The director of Seco warns of the risks of a "multipolar world" (cross-border guide)

Context

In brief

• The Seco director warns of the risks of a multipolar world
• Greater internal cohesion and a more active international role are needed
• Switzerland must prepare for a transformed global economy

Key facts

• What: Warning from the Seco director
• When: Not specified
• Where: Zurich
• Who: Helene Budliger Artieda
• Amount: Not specified

The director of the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (Seco), Helene Budliger Artieda, has issued a warning in the columns of the SonntagsZeitung, stating that Switzerland must prepare for a radically transformed global economy. We have entered a clearly multipolar era, where superpowers ruthlessly leverage their political and economic weight to impose the rules of the game.

"For us as Switzerland, this is a significant disadvantage," says Budliger Artieda, who believes this development began well before Donald Trump's second term as US president. "The rulebook of the World Trade Organization is weakened. What is remarkable about President Trump is that he says all this very clearly and implements it with his decisions."

Budliger Artieda sees not only the international order but the entire Western world in an identity crisis. Europe may not have made the most of the "30 years of peace dividend" following the fall of the Berlin Wall, relying too much on the assumption that everyone would respect the rules of the game. "Today we must admit to ourselves that we were probably too naive in many respects."

Regarding Switzerland's tariff policy with the United States, the Federal Council continues to aim for the conclusion of a legally binding agreement, says the Seco director without providing details. "Negotiations are underway; I cannot tell you more about it."

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Operational details

Practical Implications

Helene Budliger Artieda's words have important practical implications for Switzerland. The need for greater internal cohesion and a more active international role requires a significant change in the country's economic policy and trade relations.

Social Cohesion

Social cohesion is a central challenge for Switzerland. People need to better understand the benefits of a strong economy and the needs of the economy need to be communicated more effectively. This requires an open and continuous dialogue between government, business and citizens.

International Role

Internationally, Switzerland needs to be more proactive. This means actively participating in trade and diplomatic negotiations, and not waiting for other countries to take the initiative. Free trade agreements remain a crucial tool for ensuring access to foreign markets and protecting Switzerland's economic interests.

Duty Policy

Switzerland's tariff policy with the United States is another sticking point. The Federal Council is working to conclude a legally binding agreement, but details of the negotiations have not yet been made public. This agreement could have a significant impact on trade relations between the two countries and on Switzerland's economic stability.

Conclusion

In summary, the words of Helene Budliger Artieda

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Key points

Concrete Actions

To address the challenges highlighted by Helene Budliger Artieda, Switzerland must adopt a series of concrete actions. Here are some measures that can be taken:

Improving Social Cohesion

1. Open Dialogue: Promote open and continuous dialogue between the government, businesses, and citizens to improve mutual understanding and social cohesion. 2. Effective Communication: Improve the communication of economic needs and the benefits of a strong economy through information campaigns and educational initiatives.

Increasing International Role

1. Active Participation: Actively participate in trade and diplomatic negotiations to ensure that Switzerland's interests are represented and protected. 2. Free Trade Agreements: Continue to promote and conclude free trade agreements to ensure access to foreign markets and protect Switzerland's economic interests.

Tariff Policy

1. Transparent Negotiations: Ensure that negotiations with the United States are transparent and that details are made known to the public as soon as possible. 2. Legally Binding Agreement: Work to conclude a legally binding agreement that protects Switzerland's economic interests and ensures the stability of trade relations with the United States.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the concrete actions listed above are essential to address the challenges highlighted by Helene Budliger Artieda. Improving social cohesion, increasing the international role, and ensuring an effective tariff policy are crucial steps to guarantee Switzerland's economic stability in a rapidly changing global economy. For further information and useful tools, consult our salary calculator.

Source: tio.ch