes à l'intérieur, il faut aussi pouvoir démontrer que les choses bougent sur le plan international. En l’absence de progrès dans les négociations multilatérales, il n'a pas été 
possible de mener des réformes drastiques, notamment au niveau de la protection à la frontière 
sans réciprocité de la part des autres Membres de l’OMC. Les réformes ont donc été logiquement concentrées sur des domaines de politique interne pe rmettant à l’agriculture suisse de se préparer 
à un futur accord de Doha. Le soutien est aujourd' hui largement découplé de la production, mieux 
ciblé sur les biens publics produits par les agricult eurs et toutes les subventions à l'exportation de 
produits agricoles de base ont été abolies. 
5.17.  Des Membres ont aussi soulevé des questions quant à la manière avec laquelle la Suisse 
avait cherché à faire face à la chute du prix du lait qui a suivi la suppression du contingentement laitier en mai 2009. J'aimerais rappeler tout d'abord qu'il s'agit là d'une mesure prise par une organisation privée, l'IP-Lait. Les autorités fédérales n’encaissent ni ne prescrivent l’utilisation de 
la contribution de 1 centime par kg de lait commercialisé destinée au financement des mesures 
d'allégement du marché. L’extension aux non-membres est uniquement une aide à la réglementation privée afin d’éviter la mise en péril de la mesure privée par des resquilleurs. WT/TPR/M/280 • Switzerland and Liechtenstein 
 
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  Comme l’IP-Lait n’a pas demandé une prolongation de l’application aux non-membres de la 
mesure en question, le Conseil Fédéral n’a pas pris une nouvelle décision à ce sujet. En conséquence, cette mesure applicable aux non-me mbres de l’IP Lait reste en place seulement 
jusqu’au 30 avril 2013. 
5.18.  Nous avons entendu plusieurs commentaires par rapport au niveau des droits de douane 
pour les produits agricoles de la Suisse et du Liechtenstein. Il convient de rappeler que des exemples de droits de douane élevés ne donnent pas une image économiquement correcte de la 
situation puisque le commerce se fait à l’intérieur des contingents tarifaires. Dans ce sens, des 
moyennes de droit de douane ne procurent pas d’information sur l’ouverture du marché. En fait, la Suisse et le Liechtenstein sont, par habitant, parmi les plus grands importateurs nets de produits agricoles dans le monde. Le système des contingents permet des importations à des taux assez 
bas. Les contingents sont bien remplis, voire sur-remplis.  
5.19.  Divers intervenants nous ont également interrogés sur le mécanisme de compensation des 
prix pour les produits agricoles transformés. Ce mécanisme vise à compenser le surcoût que 
représente pour l'industrie agro-alimentaire do mestique l'utilisation de matières premières 
agricoles produites localement. Dans ce domaine, la Suisse a toujours l'intention d'honorer l'engagement qu'elle a pris à l'occasion de la 6ème Conférence ministérielle de l'OMC à Hong Kong 
en 2005 dans le cadre de l'engagement unique du Cycle de Doha. Nous ne sommes cependant pas 
en mesure de préciser quand les subventions à l'exportation qui demeurent pourront être 
supprimées étant donné qu'une confirmation de la date pour l'élimination de l'ensemble des subventions à l'exportation, conformément au paragraphe 6 de la Déclaration ministérielle de 
Hong Kong, est toujours pendante. 
5.20.  Dans le domaine des mesures sanitaires et phytosanitaires, la Suisse a largement 
harmonisé ses standards avec les normes européennes. Je tiens à souligner que de ce 
rapprochement résulte une simplification des règles pour les exportateurs car, dans la plupart des 
cas, en remplissant les critères en vue d’une exportation vers l’Union européenne, les opérateurs peuvent automatiquement exporter vers la Suisse sans complication supplémentaire.  
5.21.  Dans ce domaine, certains nous ont posé des questions en relation avec la culture des 
plantes génétiquement modifiées (OGM) qui font l'objet d'un moratoire jusqu'en 2017. J'aimerais tout d'abord rappeler que ce moratoire avait été adopté en votation populaire en 2005 par 55.7% 
de la population suisse. Le Parlement a pris la décision de le reconduire une nouvelle fois jusqu'à la 
fin de 2017. Les autorités suisses ont en effet besoin de la période du moratoire pour proposer une 
révision de la loi existante sur la technologie génétique ainsi que pour mettre sur pied une "ordonnance de coexistence" tenant compte des résultats obtenus dans le cadre du Programme 
national de recherche suisse no. 59. Le Gouvernement suisse a ouvert une consultation sur le 
cadre législatif proposé en janvier 2013. Ce moratoire s'applique uniquement à la culture d'organismes génétiquement modifiés et à l'importation de bétail génétiquement modifié, mais pas 
à l'importation de produits alimentaires ou d'aliments pour le bétail ni à la recherche. 
Services 
5.22.  Outre le secteur agricole nous n'avons reçu que relativement peu de questions 
supplémentaires concernant les services.  
5.23.  A la question d’un Membre concernant la participation des Membres de l’OMC à un accord 
sur le commerce des services, je répondrai que la Suisse considère l’approche plurilatérale comme un tremplin pour le processus multilatéral. C'est pourquoi la Suisse soutient pleinement le 
lancement de négociations plurilatérales sur les services en espérant qu'ultérieurement les 
résultats des négociations pourront faire l'objet d'une multilatéralisation dans le cadre de l'OMC afin de créer un système de commerce des services qui soit multilatéral, ouvert, transparent, 
simple et sûr.  
5.24.  No quisiera terminar esta reunión (mi presentación) sin agradecer a todos los participantes 
por el interés demostrado. También espero sinceramente que nuestras respuestas les hayan satisfecho y que hayan contribuido positivamente al desarrollo de esta reunión. WT/TPR/M/280 • Switzerland and Liechtenstein 
 
