FM Schetyna on business mission to China

Schetyna will also be accompanied by representatives from the economy, finance and agriculture ministries.

While in China, Schetyna is to take part in the inaugural Polish-Chinese Intergovernmental Committee, which is to meet every two years to try and support business between the two countries.

During the three-day visit, Schetyna is also expected to open a Polish consulate in Chengdu.

The visit is to boost business ties between Warsaw and Beijing, and while Poland and China signed a strategic partnership four years ago, Foreign Minsitry Spokesman Marcin Wojciechowski informed that China still exports more to Poland than it imports.

“We have a large trade exchange, but there is still significant disproportion with a 10 to ratio in favour of China,” he said, adding that “it’s better than it was a few years ago (13 to 1), but we would like trade exchange between our countires to be more balanced”.

Two business forums are to take place during the visit, with hopes also that regional ties will also be strengthened.

“The fact that we have a direct freight rail connection between Łódź and Chengdu is a signal to carry on developing cooperation,” Wojciechowski said.

So far, 11 Polish provinces actively cooperate with Chinese regions, with the Pomeriania, Świętokrzyskie and Łódź provinces having their own offices in China. (jb)

Source: IAR