"China is so big." It was the first impression Bernardino Regazzoni, Swiss ambassador to China, formed of his new post.

Regazzoni, who has worked in Europe, Africa and Asia for a long time, was astounded by China's development over the past 70 years, especially during the some 40 years of reform and opening up.

In 1950, Switzerland was one of the first Western countries to recognize the People's Republic of China and establish diplomatic relations.

Reviewing the history of bilateral relations between Switzerland and China, Regazzoni said proudly that Schindler was the first foreign enterprise to set up an industrial joint venture in China after the reform and opening up in 1978 and Switzerland was the first European country to sign a free trade agreement with China.

"We have seen the benefits brought by the development of the Sino-Swiss relationship, and we can look forward to the future." Regazzoni said that next year the two countries will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties, and grand commemorative activities will be held.

In April 2019, China and Switzerland signed a number of cooperation documents during the Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, including cooperation in third-party markets.

According to Regazzoni, the deepening of financial cooperation between Bank Vontobel and China Construction Bank provides financing support for infrastructure construction projects along the routes of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Regazzoni also believes that the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics is an opportunity to expand bilateral cooperation and promote development of the ice and snow sports industry. Switzerland, he said, plans to build "Swiss houses" in Beijing and other major Chinese cities before the Winter Olympic to showcase Switzerland to the Chinese public.