Business Diplomacy\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Trade policy is the responsibility of the Swiss federal government. The Federal Council and SECO represent Switzerland and lead bilateral negotiations with the United States. Their work is essential, particularly now, as Switzerland has until 7 August to seek a constructive solution.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n However, when it comes to concrete industrial interests such as tariffs, regulatory standards, or market access, it is often business actors themselves who can engage directly and credibly with their U.S. counterparts. Strengthening Switzerland\u2019s economic voice <\/span>in the capital of the world\u2019s largest consumer market, <\/span>would not replace diplomacy, it would complement and reinforce it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n The German Model: One permanent office representing many interests\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n Germany, for example, maintains a permanent business presence in Washington, D.C. through the <\/span>Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in DC<\/span><\/a> (DGIC), which carries out its activities in cooperation with the German Chambers of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) and liaises with the German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHKs) and the German Chambers of Commerce in Germany (IHKs). Their D.C. office employs five people and serves as the official voice of the entire German industry in the USA, monitoring political and regulatory developments, engaging with policymakers, and advocating for the interests of German companies at the highest level.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Mexican Model: Representation when it matters most\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Mexican leading business umbrella organization<\/span> (<\/span><\/i>Consejo Coordinador Empresarial<\/span><\/i><\/a> – CCE) <\/span><\/i>has established temporary representations in Washington, D.C. when strategically needed. Given Mexico\u2019s geographic proximity and deep economic ties with the United States, the CCE organizes frequent business visits and leverages its strong networks to engage effectively at critical moments.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n During the NAFTA renegotiations under President Trump\u2019s first administration, which culminated in the USMCA, the CCE played a crucial behind-the-scenes role. Through its participation in the so-called <\/span>Cuarto de Junto<\/span><\/i><\/a> or room next door \u2014 a parallel advisory room to Mexico\u2019s official negotiating team \u2014 the CCE coordinated input from key private sector associations. Its access to high-level contacts, including Jared Kushner, Trump\u2019s son-in-law and a key interlocutor with the Mexican business community, helped maintain open lines of communication when official channels stalled. So far, under Trump\u2019s second presidency, Mexico has not been targeted by new U.S. tariffs, showing the effectiveness of timely business diplomacy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n No Voice, No Leverage<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n Switzerland lacks a permanent business representation in Washington, D.C. \u2014 a gap that becomes increasingly costly as trade tensions rise. Germany, South Korea, Japan, France, the EU and China all maintain permanent or semi-permanent advocacy offices for their business federations in the U.S. capital. A Swiss business office in Washington, possibly led by the Swiss business umbrella association and supported by industry groups, and further stakeholders, could play a vital role in building strategic relationships with key U.S. industry partners, such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC), the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), Advanced Medical Technology Associations, and other sectorial U.S. industry associations and influential state-level chambers in economies like California, Texas, or New York.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Swiss machinery sector already shows what\u2019s possible. Through the <\/span>Swiss Machine Tool Society<\/span><\/a> (SMTS) \u2014 an active, member-financed association based in Chicago \u2014 the Swiss metalworking and precision machinery sector maintains a presence in the United States. This model has proven highly effective for one sector \u2014 now it\u2019s time for others to follow. Key Swiss export industries such as cleantech, medtech, food, finance, and watchmaking should also establish dedicated platforms to coordinate engagement and represent their interests directly in Washington.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n