| Press Statement Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC May 22, 2001 Joint Statement On Swiss - U.S. Economic PlenaryThe United States and Switzerland finalized yesterday, May 21, a Work Plan for regulatory cooperation in the areas of pharmaceuticals, biologics, and medical devices. Under this Work Plan, the two countries agreed to collaborate in a number of specific areas including product recalls, compliance information, and training activities. Swiss State Secretary for Economic Affairs David Syz and U.S. Under Secretary of State for Economic, Business, and Agricultural Affairs Alan Larson headed the delegations which finalized the Work Plan at the May 21 Washington Plenary Session of the bilateral Joint Economic Commission (JEC), held at the State Department. Officials from a wide range of government agencies and leading private sector representatives joined in discussions focusing on joint support for a new trade round in the World Trade Organization, on increased effectiveness in the implementation of international economic sanctions, and on efforts to promote economic and political stability in Southeast Europe. The JEC's "Action Plan 2001" sets forth a common agenda to promote trade and investment and to intensify cooperation on a wide range of shared goals. The two countries launched the JEC in Davos, Switzerland in January, 2000. Switzerland and the United States share common values in promoting international peace and stability, respect for human rights, democratic values, and free markets. The JEC also reflects the strong involvement of the private sectors of both countries in trade and investment. Two way trade in goods and services totaled over $20.1 billion in 2000. U.S. foreign direct investment in Switzerland totaled over $51 billion as of 1999, and Swiss direct investment in the U.S. totaled over $55 billion as of the same year. |
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