Project: Swiss Center Shanghai Contact: André Uebersax Tel: ++41 26 347 12 20 Web: www.swisscenters.org

A trade centre unlike any other

Switzerland and China, from cuisine to culture, the two countries could not appear to be further apart. They have more in common then you think however, and the Swiss Centre Shanghai is one reason why.

Entering a foreign market can be a daunting task for a small or medium sized business. When the market is as large and complex as China, it can be overwhelming.

Since it's launch in 2000, the Swiss Centre Shan ghai has been reducing trade barriers and facilitating Swiss-Chinese commerce, by providing expertise knowledge, advice, and assistance.

The Swiss Centre Shanghai states that it "gives SME's entering the Chinese and/or Asian markets a global strategic advantage by systematically reducing market entry time, costs and investments and risks."

The centre offers a variety of services to businesses pursuing trade in China. Members have full access to a business center that acts as an 'instant office'. They can also take advantage of vital services such as translators and interpreters, as well making use of the centre's exhibition space and administration support.

The centre has drawn attention to Swiss companies operating in China and has also helped SMEs understand essential elements of taxation, banking, and import/export. The result is that Swiss SMEs can now compete, and excel in Chinese and Asian markets.

The success of the centre has been swift. Within the last two years, the Swiss Centre Shanghai has organized seven executive visits and seminars, registered five companies and developed seven China strategies among other achievements.

Thanks in part to the efforts of the Swiss Centre Shanghai, Switzerland is among the tops ten investors in China. Asia, in turn, buys more Swiss goods than all of the Americas combined.

Check out the Swiss Centre Shanghai web site at www.swisscenters.org, it could change your world.