China-CEEC expo: Deepening cooperation with Central, Eastern Europe

The 4th China-CEEC Expo & International Consumer Goods Fair themed "New Visions for the Future" was held in Ningbo. The latest expo was not only a showcase for trade, technology, and cultural exchange, but also a microcosm of China and CEEC strengthening mutual trust and pursuing shared development. Coinciding with the 50th anniversary of China-EU diplomatic relations, it has served as a broader platform for economic and trade collaboration between China and Europe.

I. Pioneering new frontiers

This year's expo achieved breakthroughs in many ways. In addition to the 14 CEECs, the expo also attracted exhibitors from other European countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, demonstrating its growing reach and influence.

Cutting-edge technologies and emerging business models are taking center stage. For the first time, a "digital and smart CEE" zone was established, showcasing advanced technologies in aviation, biotech, VR, and other frontier fields. As guest countries of honor, Slovakia and Slovenia presented smart mobility and green technology projects, highlighting digital transformation and "green innovation" as dual drivers of China-CEEC cooperation.

By focusing on new energy and low-carbon technologies, the expo helps foster long-term collaboration in smart cities and eco-friendly development. This aligns with flagship green projects under China-CEEC cooperation, such as Hungary's 100 MW Kaposvár photovoltaic power plant project, Serbia's Pan?evo Combined Cycle Power Plant, and the smart transportation system jointly developed by Prague and Ningbo. Chinese companies, such as BYD and CATL, have invested in production facilities across CEECs, supporting their efforts of industrial upgrading and green transition. By leveraging digitization and sustainable development throughout their expanding cooperation, both sides are demonstrating the strong complementarity and resilience of China-CEEC cooperation and setting a new paradigm for partnership.

II. Driving substantive cooperation

Key events, dialogues, competitions, and matchmaking sessions were held during this year's expo. The value of intended imports of CEE goods exceeded RMB 10 billion. Discussions were held in areas such as customs clearance, quarantine inspections, and trade facilitation, on top of exploring possibilities of new Chinese investments in CEECs.

Subnational cooperation and diversified platforms have become pivotal drivers as well. To date, China and CEECs have established 221 pairs of sister cities and provinces. China-CEEC Local Leaders' Meeting and Mayors Forum have enabled regions to pursue shared development. Ningbo has hosted the China-CEEC Expo four times; Cangzhou is home to the China-CEEC SME Cooperation Zone; and Plovdiv in Bulgaria hosts the Agricultural Cooperation Demonstration Zone. Chinese provinces and cities are actively engaging with CEE partners and amplifying policy synergy between central and local governments to advance cooperation.

III. Embracing the future

As is the case everywhere, people-to-people connectivity serves as a vital basis for mutual trust and shared prosperity. Tailored cultural events were held to foster mutual understanding between peoples. Presentations of literature, art, painting, stamps, and tourism enriched the experience of the expo.

There have been ongoing efforts to further bridge hearts and minds. Confucius Institutes and cultural centers in CEECs, visa facilitation measures, unilateral visa exemptions, and flagship initiatives, such as think tank forums, youth exchange camps, and vocational education alliances, have all served to promote mutual learning and enduring friendship.

The world today is undergoing more instabilities and uncertainties. Changes unseen in a century are happening at a faster pace. The joint efforts by China and CEECs fully demonstrate the strong resilience and vibrant future of the mechanism. It reflects China's firm resolve to connect with the world through higher-standard opening up and to bring more certainty and positive energy to global growth. Going forward, as long as China and CEECs stay true to the founding convictions and foster more hubs of cooperation in new quality productive forces, more deliverables are sure to come to fruition, contributing to China-Europe relations and to world peace and development at large.