The landlocked Czech Republic is determined to seize the opportunity of President Xi Jinping's visit to better connect with the Eurasian continent by embedding into China's Belt and Road Initiative and boosting trade flows, investment activities and infrastructure connections, politicians and businesses leaders said on the eve of the visit.

It is likely that the Czech Republic is on the way to becoming one of the forerunners signing up to Beijing's proposal following the UK, France, Poland, Hungary, Greece, Egypt, Russia and Pakistan.

Xi is scheduled to visit the Czech Republic from March 28 to 30 before flying to Washington to attend the global Nuclear Security Summit.

Jaroslav Tvrdik, a former Czech defense minister who is now a special adviser to the Czech leadership, said both sides are prepared to deliver an action plan on the Belt and Road Initiative to follow up on the memorandum of understanding signed last year.

Tvrdik said his country enjoys the geographic advantage of being a gateway to Europe, and in cooperating with China, his country aims to turn Prague into a financial, aviation and cargo center.

Chinese Ambassador to the Czech Republic Ma Keqing also said the visit aims to boost pragmatic cooperation between the two countries by jointly seeking synergies from each other's mega projects by implementing the Belt and Road Initiative.

In recent years, Chinese companies have shown great interest in the country. China's investment in the Czech Republic reached $1.6 billion at the end of last year; and $1.8 billion in the other direction.

China Energy Co Ltd, headquartered in Shanghai, is a latecomer but has developed rapidly by investing in energy, financial and aviation sectors as well in media.

"We appreciate the unique geographic advantages of the country and we are sure that businesses could explore more opportunities in turning the Belt and Road Initiative into action," said Ye Jianming, president of China Energy. The company expects to sign several contracts during Xi's visit.

Chinese TV maker Changhong set up a factory in the Czech Republic 10 years ago, and last year output reached 1 million units.

Lian Yongping, general manager in charge of Changhong's European operations, said his company has an ambitious expansion plan.

The company has decided to set up a research and development center next to the factory and at the same time, it will also shift production lines for refrigerators, washing machines and other appliances to Europe.

The company will set up its own logistics center, and expand business to sales, after-sales services and maintenance, which are more profitable than manufacturing.

The company is trying to attract Chinese investors to help construct a high-tech industrial zone in Nymburk, where Changhong is based.

Jiri Paroubek, former Czech prime minister, said his country should make greater efforts to find synergies with China's One Belt and One Road Initiative and admitted that it is a mistake that the Czech Republic did not become a founding member of the Asian Infrastructural Investment Bank.

"I hope we can do something in this regard to catch up," he says.

Paroubek also said both sides should consider collaborating on on building a high-speed railway in his country and improving logistics delivery.

President Xi Jinping's Belt and Road Initiative is basically a peace project, said Jan Kohout, an adviser to Czech President Milos Zeman on Chinese matters.

"It is a solution for the world to walk out of wars and conflicts and bring about prosperity. It is not only about business but focuses on bringing people closer, leading to better communication and cooperation."