The economic relations between Switzerland and Japan have a long tradition and stand on very solid ground. Japan is the fourth most important export market for Switzerland, and Switzerland is the sixth largest foreign investor into Japan. In addition, the Free Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (FTEPA) the two states concluded in 2009 not only is one of the most significant free trade agreement (FTA) signed by Switzerland, but also constitutes the first FTA Japan has concluded with a European country. Against this backdrop, the Swiss State Secretary for Economic Affairs, Ms. Marie-Gabrielle Ineichen-Fleisch, visited Japan from 12-15 October within the framework of an economic mission aimed at further strengthening the bilateral ties and advancing the FTEPA.
Ms. Ineichen-Fleisch met with senior officials from the MAFF and the METI, including METI’s Vice-Minister for international affairs, Mr. Hirofumi Katase, whereby the agenda included discussions on issues related to international and regional trade agreements as well as on the development of the FTEPA. The excellent economic partnership between Japan and Switzerland with substantial bilateral trade and significant investments by companies from both sides was highlighted during these meetings.
Ms. Ineichen-Fleisch also opened the third meeting of the Joint Committee, which was held on 13 October. The Joint Committee was established under the FTEPA to oversee the implementation of the agreement. From the Swiss side, officials from the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research, the Federal Department of Finance and the Embassy of Switzerland in Tokyo took part in the meeting, while participants from the Japanese side came from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Finance, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, as well as Economy, Trade and Industry. The Committee exchanged views on the recent developments of the FTEPA and identified ways to tap unused potential in order to further increase the use of the FTEPA by Japanese and Swiss companies.
