Academics and former political leaders gathered in Budapest to discuss economic relations between China and Central and Eastern European countries. CGTN's Zhang He has more on the path ahead for so-called 16+1 cooperation.

China's cooperation with the countries of Central and Eastern Europe is known as the "16 + 1" platform. It's under the spotlight as Chinese Premier Li Keqiang travels to Croatia this week to meet with leaders of the 16 countries. Close cooperation is seen as crucial in promoting the Belt and Road Initiative in the region.

SANDOR KUSAI FORMER HUNGARIAN AMBASSADOR TO CHINA "For this part of Europe, Central and Eastern Europe, including the EU member states and non-EU member of states, it has become an example of real picture of possibilities. So that is why most of the countries in this region were prepared when the Belt and Road Initiative came."

Trade between China and Central and Eastern European countries has been growing – at the same time, there has been a slowdown in global economic growth. In 2018, trade volume surpassed 80 billion Dollars, a year-on-year increase of 21 percent. While Chinese companies invested more than 10 billion dollars in those 16 countries.

WEI JIANGUO EX-CHINESE VICE MINISTER OF COMMERCE "What Central and Eastern European countries need the most are jobs and investment. However, it won't help with employment after a major transport project is finished. You need to build an industrial park, factories and businesses and these businesses will make products. That is to say China doesn't just transfuse, but also forms and develops the blood cells."

However, there are growing concerns that the 16+1 format makes it difficult for EU member states to speak with one voice. Many academics believe it is not intended to divide Europe but instead allow for balanced development within the EU.

CSABA MOLDICZ VICE DEAN FOR RESEARCH AND INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS BUDAPEST BUSINESS SCHOOL, UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES "Hungary and even many many countries in the region can be characterized by one feature and this is asymmetrical dependence. Asymmetrical dependence on the West. This is a contradiction. How can you catch up and less these dependency if you focus on the West? My view so the BRI and 16+1 gives us a fantastic opportunity to diversify."

ZHANG HE BUDAPEST "Cooperation with China brings opportunities for the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. It is hoped that it can generate growth that will help the entire region rise. Zhang He, CGTN, Budapest."