The Consulate General of Switzerland in Guangzhou held a reception to celebrate the Swiss National Day on August 1st.

(Photo provided by Consulate General of Switzerland in Guangzhou)

"2024 marks a new impetus in our bilateral relations," said Philippe Praz, Consul General of Switzerland in Guangzhou. "China is today our third-largest trading partner globally and the first in Asia."

Switzerland is one of the first countries to sign a free trade agreement with China, which entered into force ten years ago. In 2023, China-Swiss trade volume reached $59.5 billion, about 2.6 times that of 2014.

(Photo provided by Consulate General of Switzerland in Guangzhou)

Praz added, "The free trade agreement has strengthened bilateral trade and allowed us to save several hundred million dollars in customs duties for exporting companies from both countries."

Zhang Shaokang, Vice Governor of Guangdong Province, addressed the reception and said that Switzerland is a highly valued partner of Guangdong Province.

(Photo provided by Consulate General of Switzerland in Guangzhou)

In 2023, the trade volume between Guangdong Province and Switzerland reached 47 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of nearly 10 percent.

(Photo provided by Consulate General of Switzerland in Guangzhou)

This year also marks the 10th anniversary of sisterhood between Guangdong Province and the Canton of Zurich. Over the past 10 years, both sides have exchanged frequent high-level visits and have embraced fruitful cooperation in various fields such as finance, trade, culture, and education.

"On the new journey, we look forward to working hand in hand with Swiss from all walks of life to seek common development, share opportunities, and create a better future together!" said Zhang.