Visitors admire traditional handcrafted textiles from Central and Eastern Europe at the Charming CEEC section, a new feature of the China-CEEC Expo & International Consumer Goods Fair in Ningbo, Zhejiang province. [Photo/Tide News]

The 4th The China-Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC) Expo & International Consumer Goods Fair showcased a growing network of partnerships on May 22, with procurement deals totaling 2.49 billion yuan ($345 million) on the first day.

Alongside products from 14 Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries, exhibitors from non-CEE countries such as the United Kingdom, France, and Germany joined the event, highlighting an expanded global reach.

This year's expo emphasized interactive experiences. Hungary's VR Park offered visitors an immersive virtual reality journey, demonstrating the broader potential of VR beyond gaming. North Macedonian exhibitors introduced sugar-free health foods tailored to China's growing wellness market, while Serbian pet health products, newly available in China, addressed rising demand for supplements for aging pets.

Zhejiang's logistics connections with CEE ports are enhancing supply chain efficiency, with trade between the region and CEE countries reaching 182.7 billion yuan in 2024.

Regulatory alignment has also progressed. The 7th China-CEEC Dialogue on Customs, Inspection and Quarantine Cooperation focused on fast-tracking product approvals. Bulgarian saffron and Croatian tuna were among the newly approved exports to China, contributing to the growing list of CEE agricultural products now accessible to Chinese consumers.

In addition to trade and industry, the event embraced culture and food. The "A Taste of Zhejiang and CEEC" gathering featured a long-table banquet where local delicacies met Central European cuisine, blending flavors such as Zhejiang’s salted crab with Balkan-style sausages.