World development requires the participation of each country, regardless of its power or size, and the promotion of multilateralism is indispensable to common prosperity, said Swiss Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin, also the head of the country's Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research, in an exclusive interview with China Media Group.

Switzerland, though a small country, is home to many international organization headquarters and has played a vital role in international cooperation, the official noted. Common prosperity should involve each country for joint construction, whereas protectionism poses threats to the well-being of global people, Parmelin added.

"Switzerland is a small country, and like other small countries, it benefits from multilateralism. Communication with international organizations, such as the World Trade Organization, is very important because small countries can also play their role, even if they do not have the power of major economies or large camps. It is extremely important for the world that all countries participate in global prosperity, Parmelin said.