The Fourth China Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC) Expo and International Consumer Goods Fair commenced on May 22, 2025, in Ningbo, East China's Zhejiang Province.

This significant event, the only national-level institutional expo in China dedicated to China-CEEC collaborative efforts, runs through May 25, 2025, under the overarching theme "New Visions for the Future."

During the opening, State Councilor Shen Yiqin announced that China will amplify imports from CEEC nations, thereby augmenting bilateral trade.

In a milestone reached during the expo, Bulgaria's saffron and Croatia's tuna achieved approval for export to China, as disclosed at the Seventh China-CEEC Dialogue on Customs, Inspection, and Quarantine Cooperation held concurrently at the expo.

According to customs statistics, 126 varieties of agricultural and food products from CEEC countries have gained access to the Chinese market, with a total of 3,430 foreign agricultural enterprises registered.

The expo anticipates over 15,000 professional attendees, including more than 3,000 overseas buyers from 72 countries and regions.

It features a dedicated CEEC zone with 435 exhibitors from 14 CEEC countries, along with participation from nine additional European nations, including the UK, France, and Germany.

Procurement intentions for imports from CEEC members are projected to surpass 10 billion yuan (approximately $1.4 billion) during the expo.

Han Baohua, the president of the Poland-China Chamber of Commerce, is leading a delegation of 34 Polish businesses at the expo.

He stated that the chamber had recently signed a comprehensive cooperation agreement with Chinese firms during a meeting prior to the expo.

Han emphasized that this initiative aims to familiarize newly established Polish companies with the Chinese market, enhancing their confidence and paving the way for future partnerships.

Xiamen Wink Eurasia Import & Export Co., an affiliate of Hungary's Wink Group Kft, highlighted its refined booth layouts designed to attract more Chinese buyers, especially in the alcoholic beverage, health food, and cosmetics sectors.

The marketing director, Wang Ziying, noted that trade ties between China and Hungary have significantly improved in recent years.

A notable addition to this year's event is the emerging technology zone, where 37 CEEC companies will display innovative technologies such as Serbia's maritime safety sensors, Slovakia's medical equipment, and Hungary's virtual reality technology.

Chinese companies specializing in humanoid robots, such as Unitree Robotics, will also showcase their advancements.

Shi Liren, a prominent Chinese-Polish entrepreneur, mentioned efforts to introduce Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, and new-energy technologies to Poland through collaborations with Chinese firms.

He indicated that the Polish market is increasingly interested in China's high-tech sectors.

The expo serves as a crucial platform for fostering economic and trade exchanges between CEEC nations and China, showcasing both parties' intent to strengthen trade ties amidst global protectionism.

Jian Junbo, director at Fudan University's Center for China-Europe Relations, noted that enhanced cooperation will facilitate progress in overall China-Europe trade relations.

Bilateral trade statistics reflect positive growth, with trade reaching 329.68 billion yuan within the first four months of 2025—a 5.6% increase year-on-year—setting a new record for the period.

CEEC consumers continue to rely on Chinese goods for their price-performance advantages, as affirmed by Miao Xiangyang, a Chinese-Polish trader.

Despite existing tariff pressures, demand for Chinese products remains strong among Polish supermarket chains.

China boasts significant technological advantages, while CEEC countries excel in agricultural products, underscoring the potential for mutually beneficial cooperation.