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Swiss Centers Summer Newsletter August 2024
Dear Members, Partners and Friends,
The past few months have
been marked by a steady strengthening of Sino-Swiss relations and
deepening economic cooperation. Highlighting this positive trend, China
has announced unilateral visa-free access for Swiss citizens and the
Swiss Federal Councilor Guy Parmelin visited
China in the beginning of July meeting high-level Chinese officials and
addressing key topics including the modernization of Sino-Swiss Free
Trade Agreement.
As part of the Swiss
community actively supporting Sino-Swiss exchanges, Swiss Centers has
been engaged with several remarkable events, including the 7th Sino-Swiss Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
Roundtable, Swiss Day for the
International Executive MBA Class of the University of St.Gallen, the "2024
Switzerland-Changzhou Intelligent Manufacturing Innovation Day",
“So Swiss in Changzhou” and the grand opening
of Swiss Center Changzhou. We sincerely thank the Swiss
Embassy, the Swiss Consulate General in Shanghai, the Changzhou
Municipal Government, and all of our partners
and members for your trust and support in achieving these milestones.
Looking ahead, we are
organizing a joint cluster booth at the 7th
China International Import Expo (CIIE) and invite Swiss
companies to participate. During November 3-9, 2024, we will lead a
Swiss delegation to explore China's medtech and healthcare industries,
including attending the CIIE, the Medtech
Innovation Forum, and visiting key industry representatives in
Changzhou. Delegates will engage with industry leaders, innovators, and
policymakers to explore collaboration opportunities.
Finally, Swiss Centers
remain a key facilitator with practical support and providing solutions
to help Swiss businesses to succeed in China. We warmly welcome our new
member companies, Appenzeller
Bier, FHH, and LightSeeds,
and the renewing members Zaugg,
Mikron Tool SA, and Pfiffner. We are excited
to support their journey in the Chinese market!
Zhen XIAO
CEO
Swiss Centers
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Contents
§ New
Members
§ Renewed
Members
§ Field Trip: Exploring MedTech
in China
§ Human Resources
§ Events and Activities in China
§ Events and Activities in Switzerland
§ Follow
Us
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New Members
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Appenzeller Bier,
a century-old brand blending Swiss quality with traditional
craftsmanship.
Since
1886, the Brauerei Locher AG, the producer of
Appenzeller Bier and Santis Malt Whisky, has crafted its beverages with
locally sourced high-altitude barley and natural alpine spring water
from the Swiss Alps. With a fusion of ancient craftsmanship and ongoing
innovation, their commitment to quality and sustainability has garnered
recognition both locally and globally. They've won awards like the
Sino-Swiss Business Award for Health and Environmental Responsibility
and support local farmers through their collaborations.
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Founded
in 2005 by Audemars Piguet, Girard-Perregaux, and the Richemont Group, the Fondation Haute Horlogerie
(FHH) promotes watchmaking as an art
form.
It
focuses on three pillars: Watches & Culture by FHH, which brings
watchmaking culture to life through events and content; the FHH
Academy, offering training and certification in over 20 countries; and
the FHH Forum, a platform for industry discussion aimed at shaping the
future of watchmaking.
Supported
by around forty watch brands, FHH is dedicated to advancing the
heritage and culture of watchmaking.
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LightSeeds,
a pioneering Swiss startup, is revolutionizing the solar panel industry
with their high-tech, lightweight, and unbreakable solutions. Their
innovative glassless panels, protected by a specially designed
encapsulant, offer unparalleled durability against environmental
conditions and mechanical stresses.
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Renewed Members
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As a leading Swiss transport packer and box manufacturer in
China, Zaugg upholds the “Zaugg Swiss Quality” label,
offering top-tier services. Specializing in precision-matched transport
crates from European wood, Zaugg ensures optimal protection for shipped
goods with high-quality packaging. Certified for packing and
transporting hazardous goods (except class 7), Zaugg recognized China's
market potential and established a 100% subsidiary in 2011. The newly
relocated Changzhou plant, with its expansive production site and
warehouse, is equipped to meet diverse needs. Zaugg is on a mission to
be the go-to specialist in packaging and global transport across all
industries in China.
