From May 22 to 25, the 4th China-CEEC Expo & International Consumer Goods Fair was held in Ningbo, Zhejiang. As the sole national-level institutional exhibition aimed at CEEC hosted by our nation, this event traversing mountains and seas serves as a robust measure in implementing the joint collaboration initiative of the "Belt and Road." It also exemplifies an essential practice in fostering a new development framework. Witnessing comprehensive, multi-dimensional, and broad-spectrum cooperation between China and CEEC, the event spans trade exchanges, bilateral investments, cultural learning, and regulatory alignment.
The overarching theme of this Expo is "New Visions for the future" complemented by detailed and impactful arrangements, thereby inspiring attendees' anticipation for holistic and multi-tiered collaborative opportunities. "Shared joy is double joy," expressed Hot, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Slovenia. She conveyed optimism that this Expo would spark enduring friendships, catalyze innovative ventures, and collaboratively convert aspirations into outstanding achievements.
New Products and Technologies Steal the Spotlight
The trade exhibition area spans 80,000 square meters, with dedicated sections for CEEC exhibits and export consumer products. Among them, over 3,000 international buyers from 72 countries and regions gathered, presenting more than 8,000 specialty products from CEE, providing an excellent platform for exhibitors to showcase their offerings.
Artificial intelligence and intelligent manufacturing emerged as highlights of this Expo. Humanoid walking, scent recognition, guest reception and water delivery, and motion capture... In the "Digital and Smart Manufacturing of CEEC" exhibition zone, a key feature of this Expo, robots demonstrated their latest acquired "skills", drawing significant attention from attendees. The "Digital and Smart Manufacturing of CEEC" exhibition zone spans an area of 1,400 square meters, hosting 37 enterprises that concentratedly displayed nearly 100 innovative technologies and products, spanning artificial intelligence, robotics, general aviation, and more, reflecting collaboration between China and CEEC in these domains.
Besides humanoid robots, domestic artificial intelligence and robotics companies additionally introduced advanced products and scientific research outcomes such as medical robots, augmented reality (AR) glasses, and robotic vision system solutions. Exhibiting at the event were also cutting-edge technological products from Central and CEEC, including diamond aircraft from Austria, maritime safety sensors from Serbia, and artificial intelligence (AI) assisted medical applications from Slovakia. Exhibitors from China and CEEC collaborated to share insights and to identify potential partnership opportunities.
Oleksandr Kling, a medical device designer from a biomedical engineering company in Slovakia, presented journalists with the 3D-printed bone material innovatively developed by his organization. The company employs titanium materials compatible with human body organs, enabling the 3D printing of diverse types of medical implants tailored to patient requirements. "We are the sole Slovakian company possessing such technology, and this marks our inaugural participation in the China-CEEC Expo. We aim to display our latest technologies here and seek more collaboration partners.” stated Oleksandr Kling.
China's innovative products and technologies have also drawn significant attention from exhibitors in CEEC. The AR glasses developed by Hangzhou Rokid Technology Co., Ltd. allow users to view a virtual interface on transparent lenses, enabling features such as multilingual translation, object recognition, and photography. "Our products are notably popular, having secured two prospective orders from Poland and Romania," stated Long Yuanfang, the Operations Director of the Overseas Business Department at Rokid Technology Co., Ltd.
Reports indicate that this Expo is anticipated to achieve import procurement intentions exceeding RMB 10 billion from CEE. Looking forward, China and CEEC aim to further utilize their platform advantages, deepen collaborations in emerging sectors such as digital economy, green energy, and artificial intelligence, and establish more high-impact areas of innovative productivity cooperation.
One Face-to-Face Meeting Beats a Thousand Calls
During this Expo, the China-CEEC Joint Chamber of Commerce Economic and Trade Matchmaking Meeting achieved remarkable results within an hour, securing intended cooperation of over RMB 10 million. The fields included industrial and intelligent manufacturing, textiles and fashion, food and beverages, and home appliances, among others.
Concurrently, during the signing event for CEE commodity procurement, agreements were concluded for 24 projects totaling RMB 2.49 billion. Among these, 10 projects related to imports of minerals, wine, and dairy products were formalized on-site.
Cross-border collaboration between foreign trade enterprises demonstrates that a single face-to-face meeting often proves more effective than countless exchanges via phone or email. Differing from prior events, this exhibition emphasized specialized docking activities characterized by being "small but practical,""small but refined," and "small but beautiful." This approach enabled exhibitors to uncover collaborative opportunities during direct interactions.
"Since the initial session, we've always been part of it." stated Wang Hongtao, deputy general manager of Ningbo Shilin Arts & Crafts Co., Ltd. This marks the company's fourth appearance at the expo, and on the opening day, agreements were signed with trading firms from countries like Saudi Arabia and India.
