EFTA and Hong Kong launch free trade negotiations

The EFTA-Hong Kong negotiations were launched following two preparatory meetings in 2009. The negotiating groups covered, in particular, trade in industrial and agricultural products, sanitary and phytosanitary issues, technical barriers to trade, rules of origin, intellectual property rights, trade in services, and investment.

The parties held constructive talks allowing for good headway to be made in all fields. They agreed to meet again in April 2010 in Hong Kong, with the aim of completing a comprehensive FTA by the end of 2010.

The negotiating teams were led by Mr Christian Etter, Ambassador and Delegate of the Swiss Government for Trade Agreements, on the EFTA side, and Ms Leonia Tai, Deputy Director-General of Trade and Industry, for Hong Kong, China.

In 2008, total merchandise trade between EFTA and Hong Kong reached USD 7.65 billion. Clocks and watches, precious stones, electrical and other machinery were among the main categories of traded goods. Trade in services as well as foreign direct investment are also significant between the two sides.