Ningbo highlighted in Dubrovnik Guidelines for China-CEEC co-op

Business traders view the exhibits at the fourth China-CEEC Investment and Trade Expo in Ningbo, East China's Zhejiang province on June 8, 2018. [Photo/IC]

The Dubrovnik Guidelines for Cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC) were released at the 8th Leaders' Meeting of China and CEEC, which was recently held in Dubrovnik, Croatia. Ningbo in East China's Zhejiang province came into focus as it is frequently mentioned in the monumental document. 

The document announced four events intended to boost China-CEEC (16+1) cooperation, all of which will be held in Ningbo in June. They include the 16+1 Cultural Forum, the China-CEEC National Expo, the fourth 16+1 Customs Inspection and Quarantine Dialogue and the third 16+1 Mayors Forum. 

In addition, Ningbo will serve as the venue for the fourth Ministers' Meeting of China and CEEC for Economic and Trade Promotion, which will be held in June 2020. 

The city of Ningbo has been enjoying growing cooperation with countries and regions involved in the Belt and Road Initiative in recent years, especially with CEEC, thanks to its status as a leading open port in China.

Statistics show that trade between Ningbo and CEEC hit $3.7 billion last year, up 26.6 percent year on year, accounting for 4.5 percent of the nation's total trade with CEEC. Ningbo companies purchased 15 percent of the nation's total purchases from CEEC at the first China International Import Expo.

Ningbo also signed 135 investment projects with CEEC last year, ranking highly among domestic cities in China. 

In terms of cultural exchange, Ningbo has formed partnerships with 78 schools in CEEC, with nearly 100 educational cooperation projects having been signed and more than 500 students having participated in exchange activities to date.

Ningbo has also established friendly relations with 21 CEEC cities.

Notably, China's first 16+1 Demonstration Zone for Economic Cooperation and Trade was launched in Ningbo in June 2018, strengthening the city's role in the Belt and Road Initiative.