The 8th Sino-Swiss Economic Forum: Shaping the Future of Collaboration and Innovation

01.07.2024 — Press releases China
The 8^th edition of the Sino-Swiss Economic Forum (SSEF) was successfully held on July 1, 2024, at the China World Summit Wing Beijing with the noteworthy presence of H.E. Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin, Head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research, and H.E. Mr. Wang Wentao, Minister of Commerce, the People’s Republic of China. The SSEF takes place every two years in Beijing. This edition was organized by the China Swiss Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Embassy of Switzerland in China.

Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin to travel to China with a business and science delegation

25.06.2024 — Press releases China
The head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER), Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin, will lead a business and science mission to China from 1 to 5 July. The continuation of good cooperation in these areas is an important goal of the visit, not least with a view to further developing the bilateral free trade agreement that entered into force ten years ago.

Swiss Embassy in China holds a panel discussion on the utilization of the bilateral free trade agreement for the past 10 years

16.04.2024 — Press releases China
As the 10th anniversary of the Sino-Swiss Free Trade Agreement (SSFTA)’s entry into force approaches, the Embassy of Switzerland in China held a panel discussion event under the title ‘Making Good Use of Free Trade Agreements’ at the Swiss Ambassador’s Residence in Beijing on 16 April. Over 120 diplomats, academics, experts and practitioners working in the field of bilateral foreign trade participated and jointly discussed the utilization rate and impact of the SSFTA. Swiss Ambassador to China Jürg Burri was present and gave a speech.

‘Diversity + Me’ Campaign concludes with a closing mini-music festival featuring Swiss and Chinese multiculturalism

13.03.2024 — Press releases China
The Swiss embassy was transformed into a mini-rock music festival tonight with the melodies from "The Black Heidis" an indie rock band from Switzerland, and "Tulegur", a nomadic rock electroacoustic band from China’s Inner Mongolia. The concert, attended by Swiss Ambassador to China Jürg Burri, is also the Closing Event of the embassy’s cultural campaign, ‘Diversity + Me’.

Official visit to People's Republic of China by Ignazio Cassis

07.02.2024 — Press releases China
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, visited Beijing on 6 and 7 February, marking the resumption of the strategic dialogue between Switzerland and the People's Republic of China. This visit was part of Mr Cassis's tour of the Asia-Pacific region. Discussions in Beijing centred on priority bilateral issues and current international affairs.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis to travel to Asia-Pacific region

02.02.2024 — Press releases China
Federal Councillor and head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs Ignazio Cassis will be travelling to China, India, the Republic of Korea, and the Philippines from 5 to 8 February 2024. Mr Cassis will meet with the foreign ministers in all four countries for official talks. The focus will be on strengthening Switzerland's network of ties in the Asia-Pacific region. Peace in Ukraine will also be on the agenda. 

Swiss Embassy’s visual art exhibition tells women's stories in a poetic way

27.01.2024 — Press releases China
Today, the Swiss Embassy in Beijing inaugurated a solo exhibition of photographs and videos by Swiss visual artist Catherine Gfeller with a spotlight on women’s perspectives and voices by creating a dialogue and bridge between women and cities. A panel discussion focused on the role of women in city development took place during the event. Ambassador of Switzerland to China Jürg Burri attended the opening and gave a speech.

Switzerland and China renew high-level contacts and deepen relations in the run-up to 75th anniversary

15.01.2024 — Press releases China
On Monday, 15 January, a Federal Council delegation led by President Viola Amherd received a Chinese delegation led by Premier Li Qiang at the Lohn Estate for an official visit to Switzerland. This was the first such high-level meeting since the pandemic. The delegations discussed the deep and wide-ranging bilateral relations characterised by dialogue on around 30 issues, as well as a range of current international affairs.

6th Sino-Swiss Business Awards celebrate excellence in Swiss-Chinese business community

26.10.2023 — Press releases China
The 6th Sino-Swiss Business Awards (SSBA) celebrated exceptional achievements within the Swiss-Chinese business landscape, recognizing companies that have made significant contributions across various industries. Hosted by SwissCham China in partnership with the Swiss Embassy and Swissnex, the SSBA remains dedicated to promoting innovation, sustainability, quality, digital transformation, and talent development within the business community.

