Slovak representatives visited the Ningbo Import Commodity Center. [Photo/Ningbo Evening News]

In an enthusiastic and fluent Chinese address, Slovakia's representative Michal Dutko warmly welcomed Ningbo entrepreneurs to explore investment opportunities in his country during an economic exchange event in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, on Sept 12.

The gathering, entitled "Slovakia Day in Ningbo for Business and Technology Cooperation", aimed to strengthen bilateral ties in trade, technology, education, and culture, celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The event featured presentations from Slovak companies, fostering business connections and facilitating one-on-one negotiations between Chinese and Slovak representatives.

Dutko, the representative of Slovak Investment and Trade Development Agency, invited Ningbo businesses to take advantage of Slovakia's strengths, including its educated workforce, convenient location, and use of the euro.

In recent years, trade ties between Ningbo and Slovakia have flourished, with total trade reaching $1.26 billion in 2023, marking a significant 23.9 percent increase year-on-year. Ningbo's exports of auto parts, electronics, and machinery demonstrate its manufacturing prowess, while imports of automobiles, machinery, and consumer goods satisfy diverse market demands.

Beyond trade, both sides have also established mechanisms to deepen cultural and educational exchanges. Ningbo has established a liaison office in Bratislava, while Slovakia set up its first educational and research center in Ningbo.　　

With the upcoming 4th China-CEEC Expo set to take place in Ningbo, Slovakia is eager to participate and further tap into the Chinese market.