China-CEEC Expo Highlights Growing Trade and Cooperation
The 4th China-CEEC Expo showcases over 8,000 products, emphasizing strengthened economic ties between China and Central and Eastern Europe.
The 4th China-CEEC Expo & International Consumer Goods Fair is currently taking place in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, from May 23 to May 26, 2025, and has gathered 435 enterprises from 14 Central and Eastern European countries (CEEC) alongside nine other nations including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy.
The event features over 8,000 showcased products, reflecting diverse trade opportunities between China and CEEC.
Entrepreneurs such as Eugen Skermo, administrator of Morava Group from Albania, are participating in the fair to explore cooperation opportunities in China's vast market.
Skermo, who has attended the Expo multiple times, expressed his firm belief in the potential this market holds.
Fabian Dajcaj, CEO of the Expo Group, echoed these sentiments, noting that streamlined customs procedures have significantly improved trade efficiency.
The Chinese market, which is relatively new to many Albanian companies, offers a wealth of opportunities.
Logistics and trade facilitation have been enhanced through expedited channels for product transportation to China.
Ningbo Customs has implemented targeted measures for the timely arrival of goods, accommodating a range of products from meat and dairy to specialty items.
According to customs data, trade between China and CEEC surged by 6.3 percent in 2024, reaching a record high of 142.3 billion U.S. dollars.
During the ongoing Expo, import deals valued at over 10 billion yuan (approximately 1.39 billion U.S. dollars) are anticipated.
Transport links have also expanded, with direct flights and the China-Europe Railway Express boosting trade.
Notably, an air corridor connecting Hangzhou, Zhejiang’s capital, and Budapest launched in 2023 has increased its frequency from four to seven flights weekly, accommodating a transport capacity of up to 500 tonnes.
In a symbol of cross-cultural exchange, Vladimir Janjic, CEO of Volhof, a Serbian wine company, shared his enthusiasm at the fair.
Janjic aims to showcase high-quality Serbian wine to Chinese consumers, drawing parallels between tea and wine cultures.
Polish representatives, such as Julija Undrule-Lorenc from Foodwell, emphasized the importance of market research to adapt to Chinese consumer preferences, stating that understanding local dietary habits is crucial for finding a niche in this market.
The fair is not just about trade; it also serves as a platform for fostering mutual understanding and enriching cultural exchanges between China and CEEC.
Experts like Jia Ruixia from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences highlighted the enduring friendship between China and CEEC, with bilateral trade reinforcing human connections.
As the EU marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations with China, this expo aligns with the 13th anniversary of the China-CEEC cooperation mechanism, indicative of deepening ties.
Stakeholders regard the increasing trade volume as beneficial not only for the regions involved but also for the broader European economy, given that more than ten CEEC nations are EU members.
Sandra Bozic, vice president of the Vojvodina provincial government in Serbia, remarked on the significance of economic collaboration as a foundation for cultural and tourism exchanges.
Klaus Zenkel, vice president of the European Chamber of Commerce in China, pointed out the mutual benefits of maintaining a stable global trading system, emphasizing the collective interest of both the EU and China in fostering a prosperous trade environment.
The event features over 8,000 showcased products, reflecting diverse trade opportunities between China and CEEC.
Entrepreneurs such as Eugen Skermo, administrator of Morava Group from Albania, are participating in the fair to explore cooperation opportunities in China's vast market.
Skermo, who has attended the Expo multiple times, expressed his firm belief in the potential this market holds.
Fabian Dajcaj, CEO of the Expo Group, echoed these sentiments, noting that streamlined customs procedures have significantly improved trade efficiency.
The Chinese market, which is relatively new to many Albanian companies, offers a wealth of opportunities.
Logistics and trade facilitation have been enhanced through expedited channels for product transportation to China.
Ningbo Customs has implemented targeted measures for the timely arrival of goods, accommodating a range of products from meat and dairy to specialty items.
According to customs data, trade between China and CEEC surged by 6.3 percent in 2024, reaching a record high of 142.3 billion U.S. dollars.
During the ongoing Expo, import deals valued at over 10 billion yuan (approximately 1.39 billion U.S. dollars) are anticipated.
Transport links have also expanded, with direct flights and the China-Europe Railway Express boosting trade.
Notably, an air corridor connecting Hangzhou, Zhejiang’s capital, and Budapest launched in 2023 has increased its frequency from four to seven flights weekly, accommodating a transport capacity of up to 500 tonnes.
In a symbol of cross-cultural exchange, Vladimir Janjic, CEO of Volhof, a Serbian wine company, shared his enthusiasm at the fair.
Janjic aims to showcase high-quality Serbian wine to Chinese consumers, drawing parallels between tea and wine cultures.
Polish representatives, such as Julija Undrule-Lorenc from Foodwell, emphasized the importance of market research to adapt to Chinese consumer preferences, stating that understanding local dietary habits is crucial for finding a niche in this market.
The fair is not just about trade; it also serves as a platform for fostering mutual understanding and enriching cultural exchanges between China and CEEC.
Experts like Jia Ruixia from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences highlighted the enduring friendship between China and CEEC, with bilateral trade reinforcing human connections.
As the EU marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations with China, this expo aligns with the 13th anniversary of the China-CEEC cooperation mechanism, indicative of deepening ties.
Stakeholders regard the increasing trade volume as beneficial not only for the regions involved but also for the broader European economy, given that more than ten CEEC nations are EU members.
Sandra Bozic, vice president of the Vojvodina provincial government in Serbia, remarked on the significance of economic collaboration as a foundation for cultural and tourism exchanges.
Klaus Zenkel, vice president of the European Chamber of Commerce in China, pointed out the mutual benefits of maintaining a stable global trading system, emphasizing the collective interest of both the EU and China in fostering a prosperous trade environment.
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