Core Points - The Fourth China-Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC) Expo and International Consumer Goods Expo will be held from May 22 to 25 in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, highlighting China's commitment to cooperation with CEECs [1] - The cooperation mechanism between China and CEECs, initiated in 2012, has led to significant bilateral trade growth and the establishment of a comprehensive cooperation framework across various sectors [1][2] Economic and Trade Achievements - Since the cooperation mechanism began, the annual trade growth rate between China and CEECs has averaged 8.8%, with agricultural product trade growing over 12% annually [2] - In 2024, the trade volume is expected to reach $142.3 billion, marking a historical high with a year-on-year increase of 6.3% [2] - China's investment in CEECs has exceeded $24 billion, with companies like BYD and CATL establishing factories in the region to support industrial upgrades and green transitions [2] Connectivity and Infrastructure - The China-Europe Railway Express has seen accelerated operations, with 19,000 trains expected to run in 2024, surpassing a cumulative total of 100,000 [2] - Direct cargo and passenger flights exceed 70 weekly, enhancing connectivity [2] - Major infrastructure projects, such as the Greece Piraeus Port and the Hungary-Serbia Railway, are improving local livelihoods and receiving positive feedback from regional populations [2] Local and Cultural Exchanges - There are currently 221 pairs of friendly provinces and cities established between China and CEECs, with over half formed after the cooperation mechanism was initiated [3] - Various platforms, including forums and cooperation zones, have been created to facilitate local exchanges and development [3] - Cultural exchanges are thriving, with a 56% increase in personnel exchanges compared to 2021, and the establishment of 36 Confucius Institutes in CEECs [3] Broader Implications - The cooperation between China and CEECs not only enhances the welfare of their peoples but also contributes significantly to global economic development [4] - The upcoming expo reflects China's commitment to higher levels of openness and the resilience of China-CEEC cooperation amidst global uncertainties [4] Future Outlook - The cooperation's vitality is rooted in openness and inclusivity, with a focus on digital economy, green energy, and artificial intelligence [5] - Continued collaboration is expected to create a model of mutually beneficial cross-regional cooperation, benefiting the peoples of both China and CEECs [5]

Group 1 - Zhejiang province demonstrates strong consumer purchasing power, aiming for over 10 billion yuan in import intentions from Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries [1] - The 4th China-CEE Countries Expo will be held from May 22 to 25 in Ningbo, with a theme focused on future-oriented cooperation [1] - Trade between China and CEE countries has seen an average annual growth of 8.8% since 2012, with bilateral trade reaching a historical high of 142.3 billion USD in 2024, a 6.3% increase year-on-year [1][3] Group 2 - The expo will feature over 400 exhibitors and 8,000 unique products, with a total exhibition area of 20,000 square meters, marking record highs in all categories [1][2] - Ningbo's trade with CEE countries has grown at an average annual rate of 18.3% since the establishment of a demonstration zone in 2018, with trade volume reaching 56.13 billion yuan in 2024, three times that of 2017 [2] - The expo is expected to attract 15,000 professional visitors, including over 3,000 foreign buyers [2] Group 3 - The economic relationship between China and CEE countries is characterized by strong complementarity, with China providing a complete industrial system and CEE countries excelling in traditional industries [3] - By 2024, the total trade volume between China and the EU is projected to exceed 930 billion USD, highlighting the growing investment cooperation [3] - The stable development of China-EU relations is strategically significant amid rising unilateralism and protectionism globally [3][4]

Core Viewpoint - The fourth China-CEEC Expo and International Consumer Goods Expo will be held from May 22 to 25, 2025, in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, focusing on enhancing economic and trade cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European countries [3][4]. Group 1: Event Overview - The expo will feature a theme of "Towards New, Practical, and Future" and aims to showcase Central and Eastern European products while promoting mutual investment [3][4]. - The event will include over 400 exhibitors and an exhibition area of 20,000 square meters dedicated to Central and Eastern European products, with an expected attendance of 15,000 professional visitors [7][8]. Group 2: Economic Cooperation - Since the launch of the cooperation mechanism in 2012, bilateral trade between China and Central and Eastern European countries has grown at an average annual rate of 8.8%, with a total trade volume reaching $142.3 billion in 2024, a 6.3% increase year-on-year [4]. - China's investment in Central and Eastern European countries has exceeded $24 billion, with a strong interest from Chinese companies in sectors such as electric vehicles and batteries [4][11]. Group 3: Infrastructure and Connectivity - The construction of the Hungary-Serbia railway is progressing well, and the China-Europe freight trains have established Central and Eastern Europe as a key transit route [4]. - Direct flight routes between China and Central and Eastern European countries have surpassed 30, enhancing connectivity [4]. Group 4: Future Prospects - The Chinese government emphasizes the importance of high-level opening-up and aims to deepen cooperation with Central and Eastern European countries in various sectors, including digital and green investments [16][26]. - The cooperation framework includes bilateral economic and trade committees and various platforms to enhance communication and collaboration [16][26].

