Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (2nd L, 2nd row) invites leaders attending the fourth China and Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries leaders' meeting to a ride on a China-made bullet train from Suzhou to Shanghai, Nov. 25, 2015. (Photo: Xinhua/Rao Aimin)
Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) and China should expand economic ties and the two sides will benefit from "16+1" cooperation, said BiH Presidency Chairman Bakir Izetbegovic on Tuesday.
During an interview with Xinhua, Izetbegovic noted the two countries have a solid base for stable and friendly partnership.
"We can and we should expand our economic cooperation in the future for the mutual benefit,"said Izetbegovic.
He also highlighted the cooperation between China and countries in Central and Eastern Europe, or "16+1" cooperation.
"The idea of 16 + 1 cooperation, linking China as an economic powerhouse of the world with emerging economies of Central and Eastern Europe, is a great vision," he said, adding "it can benefit both China and the region."
He also talked about the coming Sarajevo Business Forum in May, which will be combined with the "16+1" economic and trade forum. Sarajevo Business Forum is one of the largest of its kind in the region.
On the Belt and Road Initiative, Izetbegovic said BiH is willing to play a role in it.
"We have a potential for growth, especially in the field of energy, and we need to connect more strongly with our region and with the rest of the world. We are working to develop our infrastructure, and China is welcome to play a role in that development."
The BiH presidency chairman also noted the two countries should enhance bilateral understanding.
"There are two key areas I find crucial for deepening the understanding between China and BiH: culture and tourism," he said. "Chinese guests are more than welcome in our country, and I hope there will be more of them in the future. I also hope many more BiH people will visit China."
Izetbegovic said his country applied for the European Union (EU) membership, which made it more interesting to foreign investors, including Chinese investors.
He admitted there were a lot of work to be done before the application is accepted, but BiH was ready to overcome difficulties with negotiation, compromise and patience.
Izetbegovic, a member of the BiH Presidency since 2010, is the son of the first President of BiH Alija Izetbegovic.
