New Zealand, Switzerland to begin talks in September on trade deal

SYDNEY, July 17 (Reuters) - New Zealand and Switzerland have agreed to begin talks in September to explore an agreement covering trade, economic security, investments and e-commerce, New Zealand's Trade Minister Todd McClay said on Friday.

The announcement followed a meeting between McClay and Swiss State Secretary for Economic Affairs Helene Budliger Artieda in Auckland.

• "Switzerland is an important partner for New Zealand and one of the world's most innovative and advanced economies," McClay said in a statement.

• "At a time of growing global economic uncertainty, it is more important than ever that like-minded countries work together to strengthen trade and investment."

• Two-way trade between New Zealand and Switzerland totalled NZ$1.88 billion ($1.10 billion) in the year ended December 2025.

• McClay said the dialogue would lead to closer economic ties through bilateral trade and international forums including the World Trade Organization and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

($1 = 1.7132 New Zealand dollars)

(Reporting by Renju Jose in Sydney; Editing by Chris Reese)