Strengthening economic relations with China

Switzerland and China have enjoyed good economic relations for many years. In 2014, Switzerland became the first country in continental Europe to conclude a comprehensive free trade agreement with China. This gave an additional boost to trade relations and strengthened economic and diplomatic cooperation with the most important target market for Swiss exports in Asia. Work is currently underway to modernize this free trade agreement, which was assessed very positively by both sides during the exchange. A further reduction in trade barriers and even better access for Swiss companies to the huge Chinese market would further strengthen the trade relationship and create additional opportunities for profitable cooperation.

As in any partnership, there are always challenges as well as many positive aspects. These can only be overcome if critical points are also addressed openly. The most recent meeting of the Joint Economic Commission lived up to this claim. Swiss company and association representatives had the opportunity to express their concerns directly. These included the protection of intellectual property, export controls, trademark protection and procurement regulations. The Chinese delegation was receptive to these concerns. It is also pleasing to note that issues relating to the protection of intellectual property and closer cooperation in the watch industry are to be discussed in greater depth in the relevant working groups this year.

Especially in geopolitically uncertain times, when international trade is under pressure, it is important from a business perspective that Switzerland maintains a recurring and open exchange with long-standing partners such as China.