A major international event is approaching. From May 22 to 25, the 4th China-CEEC Expo & International Consumer Goods Fair will be grandly inaugurated in Ningbo, Zhejiang.
As China's sole national-level institutional exhibition dedicated to CEE countries, this expo, themed "Innovation, Practicality, and Future", focuses on economic cooperation, technological innovation, and cultural exchange. It presents a global audience with an international gala blending wisdom, commerce, and culture. Visitors can experience world-class collaborative exchanges and innovative exhibits, while consumers will find premium CEE products perfect for shopping sprees. Below we highlight key exhibition features and must-buy items.
The convergence of data and intelligence: A debut showcase of cutting-edge "black tech" in CEE (Central and Eastern Europe)
This year's expo premieres the Digital Intelligence CEE Zone, bringing together the world's most advanced technological capabilities. Industry leaders Shanghai AgiBot and Beijing Robot Era will showcase humanoid robots, quadrupedal robots, and AR interactive technologies alongside Zhejiang-based pioneers like Unitree, Deep Robotics, and Lingban Tech. The event will also feature competitive demonstrations by Ningbo innovators including the Zhejiang Humanoid Robot Innovation Center, Junpu Research Institute, and Emergen Group, presenting over 10 humanoid robots alongside breakthrough technologies making their global debut.
CEEC also presented a showcase of cutting-edge innovations: Hungary's VR Park, featuring large-scale multi-sensory virtual reality technology, transported visitors into immersive digital worlds; Slovenia's Bat Aircraft, a global leader in lightweight aircraft manufacturing, demonstrated its expertise in high-performance, lightweight designs; Hungary's interactive "Magic Wall" made its grand debut, allowing participants to explore the nation's rich history and cultural heritage through intuitive hand and arm movements.
Dual Guest Countries of Honor take the stage, opening a new chapter in win-win cooperation
Slovenia and Slovakia appeared as Guest Countries of Honor, with their exhibition zones breaking conventional boundaries to span diverse sectors from wines and food products to general aviation, smart manufacturing, and digital technologies. The Guest Countries of Honor will host a series of events including opening ceremonies, industry matchmaking sessions, and cultural immersion activities, highlighting their distinctive national appeal.
Heilongjiang Province, serving as the Theme Province, stands poised to establish collaborations across multiple sectors including agriculture, energy, and cultural tourism. The China-CEEC Joint Chamber of Commerce Meeting, Customs Inspection and Quarantine Cooperation Dialogue, and over 100 specialized "small yet refined" events were held concurrently to foster tangible cooperation outcomes.
Emerging Consumption Scenarios: Rediscovering Interactive Charm
The Expo premiered its "Hi-Go CEEC" consumer experience zone, offering interactive procurement opportunities to the general public. A curated collection of CEE specialty products provides one-stop experiential shopping and cross-border e-commerce, delivering an immersive retail extravaganza.
The venue showcases an exquisite array of consumer goods, offering both visual and gustatory delights. Notable beverages include Hungary's Tokaji Aszú (revered as the "King of Dessert Wines"), Montenegro's Uranac Dry Red (with double anthocyanins for cardiovascular protection), alongside Czech beers, Croatian blackberry wines, and Poland's " Spirytus" vodka-each crafted to delight discerning palates.
Additionally, the region offers distinctive agricultural and food products from Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), including Slovenian organic honey products, premium Greek olive oil, and Serbian frozen fruits (raspberries and blueberries). These naturally superior products are winning over health-conscious markets.
Household goods and beauty/personal care items also highlight CEE's specialties. Czech crystal artworks blend Eastern aesthetics, Hungarian white goose down products provide lightweight warmth, while Bulgarian rose essential oil serves as the 'premium ingredient' for luxury brands—showcasing CEE's craftsmanship. Hungary's ILCSI brand leverages pure natural and organic materials, and Poland's goat milk personal care series combines natural ingredients with affordability, becoming category bestsellers.
The export consumer goods section features dedicated pavilions including premium consumer products, smart devices, sustainable living, service trade, designer furniture, procurement matching zones, trade promotion areas, regional assistance programs, and international cooperation exhibits. Among them, the Consumer Boutique Pavilion primarily showcases specialty products from various provinces and cities, as well as foreign trade transformation and upgrading bases. The Smart Products Zone will feature home appliances, kitchenware, bathroom fixtures, smart robots, and low-altitude aircraft. The Home & Lifestyle section will present household goods, home textiles, garments, stationery, gifts, tableware, personal care products, cleaning supplies, toys, bathroom accessories, hardware, kitchen utensils, and sports & leisure travel gear. Meanwhile, the Green Living area will highlight high-tech innovations, energy-efficient and eco-friendly products, alongside foreign trade service platforms and institutions.
Cultural Convergence: Elevating People-to-People Exchange
This year's expo debuts the CEEC Cultural Showcase, illustrating cultural convergence through five thematic pillars: "Literature, Arts, Paintings, Prints, and Tourism."
The Xiling Seal Engravers' Society crafted a special collection of seal carvings with Central and Eastern European (CEE) themes, showcasing exotic cultures through traditional Chinese engraving techniques. The Asian Sailing Center hosted its inaugural international regatta, where 15 overseas teams competed with Olympic-level enthusiasm. The establishment of the CEE Research Institute and China-Europe Technical Skills Training Center marked a significant step in deepening regional studies and talent collaboration, providing intellectual support for the Belt and Road Initiative.
Ningbo Customs has implemented a Green Channel for CEE imports, welcoming business delegations from Slovenia and Slovakia as guest countries of honor. Over 400 CEE enterprises participated in the exhibition, with global buyers and exhibitors leveraging efficient mechanisms to explore business opportunities.
The 4th China-CEEC Expo served as a golden bridge for Sino-CEE cooperation, demonstrating openness, innovation, and cultural excellence. In May, let us gather in Zhijiang to witness this transcontinental win-win collaboration! (Photo: Department of Commerce of Zhejiang Province)
Disclaimer:The above content is translated from Chinese version of Tide News. The Tide News version shall prevail.