In Switzerland, artificial intelligence computer chips are widely used in academic research, but also by research. However, Switzerland has been classified in a new group of countries by Washington: it will continue to receive chips, but in limited quantities, explains Federal Councilor Guy Parmelin in an interview with NZZ am Sonntag.
The classification decided by the Trump administration “is difficult to understand,” he stressed. Guy Parmelin speaks of an “autogoal” for Washington. At the federal institutes of technology, we are producing innovations with these chips that are also important for the Americans, he explains.
Discussions on this subject have already started with the United States. The objective is to be able to include the Confederation in the group of countries benefiting from unlimited access.
Access blocked for China
Washington considers only 18 countries as trustworthy allies and to receive unlimited access to these very powerful computer chips, writes the RTS on its site. This is particularly the case for France, Germany and Japan. These chips are produced only by American companies.
No individual explanation was given to justify the exclusion of the Confederation or other countries. “We must first understand the reasons” for this decision, underlines the head of the Federal Department of Economy, Education and Research (DEFR). “Are there any security concerns? Do we want to slow down development in Switzerland,” he asks.
-According to RTS, the main objective of this regulation appears to be to block access to this cutting-edge technology to rival countries, particularly China. The United States is seeking not only to curb exports, but also to prevent Chinese companies from circumventing restrictions by using overseas subsidiaries.
Refusal of minimum taxation
Guy Parmelin also returned to Donald Trump's decision not to introduce the minimum taxation of multinationals, desired by the OECD. “There will be consequences if the Americans do not participate,” said the Vaudois, who had already raised the subject this week at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos (GR).
They will affect the Confederation, the cantons and businesses. “But we must not be naive. If the rules of the game suddenly change, the Federal Council will also discuss the consequences for Switzerland,” he said.
