Shanghai (6 November 2026) – As one of the world’s largest import exhibitions, the China International Import Expo (CIIE) has become an important gateway for international companies seeking opportunities in China. The 9th edition, taking place in Shanghai from 5 to 10 November 2026, welcomes exhibitors from around the world across a broad range of industries.

At CIIE 2026, Swiss Centers once again hosts the Swiss Enterprise Pavilion, featuring 20 exhibitors and 33 Swiss brands spanning food and beverages, healthcare, beauty, lifestyle, mobility and business services.

A platform for Swiss companies in China

This year’s Swiss Enterprise Pavilion features a broad range of exhibitors, including well-known brands and companies such as Weleda, SWISS International Air Lines, Swiss Wine Promotion, Café Royal, Frey, Swiss Delice, Wernli, BE WTR, Grether’s, kybun Joya and many others. Together, they showcase the diversity of Swiss expertise, quality and innovation.

“CIIE has evolved into one of the most important platforms for Swiss companies looking to engage with the Chinese market,” said Mr Xiao Zhen, CEO of Swiss Centers Group. “For many participants, the objective goes well beyond exhibiting products. CIIE provides an opportunity to strengthen relationships with existing partners, connect with new customers and distributors, gain a deeper understanding of market trends and increase brand visibility. The continued participation of both established companies and new market entrants demonstrates the long-term commitment of Swiss businesses to China and their confidence in the opportunities the market continues to offer.”

Showcasing diversity

At the Swiss Enterprise Pavilion, visitors can discover premium chocolates, coffee, wines, skincare products, wellness solutions, nutritional supplements, footwear and lifestyle products, while also learning more about Swiss expertise in aviation, business services and international trade.

Among this year’s highlights is the China debut of the world’s renown culinary evaluation system, Gault&Millau International, headquartered in Geneva, who has the plan to launch culinary evaluations in Chinese cities of Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong in 2027. Another highlight from Geneva is the first participation of La Cave de Genève, joining the Swiss Wine Promotion corner and introducing Geneva’s wine-making heritage to Chinese visitors.

The Pavilion demonstrates how Swiss companies across diverse industries continue to invest in building their presence in China, adapting to evolving consumer preferences and developing strong relationships with Chinese partners.

Sino-Swiss Business Reception

Beyond the exhibition floor, Swiss Centers also uses CIIE to strengthen ties within the Sino-Swiss business community. On 5 November, Swiss Centers hosted its annual Sino-Swiss Business Reception, bringing together around 250 representatives from the Swiss and Chinese business communities, with Consul General Mr. Sacha Bachmann among the guests. The reception provided an additional platform for business leaders, companies and institutions to connect, exchange perspectives and build new relationships alongside CIIE.

Building business opportunities

For more than two decades, Swiss Centers has supported Swiss companies throughout every stage of their China journey, from market entry and business set-up to expansion and long-term growth. Participation in CIIE forms part of this broader mission to create bridges between Switzerland and China and facilitate meaningful business connections.

Over the past nine editions of CIIE, Swiss Centers has organised Swiss participation at the exhibition and helped companies connect with consumers, distributors, buyers and business partners from across China. The organisation has coordinated more than 2,000 square metres of exhibition space over the years, creating a highly visible platform for Swiss innovation, quality and entrepreneurship.

Picture legend: Mr. Xiao Zhen (CEO, Swiss Centers Group), Mr. Sacha Bachmann (Consul General) and Mr. Nicolas Musy (Delegate of the Board, Swiss Centers Group).

Picture legend: Organised by Swiss Centers, the Swiss Enterprise Pavilion connects Swiss companies with customers, partners and opportunities in China.

Picture legend: The Swiss Enterprise Pavilion at CIIE 2026 brings together 20 exhibitors and 33 Swiss brands under one roof.

Picture legend: The Sino-Swiss Business Reception brought together around 250 representatives from the Swiss and Chinese business communities.

