Sino-Swiss Free Trade Agreement

There is a generally widespread consensus in economics that aggregate trade increases welfare. At the same time, our world is switching narratives. From leaders of powerful states to bottom-up populist movements, the benefits of free trade are being questioned. An increasing number of economists blame globalization for job losses or income inequality. Trade wars with new barriers to trade threaten prosperity, competition among firms, as well as citizen welfare.

In the global context, the Sino-Swiss Free Trade Agreement (SSFTA) might seem
modest. However, it is also a promising instrument that points to a promising
path forward at a time when multilateral negotiations appear less fruitful in
achieving unobstructed trade. The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) links China, the
largest contributor to global GDP growth, with Switzerland, one of the wealthiest
and most innovative economies. For both sides, this agreement was both a worthy
endeavour, as well as an experiment.

Report on the Sino-Swiss Free Trade Agreement

Press Review