Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers Staša Košarac stated today in Ningbo that increasing exports to the Chinese market and improving foreign trade relations is an imperative.
Košarac, who is on an official visit to China and is participating in the prestigious international fair “China-CEEC Expo”, addressed the China-CEEC Business Council, reminding that this year marks three decades since the establishment of diplomatic relations between BiH and China.
“For three decades we have nurtured friendly ties, and our relations have developed and deepened in all areas in the best possible way,” Košarac noted.
He reminded that the excellent bilateral relations were confirmed during the recent meeting between the President of Republika Srpska Milorad Dodik and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Moscow.
“I took the opportunity to convey greetings from President Dodik and thank China, President Xi Jinping, the Chinese leadership, and the friendly Chinese people for their balanced approach towards BiH and principled position on respecting the Dayton Agreement and international law, especially in the UN Security Council regarding the OHR and the illegitimacy of Christian Schmidt,” Košarac wrote on Instagram.
He emphasized that the President of Republika Srpska and Republika Srpska firmly stand with friendly China and unequivocally support and respect the one-China policy.
“And we will continue to do so,” Košarac added.
Košarac, who is also the Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations, noted that increasing exports to the Chinese market and enhancing foreign trade relations is imperative.
“We believe that cooperation within the ’16+1′ mechanism and the ‘Belt and Road’ initiative is a very important opportunity for developing comprehensive relations, as these mechanisms allow us to overcome many of the challenges our countries face through an open, coordinated, and innovative approach,” he assessed.
Košarac stated that Republika Srpska is a strong proponent of openly and sincerely considering the possibility of signing a free trade agreement between BiH and China in the coming period, following the example of Serbia, which has signed such an agreement with the Chinese side.
“Achieving this goal would be a major joint success, as it would enable foreign trade in more than 95 percent of products with zero percent customs duty,” he explained.
Košarac added that during the 30 years of diplomatic relations, China has been much more than a political partner.
“China is our true friend. We are committed to building a fairer world and strengthening comprehensive relations in the spirit of good and friendly ties, mutual understanding, and respect,” Košarac concluded.
Source: RTRS
