On 24 April, Mr Cassis met Mr Wang Yi in Beijing. They discussed Sino-Swiss relations and their 75-year history, as well as ways to modernise the FTA. They also exchanged views on global economic challenges and geopolitical developments in Ukraine, the Middle East and East Asia. Finally, the two ministers reiterated how vital it is to respect the UN Charter and international law, stressing that strengthening multilateral cooperation is essential when tackling today's geopolitical challenges.
Modernising the FTA is an essential component of Swiss foreign policy in China. The aim of improving market access for goods, services and investments is to further improve the framework conditions for Swiss companies doing business there. In Beijing, Mr Cassis visited the Swiss Pavilion at the China International Machine Tool Show (CIMT), an industrial exhibition that 46 Swiss companies are taking part in. The CIMT is recognised as a key forum for companies active in the mechanical engineering and automation sectors.
On 25 April, Mr Cassis visited the Swiss company Schindler in Shanghai. The multinational company is a symbol of Sino-Swiss economic cooperation. In 1980, it was the first industrial company in the West to enter into a joint venture with a Chinese partner, thereby playing an important role in the opening up of China's economy. Mr Cassis also met with the Swiss business community in Shanghai.
These two days brought to a close Mr Cassis' trip to Japan and China. His official meetings and actions show how important these two countries are for Switzerland, particularly in economic and political terms.
Bilateral relations Switzerland–China
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