Swiss Ambassador to China eyes promising areas for more cooperation.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between the People’s Republic of China and Switzerland. Since the two countries established an innovative strategic partnership in 2016, the bilateral ties have been hailed as a “model” in China’s relations with Western countries.
Switzerland was the first continental European country to sign a free trade agreement (FTA) with China. The two countries have forged extensive and in-depth cooperation in sectors such as biopharmaceuticals, financial services, winter sports, and new energy vehicles, setting an example for ways to build a new type of international relations centered on win-win cooperation. Recently, Swiss Ambassador to China Jürg Burri delivered a speech at Renmin University of China and then answered questions at a Q&A session.
Swiss Ambassador to China Jürg Burri delivers a speech at Renmin University of China on February 25, 2025.
An Exemplary Partnership
Compared to China, Switzerland is a very small country covering an area of approximately 42,000 square kilometers with a population of nine million. As a neutral nation, Switzerland maintains friendly relations with other countries worldwide. Noteworthy, the country is a powerhouse of education. Academic education, vocational training, and academic research have jointly shaped the “innovation triangle” that underpins Switzerland’s innovative capabilities, enabling it to rank among the best in many global rankings related to innovation.
Regarding the China-Switzerland relations, Ambassador Burri highlighted the long history of exchanges between the two countries, with bilateral trade dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. In 1950, right after the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Switzerland became one of the first European countries to establish ties with New China.
“This positioned Switzerland as a pioneer in Europe and laid a solid foundation for our robust economic and trade relations,” said Ambassador Burri. Since the establishment of the diplomatic relationship, bilateral ties have achieved remarkable progress, marked by several “firsts”: Switzerland was the first European country to recognize China’s full market economy status in 2007; and it was also the first continental European nation to sign a FTA with China in 2013, sustaining close trade ties ever since.
Today, the two countries enjoy stable political relations, and frequently conduct high-level visits and hold active people-to-people exchanges, he said. Examples of this are in January 2024, Chinese Premier Li Qiang visited Switzerland; in February 2024, the third round of China-Switzerland Foreign Minister’s Strategic Dialogue took place in Beijing; in July 2024, a Swiss delegation representing economic, educational, and research sectors visited China for the 8th Sino-Swiss Economic Forum; and in January 2025, Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang visited Switzerland to attend the World Economic Forum in Davos. These efforts all reflect the strong commitment of both leaderships to advancing bilateral ties.
“Thirty bilateral working groups, or dialogue mechanisms, are actively facilitating cooperation at the grassroots level” between the two sides, he added. For instance, recent engagements included a human rights dialogue, followed by discussions on intellectual property protection. The structured approach ensures that high-level consensus translates into tangible outcomes across ministries and agencies. “Continuous communication is vital to addressing minor obstacles before they escalate into major challenges,” he stressed.
Children pose for a photo with a staff worker dressed up as a giant panda during a cultural event themed "Meet China" at Waisenhaus Square in Bern, the capital of Switzerland, Sept. 27, 2024. (Xinhua/Lian Yi)
Closer Economic, Fruitful Trade Ties
“Switzerland maintains a robust commercial presence in China,” Ambassador Burri stated. Over 1,000 Swiss companies are presently operating in China, generating revenues of 48 billion Swiss francs. These firms not only reap substantial returns but also drive technology transfer and share expertise in management and marketing with Chinese enterprises.
Conversely, Switzerland is learning from China too. The ambassador said “China Speed” – the term used to describe the rapid pace of innovation, customer service, and market adaptation – is unparalleled globally. Swiss CEOs in China often tell him that they introduce Swiss quality standards to China while adapting their products and services to the local demands. The digital transformation, a facilitator behind the “China Speed,” has become a global trend accelerating business operations.
“The world must adapt to China’s speed, not the other way around. This underscores China’s interconnectedness with the global community,” he emphasized.
Meanwhile, Chinese enterprises like Huawei and ICBC have established significant footprints in Switzerland, leveraging the country’s expertise in R&D and logistics. He said that Switzerland’s central European location enables Chinese firms to use it as a gateway to enter other European markets.
The ambassador highlighted Switzerland’s advanced financial sector. The launching of the China-Switzerland Stock Connect in July 2022 allows Chinese companies to issue Global Depository Receipts (GDRs) on the SIX Swiss Exchange, opening as a result new overseas financing channels for international investors to access Chinese A-shares from outside China.
Since the FTA took effect in 2014, there has been a surge in bilateral trade between China and Switzerland. Data from China’s Ministry of Commerce shows bilateral goods trade reached $62.78 billion in 2024. Negotiations are ongoing to expand goods facing zero tariffs, services trade, and investment as well as further improve related rules. So far, China has been Switzerland’s third-largest trading partner for 10 consecutive years, while Switzerland ranks as China’s sixth-largest European trade partner and is a key source of technology imports.
People perform Chinese lion and dragon dancing during a cultural event themed "Meet China" at Waisenhaus Square in Bern, the capital of Switzerland, Sept. 27, 2024. (Xinhua/Lian Yi)
Promising Future Prospects
Looking into the future regarding the potential growth for pragmatic cooperation, Ambassador Burri said that there is great potential for deeper cooperation in the fields of pharmaceuticals, chemicals, watches, precision instruments, and machinery. “In recent years, there has been a large boom in pharmaceuticals and medical technology, driven by China’s aging population and growing health investments – a very positive trend,” he remarked.
Biotechnology, a forward-looking sector, also holds vast potential. According to the ambassador, Switzerland prioritizes biotech innovation, as does China. He shared observations from his visits to a biotech park in Beijing’s Changping District, where Chinese companies showcased cutting-edge advancements.
Swiss firms like Novartis in Basel are leading globally in healthcare, while others are exploring stem cell technologies. “With the critical role that stem cells are playing in combating cancer and extending lifespans, they are attracting strong interest from Chinese consumers and investors. Collaboration in this area is vastly boundless,” he added.
Both nations advocate free trade, he said. Switzerland abolished industrial tariffs entirely and refrains from following EU tariff hikes. “Switzerland imposes no barriers on Chinese automakers – trade is fully open, with no other obstacles from the customs or institutions,” he affirmed.
In March 2024, a Swiss firm became BYD’s European distributor. At the Geneva Motor Show 2024, BYD showcased its latest green mobility technologies. “BYD’s success in Europe stems from its competitive quality and pricing,” he noted.
The year 2025 is also the “China-Switzerland Year of Culture and Tourism.” Ambassador Burri said that there will be more celebrations to be expected. He also acclaimed China’s unilateral visa-free policy for Swiss citizens since March 2024 and its further policy in extending visa-free stays. Switzerland also hopes to attract more Chinese tourists through efficient visa services and sustainable tourism programs, experiencing the unique “green travel”, he concluded.