Copyright: swisscenters.org

About the Swiss Centers:

Founded in 2000 as a non-profit Sino-Swiss public-private partnership, the Swiss Centers are by far the largest cluster of Swiss companies in Asia.

Swiss Centers’ practical solutions supported the businesses of over 500 companies in China – both SMEs and large enterprises. Among them, the Swiss Centers have established more than 100 companies in China, both B2B and B2C, production companies and offices, active in various fields. In cooperation with the diplomatic representations in China, the Swiss Centers also conducts surveys that provide the most detailed expertise available on the situation of Swiss companies in China, and at the same time promotes the Swiss Made brand and Switzerland as a country for quality, innovation and industrial leadership.

With locations strategically situated on China’s dynamic East Coast (Shanghai, Changzhou and Tianjin), the Swiss Centers are constantly adapting to the needs of the Swiss economy:

• Instant physical office space as well as ready-to-use workshops, showrooms, and warehouses
• Relations with local Chinese authorities and connections to Swiss government and institutions in China
• Support for secure technology transfer and intellectual property protection
• Access to professional services tailored to SMEs in all aspects of setting up and developing business in China (legal, tax, accounting, recruitment, HR management, IT, marketing)
• Unique solutions such as hosting employees locally or storing and delivering goods on behalf of clients in the Shanghai free trade zone to facilitate business development in China and the rest of Asia

For more information and some reference cases, kindly visit our website www.swisscenters.org and our LinkedIn page http://www.linkedin.com/company/swiss-center-shanghai

Media Contact: Bernhard Hagen, Tel: +43-664-7348-3730, press@swisscenters.org

Read Press Release in German and French.

On the occasion of the 9th China International Import Expo (CIIE), Swiss Centers, as the organizer of Swiss business participation, will hold an annual Sino-Swiss Business Reception on:

Please read the invitation letter below and scan the QR code or fill in through Sino-Swiss Business Reception 2026 报名表 to RSVP.

Dear Members, Patrons, Partners, and Friends,

We are delighted to invite you to an exclusive MedTech Delegation to China on October 31 – November 6, 2026, offering Swiss medtech startups and scale‑ups direct access to one of the world’s most dynamic healthcare markets.

China ranks among the fastest-moving MedTech and Biotech markets globally. Driven by an ageing population, ongoing urbanization and rising demand for high-quality healthcare, the market continues its strong expansion. Yet alongside great innovation potential comes intense local competition and stringent regulatory requirements. Success here favors companies that develop genuine market understanding and adopt well-adapted go-to-market strategies. Swiss enterprises, renowned for technological innovation and superior product quality, are well-positioned to capture unique opportunities by bringing advanced technologies, premium products and specialized services to meet Chinese market needs.

This five-day mission transcends basic market sightseeing. The program focuses on two key locations: Guangzhou and Shanghai. Participants will attend the flagship Swiss Tech Day in Guangzhou, hosted by the Consulate General of Switzerland in Guangzhou, and the International MedTech Forum in Shanghai, co-organized together with Mednovation. Delegates will also secure exhibition opportunities within the Innovation Incubation Special Section at the China International Import Expo (CIIE), where you can showcase companies’ cutting-edge medical-technology innovations, connect with investors, industry partners and potential clients from across China.

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.

Let’s join this journey of innovation, cross-border collaboration and growth within one of the world’s most promising medtech ecosystems. Secure your spot now to explore China’s market potential and accelerate your company’s international development.

This trip is organized by Swiss Centers, supported by Biopôle and the Section romande de la Société Suisse-Chine (SRSSC).

Read here for more information and full agenda.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our Operation Manager, Margarit Ma: margarit.ma@swisscenters.org.

Best regards,

Your Swiss Centers team

Please register through MedTech Delegation to China 2026 or scan above QR code before September 25^th.

While we were preparing this summer newsletter, an encouraging announcement came as Switzerland and China concluded negotiations on optimizing our bilateral FTA. Once signed and implemented, the upgraded FTA will strengthen the competitive position of Swiss exporters and further ease their access to the Chinese market.

