B&R initiative boosts ties between China and CEE countries

The youth leaders delegation of Central and Eastern European (CEE) Countries showed great enthusiasm towards the "Belt and Road" initiative during their visits to the National Development and Reform Commission and the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in Beijing on Nov. 28.

The youth leaders delegation of Central and Eastern European Countries visited the International Department of the CPC Central Committee in Beijing on Nov. 28. [Photo by Mi Xingang/China.org.cn]

As for China-CEE countries cooperation, there are three platforms, namely, the "16+1 Cooperation" mechanism, the "Belt and Road" initiative and the international capacity cooperation. They play an important role in strengthening bilateral ties, said Bi Jiyao, director of the Institute of International Economy Research affiliated with the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), during a roundtable.

"The 'Belt and Road' initiative is inclusive and all countries, regions and organizations can join in it," said Yang Changyong, a researcher at the Academy of Macroeconomic Research affiliated with the NDRC.

Official statistics show that over 100 countries, regions and organizations have expressed their willingness to participate in the initiative; over 30 countries have signed the memorandum and 20 more countries will get involved in the international capacity cooperation, Yang noted, stressing that the core of the initiative is connectivity regardless of the size of a country.

The "16+1 Cooperation" mechanism, considered as part of the "Belt and Road" initiative, involves not only economic ties but also cultural and people-to-people exchanges, said Yan Yuqing, deputy-director of Eurasia Bureau of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee.

Yue Yanghua, deputy director of the Protocol Bureau affiliated with the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, said: "Among the five cooperation priorities of the 'Belt and Road' initiative, namely, policy coordination, facilities connectivity, unimpeded trade, financial integration and people-to-people bond, I hold that people-to-people ties are the most difficult element to cement as mutual understanding needs time and channels."

China has stepped up people-to-people exchanges over the past years through holding various overseas exhibitions, setting up Confucius institutes and classes and other means, Yue said.

Yue pointed out that events like the delegation visit of this time can serve as great platforms to enhance people-to-people bond.

Delegates proactively exchanged their concerns and views with the governmental officials, scholars and experts at the roundtable meeting.

Aleksandar Seselj, member of the Presidium of the Serbian Radical Party, said that China is their true and sincere friend and both sides have equal status in economic cooperation.

An increasing number of Serbians have begun to learn Chinese and two Confucius institutes have been established in their country, he added.

The Danube Bridge that was built by Chinese enterprises is truly a manifestation of the bilateral friendship, he said.

Rea Kotani, vice president of the Youth Movement for Integration with Albania, noted that more cooperation is expected in tourism and agriculture sectors in their country and their visit to the Beijing Design Resource Cooperation Industrial Base on Nov. 25 was very enlightening as they witnessed the innovative capacity of the young generation in China. She added that five primary schools in Albania have already set up Chinese classes.

Kristi Xharau, secretary of the International Department of the Youth Movement for Integration in Albania, added that China is expected to enhance ore exploration cooperation with Albania as it is their competitive industry.

"Seeing is believing," said one delegate when he talked about his impressions on China's economic strides. Through the experience of the young delegates, bilateral ties will be greatly enhanced and more participation from CEE countries in the "Belt and Road" initiative can be expected in the near future.