Czech leader expresses hope for visa-free access into EU

Chinese citizens should get visa-free access to the European Union, putting an end to often lengthy current application procedures, according to Czech President Milos Zeman as he concluded a visit to China.

Zeman, the head of one of the EU's 28 member states, said it was important to develop deeper relations between Europe and the world's second-largest economy.

He said a "step by step" approach is needed but he was confident of a successful outcome that would transform travel for millions of Chinese tourists and businesspeople.

"I am 70 years old and am still optimistic. I believe the full cancellation of the visa will be reached in my lifetime," he said

Chinese business leaders have been critical in the past over immigration procedures and visa arrangements when entering the Czech Republic.

Zeman, speaking at the St. Regis Hotel in Beijing, said he would like to see an extension of the current EU business visa from five to 10 years.

"I think, for entrepreneurs, 10 years would be better but this must be the common attitude of the EU. Meanwhile the Czech Republic will try to reach such a goal," he said.

Zeman's call for a visa-free Europe for Chinese comes at a time when some EU countries, such as the UK, are calling for a tightening up on migration even within EU borders.

"The UK has a different position. I am against any restriction of migration with one exemption relating to the risk of migration from Islamic countries because of radical Islamism," he said.

Zeman also said he would like to see direct flights from the Czech Republic to China, either by Chinese State-owned airlines or Czech carriers.

He had hoped to reach an agreement on this visit but now expects one to be reached next spring when Czech Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka is expected to visit China.

"I am for practical steps and not only for polite phrases. The new big Silk Road has not only to be by camels but by planes," he said.

"That is one of the conditions to increase people-to-people exchanges between students, entrepreneurs, tourists and so on."

Zeman, whose visit marked the 65th anniversary of relations between former Czechoslovakia and the People's Republic of China, said he wanted to see more substantial Chinese investment in the country. China's outward investment to the country was $200 million in 2012.

He wants to see Chinese investment in research and development taking advantage of the lower labor costs of Czech scientists and engineers.

"Our comparative advantage as far as Germany is concerned is that we have the same qualified manpower but a little cheaper," he says.

The president's visit also marked the announcement that the Czech Republic would be opening a consulate-general in Chengdu, its fourth diplomatic residence along with consulate-generals in Shanghai, Hong Kong and its embassy in Beijing.

Zeman would like to see more cooperation between Chinese provinces and regions of the Czech Republic.

andrewmoody@chinadaily.com.cn