17+1 cooperation forum:
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The 17+1 cooperation forum is a China-led initiative founded in the year 2012.
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Aim:
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To expand cooperation between China and the Central and Eastern European(CEE) member countries.
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This is done through investments and trade for the development of the CEE region.
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The initiative focuses on infrastructure projects such as bridges, motorways, railway lines and the modernisation of ports in the member states.
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Significance: The initiative is largely seen as an extension of China’s flagship Belt and Road initiative (BRI).
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Why in news? Lithuania pulled out of this forum.