Trade accord drives surge in ties

Fta not only removes tariffs, but fosters cooperation in science and education

In little more than half a year since the free trade agreement between Switzerland and China came into force, it has greatly helped to accelerate business collaboration between the two countries.

The agreement granted zero tariffs on 99.7 percent of Chinese exports to Switzerland, and 84.2 percent of Swiss exports to China.

"The high public awareness created in Switzerland by the agreement has led to more visibility for business opportunities for Swiss companies in China," says Alain Graf, director of Swiss Business Hub in China, a government organization in charge of export and investment promotion in China.

More and more Swiss companies have been turning to China, and this trend is expected to continue as many smaller companies begin to make full use of the new regulations, Graf says.