Swiss seek improved trade with Brazil and Chile

Economics Minister Johann Schneider-Ammann is keen to demonstrate that Switzerland’s foreign trade strategy for emerging markets is not just empty talk.

After visits to India and Russia in the first half of 2011, he is off to Brazil and Chile this week accompanied by a large business delegation.

One of the main aims of the visit from October 12-18 is to stimulate negotiations for a free trade agreement with Mercosur, the trade block of South American nations, similar to the one between the European Free Trade Association (Efta) and Chile.