A delegation from the China International Import Expo (CIIE) bureau visited Switzerland from Jan 9 to 11 to invite more local companies to participate in the CIIE this November.

Led by Wang Bingnan, vice-minister of commerce and director of the CIIE bureau, the delegation visited the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research, the World Economic Forum as well as a number of renowned Swiss enterprises.

During the visit, Wang said that Swiss companies rank among the top in Europe in terms of the number of exhibitors and booth areas at the CIIE. He also expressed hope that Swiss businesses can seize the opportunities provided by the expo and increase their exports to the Chinese market.

Marie-Gabrielle Ineichen-Fleisch, state secretary for Economic Affairs of Switzerland, said that the Swiss government will encourage more companies to attend the third edition of the CIIE. She also said that Switzerland will be an active participant in China's Belt and Road Initiative.

Swiss pharmaceutical giant Roche Group, one of the first Fortune Global 500 companies to register for the event, has participated in the past two editions of the expo, showcasing their products across a large exhibition space.

André Hoffmann, vice-chairman of Roche, said that the CIIE is an important platform for the company to showcase its offerings to the Chinese. He added that Roche will be displaying its latest products and technologies related to the treatment of diabetes and cancer at this year's event.

Another Swiss company that has indicated its interest in participating in this year's CIIE is luxury watch manufacturer Ulysse Nardin, which unveiled a new limited-edition watch at the CIIE last year. According to a company representative, China is the world's fastest growing market for the watchmaker.

A total of 16 Swiss Fortune Global 500 companies and leading enterprises participated in the second import expo in Shanghai last November.

During the visit, the CIIE delegation also engaged in an in-depth discussion with the World Economic Forum and exchanged views on the Hongqiao International Economic Forum.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Switzerland.