Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao met here Friday with visiting Swiss President Pascal Couchepin.
Since the establishment of bilateral relations some 50 years ago, Wen said, China and Switzerland had developed a stable relationship. China regarded Switzerland as an important partner in central Europe.
China respects Switzerland's neutral policy and is willing to play an active role, together with Switzerland, in safeguarding world peace and stability, Wen said.
From January to September 2003, Wen said, the bilateral trade volume had increased by 34 percent on a year-by-year basis.
With a highly developed economy, advanced technologies and sufficient funds, Wen said, Switzerland is very strong in financing, social security and environmental protection.
Wen said he hoped the two sides could further enhance their trade cooperation.
Couchepin said that his country highly valued the achievements made by the Chinese people in developing its economy.
China's opening-up to the outside world had benefited world peace and stability, he said.
He also said that after its entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO), China has strictly abided by WTO rules and fulfilled its pledges in protecting intellectual property and reducing trade tariffs.
He said Switzerland would be more active in cooperating with China in political, trade and scientific and technological fields.