The SCEA deepens cooperation at 75-year milestone of two nations
The year 2025 marks a significant historical moment — the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Switzerland. As a key platform for economic, trade and cultural exchanges between the two countries, the Swiss Chinese Enterprises Association has expressed its commitment to further deepening cooperation in various fields such as trade, innovation and culture, thereby elevating bilateral relations to new heights.
Founded in 2016 and renamed in 2023, the SCEA is a nonprofit industry organization registered in Switzerland. The association currently has 33 member companies spanning key sectors including finance, smart manufacturing, information and communications, air transportation, cultural tourism and legal services. In 2024, the association established a chapter in Geneva to further strengthen communication and cooperation mechanisms with the United Nations Office at Geneva, international organizations, and the government and enterprises in Switzerland's French-speaking region.
In recent years, the SCEA has been expanding platforms for economic and trade cooperation, assisting Chinese enterprises to enter and integrate into the local market. The association collaborated with the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade and local governments from regions such as Hubei, Heilongjiang, Nanjing and Dalian to host a series of economic and trade exchange activities in Switzerland. These efforts facilitated matchmaking between Chinese and Swiss enterprises in fields such as high-end manufacturing, green technology and financial services, creating an effective platform for deeper bilateral cooperation. The association also organized delegations of member companies and Swiss industries to participate in the China International Supply Chain Expo, promoting the interconnection of industry and supply chains between the two countries.
Moreover, the SCEA is dedicated to facilitating multilateral dialogues and cooperation, encouraging its members to engage in global issues and enhancing their international presence. Earlier this year, the association hosted the Sustainable Development & Innovation Together Forum, inviting international institutions such as the World Intellectual Property Organization, the United Nations Environment Programme and the International Trade Centre, as well as representatives from Chinese enterprises such as Huawei and CMOC to engage in in-depth dialogues.
Cultural exchange is another key focus of the association's work. At the beginning of the Chinese New Year in 2025, the SCEA set up a booth during the Spring Festival celebration at the UN Office at Geneva. Under the theme of China's high-quality development and high-level opening-up, the booth displayed Chinese cultural and creative products as well as industrial innovation achievements, attracting widespread attention from the international community.
In the future, the association stated that it will continue to uphold the principles of openness, professionalism and mutual benefit. It plans to enhance the member service system by providing professional support in areas such as legal consultation, tax planning, compliance management and digital security, while delivering real-time updates on Swiss laws, regulations, and market policies. These initiatives are designed not only to support Chinese enterprises already operating in Switzerland but also to assist those planning to enter the Swiss market. By hosting high-end economic and trade forums, enterprise matchmaking sessions and cultural-themed exhibitions, the association is expanding its cooperative network with various levels of the Swiss government, international organizations and business associations. These efforts are helping to consolidate the grassroots foundation of China-Switzerland friendly relations and promote bilateral cooperation across broader areas, deeper levels and higher standards.
"Connecting people, industries and ideas is our core mission," said a representative of the SCEA. "Amid the 75th anniversary of China-Switzerland diplomatic relations, we will continue to help enterprises from both countries seize market opportunities, address global challenges and contribute to enhancing bilateral trust, economic growth and sustainable innovation."
