Switzerland's top trade diplomat laid the groundwork for a potential deal with the US to lower tariffs on the country, but crucial momentum was generated when a group of Swiss billionaires met with President Donald Trump at the White House a week ago. The meeting, which included Rolex Chief Executive Officer Jean-Frederic Dufour and Marwan Shakarchi, head of gold refiner and trader Mercuria Energy Group Ltd., is believed to have played a key role in convincing Trump to consider a tariff reduction.
According to sources close to the negotiations, the Swiss billionaires' meeting with Trump was a pivotal moment in the talks. "The Swiss delegation was able to convey the significant economic benefits that a tariff reduction would bring to both countries," said a US official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. "The meeting helped to build trust and understanding between the two sides, which has been essential in moving the negotiations forward."
The Swiss delegation, led by billionaire businessman Johann Rupert, has been engaged in shuttle diplomacy with US officials for several months in an effort to secure a deal. Rupert, who is the chairman of Richemont, the parent company of luxury brands such as Cartier and IWC, has been a key player in the negotiations. He has been working closely with US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer to find a mutually beneficial solution.
The proposed deal would see the US reduce tariffs on Swiss goods, including watches and chocolate, in exchange for concessions on trade and investment. The agreement would be a significant victory for the Swiss economy, which has been heavily impacted by the ongoing trade tensions between the US and the European Union.
The Swiss billionaires' meeting with Trump was seen as a key moment in the negotiations, as it helped to build momentum and trust between the two sides. "The meeting was a turning point in the talks," said a Swiss official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. "It helped to create a sense of urgency and momentum, which has been essential in moving the negotiations forward."
The negotiations are ongoing, and a deal is expected to be reached in the coming weeks. If successful, the agreement would be a significant step forward in reducing trade tensions between the US and Switzerland. It would also be a major victory for the Swiss economy, which has been heavily impacted by the ongoing trade tensions.
In related news, the Swiss government has announced plans to increase investment in the country's economy, in an effort to boost growth and create jobs. The move is seen as a response to the ongoing trade tensions, which have had a significant impact on the Swiss economy.
The Swiss government has also announced plans to increase its engagement with the US on trade and investment issues. The move is seen as a key step in building a stronger relationship between the two countries, and in reducing trade tensions.
The negotiations between the US and Switzerland are ongoing, and a deal is expected to be reached in the coming weeks. If successful, the agreement would be a significant step forward in reducing trade tensions between the two countries. It would also be a major victory for the Swiss economy, which has been heavily impacted by the ongoing trade tensions.
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