Perspective and Challenges of CEEC Cooperation with China

Under the “Belt and Road Initiative” and “16+1” cooperation framework, China regards Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), a potential driver of European economic growth, as a significant partner and destination for investment. The two sides will step up their cooperation in various fields such as economy and trade, investment, infrastructure construction, finance, energy, tourism, education, agriculture, people-to-people exchange and regional partnerships so as to facilitate mutual exchange and innovation for win-win outcomes.

There are many success stories when it comes to cooperation between China and the Czech Republic. For example, Changhong Europe Electric in Nymburk is the largest manufacturing company set up by China in the Czech Republic. Czech carmaker Škoda has cooperated with Shanghai Volkswagen to produce Škoda Octavia in China, making it the third brand in the Volkswagen Group, after Volkswagen and Audi, to produce cars in China. In addition, Wanfeng Auto Holding Group in Zhejiang has partnered with DF Company to build the first Wanfeng aircraft and establish an aircraft R&D centre in the Czech Republic. Meanwhile, Home Credit, a Czech consumer finance company, entered the Chinese market in 2004 and established a pioneering financial data processing and business support platform… The “Belt and Road Initiative” is aimed at reviving the global economy for inclusive growth and prosperity around the world. By virtue of the long-standing friendly relationship between China and the Czech Republic, the two countries share mutual benefit through complementary advantages and compatible strategies. Within the context of globalisation, China is stepping up international cooperation in technological innovation and considers the Czech Republic an important partner. The two sides will move beyond traditional sectors such as infrastructure and trade, towards a wider range of cooperation so as to work more closely on technological innovation that will benefit the two markets. It is therefore imperative for China and the Czech Republic to find answers to the following questions: How will the bellwethers in emerging sectors draw lessons from the success stories, grasp the essence of the “Belt and Road Initiative" and share opportunities from the development of China's economy? How will the countries along the Belt and Road bring their strategy for dominant industries in alignment with the “Belt and Road Initiative” to maximise the advantages and interests of both sides? How will China and the Czech Republic probe industrial differences between the two countries to come up with a sustainable and innovative cooperation framework and model for win-win results?

Co-founded by the Chinese government and European Union, CEIBS is a joint venture for management education that delivers a combination of "China Depth and Global Breadth". While sticking to its internationalisation strategy, the school is devoted to delving into emerging business issues to boost China's innovation, transition and globalisation, and promote growing international economic cooperation. Since 2012, CEIBS has hosted the Europe Forum series across major cities, providing a bridge between Chinese companies and European communities and a platform for the exchange of ideas on crucial international issues. In 2018, the Europe Forum to be convened in Prague will centre on the theme of “China-CEE Cooperation for Mutual Benefit and Win-Win Results”, exploring topics such as the “analysis of investment climates and policies in China and the Czech Republic”, “development and transformation of China-Czech cooperation”, and “new opportunities of cooperating with China brought by digitalisation”. Elites in political, business and economic circles will share their insightful views about new approaches to China-CEE cooperation for common prosperity.