"Ningbo, here we come!" On the afternoon of May 20, Hungarian influencer blogger Csatai Laszlo arrived at Ningbo Lishe International Airport via a direct flight from Budapest to prepare for the 4th China-CEEC Expo & International Consumer Goods Fair (hereinafter referred to as the 4th China-CEEC Expo).
This prestigious national event is set to commence soon. Exhibitors from China and CEEC are eagerly navigating the 'golden route' linking Asia and Europe, heading towards the 'open rendezvous' that spans mountains and seas. In Laszlo's perspective, the China-CEEC Expo's paramount value lies in fostering integration, making China and CEE 'close neighbors at great distances'.
Beginning with the 2014 CEEC Specialty Products Exhibition, the harmonious collaboration between Ningbo and CEE has reached its 11th year. Over the years, cooperation between China and CEEC has evolved from trade-first exchanges to industrial complementarity, from the flow of goods to mutual understanding between peoples. The shared vision of win-win cooperation, joint development, and a common future is becoming a reality here.
Global Narrative Told Through Goods
Along the shores of the East China Sea, Ningbo Zhoushan Port tirelessly accommodates the berthing of 10,000-ton-class ships day and night. Backed by Ningbo—home to the world’s busiest port—the city has become a preferred gateway for economic and trade cooperation between China and CEEC. Here, Chinese markets and high-quality products from the CEECs are deeply intertwined, together shaping a global narrative of mutual presence and shared prosperity.
Pan Shusen, a native of Jiaxing, works in foreign trade in Hong Kong. In 2022, he was appointed the exclusive Chinese Mainland representative for Helia-D, a top-tier Hungarian cosmetics brand. Amidst concerns about market promotion, he visited Ningbo aiming to explore potential business opportunities, drawn by its reputation. From that moment, he was fully captivated by Ningbo's robust connections and influential ties with Central and Eastern Europe.
"In 2023, we attended the 'Sweet Date on the Bite' event. To our delight, the outcomes surpassed our expectations, and all product samples were sold out!" said Pan Shusen, who expressed his regret for not engaging with Ningbo sooner and promptly registered for the 4th China-CEEC Expo. He prepared 2,000 samples of skincare products for the exhibition and conducted live-streaming sales through Douyin at the event venue.
The connection between Pan Shusen and Ningbo goes far beyond this. He serves as the agent for the Helia-D brand collaborating with Tmall Global, with numerous products shipped from Ningbo Bonded Warehouse to Chinese consumers' doorsteps. "I am impressed by the enhanced logistics efficiency of the Ningbo Bonded Warehouse, the intact condition of the product packaging, and the streamlined reporting process. I am considering establishing a branch here to attract and recruit more talent in the field of import e-commerce.
As imported goods from CEE traverse the intelligent sorting lines of the Ningbo Bonded Warehouse, products such as Chinese-manufactured home appliances, daily necessities, and automotive parts proceed amidst the whistles of the China-Europe Railway Express towards CEE storage facilities. Prominent examples include the hairdryers from Ningbo Ryaca Electric Co., Ltd., gaining traction among local trendsetters through the eMAG e-commerce platform, a Romanian analog to JD.com; intelligent luminous mirrors by Ningbo Gree Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd., poised to enter the CEE market via Serbia; cleaning robots engineered by Zhejiang Ounitech Robotics Co., Ltd., enhancing the charm of Polish urban environments; and mobile air conditioning units exported by Ningbo Fuda Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd., delivering refreshing breezes to consumers across Central and Eastern Europe.
Statistics released by Ningbo Customs reveal that the trade volume between Ningbo and CEEC reached RMB 19.7 billion in the first four months of this year, representing a 13.8% increase compared to the same period in the previous year. Among this total, exports amounted to RMB 160.7 billion, showing a robust year-on-year increase of 24.1%. This mutual exchange between commodities orchestrates a harmonious symphony for the collaborative development of the "Belt and Road Initiative".
Cultural Resonance along the Silk Road
"Due to our close ties, topics for discussion are plentiful. The same star keeps us in reach..." Just as depicted in the poem by Nobel Laureate and Polish poet Wisława Szymborska, China and CEEC are advancing together, embracing unity while respecting diversity. When the wheels of commerce interlock with the verses of culture, Ningbo becomes a backdrop for vibrant moments that echo the grand vision of building a shared future for humanity.
"Go! Go! Go!" In the gymnasium of Zhejiang Fashion Institute of Technology, Bojan Popović, a Serbian coach certified by FIBA (International Basketball Federation), is leading students through intensive training sessions. As the three-point shot traced a graceful arc, he smiled and expressed his willingness to contribute to the sports cause of Ningbo, his "second hometown".
"Realistic and captivating!" In Qianwan New Area's Orca Beat VR Park, visitors wearing VR headsets are transported into a fairy-tale world, riding the magical carpets of elves through an enchanting forest. The delighted expressions of the visitors greatly satisfied Gyorgy, the lead of this Hungarian-wholly-owned project. "We intend to position Ningbo as our base, using it to introduce advanced digital technology across China".
During the 4th China-CEEC Expo, Ningbo will embrace even more opportunities for cultural exchanges and interactions between China and CEE.
As a WorldSkills Competition champion in the Culinary Arts (Western Cuisine) category, Kang Bangcheng, a talented young man from Ningbo born after the year 2000, will showcase his expertise at the expo by preparing traditional CEE dishes such as Croatian squid ink risotto and Greek meat skewers. Previously, he won the Central and Eastern Europe International Culinary Invitational and also creatively blended Chinese and CEEC cuisines during the 3rd China-CEEC Expo.
"Cuisine serves as the 'ultimate common ground' in the realm of cultural experience, bringing people together globally. I experimented by infusing Chinese fillings into Polish dumplings and blending Sichuan-style chili oil with Mediterranean olive oil bread. These innovative fusion dishes have captivated European chefs. At this year's China-CEEC Expo, I will present authentic CEE 'hometown flavors' to give Ningbo citizens an immersive experience of CEE culinary culture," said Kang Bangcheng.
What’s exciting is that during the 4th China-CEEC Expo, the vibrant Old Bund will, for the first time, host the "Sharing Central and Eastern Europe" e-sports and electronic music culture festival. Top players from e-sports teams representing China and CEEC will engage in thrilling showdowns in the designated events of the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, including "FC Online" and "League of Legends". Additionally, Polish DJs and music producers will deliver electrifying electronic music performances, inviting young attendees to revel in the high-energy festivities.
From collaborative synergy in economic and trade sectors to embracing harmony and coexistence from cultural perspectives, this symbolizes not only Ningbo's 'hand-in-hand' partnership with CEEC but also China's commitment to the world—to bridge civilizations through openness and inclusivity.
May 21, 2025, Ningbo Evening News (Central and Eastern Europe Office, Statistics Office)
Disclaimer：The above content is translated from Chinese version of this website. The Chinese version shall prevail.
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