As the deadline for the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union looms, the country has been scrambling to secure trade deals with its international partners. One such agreement that has just been finalized is the UK-Switzerland continuity agreement.

This agreement aims to maintain the trade relationship between the UK and Switzerland, which was previously governed by the EU-Switzerland agreement. The continuity agreement ensures that businesses in both countries can continue to trade under the same terms as before, with minimal disruption to cross-border commerce.

The agreement covers a variety of areas, including trade in goods and services, investment, public procurement, intellectual property rights, and the mutual recognition of professional qualifications.

Switzerland is an important trading partner for the UK, with bilateral trade between the two countries totaling over £32 billion in 2019. The UK-Switzerland continuity agreement ensures that this trade can continue smoothly after Brexit, providing certainty and stability for businesses in both countries.

The continuity agreement has also been praised for its commitment to sustainable development. It includes provisions to promote environmental and social standards, as well as to support the implementation of the Paris Agreement on climate change.

Overall, the UK-Switzerland continuity agreement is a significant step towards ensuring that the UK’s international trade relationships remain strong after Brexit. By securing this agreement, the UK has demonstrated its commitment to maintaining ties with its international partners and ensuring that businesses can continue to prosper in a post-Brexit world.

As the UK continues to negotiate trade deals with other countries, it is likely that more continuity agreements will be announced in the coming months. These agreements are vital in ensuring that businesses can navigate the uncertainty of Brexit and continue to trade effectively with their international partners.