Eased visa policies boost exchanges, cooperation between China, Balkan nations

Booster of China-CEE cooperation

While visa liberalization and simplification will undoubtedly lead to the flourishing of tourism industries in CEE countries, the impact will go beyond just that.

Sarovic said the constant increase in the number of Chinese tourists in BiH will have a direct economic impact, facilitating development, creating jobs, promoting trade, encouraging infrastructure investment while improving the country's capacity in accommodating the tourists.

Sarajevo Mayor Abdulah Skaka told Xinhua in an interview that visa liberalization with China is one of the best decisions made in recent years

"I am convinced that this agreement will open the doors for more Chinese tourists and will improve economic, scientific, cultural and tourist cooperation," Skaka said.

Labovic expects visa liberalization to contribute to cooperation in the field of energy and transport infrastructure, among others.

"Economic relations between Serbia and China are intensively developing. China is (Serbia's) largest economic partner in Asia. We have reason to expect an increasing number of investors from China," she said.