As Ningbo, a bustling port city on the Chinese mainland, hosts the annual China-Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC) Expo, trade collaboration takes center stage amid evolving global economic dynamics. CGTN's Zhu Siying engaged three journalists from Central and Eastern Europe to explore how this platform fosters cross-regional partnerships and stabilizes supply chains.
"The expo isn't just about signing contracts—it's about building bridges," noted Polish economic reporter Anna Kowalska, highlighting a 12% year-on-year increase in agricultural tech deals. Hungarian media analyst László Varga emphasized the event's role in diversifying trade routes: "With geopolitical tensions reshaping logistics, China-CEEC cooperation offers alternative pathways for goods ranging from electric vehicles to renewable energy components."
Bulgarian correspondent Dimitar Ivanov pointed to the media's critical role in contextualizing economic data: "When we explain how a Ningbo-based smart port project connects to local job creation in Sofia, we turn statistics into relatable stories."
The discussions underscored Ningbo's strategic position as a maritime hub handling over 30% of China-CEEC cargo volume. Recent agreements on customs digitization and green logistics frameworks signal efforts to streamline cross-border commerce while aligning with sustainability goals.
As the expo concludes, observers watch for implementation of key initiatives in advanced manufacturing and digital infrastructure—sectors where CEEC nations seek Chinese expertise. With global recession concerns lingering, such multilateral platforms may prove vital in maintaining economic resilience.
