Gordan Jandrokovic, Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic of Croatia, delivers a speech at the China Institute of International Studies Forum in Beijing on March 1 (CHEN RAN)

Chinese investment is welcomed in Croatia, and the two countries have bright prospects for closer economic ties, a top official said.

Gordan Jandrokovic, Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic of Croatia, made the remarks at the China Institute of International Studies Forum in Beijing on March 1.

Croatia is China's largest trading partner in the region. The two countries have signed all bilateral agreements necessary to create conditions for upgrading cooperation in various fields. Special emphasis should be put on science, technology and infrastructure as well as joint ventures and the transfer of know-how, Jandrokovic said in his speech titled "Croatia and China: Embracing the Opportunities of the 21st Century."

"Our interest in substantially increasing the flow of foreign direct investment from China to Croatia and vice versa represents another priority," Jandrokovic said. "Both governments support this idea, and it is up to us to turn it into concrete projects. We would welcome Chinese bids for projects such as shipyards or infrastructure."

Jandrokovic said Croatia has a stable political system and an important geographic position in Europe, through which harbors and highways can reach Central and Eastern Europe.

Besides economic ties, the Croatian side will continue to support people-to-people contacts through culture, education, friendship associations, and tourism, he said.

Croatia officially became a destination for Chinese tourists on November 1, 2003. In order to boost tourism, Croatia has eased visa requirements for Chinese tourists—travelers in tour groups who have Schengen visas in their passports do not need to apply for a Croatian visa.

Jandrokovic said the Croatia Pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo will be a platform for tourism promotion, as pictures and photographs will be on display there.

"This year marks the 30th anniversary of friendship between Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, and Shanghai. This exceptionally good, long-lasting cooperation between two cities serves as a symbol of the friendship and understanding between our states and people," he added.