India-EFTA TEPA: Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal visits Switzerland to boost trade
Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal visited Switzerland from 6–7 May 2025 to advance the implementation of the India–European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) and deepen bilateral trade and investment engagement, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said on Friday. The visit signals India's intent to accelerate the operationalisation of its first trade agreement with a European economic bloc.
Bilateral Talks and Key Discussions
During the visit, Agarwal held a formal bilateral meeting with Helene Budliger Artieda, State Secretary at the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO). Both sides reviewed progress made since TEPA became operational and discussed steps to expand trade and investment flows, strengthen regulatory cooperation, address non-tariff barriers, and promote deeper business linkages, according to the ministry.
The Commerce Secretary also addressed a high-level Business Roundtable on 7 May, engaging senior representatives from leading Swiss companies across advanced manufacturing, engineering, technology, and financial services. Discussions centred on leveraging TEPA to attract Swiss investment into India's priority sectors.
The St Gallen Symposium and 200 Days of TEPA
On 6 May, Agarwal participated in the 55th St Gallen Symposium, joining a session titled
