Stronger ties with global partners

Chengdu, a hub city in western China, is becoming more deeply engaged in international collaboration and exchanges as more countries and organisations establish a presence in the city.

Switzerland opened a consulate general in the city on Nov 30.

Jean-Jacques de Dardel, Swiss ambassador to China, speaks at the official opening of Switzerland’s consulate general in Chengdu on Nov 30.

It is Switzerland’s fifth official representation in China, in addition to the embassy in Beijing and consulates general in Shanghai, Guangzhou and Hong Kong.

The new consulate general will serve China’s western region, covering the provinces of Sichuan, Guizhou and Yunnan, as well as Chongqing municipality.

Jean-Jacques de Dardel, Swiss ambassador to China, said Chengdu and the wider Southwest Chinese region are excited about the prospects for Sino-Swiss relations.

“The region has around 300 million inhabitants and is an attractive market for Swiss businesses. There are already a significant number of Swiss companies based in the region, from banks and large enterprises to small and medium-sized businesses,” he said.

Mr De Dardel said the new consulate general will focus on economy, trade, innovation and tourism.

Switzerland has been working closely with Chengdu in recent years and has gradually increased its presence in the region.

For example, the city is engaged in the Sino-Swiss Low Carbon Cities Project, which got off the ground in April. Switzerland will work with Chengdu to help it reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve sustainable development.

In January, a new visa acceptance centre was opened in Chengdu to facilitate visa applications for Chinese businesses and tourists heading to Switzerland.

To date, 16 foreign consulates have been approved to open in Chengdu, the largest number in China’s central and western region.

Chengdu has been rapidly expanding its friendship circle as it becomes more international. By the end of November it had 32 sister cities and had established friendly relations with another 41 cities in foreign countries.

By the end of last year, Chengdu had direct economic and trade relations with 223 major cities worldwide, including 20 that have opened trade and tourism offices in the city.