Switzerland will take advantage of its opportunities with regard to the virtual international economy

At the beginning of 2020, the European Union (EU) adopted its new work programme. This includes its strategy on shaping Europe's digital future, with the promotion of a fair and competitive economy, the creation of European data spaces and the ongoing development of artificial intelligence (AI). Switzerland is closely connected to the European economic area. However, at the same time digital products and services in trade relations with other regions are becoming more important. Switzerland observes regulatory developments, in particular within in the AI sector and the digital economy, as well as the creation of data spaces in the European Union. Likewise, digital developments in other world markets which are important for Switzerland will be monitored. To this end Switzerland will conduct an active dialogue with the EU Commission, with other countries and in international organisations such as the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the World Trade Organisation (WTO). In the WTO, Switzerland plays an active part in the multilateral negotiations on e-commerce for the promotion of digital commerce, the elimination of barriers to trade and the development of common basic principles for national regulation. The objective is to exploit the opportunities of these digital markets and data spaces for Switzerland and to avoid the risk of unfair practices and marginalisation.