The Swiss Embassy in Beijing invited 11 of its country's companies, including startups, in the drone industry to display their products in a bid to help them better understand the Chinese market and foster cooperation with local stakeholders.

Switzerland showcases a strong capacity in the drone industry and we are striving to help Swiss companies explore the Chinese market, Swiss Ambassador to China Bernardino Regazzoni said during the 2nd Swiss Innovation Week on June 14.

"China is leading in several segments of the drone market, including engineering and production. Switzerland's pioneering role in several niche segments, such as the area of sensors and analytics, complements China's strengths, creating unique opportunities for commercial and research and development collaboration," the ambassador added. "Many people may be surprised to learn we are so advanced in the development of core technology and high-end applications for drones."

The State Council, China's cabinet, issued a plan on the development of a new generation of artificial intelligence (AI), which is a guide for China to become a leading force by 2030. AI has become a national strategy for China with drones a highlighted sector. Industry insiders estimated that China's total output value in the drone industry will reach $27 billion by 2025 and the industry is expected to register an annual growth of 40 percent by 2020.

Speaking about the cooperation between the two countries in innovation industries, Regazzoni recognized China's achievements in aerospace and communication and reiterated Switzerland's capacity in innovation, saying that there are mutual benefits for the two countries to cooperate.

Over the past six years, Switzerland's "Drone Valley" has attracted over 80 startups and created more than 2,500 jobs, many of which have spun off from leading research groups such as the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich and Lausanne.

Swiss drones are used in a wide range of applications, from public safety efforts and agriculture to humanitarian aid in crisis-hit areas. The country has also integrated aspects of drone use and safety into its aviation and data privacy laws.

Copyedited by Rebeca Toledo

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