Central and Eastern European countries (CEEC) are poised to attract increased interest from Chinese businesses seeking trade and investment opportunities, driven by strong economic complementarity that promises to boost both regional and global economic development. Market analysts and domestic exporters highlight the ongoing efforts by companies on both sides to strengthen their presence in each other's markets amidst global economic uncertainties and evolving trade policies in the United States. The fourth China-CEEC Expo in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, underscores these deepening ties.

Wan Zhe, a professor at Beijing Normal University specializing in regional economic development, emphasizes that the CEEC offers a valuable combination of manufacturing capabilities, innovation potential, and access to the broader European market. Combined with China's robust industrial base, rising demand for high-quality imports, and efficient connectivity via the China-Europe freight train service, significant synergies are emerging in sectors like green energy, digital technologies, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing.

Sang Baichuan, dean of the University of International Business and Economics' Institute of International Economy, notes that rising uncertainty in U.S. trade policy is pushing companies in both China and the CEEC to diversify and reduce dependence on single markets. Collaborative efforts include co-developing products, forming joint ventures, and enhancing infrastructure connectivity within the Belt and Road Initiative. Events such as the China-CEEC Expo serve as crucial platforms for showcasing technological advancements and fostering cross-border business partnerships.

This year's China-CEEC Expo spans 80,000 square meters and features a newly launched "Smart CEEC" section, highlighting nearly 100 cutting-edge technologies and products from both regions in areas like artificial intelligence, robotics, and general aviation technology. The CEEC is displaying innovative technologies, particularly in aviation and biomedicine, including light aircraft from Austria, maritime safety sensors from Serbia, and medical equipment from Slovakia.

Zhejiang province, a major hub for China-CEEC trade, demonstrates the growing economic ties. Data from Hangzhou Customs indicates that over 20,000 foreign trade companies in Zhejiang are actively engaged in import and export activities with the CEEC. In the first four months of the year, Zhejiang's total foreign trade with the CEEC reached 62.6 billion yuan ($8.69 billion), an 11.6 percent year-on-year increase. Zhejiang ranks second nationally in both overall trade volume and exports to the CEEC.

Zhejiang Sanhua Commercial Refrigeration Co Ltd, a manufacturer based in Shaoxing, Zhejiang, reported that its exports to the CEEC exceeded 70 million yuan between January and April, marking a nearly 40 percent year-on-year increase. Wang Chunlan, a manager at the company, attributes this success to the growing cooperation between China and the CEEC, which has helped build a strong customer base in countries like Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary.

Hangzhou Customs data also shows that Zhejiang's exports of electromechanical products to the CEEC reached 30.81 billion yuan in the first four months, a 15.8 percent year-on-year increase, accounting for 54.2 percent of the province's total exports to the region.