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  1. Negotiations

EFTA

While often overlooked, the European Free Trade Association — composed of Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway and Switzerland — actively seeks comprehensive bilateral FTAs much like its rivals the EU, the US, Japan, Canada or Australia. EFTA’s outward push towards FTAs is led and dominated by corporate powerhouse Switzerland, home to some of the world’s biggest pharmaceutical, agricultural biotechnology, banking and insurance companies.

EFTA has established important bilateral FTAs with Chile (2003), Israel (1992), Jordan (2001), Korea (2005), Lebanon (2004), Mexico (2000), Morocco (1997), the Palestinian Authority (1998), Turkey (1991), Singapore (2002), Tunisia (2004), the Southern Africa Customs Union (2006), Egypt (2007), Canada (2007), the GCC (2008), Colombia (2008) and Peru (2008).

The group is currently negotiating FTAs with India, Indonesia, Thailand, Algeria and Pakistan. It is expected to launch talks shortly with Malaysia and Vietnam, while similar deals with Russia and Ukraine are planned for later.

last update: May 2012
Photo: Campax

Civil society letter on EFTA-Indonesia comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA)
19-Dec-2018 Handelskampanjen
CSOs stress that the EFTA-Indonesia trade deal must not include any obligation that requires Indonesia to join or implement the UPOV 1991
Indonesia, EFTA sign long-delayed free trade deal
17-Dec-2018 Jakarta Globe
Indonesia signed an economic agreement with EFTA, tariffs and non-tariff barriers would be eliminated for thousands of products between Indonesia and the EFTA countries.
Free trade agreement with Indonesia to be signed in Jakarta on 16 December
14-Dec-2018 The Federal Council, The Portal of the Swiss Government
Indonesia - EFTA trade deal will be signed, 98 per cent of Swiss exports to Indonesia will be exempt from customs duties over the coming years.
Switzerland should stop pushing for TRIPS-plus measures in trade agreement with Indonesia
12-Nov-2018 Public Eye
Swiss and Norwegians civil society groups addressed their serious concerns over TRIPS-plus provisions being included in the trade agreement under negotiation between the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and Indonesia.
Indonesia-EFTA CEPA TRIPS-plus, threat for access to medicines and the right to health of millions of people in Indonesia
8-Nov-2018 IGJ
In many countries, the implementation of the TRIPS-plus measures has significantly increased the cost of medicines.
Free trade agreement between EFTA and Indonesia concluded in substance
2-Nov-2018 The Federal council the portal of the Swiss government
On 1 November, negotiations on a free trade agreement between EFTA and Indonesia were concluded in substance, with Switzerland acting as lead negotiator. The agreement means 98% of Swiss goods will be exempt from customs duties in medium term.
Palm oil to remain part of free trade talks despite opposition
26-Sep-2018 Swiss Info
The Swiss Senate has narrowly voted against proposals to exclude palm from any free trade agreement with Malaysia and Indonesia.
Palm oil lobbyist negotiates with Bern
25-Sep-2018 SonntagsZeitung
The chief negotiator of Indonesia sits on the board of directors of the Indonesian company Astra Agro Lestari, one of the country’s largest palm oil producers.
Un accord de libre-échange Suisse-Indonésie serait à bout touchant
21-Sep-2018 Le Temps
L’Indonésie n’exige plus l’abolition de droits de douane à l’importation de son huile de palme, produit contesté en Suisse, et accepte des règles strictes en matière de propriété intellectuelle.
EFTA and Indonesia continue 15th round of negotiations on a comprehensive economic partnership agreement
5-Sep-2018 EFTA
The intersessional exchanges and the second half of the 15th round allowed delegations to conclude negotiations in most areas, subject to legal review of the texts, leaving only a few areas where some open issues and follow-up work remain.

    Links

  • EFTA FTAs
    Database of all FTAs entered into by the European Free Trade Association (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.)
  • EFTA Secretariat
    Website of the EFTA Secretariat