Thomas Wagner, Honorary President of the Swiss-Chinese Association: Building a Trusted Bridge between Switzerland and Dalian

　　This summer, the world's attention once again turned to Dalian, a coastal city in China. The Summer Davos Forum partnered with Dalian for the eighth time, hosting a globally focused economic feast.

　　One man played a key role in bringing Dalian into the global spotlight: Thomas Wagner, former Mayor of Zurich, Switzerland, and Honorary President of the Swiss-Chinese Association.

　　It was Wagner who proactively proposed hosting the Summer Davos Forum in Dalian. His suggestion gained support from the World Economic Forum, establishing Dalian as a permanent host city for the Summer Davos Forum.

　　Photo credit: Thomas Wagner, Swiss-Chinese Association

　　Through the "spotlight" of the global stage, Dalian has been brought even closer to the world. In recognition of his outstanding contribution, Thomas Wagner was awarded the title of "Honorary Citizen of Dalian" by the Dalian Municipal Government in 2006. 

　　"Dalian is a very beautiful and vibrant city," Wagner remarked. He noted that the coastal city boasts significant geographical advantages, strong economic power, and high quality of life. Each forum attracts many key Swiss enterprises.

　　The influence of the Summer Davos Forum has drawn global attention to Dalian. Many entrepreneurs and tourists visiting the city for the first time often enjoy a ride on the iconic 201 tram, known as a "Dalian antique", gliding through the city streets as the lights come alive in the evening. However, few are aware that Wagner also contributed ideas to the long-term operation of this major tram system.

　　"My first visit to Dalian was inspired by the city's public transportation system. In 1997, Dalian was developing a comprehensive public transit plan, while Zurich was successfully operating a large suburban rapid railway system and an urban tram network," said Thomas Wagner, then Executive Deputy Mayor of Zurich. Invited by the Dalian Municipal Government, Wagner visited the city to explore potential cooperation in public transportation.

　　The "clattering" trams, connecting Dalian's history with its future, also forged a lasting bond between Wagner and the city.

　　Today, under Wagner's leadership, the Swiss-Chinese Association, founded by prominent figures from Swiss politics, academia, and business community, continues to play an active role in fostering friendly exchanges between China and Switzerland.

　　"Dalian is one of the most beautiful and attractive cities in China," Wagner said. "We will continue to cooperate in the future, and build a reliable bridge between Switzerland and China, to encourage and introduce more Swiss companies to participate in the Summer Davos Forum."