Evening reception at the Ambassador’s residence
Beijing, 07.04.2016 - Address by President Johann N. Schneider-Ammann Beijing
Ladies and gentlemen
This is far from being my first visit to China. I have been here on numerous occasions – first when I was in industry, and since as economic affairs and education minister. This particular visit however is rather special: Naturally, I’ve never been invited to pay a state visit to China before. It is a great honour and has particular symbolism: the invitation reflects the friendship that exists between Switzerland and China, the intensity and diversity of cooperation and the desire to further strengthen and develop relations in future. I am convinced that together we can lift relations to a higher level and chart new paths for cooperation.
Take the exhibition here in the Residence: it includes well-known paintings from Switzerland, but also showcases the savoir-faire of Swiss graphic design. Tradition and innovation: these are complementary strengths shared by both Switzerland and China; strengths we can harness with pioneering spirit in shaping our relations. When people speak of a ‘global village’ ladies and gentlemen, it is no longer a cliché, it is increasingly a reality.
Switzerland and China have already achieved a great deal on their shared path. The current visit with our delegation marks a further step along this path. In order for ties between countries to grow closer, the following elements need to be in place:
· Political understanding
· Economic, scientific and cultural exchanges
· and - last but certainly not least – mutual human interest
Let me begin with political understanding. For that to exist there needs to be dialogue. That in turn needs to be based on mutual respect, where both partners are on an equal footing. On that basis, partners can address issues even though they may take diverging views or have differences of opinion.
Switzerland and China have achieved a great deal through dialogue and negotiation. In 2013, Switzerland was the first continental European country to conclude a free trade agreement with China. This was a great success for Swiss commercial diplomacy and an example of the pioneering spirit of our two countries. It is important that the rule of law and legal certainty exist and function properly.
There are still a few teething problems surrounding the application of the agreement, but I am certain – and the figures confirm it – that the free trade agreement is a real opportunity, and one that our businesses must seize if they want to be a step ahead of the competition.
That brings me to my second point: economic, scientific and cultural exchange. Allow me to provide you with a few figures to underscore the importance of our trade relations:
· Since 2010 China has been Switzerland’s largest trade partner in Asia, and our third largest trade partner overall.
· The volume of Swiss exports to China is already growing more strongly in percentage terms than exports from Germany.
· Up to 1000 Swiss firms are active in the Chinese market. And some 80 Chinese firms are active in Switzerland – tendency clearly rising.
This visit is also intended to further strengthen economic ties between our two countries, to boost prosperity and create jobs. I hope the conversations between members of our economic and science delegations and their Chinese partners will be successful.
The third point I mentioned was mutual interest. This can be seen in a whole range of areas. More and more people in Switzerland are learning Mandarin, whether at home or here in China. And the number of tourists from China visiting Switzerland has risen sharply in recent years.
It is important for us that Chinese citizens should be able to obtain Schengen visas without having to overcome too many obstacles, especially when increasing numbers of Chinese want to get to know Switzerland better – beyond the nice scenery and pretty old towns.
People-to-people exchanges serve as fertile ground for nurturing our relations. They lead to new initiatives and partnerships. The range of contacts grows and deepens, generating fresh dynamism. At a time in which we face so many crises, these are grounds for optimism.
Thank you
and I hope you enjoy the evening
and the lively discussions!
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