On the afternoon of November 24, 2015, Premier Li Keqiang attended at the Taihu International Conference Center in Suzhou the opening ceremony of the fifth China and Central and Eastern European Countries Economic and Trade Forum together with leaders of 16 Central and Eastern European countries (CEEC) and delivered a speech.

Li Keqiang noted that China and the Central and Eastern European countries enjoy a high degree of mutual political trust as well as immense potential in trade and investment. Despite the weak global economy and sluggish world trade, practical cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European countries has kept a good momentum, with two-way trade setting new records consecutively, investment in both ways steadily growing and major cooperation projects moving ahead steadily. At present, China is partnering with other countries to advance the Belt and Road initiative. As the 16 Central and Eastern European countries account for one fourth of the countries along the routes, there is a lot both sides can do to further synergize development strategies.

In the coming five years, China will strive to attain the goal of completing the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects. It is also an important period for the implementation of the China-EU 2020 Strategic Agenda for Cooperation. Li Keqiang shared the following thoughts on further deepening China-CEEC comprehensive cooperation:

First, push for early completion of connectivity projects. One of the priorities of the 16+1 cooperation is to strengthen regional transport infrastructure in synergy with the Belt and Road initiative. China is ready to work with relevant countries to make every effort to advance the flagship project of the Budapest-Belgrade railway link and make sure that construction will start within the year and will end in two years' time. China would also like to push forward the project of the China-Europe Land-Sea Express Line with the relevant parties on a win-win basis so that the Central and Eastern European region will be able to facilitate rapid transit of trade between China and Europe. China is ready to invest in ports and port zone development in Central and Eastern European countries to enhance land and sea links, engage in Internet infrastructure cooperation and promote connectivity with regional countries on the land, in the sea and through the Internet.

Second, give a greater play to production-capacity cooperation. China has quality production capacity in automobile, iron and steel, shipbuilding, chemicals, port equipment, construction machinery and can offer quality products at relatively low cost. And China is strong in construction capacity and supporting services and can meet the environmental standard of Central and Eastern European countries. To develop three-way cooperation by combining China's quality production capacity with Central and Eastern European countries' development needs and the key technologies of the western European countries will not only enable Central and Eastern European countries to speed up development and create more jobs at a lower cost and to boost industrial upgrading in China, but also contribute to more balanced development within Europe and accelerate European integration.

Third, we need to create new highlights in the trade of special agricultural products. Both sides enjoy great potential for bilateral cooperation in sustainable development of agriculture, deep processing of agricultural and sideline products as well as in breeding, farming and processing in the animal husbandry sector. China will increase imports of competitive goods, especially farm products, from Central and Eastern European countries and step up quarantine and inspection cooperation with Central and Eastern European countries.

Fourth, widen channels to address the financing issue. China respects relevant EU standards and is ready to explore with the governments of the 16 Central and Eastern European countries to open more channels and offer preferential policy support to major cooperation projects in a more flexible manner. Both sides should fully leverage the 10 billion USD special credit line, discuss on setting up a 16+1 multilateral financial company to reduce financing costs for bilateral cooperation through various forms. China supports bilateral cooperation in currency swap, currency settlement and financial regulation.

Li Keqiang briefed on China's current economic situation, saying that China is drafting its 13th five-year plan on economic and social development. It will adopt a new development approach featuring innovative, coordinated, green, open and shared development to achieve its ambitious blueprint for a moderately prosperous society in all respects. It will offer even more development opportunities for Central and Eastern European countries and other countries, and make new contribution to global economic recovery and world peace, stability and prosperity. China will open up at a higher level, promote our equipment, technologies, standards and services around the world, and ease market access in finance, education, health care, old-age care and other fields. As we open up even wider, we would be happy to see Central and Eastern European countries share in the dividends of China's prosperity and development.

President Andrzej Duda of Poland noted in his speech that China is an important cooperative partner of Central and Eastern Europe. The cooperation between the Central and Eastern Europe and China enjoys a sound foundation, great potentials and bright prospects. Both sides intensifying cooperation in politics, economy, science, technology, culture and many other fields will not only conduce to development of China and the Central and Eastern European region, but also bring benefits to world peace, stability and development. Both sides should bear the big picture in mind, enhance institutional constructions, cement solidarity and cooperation and join hands for a bright future of bilateral relations.

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán of Hungary expressed in his speech that the mechanism of the summit of China and Central and Eastern European countries has scored fruitful results and its fourth summit held in China is of milestone significance. China plays an important role in safeguarding peaceful development of the world. They completely feel that it is not an expedient for China to carry out cooperation with Central and Eastern European countries, but a future-oriented act featuring mutual respect, and it is an act featuring equality and mutual benefit for common development rather than just accommodating its own interests. He believed that China will be their long-standing cooperative partner.

Over 1200 people from the business circle of China and the 16 Central and Eastern European countries were present at the Forum.