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Mikron Tool has
achieved an excellent reputation as manufacturer of innovative tungsten
carbide tools in the highest quality field. To justify this reputation
and to maintain it in the long run requires the constant efforts of the
entire team. Machining with carbide means for us everything, from
defining the geometry, through the grinding and up to the coating as
well as the pre-processing and post-processing of the tools.
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For over 50 years, Pfiffner has been developing rotary
transfer machines that offer high precision and flexibility, marketing
the most cost-effective solutions for high-volume workpieces. Thanks to
their solution-oriented approach, well-developed expertise in the
market, and a passionate innovative spirit, they have established themselves
as a leading partner for innovative industry sectors all around the
world. Their success is based on a clear vision: They always remain a
leap ahead of the times, ensuring satisfied customers every single day.
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Field Trip: Exploring MedTech in
China
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We
are delighted to invite you to an exclusive field trip to China from
November 3-9, 2024, to explore the vibrant medtech
and healthcare industry.
As
the world’s second-largest
medical device market, China offers unparalleled growth opportunities
driven by an aging population, urbanization, and increasing healthcare
demands. Swiss companies, renowned for innovation and quality, are
ideally positioned to meet these needs with advanced technology and
premium services.
Our
comprehensive program includes:
1.
Medtech Forum: On Monday in Shanghai, the
program begins with a two-day forum featuring healthcare experts,
regulators, and executives discussing market access, IP protection, and
localization strategies.
2.
CIIE
Participation:
Participants will visit the China International Import Expo (CIIE),
where they will have a standard booth to exhibit their technology, meet
potential partners, and engage with investors at this major state-level
exhibition.
3.
Industry
Visits: Visits to Roche
China and meetings with managers of Swiss SMEs to learn from their
experiences in the Chinese healthcare market.
4.
Changzhou
Trip: A visit to Changzhou
via high-speed train to explore a cluster of international medtech factories.
By
participating in this enlightening expedition, Swiss companies will not
only gain a deeper understanding of the Chinese market but also
establish meaningful connections with industry leaders, potential
partners, and government stakeholders.
Read
more
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Human Resources
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We look forward to having a
new Customer Success Manager joining our dynamic team
based in Shanghai. The Customer Success Manager will be
responsible to develop and acquire customers for SC services, to
increase visibility of SC and maintain a strong network with Swiss
companies, organizations, and official representations in China, to
support business development and follow up on execution of projects.
The position is based in Shanghai, and reports to the GM and the CEO. Occasional
business trips within China and to Switzerland (2-4 a year) will be
required.
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Events and Activities in China
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On July 12th, 2024, we officially
opened the Swiss Center in Changzhou, marking a significant milestone
in the Yangtze River Delta.
H.E. Juerg Burri, Ambassador of Switzerland to
China, Sacha
Bachmann,
Consul General of Switzerland in Shanghai, Sheng Lei, Mayor of
Changzhou, and hundreds of representatives from Sino-Swiss institutions
attended. The ceremony was hosted by Mr. SHI Xuyong,
with opening remarks by Zhen
Xiao,
CEO of the Swiss Centers, and a welcome from Co-founder Nicolas
Musy.
Ambassador Burri congratulated the center, envisioning a bright future
for Sino-Swiss cooperation.
We
thank all partners for their support in achieving this milestone.
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Join the Swiss Centers booth at CIIE 2024!
As
we start preparations for the Chinese International Import Expo (CIIE)
2024, the Swiss Centers team is thrilled to invite Swiss companies to
join our shared booth at this prestigious event.
Why
Join us:
1. High-visibility premium
position in the trade hall at the Swiss Centers cluster booth.
2. Networking opportunities with
industry leaders, potential partners and government officials.
3. Participation in a proven
platform for business expansion and brand enhancement.
4. Exposure to a massive audience
thanks to media coverage from national news channels.
5. Market your brands directly to
over 420'000 visitors over 6 days.
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The
event featured a panel with executives from Geistlich
China, Nestlé Zone Greater China, IQAir
China, and Swiss Centers, discussing strategies for Swiss companies in
China. H.E. Ambassador Juerg Burri provided insights into Swiss
foreign policy and Sino-Swiss relations. The afternoon included a visit
to ABB Beijing Switchgear Ltd., offering a firsthand look at ABB's
operations in China's competitive market.