High-Tech Made for Humans – Get to Know Cybathlon!

25.10.2023 — Press releases China
This afternoon, the Embassy of Switzerland in China invited the public to participate in live demonstrations of intelligent assistive technologies and learn about the Cybathlon initiative and its big competition, held in Zurich in 2024. The guests also experienced blind jogging, tasted pastries made by bakers with physical and intellectual disabilities, and took part in discussion on how to improve social inclusion.

So Swiss in Hefei - Healthy & Sustainable by Design

19.10.2023 — Local news China
The Consulate General of Switzerland in Shanghai hosted the third edition of So Swiss! in Hefei, Anhui province on 19th October in cooperation with the Foreign Affairs Office of Anhui Provincial People’s Government and the Health Commission of Anhui Province. Experts showcased Swiss sustainability in healthcare, lifestyle as well as Swiss design. Participants interactively discovered Swiss cutting-edge technologies and innovation. Previously, the Consulate had already successfully organised two So Swiss! events in Shanghai and Suzhou.

3rd Swiss Film Festival brings ‘Diversity + Me’ to Chinese audiences

22.09.2023 — Press releases China
The Swiss Film Festival is back in town! Themed on Diversity + Me, the 3^rd annual Swiss film festival will run at the Swiss Embassy from September 22-24, showcasing Switzerland’s strength in diversity. Following the VIP and Grand Openings on the 22^nd the festival will be open – for the first time—to the general public. This year’s lineup includes ten Swiss films including three shorts, three documentaries and four fiction films. The Diversity + Me Swiss Film Festival is planned to tour at Lumière cinemas nationwide later this year.

The 8th Sino-Swiss Economic Forum: Shaping the Future of Collaboration and Innovation

01.07.2024 — Press releases China
The 8^th edition of the Sino-Swiss Economic Forum (SSEF) was successfully held on July 1, 2024, at the China World Summit Wing Beijing with the noteworthy presence of H.E. Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin, Head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research, and H.E. Mr. Wang Wentao, Minister of Commerce, the People’s Republic of China. The SSEF takes place every two years in Beijing. This edition was organized by the China Swiss Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Embassy of Switzerland in China.

Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin to travel to China with a business and science delegation

25.06.2024 — Press releases China
The head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER), Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin, will lead a business and science mission to China from 1 to 5 July. The continuation of good cooperation in these areas is an important goal of the visit, not least with a view to further developing the bilateral free trade agreement that entered into force ten years ago.

Swiss Embassy in China holds a panel discussion on the utilization of the bilateral free trade agreement for the past 10 years

16.04.2024 — Press releases China
As the 10th anniversary of the Sino-Swiss Free Trade Agreement (SSFTA)’s entry into force approaches, the Embassy of Switzerland in China held a panel discussion event under the title ‘Making Good Use of Free Trade Agreements’ at the Swiss Ambassador’s Residence in Beijing on 16 April. Over 120 diplomats, academics, experts and practitioners working in the field of bilateral foreign trade participated and jointly discussed the utilization rate and impact of the SSFTA. Swiss Ambassador to China Jürg Burri was present and gave a speech.

‘Diversity + Me’ Campaign concludes with a closing mini-music festival featuring Swiss and Chinese multiculturalism

13.03.2024 — Press releases China
The Swiss embassy was transformed into a mini-rock music festival tonight with the melodies from "The Black Heidis" an indie rock band from Switzerland, and "Tulegur", a nomadic rock electroacoustic band from China’s Inner Mongolia. The concert, attended by Swiss Ambassador to China Jürg Burri, is also the Closing Event of the embassy’s cultural campaign, ‘Diversity + Me’.