Core Points - The fourth China-CEEC Expo and International Consumer Goods Expo will be held from May 22 to 25 in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, focusing on "New, Practical, and Future" themes [1] - The expo will feature 11 key activities and over 50 industry-specific matchmaking events, with participation from 14 CEEC countries and exhibitors from 9 additional countries including the UK, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain [1][2] Group 1: Expo Characteristics - The expo will have a dedicated CEEC section covering 20,000 square meters, with over 400 exhibitors showcasing more than 8,000 CEEC specialty products [2] - It is expected to attract 15,000 professional visitors, including over 3,000 foreign buyers [2] - A new "Charming CEEC" section will display cultural aspects of CEEC countries through five modules: books, arts, paintings, prints, and tourism [2] Group 2: Activity Arrangement - The expo will include 11 major activities, 4 mechanism-based events, and over 50 matchmaking activities, reflecting a shift towards more focused and practical engagements [3] - The number of small-scale matchmaking events has increased from 14 to over 50, emphasizing a "small but practical" approach [3] Group 3: International Participation - In addition to the 14 CEEC countries, exhibitors from 9 other countries will participate, with 8 of them being first-time exhibitors, indicating an expansion towards "CEEC+" [3] - International organizations and well-known companies such as the World Bank, China-EU Chamber of Commerce, Sanofi, Novartis, and Morgan Stanley will also attend, enhancing the expo's global influence [3] Group 4: Economic Cooperation - Since 2012, trade between China and CEEC countries has grown at an average annual rate of 8.8%, with imports from CEEC countries increasing by 7.4%, both outpacing China's overall trade growth [5] - By 2024, bilateral trade is projected to reach $142.3 billion, a 6.3% year-on-year increase [5] - China's investment in CEEC countries has exceeded $24 billion, with strong interest from Chinese companies in various sectors, particularly in electric vehicles and battery production [5]

Core Points - The press conference highlighted the progress and future plans for economic cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries, particularly focusing on Zhejiang province's role in this collaboration [1][4] Economic Cooperation - Zhejiang's trade with CEE countries reached 182.7 billion yuan in the previous year, with imports from CEE countries amounting to 19.75 billion yuan, a 64% increase from 2021. In the first quarter of this year, the total import and export value was 46.84 billion yuan, a year-on-year growth of 15.7%, with imports at 5.06 billion yuan, up 13.5% [1][2] - By the end of last year, Zhejiang's cumulative investment in CEE countries was 1.73 billion USD [1] Transportation Connectivity - The China-Europe Railway Express (Yixinou) operated 2,619 trains last year, transporting 214,000 TEUs, a 37% increase from 2021. In the first quarter of this year, 771 trains were dispatched, carrying 63,000 TEUs, a 4% year-on-year increase [2] - Maritime connections have been established between Ningbo-Zhoushan Port and five CEE ports, with container transport reaching 786,000 TEUs last year [2] - Air routes have been opened from Ningbo and Hangzhou to Budapest, enhancing trade and travel between Zhejiang and CEE countries [2] Cultural and Educational Exchange - Zhejiang has established 60 sister city relationships with CEE countries, with nearly 30,000 residents from Zhejiang visiting CEE countries last year, and 18,000 CEE residents visiting Zhejiang [2] - 42 universities in Zhejiang have formed partnerships with CEE institutions, including the establishment of the "China-CEE Vocational Education Alliance," the first multilateral cooperation platform in vocational education within the CEE framework [2] Future Plans - Zhejiang aims to enhance its openness and cooperation with CEE countries, focusing on increasing imports of high-quality agricultural products and expanding industrial investments in sectors like home appliances, equipment manufacturing, and new materials [3] - The province plans to strengthen cultural exchanges and leverage educational, technological, and cultural platforms for better mutual understanding [3] - Efforts will be made to create an optimal open environment characterized by the best services, lowest costs, and highest efficiency [3]