MOFCOM’s international department outlined the China‑Switzerland FTA upgrade
protocol. The pact adds a digital trade chapter: both sides pledge not to impose
customs duties on electronic transmissions, to strengthen personal data
protection, to implement full digital customs clearance and to reduce
transaction costs. They also commit to cooperation on AI and electronic bills of
lading. Notably, the protocol for the first time includes a dedicated clause
protecting source code in a Chinese bilateral FTA. It also adopts a
non‑discrimination rule for telecom infrastructure — China’s first such
institutional arrangement with a European country.
