Switzerland, Norway and Vietnam Set to Finalize Landmark Free Trade Agreement

Switzerland, Norway and EFTA partners will sign a major free trade deal with Vietnam this Sunday, boosting investment and market access in Asia.

Editorial Desk

October 14, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Hanoi, Vietnam — The European Free Trade Association (EFTA), which includes Switzerland and Norway, is scheduled to formalize a comprehensive free trade agreement with Vietnam this Sunday in Hanoi.

This milestone follows the official conclusion of negotiations on July 2, 2026, marking the end of a process that originally began in 2012 and saw a significant relaunch in 2025. The final agreement was reached after a five-round negotiation phase that kicked off in Geneva, Switzerland, in September 2025.

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Stakeholders have characterized the pact as ambitious, noting that it covers critical areas including government procurement, intellectual property rights, and investment. By eliminating customs duties, the deal is designed to strengthen economic ties and facilitate smoother trade between the participating nations.

For Norwegian businesses, the agreement provides enhanced access to a rapidly expanding Asian market. The move aligns with broader efforts by EFTA members to diversify their commercial relationships globally.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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