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From the desk of the President


Dear Members and Friends

The year 2020 will end soon, and it will be remembered for years to come for the upheaval created by the Covid-19 pandemic as well as for the geopolitical turmoil. Both have shaken the global economy, well-established business models and supply chains. Future generations have to deal with the debt created in these last few months. Thereby, the Swiss economy is markedly better positioned than many of its peers in Europe and around the globe.

The world is striving to put 2020 behind as soon as possible. It has set its eyes on 2021 – full of optimism and hope for better days for global health and economic activities. However, things will not quickly go back to normal, the hand of cards has changed. Who would have thought that the Asian free trade agreement RCEP would be signed in 2020? Who would have expected that China and Malaysia are crucial economies to provide the world’s health workers with essential equipment such as masks, protection suits and nitrile gloves? And, who expected at the time of the outbreak of the pandemic that by the end of the year, practically all of the world’s airlines would be in severe financial distress?

Let me highlight two developments that make me optimistic:
  • The Chinese economy has further progressed in growth and in maturity. Notably, in the past few weeks bond defaults were permitted, a sign that market forces are allowed to play a bigger role. Further regulatory changes will encourage many institutional investors to shift assets to China.
  • The stock markets have reached new heights. If that is attributable to the upcoming change of the US government or to the soon availability of Covid-19 vaccines that have highly impressive efficacy levels can be disputed.
The chamber has been active throughout the year and has never before been involved in so many activities. We hosted most events virtually, with more people able to attend and contribute.

We have been asked to provide views on the Swiss-Chinese economic ties and ways to maintain and even strengthen these relationships – and expand them to an increasing set of stakeholders. The unique knowledge and insight of SCCC was and is made available to these stakeholders.

I wish you all a peaceful December. May your plans for the festive season be disrupted as little as possible. We will all celebrate in smaller groups and be more mindful of the value of family and friends. Please stay safe and healthy.


With best regards,


Felix Sutter

In this Newsletter

Announcements Yearbook News Past Events New Members

Announcements

 
Accenture ABB Interview
 
Accenture ABB Interview

We are excited to share with you this interesting interview conducted by our partner, Accenture DACH, with Mr. Anton Kotov, Chief Strategy Officer and Chief Innovation Officer at ABB.
It was on the occasion of the China International Import Expo (CIIE) that Mr. Kotov discussed how ABB sees China as a hub and a source of innovation.

Read the full publication and learn about a C-level experience in working on the Chinese market by clicking here.


 
 
Social Media Updates
 
Social Media Updates

Follow us on our social media channels to keep up to date (LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube).
We are publishing video interviews we conducted with members of the SCCC, news about economic developments in Switzerland and China, as well as insightful reports.  

We now also have a WeChat account for our dear WeChat users. Stay updated about events from the SCCC, the latest news from Switzerland and more with one click! To follow us on WeChat, simply scan the QR-code on the left.

 

Referral Discounts


To thank you for your support, we would like to offer you a little gift.
For each new member introduced to the SCCC (company or private person), you will be able to benefit from valuable discounts!

You may choose from one of the following offers as a member company:
  • 50% reduction on your membership fee for one year
  • Free post in our newsletter
  • Free mailing to our mailing recipients
  • Free advertising banner on our website

You may choose from one of the following offers as an individual member:
  • 50% reduction on your membership fee for one year
  • Attend a chargeable SCCC-event for free

In order to receive these offers, make sure the new member enters your name in the applicaiton form in the "Referred by"-field.
For any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us via e-mail or visit the following page.
















40th Anniversary Yearbook

 
40th Anniversary Yearbook
 
As you may know, we published our 40th Anniversary Yearbook with highly insightful content last month.
And guess what: we still have a few copies available for you!
If you are a member and have not received a copy yet, please reach out to us.

Members who would like to purchase additional copies, or non-members interested in the book can place their order by writing us an e-mail.

Details and Price:
A4 Hardcover, 160 pages, CHF 28.- (incl. VAT, excl. shipping)

 

News Switzerland - China

         
 
Dec 03, 2020 / News
Covid-19 vaccines poised for approval in the West. But what about China?

Britain approved the emergency use of a Covid-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech on Wednesday, becoming the first Western country to begin vaccinating its population.
But while people in Europe and the United States can expect the vaccines to become available soon, Chinese drug companies have yet to present their trial data even though the country was among those leading the way in the early phases of the research process.
 
Nov 30, 2020 / News
China’s New Five-Year Plan and Its International Consequences

China’s most recent five-year plan has laid out ambitious goals that provide great indications of China’s top priorities, but it is relatively difficult to predict whether their proposed policies will come to fruition in the next five years.
In addition to promoting dual circulation, the 14th five-year plan intends for China to become the leader in ten strategic industries by 2025, ranging from aerospace technology to advanced robotics to revolutionary medical equipment.
 
         
 
Nov 29, 2020 / News
China's manufacturing activity expands for ninth straight month

China said on Monday that manufacturing activity expanded for the ninth straight month in November as the world’s second-largest economy continues to recover from a slump caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
The official manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for this month came in at 52.1, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.
That's better than the 51.5 forecast by analysts in a Reuters poll.
 
Nov 24, 2020 / News
China removes all remaining counties from poverty list

China has removed the last remaining counties from a list of poor regions, in what officials described as achieving President Xi Jinping's longstanding political goal of eliminating extreme poverty by the end of this year.
Thus China will achieve the poverty reduction target of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development 10 years ahead of schedule.
 

Past Events

 
Sino-Swiss Business Reception @ CIIE 2020
 
Sino-Swiss Business Reception @ CIIE 2020
The Sino-Swiss Business Reception took place in order to celebrate the Swiss presence during the China International Import Expo (CIIE) as well as the 70 years jubilee of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and China.

Click here to read about Swiss companies showing a strong presence during the exposition.
For more impressions from the reception, visit our website.

 

New Members

         
 

Gübelin

The House of Gübelin, founded in 1854, is a Swiss, family-owned firm known for its exquisite high-end jewellery, gemstone expertise, and as purveyors of some of today’s most sought-after luxury watch brands.
 

Heberlein

Heberlein is the leading solutions provider of air-interlacing and air-texturing jets for synthetic filaments known for unrivalled expertise.
 


Not a member yet? Apply for membership HERE.


Proverb of the month

一步一个脚印


Yībù yīgè jiǎoyìn

Every step makes a footprint - Work steadily and make solid progress.

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

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