China’s economic ties with Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC) are reaching new heights, unveiling exciting opportunities for future cooperation. On Friday, China’s Ministry of Commerce highlighted the robust growth in trade and investment between China and the CEEC.
Since 2012, trade between China and the CEEC has grown at an impressive average annual rate of 8.8%. Imports from these countries have also surged by 7.4% annually, surpassing China’s overall foreign trade growth during the same period, according to Yan Dong, deputy head of the ministry.
In 2024, bilateral trade climbed by 6.3% year-on-year, setting a new record of $142.3 billion. Investment activities are also flourishing, with China’s investments in the CEEC exceeding $24 billion to date.
A significant development is the increased focus on electric vehicles and power batteries. Chinese companies in these industries are actively exploring and investing in the CEEC, signaling a new era of cooperation.
“There are important opportunities ahead for China-CEEC collaboration,” Yan Dong stated. “China’s commitment to deepening high-level opening-up and the creation of various economic and trade platforms will safeguard our bilateral cooperation.”
The complementary nature of China’s and the CEEC’s industries offers fresh avenues for partnership, especially in goods and services trade.
Marking this enhanced collaboration, the 4th China-CEEC Expo & International Consumer Goods Fair is scheduled to take place in Ningbo, east China’s Zhejiang Province, from May 22 to May 25 this year. The expo aims to showcase the distinctive products of the CEEC, boost imports, and promote mutual investment.
