A lot could be read in the news about the rising economic power of the People’s Republic of China. Our newsletter continues to underline the increasing need for a fruitful dialogue with one of the world’s biggest investors in the Western world. We highlighted that China is not at all a newcomer to the European economy, but that we were facing a trade imbalance already in the 18th and 19th centuries - whereas our Chinese friends exported silk, porcelain and furniture we exported our holdings of gold.

Today China is interested in increasing their imports more than ever, especially from Europe, and successfully held its first global Import Fair in Shanghai this month. All regions of the country gathered in order to meet with exporters and investors of the Western hemisphere.

In this context, the Zurich office of the SCCC had the honor to welcome a high ranking delegation from Xiamen on November 10, headed by Mr. Pei Jinjia, Member of the CPC Fujian Provincial Standing Committee and Party Secretary of the CPC Xiamen Municipal Committee. Mr. Pei Jinjia underlined the importance of an open dialogue in his speech. He showed great interest in the longstanding and successful export industry of Switzerland and mentioned that Nestle and ABB have been important employers of the Xiamen region for quite some years. Mr. Pei was attended by Mr. Li Xiaoping, Director General of the Xiamen Municipal Foreign and Overseas Chinese Affairs Office. Both gentlemen gave clear signals that Switzerland belongs to the  long-lasting and reliable partner countries in Europe - not because of its geographical size but because of its commercial power, its efficiency and its spirit of innovation. The SCCC could develop further ties to an important region in the South of China during these meetings.

A very active SCCC year with over forty events is coming to an end - together with the SCCC crews in Geneva, Zurich and Lugano we wish you happy and rewarding year-end festivities.

Best regards,

Thomas Christ

The Swiss-Chinese Life Sciences Forum 2018 has delivered insights about the key players in the Chinese Pharma landscape and has identified opportunities for a more intense collaboration between Swiss and Chinese Pharma. The key take-away is: The Chinese Pharma industry is rapidly upgrading its capabilities, moving from a supplier of basic molecules and generics to becoming a major force in the development of innovative,molecular-targeted treatments and gene-based therapies. Mr. Matthias Leuenberger, Country President Switzerland, Novartis, as the forum’s host, welcomed the participants at Novartis Campus in Basel. The Swiss-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, BaselArea.Swiss, represented by Mr. Gabriel Schweizer, Senior Project Manager Asia, and the FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland have jointly organized this forum.

The Key Theme Briefing is available in the member area.

Be not afraid of growing slowly, be afraid only of standing still.