Dozens of deals herald greater investment

China and Poland are expected to sign "dozens of agreements" during President Xi Jinping's visit, according to Miroslaw Gajewski, the Polish ambassador to China.

The agreements will facilitate and enhance bilateral cooperation in various fields including investment, finance, energy and infrastructure, he said in an interview with China Daily.

He said Xi will meet with Polish President Andrzej Duda, Prime Minister Beata Szydlo and the speakers of both houses of parliament.

"We expect discussions on a wide range of issues," said Gajewski, adding that Poland especially hopes to intensify discussions on security and stability and the Belt and Road Initiative.

"We welcome with great interest China's initiative to strengthen economic links between eastern Asia and Europe, and create new development opportunities for countries along the New Silk Road," he said.

Two direct freight train routes already link China and Poland: one from Chengdu to the city of Lodz, and the other from Suzhou in Jiangsu province to Warsaw.

Gajewski said Poland has "gained a lot of experience with the handling of freight from China" and hopes that the Belt and Road Initiative will be a "two-way street", with goods being shipped in both directions.

He also said Poland expects to create synergies between the Belt and Road Initiative and the Polish government's Plan for Sustainable Development.

"We expect the visit (by President Xi) will bring tangible results, in ... for example the opening of the Chinese market for Polish food and agricultural products," Gajewski said.

He said he is looking forward to more Chinese investment in Poland, adding, "We especially welcome greenfield investment that creates jobs."

wangqingyun@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 06/20/2016 page3)