The 2019 China-CEEC Mayors Forum opened in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, on June 7 with the purpose of deepening regional cooperation.

Qiu Dongyao, mayor of Ningbo, gave a speech at the event in which he addressed the city's role as a pivot along the ancient Maritime Silk Road. He contrasted this with its remarkable modern achievements in promoting exchange and cooperation with countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, particularly CEE countries.

Qiu has pledged that Ningbo will continue and strengthen this cooperation in innovation, economy and trade, and investment with CEEC and advance student exchanges. The city will also conduct joint research and expand partnerships with its CEEC counterparts in the fields of digital economy, e-commerce, financial technology and smart city construction.