Xinhua News Agency, Ningbo, May 24 (Reporter Zou Duowei, Zhu Han, Tang Tao) By the picturesque Dongqian Lake, participants proudly gather in "Ningbo". Amid the shining brilliance of Czech crystals, shelves filled with Polish wines and beers, and the lively rhythms of Hungarian dancers' spirited folk performances... The 4th China-CEEC Expo & International Consumer Goods Fair, themed "New Visions for the future", is flourishing vibrantly in Ningbo, Zhejiang.
Exhibitors from 14 CEEC and 9 other nations, along with representatives from numerous international organizations, have gathered under one roof. Through business matchmaking, procurement activities, and cultural exchanges, they are jointly building a "concentric circle" of cross-regional development between China and CEE. From this dynamic platform, a new model of cooperation is rapidly emerging—driven by trade, empowered by technology, and enriched by culture. Against global headwinds, inspiring stories of resilience, collaboration, and mutual benefit continue to unfold.
Trade Leads, Cooperation Grows Closer
"Hungarian down jackets can combine exceptional thinness and warmth!""Enjoy the delight of rose essential oil without traveling to Bulgaria." On the morning of the 24th, the Ningbo International Conference Center at the China-CEEC Expo was bustling with visitors and activity. Shortly after the opening, a significant number of attendees gathered at the "Boutique CEE" exhibition area. At that moment, Ye Weiwei from Ningbo Beihong Import and Export Co., Ltd. was actively involved in presentations and discussions, fully engaged in the proceedings.
"The exhibition serves as a platform for CEE products to explore the Chinese market," said Ye Weiwei,"This year marks our fourth consecutive participation in the China-CEEC Expo. We have brought over 30 varieties of daily chemical products and prepared several hundred boxes for display. Additionally, numerous partners have entrusted us with showcasing their unique products at this event to facilitate market expansion."
Leveraging the momentum of the China-CEEC Expo, economic and trade collaborations between China and CEEC have taken significant strides towards increased integration and connectivity.
Data analysis reveals that since the inception of the China-CEEC Cooperation Mechanism in 2012, trade between China and CEEC has escalated at an average annual growth rate of 8.8%, while China's imports from these countries have risen by 7.4% annually on average, both surpassing the growth rate of China's overall foreign trade during the same period. As of now, 126 agricultural and food products from 14 CEE countries have gained market access to China, and 3,430 overseas agricultural enterprises have been officially registered. The "blossoms of cooperation" have yielded prosperous results.
"There is a Slovenian saying that goes,'Shared joy is double joy.'" Hot, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Slovenia, one of the guest countries of this Expo, remarked that the China-CEEC Expo is not only a commodity trade fair, but also a catalyst for common growth. We aspire to utilize this platform as an opportunity to foster open dialogue, engage in mutual learning, further expand trade relations in goods and services, and collectively create a future characterized by resilience and innovation.
Technology Empowers, Attraction Grows Stronger
In recent years, China and CEEC have embraced science and technology as a 'key' to deepen innovative collaborations, exhibiting characteristics of multi-faceted and multi-level advancements.
At the newly developed 'Digital and Smart Manufacturing of CEEC' exhibition area of this China-CEEC Expo, several cutting-edge technologies in fields such as artificial intelligence, low-altitude economy, and renewable energy—showcased through Austrian diamond aircraft, Serbian maritime safety sensors, Slovak medical equipment, and Chinese humanoid robots—captured significant visitor attention.
Featuring functions such as anthropomorphic walking, scent recognition, welcoming visitors and serving water... Beside the humanoid robot, Slovak businessman Tomaz Dolenc was exploring the technical capabilities and application scenarios of the robot in detailed discussions with staff.
"I recently established a technology company and specifically visited China to seek collaboration partners and development opportunities," Dolenc shared with reporters, adding that he was deeply impressed by China's advancements in infrastructure and technology, and highlighted the ample potential for mutual investments and cooperation in areas such as digital transformation.
The marvels brought by technological advancements extend beyond the exhibition displays. The 2025 China-CEEC Youth Science & Technology Talent Exchange held on the 22nd centered on promoting proactive collaboration in scientific and technological innovation, while encouraging bilateral and multilateral youth talent exchanges. This initiative energizes international efforts to collectively address global challenges and achieve sustainable development.
"China and CEEC should unite under a collaborative vision to harness emerging technological opportunities with a spirit of openness and inclusivity." Chang Jian, Deputy Director General of the Department of European Affairs at the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized that leveraging mutual strengths in areas such as the digital economy, green development, and biomedicine is essential. Practical endeavors like technology transfers, project incubation, and talent cultivation will foster synergy between industries, academia, and research, hastening the application of technological advancements.
Culture Inspires, Integration Grows More Vibrant
The delicate aroma of yellow croaker with snow cabbage harmonized with the robust flavors of Hungarian beef soup, while the briny zest of crab in red sauce contrasted beautifully with the hearty richness of Balkan sausages... On the 21st, a grand long-table banquet held at Ningbo's Old Bund, attended by hundreds of participants, provided a meeting of flavors and marked the beginning of cultural exchanges highlighted at the Expo.
The humanities and arts serve as bridges to foster connections between peoples of diverse nations. At the CEE-themed graphic print exhibition, a visitor from Bosnia and Herzegovina immediately recognized their country's Mostar Bridge depicted on a seal. It's truly fascinating to see our country's iconic structures represented through the art of Chinese seal carving," remarked the visitor.
Exhibition booth director Cai Sichao explained that incorporating CEE cultural elements into the traditional Chinese art of seal carving demonstrates modern aesthetic sensibilities while enhancing appreciation for the diverse cultures of China and these European nations, thereby enriching the cultural exchanges with unprecedented charm.
Cultural resonance among nations also drives new economic and trade opportunities. Crystal glassware holds the distinction of being one of the Czech Republic's most renowned traditional products. Attending the China-CEEC Expo annually, the Czech crystal brand Aurora has brought over 100 different varieties to this year's exhibition.
"This year, we have innovated a range of products that integrate traditional Chinese auspicious motifs with the refined textures of Czech crystal, aiming to captivate more Chinese customers through a 'blend of East and West,'" stated Zhai Lijuan, an agent for Aurora Crystal.
The future collaboration between China and CEEC continues to be deeply intertwined with the outcomes of mutual cultural exchange and understanding. During the Expo, the Ningbo-CEE International Cultural and Artistic Exchange Center was officially inaugurated, with participation from over 100 universities and organizations in educational collaborations and youth-focused scientific and technological exchange programs.
Good friends feel close even when they are thousands of miles apart. China and CEEC are diligently working towards higher levels of shared growth and mutual prosperity, embracing a more open and inclusive mindset.
Disclaimer：The above content is translated from Chinese version of Xinhua News Agency. The Xinhua News Agency version shall prevail.