Dear Members and Friends

A German saying goes that spring brings a new beginning – and this year, this certainly seems to be true. Despite the slow arrival of spring weather, the Covid vaccines finally made an impact in Switzerland, and they were received with an overwhelming acceptance by the population. After more than 14 months of on-and-off lockdowns, we can now enjoy precious elements of freedom.

Looking at the overall global situation, the world is not out of the wood yet. China and all of Asia have suddenly more pandemic cases which became harder to control due to slow vaccinations and fast mutations. The outlook for both Olympic events in Tokyo and Beijing is also uncertain, especially when the situation and the counter measures put in place are changing by the day. Although a significant number of Americans and Europeans are fully vaccinated, athletes and spectators alike are hesitating to go to Tokyo, due to high costs, visa restrictions, travel difficulties, and quarantine requirements. Many investments projects banking on the Olympic surge of tourists will harbor modest or negative returns.

Looking at other economic impacts, it became clear that the airline industry is facing even greater difficulties than forecast in the summer of 2020. Although short-term travel within Europe and North America is bound to increase, other regions of the world will remain largely inaccessible for personal or business travel. Until the whole world achieves herd immunity, unpredictable virus mutations continue to pose a high risk to all cross-border business.

China is ramping up vaccination efforts at an impressive speed, however, business travel into China has not yet become easier. More tests are required, and quarantine is extended instead of shortened. As this situation is expected to last for another 6 to 9 months, I would encourage the government agencies of Switzerland and China to work together to find a more practical and pragmatic solution – after all, there are 1000 Swiss companies active in China. Notarization of passports or government- and business-related documents can pose major challenges if you can’t travel to China to get it done. Practical solutions are needed to comply with regulatory requirements.

Our annual general meeting (AGM) and the Swiss China Summit are on the horizon; we are working hard to prepare breakout sessions that address current challenges and opportunities in doing business in China. Experts who are based in or with access to China will provide insights and share their observations and knowledge. Please make sure to register for the event, which will be held in hybrid format. The speakers and panelists will be present at the venue, while attendees will participate via online streaming and broadcast. It will be free of charge, and for once there is no limit on the number of participants.

Please stay safe and healthy while enjoying the warm weather and indoor and outdoor dining options that are now available again.

With best regards,

Felix Sutter

Not a member yet? Apply for membership HERE.

Xiān dào xiān dé.

The first to arrive is the first to succeed. – The early bird catches the worm.