Dear Members and Friends

The Chinese government has concluded its meetings in Beijing and deliberated the 14th five-year plan – against the background that China is one of the very few G20 countries exhibiting a positive growth rate for the third quarter 2020. At the same time, some of my Chinese friends were excited to share their Halloween party pictures from last weekend with me.

This is a stark contrast to the rest of the world. Most other countries, including Switzerland, have to deal with the second wave of the pandemic. Not to mention the tension of this week’s election in the US and its potential aftermath.

Bearing that in mind, it is clear that we need strategies that work in Chinese marketplaces – and we need different strategies for Switzerland and Europe. While China’s economy has taken off once more, most other economies are still suffering. As a consequence, we will see consumer and investor behavior change. It is now clear that we cannot shake off the pandemic in a few months. It is here to stay, at least until spring 2021. In Southeast Asian economies, the lower levels of the economic pyramid have used up their savings, and many smaller companies fight for their survival. However, this still should not result in a structural and protracted crisis as in 2008. Once the pandemic recedes, the economy should get back on track, and consumers are keen to compensate for the constraints they have faced.

That said, it must be clear that it is in the best interest of all members of the society and economy to minimize the numbers of infections during this second and a potential third wave.

SCCC contributed its part by conducting its AGM virtually for the first time. Please see on the website the annual reports, financial numbers, and the newly elected board. The new Chinese Ambassador, his Excellency Wang Shiting, delivered a welcome note, together with Felix Rosenberger from SECO.

As we are in the middle of our 40th anniversary celebrations, we have recorded statements from our members that you can watch on our website and our social media accounts.

Last but not least, there is something tangible on its way to your letterbox – our anniversary book. It is a powerful symbol of the chamber’s heritage, present and future. A huge thank you to all who have contributed – content providers, sponsors, and editors.

We are all in the process of preparing for the end of the year and increasing our resilience at both private and business level. I wish you a peaceful November and a very good health.

With best regards,

Felix Sutter

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Mó chǔ chéng zhēn

Anything can be achieved with a firm resolve.