Switzerland and the United States are tightly connected through trade and intensive cross border investments. The United States is Switzerland’s most important destination for foreign direct investment (FDI). A bilateral free-trade agreement is currently under discussion.

Recent developments in foreign economic policy – such as new tariffs, a criticized multilateralism, new tax reforms in the US and a dying TTIP – raise crucial questions with regard to trade, FDI, company site selection and business opportunities.

With this event, we would like to gather Swiss, American and International representatives and experts, as well as other relevant stakeholders, to discuss the specific challenges and opportunities ahead.

EVENT SCHEDULE

18:30 – 18:50
Keynote presentation by Prof. Cédric Dupont, The Graduate Institute

18:50 – 19:20
Presentation of the US trade promotion strategy and activities (SelectUSA/US Embassy)
Presentation of the Swiss trade promotion strategy and activities (S-GE)

19:20 – 19:50
Panel discussion moderated by Hannah Wise, CNN MONEY

Amb. Edward McMullen, Jr., Ambassador of the United States to Switzerland and Liechtenstein
Amb. Markus Schlagenhof, Delegate of the Federal Council for Trade Agreements, State Secretariat for Economic Affairs, Swiss Confederation
François Gabella, Member of Switzerland Global Enterprise’s (S-GE) Advisory Board, Member of LEM Holding’s Advisory Board, Swissmem Vice-President
Prof. Cédric Dupont, Professor in International Relations  at the Centre for Trade and Economic Integration, The Graduate Institute
Todd Avery, Senior Commercial Officer, U.S. Commercial Service in Rome

19:50 – 20:15
Questions & Answers

20:15 – 21:15    
Cocktail reception