China, Switzerland voice opposition against trade protectionism

BERN, Switzerland, Jan. 26 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang met Swiss President Doris Leuthard here on Tuesday and both sides voiced their opposition against trade protectionism amid the ongoing global financial crisis.

Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang(4th L) attends the joint press conference  with President of the Swiss Confederation Doris Leuthard(4th R) in Bern,  capital of Switzerland, on Jan. 26, 2010. Li Keqiang arrived in Zurich on  Monday, kicking off his formal visit to Switzerland. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

Li, who arrived in Switzerland on Monday for a four-day visit, said the creation of a free trade area between the two countries is under discussion and serves as a concrete action for both sides to combat trade protectionism.

"Both sides should push the feasibility study on a free trade area forward, and be well prepared to start negotiations in 2010," Li said.

The creation of the free trade area is of great significance to bilateral ties and will be conducive to further promotion of bilateral trade and investment cooperation, the Chinese leader said.