Ningbo emerges as key China-CEEC gateway

Ningbo, Zhejiang province, strengthened its role as a global gateway at the 4th China-CEEC Expo.

The 4th China-CEEC Expo & International Consumer Goods Fair concluded in the city on May 25, setting new records in both scale and participation. Nearly 1,500 companies from around the world and around 17,000 professional buyers — including 4,000 from overseas — gathered in Ningbo, cementing its status as a hub for China-CEEC cooperation.

The expo became a launchpad for new products and trade deals. With 80,000 square meters of exhibition space and import procurement deals totaling 10.98 billion yuan ($1.52 billion), Ningbo showcased its strength as the first stop for CEEC goods entering China.

"We signed a 200-million-yuan deal to bring Serbian pet health products to the Chinese market — perfect timing given the rise of the pet economy," said Gao Jianfeng, chairman of a Ningbo-based trade company.

In addition to importing, Ningbo helps CEEC goods reach Chinese consumers. New distribution platforms, digital campaigns like the Ningbo Serbian Pavilion's Bilibili account, and a 1.5-million-yuan shopping voucher campaign have fueled local enthusiasm.

Ningbo also shone as a model for international cooperation across education, sports, and culture. From strategic university partnerships to sailing races and culinary exchanges, the city demonstrated how people-to-people ties strengthen bilateral relations.