At Swiss Centers, we look forward to helping Swiss companies understand and make the most of the opportunities this agreement will bring—and to addressing any practical issues that may arise in their trade with China.

We would also like to draw your attention to the ongoing Swiss Business in China Survey 2026. The survey is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of how Swiss companies operate in China and how Swiss businesses engaging with Chinese partners perceive the current market environment. Your insights are invaluable to us, and we would be most grateful for your participation. Join 2026 Swiss Business in China Survey

We are also delighted to welcome new members and patrons who contribute to the diversity and vitality of our growing community.

At Swiss Centers, our commitment remains unchanged: to provide practical support, local expertise, and tailored solutions that help businesses navigate challenges and capture new opportunities.

Together, we will continue to share knowledge, foster connections, and create lasting value for Sino-Swiss economic cooperation.

We wish you all an exciting and productive second half of the year!

Zhen XIAO

CEO of Swiss Centers

Read more

Understanding how Swiss companies adapt and thrive in China remains at the core of our mission. Through this annual survey, we seek to capture the experiences, expectations, and strategic priorities of Swiss businesses operating in one of the world’s most dynamic and competitive markets. The results provide valuable insights for corporate decision-makers, investors, policymakers, and business leaders in both Switzerland and China.

Over the past year, China’s business environment has continued to evolve at a rapid pace. The findings of our 2025 survey showed that many Swiss companies remain committed to the Chinese market despite slower growth and ongoing pressure on profitability. At the same time, respondents reported a significant increase in competition from Chinese companies, particularly in the areas of innovation, technology, product quality, and brand development. Nevertheless, China continues to be viewed as a strategically important market and investment destination by many Swiss businesses. Do not hesitate to download the 2025 report (if not accessible, please use this link).

To better understand how these developments are shaping business decisions and future outlooks, we warmly invite you to participate in the 2026 Swiss Business in China Survey.

The survey is jointly conducted by Swiss Centers China, Research Institute for International Management of the University of St.Gallen, and China Integrated, in cooperation with the Embassy of Switzerland in China, Swiss Global Enterprise, economiesuisse, Swiss Chinese Chamber of Commerce, SwissCham, and swissnex China. We highly value your perspective and would be grateful for your contribution.

Over the years, this survey has established itself as a key reference on Swiss business activity in China. Beyond measuring market performance and confidence, it helps identify emerging trends, benchmark company experiences, and shed light on differences in perception between headquarters-based management and teams operating locally. The report also serves as an important source of information for stakeholders interested in Switzerland–China economic relations.

All responses will be treated with strict confidentiality and analyzed only in aggregated form. Neither your name nor your company name is required. Should you wish to receive a copy of the final report, you may simply provide an email address at the end of the questionnaire.

The survey should take approximately 20–30 minutes to complete, depending on the nature and size of your organization.

To start the survey, please click: 2026 Swiss Business in China Survey, or scan the QR code below using your mobile device.

    (Chinese)

This questionnaire is intended for managers of Swiss subsidiaries based in China, as well as for managers overseeing China-related business activities where no independent China-based management team exists. Survey responses will be stored on servers located in China.

In case you are a manager of a Swiss company based in Switzerland overseeing your company’s China business and operations, please click: 2026 Swiss Business in China Survey for Swiss-based Managers, or scan the QR code below using your mobile device. Data will be stored in survey-monkey servers outside China.

      (Swiss)

Your participation is important. It will help us ensure that the 2026 survey reflects the changing realities, opportunities, and challenges faced by Swiss companies in China and support your as well as other managers’ benchmarking and decision making!

We thank you in advance for your support and wish you successful China activities and businesses!

Dear Members, Patrons, Partners and Friends,

We are pleased to invite you to our exclusive business workshop designed to provide a strategic perspective on navigating China’s evolving economic landscape. Amidst the ongoing geopolitical conflicts and shifting global dynamics, this workshop will deliver practical insights to help businesses reassess their strategies and strengthen their position within Asia’s rapidly changing internal and international environment.

