Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and Swiss leaders pledged to strengthen economic collaboration this week, signaling a major push to upgrade free trade between the two nations. The high-level talks in Geneva emphasized open markets and global stability as geopolitical tensions simmer worldwide.
He stressed the need to ‘safeguard free trade’ amid a ‘complex international situation,’ urging faster negotiations to modernize the China-Switzerland Free Trade Agreement (FTA). ‘This isn’t just about tariffs,’ one analyst noted. ‘It’s about stabilizing supply chains and tech partnerships in uncertain times.’
Swiss Confederation President Karin Keller-Sutter echoed the sentiment, announcing a joint 2024 Switzerland-China Year of Culture & Tourism to celebrate 75 years of diplomatic ties. ‘We’re building bridges—not just in trade, but in people-to-people connections,’ she said.
Vice President Guy Parmelin added that Switzerland remains committed to multilateralism, with FTA upgrades set to benefit businesses and citizens alike. Both sides aim to finalize talks before year-end, potentially creating new opportunities in clean energy, finance, and AI sectors.
‘This isn’t just about tariffs,’ one analyst noted. ‘It’s about stabilizing supply chains and tech partnerships in uncertain times.’
to celebrate 75 years of diplomatic ties. ‘We’re building bridges—not just in trade, but in people-to-people connections,’ she said.
Both sides aim to finalize talks before year-end, potentially creating new opportunities in clean energy, finance, and AI sectors.
