CEE countries showcase their special products at the 3rd China-CEEC Investment and Trade Expo in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, in 2016. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Ningbo in East China's Zhejiang province is aiming to strengthen its ties with Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) countries by building a pilot zone for China-CEEC cooperation in five years, according to Ningbo Municipal Commission of Commerce.

By opening wider to the outside world, deepening reforms, strengthening connections and working partnerships, and promoting institutional innovation, Ningbo hopes to gain more experience in international cooperation.

In the next five years, the city will expand its investments to CEE countries. The pilot zone is anticipated to be home to a group of cooperation projects between Ningbo and those countries.

Ningbo-CEEC ties have been furthered since the inaugural China-CEEC Investment and Trade Expo took place in the city in 2015. After efforts over several years, the Ningbo-CEEC relationship is entering a new era. The commerce commission said everything's in order for the construction of the pilot zone.

Ningbo's focus on CEE countries is a natural result of increasing exchanges. Over the past three years, various meetings and expos have been held in Ningbo, making the city a pivot for China-CEEC relations. The annual China-CEEC Expo in Ningbo promotes trade. In 2016, the volume of Ningbo's exports and imports with CEE countries reached $2.37 billion, among the highest among Chinese cities.

Once the pilot zone is set up, Ningbo will further expand its radiating areas. The municipal commerce commission said the zone's goal is to become a national platform for China-CEEC cooperation.