Co-organized by the Swiss Centers and China Integrated, with the support of Switzerland Global Enterprise and the Section romande de la Société Suisse-Chine (SRSSC), this event brings together key experts and industry leaders for high-value discussions.

Today’s global economy is shaped by intensified competition, supply chain restructuring, and geopolitical uncertainty. The US trade policies, coupled with China’s economic slowdown and intense business competition, have created both obstacles and openings for international businesses. Companies worldwide are adjusting operations, diversifying markets, and seeking new ways to mitigate risks while capitalizing on emerging opportunities in China and beyond.

Despite these challenges, China remains a critical global player, offering substantial commercial and innovation prospects across various industries, from advanced manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and semiconductors to electric vehicles, renewable energy, luxury consumer goods, and professional services.

This workshop is designed to equip executives with the tools, expert insights, and strategic frameworks necessary to redefine their business approaches, manage uncertainty, and uncover new growth opportunities. Through expert presentations, case studies, analysis of your specific cases, and networking, attendees will gain valuable perspectives and actionable strategies.

To ensure meaningful exchanges and maximize engagement, participation is limited to 30 companies and C-level representatives. Join us to refine your strategy and build resilience in a rapidly shifting global landscape.

Please click here to read more information and detailed agenda.

Registration: Please kindly scan the below QR code or click here for registration before September 25th.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact margarit.ma@swisscenters.org .

It displayed cutting-edge Swiss innovative technologies across core sectors, attracting industry buyers and widespread media coverage to lift all exhibitors’ global visibility.

The Municipal Councilor and Vice Mayor of Lausanne Pierre-Antoine Hildbrand headed an official delegation for Sino-Swiss tech cooperation talks, while Swiss Day events boosted two-way innovation partnerships, marking the 10th anniversary of Sino-Swiss Innovative Strategic Partnership.

Here are some highlights from media coverage of the Lausanne Guest City Pavilion at CSITF 2026:

<Shanghai Morning Post> Shanghai Morning Post interviewed Pierre-Antoine Hildbrand, the Municipal Councilor and Vice Mayor of Lausanne

<Shanghai Morning Post> Shanghai Morning Post interviewed Zhen Xiao, CEO of Swiss Centers

<Yicai> Yicai interviewed Yulia Jin, GM of Swiss Centers

<Toutiao> Toutiao interviewed Zhen Xiao, CEO of Swiss Centers

<Shanghai Observer> Shanghai Observer featured FinalSpark, Roumai Medical, Biopôle, Acrostak and Bioressant

<The Paper> The Paper featured Innovaud、Biopôle、EHL

We are pleased to welcome HB-Therm AG as a new Member of Swiss Centers and welcome to the Swiss Centers community!

𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗛𝗕-𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗺

As a pioneer in the manufacturing of temperature control units for the plastics industry, HB‑Therm AG has distinguished itself since its founding in 1967 through outstanding innovations, uncompromising quality, and a strong commitment to sustainability.

With a subsidiary in Siegburg, Germany, and 65 country representations, HB‑Therm has a global presence and serves customers from the automotive, medical technology, consumer goods, optics and industrial sectors. With 140 employees, the company, based in St. Gallen, Switzerland, produces over 11,000 units a year and generates annual turnover of around CHF 60 million, underlining its position as the largest manufacturer of temperature control units on the global market.

Moving forward, Swiss Centers will provide professional business representation services to support HB-Therm’s business operations and long-term development across China.

We look forward to empowering the company’s market expansion in China and growing hand in hand with HB-Therm to unlock more business opportunities in the Chinese market.

Some companies build technology. Others help shape how societies connect, communicate and evolve.

We are pleased to welcome Huawei Switzerland as a new Member of Swiss Centers.

