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From the desks of the Presidents


Dear Members and Friends

The warm October weather in Switzerland was a surprise after the rather wet September, but cooler temperatures have arrived with the start of November. In terms of energy concerns, we appreciated the warm temperatures; in terms of climate change, it was worrisome to see another set of high temperature records. So, 2022 seems to be ending as it began: a mixed bag with some positive signs alongside the negative developments.

At the same time, China concluded the 20th CCP Party Congress on October 23 and nominated the party leadership on October 24, 2022. There was both continuity and surprises in the nominations. A mixed bag as well. As a Chamber of Commerce, we are concerned that only one Politburo member has a background in economics. The market has also noticed this, and Chinese stock prices have fallen significantly.

Looking at the macroeconomic data, the Chinese currency depreciated against all currencies that are important for Swiss companies, the dollar, the euro, and the Swiss franc. At the same time, China has managed to keep inflation at a much lower level than in the US or the EU. This is due to weak consumer activity and the challenges faced by real estate developers and real estate-related industries. This combination of low RMB valuation and low inflation results in highly competitive prices for Chinese goods, driving exports to the US and Europe to new heights. In the short term, the Chinese economy is expected to recover, but growth will be limited by the constraints of the zero-Covid policy.

The message is that the zero-Covid policy remains in place and no changes are expected in the short term. Spring 2023 is the new hope for quarantine-free travel, but given the upcoming winter season and possible new mutations, a full opening may not occur until late 2023.

The Chinese government signals that the quarantine period may soon be reduced to fewer days. On a positive note, business and student visas can be applied for and are issued within a few days; multiple-entry visas are also available. The major remaining challenge is transportation. The number of flights is still much lower than before the pandemic, and prices are high. The Chamber has been told that direct flights between China and Switzerland will soon resume, most likely between Geneva and Beijing.

Since a few weeks it is now also possible for Chinese citizens to travel outside China for business reasons. Thus, it is now possible to travel between China and Switzerland in both directions for business reasons, provided the travelers are willing to accept a 7+3 day quarantine upon entry into mainland China. This opens up opportunities for Swiss companies to invite Chinese executives to Switzerland and hold face-to-face meetings at their headquarters. This is a welcome development that allows communication problems to be overcome and misunderstandings to be eliminated.

As said, a mixed bag of news and developments, so we have the same advice for November as for October: pause, observe, conclude, and act.

The next newsletter will be published in December. Until then, we wish you good business and good health.  

Kind regards







Felix Sutter
President Zurich
Headquarter
Alexandre Gaillard
President Romandie
Chapter
Alex Chung
Chairman Ticino
Chapter

In this Newsletter

Upcoming Events Announcements News New Members Past Events

Interview by CCTV with Felix Sutter, president SCCC at the conference "China Strategies Revised – Beyond 2022"

On October 24, 2022 the conference "China Strategies Revised-Beyond 2022" – the first event after concluding China's 20th Party Congress, jointly organized by the Swiss-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, the Swiss Centers China and the economiesuisse and hosted by Swiss Re, was successfully held in Zurich. Over 150 participants gathered at Swiss Re Mythenquai to listen to government representatives and industry experts - their reading of the 20th Party Congress and what it means for a company's China strategy.

Events

 register

Roundtable: Hong Kong as an International Financial Centre - Trends and Opportunities

SCCC Zurich Office, Kappelergasse 15, 8001 Zürich
November 08, 2022 | 11:00-12:00 | Add to calendar
Join us to the closed-door roundtable.
 register

Hong Kong Forum 2022 “Gear up for Worldwide Business Opportunities”

Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), Wan Chai, Hong Kong
November 29, 2022 | 09:00-18:00 | Add to calendar
Welcome to the annual flagship event of the Federation of Hong Kong Business Associations Worldwide.

