Delegates to the China-CEEC Expo arrive at Ningbo Lishe International Airport in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, on May 20. [Photo/Tide News]

The fourth China–Central and Eastern European Countries Expo & International Consumer Goods Fair (China-CEEC Expo) will open in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, on May 22, bringing together government leaders, diplomats, and business executives from across Europe and China.

Running through May 25, this year's expo names Slovenia and Slovakia as guests of honor. The event is expected to host more than 400 exhibitors and showcase over 8,000 products from 14 Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries — including Czech beer, Slovenian honey, and Hungarian down goods.

The CEE exhibition zone spans 20,000 square meters and includes a newly launched section, Charming Central and Eastern Europe, highlighting books, art, and tourism experiences that capture the region's cultural appeal.

An airport staff member assists arriving delegates to the China-CEEC Expo at Ningbo Lishe International Airport in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, on May 20. [Photo/Tide News]

The event also aims to deepen cooperation through 11 signature activities, four major forums, and more than 50 industry-specific matchmaking sessions. Nine additional countries — such as the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy — will also exhibit, alongside institutions like the World Bank and companies including Sanofi and Morgan Stanley.

On the cultural front, CEE chefs will host live cooking sessions, offering tastings of regional signature dishes. In a nod to the growing influence of esports, elite teams from China and CEE countries will face off in FC Online and League of Legends show matches on May 21 and 22 at Ningbo's Laowaitan — also known as the Old Bund.