Photo: Chinese Foreign Ministry

Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng will attend the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2026 in Davos and visit Switzerland on January 19-22, at the invitation of WEF and the Swiss government, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson announced on Friday.

The spokesperson said that the WEF Annual Meeting is an important platform for discussing global economic trends and promoting cooperation and development, often referred to as the "barometer of the world economy." He will deliver a keynote address at the opening plenary session of this year's meeting.

The theme of this year's meeting is "A Spirit of Dialogue." In the current context, the world faces numerous uncertainties and instabilities, and global economic growth remains weak, said the spokesperson. 

"China looks forward to working with all parties attending the meeting to strengthen dialogue and exchanges, build consensus on cooperation, practice true multilateralism, promote an open world economy, and advance more inclusive, equitable, and resilient global development, injecting greater stability and positive energy into the world economy," the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson stated that during his visit to Switzerland, the Chinese Vice Premier will meet with President of the Swiss Confederation Guy Parmelin.

"In recent years, thanks to the joint efforts of both sides, China-Switzerland relations have achieved comprehensive enhancement, with continuous new results in practical cooperation. Negotiations to upgrade the China-Switzerland Free Trade Agreement are progressing steadily, and both countries have jointly voiced support for multilateralism and the reform and improvement of global governance," said the spokesperson.

The year 2026 marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Switzerland innovative strategic partnership and is also the first year of China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30). China-Switzerland cooperation faces new opportunities. 

"Chinese Vice Premier's visit will help both sides further expand cooperation areas and promote more mutually beneficial outcomes in the China-Switzerland innovative strategic partnership," said the spokesperson.

Global Times