SAVE-THE-DATE SCCC Christmas Apéro

December 07, 2022 | 16:30-19:30 | Add to calendar
More details will come.
 register

SAVE-THE-DATE Workshop: New China Strategies for Swiss Businesses – Beyond 2022

Neuchatel
January 20, 2023 | 08:00-13:30 | Add to calendar
Come to the workshop to reassess your strategy in your business in China.
 register

SAVE-THE-DATE Swiss-Chinese Life Sciences Forum 2023

TBC
April 25, 2023 | 09:30-12:00 | Add to calendar
More details will follow.
 register

SAVE-THE-DATE 43nd Annual General Meeting SCCC & 18th AGM of SHKBA

UBS Conference Center Grünenhof, Nüschelerstrasse 9, 8001 Zürich
June 14, 2023 | 17:30-20:00 | Add to calendar
Save the date for the AGM 2023!

Announcements

Get useful answers about doing business in China!

Visit the China Business Guide
The China Business Guide is a website with very useful information about doing business in China. You will find key questions and answers for business relevant topics. Answers are available in German and English.

Should you need any tailored answers to your specific questions, our experts from the various business industries are here to assist you in your projects.

News Switzerland - China

         
 
Nov 05, 2022 / News
Xi, Scholz to expand 'pie' of shared interests

China and Germany have reaffirmed their commitment to stabilizing and consolidating bilateral ties as well as promoting China-Europe cooperation, and vowed to expand the "pie" of their shared interests and work together to uphold regional and global peace and security.

During their meeting in Beijing on Friday, President Xi Jinping and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who was in China on an official visit, pledged to further develop Sino-German cooperation in trade, economy and investment, strengthen the countries' coordination and partnership in international affairs and global challenges, and jointly uphold economic globalization while opposing bloc confrontation.
 
Nov 04, 2022 / News
Xi Jinping fordert Olaf Scholz zu einer engeren Zusammenarbeit auf

Der deutsche Kanzler Olaf Scholz hat als erster westlicher Spitzenpolitikerden chinesischen Staats- und Parteichef Xi Jinping besucht, seitdem sich dieser faktisch auf Lebenszeit hatte inthronisieren lassen. Bei dem Treffen sprach sich Xi für eine engere Zusammenarbeit der beiden Länder aus: «Als einflussreiche und bedeutende Mächte sollten China und Deutschland in dieser chaotischen und sich ändernden Situation zusammenarbeiten und zum Frieden in der Welt und zur Entwicklung beitragen», sagte Xi. Trotz allen Unterschieden zwischen den beiden Ländern sei eine gute Zusammenarbeitmöglich, solange sich beide Seiten zu gegenseitigem Respekt bekennten.
( ganzer Text hier klicken )
 
         
 
Oct 31, 2022 / News
China’s zero-Covid policy leaves experts at a loss with no definite end in sight

Observers see no signs of fundamental change in strict anti-pandemic policy, though some tweaks may be in the offing.

With his third term secured, Xi Jinping must now address zero-Covid’s impact on the economy, jobs and social stability, some analysts believe
 
Oct 25, 2022 / News
Full text of the report to the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China

Xi Jinping delivers a report to the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) on behalf of the 19th CPC Central Committee at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Oct 16, 2022.
 

New Members



We welcome our new Individual Members:
  • Jochen Prinz
  • Raffaele Yimeng Zhang


Not a member yet? Apply for membership HERE.

Past Events

China Strategies Revised – Beyond 2022

Swiss Re, Mythenquai 50/60, 8002 Zürich
October 24, 2022 | 13:00-19:30
  To gallery

Proverb of the month

种瓜得瓜, 种豆得豆。


Zhòngguā dé guā, zhòngdòu dé dòu.

Sow melons reap melons; sow beans reap beans. / You reap what you sow.



Partners

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.
 
 
Gunvor Vischer AG
 
 
 
PwC Switzerland Global Enterprise Air China
 

Swiss-Chinese Chamber of Commerce

Zurich Head Office
Kappelergasse 15
8001 Zurich

Phone: +41 44 421 38 88

info@sccc.ch
Romandie Chapter
4, bd du Théâtre
1204 Geneva

Phone: +41 22 310 37 10
info.romandie@sccc.ch
Ticino Chapter
c/o Alex Chung
Piazza Riforma 1
6900 Lugano
Phone: +41 58 866 70 95

ticino@sccc.ch
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