China, CEE countries pledge stronger infrastructure, production capacity

Premier Li Keqiang attends a signing ceremony of multiple cooperation documents with 16 leaders from the Central and Eastern European countries in Riga, Latvia, on Nov 5.[Photo/english.gov.cn]

RIGA - China and Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries on Saturday pledged to further strengthen their cooperation in areas such as infrastructure construction and production capacity.

The pledge was made by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang in separate meetings with leaders of some CEE countries and Belarus, who was an observer for the fifth summit of China and CEE countries (16+1) held in Riga on Saturday afternoon.

Premier Li Keqiang (right) meets with Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic in Riga, Latvia, Nov 5.[Photo/english.gov.cn]

VOICING SUPPORT FOR TOURISM COOPERATION

While meeting Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, Li appreciates Croatia's efforts to promote relations with China and cooperation between China and CEE countries.

China would encourage companies to participate in infrastructure construction in Croatia in line with the principle of equality, mutual benefit and win-win results, and hopes Croatia provide favorable conditions and policy support, Li said.

He also voiced support for the two countries' tourism cooperation.

Next year marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral ties between China and Croatia. Plenkovic said his country will take it as an opportunity to strengthen the conjoining of their development strategies and conduct cooperation on equipment manufacturing.

The Croatian prime minister also welcomed Chinese companies to take part in Croatia's infrastructure construction.

Premier Li Keqiang (right) meets with his Estonian counterpart Taavi Roivas in Riga, Latvia's capital on Nov 5.[Photo/english.gov.cn]

BOOSTING COOPERATION WITH ESTONIA IN E-COMMERCE

While meeting Estonian Prime Minister Taavi Roivas, Li said Estonia is China's good friend and partner in the Baltic Sea region.

China would encourage its companies to join hands with the Estonian side and participate in local infrastructure construction such as railway and ports.

Beijing will also support Estonia's efforts in utilizing its advantage in information technology and e-commerce, and exploring new cooperation areas under the 16+1 framework, Li said.

Roivas said Estonia was ready to strengthen bilateral cooperation in transportation and logistics so as to promote cooperation in e-commerce within the 16+1 framework.