The
day was a valuable exploration of Swiss excellence in China.
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Key
highlights:
1.
Istvan
Koscis: Celebrated the 10th anniversary of
SSFTA, emphasizing the deepening trade relationship between China and
Switzerland and significant trade growth.
2.
Liu
Jiemin: Provided insights into new
regulations (2020-2023), becoming an approved exporter, and navigating
enhanced customs website functionalities.
3.
Prof.
Dr. Patrick Ziltener: Presented the SSFTA 2023 Academic Evaluation
Report, noting a low utilization rate by Chinese exports but an
increase in Swiss exports to China from 58% to 71%.
4.
Lucky
Ding: Shared real-world case studies, sparking discussions on
overcoming trade challenges.
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Spotlight
on Swiss Talent: Black Heidis Rock Shanghai with Swiss Centers’
Support!
The
Black Heidis China Tour, initiated by the Swiss Embassy in Beijing,
concluded with a bang in Shanghai last weekend! On the 22nd and 23rd of
March, in the CITIC Square and Jinqiao
International Business Plaza respectively, the Black Heidis rocked the
stage, captivating an enthusiastic audience.
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Events and Activities in Switzerland
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On
June 12th, we co-organized the “2024
Switzerland-Changzhou Intelligent Manufacturing Innovation Day”
at Château
de Neuchâtel.
Key attendees included Mr. Alain Ribaux,
State Councilor in charge of economy in Canton of Neuchâtel, Mr. Mauro
Moruzzi,
President of the City of Neuchâtel, and delegation from the city of Changzhou led by the Mayor Mrs. Sheng Lei.
A
MoU was established between Changzhou and Neuchâtel, marking a new era of economic
cooperation. Swiss Centers also announced a new business center in Changzhou. Expansion agreements worth over
100 million euros were signed between Changzhou National High-Tech
District and Ypsomed
AG and 3A
Composites.
Read
more
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On
March 25th, we held the exclusive Workshop on China Strategy for Swiss Businesses
- 2024 and onwards at Beau-Rivage Hotel, Neuchâtel.
Highlights
included opening remarks by Swiss Ambassador Juerg Burri,
insights on global trends by Simone Wyss Fedele,
CEO of Switzerland Global Enterprise, and an overview of China’s
business environment by Nicolas Musy,
Founding Partner of China Integrated. Other prominent guests also
discussed topics such as dispute management, sanctions, FTA evaluation,
and security.
The
event concluded with a networking aperitif, where participants
continued discussions. Thanks to all speakers and participants for
contributing to the success of the workshop. We aim to support Swiss
companies in navigating the evolving business environment in China and
Asia.
Read
more
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On
March 8th, we had the pleasure of accompanying a delegation from Changzhou, led by Mr. Ivan Wei, Director
of Changzhou International Investment Promotion Center, and colleagues
from the Changzhou
National High-tech Zone Administrative Committee (Xinbei
District People's Government).
The delegation visited Switzerland to enhance cooperation with Swiss
companies.
In
the morning, the delegation had a fruitful meeting with Neuchâtel Economie, enhancing understanding of both cities
who share similar focus in advanced manufacturing, energy, pharma and
med-tech industries. In the afternoon, they visited Ypsomed
AG in Burgdorf, which plans to establish a
production facility in Changzhou.
The
visit and meetings are part of many necessary and useful exchanges
towards a successful setup and business operations to serve the growing
demand locally.
Read more
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Follow Us
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SWISS CENTERS 2024
The Swiss Centers are
invested and developed by Foundation Swiss Centers, a non-profit
foundation registered in Neuchâtel, Switzerland.
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IN
CHINA
A301, BLDG 3, 526 FUTE
NO.3 RD
200131 PUDONG
SHANGHAI PILOT FREE TRADE
ZONE
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IN SWITZERLAND
AVENUE DE CHAMPS-MONTANTS 12B
2074 MARIN
NEUCHATEL
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www.swisscenters.org | admin@swisscenters.org
Call us: +86 21 2076 5593
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