Exclusive interview: the Chinese market is more important to Swiss enterprises -- an interview with Dai Shangxian, chairman of the board of directors of the Swiss Center

Dai Shangxian, chairman of the board of directors of the Swiss Center and former Swiss ambassador to China, said in an exclusive interview with Xinhua News Agency recently that under the background of greater uncertainty in the current international economic and trade environment, Swiss enterprises are accelerating the diversified layout of the market, and the importance of the Chinese market is more prominent.

Dai Shangxian said that the United States previously imposed high tariffs on Switzerland, "which is a great blow to our export-oriented economy", and the Chinese market has become more important. "The Chinese market as a whole has maintained rapid growth and remains one of the main destinations for Swiss products, especially in high-end medical manufacturing and other fields."

The survey results recently released by the Swiss Center show that Swiss enterprises have a strong willingness to invest in China, and nearly half of the enterprises surveyed list China as the top three priority markets for investment.

Dai Shangxian particularly mentioned the potential for cooperation between Switzerland and China in the field of sustainable development and innovation. In recent years, the Chinese government has vigorously promoted the development of environmental protection and clean energy industries, while Switzerland is a global leader in innovation and green development. According to the 2025 global innovation index report released by the world intellectual property organization, Switzerland has been at the top of the list for 15 consecutive years, and China also ranks in the top 10 for the first time this year.

He said, "we hope that more Swiss innovation can take root in China." by promoting green development and technological innovation, the two countries can form a "new common bond", which is not only conducive to the bilateral economy, but also conducive to global sustainable development.

2025 marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Switzerland. Dai Shangxian said that over the past few decades, the "quality" of Switzerland China relations has been continuously improved and the foundation of mutual trust has become stronger.

The Swiss Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Swiss enterprises to conduct business in China. Dai Shangxian recalled that during his tenure as ambassador to China, he participated in the preparation of the Swiss exhibition area for the first China International Import Expo. It was that experience that strengthened his confidence in promoting economic and trade exchanges between Switzerland and China. Later, he chose to join the Swiss Center to continue to promote economic and trade exchanges and cooperation between the two countries. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Swiss Center, which has helped more than 500 Swiss enterprises enter the Chinese market.

According to him, the Swiss Center has participated in the Expo for eight consecutive years and has continued to expand the scale and influence of the Swiss Pavilion. This year, the number of Swiss enterprises participating in the exhibition and the area of the exhibition stand organized by the Swiss Center reached a record high.

Dai Shangxian believes that the fair is an important platform for Swiss enterprises to enter the Chinese market, and has injected continuous impetus into the deepening of Switzerland China Economic and trade cooperation. All overseas exhibitors can use this platform to find potential partners.