China, CEE countries to deepen cooperation in forestry

Liu mentioned forest tourism and medicinal forest tourism as some promising industrial branches that require joint cooperation to secure progress, and he concluded that China supports the establishment of "smart forests" across the world aiming to achieve better efficiency in managing forests as well as protection of animals and plants.

Branislav Nedimovic, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of Serbia revealed that the participants of the meeting adopted a joint declaration and a plan of the China-CEE cooperation from 2018 to 2020.

"Our aim is both to boost international trade and to increase production." Nedimovic explained that the two areas with highest growth potential in Serbia according to World Bank estimation are the food and wood industries with their respective processing.

He said that a new online platform was launched Monday where all countries within the 16+1 forestry cooperation will form a database of their potentials in the area of forestry in order to engage companies and businessman. It also highlighted the importance of scientific research and academic exchange.