Sending Office: Honorable Donald S. Beyer, Jr.
Sent By:
Zach.Cafritz@mail.house.gov
Current Signers: Beyer, Marchant, McGovern, Long, Kind, H. Johnson, Trone
Deadline: Wednesday September 25, COB
Dear Colleague:
I am writing to invite you to sign a letter to the US Trade Representative asking him to prioritize negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Switzerland. Despite its size, Switzerland is our 9th largest trading partner. The Swiss are our 7th
largest foreign direct investor, totaling $310 billion and supporting 750,000 American jobs across all fifty states. Switzerland funds more research and development in the United States than any other country, and Swiss firms pay american workers the highest
average wages of any foreign investor.
A Swiss FTA presents an opportunity to negotiate a benchmark-setting agreement with a committed and open partner known for its high standards for labor and environmental protection. We can gain increased access for American firms to an important market and
uphold our values.
Thank you for your consideration of this letter. To sign, or if you have any questions, please contact Zach Cafritz of my staff (Zach.Cafritz@mail.house.gov).
Sincerely,
Donald S. Beyer Jr.
Letter Text Below:
Dear Mr. Lighthizer,
The United States and Switzerland share a commitment to democracy, free enterprise, and entrepreneurship. These shared values, and the robust economic relationship they have created, provide a strong foundation for further economic growth between two likeminded
partners. The Presidential Memorandum of January 23rd 2017, directed the U.S. Trade Representative “to begin pursuing, wherever possible, bilateral trade negotiations” to promote American interests. We write to urge you to prioritize a free trade
agreement (FTA) with Switzerland.
Despite its small size and population, Switzerland is nothing short of an economic powerhouse, belonging among the top 20 economies worldwide. Switzerland is our 7th largest foreign direct investor, totaling $310 billion and supporting 750,000
American jobs across all fifty states. Switzerland funds more research and development in the United States than any other country, and when it comes to valuing the American workforce, Switzerland is also #1, paying the highest average wages of any country.
An FTA with Switzerland will only increase the number and earning potential of American jobs.
An FTA would also open opportunities for American companies to access a high-end market with world class standards. Switzerland has a highly educated workforce with enormous purchasing power, and Swiss consumers are willing to pay a premium for quality products.
In addition, Switzerland is leading the way on integrating a competitive, thriving market with among the world’s highest environmental and labor standards, including the world’s foremost career and technical education system. The trade relationship between
the United States and Switzerland is already nearly balanced, with $120 billion in goods and services exchanged each year, making Switzerland our 9th largest trading partner.
Crucially, Switzerland has already indicated it will be a pragmatic, efficient and trustworthy partner at the negotiating table. Switzerland is not a member of the European Union and is therefore independent in its trade negotiations. It also has the freest
economy in all of Europe and one of the largest networks of FTAs in the world. Reaching agreement with Switzerland could happen swiftly and with minimal Administration resources, providing both sides with an effective economic win.
A free trade agreement with Switzerland would promote American economic interests. In turn, Switzerland stands ready to work with the United States to deepen its commitment to free, fair, and reciprocal trade, and to strengthen bilateral economic relations
between our two countries. We respectfully urge you to prioritize negotiating a free trade agreement with Switzerland.
Sincerely,
___________________________________________
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