Slovak president highlights 'huge potential' for digital cooperation with China

Slovak President Peter Pellegrini on Wednesday highlighted the importance of digital transformation for his country, stressing that cooperation with China in this field holds "huge potential".

China-Slovakia relations have been in the spotlight as Pellegrini on Wednesday wrapped up a three-day state visit at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

In an interview with China Media Group in Beijing, Pellegrini emphasized that digitalization has been a consistent priority throughout his political career. Since 2016, when he served as deputy prime minister and advanced electronic administration and integrated government databases, he has maintained that digitalization is a worldwide trend to be harnessed.

"It's not just the case in Slovakia. We see it in all parts of the world that we are slowly transferring our lives or parts of our lives from the physical world into the digital world. That means people start to demand that if they are able to buy something via internet, if they are able to order food, order a taxi, they would like to also deal with the state via internet and they would like not to visit anymore the state offices or governmental offices. They like to have this quality of life that they can do everything from their living room," said the Slovak president.

During his visit, Pellegrini toured the world's first embodied intelligence robot 4S store, known as Robot Mall, where he explored cutting-edge humanoid robots, watched a robot performing Tai Chi, and even played a friendly game of basketball with robots.

Pellegrini said Slovakia is watching China's progress in digital solutions, and expressed strong optimism about future cooperation with China.

"And this is very important. And of course, we are looking also on what is going on in China because one thing is to think about some solutions, but the crucial one is really implementation into the real life. So there, I think, is a huge potential between Slovakia and China to exchange their views, experiences and so on," said Pellegrini.

Slovak president highlights 'huge potential' for digital cooperation with China

As China continues to refine its inbound policies for foreign travelers, a growing number of visitors from Germany are expected to arrive in the coming months, according to German tourism business.

Aside from classic scenic spots, immersive experiences rooted in Chinese culture become a major draw for German tourists.

German photographer Eden went to to Beijing in 2012. This year, he plans to revisit the Chinese capital and also tour Shanghai, in order to understand Chinese culture better.

"I wish to meet local cultural and artistic figures, such as photographers, fashion designers and artists, and have chances to chat with them," said Eden.

As for German sinologist Heinrich Geiger, he has been to China multiple times. He believed that calligraphy, Chinese paintings and cooking can all be attractions for foreigners to know better about China.

"I prefer stay in one or two places rather than travel around too many areas. In that way, I can get along with the locals and learn some traditional Chinese crafts," said Geiger.

German business insiders noted that China's visa-free policy for foreign travelers, and easier access to tour services are fueling larger travel demand among German tourists.

"I believe there will be about 500,000 to 600,000 German tourists traveling to China for vacation this year," said Bohland, general manager of a German tour operator.

More Germans developing interest in traveling across China for vacation