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Update on UK-Switzerland enhanced Free Trade Agreement

21 March 2024

Proposing MP
Greg Hands Con
Chelsea and Fulham
Type
Written Ministerial Statement
Department
Department for Business and Trade
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At a Glance

Issue Summary

The statement provides an update on the fourth round of negotiations for an enhanced Free Trade Agreement between the UK and Switzerland, covering various economic sectors.

Action Requested

The minister announces that text-based discussions have made significant progress, especially in closing the chapter on SMEs to facilitate easier market access. The fifth round of hybrid negotiations is scheduled for early summer 2024 in the UK.

Key Facts

  • Negotiations took place in Bern, Switzerland from 4 to 8 March 2024.
  • UK-Swiss services trade was worth £27.9 billion in the 12 months to September 2023.
  • The chapter on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) has been provisionally closed during this round of negotiations.
  • The fifth hybrid round is expected to take place in early summer 2024 in the UK.
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