Xi visit to boost bilateral innovation ties

President Xi Jinping's visit to Switzerland this week is expected to deepen the countries' unique partnership, particularly in innovation, according to a senior Swiss diplomat.

Alain Gaschen, minister and deputy head of mission at the Swiss embassy in Beijing, said the priority of China's 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-20) is innovation, to create an economy that is more sustainable, and that Switzerland has a lot to offer in this area.

"Swiss products are competitive because of innovation and high quality. We have companies with high technology, with much added value that can contribute to China's high-end economy," he said on Wednesday.