Founded in 1987, Huawei is a leading global provider of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart devices. They have approximately 213,000 employees and operate in more than 170 countries and regions, serving more than 3 billion people around world. There are committed to bringing digital to every person, home and organization for a fully connected, intelligent world.

Huawei in Switzerland

With more than 450 employees working across Bern, Zurich and Lausanne, Huawei is represented since 2008 in Switzerland with various business groups.

🔹 For Swiss telecommunications operators and major service providers, Huawei offers end-to-end products and services in the areas of fixed network access, mobile communication including 5G, as well as transmission and IP networks. Thanks to state-of-the-art technology and leading innovation, Huawei has developed unique solutions tailored to the Swiss market, contributing to the expansion of ultra-fast broadband in both fixed and mobile networks throughout the country, especially in rural areas.

🔹 In the enterprise business, Huawei targets specific industry solutions in healthcare, education, finance, manufacturing, and internet service providers, providing renowned customers with their network, data center, storage, and cloud solutions. Huawei relies on a loyal and steadily growing partner ecosystem of Swiss distributors, resellers, as well as implementation, solution, IT, and innovation partners.

🔹 In the Digital Power sector, Huawei supplies their customers with leading digital energy products and solutions. They are committed to integrating digital technology and power electronics, developing clean energy, and digitizing energy supply to advance the energy transition. In the field of clean power generation, they assist in creating systems based on renewable energy. In the environmentally friendly ICT power infrastructure, they help build low-carbon and intelligent data centers and communication networks.

🔹 In the consumer business, Huawei focuses on five growth pillars: Smart Office, Fitness & Health, Smart Home, Easy Travel, and Entertainment. Their products for end consumers in all these areas stand out for the perfect combination of high-tech and design; their laptops and tablets, mobile broadband devices, headphones and speakers, wearables, or other smart devices are also popular in Switzerland.

As Swiss Centers continues to connect businesses across borders and industries, we look forward to collaborating with Huawei Switzerland and welcoming them into our international community.

We are delighted to invite you to attend the 2026 Global Digital Economy Conference held in Beijing from July 2 to 5, 2026, and attend the opening ceremony in the morning of July 2 and the main forum in the afternoon of July 2.

The Global Digital Economy Conference (GDEC) has been successfully held five times since 2021, and has become an international, high-end, and professional exchange and cooperation platform for building a global digital economy pattern featuring inclusive equilibrium, innovation, inclusiveness, win-win cooperation and common prosperity. The 2026 Global Digital Economy Conference is themed on “Smart Benefits Without Borders, Digital Links Across the Globe” with an opening ceremony, six main forums, N thematic forums, and a series of annual activities organized to create a “1+6+N” activity framework. Under the theme “Smart Benefits Without Borders, Digital Links Across the Globe”, the GDEC 2026 adopts a “1+1+N” framework comprising an opening ceremony, a main forum titled “Global Dialogue on Digital-Friendly Cities”, multiple thematic sessions, and year-round events to address transformative shifts driven by digital innovation. By focusing on pivotal digital economy sectors, the GDEC 2026 establishes a professional exchange platform to facilitate industrial supply-demand alignment and practical collaboration. It effectively aggregates expert resources for forum discussions, distills Beijing’s implementation experience in digital-friendly city development, and provides replicable solutions for global digital economy synergy and smart city construction.

We cordially look forward to your attendance to jointly discuss the future development of digital economy.

This event is hosted by People’s Government of Beijing Municipality, Cyberspace Administration of China, National Data Administration, Xinhua News Agency, United Nations Development Programme, United Nations Industrial Development Organization, World Data Organization, Global Alliance of Digital Economy Cities and supported by Swiss Centers.

Best regards,

Swiss Centers

Please read more to find planned agenda of the conference.

Registration:

This event is free of charge, please kindly scan the QR code or click here for registration before June 25. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Ms. Margarit Ma, the Operation Manager of Swiss Centers, margarit.ma@swisscenters.org .

Please note that participants shall arrange their own transportation and accommodation in Beijing. Meals will be provided by the organizer during the event.