SARAJEVO, Nov. 6 (Xinhua) -- A regional innovation forum opened on Tuesday in Sarajevo, capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), aiming to explore more cooperation opportunities between China and Central and Eastern European countries (CEEC).

The 3rd Regional Innovation Forum Sarajevo Unlimited and the 3rd Conference on Innovation and Technology Cooperation between China and the CEEC were opened by Chairman of BiH Council of Ministers Denis Zvizdic.

Zvizdic said that countries need to actively work on strengthening the economic system that supports innovation and modern technology.

"Innovations trigger economic growth. That is why this forum is an important link in strengthening cooperation in the fields of technology, science and entrepreneurship between China and the countries of Central and Eastern Europe," Zvizdic explained.

Zhang Jianguo, China's vice minister of Science and Technology, said China wants to continue working through "the 16+1 cooperation" mechanism so as to promote innovation and develop markets.

"I expect this conference to bring cooperation to a higher level," said Zhang, adding that Chinese Premier Li Keqiang had sent a congratulatory letter to the 3rd Conference on Innovation and Technology Cooperation.

China-CEEC cooperation has focused on pragmatic cooperation and common development and follows the principles of inclusiveness, mutual benefit and win-win results, Li said in the letter.

Li noted that innovation is an important area of "the 16+1 cooperation".

Against the backdrop of a new industrial revolution, China is willing to tap complementary advantages together with the CEEC; jointly foster, promote and share innovation; and support innovation cooperation between their companies in accordance with market rules and business principles on condition that intellectual property rights are strictly protected, Li said in the letter.

Zhang said China expected his forum to "introduce new dynamics" to cooperation under "the 16+1 cooperation" mechanism.

The two-day forum gathered 400 foreign delegates, 60 companies, and representatives of institutions, government and the ministries responsible for the development, technology, economics, science and innovation, technology parks, creative hubs and start-ups.