Chinese President Xi Jinping said that the Chinese and Swiss business circles share common interests in maintaining a free and open international economic order, and should work together for mutual benefits and against all kinds of trade protectionism. Accompanied by his Swiss counterpart Doris Leuthard, Xi made the remarks during a meeting with Swiss business leaders. He said the two countries have reaped a lot in their fruitful economic and trade cooperation since they established diplomatic relations 67 years ago. The Swiss entrepreneurs, famous for their innovative spirit and commitment to excellence, have always been ahead of the curve in the West’s cooperation with China, hence receiving generous returns, Xi noted. The Chinese leader also briefed the Swiss side on the Chinese economy, saying he is confident about a stable growth of the world’s second largest economy. Leaders of Swiss businesses, such as Schindler, Roche, NestlŽ, UBS and ABB, said China has become an innovation center in a group of industries. The business leaders said they appreciate China’s devotion in protecting intellectual property rights, and stand ready to increase their investments in China to expand high-tech cooperation with the Asian country.