For the first time a representative from the EU attended as an observer, as well as representatives from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development from Austria, Belarus, Greece and Switzerland.

The summit was part of the ongoing activities of the 17 countries, with the intention to "forge an efficient, practical and lasting 16+1 cooperation; build a partnership featuring openness, inclusiveness and mutual benefit, develop synergies between the 16+1 cooperation and the EU-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, including through the EU-China Connectivity Platform". Two documents were issued at this summit: the Riga Guidelines for Cooperation between China and CEE covering the issues of trade and investment, connectivity, cooperation in industry, energy, science and technology, financial cooperation, agriculture and forestry, health and local cooperation. The Riga Declaration focuses on reaffirming the Adriatic-Baltic-Black Sea Port cooperation in terms of developing transportation hubs, ports and industrial parks on the coastal areas of the Adriatic, Baltic and Black Sea and along the inland waterways, working together to build industrial clusters near ports and establishing modern road, rail and river corridors to connect them.

In his keynote speech, Premier Li Keqiang stressed that the "16+1" framework has already accumulated valuable experience which should be further upheld. Most of all equality, mutual respect and mutual assistance, irrespective of a state's size, wealth or strength, should be the leading principles of the mechanism. By further applying the Chinese economic diplomacy perspective of 'no political strings attached', different development paths and the accommodation of each other's core interests is possible. Mutual benefit, win-win cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, joint contribution and shared benefits are all crucial for the real economic needs of each of the 17 countries. Together they can make sure that concrete development plans will be quickly put into action. This is how "16+1" will have regional and global positive effects, as it will contribute to global peace and prosperity in these politically and economically uncertain times. There is no need for rivalry or worries: "We have always stressed that the "16+1" cooperation is a part of and useful complement to China-EU cooperation".

The biggest accomplishment for Slovenian representatives has been the signing of a contract between Slovenian aviation company, Pipistrel and Chinese Sino GA Group Co. The event in Riga was chosen for the signing because the deal is of particular significance for bilateral relations. Slovenian Prime Minister Miro Cerar has commented several times that he is convinced the deal is the result of Pipistrel's innovative knowledge, but also that the political work and economic diplomacy was crucial. Pipistrel's co-owner, Ivo Boscarol admitted that communication between governments helped the process which concluded with the signing of the contract for the promising cooperation of an estimated combined value of US $500 m.

Pipistrel is an internationally well established and pioneering player that builds on the challenge of sustainable and so-called green aviation. More than 25 years of innovative technology development was crucial for the Chinese validation of four Pipistrel aircraft certificates, which has now opened immense possibilities for sales in China. The company believes that in Sino GA they have found a more than appropriate partner for success in the burgeoning aviation market.

The deal comprises a long-term joint-venture, in light and general aviation, in the regions of China, East Asia and Asia Pacific. After two years of preparation, the two companies agreed on the transfer of technologies and setting up a new company in China where electric aircraft will be manufactured, in particular the Alpha Electro and Panthera Hybrid models. Production capacity will be more than 500 aircraft per year. Pipistrel also plans develop a new, zero emission 19-seat aircraft, powered by hybrid electric technology and hydrogen low temperature PEM fuel cells. They hope that the new type of aircraft will be available for public transport between the cities in China and all over the world.

The contract is hailed as an example of successful Euro-Asian economic practice and for Slovenia, Pipistrel is its great ambassador. It is an optimistic sign for other players who want to harvest the "16+1" framework in their business pursuits. At least two more, wide reaching initiatives are already being actively promoted. At the time of the summit, the Slovenian Minister for Agriculture, Dejan Židan, was attending the Kunming Agriculture and Trade Fair which featured a Slovenian pavilion. The possibility of Slovenia hosting the next agricultural fair of the 17 states was proposed at the fair. Another promising area of cooperation is in winter sport infrastructure and capacity building. Slovenian expertise and experience in the area has been stressed as potentially important for the Winter Olympics 2022 in Beijing.