Diplomacy | Xi visits Poland to boost trade, business

Chinese President Xi Jinping (left) and his Polish counterpart Andrzej Duda walk in front of the Guard of Honor during the welcoming ceremony in Warsaw

China’s President Xi Jinping is in Poland for a visit that is expected to boost Chinese investment in the region and open the Chinese market to Polish food producers.
Poland has been China’s largest partner in central and eastern Europe, with trade worth tens of billions of euro. But Poland is chiefly an importer and is hoping to boost its economy by increasing exports, mainly of farm products. China is seeking to develop large infrastructure and energy projects in Europe.
The countries are due to sign some 40 deals and memoranda of understanding during the visit, mostly related to construction, raw materials, energy, new technologies and science.
The adviser to President Andrzej Duda, Krzysztof Szczerski, has said that Poland wants to be the key partner for China in the region. Warsaw wants to have a role in upgrading and building new land and sea transport links between China and the European Union. Talks will also include human rights issues in China and global security, he said.
Xi and Duda are to attend the arrival of a Chinese cargo train in Warsaw, in a symbolic opening of a connection between China and Europe. They will also attend an economic forum.
Xi is also due to meet Prime Minister Beata Szydlo and Parliament speakers. Xi and his wife arrived late Sunday and had dinner with Duda.
The last visit to Poland by a Chinese president was in 2004, by Hu Jintao. AP