|
|
Switzerland participates actively in China’s economic growth, interview (2) |
 |
+ |
- |
16:23, July 06, 2007 |
During these high level contacts, many topics are discussed and the number of issues of common interest keeps rising. In addition to such long-established areas of cooperation like political consultations on bilateral and regional issues, human rights and good governance, as well as trade and investment, new topics of common interest have been identified. These include migrations, culture, science and technology, public health, education, tourism, financial issues, environment, and development policies.
Editor: What fields do you consider as areas with potential for further development?
President: Beyond these fields of cooperation at the official level, Switzerland would also like to promote more non-official contacts. Indeed, Switzerland''s political tradition attaches great importance to bottom-up initiatives. We therefore welcome and support as much as we can Swiss initiatives coming from the people, from non-governmental organisations or from local governments (Cantons, Municipalities) that aim to foster contacts with China.
A good example in this regard is the city partnership between the cities of Zurich and Kunming or the "mountain partnership" between Mount Huangshan and the Jungfraujoch in the Swiss Alps.
My wish is to see these contacts increase in the future.
Editor: What do you think of the Swiss participation in China''s economic growth?
President: China’s economic potential is of course huge and very attractive for Swiss companies looking for opportunities in trade and investment. Our bilateral economic relations have expanded greatly and China is today one of Switzerland''s main partner in Asia. Since 2002 China is our main trading partner in Asia and the growth of our trade is impressive. From a modest 300 millions US$ in 1980, our trade has reached 675 millions in 1990 and 6.5 billions in 2006. If you include in these statistics the Special Administrative Region of Hong-Kong, this figure is even higher, reaching 11 billion US$ in 2006.
Swiss investments in China are also growing rapidly, with an approximate stock of more than 6 billion US$ invested in China and Hong Kong. Swiss business very early on was aware of the opportunities China offers. It is worth noting that the first Sino-Western joint venture ever was with the Swiss company Schindler in 1980.
Switzerland is one of the few western countries with a positive trade balance with the People’s Republic of China.
Editor: With regard to the Beijing Olympics and Shanghai World Expo, how will Switzerland take part?
President: We are looking forward to take part in both events. Switzerland will engage in a public-private partnership and seek collaboration with the Chinese counterparts in order to contribute to the successful realization of these two major international Events.
[1] [2] [3] [4]
|
|
|
Comment
Tell A Friend
Print Format
Save Article