Switzerland takes new steps to diversify its trade relations
Bern, 16.09.2025 — On 16 September, Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin, together with ministers from 13 other countries, launched the Future of Investment and Trade Partnership. The initiative brings together small and medium-sized countries seeking to develop their economies through open, rules-based global trade. For Switzerland, it represents another platform to strengthen and diversify its trade relations.
The current trade policy environment is marked by tensions and uncertainty. The international rules-based trading system is under mounting pressure, raising the risk of fragmentation in the global economy and a slowdown in global growth. For countries like Switzerland, which is closely integrated into global value chains and dependent on open, reliable trading conditions, these developments give cause for concern.
Recognising the need for action, 14 small and medium-sized countries have launched the Future of Investment and Trade (FIT) Partnership. Switzerland is among the founding members, which include Brunei, Chile, Costa Rica, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Morocco, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Rwanda, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates and Uruguay. Switzerland was instrumental in shaping this initiative and will continue to play a prominent role in the FIT Partnership.
Together, the members aim to expand their influence in the global economy, strengthen the rules-based trading system and develop solutions to the challenges facing global trade. Key focus areas include supply chain resilience, the reduction of non-tariff barriers, investment facilitation and the use of new technologies in trade. The FIT Partnership functions as a network: members make no legally binding commitments and have no formal organisational structure. It is open to other interested countries and also involves the private sector.