Fourth China-CEE Expo Concluded with Procurement Orders Exceeding RMB 10.9 Billion

 

 

On-site at the Fourth China-CEE Expo (Photo by Yuan Jiaying)

 

 

The event drew 17,000 professional buyers, with import purchase orders reaching RMB 10.98 billion—both setting new records for the expo.

On May 25, the 4th China-CEEC Expo & International Consumer Goods Fair (hereinafter referred to as "the 4th CEEC Expo") successfully concluded in Ningbo.

Bilateral trade orders exceed billions

Substantial progress in China-CEEC economic and trade cooperation

This year's expo featured an 80,000 m² temporary exhibition area, a 15% increase from the previous edition, with nearly 1,500 participating enterprises occupying over 2,400 booths. The event attracted 17,000 professional buyers, including approximately 4,000 international purchasers.

 

 

First Digital CEE Exhibition Zone debuts. Photo by Yuan Jiaying

 

 

The inaugural Digital & Smart CEE Products Zone featured 37 representative enterprises from the humanoid robotics and AI industrial chain, including Unitree and Lingban Technology, along with cutting-edge CEE technologies like Hungary's VR Park (virtual reality experience), Slovakia's VRM flight simulation systems, and Slovenia's Batplane.

In terms of trade, over 80 events were held including CEE commodity procurement signings, the "Empowering Exports, Global Connectivity" trade promotion, and "Hi-Shopping CEE" campaigns, generating RMB 10.98 billion in import procurement orders during the exhibition period.

Specifically targeting the domestic sales of export-oriented products, a dedicated "Premium Foreign Trade Products China Tour" zone was established, showcasing superior foreign trade goods including household items and smart appliances. The event facilitated precision matching between over 100 national buyers, resulting in on-site transactions exceeding RMB 100 million. The "Hi-Go CEE" campaign distributed RMB 1.5 million worth of consumer vouchers, driving combined online and offline sales to over RMB 5 million.

On the investment front, the "Invest in Zhejiang" promotion series led to the signing of 24 projects in New Quality Productive Forces sectors such as artificial intelligence, advanced equipment manufacturing, and biomedicine.

Notable events included the "Multinational Pharma Dialogue with Zhejiang," which attracted nearly 20 global pharmaceutical giants like AstraZeneca and Novartis for direct discussions with regulators, and the China-CEEC Investment Matchmaking Event, where Zhejiang unveiled Version 1.0 of its Overseas Integrated Service Platform to guide enterprises in investing systematically in Central and Eastern European markets.

Record-breaking attendance

Expanding economic partnerships

This year's expo set new records in attendance and significantly expanded its network of economic partnerships. The event was attended by 7 national leaders from 6 CEEC countries, 9 ministerial-level officials, 12 ambassadors, 1 consul general, and former dignitaries including Poland's former Deputy Prime Minister.

The exhibition has expanded its coverage to include more participating countries. This edition actively expanded the "CEEC+" network, achieving full exhibitor participation from all 14 CEEC countries, alongside goods from 9 additional countries including the UK and Germany. Export consumer goods exhibitors represented 120 countries and regions.

 

 

Exhibitors enthusiastically promoting their products. Photo by Yuan Jiaying

 

 

Substantive achievements have been made through institutional cooperation across multiple fields. Practical outcomes were achieved in various areas including association partnerships, customs inspection, and local cooperation. The Joint Chamber meeting released authoritative reports such as the Research on New Areas and Opportunities for China-CEEC Cooperation, while establishing specialized platforms including the China-Hungary Commercial Law Cooperation Secretariat to support cross-regional business development.

The Customs Inspection and Quarantine Dialogue resulted in agricultural and food product access protocols with Bulgaria and Croatia, establishing a cross-border customs inspection and quarantine information-sharing and liaison mechanism to facilitate bilateral trade.

The Mayors Forum released the "Ningbo Initiative" to strengthen inter-city exchanges and cooperation, setting a new attendance record for former foreign dignitaries and local leaders, and establishing model cases of regional friendly collaboration.

The China-CEEC Agricultural Cooperation Promotion Association set up a liaison office and permanent exhibition hall in Ningbo, aiming to provide diversified channel support for Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries' products entering the Chinese market.

People-to-people exchanges resonate profoundly

Cultural bonds bring people closer

 

 

First-time introduction of the Charming CEE Exhibition Zone. Photo by Yuan Jiaying

 

 

This year's expo achieved innovative breakthroughs in sports events, including the inaugural China-CEEC International Sailing Competition. Thirty-six teams from CEECs such as Serbia and Croatia, as well as Germany and Australia, participated, leading to a strategic partnership between Xiangshan Asian Sailing Center and Croatia's Port of Rijeka.

Additionally, cooperation in science, technology, and education has been further deepened. Key agreements were signed, including the China-Hungary Modern Agricultural Cooperation Agreement and the China-Sri Lanka Cross-border Internship Cooperation Program. The expo also marked the inauguration of two significant initiatives: the "China-Hungary E-commerce Silk Road College" and the "China-Hungary Traditional Chinese Medicine Research Center (Silk Road College)", promoting synergistic development across industry, academia, and research.

The culinary experience was further elevated with the "Sweet Date on the Bite" event—a cultural exchange showcasing Central and Eastern European cuisines alongside Zhejiang's 'Delicious Zhejiang·Hundred Counties, Thousand Dishes' program. This gastronomic celebration attracted over 250,000 domestic and international visitors.

For the first time, the CEE Exhibition featured a dedicated "Charming CEE Zone", presenting the region's diverse cultures through thematic modules of "Books, Arts, Paintings, Prints, and Tourism".

 

 

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          Disclaimer：The above content is translated from Chinese version of Tide News. The Tide News version shall prevail.