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

On April 28, 2026, we were proud to co-organize the 9th Sino-Swiss Free Trade Agreement Roundtable with the Consulate General of Switzerland in Shanghai at the Shanghai Xinzhuang Industrial Park Innovation Center. The event was supported by the Xinzhuang Industrial Zone and SwissCham China.

Under the theme “Focusing on Processing Trade and Customs Practices to Support the Steady Expansion of Swiss Companies in China”, we welcomed 60+ representatives from Swiss companies and related institutions for a highly engaging discussion.

With Swiss investment in China up 66.8% in 2025, it is clear that more Swiss companies are moving toward local production and processing. Our roundtable focused on building an efficient bridge between enterprises and customs authorities, translating macro-level policies into actionable guidance for businesses.

Key points from the discussions:

–  Processing trade is becoming a key market entry and expansion strategy
– Customs frameworks are evolving toward more flexible, business-driven solutions
– Annual verification models reduce administrative burden and improve efficiency
– Material handling options are more flexible, including re-export or domestic sales
– Free Trade Zones enable faster clearance and streamlined logistics
– Rules of origin are critical to unlock tariff benefits and ensure compliance
– Direct dialogue with authorities is essential for informed decision-making

The forum concluded with a visit at Bossard’s AI-powered smart factory in Shanghai, showcasing how automation and digitalization can dramatically scale operations. A big thank you to Bossard for their warm welcome and hospitality.

We are also grateful to Shanghai Customs for sharing their expert insights and practical perspectives during the Q&A session.

If you need support in optimizing your supply chains, ensuring customs compliance or transporting your goods between Switzerland and China, contact our Trade & Logistics Specialist Lucky Ding to learn more:

lucky.ding@swisscenters.org

We are pleased to invite you to 2 complementary events, a conference on October 24 afternoon and a workshop on October 25 morning in Zurich, co-organized by the Swiss Centers, the Swiss-Chinese Chamber of Commerce (SCCC) and economiesuisse.

If the last few years have been disruptive, 2022 seems to announce a turning point for international companies’ activities in China. The geopolitical events of the first half of 2022 and the appearance of the omicron variant in China have had a key impact on Swiss companies’ expectations and views of China. This was evident from the annual business survey conducted every year since 2006 on the challenges and competitiveness of Swiss companies active in China.

Important new questions have arisen which, for many, necessitate a revision of the existing China strategies. This is further amplified with the decisions and policies communicated during the 20^th Party Congress, an event that shapes China’s future for the short and mid-term.

On October 24 afternoon, a conference with a selection of high-level speakers will bring clarity and the required knowledge for Swiss companies to reassess their China strategy and to successfully develop their business in China. It also serves as the first event to discuss the business impact of the 20^th Party Congress.

Then, on October 25 morning, we invite you to join an exclusive practical workshop which will provide the participants concrete elements to reassess your strategy and pursue the development of your business in China. It will also be an opportunity to have in-depth exchange with experts and fellow executives. In order to keep a high-level of quality, the workshop is limited to 20 companies with a maximum of 2 representatives each.

PRICE & REGISTRATION

October 24 afternoon conference + October 25 morning workshop:

• Members*: 500 CHF (400 CHF for 2^nd participant)
• Non-members: 650 CHF (550 CHF for 2^nd participant)

Registration: Please register HERE

October 24 afternoon conference ONLY:

• Members*: 80 CHF
• Non-members: 120 CHF

Registration: Please register HERE

* Swiss Centers, SCCC/SHKBA, economiesuisse and Swiss-Chinese Association

Please note that registration is mandatory. Substitutes for registered persons unable to attend are welcome, otherwise full no-show charge will be applied.

Click HERE to read full invitation letter and agenda

🏮🧧🧨𝐈𝐧 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 Swiss-Chinese Chamber of Commerce (SCCC), Swiss Re 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐬-𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐰𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟐 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐫💦🐯!

Date: Friday, May 20, 2022, 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Swiss Re Centre for Global Dialogue, Gheistrasse 37, Rüschlikon, Zurich, CH

Registration will be available by clicking here soon.

Ms. Beilun WEI, General Manager of SCCC hosted the event and gave an opening speech followed by an introduction and good wishes from Mr. Shangze SONG, Secretary of Director of CIIE Bureau and Mr. Peichen CHEN, General Manager of Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, Zurich Branch.

Opening Speech from Ms. Beilun WEI, General Manager of SCCC

Speech from Mr. Shangze SONG, Secretary of Director of CIIE Bureau

Speech from Mr. Peichen CHEN, General Manager of Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, Zurich Branch

As one of the main co-organizers of CIIE, Swiss Centers will participate in the CIIE for the 5^th time in 2022 and Mr. Kuno Gschwend, General Manager of Swiss Centers signed a participation contract with Mr. Shangze SONG, Secretary of Director of CIIE Bureau online.

