Dear Members and Friends

The Golden Week has just come to an end and we hope that you were able to take a moment to relax and perhaps use the one of the other day as a break leading us into the rest of the year. And busy and eventful months will be ahead of us.

Certainly the most important news is the launch of the stimulus package in China, which includes a long list of measures to reinvigorate economic growth.

The list encompasses reductions in VAT (Value Added Tax) for small and medium-sized companies, reduction in reserve requirement ratios for banks to encourage more lending, and potential adjustments to interest rates to boost economic investment, significant investment in infrastructure projects, support measures for sectors like technology, manufacturing, subsidies, particularly targeted at lower-income groups or those sectors most affected by economic downturns, such as services or retail.

It also includes measures to support consumer demand, such as initiatives to stabilise the real estate market, efforts to boost consumer confidence and stimulate spending, such as vouchers, discounts or special campaigns.

About three weeks after the announcement, the first effects can be seen, with the stock exchanges starting to pick up pace and share prices rising as buyers return and, particularly during the Golden Week, the number of potential property buyers has increased significantly. As with all such programmes (also in other countries), it remains to be seen how long the effects will last, but the start is positive. This is also relevant for Swiss companies operating in China, as a reemerging demand in the Chinese market will also increase the demand for products supplied to China.

So positive signs coming from China. On the other hand, we need to follow closely the discussions on tariffs between the US and China and the EU and China. As the Swiss-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, we will continue to promote the interests of our members in this matter together with other organisations active in this field.

At the end of September, we had the pleasure of hosting a high-level delegation from Heilongjiang, led by the Governor of the province, who visited Switzerland. Several commercial agreements were signed during this visit, which was clearly highly appreciated by all parties.

In general, if you look at our past events, the months of August and September have been quite intense, filled with exciting events such as two Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations, Afterwork Drinks, Canton Fair promotion and digital marketing solutions for China.

If you missed our last popular Afterwork Drinks, it will take place for the last time this year on 30 October. Places are limited, so sign up quickly. If you have never taken advantage of our business consulting services, take this opportunity to book a consultation.

With that, we wish you a happy autumn season!

Kind regards

Yī yè zhī qiū

A single leaf falling signifies the arrival of autumn.

This idiom suggests that small signs can indicate a larger change, often symbolizing the beginning of autumn. Use this idiom when small details hint at a bigger transformation, whether in nature or life, to express the idea that subtle changes can signal greater shifts.