Businesses from Central and Eastern European countries (CEECs) and beyond are focusing on the China-CEEC Expo & International Consumer Goods Fair in Ningbo, China, to strengthen ties and explore opportunities in the Chinese market. The expo, now in its fourth iteration, has attracted 435 companies showcasing products and technologies. Urska Bencina, undersecretary at SPIRIT Slovenia Business Development Agency, emphasized the attractiveness of the Chinese market and the potential for Slovenian companies. Slovenia is the Guest of Honor of the expo this year.

Bencina noted that her agency has participated in every expo edition, facilitating partnerships for international companies in Slovenia and beyond. She highlighted satisfaction with the expo's feedback and the benefits companies receive from media attention and new deals. Some exhibitors, like Spirit Company S.R.O. from Slovakia, are newcomers seeking distributors, while others aim to expand existing connections.

Igor Lakatos from Spirit Company S.R.O. expressed optimism about finding a distributor at the expo. Slovakia, as the guest country of honor, has brought over 20 companies to showcase Slovak products and enhance economic ties. Erik Dorusinec from Matysak, a Slovak winery, hopes to secure new contracts for wine exports and introduce products like grape juice. Pavlou Christos from Greek company Zachanas Winery S.A. praised the expo's organization and effectiveness, noting its expansion beyond the China-CEEC framework to include countries like France, Germany, and Britain.

The expo also features high-tech solutions for green development and industrial upgrading. Robert Demko from SUN Powered Systems, a Slovak company, is seeking cable manufacturers for photovoltaic machines used in agriculture, aligning with the expo's theme of "New Visions for the Future." Richard Rasi, chairman of the Slovak National Council, emphasized the expo's role as a platform for shared ambition and future cooperation.