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From the desk of the President


Dear Members and Friends

In the last 12 months, terms such as Coronavirus, Covid-19 and pandemic have been used daily. They define how we look at the world today, at individual nations, and at the local and global economy. While the vaccinations have now started in Switzerland as well as globally, it is not clear how and when sanctions will be lifted. Discussions about the issuance of digital vaccine certificates have started; however, it will take some time to reach a global agreement regarding mutual recognition or verification. This might especially be the case for China-related travel.

It becomes increasingly clear that many of the pandemic sanctions in Europe and Asia will only be lifted in the third or fourth quarter of 2021. Australia, for example, announced that it will fully open its borders not before 2022. Other countries may follow with similar announcements. As we learned in the past few days, in the near future, we may face tighter measures to contain the virus for the remaining wintertime.

Business travels will remain a challenge for the next 12 months at least, including multiple tests and quarantine rules. As a result, travels need to be carefully planned and executed – and they may require longer periods of absence from the home base. This, in return, requires a more robust digitalization of the workplace and its tools. It also requires more efforts in obtaining information about the developing legal and compliance framework in China (see below).

It also becomes clear that ‘normal’ business relations with China will not return as quickly as expected and will remain difficult for the rest of this year. So-called ‘hybrid’ models will remain much longer in need and in use. This will require thorough reviews of existing business models in regard to future viability. At the same time, new business models become possible due to the wider use and acceptance of digital technologies.

At the chamber office as well as at board meetings we observe and discuss these challenges, and we seek solutions that will help you, our members, in this difficult situation. These discussions include the exchange with other chambers and industry associations to share experiences and possible solutions.

As a result of observing the situation in China, we would like to recommend to you the webinar of a member company about the newly published and already enacted Foreign Investment Security Review Measures (Decree No. 37, “SRM”). The National Development and Reform Commission (“NDRC”) and the Ministry of Commerce (“MOFCOM”) jointly released the SRM on December 19, 2020, with the aim to effectively prevent and defuse national security risks while actively promoting foreign investment. The SRM came into force on January 18, 2021, and will have major and substantial impacts on foreign investment projects in certain areas of investment. (https://www.pwccn.com/en/events/webinar-china-foreign-investments-security-review-measures-jan2021-form.html)

I wish you all a healthy and prosperous February, which includes the Chinese New Year (CNY) festivities. In 2021, we will celebrate the CNY differently – no CNY concerts, and many will be away from family and friends. Let us use the digital tools at hand to stay connected and postpone the physical meetings for the time after the pandemic.

May you all have a good start into the year of the Golden Ox!



With best regards,


Felix Sutter

In this Newsletter

Upcoming Events Announcements News Past Events New Members

Webinars & Events

 register

Corporate Social Credit System Webinar

Online (Zoom)
February 03, 2021 | 10:30-11:45 | Add to calendar
Join us for an update on the CSCS. Experts from Kellerhals Carrard and Sinolytics will share their insights.
 register

Bi-Weekly Virtual Get-Together

Online (Zoom)
February 09, 2021 | 17:00-18:00 | Add to calendar
Participate in our new bi-weekly get-together and enjoy casual conversations with fellow SCCC and SHKBA members.
 register

Virtual Young Professionals Networking Event

Online (Zoom)
February 17, 2021 | 17:00-18:00 | Add to calendar
Join us in the first of our quarterly YP Networking Events. For young professionals, students and interested companies.
 register

[SAVE THE DATE] Swiss China Summit and AGM 2021

June 22, 2021 | 12:00-22:00 | Add to calendar
Save the date for the big Swiss China Summit followed by a Swiss-Chinese dinner!
 register

[SAVE THE DATE] New Silk Road Forum VI

Credit Suisse Forum St. Peter, St. Peterstrasse 19, 8001 Zürich
September 28, 2021 | 14:00-17:00 | Add to calendar
Save the date for this year's New Silk Road Forum with an update on the status quo of the Belt and Road Initiative!

Announcements

New Partnership: Montreux Jazz Festival China

More information about MJFC
We are happy to announce a new partnership between the SCCC and Montreux Jazz Festival China (MJFC).

The Montreux Jazz Festival is coming to China in October 2021, bringing music and lifestyle values from Switzerland to the city of Hangzhou.

Get ready for the China edition of this international music festival, with world-renowned artists, new talents, and a special focus on "when East meets West"!

SCCC WeChat Account


Follow us on WeChat to keep up to date! Here, we regularly post insights about our events and activities as well as interesting news from Switzerland. Simply scan the QR-code on the left to follow our SCCC WeChat account - in both Chinese and English language

SME Trade and Investment Platform

We recently opened our new Trade and Investment Platform for Swiss SMEs interested in working on the Chinese market.

This information exchange platform encourages active participation of SCCC members.

The platform is set up in a Q&A-format that is composed of questions of our members and answers provided by a pool of experts from our board of directors and advisory board.

Visit our website to make use of the SME Platform, to ask questions and receive answers.

News Switzerland - China

         
 
Jan 26, 2021 / News
China, New Zealand upgrade free trade deal

China and New Zealand signed a deal to upgrade their existing free trade pact, which will give commodities exports from the Pacific nation increased access to the world’s second-largest economy.
 
Jan 21, 2021 / News
New Year Travel Slump to Slow Consumer Spending

China expects a sharp downturn in travel over the Lunar New Year period compared with pre-pandemic levels following new restrictions to control coronavirus outbreaks, threatening a nascent-recovery in consumer spending.
 
         
 
Jan 21, 2021 / News
China doubles renewable capacity in 2020

China more than doubled its construction of new wind and solar power plants in 2020 from a year earlier, government data showed, reflecting Beijing’s pledge to cut fossil fuel dependence and bring carbon emissions to a peak within a decade.
 
Jan 20, 2021 / News
China FDI rose to record level in 2020 despite COVID-19

Foreign direct investment (FDI) into China rose to a record high in 2020: US$144.37 billion. This is the highest level since records began in 1983 and represents an increase of 4.5 per cent from 2019.
 

Past Events

 
[Photo Gallery] Bi-Weekly Virtual Get-Together
 
[Photo Gallery] Bi-Weekly Virtual Get-Together

The SCCC and SHKBA started their new Bi-Weekly Virtual Get-Together series on January 26, 2021. Visit our website for more impressions of the event. If you were unable to participate, you can join us for the next Get-Together on February 9, 2021.
 

New Members


New Company Member of the SCCC:


 
SMC China Sagl
 
SMC China Sagl

SMC China provides all kind of Family Office services to wealthy individuals and families. Our purpose is to be a highly personalized tax, legal and financial “boutique” advisors and to provide all Family Office services needed by wealthy families.
 

New Individual Member of the SCCC:
  • Jürg Berger


Not a member yet? Apply for membership HERE.


Proverb of the month

吃得苦中苦,方为人上人。


Chī dé kǔzhōngkǔ, fāng wéi rénshàngrén.

Enduring deepening pain is how man ascends. – No pain, no gain.


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.

Swiss-Chinese Chamber of Commerce

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

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