CHENGDU, Dec. 15 (NBD) -- Folowing the tendency of east-oriented global economy, more and more Swiss companies eye on China for business opportunities, said Frank Eggmann, newly appointed Consul General of Switzerland in Chengdu.

In an exclusive interview with NBD last week, Frank Eggmann expressed his delightness over the establishment of Consulate General of Switzerland in southwestern China's Chengdu city, and also shared his expectation of his 4-year tenure.

"Here (in China) we decide to open one more consulate, instead of closing one ore two, which shows the importance that we gave to China", said Frank.

The Chengdu-based consulate general is Switzerland's fifth official representation in China, in addition to the embassy in Beijing and the consulates general in Shanghai, Guangzhou and Hong Kong.The new consulate general serves the Southwestern China region, covering the provinces of Sichuan, Guizhou, Yunnan and Chongqing Municipality.

Frank noted that Chengdu has advanced in logistics and manufacture industry, he said "we are optimistic about the profound business opportunities for the collaboration between Chengdu and Switzerland in the future".

"We are embracing valuable cooperations", said Frank, adding that the consulate focuses on facilitating and enhancing the economic and trade relations between Switzerland and China’s southwestern region, as well as promoting Switzerland’s innovative capacities and tourism. 

In fact, Switzerland has been working with Chengdu city closely in recent years and gradually increases its visibility in the region. In January, 2016, a new Visa Acceptance Center was opened in Chengdu to facilitate visa application process for Chinese businesses and tourists to Switzerland.

So far, There are already 26 Swiss companies based in Chengdu, from banks, large enterprises to small and medium businesses, including ABB, Roche, Novartis, according to Embassy of Switzerland in China.

As part of the Sino-Swiss Low Carbon Cities Project, the project in Chengdu was launched in April this year, following the signing of the founding Memorandum of Understanding.

Following the opening of the consulate general, the latest substantial collaboration between the two parties, the International Workshop on Sino-Swiss Low Carbon City Construction and Industry Development, held in Chengdu on early December. Swiss and Chinese experts shared their expertise in sustainable urbanization and put forward suggestions for Chinese cities in their initiatives in constructing low carbon cities and achieving sustainable industrial growth.

The Consul General accentuated that Switzerland has advanced in high-end manufacture, biopharmaceuticals and eco-environmental industry, in which Switzerland and Chengdu could enhance cooperation.

He also hopes Chengdu's companies will find opportunities in Switzerland following the establishment of the Consulate General in Chengdu.