Rise of China offers benefits, say nations

Most people in Central and Eastern European countries covered by the Belt and Road Initiative hold a positive outlook toward China's economic growth, believing the momentum will continue for the next 10 years, according to a survey released on Oct 14.

Thirty-seven percent of those surveyed says they believed the Chinese economy has stable growth, while 33 percent says it is on a fast track, according to the 2016 Chinese Enterprise Global Image Survey Report on Central and Eastern Europe.

The survey, published by China International Publishing Group, polled 2,000 residents ages 18 to 65 in the Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary and Romania between July and September.

The Belt and Road Initiative, which comprises the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, aims to boost trade and connectivity across Asia, Europe and Africa. It involves 60 countries and regions with a total population of 4.4 billion.

Global cooperation in infrastructure, logistics and production capacity is the biggest highlight of the Belt and Road Initiative, says Wei Jianguo, vice-president of the China Center for International Economic Exchanges.

According to the survey, 55 percent of interviewees believe that Chinese companies are able to bring quality and bargain products to their markets, and 42 percent think Chinese businesses will help create jobs.

Major infrastructure projects have been launched in Central and Eastern Europe, including a railway hub project in Lodz, Poland, and steel and nuclear power plants in the Czech Republic with investment from Shanghai-based CEFC China Energy Co.

Wei says countries in Central and Eastern Europe are especially interested in collaborating with China on infrastructure projects.

Yingli Green Energy Holding Co, one of China's biggest solar power companies, has begun talks with at least 10 companies in Central and Eastern Europe for solar projects.

Yang Ming, Yingli's deputy general manager, says Central and Eastern European countries have a growing need for solar energy, which gives Chinese companies the opportunity to diversify their markets.

But the survey found that only 37 percent of respondents have a favorable impression of Chinese companies, compared with 74 percent for Japanese companies and 61 percent for those from the United States.

"It is urgent for Chinese companies to stop bringing managers from home after investing in manufacturing facilities or research branches in Europe," says Zhao Qizheng, former head of the State Council Information Office.

Localization will be the key to their success, he says.

zhongnan@chinadaily.com.cn