EFTA, ASEAN Strengthen Trade Dialogue And Economic Cooperation
Representatives of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) States and ASEAN met in Bern on November 3 to discuss trade policy priorities and advance cooperation under their Joint Declaration on Economic Cooperation.
Hosted by the EFTA Secretariat, the high-level meeting brought together EFTA representatives and the ASEAN Committee in Bern (ACB), comprising ambassadors of ASEAN Member States accredited to Switzerland.
Ambassador Chau Mai Anh of Viet Nam, Chair of the ACB, led the ASEAN delegation, while Ambassador Bernard Faustino M. Dy of the Philippines represented the ASEAN Chair. Ambassador Frank Büchel of Liechtenstein, the current EFTA Council Chair, headed the EFTA delegation.
Büchel reaffirmed the importance of EFTA’s relationship with ASEAN and welcomed the recent adoption of a Work Plan under the Joint Declaration.
Discussions covered current trade policy developments, regional priorities and opportunities to strengthen economic ties. Both sides emphasised the value of regular dialogue and reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the declaration and its Work Plan.
The EFTA Secretariat also outlined its role in supporting member states in trade negotiations, implementing free trade agreements and engaging with strategic partners.
EFTA States have concluded free trade agreements with six of ASEAN’s eleven members. Merchandise trade between the two regions has more than tripled over the past two decades, exceeding EUR 18 billion in 2025.
