Can't read this newsletter? click here

From the desk of the President


Dear Members and Friends

I hope that you all are in good health and in good spirits!
We are now in week 4 of crisis management in Switzerland. While the number of infections has increased and the society is practicing social distancing, the Swiss population has shown solidarity, and we see numerous activities to help others who are less fortunate. It doesn’t matter whether these initiatives are big or small. All of them count and are important in order to get through these difficult times with the least possible damage, be it human lives or the economy.
We all know that we are in for the long haul, and we cannot abate in our efforts to protect our society. This is especially true for the upcoming Easter festivities.
The chamber is supporting its members during this time. Below are two examples, one big and one small:
  • The French speaking chapter of the Swiss Chinese Chamber of Commerce (SCCC), together with the Geneva Chamber of Commerce (CCIG), has set up a task force to organize a commercial cargo flight from China (Shanghai) to Switzerland, providing urgently needed hospital supplies to 9 hospitals and 4 pharmaceutical associations in the Romandie and the Canton of Ticino. The first of three airplane loads contains of more than 90 tons of hospital supplies and safety equipment. This airplane is expected to land in Geneva on April 6.
  • A China based member of SCCC has donated over 10'000 protection masks, which the chamber has distributed to medical practitioners that are fighting Covid-19 on the front line.
The SCCC website contains useful Covid-19 information, such as contact details, latest information and expertise (also in Chinese).
Members of the Board have been active in media interviews, making themselves available to the press to answer questions. Since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, SCCC has issued three press statements and will continue to communicate pro-actively.
In a few days we will know whether the current measures taken by the Swiss Government will be prolonged beyond April 19. With that in mind, we are looking at the SCCC AGM scheduled for May 14, 2020. In case of extended restrictions, we will hold the AGM in the form of a webinar.
The SCCC also examines which type of topics can be relayed to its members via webinars. As the numbers of webinars are mushrooming in general, we aim to be selective and to address important issues only. Look out for our announcements and register for the webinars most relevant to you.
While the Chinese economy is back at work, we face restrictions in moving goods and experience increased transportation costs. Further, not all goods on offer are delivered in the required quality. It is recommended to place orders in more specific details than usual, and to have a third party review the products received compared to the order criteria.
I wish that you can maintain your business activities to the best possible extent – and that you spend a peaceful Easter holiday at your home with your loved ones.


Best regards and stay healthy,

Felix Sutter

In this Newsletter

Events News New Member Proverb

Webinars & Events

 register

[SwissCham Webinar] Financial and Tax-related Relief for Businesses, with PwC and MS Advisory

April 08, 2020 | 10:00-11:00 | Add to calendar
Think through the complexities response to tax and supportive government measures with PwC and MS Advisory (Moore).
 register

[CEIBS Webinar] A New Leadership Focus: Positivity and Wellbeing as Drivers of Change

April 08, 2020 | 13:00-14:00 | Add to calendar
How can leaders adjust our leadership focus to ensure teams feel supported and continue to stay productive and motivated?
 register

[SwissCham Webinar] Best Measures for Moving Brands Online in China

April 16, 2020 | 07:30-08:30 | Add to calendar
Discuss solutions for brands that are looking to enter the Chinese market via e-commerce.
 register

40th Annual General Meeting 2020 SCCC & SHKBA

Credit Suisse Forum St. Peter, St. Peterstrasse 19, 8001 Zurich
May 14, 2020 | 16:30-20:30 | Add to calendar
The AGM will be held virtually or physically depending on the situation and the guidelines of BAG.

Save the Date: SCCC Legal Forum 2020

Meyerlustenberger Lachenal (MLL), Schiffbaustrasse 2, 8031 Zürich
June 09, 2020 | 14:00-18:30 | Add to calendar

Swiss China Summit & 40 Years Anniversary Dinner

Atrium, PwC Zurich, Birchstrasse 160, 8050 Zürich
September 04, 2020 | 13:00-22:00 | Add to calendar
On the occasion of 40 years SCCC, we will hold the Swiss China Summit followed by an Anniversary Dinner.

Save the Date: New Silk Road Forum V

Credit Suisse Forum St. Peter, St. Peterstrasse 19, 8001 Zurich
October 01, 2020 | 13:30-18:30 | Add to calendar

News Switzerland - China

         
 
Mar 30, 2020 / News
Private Swiss initiative to import medical goods from China
A private, “citizen” initiative organised by business groups in Geneva is to transport almost 100 tonnes of medical equipment into the country next week. More flights are set to follow.
 
Mar 30, 2020 / News
China says manufacturing activity expanded in March, defying expectations of a contraction
China on Tuesday said the official Purchasing Manager’s Index for March was 52.0, beating expectations for an economy hit by the coronavirus outbreak.
 
         
 
Apr 02, 2020 / News
In Diplomatic Whipsaw, U.S. and China Seek to Cooperate on Pandemic and Economy
As the pandemic spreads, relations between the United States and China have whipsawed wildly. Washington and Beijing were at each other's throats for weeks over the outbreak, which began in Wuhan, China, and was initially covered up by Communist Party officials.
 
Mar 27, 2020 / News
China suspends entry by foreign nationals holding Chinese visas, residence permits
In view of the rapid spread of COVID-19 across the world, China has decided to temporarily suspend the entry into China by foreign nationals holding visas or residence permits still valid to the time of this announcement,...To read the Chinese article, please click here.
 
     
 
Mar 24, 2020 / News
Impact of COVID-19 on patent deadlines
With courthouse closures and law firms quick to implement remote working policies, the COVID-19 pandemic is having an impact beyond the realm of public health. As the virus continues to spread, intellectual property offices are adopting measures to accommodate missed deadlines relating to COVID-19.
 

New Member

 
Songwon
 
SONGWON, the 2nd largest manufacturer of polymer stabilizers worldwide, is a specialty chemicals leading supplier with Group companies across the globe.
 

Proverb of the month

月满则亏,水满则溢

yuè mǎn zé kuī , shuǐ mǎn zé yì

Things turn into their opposites when they reach their extremes.

Sponsors

The Industrial and Commercial Bank of China is the largest bank in the world. Its Swiss branch was entered in the Commercial Register on 11 December 2017 and officially opened in Zurich on 21 June 2018. ICBC Zurich offers valuable networks and comprehensive services and advice to Swiss investors intending to invest in China.
 
 
 
 
Bühler UBS ABB
Switzerland Global Enterprise Eurasia Competence Mattenbach Gruppe
 
 
 
 

Swiss-Chinese Chamber of Commerce

Kappelergasse 15, 8001, Zurich, Switzerland
Phone: +41 44 421 38 88, Fax: +41 44 421 38 89

Facebook   LinkedIn   Instagram   Unsubscribe from the newsletter