Ningbo's trade with CEECs surpasses 40b yuan in Jan-August

An array of imported goods from Central and Eastern Europe. [Photo by Yan Jin/Yongpai App]

Ningbo, home to the world's largest port and China's first China-CEEC economic and trade cooperation demonstration zone, is strengthening its role as a "golden corridor" for trade between China and Central and Eastern European countries (CEECs).

According to Ningbo Customs, the city's imports and exports with CEECs reached 42.22 billion yuan ($6.29 billion) in the first eight months of this year, up 2.8 percent year-on-year. Exports of electrical and mechanical products rose 12.2 percent to 25.13 billion yuan, while imports of unwrought copper and copper products surged 40.8 percent. Agricultural imports jumped 62.3 percent, reflecting growing complementarity between the two sides.

Ningbo companies are also expanding from exporting products to investing in local production. Haitian Group, a leading injection molding machine maker, now exports to nine CEECs and has launched a manufacturing base in Ruma, Serbia, helping shorten supply chains and serve the broader European market.

Meanwhile, distinctive CEECs' products are gaining popularity in Ningbo. A dedicated wine cellar features 32 varieties from countries including Serbia, Montenegro, and Romania. Consumer campaigns such as the Hi-Go CEEC Shopping Festival are further bringing CEECs' specialties, from Hungarian wine to Bulgarian rose skincare products, closer to Chinese consumers.