The picture shows the Czech ambassador to China Bedrich Kopetski as a guest at the Xinhua Hall of Xinhuanet for an interview.
Xinhuanet, Beijing, June 16th. Czech Ambassador to China Bedrich Kopetski recently visited Xinhua.com's "Xinhua Interview" to share his views and expectations on the relationship between the two countries. The following is the interview record:
Xinhuanet: Chinese leaders paid a state visit to the Czech Republic in March this year. During the visit, the leaders of the two countries agreed to upgrade China-Czech relations to a strategic partnership. In recent years, the bilateral relations between the two countries have developed rapidly. What are the main reasons?
Kopetski: The friendly relationship between Czech and China has a long history. 2016 marks the 67th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Czech Republic and China. I am of course very happy as the Czech ambassador to see the continuous strengthening of cooperation between the two countries. Over the past two years, bilateral important exchange visits between the Czech Republic and China have been frequent. Last year, President Milos Zeman of the Czech Republic, Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka and Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Czech Republic Jan Hamacek visited China successively.
At the end of March this year, Chinese leaders paid a state visit to the Czech Republic. This is indeed a historic moment and the best proof of the close relationship between the two countries. This month, we will have the honor to welcome the Czech Prime Minister’s second visit to China within 7 months. Each of these high-level visits has promoted the continuous development of our bilateral relations in many fields.
Xinhuanet: The Czech Republic has become China's second largest trading partner in Central and Eastern Europe. At the same time, China is also the Czech Republic's largest trading partner outside the EU. Why have the economic and trade relations between the two countries developed so well? What do you expect from this?
Kopetski: The Czech Republic has a strong industrial tradition. In the historical Austro-Hungarian Empire, two-thirds of the industries of the Czech monarchy were located in what is today the Czech Republic. The economic and trade relations between the Czech Republic and China have also been strengthened year by year. This is not only because of the strong economic growth of the Czech Republic, but also the continuous efforts of our two governments. Czech-China economic relations are extensive and diverse. Chinese companies invest in various industries in the Czech Republic, including finance, high-tech manufacturing, and telecommunications.
Xinhuanet: During the visit of Chinese leaders to the Czech Republic, the leaders of the two countries agreed to promote the construction of the “Belt and Road” and deepen bilateral cooperation. So, what positive effects will the "Belt and Road" initiative bring to bilateral cooperation? How is the cooperation progressing?
Kopetski: We are ready to actively participate in the construction of the “Belt and Road” initiative. During the visit of the Czech Prime Minister to China in November 2015, he signed an important memorandum of understanding aimed at advancing the construction of the “Belt and Road”. Now, we are ready to exchange bilateral cooperation project plans with Chinese partners. The “Belt and Road” initiative focuses on the areas of infrastructure, transportation and interconnection, and the Czech Republic has already listed corresponding specific projects in the plan.
In the field of general aviation, the Czech Republic and China have good opportunities for cooperation. As one of the first pilot projects, the Czech Republic can provide L-410 aircraft, related technologies and know-how, so as to provide more effective short-range transportation solutions for Xinjiang and other places in China. The Czech Republic has extensive international experience in the fields of civil aviation and general aviation. In addition, other projects under bilateral plans also involve medical and health, e-commerce, nuclear energy, forestry and other fields. We look forward to finalizing plans by the end of this year.
Xinhuanet: China's economy has entered the "new normal". As a strategic partner of China, how does the Czech Republic view the "new normal" of the Chinese economy? How do you see the future development of China's economy?
Kopetski: Like any other economy, the Chinese economy has encountered some problems, but I think the focus of reform is what the Chinese economy really needs. Therefore, China has proposed a supply-side economic reform based on service and technological innovation, which I think is correct. Considering the size of China's economy on such a large scale, it is impossible to survive every reform process without difficulty. In my opinion, it does not matter whether the GDP growth is 6.5% or 7%. The important thing is that this growth is qualitative and sustainable. This has also received attention in the innovation-driven supply-side industrial reform. At the same time, I think increasing market access for foreign investors is very important. Of course, improving the operation of state-owned enterprises is also very important. The steel and coal industries face huge challenges in dealing with overcapacity. However, I believe that China must deal with these challenges, and I am sure that there will be many effective solutions.
Xinhuanet: The Czech Republic is a very beautiful country. Last year, 300,000 Chinese tourists traveled to the Czech Republic, a significant increase. In order to facilitate and attract Chinese tourists, what measures will the Czech Republic and its embassy in China take? Mr. Ambassador, if you would recommend Czech tourist attractions to Chinese tourists, which places would you recommend?
Kopetski: Last year, the number of tourists to the Czech Republic exceeded 27 million. The tourism industry is booming, but more than 14 million people stayed for just one day. Of course, these are tourists from neighboring countries such as Germany, Poland, and Austria. It should be mentioned that the number of tourists from China exceeded 285,000 last year, staying for an average of 2.7 days each time, which is longer than tourists from neighboring countries.
In addition to Prague, the Czech Republic has many places worth seeing, such as the magical medieval city and many unique UNESCO World Heritage sites. We not only have many medieval cities, but also many well-preserved medieval castles, especially in South Bohemia and South Moravia. Prague Castle is the largest castle on the Vltava River. The second largest castle is located in the small town of Cesky Krumlov in South Bohemia, which is very unique. In South Moravia, we have medieval monuments and fine wines.
In September last year, with the opening of direct flights from Beijing to Prague, China's tourism to the Czech Republic ushered in rapid development. This summer, we will also open direct flights from Shanghai and Chengdu to Prague.
Xinhuanet: The third China-CEEC local leaders' meeting will be held later this month. As a major media partner, Xinhuanet will fully cover the conference. Mr. Ambassador, will you attend this meeting?
Kopetski: We really attach great importance to this friendly cooperation. This is part of the "16+1" cooperation mechanism between China and Central and Eastern European countries. The Czech Republic actively promotes cooperation under this mechanism, especially cooperation with regional and local leaders, which is very important, so we are also actively participating. Of course I will participate.
Xinhuanet: What are your expectations for this meeting?
Kopetski: For all participating countries, local cooperation is extremely important because this type of cooperation can bring about many specific projects. At the same time, the cooperation of this type of meeting is very important for the development of interconnection and other infrastructure. Local leaders The exchange activities will be of great help to the development of the regional economy. Therefore, I think this meeting is an extremely important part of the "16+1" cooperation mechanism.
Xinhuanet: What are your expectations for the development of Sino-Czech relations this year?
Kopetski: The two countries will continue to prepare memorandums of understanding for many cooperation projects under the framework of the "Belt and Road" initiative and the "16+1" cooperation mechanism. The success of these friendly cooperation will bring very good results and inject new vitality into the strengthening and deepening of relations between the two countries.
Xinhuanet: When we were young, the Czech Republic was a colorful cartoon in our hearts-"The Mole Story"; when we grew up, the Czech Republic was a sad love movie in our hearts-"Love in Prague" "; And now, China-Czech relations has ushered in a new era. Let us look forward to a bright future for China-Czech cooperation and development.
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