Swiss economy minister says important to strengthen economic cooperation at times of global tensions, speaking at meeting of economy ministers from German-speaking countries

Swiss economy minister says important to strengthen economic cooperation at times of global tensions, speaking at meeting of economy ministers from German-speaking countries

Swiss Economy Minister Emphasizes Strengthening Economic Cooperation Amid Global Tensions

Switzerland’s economy minister, Helene Budliger Artieda, underscored the importance of reinforcing economic collaboration among German-speaking countries during a recent meeting of economy ministers, citing the need to navigate escalating global geopolitical and trade tensions. The discussion, held against a backdrop of U.S. tariff uncertainties and shifting trade dynamics, focused on strategies to stabilize regional economies.

Artieda highlighted Switzerland’s commitment to diversifying trade relationships while maintaining existing agreements, including the ongoing negotiations with the United States and the European Union. She emphasized that “a reliable economic policy based on broad diversification of trade relations and attractive framework conditions” is critical to safeguarding Switzerland’s business environment. This aligns with the Swiss Business Federation (economiesuisse)’s priorities for 2026, which include reducing public debt, streamlining bureaucracy, and avoiding adversarial trade policies.

The minister’s remarks reflect broader concerns among German-speaking economies about the ripple effects of U.S. protectionist measures and China’s growing influence in global trade. For instance, Germany’s recent trade delegation to China, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, sought to address imbalances in bilateral trade, with Merz calling for reduced Chinese subsidies and fairer market access. Similarly, Switzerland is preparing for the possibility of permanent U.S. tariffs, which could strain its export-dependent economy.

At the meeting, ministers also discussed the need for coordinated responses to global challenges, including supply chain vulnerabilities and regulatory complexity. Guy Parmelin, Switzerland’s president, echoed this sentiment at the World Economic Forum in Davos, stressing the urgency of multilateral dialogue to address fragmentation in the global economy.

The gathering reinforced the consensus that economic cooperation must prioritize stability, predictability, and reduced regulatory burdens. As global tensions persist, German-speaking economies aim to strengthen their collective capacity to adapt to evolving trade landscapes while upholding principles of free and fair commerce.