H.E. Chinese Ambassador Mr Hu Zhaoming pays visit to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Predrag Štromar

On Monday, 23 July 2018, Deputy Prime Minister and minister of construction and physical planning Predrag Štromar received the visit of H.E. Ambassador of the People's Republic of China Mr Hu Zhaoming, who was accompanied by political counsellor MR Li Xin and second secretary Mr Zhou  Yi.

Ambassador Hu Zhaoming first expressed his huge satisfaction about the fact that a Chinese company was awarded the tender for the capital project of Pelješac bridge construction, and both sides agreed that for the successful realization of such a project full cooperation and support was required, along with the establishment of an appropriate coordination mechanism.

Ambassador Mr Hu Zhaoming pointed out the amicable and partnership relations between the Republic of Croatia and the People's Republic of China that have been going on for a number of years, and last year the 25th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries was marked. During the entire period, positive developments have been observable in trade relations and in tourism, as well as cooperation in many other fields. 

The Minister and the Ambassador concluded that all recent developments were an outcome of the 16+1 initiative, which was launched by China in order to strengthen cooperation with 16 Central and Eastern European Countries in the field of investment, transport, financing, education and culture, with infrastructure being among the priority fields for economic cooperation. In many counties in Croatia there is current need for a series of infrastructure projects of all types, including roads, railways and ports, and in this regard the importance of good cooperation with local authorities was pointed out.

The meeting took place in a cordial and amicable atmosphere, with both sides expressing their wish for continuation and enhancement of cooperation, especially in light of the agreement about Croatia hosting in 2019 the next high-level meeting of the China + 16 format.