An Assessment of Chinese Foreign Direct Investment in Switzerland

Abstract

China has emerged as an important source of foreign direct investment (FDI). In recent years, we have witnessed the reconfiguration of China’s strategies as a global investor, moving from resource-seeking investment into more sophisticated and competitive market-sites for FDI such as Switzerland. Although Chinese FDI in Switzerland is still relatively small in magnitude, its rapid growth is worthy of reflective assessment from both the theoretical and international business perspective. This paper focuses on Chinese investment into Switzerland giving particular consideration to the assessment of these new entrants, aspects related to drivers and motivators, elements of difference, and considerations of resources and capabilities. Likewise, the challenges and opportunities for the Swiss economy stemming from Chinese investment are addressed.

Keywords

Foreign Direct Investment, Chinese Outward Foreign Direct Investment, Chinese Foreign Affairs, Switzerland.

Citation

Rios-Morales, Ruth; Brennan, Louis and, Max Schweizer, “An Assessment of Chinese Foreign Direct Investment in Switzerland”, Uluslararası İlişkiler, Volume 13, No. 49 (2016), pp. 85-105.

Affiliations

• Ruth RIOS-MORALES, Senior Research Associate, The School of Management and Law, Zurich University of Applied Sciences
• Louis BRENNAN, Professor, The School of Business at Trinity College
• Max SCHWEIZER, Head of Centre of Foreign Affairs and Applied Diplomacy, School of Management and Law at Zurich University of Applied Sciences