New horizon for China, Central-Eastern Europe coopertion (2)

Sino-Czech relations have been picking up steam since President Xi met with Zeman in Sochi, Russia, in February when the two leaders were in the Russian resort for the Winter Olympics opening ceremony.

During the meeting, Xi said both countries should take the 65th anniversary of the forging of diplomatic ties as an opportunity to bring bilateral relations to a higher level.

CHINA-CEEC COOPERATION

While promoting the implementation of the consensus reached by both countries' top leaders on bilateral relations development, Zhang's visit to the Czech Republic has apparently given impetus to bilateral and multilateral cooperation between China and the CEEC.

Themed "Local Cooperation-Important Engine for China-CEEC Cooperation," the China-CEEC local leaders' meeting and China Investment Forum were held on Aug. 28-29.

China Investment Forum is a platform that is intended to support economic dialogue, investment flow and trade development between Europe and China. A Chinese delegation with senior officials from 15 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities, took part in the international dialogues.

Addressing the opening ceremony of the second China-CEEC local leaders' meeting on Thursday, Zhang said cooperation between China and the CEEC is showing ever greater vitality and attractiveness.

The new cooperative platform of China-CEEC cooperation, also known as "16 plus 1 cooperation" since 2012, has been widely recognized by the international community and made great headway ever since.

Zhang said 2014, designated as the year of China-CEEC investment and trade promotion, has seen a China-CEEC trade promotion ministers meeting, a CEEC specialty products exhibition, and the establishment of a China-CEEC tourism cooperation coordinating center. The countries concerned are also planning to set up an association of local government heads.

Zhang said China and the 16 countries share mutual understanding and trust, high inter-complementarity among their economies and huge potential in meeting each other's need for cooperation.

He said during President Xi's recent visit to Europe, China and Europe reached consensus on developing partnership in the four areas of peace, growth, reform and civilization, which sets the direction for the expansion of cooperation between China and the CEEC.

Zhang said as a bridge connecting Asia and Europe, the countries in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) enjoy outstanding geographical advantages.