China, Switzerland agree to begin feasibility study on free trade zone

Source: Xinhua | 01-28-2009 09:33

BERN, Switzerland, Jan. 27 (Xinhua) -- China and Switzerland decided on Tuesday to begin a joint feasibility study on creating a bilateral free trade zone in the second half of this year in preparation for formally launching negotiations on the issue.

President of the Swiss Confederation Hans-Rudolf Merz (R)  meets with visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao in Bern Jan. 27, 2009.(Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

During talks in the Swiss capital, visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and President of the Swiss Confederation Hans-Rudolf Merz exchanged views on the current international financial and economic situation and briefed each other on the policies and measures China and Switzerland have taken regarding the international financial crisis.

The two leaders agreed that it is an urgent task for the two countries to work more closely together to tide over the difficulties against the backdrop of the financial crisis.