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  5.25.  Monsieur l'Ambassadeur Frick va maintenant répondre aux questions qui ont été adressées 
directement au Liechtenstein. 
LIECHTENSTEIN 5.26.  Let me start by thanking all delegation s, our discussant and you, Mr. Chairman, for the 
interest shown in the Trade Policy Review of Sw itzerland and Liechtenstein and for all questions 
and comments received. 
5.27.  Quite logically, most of the questions receiv ed - either are addressed directly to Switzerland 
or concern matters falling under the Swiss-Liechtenstein Customs Union - for which Switzerland is 
competent. I thank my colleague Ambassador Chambovey and his team for the exhaustive 
answers and explanations given to the large number of issues raised. 
5.28.  Therefore, I will limit my comments to i ssues specifically addressed to Liechtenstein.  
5.29.  At the outset, I would like to emphasize th at our answers to a number of issues have to be 
seen in light of Liechtenstein’s very specific geographical situation to which I already referred on Tuesday. For instance, a question raised refers to a possible further liberalization of our 
investment regime. Although Liechtenstein has a generally open, stable and predictable 
investment regime and most sec-tors are open to national and foreign investment, Liechtenstein has – against the background of its geographical situation – to manage a difficult compromise 
between our interests for new investments on the one hand and what is politically acceptable on 
the other. Key facts in this context are: the very small size of the country of which only about 7% are settlement area; the high number of jobs which practically equal the number of inhabitants; the dried out labour market and the fact that already now 70% of the jobs are held by non-
nationals and more than 50% by cross-border work ers. Because of these particular circumstances, 
Liechtenstein is also the only member State of the EEA which has been granted a special arrangement with regard to the principle of free movement of persons within the Internal Market 
through the general application of a quota system.  
5.30.  Another specific feature of Liechtenstein which concerns a number of questions received and 
which I already mentioned in my introductory statement the other day is that Liechtenstein is part 
of two internal markets, the Swiss and the European. For instance, for a question received 
regarding labour law applied in Liechtenstein our answer is, I quote “As a member State of the European Economic Area, Liechtenstein transposes all EU law relevant for the European Internal Market into its domestic legislation, including EU labour law. The proper implementation of these 
EU directives and regulations is monitored by  the EFTA Surveillance Authority and can be 
challenged with a complaint to the EFTA Court of Justice”. 
5.31.  Other advance written questions received where EU law is relevant concerned issues such 
as Liechtenstein’s public procurement system or  its insurance market. All of these areas are 
regulated by EEA legislation – that is to say by EU Directives, transposed into domestic legislation, and directly applicable EU regulations. The same is true for Liechtenstein’s telecommunication and 
electricity markets. Telecom Liechtenstein AG an d Liechtensteinische Kraftwerke, the state-owned 
producer and distributor of electricity, are obliged to make their infrastructure and services available to other enterprises in a neutral, non-discriminatory and cost-based manner. Interconnection regulations are based on the relevant EU principles. Neither Telecom Liechtenstein 
AG nor Liechtensteinische Kraftwerke enjoy any exclusive rights.  
5.32.  As regards telecommunication, these framework conditions will continue to apply regardless 
of the outcome of the current discussions on a poss ible acquisition of Telecom Liechtenstein AG by 
Swisscom AG. These discussions are held against the background of an increasingly difficult 
situation for Telecom Liechtenstein AG because of the limited size of the domestic market. 
5.33.  Another question referred to the control and management of state-owned enterprises. The 
control of Telecom Liechtenstein AG as well as of other state owned enterprises is governed by the 
law on the governance and surveillance of pub lic enterprises of 10 November 2009. Under the 
terms of this law, the Government adopts stra tegic aims and targets for each enterprise. The 
strategies adopted are reviewed by Parliament which can request the Government to change or WT/TPR/M/280 • Switzerland and Liechtenstein 
 
