Exploring Partnership Opportunities at the 7th China-CEEC SME Forum in Cangzhou

The 7th China-CEEC SME Cooperation Forum: A Gateway to New Partnerships

On October 26-27, 2026, Cangzhou, located in Hebei Province, played host to the 7th China-CEEC (Central and Eastern Europe Cooperation) SME Cooperation Forum. This significant event not only commemorated the 70th anniversary of the Sino-Czech-Slovak Friendship Farm, but also set the stage for fostering new business partnerships and collaboration across various sectors. Themed "Advance Two-Way Cooperation, Embrace a Shared Future," the forum brought together government officials, business leaders, and industry experts to explore opportunities for cooperation.

A Platform for Business Innovation

Organized by the Cangzhou Municipal People's Government in collaboration with the Industry and Information Technology Department of Hebei Province and the China Centre for Promotion of SME Development under the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the forum was designed to facilitate knowledge sharing and business engagement.

During the forum, several initiatives were unveiled, including a Hebei co-building plan aiming to develop an artificial intelligence service ecosystem under the "Wanfan Yunhai" initiative. Additionally, a set of measures designed to empower the high-quality development of industrial clusters was introduced, alongside the "Hebei Goods Going Global" plan, furthering cooperation with Central and Eastern Europe.

One of the notable outcomes of the forum was the establishment of the Cangzhou Chamber of Commerce for Economic and Trade Cooperation with Central and Eastern Europe. This new entity aims to enhance SME collaboration between Cangzhou and various nations in the region. The Cangzhou City Partner Program was also announced, signaling a commitment to bolster mutual support and engagement.

Diverse Events Sparking Collaboration

The forum featured eight parallel events that catered to various industry needs. Among these was the China-CEEC SME Cross-Border Matchmaking Conference, an event specifically designed to connect businesses with potential international partners. Another highlight was the "Hebei Goods Going Global • AI Sets Sail" Cooperation Matchmaking Conference, where companies discussed strategies to leverage artificial intelligence in enhancing their global reach.

Key meetings were held focusing on power equipment, zero-carbon energy, and equipment manufacturing. Participants reported successful networking and engagement, with many finding practical business opportunities to explore.

Olivier Salzgeber, Vice President of Cargill Asia Pacific, shared his enthusiasm for the forum, noting how it provided him with the chance to meet potential partners. He commended Cangzhou's commitment to sustainable practices through its circular development model in the green chemicals sector and its advancements in AI-enabled digital transformation. Cargill has already invested approximately $500 million in two phases at Hebei Jiahao Grains & Oilseeds in Huanghua Port, and Salzgeber emphasized the strategic advantages of the port's location and its efficient land-sea transport links for reducing logistics costs.

Wang Yunhong, President of IBIH Aerogel, expressed gratitude for the specifics gained from the matchmaking conference, which clarified potential pathways into Central and Eastern European markets. This access to direct discussion with regional businesses is poised to catalyze significant collaborations.

Moreover, Yan Chaoyi, General Manager of Czech-Sino Shark (Cangzhou) Aircraft Manufacturing, mentioned that the forum served as an ideal platform for showcasing his company’s projects and securing international orders alongside technical cooperation.

Looking Ahead

As China-CEEC cooperation gears up to celebrate its 15th anniversary in 2027, the forum highlighted China's readiness to work collaboratively with Central and Eastern European countries. Li Jian, Director-General of the Department of European Affairs of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized the potential for enriching the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership through mutual development and cooperation.

In summary, the 7th China-CEEC SME Cooperation Forum not only celebrated past achievements but also paved the way for future collaborations, making it a pivotal event for SMEs aiming to expand their international outreach and influence.