By Yang Xiao& Wang Ting

Recently, an exclusive workshop themed Doing Business in Switzerland, co-organized by ChinaGoAbroad website and the well-known law firm WengerVieli, has been held in Fairmont Hotel, Beijing. The commercial officials from the Embassy of Switzerland in Beijing exchanged views with both Chinese and Swiss entrepreneurs, on the issue of investing in Switzerland intensively on this occasion.

Doing Business in Switzerland workshop has been held recently.

Yannick Roulin, Counsellor of the Embassy of Switzerland to Beijing and Head of the Economic, Financial and Commercial Affairs Division, mentioned in his opening speech that since the establishment of Sino-Swiss diplomatic relations in 1950, both countries have smoothly developed in the fields of politics, culture, education, economy, science and technology. He laid stress on the constantly strengthened Sino-Swiss economic and trade cooperation. Up until now, there are more than 900 Swiss enterprises worldwide, among which over 400 are in China, involving such industries as machinery, electronics, luxuries, pharmaceuticals, etc. In contrast, there are only 65 Chinese companies in Switzerland. 

Yannick Roulin, Counsellor of the Embassy of Switzerland to Beijing, delivers opening marks for the workshop.

"The 8th round negotiation of Sino-Swiss Free Trade Agreement (FTA) has been held recently. Once it comes to an agreement, many tax items will be removed; and it would be much easier for Chinese enterprises to do business in Switzerland", said Yannick.

Alain Graf, Head of the Swiss Business Hub, then introduced the superiorities of investing in Switzerland, including top-ranking infrastructure, multilingual environment, flexible labor, geographical advantage, duty-free policies and its top position in innovation.  Besides, agriculture, manufacturing and service industry, the three core industries in Switzerland, have served a greater platform for investment.
 

Alain Graf, Head of the Swiss Business Hub, gives a speech concerning advantages of investing in Switzerland.

A journalist from China Economic Net posed a question about the challenges Chinese companies are facing. "First, investment management need to be further improved. Staff training and evolution also weigh besides partnership. Beyond that, cultural differences between China and Switzerland stand out in those multinationals. The way of dealing matters in China does not hold in Swiss", answered Alain.

He expects more cultural exchanges between the two countries, which would help Chinese enterprises adjust to meet the European culture and market, nudge better communication with their local partners and consolidate bilateral investment relations.