BEIJING — China and Central and Eastern European countries (CEEC) kicked off their year for local cooperation in Beijing on Jan 12.

The decision to hold the 2018 China-CEEC Local Cooperation Year was made during the sixth meeting of the heads of government of China and 16 CEE countries, held in Budapest, Hungary in 2017.

Over 50 provinces and regions have joined the association of provincial governors since the 16+1 cooperation was inaugurated in 2012, and two 16+1 mayor forums for capital cities have been held since then, according to the Chinese foreign ministry.

Jan 12 also marked the conclusion of the 2017 China-CEEC Media Cooperation year, which saw over 50 media cooperation projects, including journalist training and movie festivals, according to the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television.