Specialists discuss hot topics in China-EEC relations

KATOWICE - The "One belt, One road" project and the "16+1" mechanism were among issues commonly raised by experts and politicians participating in the fourth Europe-China Economic Forum which ended today.

The forum was a part of the seventh European Economic Congress held from April 20 to 22. Chinese and Polish experts focused on analyzing relations between China and Central Eastern European countries, and the role of Poland as one of biggest countries in the region.

The forum was divided into three parts, dedicated to particular aspects of multilateral relations: China and the world, China and South-Eastern Europe, and China and Poland. Particular emphasis was put on the "16+1" mechanism, enabling the intensification of cooperation between the Central Eastern European region and China.

During the first day of the congress, the representatives of 12 regional countries a and Chinese delegation took part in the inauguration of the China-CEEC business council. Poland is to play a crucial role in coordinating this project.

The idea of "One belt, One road" was also a common issue raised as an opportunity for development. A direct railway connection between Lodz in Poland and Chengdu in Sichuan province is already in use. The implementation of a "New Silk Road" and new marine transport routes is regarded as a chance to stimulate the economy of regions along the rail line. Liu Lijuan, counselor in the Embassy of the PRC in Warsaw said the development of communication roads is a "win-win" initiative both for China, and for Poland.

Professor Bogdan Goralczyk, Polish diplomat and expert on China,

underlined the fact that China is changing its economic development model and turning to more strategic, large-scale projects. He also drew attention to China's turning from the export-based economy to an economic model based on internal consumption, sustainable development and creating a moderately prosperous society.

Goralczyk told Xinhua that the creation of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) was also very important. China is taking responsibility for the global situation, showcasing its ability to create institutional solutions. As far as Poland's participation in AIIB is concerned, Goralczyk underlined that until now, Poland is the only country in the region which has expressed it's intention to become a founding member. Due to its geographical location, Poland is a vital and crucial partner for China, he said.

Also Hou Wenbo, head of the Polish branch of the Bank of China,

said one of the AIIB's main tasks would be infrastructural investments, not only in Asia, but also in the countries participating, which might benefit Poland.

The intensification of relations with China is especially important considering the continued existing trade deficit. According to Ilona Antoniszyn-Klik, Polish deputy minister of economy, Poland nowadays has 15 thousand companies importing from China, but only 300 exporting their products to China, a bilateral trade situation which is extremely unbalanced. Polish representatives in China are looking to increase the consciousness and knowledge about their country and Polish products among the Chinese citizens. The Chinese government is also investigating possible steps to improve the existing imbalance.

Finally, there is the case of Huawei Poland as an example of successful Chinese-Polish cooperation. Owen Ou, the general managing director at Huawei Poland emphasized the fact that Huawei chose Poland as its headquarters for 26 nearby countries. Huawei's activities are not only restricted to business activities, but also include cooperation with top Polish universities and charity events. During the forum, Huawei Poland was granted a "Chinese Business Leader of the Year 2015" award.