In brief
The upgraded China‑Switzerland free‑trade agreement was signed in October 2026, expanding tariff reductions and creating new opportunities for businesses in both countries. Former Swiss ambassador Jean‑Jacques de Dardel highlighted the deal’s potential to grow cooperation in key sectors and affirmed Switzerland’s role as a trusted partner for China’s neutrality and economic development. Swiss Centers will play a key role in helping companies explore new markets through knowledge sharing and support.
On Thursday, the upgraded free‑trade agreement (FTA) between China and Switzerland was ratified in Geneva, with former Swiss ambassador to China Jean‑Jacques de Dardel expressing optimism that it will strengthen economic ties and open new avenues for businesses in both nations.
The protocol, signed in October this year, expands tariff reductions and creates a framework for further cooperation in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, machinery and technology, de Dardel said. He underscored that the agreement shows resilience against global trade uncertainty and reflects Switzerland’s perspective that, despite political system differences, China is an important member of the international community.
De Dardel, who is president of the Board of Swiss Centers Group and previously served as Switzerland’s ambassador to China, reminded readers of the long history of friendly relations. He noted that Switzerland was the first continent‑level European country to sign an FTA with China in 2013, and that the upgraded protocol follows a decade of gradual deepening of commercial ties.
"This brought both nations to open‑mindly explore ways to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation," de Dardel wrote in his interview with Xinhua. Before the blockquote, a brief speaker attribution is provided.
Jean‑Jacques de Dardel added that the upgraded FTA will encourage more Swiss businesses to investigate opportunities in the Chinese market, especially in areas where tariff reductions or exemptions are offered. He also expects a growing interest from Chinese companies in Switzerland and the broader European market.
Swiss Centers, a non‑profit organization that supports Swiss companies entering the Chinese and Asian markets, will continue to promote trade perspectives and share knowledge about the Chinese market’s vast potential. At the China International Import Expo opening in Shanghai on Thursday, Swiss Centers is set to host its largest‑ever pavilion, de Dardel said, signalling an intensified focus on bilateral trade initiatives.
The upgraded FTA is seen by de Dardel as an example of the pioneering attitude characterizing Swiss‑Chinese relations. He believes that the agreement will further strengthen mutually beneficial, production‑enhancing partnerships and that it provides a platform for collaboration amid an uncertain global economic climate.
According to de Dardel, the upgraded agreement will not only deepen existing market penetration but also facilitate joint innovation. He pointed to pharma, machinery and technology as primary key sectors that stand to benefit from enhanced market access.
He emphasized that the accord reflects a positive attitude from both governments toward each other, encouraging businesses on both sides to focus on new opportunities. This mutual openness, he says, differentiates the treaty from other FTAs and sets it apart as a tool to counteract trade uncertainty.
De Dardel also highlighted Switzerland’s longstanding diplomatic stance: Switzerland was one of the first Western countries to recognize the People's Republic of China and is perceived by China as a trustworthy partner for neutrality and economic development. He notes that China appreciates Switzerland’s unique neutral posture and recognizes its economic relevance.
In summary, the upgraded China‑Switzerland free trade agreement, finalized in October 2026, is expected to increase tariff reductions, create new opportunities for businesses, and strengthen the longstanding bilateral relationship. Swiss centers will actively support businesses in navigating these new opportunities, especially during events like the China International Import Expo in Shanghai.
