Visiting senior Swiss congressman Pierre Kohler here Saturday called for China and Switzerland to strengthen exchanges in such fields as trade, traveling and press.

Kohler, chairman of the Switzerland-China committee of the Swiss parliament, is on a ten-day visit to China at the invitation of the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs.

He told Xinhua that to strengthen economic and trade ties with China is the main purpose of his current China tour.

Switzerland is one of the first Western countries that recognized the People's Republic of China. Kohler said since the two countries forged diplomatic ties in 1950, Switzerland-China relations have been progressing rapidly.

The two sides have kept frequent parliamentary exchanges and expanded cooperation in trade, educational and cultural fields.

An increasing number of Swiss companies are investing in China, he said, adding the bilateral trade contacts will help push forward overall bilateral relations.

Kohler set up the Switzerland-China committee in the Swiss parliament last year, with the aim to better introduce China to the Swiss people and increase mutual understanding between the two countries.

"Switzerland has very good environment for traveling and investment," Kohler said, expressing his hope more and more Chinese will travel or do business in his country.

Source: Xinhua