Switzerland could be bridge between China, Europe (2)

"China is an important destination for the export industry and it allows us to improve our market diversification," the minister said.

Luzius Wasescha, special advisor to the Swiss foreign ministry, told Xinhua that the free trade agreement is a chance for China to further develop its relationships with other European countries.

"The experience we can share with you may be useful in your development of strategies towards other European countries," said Wasescha, who was the Swiss ambassador to the World Trade Organization (WTO) from 2007 to 2012.

Klaus Schwab, founder and executive chairman of the World Economic Forum, echoed Wasescha's view.

He told Xinhua that a mutually beneficial agreement to be reached between Li and Maurer could encourage other nations to strengthen global trade.

Schwab said China has a powerful role to play and Europe, despite its recent challenges, remains a global leader in many fields and China's biggest trading partner.

He said the meetings between Li and Swiss and German leaders will be significant for laying a foundation of trust between China and its European partners.

Li will travel to Germany after visiting Switzerland.

"If this trip could send a reassuring signal to the business community and citizens of both China and Europe, the visit would be a success in my view," Schwab said.

Besides economic strength, Schwab said that Switzerland is known for its political tradition of neutrality and has long been the seat of important international organizations.

"As such, Switzerland is serving as a bridge between Europe and many other parts of the world," he said.

Patrick Odier, chairman of the Swiss Bankers Association, said that Li's visit would surely "provide an additional impetus" to the financial sectors of China and Switzerland.

He said that international investors outside China would continue to diversify Asian and Chinese securities and currency markets, asking for products, risk management instruments and related research and advisory.

Financial firms based in Switzerland have the expertise to provide those services, Odier said.

"Strengthened cooperation gives access to market intelligence and knowledge on current developments and future strategies, granting Switzerland a vantage point as a gateway to the Chinese market and economy," Odier told Xinhua.

Song said the two countries will sign a series of agreements on cooperation in economy and trade, finance, education, culture and climate change.