In recent years, Ningbo, a vibrant city in east China’s Zhejiang Province, has emerged as a key player in strengthening ties between China and the Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC). Serving as the country’s first demonstration zone for economic and trade cooperation with the CEEC, Ningbo is fostering unprecedented growth and connectivity.
Ningbo: A Gateway for CEEC Goods
Ningbo has established China’s largest distribution center for CEEC goods, spanning an impressive 32,000 square meters. This hub combines online and offline services, utilizing livestreaming and stockroom-style shopping to introduce CEEC products to the Chinese market. Since the launch of the demonstration zone in 2018, trade between Ningbo and the CEEC has grown at an average annual rate of 18.3 percent.
Expanding Cooperation and Trade
Over the past 13 years, China and the CEEC have jointly promoted continuous development through practical cooperation. Together, they have established over 50 cooperation platforms and implemented more than 500 initiatives across various sectors, including transportation infrastructure, innovation, energy, culture, tourism, education, media, and health.
Economic and trade relations have flourished, with China’s trade with the CEEC growing at an average annual rate of 8.8 percent since 2012. In 2024, trade reached a record high of $142.3 billion, marking a 6.3 percent increase from the previous year. China’s investments in the CEEC have also surpassed $24 billion, highlighting the robust partnership.
Enhancing Connectivity and Future Opportunities
China has played a significant role in enhancing connectivity with the CEEC, collaborating on over 20 major projects such as the Budapest-Belgrade railway and Greece’s Piraeus Port. The Piraeus Port, once facing bankruptcy, has transformed into one of Europe’s largest container and ferry terminals, recording total revenue of 230.9 million euros in 2024.
The introduction of visa facilitation measures and unilateral visa exemption policies has deepened cultural exchanges, with over 50 direct passenger and cargo flights between China and the CEEC each week. In 2024, the number of travelers between the two regions increased by 56 percent compared to 2021.
Looking ahead, there are significant opportunities for further cooperation. With China’s commitment to high-level opening-up and the development of various economic and trade platforms, the partnership between China and the CEEC is poised for even greater growth.
As Ningbo continues to lead the way in China-CEEC cooperation, the flourishing relationship not only boosts economic growth but also strengthens the bonds between nations. This collaboration sets a compelling example of how trans-regional partnerships can thrive in a globalized world.
