After Friday's confirmation that Chinese Premier Li Keqiang will attend the 45th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, from Jan. 21-24, a senior diplomat informed reporters that attendees can expect an intensification of cooperation in finance and trade.
Vice Foreign Minister Li Baodong spoke before a press briefing in which he said that Switzerland is "an important financial hub in Europe" with well-developed expertise in financial matters.
The minister's comments were reinforced by the details he provided of the premier's extra-forum activities, which include meetings with the International Business Council; Klaus Schwab, the founder and executive chairman of the WEF; and the President of the Swiss Confederation Simonetta Sommaruga.
This year is particularly significant for both China and Switzerland, as it represents the 65th anniversary since diplomatic ties were established between the Asian and European nations. The premier's visit occurs after the China-Switzerland free trade agreement (FTA) that was agreed upon in July last year. According to the Global Times, the deal signified a milestone in the relationship history of the two countries.
In terms of foreign trade, China represents Switzerland's most significant relationship on the Asian continent, while the Alpine nation ranked fifth for China's business in the European region.
During the junket, Li will further promote the robust future growth of bilateral ties, in addition to participating in the enactment of commemoration activities.
The minister said that the conclusion of Li's visit will see important progress made in the finance, trade, science and research, food and medicine, and culture industries for both countries, with new cooperation agreements forming the foundation of the anticipated outcomes.