In a world shaped by trade wars and conflicts, legal certainty and unobstructed access to the EU domestic market – the largest sales and procurement market for the Swiss tech industry – are key. It is of paramount importance to the sector that the skilled workers lacking in Switzerland can still be recruited from the EU in future. And finally, participation in research and innovation projects and the electricity agreement to ensure the supply and grid stability in Switzerland are key advantages facilitated by the Bilaterals III.
The association for the Swiss tech industry (mechanical and electrical engineering industries and related technology sectors) views the outcome of the negotiations as clearly positive, based on the content that is already known. President of Swissmem Martin Hirzel comments:
“Europe is the main market for the Swiss tech industry and accounts for 55% of sales – the Bilaterals are and will remain important for us. If no new obstacles arise in the domestic policy package that would cancel out the flexibility of the labour market, the Bilaterals III package is advantageous. We are now reviewing the agreements and will state our position formally soon.”
For further information please contact:
Noé Blancpain, Head of Communications and Public Affairs 
Tel. +41 (0)44 384 48 65 / mobile +41 (0)78 748 61 63
E-mail n.blancpain@swissmem.ch 
Philippe Cordonier, Head of Swissmem Romandie
Tel. +41 (0)44 384 42 30 / mobile +41 (0)79 644 46 77
E-mail p.cordonier@swissmem.ch