Ningbo, China – Fine red wine, freeze-dried fruits, and coffee from Serbia are captivating visitors at the China-Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC) Expo in Ningbo. This year’s Expo is more than a showcase of products; it’s a bridge connecting Europe and China like never before.
The 2025 Expo marks a significant expansion from the traditional “16+1” framework to include all of Europe. Countries such as Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary, and Poland have set up vibrant national pavilions, presenting specialty products and seeking collaboration in science, education, culture, tourism, and digital innovation.
What’s truly groundbreaking is the participation of France, Germany, Italy, and Spain—nations traditionally outside the CEEC framework. Their presence signals a shared eagerness to explore new modes of cooperation with China. From French wine producers to German clean-tech startups, Western European brands are tapping into China’s booming consumer market.
For many exhibitors, the Expo offers access to new procurement channels and insights into doing business in a different cultural and regulatory landscape. Some see China as a vital growth market amid stagnating demand at home, while others are building on successful partnerships with Chinese counterparts.
The Expo’s organizing committee has embraced this transformation, distributing discount vouchers to the public to boost product visibility and gather instant feedback for European brands. The atmosphere is one of mutual discovery and opportunity.
China’s expansion of the CEEC Expo underscores its commitment to fostering inclusive economic ties with Europe. Ningbo is not just a bustling port city; it’s becoming a symbol of collaborative ambitions, where trade policy meets local flavor, and new chapters of Europe-Europe relations are quietly being written through shared experiences and signed agreements.
