Swiss government approves mandate for US trade negotiations

Talks on a trade deal between Switzerland and the United States are set to begin after the Swiss government gave the green light. On Wednesday, the government approved the final mandate for negotiations. + Get the most important news from Switzerland in your inbox Parliament’s foreign affairs committees and the cantons were consulted. Based on their feedback, the government has made some minor clarifications, it said in a statement. + Swiss CEO discusses attending Oval Office meeting If new areas or issues outside the original mandate are added during the talks, parliament’s committees and the cantons will be consulted again, not just kept informed. + Tariffs: will Swiss supermarkets be inundated with hormone-filled beef? The final mandate builds on the declaration of intent signed on November 14. This sets out plans for Bern and Washington to start talks on a legally binding trade deal as soon as possible. Under the current agreement, customs duties have already been cut from 39% ...