Sun Chenghai (left), deputy director general of the CIIE Bureau, and Jérôme Lambert (right), CEO of Richemont, attend the online signing ceremony on April 16. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The Swiss luxury group Richemont will make its debut at the third China International Import Expo (CIIE) and develop an all-round cooperation with the CIIE Bureau, according to an online signing ceremony held on April 16.

The group, which owns several of the world's leading luxury companies, will bring 13 brands across four major sectors, namely jewelry, watches, writing instruments and fashion accessories, to the 500-square-meter exhibition area this year.

The two sides also inked a strategic cooperation MoU, making Richemont the first exhibitor to sign such agreement in the history of the CIIE.

"Over the years, China has been one of the most valued markets for Richemont," said Jérôme Lambert, CEO of Richemont, adding that China boasts broad market prospects as the country is in the fast lane toward greater consumption.

The COVID-19 outbreak will not change Richemont's confidence in China's economic recovery, as evidenced by the signing of the third expo and strategic cooperation, Lambert said.

An important participant of the CIIE, Switzerland had 59 enterprises participating in last year's event, the most out of all European nations. Switzerland also had the largest exhibition area among European participants.

Sun Chenghai, deputy director general of the CIIE Bureau, welcomed Richemont and expressed hope that the company will capitalize on China's economic development opportunities and inject more impetus into China-Switzerland economic and trade ties.

To date, a number of Swiss industrial giants have signed up for the third expo, including SGS Group and Nestle.

As of early April, more than 1,000 companies have signed up for the third edition of the expo this year, with nearly 60 percent of the planned exhibition space already booked.

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