In brief
In a written interview with Xinhua, former Swiss ambassador Jean‑Jacques de Dardel said the upgraded China‑Switzerland free‑trade agreement would deepen economic cooperation and encourage businesses to explore each other’s markets. He highlighted Switzerland’s historic role in recognising China and the potential benefits for sectors under tariff reductions. De Dardel also noted Swiss Centers’ role in helping companies capitalize on the new agreement and the backdrop of China’s International Import Expo.
In Geneva on November 4th, former Swiss ambassador Jean‑Jacques de Dardel confirmed that the upgraded free‑trade agreement (FTA) signed between China and Switzerland last October would deepen economic ties and invite more businesses from both sides to explore new market opportunities. He emphasized that the new pact would particularly benefit sectors such as pharmaceuticals, machinery and technology, all of which see tariff reductions or exemptions under the agreement.
De Dardel, president of the Board of Swiss Centers Group, noted that Switzerland remains one of the first Western nations to recognise the People’s Republic of China and that, in 2013, it became the first continental European country to sign an FTA with Beijing. He highlighted that, with the recent upgrade, the agreement “sets an example and validates the pioneering attitude which characterises our bilateral relations.”
"These accomplishments set an example and validate the pioneering attitude which characterises our bilateral relations," de Dardel wrote, illustrating his view that the upgraded FTA will encourage businesses on both sides to focus on new opportunities driven by the positive stance of governments toward each other. He added that Swiss Centre initiatives would help companies navigate the Chinese market’s potential.
De Dardel identified a renewed Swiss interest in China’s market, especially in areas where the upgraded agreement offers tariff reductions or exemptions. He also expected growing interest from Chinese enterprises in Switzerland and the broader European market as a result of the improved trade framework."
The former ambassador cited Swiss Centers as a non‑profit organisation that supports Swiss companies seeking entry into Chinese and Asian markets. He said that the group would play a key role in disseminating trade perspectives and sharing knowledge about the Chinese market’s vast potential, particularly during the China International Import Expo to open in Shanghai on Thursday. The expo, he noted, would feature Swiss Centers’ largest-ever pavilion, reflecting the heightened engagement between the two sides.
While de Dardel stressed Switzerland’s reputation as a trustworthy partner for China, he also acknowledged that both nations face a world of trade uncertainty. "The deal shows resilience against global trade uncertainty," he said, underscoring his belief that the upgraded FTA will provide a stable platform for continued economic cooperation.
The interview, conducted by Xinhua, came as the upgraded agreement replaces the original 2013 pact, extending the previous framework into new sectors and further reducing barriers to trade. Xinhua’s publication highlighted both the historical context and the expected future benefits, framing the agreement as a milestone in bilateral economic relations.
Amid the analysis, the article leaves open questions regarding the pace at which Swiss and Chinese businesses will capitalize on the new tariff reductions and how the improved trade environment will translate into measurable investment flows. De Dardel’s comments suggest optimism, but the concrete impact on trade volumes remains to be fully observed as companies begin to navigate the upgraded terms.
In summary, the upgraded China‑Switzerland free‑trade agreement, approved in October 2026, is positioned to deepen economic cooperation, particularly in high‑value sectors. Former Swiss ambassador Jean‑Jacques de Dardel expects increased mutual interest and entrepreneurial activity, while Swiss Centers will help companies seize the new opportunities amid a backdrop of global trade uncertainty and the ongoing China International Import Expo.