Grand opening! China-CEEC expo's tech feast unveiled

The much-anticipated 4th China-Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC) Expo and International Consumer Goods Fair grandly opened in Ningbo on Thursday. The event, themed "New Visions for the Future," has drawn global attention, especially in the field of technology.

The "Digital and Smart Manufacturing of CEEC" is a brand-new and eye-catching section of this year's expo. Spanning an area of 1400 square meters, with 37 enterprises participating, it showcases over 30 cutting-edge technologies and products in the fields of artificial intelligence, robotics and aviation technology from both China and CEEC countries.

Domestic humanoid robot companies are making a collective appearance. Unitree Technology, Robot Era, Junpu Intelligence and others are presenting their latest products. These robots can perform various tasks, such as human-like walking, identifying scents, welcoming guests and delivering water, and motion capture, demonstrating the advanced level of China's robotics industry. In addition, 22 artificial intelligence industry chain enterprises in Ningbo are displaying their technological explorations in AI, covering aspects from algorithm research to application development.

The CEEC countries also bring their unique technological exhibits. In the aviation and bio-health fields, there are many remarkable showcases. For example, Diamond Aircraft from Austria is demonstrating its advanced aviation technology, Serbia's maritime safety sensors are attracting attention for their high-tech features, and Slovakia's medical equipment showcases its achievements in the healthcare technology sector. Hungary's VR Park offers visitors an immersive experience of virtual reality, allowing them to feel the charm of Hungarian history and culture as if they were on the spot.

Notably, Slovenia and Slovakia opposed the EU's tariff hike on Chinese electric vehicles in October 2024, signaling potential for deeper cooperation in new energy vehicles, battery technologies and related sectors during the expo.

In a pre-event interview, Slovak Ambassador to China Peter Lizak emphasized Slovakia's keen ambition to fortify its partnership with China, with a particular focus on the electric vehicle (EV) industry and a wide spectrum of other sectors.

Boasting a reputation as one of the world's foremost per-capita car-producing nations, Slovakia is wholeheartedly accelerating its transition to electric mobility. Lizak spotlighted transformative initiatives, including Volvo's newly established EV manufacturing facility and Chinese battery powerhouse Gotion High-Tech's strategic investment in southern Slovakia, heralding these ventures as significant milestones in bilateral cooperation. He commended Ningbo for its pivotal role as a linchpin in China-CEEC collaboration, adding that Slovakia's national pavilion at this year's expo would serve as a vibrant showcase for the country's cutting-edge automotive technology, exquisite crystal glassware, and captivating tourism attractions.

The 4th China-CEEC Expo serves as an excellent platform for the exchange and integration of technological achievements between China and CEEC countries. It is expected that more cooperation agreements and innovation achievements will emerge during the expo, injecting new impetus into the global technological innovation and economic development.

(Photo source: Executive committee of China-CEEC Expo)