Abstract
Analysing the relations between the EU and China one can notice a growing network of links on all levels, including subnational. Within the framework of the One Belt One Road (OBOR) Initiative Chinese regions are eager to develop contacts with European counterparts. The case of the Lodzkie region’s (Poland) cooperation with Sichuan Province is often presented in media as a flagship example of taking the advantage of the possibilities posed by the OBOR. The direct cargo train connection with China has been accompanied by close political relations on the regional level as well as academic cooperation. Neither distance nor great asymmetries between the partners impede smooth collaboration in the Lodzkie case. The main aim of this paper is to answer the question what are the factors behind the success of the Lodzkie region in order to recognise the conditions that may play an important role in the process of building strong bilateral links between European and Chinese subnational units. The Lodzkie case clearly shows the key role of the personal factor. Politicians and officials have identified a great potential in a small-scale business initiative and have helped it to enhance in cooperation with local stakeholders (the city authorities, academia, local companies). Moreover, they have been able to create an attractive story which appeals to international media and attracts business.
Highlights
China with the total value of trade reaching more than 500 billion EUR is the second most important EU trading partner
More and more regional and local authorities in European countries establish contacts with Chinese counterparts trying to promote business relations, attracting Chinese investors, students and tourists. This element in the EU-China relationship is very much in line with the One Belt One Road (OBOR) Initiative, which presupposes an active role of subnational cooperation networks and as Summers (2016) argues Brather than being seen as a substantially new policy idea put forward by the current Chinese leadership, should be viewed as an extension, consolidation and political elevation of pre-existing policy ideas and practice at the subnational level in China.^
The case of the Lodzkie region cooperation with Sichuan Province serves as a flagship example of taking the advantage of the possibilities given by the OBOR
Summary
China with the total value of trade reaching more than 500 billion EUR is the second most important EU trading partner. More and more regional and local authorities in European countries establish contacts with Chinese counterparts trying to promote business relations, attracting Chinese investors, students and tourists. This element in the EU-China relationship is very much in line with the One Belt One Road (OBOR) Initiative, which presupposes an active role of subnational cooperation networks and as Summers (2016) argues Brather than being seen as a substantially new policy idea put forward by the current Chinese leadership, should be viewed as an extension, consolidation and political elevation of pre-existing policy ideas and practice at the subnational level in China.^
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