Premi Li proposes initiatives in four areas to further ＂16+1＂ cooperation

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (8th L) and the heads of government of 16 Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC) pose for a group photo during the Fifth Meeting of Heads of Government of CEEC and China in Riga, Latvia, Nov. 5, 2016. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Saturday proposed initiatives to further advance "16+1" cooperation while addressing the Fifth China-CEEC Summit in Riga, Latvia.

Li noted that over the past five years, the "16+1" cooperation mechanism has become more effective with more solid foundations and greater prospects. The theme chosen for the summit, "connectivity, innovation, inclusiveness and common development", is both timely and relevant.

The premier proposed initiatives in four areas to promote "16+1" cooperation.

Firstly, he called for advancing cooperation on infrastructure and connectivity in order to bolster CEE countries' role as a transport hub on the Eurasian Land Bridge.

Secondly, he proposed to enhance financial cooperation in order to support "16+1" cooperation and provide financing to joint projects through diverse forms.

Thirdly, he urged exploring cooperation on green economy, and step up cooperation in green agriculture, environmental protection and clean energy.

Finally, he called for intensifying people-to-people exchanges by fully exploiting cooperation mechanisms on education, culture, tourism, health, youth, and urged local governments from both sides to enhance mutual understanding between their peoples.