A China-Europe freight train departs from Xi’an Guojigang Railway Station in Xi’an, Shaanxi province, on March 7. [Photo / XINHUA]

Officials of Central and Eastern European Countries praised the mutually beneficial cooperation between CEEC and China, expressing their willingness to further explore opportunities and seek common development.

They made the remarks on Thursday at the eighth meeting of China and CEEC Business Council held in Ningbo, Zhejiang province.

Sinisa Berjan, ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to China, said the meeting symbolized the strong and growing partnership between China and CEEC.

Chinese investments in CEE countries have, over the past decade, contributed to significant infrastructure development, technological advancements and job creation, he said, adding that CEEC investments in China also have brought unique perspectives and innovations.

He called for China and CEEC to continue to work together, leveraging collective strengths and opportunities to promote trade and investment cooperation.

Sashko Nasev, ambassador of North Macedonia to China, said the bilateral robust partnership holds immense promise.

He said trade between the two sides has witnessed a commendable upward trajectory, fostering economic interdependence and creating a win-win situation for both nations.

The total value of bilateral trade between China and CEEC in 2023 increased by 2.8 percent year-on-year.

The growing trade, economic and investment ties between the two sides underscore the potential for mutually beneficial collaboration, he added.

Mihai Andritoiu, executive president of China-Romania Association for the Promotion of International Trade and Economy, highlighted the significance of economic and trade relations between China and Romania.

The Romanian business community attaches great importance to the Chinese market and actively participates in various economic and trade activities, he said.

He promised that the association would continue to build a platform for the two sides to promote cooperation and lift the bilateral exchanges to a new level.

Andrzej Dycha, chairman of Polish Investment and Trade Agency, said in a congratulatory letter to the meeting that the council has played a huge role in promoting pragmatic and efficient economic and trade cooperation between China and CEEC.

As a part of China-CEEC cooperation mechanism, the council was co-initiated by China and Poland in 2013 and was officially established during the third China-CEEC leaders’ meeting in 2014.

He believed that the meeting of the council would better promote China-CEEC economic and trade cooperation in the post-pandemic era.