Argentina, China, Thailand, Kosovo: Switzerland Pushes Free Trade At The WEF

(MENAFN- Swissinfo) Switzerland uses the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos as a key platform for trade diplomacy. This year, it took an especially active role.

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Shortly after the 2025 World Economic Forum (WEF) officially concluded on Friday afternoon, the Swiss government issued a press release entitled“Davos: Strong support for the WTO and rules-based trading.”

At first glance, this seems surprising. The headlines from the WEF were dominated by the speeches from returning US President Donald Trump and Argentinian President Javier Milei, both of whom want the exact opposite. They demand a move away from a rules-based, globalised economy and towards a trade model that prioritises nationalist priorities, accompanied by a conservative social agenda.

On closer inspection, it becomes clear that not everyone shares an interest in this kind of international framework. The World Economic Forum is, after all, primarily a gathering of economic elites from around the globe.

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The WEF is also a political meeting where diplomatic initiatives are discussed or announced. As the host nation, Switzerland naturally takes full advantage of the opportunities the annual meeting offers. Six of the seven members of the governing Swiss Federal Council attended the WEF in Davos.

Here are some of the key events for Swiss diplomacy at the WEF 2025.

The forum provided the Swiss government with a high-profile platform to finalise two new free trade agreements (FTAs), one with Kosovo and one with Thailand. These agreements were negotiated between the two countries and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). As part of the EFTA, Switzerland often takes the lead in negotiations.

Trade volumes with both countries have so far been modest, but the conclusion of two new FTAs highlights Switzerland's approach to economic policy. As a small economy, it is dependent on international trade as well as a reliable set of rules – both in multilateral frameworks and bilateral relations.“People tend to forget that free trade agreements not only offer tariff advantages but also provide a certain degree of legal certainty for businesses,” said Economics Minister Guy Parmelin.

Other FTAs are currently under negotiation, and some existing agreements are set to be updated.

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