#China #Ningbo #Ningbo Expo #CEEC Countries #Maritime Silk Road

The 4th China-CEEC Expo Held in Ningbo

From May 22 to 25, 2025, the scenic city of Ningbo, located in Zhejiang Province, hosted the 4th China-CEEC Expo and International Consumer Goods Fair. This prestigious event attracted over 200 guests, including representatives from more than 40 cities within the 14 member countries of the Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC) cooperation framework, along with mayors from 30 different cities across 16 Chinese provinces.

The primary aim of the Expo was to bolster collaboration between Chinese cities and CEEC nations, particularly focusing on areas such as trade, cultural preservation, intercultural dialogue, urban governance, and environmental sustainability. The discussions were well-received, leading to a clear consensus on the imperative of enhancing bilateral relations and promoting mutual growth within these sectors.

Participants, including mayors from various CEEC nations, were particularly impressed by Ningbo, known for its rich history and rapidly evolving infrastructure. Milan Zečević, the Mayor of Brod Town in Bosnia and Herzegovina, expressed his admiration, recounting how he shared images and insights from Ningbo with his family back home, who were equally astonished by the city’s vastness and development.

Žarko Mićin, the Mayor of Novi Sad in Serbia, remarked on the strides Ningbo has made, emphasizing the robust infrastructure and the wonderful cultural experiences the city offers. He highlighted the importance of such developments, stating, “Hard work, dedication, and unity are qualities that define the Chinese people, and that is a formula our country should emulate.”

Ningbo has long been recognized as a pivotal location for trade and cultural exchanges, being the historical starting point of the Maritime Silk Road. Since 2005, the city has been awarded the title of “National Civilized City” multiple times, reflecting its commitment to civic excellence and cultural growth. This Expo served as more than just a marketplace for goods; it was a vibrant celebration of culture and an opportunity for meaningful exchanges between civilizations.

The Expo garnered significant attention, attracting over 15,000 professional visitors, including more than 3,000 international buyers from 72 countries and regions. There is great optimism regarding the projected procurement intentions, which are anticipated to surpass 10 billion yuan for imports from CEEC countries, highlighting the growing commercial ties and opportunities envisioned for the future.

Owing to the historical significance and cultural wealth of Ningbo, this year's Expo established itself as a noteworthy chapter in advancing China-CEEC relations, bridging gaps between economies while celebrating shared heritage.



The China-CEEC Expo is set to continue being a pivotal event not just for trade, but also for enhancing cultural connections and fostering collaborative growth amongst nations across the globe. As these relationships deepen, the potential for mutual benefit and shared learning remains rich, opening doors for a future of interconnected possibilities.