Xi's visit essential to boost ties with Central, Eastern Europe: Former Czech prime minister

Ten years ago, when Jiri Paroubek was prime minister of the Czech Republic, he was visionary enough to fly to Beijing and held talks with his Chinese counterpart Wen Jiabao to strengthen business relationship with China. And China's TV manufacturing company Changhong had set up a new factory then, which was part of the success he helped achieve.

After he stepped down in September 2006, the politicians in the Czech Republic were mainly inward looking and up to now, its trade volume within European Union still amounts for the lion's share of the total. In recent two or three years, the Czech Republic has once again renewed such efforts in deepening economic and trade relationship with China.

"I am very happy with this change, following my talks with Chinese leadership to consider strategic partnership 10 year ago," said Paroubek during an interview with China Daily.

Paroubek said he appreciate the "courage and visions" of leaders of both sides to consider upgrade the relationship to a strategic level and President Xi Jinping's visit will be warmly welcomed and bring tremendous positive changes to the bilateral relationship.

Paroubek says said Xi is a "visionary, serious and down-to-earth" global politician and he knows very well what Chinese people need most. "President Xi has made great efforts in fighting corruption and keeping Chinese economy on track, which has already impressed me."

And what has also impressed him is Xi's visionary capacity in guiding China to the global stage by taking proactive steps to engage the world and contribute to the world's development. "And this is clearly seen by the world regarding China's contribution," he says.

Jiri Paroubek, former Czech prime minister

Paroubek said his country is ready to cooperate with China, especially in boosting bilateral trade, though its trading partners currently are mainly in Europe. He said that the industrial competitiveness in the Czech Republic is very strong and the quality of its products could compare to those made in Germany, which has become far more forward than the Czech Republic in terms of trade relationship.

"We have the same quality (as those of made in Germany) but our prices are lower. So we need to catch up to boost imports to China," said Paroubek.

Paroubek said the Czech Republic should make even greater efforts to find synergies with China's One Belt and One Road initiative but he admitted that it is a mistake that the Czech Republic has not become a founding member of Asia Infrastructural Investment Bank (AIIB).

"I hope we can do something in this regard to catch up," he said.

Apart from possible engagement with AIIB, Paroubek also said it is meaningful if both sides consider cooperation on building high-speed railway in the Czech Republic and also improving logistics and cargo transport.

Paroubek said both countries should go beyond business and try to explore opportunities in music, painting, arts, films and enrich the minds of the people of each countries.

Paroubek also said this visit is vital for China to boost the relationship with countries in Central and East Europe. "This is first time he is coming to this region after histaking office as president and I am sure this visit will be very important to boost the relationship with countries in Central and East Europe," said Paroubek.

Paroubek also believes that President Xi will be delivering some message to European Union. He said it is of great importance to boost Beijing-Brussels relationship but in many fronts, Brussels is influenced by Washington.

"We can see European Union lacks independence as some of its policies, such as refugees, Ukraine crisis and the relations with Russia, are influenced by the United States," said Paroubek.

As to China's market economy status, Paroubek said European Union should recognize this status, recognize China's economic contribution globally and recognize China's contribution to European development during previous decades. "The West should know these every well and recognize them," said Paroubek. "But for some reasons, the United Sates is still exerting its influence towards European Union."