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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

Swiss foreign minister pushes for free trade deal in Latin America
10-Feb-2025 Swissinfo
During a five-day trip to Brazil, Bolivia and Paraguay this week, Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis tried to push forward negotiations on a free trade agreement between Mercosur and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).
Sustainability Impact Assessment (SIA) of the free trade agreement between the European Free Trade Association and Thailand – A critical analysis
24-Jan-2025 Alliance Sud and Public Eye
The SIA falls short of its promises. It contains strong methodological and analytical shortcomings which limit its usefulness for negotiators, stakeholders or the general public.
Switzerland expands free trade network despite doubts
24-Jan-2025 Swiss Info
Switzerland is taking its tally of free trade agreements up to 37 with new economic deals being signed with Thailand and Kosovo.
Kurti participates in the Economic Forum in Davos, will sign the free trade agreement with EFTA
22-Jan-2025 Telegrafi
Kosovo Prime Minister will sign the Free Trade Agreement with the member countries of EFTA, which includes Norway, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Iceland.
Norway, EFTA want comprehensive, modern FTA with Vietnam
20-Jan-2025 Tuoi Tre News
The Norwegian Parliament has expressed positive signals regarding the long-awaited free trade agreement under negotiation since 2012 between Vietnam and the European Free Trade Association, which includes Norway.
FTA with European Free Trade Association to be signed at WEF meet
20-Jan-2025 The Nation Thailand
Thailand will sign a free-trade agreement (FTA) with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The agreement, approved by the Thai Cabinet, covers trade with Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.
Norway planning to ratify India-EFTA free trade agreement next year
9-Dec-2024 Business Standard
Norway said that it plans to ratify the India-EFTA free trade agreement next year, the commerce and industry ministry said.
Switzerland govt submits EFTA-India trade agreement to Parliament
6-Sep-2024 Business Standard
The Swiss government has submitted a free trade agreement with India to its parliament for ratification. The agreement aims to increase trade and investment between the two regions. However, it has faced public opposition due to concerns about environmental impacts and the protection of domestic industries.
EFTA signs revised free trade agreement with Chile
25-Jun-2024 Swiss Info
The revised agreement with Chile was signed at a ministerial meeting of EFTA states (Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Iceland and Norway) in Geneva.
UN criticises EFTA for jeopardising the right to food
7-Jun-2024 Swiss Right to Seed Coalition
The member countries of European Free Trade Association (EFTA) are jeopardising the right to food through free trade agreements with countries of the Global South.

    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