GENEVA, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- The upgraded free trade agreement (FTA) between China and Switzerland is expected to encourage more businesses from both countries to explore opportunities in each other's markets and further strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation, said Jean-Jacques de Dardel, president of the Board of Swiss Centers Group and a former Swiss ambassador to China.

In a recent written interview with Xinhua, de Dardel recalled the history of friendly relations between China and Switzerland and expressed optimism about prospects for bilateral economic and trade cooperation.

Switzerland holds the view that despite differences in politics and systems, China is an important member of the international community, De Dardel said.

Switzerland's approach is well recognized by China, which also understands that Switzerland is a trustworthy partner for its neutrality and economic development, he said.

"This brought both nations to open-mindedly explore ways to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation," de Dardel said.

Switzerland is one of the first Western countries to recognize the People's Republic of China. In 2013, Switzerland became the first continental European country to sign an FTA with China. In October this year, China and Switzerland signed a protocol to upgrade the FTA.

"These accomplishments set an example and validate the pioneering attitude which characterizes our bilateral relations," said de Dardel.

With the upgraded FTA, more businesses on both sides are expected to focus on new opportunities, which are enhanced by the positive attitude of both governments toward each other, he said.

De Dardel predicted renewed Swiss interest in China's market, especially in sectors with tariff reductions or exemptions under the upgraded agreement, while expecting growing interest from Chinese businesses in Switzerland and the wider European market.

Swiss Centers will help businesses seize the opportunities by continuing to promote trade perspectives and sharing knowledge about the Chinese market and its vast potential, de Dardel said.

Swiss Centers is a non-profit organization supporting Swiss companies entering the Chinese and Asian markets. At the China International Import Expo to open in Shanghai on Thursday, Swiss Centers is set to host its largest-ever pavilion, he said.

He said that Chinese-Swiss economic relations have long been intensive and balanced, and the upgraded FTA will further strengthen mutually beneficial and production-enhancing trade.

As China is fast developing its innovation capabilities, it is becoming an ever more interesting partner for Switzerland, a world innovation leader for over half a generation, he said.

De Dardel said pharmaceuticals and chemicals, machine tools, precision equipment and watches would remain key areas of bilateral trade, while robotics, information technology and artificial intelligence solutions are expected to play an increasingly important role in strengthening innovation and production capabilities in both countries.

New areas, ranging from food and beverage industries to medical technology and rare components, would further enrich bilateral economic interactions, he added.

Against the backdrop of global uncertainties stemming from geopolitical conflicts and trade protectionism, the upgraded FTA carries a broader message, according to de Dardel.

"The fact that old partners, very different in many respects, wish to withstand together the damaging gusts of confrontation and protectionism, is not only heartening and motivating, but it also sets a positive example for others," he said.