Vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli’s tour to the Czech Republic on Aug 27 and 28 is expected to promote bilateral cooperation and relations between China and Central and Eastern European countries.

During his two-day visit, Zhang will meet Czech President Milos Zeman and attend a meeting with leaders of Central and Eastern European countries.

Zhang and Zeman are expected to discuss a wide range of issues, including manufacturing, infrastructure, new energy, agriculture, healthcare and investment.

Zhang’s trip to Prague follows Xi’s meeting with Zeman in Sochi, Russia, in February when the two leaders were in the Russian resort for the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics.

In April, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with his Czech counterpart, Lubomir Zaoralek, in Beijing, agreeing to promote ties between their countries.

By 2013, two-way trade between China and the Czech Republic stood at $9.45 billion. The Czech Republic is now the second largest trading partner of China in Central and Eastern Europe.