Ukraine presents attractive trade and investment opportunities for Swiss companies. Because of its economic potential, there is more scope to develop bilateral trade than in western European countries.
The balance of trade has traditionally been positive for Switzerland. Switzerland mainly exports pharmaceutical products, machinery, watches, precious stones and metals, jewellery, and agricultural products to Ukraine. Imports from Ukraine consist mainly of precious stones and metals, textiles/clothing, machinery, agricultural products and non-precious metals.
Several offices representing Ukrainian companies (head offices, trade agencies) are also based in Switzerland. Switzerland is one of the top five foreign investors in Ukraine. Two or three Swiss companies are traditionally among the five biggest taxpayers in Ukraine. The Switzerland–Ukraine joint economic commission held its 12th meeting in Bern in 2019.
The EFTA Free Trade Agreement, which came into force in June 2012, is of central importance for Switzerland's economic relations with Ukraine.
EFTA–Ukraine free trade agreement
Trade promotion, Switzerland Global Enterprise