Official working visit to Brussels by Federal Councillor Johann Schneider-Ammann

Bern, 30.03.2017 - On 30 March Federal Councillor Johann N. Schneider-Ammann, the head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER), met European Commission Vice President Andrus Ansip, who is responsible for the digital single market, and the Commissioner for Trade, Cecilia Malmström. The main themes included cooperation in the field of digitalisation and bilateral trade relations, particularly updating the existing bilateral agreements.

Federal Councillor Johann Schneider-Ammann and the vice president of the European Commission, Andrus Ansip, discussed various strategies on digitalisation. The common goal is the creation of optimal conditions for business, science and society to make the most of the opportunities provided by digitalisation. At the same time there is a need to keep track of the rapid and far-reaching structural changes associated with digital transformation. The head of the EAER and the vice president agreed to examine possibilities for closer cooperation in these areas.

The Swiss economy and the EU single market are closely interconnected through foreign trade. The bilateral agreements between Switzerland and the EU play a significant role in that respect. The agreements were concluded out of mutual interest – and the smooth functioning of these agreements is also of mutual interest. During the discussions with trade commissioner Cecilia Malmström, Mr Schneider-Ammann therefore stressed the importance and benefits for both sides of ensuring the smooth functioning of the agreements. However, in order for that to be possible, individual agreements such as that on technical barriers to trade, need to be updated regularly as part of a smooth process. Other topics addressed included questions regarding the WTO Ministerial Conference in Buenos Aires in December, protectionist tendencies worldwide and free trade relations with third countries.


Address for enquiries

EAER Information Service
Tel. +41 58 462 20 07,
info@gs-wbf.admin.ch


Publisher

Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research
http://www.wbf.admin.ch

https://www.admin.ch/content/gov/en/start/documentation/media-releases.msg-id-66201.html