Premier Li's visit to Switzerland to boost finance, trade cooperation

This is Premier Li's second visit to Switzerland since he took office in March 2013, which shows the importance China has attached to Switzerland, Li said.

During his visit, Premier Li is expected to have talks with President of the Swiss Confederation Simonetta Sommaruga and other Swiss leaders in Davos, he said.

The year 2015 marks the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Switzerland. The visit will also launch the commemoration activities and further promote the stable development of bilateral ties, Li said.

China is Switzerland's largest trade partner in Asia, while Switzerland is China's fifth trade partner in Europe. The China-Switzerland free trade agreement (FTA) entered into force on July 1, 2014, which marks a milestone on the bilateral relationship.

According to Li, both countries are expected to reach important consensus on areas including finance, trade, science and research, food and medicine, and culture and announce a series of new cooperation agreements.

The two sides will also discuss the implementation of the detailed FTA policy and expect to make breakthrough on facilitating personnel exchanges,the vice foreign minister said.