Swiss Economics Minister Guy Parmelin (left), with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.
Keystone-SDA
On the margins of the World Bank’s spring meeting in Washington, Swiss Economics Minister Guy Parmelin spoke with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer about the trade deal which Switzerland is aiming to conclude with the US.
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“I think both sides have an interest to establish a clear framework to build on in future,” Guy Parmelin told media representatives in Washington on Friday afternoon (local time).
Greer has been Parmelin’s counterpart since the customs dispute began a year ago. The discussion took place in a pleasant atmosphere, as always, revealed Parmelin, who also currently holds the rotating Swiss presidency. The aim was to take stock of the negotiations conducted so far in order to plan the next steps.
It’s not a question of moving forward quickly or slowly, but of having clarity, Parmelin added. However, he did not wish to comment any further on the negotiations.
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In mid-March, the US opened investigations into several countries, including Switzerland, for alleged violations of trade legislation. Washington accuses the countries of “unfair or discriminatory trade practices”.
The government in Bern rejects the accusations. “We set out our point of view in writing within the deadline. The procedure will now continue and we will be able, if necessary, to react to certain allegations that we consider to be inaccurate,” Parmelin said. He also stressed that this was a separate procedure and investigation, with no direct link to the negotiations on a trade agreement.
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Adapted from French by AI/dos
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