Strengthening partnerships: 4th China-CEEC Expo & International Consumer Goods Fair

A view of the exhibibiton hall of the China-CEEC Expo. [Photo/Department of Commerce of Zhejiang Province]

The China-Central and Eastern European Countries Expo & International Consumer Goods Fair (China-CEEC Expo), co-hosted by the Zhejiang Provincial People's Government and the Ministry of Commerce, is China's only national-level event dedicated to fostering cooperation with Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries. This year's expo, featuring the theme "New Visions for the Future", will be held in Ningbo, Zhejiang, from May 22 to 25.

Slovenia and Slovakia will serve as the guest countries of honor, with Heilongjiang province as the guest province of honor. The event will welcome senior officials, diplomats, business leaders, and representatives from various Chinese provinces.

The expo boasts three key highlights:

Expanded CEE presence: The CEE exhibition area will span 20,000 square meters, featuring over 400 exhibitors and showcasing more than 8,000 specialty products, including Czech beer, Slovenian honey, and Hungarian down products. A new section titled Charming Central and Eastern Europe will highlight cultural elements such as books, art, and tourism.

Well-organized activities: The expo will host matchmaking events and government exchanges under the "11+4+N" format, with 11 key activities, four major forums, and over 50 industry-specific matchmaking sessions. These events aim to strengthen business cooperation and investment opportunities.

Increased international participation: In addition to the 14 CEE countries, nine others — including the UK, France, Germany, and Italy — will exhibit products. Organizations like the World Bank and major corporations such as Sanofi and Morgan Stanley will also participate, boosting the expo's global reach.

To ensure success, Ningbo has refined its execution with improved venue coordination, enhanced service delivery, and strengthened interdepartmental cooperation involving 45 government entities.

Since the launch of the China-CEEC Business Cooperation Demonstration Zone in 2018, Ningbo's trade with CEE countries has surged, reaching 56.13 billion yuan ($7.74 billion) in 2024 — a threefold increase from 2017. The city has also expanded partnerships and deepened collaboration in education, technology, and cultural exchange.

With its growing influence, Ningbo continues to be a hub for China-CEEC business cooperation.