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From the desk of the President


Dear Members and Friends

The term vaccine is one of the most cited words these days and weeks. In Switzerland, supplies seem to arrive at the vaccination centers; in other countries there are discussions about which vaccines are safe, how many doses can be exported (if any at all), how many people can – and more importantly – how many want to be vaccinated. In China, the elderly generation is now in the focus of the Chinese government’s vaccine campaign. A more international use of the vaccines developed by Chinese manufacturers is so far hampered by the lack of clinical trial data. Overall, a concerted and global effort to approach and fight the global pandemic cannot be observed. Political considerations and national interests dominate, interest-driven country groups emerge in all parts of the globe. This will prolong the pandemic and further increase human and economic costs.

Turning to the economy more specifically, there will still be hurdles business travelers will have to face when global business travel is expected to take off in the third quarter of the year. There is already a maze of regulations – and changes will be announced on short notice only. SCCC suggests to closely monitor the situation and regularly check the relevant official websites for travel rule changes. For regulations regarding travel activity to China, this is especially relevant.

We are aware that in the past few weeks more foreigners have been allowed to enter mainland China than during the past 14 months. However, we have also noted that other important regulatory changes are pending: for instance, substantial tax exemptions for foreigners will disappear by the end of 2021. This will significantly increase costs for companies and affect the willingness of foreigners to be stationed in China. Companies need to re-assess for how long and how many foreigners should be based in China. There are some geographical exemptions, mainly in the Greater Bay area, but this does not provide relief to companies that have non-moveable assets in other parts of China.

How can the localization of the workforce and the management work when control frameworks are hampered? When the access of internal audit teams is difficult or restricted, or when remote analytics of data is limited due to the Chinese Cyber Security Law, just to name two examples? These are significant challenges not only for SMEs but also for MNCs with several hundred or thousands of employees in China. Respective concerns are not only raised by our members, but also by organizations such as the European Chamber of Commerce and AmCham China.

In that regard, SCCC has issued a statement addressing the China strategy of the Swiss government, emphasizing the importance of trade – as trade creates communication channels that build trust. Trust is an asset hard to create and maintain, while it is quickly lost. A look at the media articles and comments from readers in both nations shows that we have to take great care of this asset. SCCC has consequently offered its support in implementing the strategy; the statement is posted on the SCCC website under Press Release.

As vaccination efforts in Switzerland make progress, we decided to host the postponed 40-year anniversary in combination with the 2021 AGM on June 25, 2021, at the Swiss Re Centre for Global Dialogue in Rüschlikon.

I wish you a beautiful spring season and warm weather, that makes it easier for all to respect social distancing.



With best regards,


Felix Sutter

In this Newsletter

Upcoming Events News Past Events New Members Proverb

Webinars & Events

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Bi-Weekly Virtual Get-Together

Online (Zoom)
April 06, 2021 | 17:00-18:00 | Add to calendar
Participate in our bi-weekly get-together and enjoy casual conversations with fellow SCCC and SHKBA members.
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China's 14th Five-Year Plan

Online
April 12, 2021 | 10:00-11:00 | Add to calendar
Join us for this webinar on April 12 to get deeper insights into China's new Five-Year Plan.
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China Cloud Webinar

Online (Zoom)
April 21, 2021 | 11:00-12:00 | Add to calendar
In this webinar co-organized with our partner Accenture, we will present the latest cloud insights from China.
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S-GE International Trade Forum

Online
April 22, 2021 | 15:00-17:45 | Add to calendar
Exclusively for SCCC members, there is a limited number of free tickets available. Contact us to receive your ticket.
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Young Professionals Online Networking Event

Online (Zoom)
May 12, 2021 | 12:00-13:00 | Add to calendar
Get together with young professionals and like-minded people for a casual online networking session.
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Member Price @ 71st International Retail Summit

GDI, Langhaldenstrasse 21, 8803 Rüschlikon
September 09, 2021 | 10:00-17:00 | Add to calendar
Get your ticket at favorable member price for this year's International Retail Summit under the topic of "Moving Closer: Retail in Vulnerable Times".

News Switzerland - China

         
 
Mar 31, 2021 / News
SCCC Supports Implementation of Switzerland's China Strategy

The Swiss-Chinese Chamber of Commerce supports the intention of the China strategy presented by the Federal Council to achieve coherence among the various actors. The SCCC furthermore offers its China expertise and support for the implementation work.
 
Mar 30, 2021 / News
Convergence Partners forms alliance with Greenland Health

The existing EU-China cross-border acceleration platform of Medical Valley and Convergence Partners is further strengthened through a strategic partnership with Greenland Health, the healthcare division of Chinese real estate giant Greenland Group. The parties aim to establish a joint China landing hub to support European Healthcare innovators and a venture capital fund to finance their local scale-up.

 
         
 
Mar 19, 2021 / News
One mat for almost all applications

"Scobamats are used everywhere where there is no way through". The company Scobamat led by Richard Steger produces mats with a unique matrix that allows for extreme pressure resistance.
 
Mar 18, 2021 / News
129th Canton Fair to be held April 15 - 24

The 129th China Import and Export Fair will be held online between April 15 and 24, 2021. The Fair is a platform for the opening-up of China's economy and supports the smooth operation of foreign trade.
 
         
 
Mar 17, 2021 / News
Pinduoduo takes lead in China e-commerce

Pinduoduo's sales in the December quarter climbed 146% to 26.5 billion yuan ($4.1 billion), beating the average 19.3 billion yuan forecast. That’s several-fold the pace of e-commerce rivals Alibaba and JD.com Inc., fueled by surging demand for groceries and as more shoppers in less-developed cities venture online.
 
Feb 23, 2021 / News
12th Expo China Central to be held May 21 - 23

The 12th Expo China Central will be held between May 21 and 23, 2021 in Taiyuan, Shanxi in a combined online and offline format. The Expo serves as a driver to boost the development of Central China.
 

Past Events

 
[Recording] CIIE 2021 Promotion Event
 
[Recording] CIIE 2021 Promotion Event

During this event, the 4th China International Import Expo was introduced. If you were unable to join us, you can watch the recording here.

 

New Members


New Company Member of the SCCC:
     
 

Scorechain


Scorechain is a Regtech that provides risk-AML softwares for companies and financial institutions dealing with digital assets and cryptocurrencies.

 

Not a member yet? Apply for membership HERE.

Proverb of the month

冰冻三尺,非一日之寒。


Bīngdòng sān chǐ, fēi yīrì zhī hán.

It takes more than one cold day for a river to freeze a meter deep. – Rome was not built in a day.


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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