Bernardino Regazzoni, Switzerland Ambassador to China, said that the China International Import Expo is an important event for Swiss companies that wish to do business in the Chinese market.

"Personally, it's my second participation (in the expo)," he said. "We have around 65 companies showing up. I would say the best ones are here.

"It's not just about bringing goods from Switzerland, but they are in China. Very strong in the Chinese market, producing and making research in China."

China and Switzerland have a long lasting relationship in many fields and both parties signed a free trade agreement in 2013 which enhanced their exchange of goods and services, he said.

Around 1,000 Swiss companies are doing business in China in fields such as food, drugs and robotics, he added.

"They're the backbone of our economic relations between two countries. All Swiss companies are committed to more sustainable development. Sustainability is not just a commitment. For some of them, it also has become a business," he said.

Yang Hong and Huang Xinyi contributed to the story.