China's economic development shows the world that the 21st century international economy can be best promoted through openness, instead of beggaring-thy-neighbor policies, and they are willing to follow suit, said Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic during her speech at the opening ceremony of the second China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai on Tuesday.

During the speech, Brnabic said that China's economy is growing with a strong momentum and the country is making good progress in poverty reduction and cultivating young talent.

The prime minister pointed out that the world is facing a crucial choice between two paths.

She called on countries to choose the path of peaceful international cooperation and shared prosperity, which echoes the theme of this year's CIIE – New Era, Shared Future. Brnabic added that this path implies strengthening economic interdependence of countries, enhancing dialogue between civilizations and stepping up people-to-people ties. 

The other path will lead to closeness, estrangement and interruption of exchange, and will deepen trade protectionism, tariff barriers, and further trade wars, she said.

The prime minister stressed that China and Serbia have both chosen the path of openness and cooperation.