Official visit to People's Republic of China by Ignazio Cassis

07.02.2024 — Press releases China
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, visited Beijing on 6 and 7 February, marking the resumption of the strategic dialogue between Switzerland and the People's Republic of China. This visit was part of Mr Cassis's tour of the Asia-Pacific region. Discussions in Beijing centred on priority bilateral issues and current international affairs.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis to travel to Asia-Pacific region

02.02.2024 — Press releases China
Federal Councillor and head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs Ignazio Cassis will be travelling to China, India, the Republic of Korea, and the Philippines from 5 to 8 February 2024. Mr Cassis will meet with the foreign ministers in all four countries for official talks. The focus will be on strengthening Switzerland's network of ties in the Asia-Pacific region. Peace in Ukraine will also be on the agenda. 

Swiss Embassy’s visual art exhibition tells women's stories in a poetic way

27.01.2024 — Press releases China
Today, the Swiss Embassy in Beijing inaugurated a solo exhibition of photographs and videos by Swiss visual artist Catherine Gfeller with a spotlight on women’s perspectives and voices by creating a dialogue and bridge between women and cities. A panel discussion focused on the role of women in city development took place during the event. Ambassador of Switzerland to China Jürg Burri attended the opening and gave a speech.

Switzerland and China renew high-level contacts and deepen relations in the run-up to 75th anniversary

15.01.2024 — Press releases China
On Monday, 15 January, a Federal Council delegation led by President Viola Amherd received a Chinese delegation led by Premier Li Qiang at the Lohn Estate for an official visit to Switzerland. This was the first such high-level meeting since the pandemic. The delegations discussed the deep and wide-ranging bilateral relations characterised by dialogue on around 30 issues, as well as a range of current international affairs.

6th Sino-Swiss Business Awards celebrate excellence in Swiss-Chinese business community

26.10.2023 — Press releases China
The 6th Sino-Swiss Business Awards (SSBA) celebrated exceptional achievements within the Swiss-Chinese business landscape, recognizing companies that have made significant contributions across various industries. Hosted by SwissCham China in partnership with the Swiss Embassy and Swissnex, the SSBA remains dedicated to promoting innovation, sustainability, quality, digital transformation, and talent development within the business community.

High-Tech Made for Humans – Get to Know Cybathlon!

25.10.2023 — Press releases China
This afternoon, the Embassy of Switzerland in China invited the public to participate in live demonstrations of intelligent assistive technologies and learn about the Cybathlon initiative and its big competition, held in Zurich in 2024. The guests also experienced blind jogging, tasted pastries made by bakers with physical and intellectual disabilities, and took part in discussion on how to improve social inclusion.

3rd Swiss Film Festival brings ‘Diversity + Me’ to Chinese audiences

22.09.2023 — Press releases China
The Swiss Film Festival is back in town! Themed on Diversity + Me, the 3^rd annual Swiss film festival will run at the Swiss Embassy from September 22-24, showcasing Switzerland’s strength in diversity. Following the VIP and Grand Openings on the 22^nd the festival will be open – for the first time—to the general public. This year’s lineup includes ten Swiss films including three shorts, three documentaries and four fiction films. The Diversity + Me Swiss Film Festival is planned to tour at Lumière cinemas nationwide later this year.

Federal Office of Culture hands over several items of cultural property to China

24.08.2023 — Press releases China
The Director of the Federal Office of Culture (FOC), Carine Bachmann, today handed over five items of Chinese cultural property to the Chinese ambassador to Switzerland, Shihting Wang, in Bern. The items were confiscated in cantonal criminal proceedings. The restitution is taking place within the framework of implementation of the Federal Act on the International Transfer of Cultural Property (CPTA).

So Swiss in Hefei - Healthy & Sustainable by Design

19.10.2023 — Local news China
The Consulate General of Switzerland in Shanghai hosted the third edition of So Swiss! in Hefei, Anhui province on 19th October in cooperation with the Foreign Affairs Office of Anhui Provincial People’s Government and the Health Commission of Anhui Province. Experts showcased Swiss sustainability in healthcare, lifestyle as well as Swiss design. Participants interactively discovered Swiss cutting-edge technologies and innovation. Previously, the Consulate had already successfully organised two So Swiss! events in Shanghai and Suzhou.

