Zvizdić discussed with Chinese Premier Keqiang

DUBROVNIK, (Patria) - Chairman of the Council of Ministers of BiH Denis Zvizdić met today in Dubrovnik, on the sidelines of the 8th Summit of Heads of Government of Central and Eastern European Countries and the People's Republic of China (17+1), with the Premier of the People's Republic of China Li Keqiang, with whom he discussed the improvement of economic relations and bilateral cooperation.

Chairman Zvizdić informed Premier Keqiang about the current political and economic situation in our country and the region. He said that Bosnia and Herzegovina has fulfilled all Brussels' conditions in the past period and that we expect to obtain candidate status for EU membership, which will give new dynamics to BiH-EU relations.

Chairman Zvizdić expressed satisfaction with the dynamics of the development of relations between BiH and the People's Republic of China. He added that through the "One Belt - One Road" initiative, political and economic relations have been strengthened, and the upcoming construction of a 450MW Block 7 thermal power plant in Tuzla, the most significant investment in the energy sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina, represents a concrete example of the realization of ideas formulated within the framework of the "17+1" summit. He emphasized Bosnia and Herzegovina's commitment to continuing active participation in the initiative and the implementation of agreed projects.

Chairman Zvizdić said that our country is interested in continuing to further improve and strengthen ties with the People's Republic of China in the sectors of tourism, energy, and transport, where there is significant potential for investment and development. He also highlighted Bosnia and Herzegovina's great interest in exporting agricultural products to China, especially high-quality products such as dairy products, honey, and wine, which would greatly help increase production volume. He added that there are already agreements on agricultural cooperation and on trade and economic cooperation.

Premier Keqiang said that China is interested in importing products from BiH. He also emphasized the Chinese side's readiness to increase cooperation in the tourism sector, especially for investments in tourism infrastructure. He said that China wants to expand cooperation with Bosnia and Herzegovina with an emphasis on small and medium-sized enterprises.

Chairman Zvizdić thanked Premier Keqiang for the support to have Sarajevo host the 5th Summit of Mayors of Capitals of the "17+1" platform next year.