Swiss President Doris Leuthard pledged to enhance Switzerland's economic ties with China Tuesday, as she started her working visit to China in the southwestern economic hub of Chongqing.

Leuthard, president of the Federal Council and head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, voiced her hope for a free trade agreement between Switzerland and China at an economic forum.

She also witnessed the signing of an economic and trade cooperation agreement between Switzerland and Chongqing at the forum.

Accompanied by 11 government representatives, 28 business people and 11 journalists, Leuthard will leave Chongqing Wednesday for Shanghai, the second stop on her week-long visit to China.