"We embrace the principles deeply embedded in Chinese culture: the pursuit of harmony and balance, representing mutual cooperation and shared benefits." remarked Matev Frangez, State Secretary of the Slovenian Ministry of Economy, Tourism, and Sports.
As a guest country at this Expo, the Slovenian National Pavilion, themed "Green, Innovation, and Intelligence" highlights developments and unique products in cultural arts, culinary delights, sports, and the low-altitude economy sector. "We have established a 300 square meter national pavilion and a 150 square meter commercial pavilion, with the goal of showcasing the premium 'Made in Slovenia' offerings," said Lana Svab, Manager of the Slovenian Exhibition Area. "Through the Expo, we hope to gain new business opportunities and attract more Chinese tourists to visit Slovenia."
Ivan Malazov, the head of the Bulgarian delegation, expressed to reporters that each exhibitor is highly enthusiastic about this Expo. They greatly value interaction and collaboration with Chinese enterprises, aspiring to draw from China's profound experience in industrial innovation and communication infrastructure to foster industrial advancements and optimize resource efficiency.
During the Seventh China–CEEC Dialogue on Customs, Inspection and Quarantine Cooperation held on the afternoon of May 22, two protocols for CEEC agricultural and food products' inspection and quarantine access were officially signed on-site. Consequently, Bulgarian saffron and Croatian tuna received approval for export to China. As of now, 126 types of agricultural and food products from CEEC have been authorized for entry into the Chinese market, with a total registration of 3,430 overseas agricultural enterprises.
The Chinese Market Holds Boundless Opportunities
"The Chinese market holds boundless opportunities. We have participated in the Expo since its inaugural session, and we are continuously captivated by the changes and innovations each time." Haidairli Sedmir, an exhibitor from Albania and a longtime participant, focuses primarily on the production and marketing of juices, preserves, jams, and related products.
"We aspire to engage in cooperation with China across various sectors," stated Skochi Mattei, Deputy Director of the Slovenian Department of Industry, Enterprise, and Internationalization. "This year, we are particularly emphasizing sports equipment and the automotive sector. Slovenia aims to position itself as a strategic hub for Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers to conduct business and investment activities within Europe. "
"The wines produced by Slovenian wineries boast excellent quality and exceptional value for their price. We aim to introduce more people to Slovenia and inspire an appreciation for its wines." Pan Chenyizhou, Marketing Manager of Shenzhen Mediterranean North Shore Wine Co., Ltd., mentioned that the company has been engaged in importing Slovenian wines for over a decade, marking its fourth appearance at the Expo. This time, the company showcased over 60 varieties of wines from 10 Slovenian wineries, including innovative products such as canned wine. "The exhibition not only facilitates our expansion in the Chinese market but also creates opportunities for collaboration and exchanges with importers from various countries and industries, promoting the breakthrough of more CEE products in the Chinese market." stated Pan Chenyizhou.
Tomaž Dolenc, an exhibitor from Slovenia and the founder of a pioneering marine propulsion systems technology company, attended the China-CEEC Expo for the first time. He was greatly impressed by the display of technological, medical, and other products. "This is an exceptionally professional exhibition, featuring astonishing technological products. Currently, our company collaborates with Chinese firms in the supply of components. I am looking to visit China personally to explore and engage with more prospective clients and partners." said Tomaž Dolenc.
Slovak exhibitor Adam Liszki has resided in China for over two years. Together with his brother, he manages a foreign trade enterprise, exporting Slovak grape juice and wine to China, serving clients in Guangzhou, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and other regions. Regarding his expectations for the Chinese market, he remarked," China boasts a vast market, and we aspire to establish as many collaborations with Chinese partners as possible. It's akin to the process of winemaking: beginning with cultivating grape seeds, subsequently harvesting grapes, and then creating the wine."
From exhibitions to conferences, from economic and trade negotiations to investment facilitation, from cultural exchanges to themed activities featuring guest countries and provinces, this Expo comprehensively showcases the cooperative achievements between China and Central and Eastern European countries. Since the initiation of the China-CEEC Cooperation Mechanism, a comprehensive, multilayered cooperation architecture has been established between China and CEEC, fostering the flourishing development of economic and trade exchanges. Since 2012, China's trade with CEEC has grown by an average of 8.8% per year, and China's imports from CEEC have grown by an average of 7.4% per year, both higher than the growth rate of China's foreign trade during the same period. In 2024, the bilateral trade volume reached USD 142.3 billion, achieving a historical record with a year-on-year increase of 6.3%. (Reported by Zhou Yingyi and Zhao Yang)
Disclaimer：The above content is translated from Chinese version of Economic Daily. The Economic Daily version shall prevail.