Switzerland takes up economic dialogue with Iran

Bern, 13.06.2016 - Senior officials from the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO and the Trade Promotion Organization (TPO) of the Iranian Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade, met today in Bern for their first economic dialogue. The two delegations consulted on developments in the economic situation and the bilateral regulatory framework and also considered current international and domestic regulatory reforms. One of the main topics addressed was the protection of intellectual property. The exchange is intended to further strengthen bilateral economic relations and pave the way for improved conditions for trade and investment between the two countries. It is in the interests of both countries to look for ways of overcoming existing challenges in the area of trade finance.

The dialogue was headed by Ambassador Livia Leu, Federal Council Delegate for Trade Agreements and head of the Bilateral Economic Relations Section at the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO, and Sadeq Ziaei Bigdeli, Vice Presi-dent of the Trade Promotion Organization (TPO) of the Iranian Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade. Also involved in the dialogue on the Swiss side were representa-tives from the State Secretariat for International Financial Matters (SIF), the Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IIP) and the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA); on the Iranian side, representatives from the Iranian central bank and the foreign ministry. In addition to official talks between government representatives there was also an exchange with representatives of Swiss business associations.


The economic dialogue forms part of the roadmap to deepen bilateral relations agreed on 27 February 2016 during President Johann N. Schneider-Ammann’s visit to Teheran.


Switzerland welcomes the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Ac-tion (JCPOA) and is supporting Iran’s reintegration into the world economy, includ-ing future accession to the WTO. Iran is an interesting market for Swiss businesses with great potential. It is therefore in the interests of both countries to look for ways of overcoming existing challenges, particularly in the area of trade finance.


The next round of the dialogue should take place next year in Teheran.


Address for enquiries

State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO
Holzikofenweg 36
CH-3003 Bern
Tel. +41 58 462 56 56
medien@seco.admin.ch


Publisher

State Secretariat for Economic Affairs
http://www.seco.admin.ch

https://www.admin.ch/content/gov/en/start/documentation/media-releases.msg-id-62170.html