Traders from China and Central and Eastern European Countries engage in commercial talks at the first China-CEEC Expo which was held in Ningbo, Zhejiang province on June 8-12. [Photo/cnnb.com.cn]

The four-day China-Central and Eastern European Countries Expo – or the China-CEEC Expo – came to a close on June 12 in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, with the organizers reporting the signing of projects worth over $19 billion. 

Through a host of more than 20 activities – including investment symposiums, trading exhibitions, conferences, forums and cultural exchanges – organizers said the expo was helping Ningbo city and Zhejiang province to open up commercially wider to the world, get better involved in the Belt and Road cooperation and enhance the region's overall competitiveness.

Statistics showed that the expo received around 25,000 guests and traders from nearly 60 countries, and more than 82,000 visitors during the period.

A total of 68 projects worth $19.4 billion were inked – involving 21 countries, cities and regions such as Indonesia, Singapore, Germany, Japan, Britain, the United States and Hong Kong – and covering intelligent manufacturing, auto parts, equipment manufacturing, the digital economy, mining and healthcare.

Around 525 companies from the 17 CEE countries, Germany and Russia exhibited their commodities, attracting 4,412 Chinese buyers. Letters of intent worth $296 million were signed.

A list was published showcasing 56 achievements that Zhejiang province has made since the Belt and Road Initiative was put forward six years ago, such as the proposal of Maritime Silk Road Index and the Ningbo Port Index.

In addition, some chefs from the CEEC group and Zhejiang showed their cooking skills at a culinary culture exchange event during the expo, attracting many local residents and visitors to have a look and taste.