In brief
Former Swiss Ambassador Jean‑Jacques de Dardel praised the upgraded China‑Switzerland free‑trade agreement, arguing it will deepen economic ties and encourage businesses to explore each other’s markets. He highlighted the importance of sectors such as pharmaceuticals, machinery and technology, and stressed the agreement’s resilience against global trade uncertainty. The ambassador also noted Switzerland’s long‑standing diplomatic and economic partnership with China and outlined the role of Swiss Centers in aiding companies to seize new opportunities.
The upgraded free‑trade agreement (FTA) between China and Switzerland, signed in October 2026, is expected to increase cross‑border business activity, said former Swiss ambassador to China Jean‑Jacques de Dardel in a written interview with Xinhua. De Dardel, who now presides over the Board of Swiss Centers Group, emphasized that the deal will deepen economic ties and allow companies from both sides to more readily tap the other country’s markets.
De Dardel recalled that Switzerland was among the first Western states to recognize the People’s Republic of China and that the two countries signed an FTA in 2013, making Switzerland the first continental European country to do so. In 2026 the agreement was upgraded through a protocol, adding tariff‑reduction and exemption measures intended to broaden trade and investment links.
The ambassador pointed to specific sectors that he believes will benefit most from the new arrangement. Pharmaceutical manufacturing, high‑precision machinery and advanced technology firms are expected to gain improved market access. De Dardel said that Swiss specialty drug companies will face lower tariff barriers when exporting to China, while Chinese nutraceutical producers could similarly benefit from Swiss distribution networks.
“The agreement reflects a resilient partnership that is able to withstand global trade uncertainty,” de Dardel said. He cited the positive attitude of both governments as a key factor that will encourage firms to pursue new opportunities and invest in research and development partnerships across the two economies.
De Dardel also highlighted Switzerland’s view that, despite different political systems, China remains a crucial member of the international community. He underscored that Swiss neutrality and economic development positions are well recognised by Chinese officials, who regard Switzerland as a trustworthy partner. According to the ambassador, this mutual respect has “brought both nations to open‑mindedly explore ways to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation.”
In a separate note, de Dardel illustrated how the upgraded FTA is slated to enhance interest from each side’s business community. Swiss companies are predicted to seek greater access to China’s vast consumer market, while Chinese firms will look more closely at Swiss and broader European fronts. He added that Swiss firms will enjoy tariff reductions and exemptions on certain goods, a development he described as “a real incentive for renewed Swiss interest.”
The Ambassador’s remarks were framed within the context of Swiss Centers, a non‑profit organisation dedicated to supporting Swiss companies entering Chinese and Asian markets. De Dardel said the organisation will continue to promote trade perspectives and share knowledge about the Chinese market, with a particular emphasis on the opportunities that the upgraded FTA creates.
Impact on business and upcoming events
During the opening of the China International Import Expo in Shanghai, Swiss Centers will participate with its largest‑ever pavilion. De Dardel noted that the event will provide a platform for Swiss firms to showcase their products, most notably in the advanced technology and high‑precision machinery domains identified by the ambassador. He anticipates that the expo will serve as a catalyst for cross‑border collaborations and new investment deals.
In closing, de Dardel described the upgraded FTA as a “true example and validation of the pioneering attitude which characterizes our bilateral relations.” He suggested that the new agreement will not only sustain but also amplify the existing balanced, intensive economic partnership between China and Switzerland, ultimately benefiting consumers and businesses on both sides of the world.