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  adopt a strategy. The strategies adopted are public . The enterprise has to report regularly to the 
Government with regard to the implementation of the adopted strategic aims and targets.  
5.34.  Another very topical question raised the issu e of Liechtenstein’s public budget. I just repeat 
in short what I stated in this regard on Tuesday. Up to 2009, Liechtenstein has always had 
surpluses. Since 2010, due to a number of factors, we have each year run a budget deficit. 
Liechtenstein has no public debt and still State reserves of considerably more than one annual budget. The overarching policy is the continuation of zero external debt. Fiscal consolidation has 
there-fore become the highest priority of the Liechtenstein government. 
5.35.  In spite of these particularities, Liechtenstein shares a high number of policy communalities 
with Switzerland, including for the sector which attracted most comments, namely agriculture. Liechtenstein fully shares the Swiss policy of th e multifunctional role of agriculture which goes 
beyond the mere calculation of the latter’s contributi on to GDP. About two thirds of the territory of 
Liechtenstein are hilly and mountaineous areas. The general maintenance of its rural character is one the overarching goals of Liechtenstein’s intern al development policy. Agricultural use of the 
mountaineous 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 maintenance of these mountainous areas is, however, costly. Green box measures are therefore 
necessary and enjoy widespread public support in Liechtenstein despite their high price.  
5.36.  This brings me to the end of my statemen t. Let me express again our appreciation for the 
comments and questions of delegations which provid ed us with very valuable food for thought. 
DISCUSSANT 
5.37.  Members in their statements had commended Switzerland and Liechtenstein for their 
generally open dynamic economy and liberal trade and investment regime and the domestic reforms undertaken. The fact that both have recovered from the global economic crisis during the 
period under review.  
5.38.  However, many also pointed out that although reforms are in the right direction, the pace 
has been slow in major areas particularly agriculture that remains protected. Certain services sub 
sectors continue to be a monopoly.   
5.39.  We take note of Switzerland’s statement that strengthening the multilateral trading system 
remains the priority where smaller countries are in a better position to defend their interests 
rather than in a situation of disproportionate power relationships. We therefore call on Switzerland 
and Liechtenstein to assume a leading role in forging flexibilities among Members for us to have a 
successful MC9 in Bali. Its success is particularly important for developing Members and critical for the WTO as a shared institution.  
5.40.  We wish both Switzerland and Liechtenstein every success and we thank for the responses 
provided to Members. 
EUROPEAN
 UNION 
5.41.  The EU would like to express his appreciation for the efforts made by the delegations of 
Switzerland and Liechtenstein in presenting its replies to Members' advance questions. We have carefully studied the replies which provided us with valuable information necessary to understand the situation in these two countries on issues we raised on our first submission. 
5.42.  In general, we are satisfied with the clarification received and for the time-being we would 
appreciate to receive additional clarification on rules of origin. We are looking forward to the session to complete our better understanding of Liechtenstein and Switzerland trade policy and we 
will continue our discussion on the issues we raised today and on other issues of interest to the EU 
and also bilaterally. WT/TPR/M/280 • Switzerland and Liechtenstein 
 
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  SWITZERLAND 
5.43.  We had a number of comments this morning and a few received from the EU. It's a highly 
technical question and the EU will receive an answ er in writing. I would also like to thank Mariam 
Salleh for her comments.  
5.44.  It came as no surprise to us that agriculture was very prominently discussed and most of 
the questions received concerned the agricultural policy. But there is something I would like to insist on and it is something that I mentioned in my speech: Members may feel that the level of 
protection of Swiss and Liechtenstein agriculture (we are forming a customs union) is still high, in 
particular as far as tariffs are concerned. This is true but here are a couple of remarks:  
5.45.  Those countries are certainly among the larg est importers of agricultural products and all 
the quotas are very well filled and sometimes they are overfilled. There has been a comment 
pointing to a contradiction between the stated objectives of our economic policy to inject more 
competition domestically in order to lower the generally high level of prices including in the area of agriculture. This may seem contradictory with the fact that the level of protection at the board is 
still high. But to implement reform we need an international framework and this is precisely what 
is currently lacking due to the stalemate of the Doha  Round. It's quite difficult to sell this kind of 
reform domestically if there is no reciprocity, if there is no way to show that the effort that will be 
undertaken domestically is matched with similar efforts by partners creating opportunities for the 
most competitive sectors domestically. This is the situation we are facing also in Switzerland. 
5.46.  We hope that in a not too distant future we will manage to make ways here at the WTO 
across all Doha issues. But for the time-being the prospects are not absolutely clear. This, of 
course, has an impact on the domestic reform that we are able to undertake and probably also has 
an impact on domestic reforms that other Members of this Organization are able to undertake, not only in the area of agriculture but also in other areas under negotiation at the WTO. WT/TPR/M/280 • Switzerland and Liechtenstein 
 
