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Trade & Investment Policy

Access to international markets and stable cross-border economic relations are essential for multinational companies based in Switzerland. SwissHoldings monitors developments in trade and investment policy and advocates for open markets and reliable framework conditions for cross-border business.

Key Issues
09/18/2026

Investment Protection Agreements

Investment protection agreements establish a reliable legal framework for companies investing abroad. They protect investments, in particular against discriminatory or unjustified state measures, and help reduce political and regulatory risks.

SwissHoldings' Position

  • Multinational companies based in Switzerland depend on effective protection for their foreign investments and non-discriminatory access to international markets.
  • SwissHoldings supports the ongoing modernization and targeted expansion of Switzerland’s network of investment protection agreements.

Topics: Trade and Investment Policy

09/18/2026

Free Trade Agreements

Free trade agreements are a key instrument for facilitating access to international markets and reducing trade barriers. As a highly export-oriented economy, Switzerland relies on a broad network of free trade agreements. Against the backdrop of growing geopolitical tensions and protectionist tendencies, this network is becoming increasingly important.

SwissHoldings' Position

  • SwissHoldings supports the targeted expansion and further development of Switzerland’s network of free trade agreements to provide companies with the broadest possible access to international markets.
  • Free trade agreements should not only reduce tariffs and trade barriers but also provide legal certainty and reliable framework conditions for cross-border business activities.
  • Greater diversification of trade relations reduces economic dependencies and strengthens the resilience of Switzerland’s export-oriented economy.

Topics: Trade and Investment Policy

09/18/2026

Switzerland–EU Bilateral Relations

The European Union is Switzerland’s most important trading partner. The “Bilateral Agreements III” package is intended to stabilize and further develop bilateral relations. For multinational companies, stable and reliable relations with the EU and non-discriminatory market access are of central importance.

SwissHoldings' Position

  • SwissHoldings supports the bilateral approach.
  • The new package of agreements offers important benefits but could also entail further steps toward Switzerland’s integration with the EU. SwissHoldings therefore calls for a comprehensive regulatory impact assessment accompanied by a transparent cost-benefit analysis.
  • Domestic implementation should be streamlined, efficient, and business-friendly. At the same time, Switzerland should preserve its room for maneuver in economic policy and remain able to pursue an independent, globally oriented foreign economic policy.
     

Topics: Trade and Investment Policy