The free trade agreement (FTA) between Georgia and the EFTA states (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland) covers a wide range of sectors. It includes trade in goods (industrial and agricultural products), rules of origin, customs procedures and trade facilitation. The free trade agreement was signed on 27 June 2016 and largely corresponds to more recent free trade agreements concluded with third countries by the EFTA states.
Eliminating customs duties in bilateral trade
The FTA will completely or partially eliminate customs duties on most bilateral trade with Georgia, and promote trade by facilitating customs procedures. With a few exceptions, the entry into force of the FTA will eliminate all customs duties for industrial products. Switzerland will also benefit from tariff concessions on specific processed and unprocessed agricultural products of interest (e.g. cheese and other dairy products, and chocolate). The EFTA states will therefore enjoy access to the Georgian market comparable to that of their main EU competitors. Switzerland’s main export interests have been fully taken into account.
Support for economic reforms
By concluding the FTA between the EFTA states and Georgia, Switzerland is continuing its policy of supporting economic reforms and integrating this Caucasian state into economic cooperation structures at European and global level. At the same time, it will strengthen the competitiveness of the Swiss economy on the Georgian market. The FTA provides broad market access and improves the legal framework for Swiss economic actors.
