Bilateral Relations Switzerland–Hong Kong

Hong Kong is an important trading partner for Switzerland. It has been a Special Administrative Region since 1 July 1997, the date of the handover to the People's Republic of China. Hong Kong therefore does not have an independent foreign policy.

Key Aspects of Bilateral Relations

Since it was handed over to the People's Republic of China on 1 July 1997, Hong Kong has been a Special Administrative Region without an independent foreign policy. China is therefore Switzerland's main interlocutor in bilateral matters. 

Switzerland is represented in Hong Kong by a consulate general. 

Consulate General of Switzerland in Hong Kong

Hong Kong official website (en,中文)

Economic Cooperation

Hong Kong is a major gateway for Swiss exports to mainland China. In addition, the city is an important financial centre in which many Swiss banking institutions have been established since the 1960s. 

Switzerland maintains regular dialogue on financial matters with Hong Kong. Furthermore, a free trade agreement between the EFTA countries, of which Switzerland is a member, and Hong Kong has been in force since 1 October 2012. 

Country information, State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO)

Free trade agreement between the EFTA States and Hong Kong, SECO

Swiss Nationals in Hong Kong

At the end of 2021, there were 1,839 Swiss nationals living in Hong Kong.

History of Bilateral Relations

In the course of the 19th century, Hong Kong became one of Asia's most important trading centres. Switzerland's initial presence in Hong Kong dates back to 1842 with Theodor Jost, the first apostolic prefect on the island. At the beginning of the 20th century, Catholic and Protestant missionaries – in particular from the Basel Mission – and Swiss traders settled in the territory. 

From 1842 to 1997, Hong Kong was a British colony. Today Hong Kong is governed under the principle of 'one country, two systems', which was formulated by Deng Xiaoping in 1997 ahead of the handover to China. 

Hong Kong, historical dictionary of Switzerland (de,fr,it)

Last update 22.05.2023

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