Switzerland

Our relationship with Switzerland

New Zealand and Switzerland have a friendly, long-standing relationships. 2013 marked the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

We have regular contact through the UN and other international organisations, and official visits are increasing. We have common values and share similar positions on such issues as the environment and climate change, human rights, disarmament and non-proliferation.

Trade

New Zealand’s trade with Switzerland is available on the New Zealand Trade Dashboard(external link).

Trade between New Zealand and Switzerland is modest, and weighted in Switzerland’s favour, but there are strong business connections between our countries.  Switzerland is a large source of direct investment in New Zealand, with Swiss investment here totalling $1.796 billion in March 2014.

Embassies

• New Zealand's is bilaterally accredited to Switzerland from the New Zealand Embassy in Berlin
• New Zealanders living in Switzerland requiring consular assistance should contact the Permanent Mission to the United Nations, and Conference on Disarmament, Geneva
• Switzerland is represented in New Zealand by the Embassy of Switzerland
• There is also a Swiss Consulate, Auckland

Recent official visits

New Zealand to Switzerland

• 2013: MFAT Chief Executive John Allen visited Bern
• 2011: Hon Tim Groser, Minister of Trade visited Switzerland for meetings at the World Trade Organisation

Switzerland to New Zealand

• 2014: State Secretary for Economic Affairs Marie-Gabrielle Ineichen-Fleisch visited New Zealand
• 2013: Minister of Foreign Affairs Didier Burkhalter visited New Zealand