Speech from Mr. Kuno Gschwend, General Manager of Swiss Centers

Around 50 participants (Swiss companies) took part in this online meeting, together with Mr. Zhen XIAO, CEO of Swiss Centers, Mr. Jingcun WU, Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Switzerland, Mr. Shu XIE, DGM of the International Business of ICBC Shanghai Branch and Ms. Crystal Han, Sales and Marketing Director of IQAir China.

CIIE Experience by Ms. Crystal Han, Sales and Marketing Director of IQAir China

Participation contract signed with CIIE Bureau by Mr. Kuno Gschwend, General Manager of Swiss Centers

Presentation from Erjia ZHANG, Representative of Food and Agriculture Products Sector, CIIE Bureau

Presentation from Xue YANG, Representative of Consumer Goods Sector, CIIE Bureau

For a little over an hour, 3 speakers shared their knowledge and expertise:

First, our Customer Relations Executive Romain Barrabas, who presented what the Swiss Centers are and their raison d’être, namely the role of “icebreaker” in order to enable Swiss companies wishing to develop on the Chinese market, by providing them with a whole range of concrete services, coupled with an expertise of more than 20 years on the field.

Then, our CEO Zhen Xiao gave an overview of China today, and more precisely of its management of the COVID-19, the conditions to go there, the latest policies related to the economy, its business environment and finally the opportunities and challenges that this country reserves for Swiss companies.

Finally, Luca Bigler, Asia Sales Manager of Mikron Tool SA Agno, joined us through a screen and presented the concrete case of the development of his company and its business in China between 2010 and 2021. He explained the importance of understanding this attractive but complex market and the support provided by Swiss Centers, especially for the creation of Mikron Tool Shanghai in 2019.

More than 40 participants attended the conference, illustrating the diversity of the region’s economic fabric, including Longines Watch Co. Francillon Ltd., the Banque Cantonale du Jura SA, as well as SMEs such as DC SWISS SA, Louis Belet SA, DIAMETAL Group, Dunner SA and Applitec Moutier SA.

𝐖𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐭𝐡𝐞 Chambre d’économie publique du Jura bernois, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 Richard Vaucher, 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐝𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫 Patrick Linder 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫 Florence Hänni 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 “𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐭 𝐝𝐞́𝐣𝐞𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬” 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐝 𝐲𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐬𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐉𝐮𝐫𝐚 𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐨𝐢𝐬, 𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐮𝐬 Chocolats Camille Bloch SA.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐛𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐚, 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐮𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐛𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐎𝐕𝐈𝐃-𝟏𝟗 𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐦𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬.

During a day and a half, no less than 5 specialists shared their first-hand experience and expertise, each in their particular field: Nicolas Musy, Ling Meng, Patrick Ziltener, Clarisse von Wunschheim and Zhen Xiao. The whole was orchestrated by our Customer Relations Executive Romain Barrabas and the lessons of each day were drawn by our President Jean-Jacques de Dardel.

Despite the current circumstances, 33 participants were present, mainly c-level executives, representing 29 companies located throughout Switzerland and active in fields as varied as waste management, cosmetics and luxury watchmaking, as well as intra logistics, management consulting, dental implants, machine tool peripherals and even the Swiss pocket knife, to name but a few!

As it would be illusory to summarize in a few lines the numerous exchanges that took place, you will find here some punchlines that were heard:

❇️ China was the world’s technological leader from 8th until 15th century.
❇️ China manufacturing labor costs tripled in 10 years but exports keep rising.
❇️ In China, luxury goods sales increased 49% in 2020 but households’ consumption stagnates.
❇️ High-quality production technology imports are needed for localization.
❇️ Quarantine is here to stay.
❇️ The savings potential of the Sino-Swiss FTA for Swiss exporters is enormous and increasing every year.
❇️ The Chinese society is collectivist, but by necessity.
❇️ The wrong dispute can mean “China bye-bye”.

Dear Friends of Swiss Centers,

Between November 5 and 10, 2022, the biggest import themed trade fair in the world will be held for the fifth time: The China International Import Expo (CIIE). The Swiss-Chinese Chamber of Commerce (SCCC) and Swiss Centers China continue to be the official invitation partners of CIIE for Swiss participation.

For the start of the 5th edition, the Swiss Centers and the Swiss-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Industrial and Commercial Bank of China and the China International Import Expo Bureau, would like to invite you to join the CIIE 2022 Online Promotion Event on January 28, 2022, 9 am CET. During this event we will introduce the CIIE 2022. You will receive information on participating in the fair as a Swiss company and hear the latest updates about the 5th CIIE.

For more details and RSVP, please click here.

For more information, please read the press release in (English, German and French).