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  6  CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON 
6.1.  This fourth joint Trade Policy Review of  Switzerland and Liechtenstein, the sixth for 
Switzerland, has provided us an excellent opportun ity to appraise the developments in their trade 
regimes since their last TPR in December 2008. Our discussion has benefited from the active 
participation of the Swiss delegation, led by H. E. Mr. Didier Chambovey, and the Liechtenstein 
delegation, led by H.E. Mr. Norbert Frick, as well as from the insightful contribution of the discussant, H.E. Ms Mariam Md Salleh, an d the numerous interventions by Members. 
6.2.  Members commended Switzerland and Liecht enstein on their economic performance in the 
aftermath of the global economic crisis and on  their continued top ranking amongst the most 
competitive and innovative economies in the world, even if they remain "high-price islands" in Europe. Members praised their generally open trade regimes, and their strong support for an open 
multilateral trading system and for the successful conclusion of the Doha Development Round.  
Nonetheless, their agricultural sector remains heavily protected, and the large number of FTAs 
makes their trade regimes increasingly complex. 
6.3.  Much of the focus of the comments and questions from Members was on agriculture.  
Clarification was sought, amongst other matters, on  tariff peaks and complex variable tariffs, the 
justification of classifying certain measures in the Green Box, the difference between the system of 
"observed prices" and "administered prices" in price support measures, ending the compulsory 
levy on milk, and plans for phasing-out export subs idies entirely. Members also observed that the 
Agricultural Policy 2014-17 appears to be less ambitious than the Agricultural Policy 2011 in terms of a further liberalization of the sector.  
6.4.  The numerous statements and questions rais ed in the course of this TPR lead to the 
conclusion that there is room for further improvement in certain areas. The Swiss and Liechtenstein authorities might in particular give consideration to the following issues:  
 Tariffs. Switzerland and Liechtenstein are the only WTO Members that use exclusively 
specific tariffs. Members stressed that the use of specific tariffs makes the level of protection more unpredictable, in particular because of exchange rate and import price fluctuations. 
Thus, while the applied MFN tariff has remained broadly unchanged since the last TPR, the 
simple average rate has increased on an ad valorem  basis from 8.1% in 2008 to 9.2% in 
2012. Members invited both countries to consider moving from specific to ad valorem  tariffs. 
 
 Tariff quotas. Members were concerned about the complexity of the Swiss tariff quota 
regime, including its administration, and encour aged Switzerland to simplify the regime and 
abolish the prise en charge  system.  
 
 Agriculture.  Members expressed concern about the still high level of support and protection 
for agriculture. They encouraged the authorities to reduce the high or prohibitive tariffs, and 
to increase the pace of market-oriented agricultural reforms, consistent with Switzerland's 
wider policy objectives of improving competitiveness of domestic goods and services.  
  Technical barriers to trade. Members welcomed Switzerland's unilateral initiative to 
reduce technical barriers to trade through the in troduction of the Cassis-de-Dijon principle. 
At the same time, they encouraged the authorities to consider enlarging the product scope and remove exceptions, so that the Cassis-de-Dijon principle works more effectively in 
facilitating the free flow of goods.  
  Intellectual property rights . Members welcomed the intr oduction of the EEA-wide 
exhaustion principle for patented products but invited the authorities to broaden the scope 
of application in order to stimulate competition on the domestic markets. Switzerland was also encouraged to take further steps to address copyright piracy over the internet.  
 
 Services . Members recognized that Switzerland's and Liechtenstein's services trade regimes 
are generally liberal, but identified restrictions in certain areas such as insurance, postal services and rail transport, where further liberalization would be of interest to them.  
 
6.5.   To conclude, I would like to commend the Switzerland and Liechtenstein governments on their exemplary commitment and high aspirations in this exercise. We hope that they will take WT/TPR/M/280 • Switzerland and Liechtenstein 
 
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  away the comments and suggestions made in the course of this trade policy review as valuable 
inputs for further reflection on how to shape their future trade policy, for the benefit of their populations. I would also like to thank the discussant, for her insightful observations and questions, and Members for contributing to what ha s been a very fruitful and enriching two days of 
discussion. We look forward to receiving Switzerland's and Liechtenstein's responses to the few 
remaining questions within the next month. 
 
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