Envoy hails 75 years of Sino-Swiss ties

Switzerland's ambassador to China has said the two nations enjoy "strong and stable relations" as they mark 75 years of diplomatic ties this year.

"The milestones (in history) have led to a broader and more stable relation between Switzerland and China," Ambassador Juerg Burri said.

As early as Jan 17, 1950, Switzerland recognized the newly established People's Republic of China, becoming one of the first European nations to do so. On Sept 14 of that year, the two nations formally established diplomatic ties.

Burri highlighted the key events that followed: a trade agreement in 1974, the pioneering Sino-Swiss joint venture in 1980, the Schindler China Elevator — the first Sino-foreign joint industrial manufacturer in China — and the Innovative Strategic Partnership established in 2016, which now encompasses about 30 dialogues in various fields.

This early diplomatic recognition has laid a foundation of trust, he said.

"I believe the diplomatic relations between Switzerland and China remain dynamic. I believe this anniversary is an invitation to appreciate what we have and that also we ride this momentum and carry it into the future."

Such momentum is reflected in continuing talks since September to upgrade the China-Switzerland Free Trade Agreement. Signed in 2013 and effective a year later, it was the first such deal between China and an economy in continental Europe.

"The best sign of strong economic relations is that Switzerland has a very large number of companies in China — more than 1,000 — and China has a considerable number of companies in Switzerland," Burri said.

Chinese firms such as Huawei and the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China operate in Switzerland, where last year, automaker BYD tapped Switzerland's Emil Frey Group as its distributor. Meanwhile, Swiss brands such as Nestle, ABB and Roche Pharmaceuticals are household names in China.

"The free trade agreement serves to promote business between our two nations," Burri said, adding that "constant contacts" between the negotiating teams are driving progress, expecting an updated deal that benefits both sides.

Bilateral trade volume reached $62.7 billion last year, according to China's General Administration of Customs. Currently, Switzerland is China's sixth-largest trading partner in Europe, and China is Switzerland's largest trading partner in Asia.

Mutual benefits

During a forum hosted by the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies at Renmin University of China last week, Burri said Swiss firms are not just earning revenues in China; they are bringing in management expertise and technological knowledge, and at the same time, learning from China.

"'China speed' has become a buzzword in the world of business," he told the forum, adding that the speed that China applies to customer service and marketing is "nothing comparable" in the world.

This exchange is fueled by a shared passion for innovation, with Burri spotlighting key tangible collaborations, including the Multi Spectroscopic Telescope project, a joint initiative between the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne and Tsinghua University in Beijing, and a joint program for energy efficiency in buildings, which merges sustainability with technology.

"Innovation is a very strong priority in Switzerland, and I note that in China as well," he told China Daily.

Tourism is on the upswing, with Switzerland being one of the top destinations for Chinese tourists.

Burri said that following China's recent visa-free policy for Swiss citizens, he has seen a personal surge in visits from Swiss friends and families, alongside a gradual return of students to China.

The 75th anniversary of bilateral ties is also an occasion for cultural connection. Burri underscored a wide array of upcoming Swiss cultural events across China, designed to "delight all the senses". From art exhibitions and music performances to culinary showcases, Switzerland aims to bring its heritage to as many Chinese cities as possible as the two countries mark the China-Switzerland Year of Culture and Tourism this year.

Meanwhile, Burri hinted at parallel efforts by the Chinese embassy in Switzerland, expressing well wishes for their "successful events".

As 2025 unfolds, "I hope that we both put our best effort into understanding each other and that we keep good government-to-government relations, and that we enable our companies to do successful business with each other, between Switzerland and China", he said.