On November 21, 2003, Premier Wen Jiabao met with Swiss President Pascal Couchepin at Ziguangge, Zhongnanhai.

Wen said that over the past 50 years since the two countries forged diplomatic relationship, China-Switzerland relations have advanced steadily. Switzerland has become an important cooperative partner of China's among Central European countries. China respects the neutral position of Switzerland and is willing to work with Switzerland to play their respective active role in jointly maintaining world peace and stability.

Wen pointed out that the momentum of China-Switzerland economic and trade cooperation is good, and the volume of bilateral trade from January to September this year increased by 34% compared with the same period last year. Switzerland has a developed economy, advanced technology and abundant capitals, and excels in the fields of financing, insurance, social security and environmental protection. China has a vast market and rich labor forces. With China's continuous opening up to the outside world and the implementation of such strategies as the West Development and the revitalization of the Northeastern old industrial belt, great progress will be made in China-Switzerland economic and trade cooperation. The Chinese side welcomes Swiss enterprises to actively participate in the economic construction of China.

Couchepin said that Switzerland is China's old friend, and they admire the achievements made by the Chinese government and the people in the national construction. The opening up of China has well promoted world peace and stability. He said that Switzerland-China cooperation has delivered remarkable fruits and enjoys great potentials. China strictly observes the rules of the World Trade Organization, earnestly honors its commitment, and makes great efforts in protecting intellectual property rights while reducing tariffs. All these have provided important conditions for bilateral economic and trade cooperation. He also said that the Swiss side would continue their active efforts for the further development of cooperative relations in the fields of politics, trade and economy, science and technology.