Author: Neue Zürcher Zeitung (NZZ)
Source: Ich sage: Danke schön – die Seco-Chefin über die Rolle der Unternehmer beim US-Deal
**Publication Date: 02.12.2025 Summary Reading Time: 3 minutes

Executive Summary

The head of the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (Seco), Helene Budliger Artieda, has significantly contributed to the success of the declaration of intent with the U.S. Despite an unconventional career in public service, she demonstrates remarkable negotiation skills and sets important impulses for the Swiss economy. Her success raises the question of how Switzerland can assert its interests on the international stage in the future.

Critical Guiding Questions

  • What role do individual skills and commitment play in complex international negotiations?
  • How can Switzerland maintain its economic interests in the long term in an increasingly multipolar world?
  • What lessons can be learned from the U.S. deal for future trade agreements - in terms of content and process?

Scenario Analysis

Short-term (1 year):
Implementation of the declaration of intent, concrete facilitations for Swiss exporters, political upgrading of relations with the U.S.

Medium-term (5 years):
Continuation of bilateral talks, possible free trade agreement, increased regulatory cooperation, impact on Swiss competitiveness.

Long-term (10-20 years):
Geopolitical positioning of Switzerland between the power centers of the U.S., EU and China, importance of economic independence, significance of personal networks in diplomacy.

Main Summary

a) Core Topic & Context

Seco chief Helene Budliger Artieda has negotiated a declaration of intent with the U.S. The success is remarkable against the backdrop of tense trade relations and geopolitical tensions.

b) Key Facts & Figures

  • Intensive negotiations with "a lot of diligence and a great deal of effort from all sides"
  • Already successes with the free trade agreement with India
  • Unconventional career from the secretariat to Seco
  • Heads Seco since August 2022

c) Stakeholders & Affected Parties

  • Seco as the lead state secretariat
  • Swiss export industry and companies
  • U.S. government and trade representatives
  • Other involved federal agencies

d) Opportunities & Risks

  • Facilitated market access and reduction of trade barriers
  • Strengthening of bilateral relations with the superpower U.S.
  • Risk of one-sided dependencies or political concessions
  • Challenge to protect interests also vis-à-vis the EU and China

e) Action Relevance

  • Importance of personnel continuity and competence in negotiating teams
  • Early involvement of business and civil society in trade talks
  • Strategic alignment of foreign trade policy with a view to geopolitical developments

List of Sources

Primary Source:
Ich sage: Danke schön – die Seco-Chefin über die Rolle der Unternehmer beim US-Deal – Neue Zürcher Zeitung (NZZ)

Verification Status: ⚠️ Facts not comprehensively verified