SUZHOU, Jiangsu, Nov. 24 -- The fifth economic and trade forum between China and central and eastern European (CEE) countries opened Tuesday in eastern Chinese city of Suzhou.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang will deliver a keynote speech at the event, which will herald a summit meeting later the same day when leaders from China and CEE countries will discuss ways to further promote cooperation and development.

This is the first time for China to host the annual summit since its inception in 2012. Previous meetings were held in Warsaw, Bucharest and Belgrade.