China News Service, Ningbo, May 23 (Zhang Bin)—The Seventh China–CEEC Dialogue on Customs, Inspection and Quarantine Cooperation was held in Ningbo, Zhejiang on May 22. During the event, China signed bilateral protocols on agricultural and food market access with Croatia and Bulgaria, respectively.
Conference venue. Photo by Zhang Bin
The meeting brought together representatives from the customs and quarantine authorities of nine CEECs (including Bulgaria), their embassies in China, and delegates from the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China. Participants engaged in in-depth discussions on various topics, including the development of smart customs and the application of high-tech innovations in customs reform, quarantine access and food safety standards for agricultural products from CEECs, strengthening the resilience of global supply chains, and the "Green Channel" initiative for streamlined exports from CEECs to China.
In his speech, Klaus Zenkel, Vice President of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China and Chairman of the South China Board, stated that EU-China economic cooperation faces numerous challenges under the current circumstances. He emphasized China's proactive signals, including the issuance of an action plan to stabilize foreign investment, which fully demonstrates China's determination to attract more foreign capital through reforms. The European Union Chamber of Commerce in China appreciates the efforts made by the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) in simplifying procedures and aligning with international standards.
"Maintaining a rules-based global trade system aligns with the common interests of Europe and China, as it has brought significant growth and prosperity to both markets. Europe and China should firmly oppose trade protectionism," said Klaus Zenkel.
Data shows that in 2024, the total bilateral trade value between China and CEE countries reached USD 142.27 billion, a 6.3% year-on-year increase. This growth rate was 2.5% higher than China's overall import and export growth, demonstrating strong development momentum. As of now, 126 types of agricultural and food products from 14 CEE countries have gained market access, with a cumulative total of 3,430 overseas agricultural enterprises registered.
Disclaimer：The above content is translated from Chinese version of chinanews. The chinanews version shall prevail.
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