Event review: So Swiss! in Suzhou

06.07.2023 — Local news China
The Consulate General of Switzerland in Shanghai promoted Swiss sustainability at “So Swiss!” in Suzhou on 15th June in cooperation with the Suzhou Foreign Affairs Office and the Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU). Experts provided food for thought, as they showcased and discussed Swiss sustainability in construction, healthcare & lifestyle. Jürg BURRI, Ambassador of Switzerland to China, Sacha BACHMANN, Consul General of Switzerland in Shanghai, Fei XIE, Deputy Secretary General of Suzhou Municipal People’s Government and Zhoulin RUAN, Vice President for Academic Affairs at XJTLU jointly welcomed participants at the opening ceremony.

SwissInTouch, Switzerland in your pocket

24.11.2022 — Article EDA
Approximately 780,000 Swiss citizens abroad currently benefit from the wide range of services provided by a global network of representations offering advice and support. The FDFA Helpline is also on hand to answer queries 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Now there's a new app that makes staying in touch even easier: SwissInTouch keeps Switzerland at your fingertips.

Ignazio Cassis meets China's Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi in Bern to discuss bilateral cooperation, human rights and multilateralism

22.10.2019 — EDA
Federal Councillor and head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs Ignazio Cassis met China's Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi on 22 October 2019, as the two countries gear up to celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations. The meeting provided an opportunity to explore issues of current interest to both countries. The meeting builds on the strategic dialogue established between Switzerland and China in 2017 and follows on from Mr Cassis visit to Beijing in April 2018.

1 August Speech by the President of the Swiss Confederation

17.07.2019 — Local news China
National Day 2019: Greetings for the swiss abroad. 

70th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

10.12.2018 — Local news China
Ancient cultures have left us with countless encouragements to act responsibly as we see in the following Confucian quotation: “愛與敬，其政之本與 love and respect are the basis of governance”. Universal and individual rights however are quite recent, with the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen issued in France in 1789 setting the stage for universal rights in modern history. The first truly comprehensive and global proclamation of human rights was established exactly 70 years ago with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).

CE continues to attend World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos

25.01.2018 — Local news China
The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, yesterday (January 25, Davos time) continued to attend the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland. Accompanied by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, and the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr James Lau, she also met with the leadership of various economies and international organisations.

Human Rights Day 2017

10.12.2017 — Position China
In exactly one year from today, on 10 December 2018, Switzerland together with the international community will commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which 70 years after its adoption, remains of unequivocal relevance. Human rights are a necessity for our societies, an invaluable ingredient to boost peace and stability and to foster sustainable development. Human rights are at the heart of the values represented by Switzerland and its political model, which is founded on the principles of democracy, non-discrimination, gender equality, peaceful coexistence, and mutual respect among people having different religious, linguistic, ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Switzerland calls upon its partners to join it in making this Human Rights Day 2017 a day of unequivocal relevance for the promotion and the protection of human rights.

Death of Liu Xiaobo – FDFA Statement

14.07.2017 — Position China

Switzerland is profoundly saddened by the death of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Liu Xiaobo and expresses its sincere condolences to his family.

President of the Swiss Confederation Johann N. Schneider-Ammann: 2016 National Day greetings to the Swiss Abroad

01.08.2016 — Position China

President Johann N. Schneider-Amman's speech to the Swiss abroad on the Swiss national day

The 2016 Francophonie Festival in China - Swiss event gallery

01.03.2016 — Local news China

On the occasion of the 21st edition of "the Francophonie Festival" in China, Switzerland will present  cultural events in March in several Chinese cities: musicians, singers, writers, sculptors, painters, engravers, academics, filmmakers, photographers and architects, the Swiss Francophone will be on the go throughout China. During the whole month of March, Switzerland offers a wide programme of activities allowing the Chinese audience to discover the richness and the diversity of its contemporary cultural scene.

Renminbi clearing services now available in Switzerland

02.12.2015 — Local news China

The People’s Bank of China (PBC) has decided to authorise the Zurich branch of the China Construction Bank (CCB Zurich branch) to be the renminbi clearing bank in Switzerland as of today. With this authorisation, the Memorandum of Understanding between the Swiss National Bank (SNB) and the PBC on the establishment of renminbi clearing arrangements in Switzerland, signed in January 2015, has now been successfully implemented.