Sino-Switzerland trade ties to be enhanced
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2005-07-17 08:51

China is willing to strengthen consultation and cooperation with Switzerland in all fields, Chinese Vice-Premier Zeng Peiyan said in Beijing Friday.

Switzerland is one of China's most important trade partners in Europe, while China has become Switzerland's second largest Asian trade partner next to Japan, Zeng said in his meeting with Joseph Deiss, a member of the Federal Council of Switzerland, in Beijing Friday.

Zeng said China and Switzerland witnessed a sound development in bilateral relations and political trust in recent years, noting that China appreciates the Swiss government's adherence to the one-China policy.

China attaches great importance to the unique role played by Switzerland in international affairs and is willing to join hands with the Switzerland to make more contributions to world peace and development, he said.

China and Switzerland are mutually complementary in economy and have great prospects for cooperation. This year is the 55th anniversary for the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Switzerland.China is willing to take the opportunity to expand cooperation in fields of finance, high-technology, tourism and environmental protection, Zeng said.

Deiss, who is also economics minister,expressed his appreciation for the achievements China has made in its reform and opening-up process.

Switzerland will take active measures to expand bilateral trade and investment with China, he said.