The Sarajevo Unlimited Forum should be the beginning of a good regional cooperation where we will present the advantages and possibilities of the Western Balkans, Bosnia’s Council of Ministers Chairman said.

“We are fully committed to implementing all the projects defined in the 16+1 Initiative. One of those initiatives is related to further development of science, education, research and innovation because these things are important for further strengthening of Bosnia’s and regional economic stability,” Denis Zvizdic said.

His statement came after the signing of the joint statement on the construction of a smart and safe city and a Memorandum of understanding between the City of Sarajevo and Huawei Technologies company at the Sarajevo Unlimited Forum. The Forum is held in Sarajevo, November 5-7.

He noted that the goal is to increase the level of Bosnia’s exports to China at least three-fold, in the next four years. Bosnia should also increase its trade level with the central and south-east European countries.

The 16+1 Initiative is part of China's One Belt, One Road mega project, a sort of modern-day Silk Road considered to be one of the most ambitious plans in the world.

China’s Science and Technology Deputy Minister Zhang Jianguo said that the Chinese side is ready to use all the advantages of the Western Balkans region and work on joint innovations for the sake of faster development of new industrial revolution.

“China supports its companies in establishing cooperation in the field of innovation in line with market rules and commercial principles. I hope this conference will bring a new dynamic to the 16+1 Initiative and in relations between China and Europe,” Jianguo said.