The 6th China-Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC) SME Cooperation Forum, held in Cangzhou, Hebei Province, brought together enterprises from China and Central and Eastern Europe.
This event, themed “Deepening Cooperation and Sharing Opportunities,” aimed to bolster partnerships, fuel innovation, and build economic bridges between regions. Through strategic meetings and focused industry events, the forum is fostering international SME collaboration and growth.
Translations: Chinese
An Expanding Platform for China-CEEC Relations
The China-CEEC SME Cooperation Forum has grown into a vital international platform, connecting Chinese businesses with counterparts from 17 countries across Central and Eastern Europe.
By creating this interactive space for discussion, Cangzhou provides SMEs from both regions the opportunity to discuss potential partnerships, explore market entry strategies, and address cross-border challenges.
Highlights from the 6th China-CEEC SME Cooperation Forum:
- Diverse Industry Focus: Covered sectors included zero-carbon energy, green innovation, aviation, and digital economy, ensuring broad appeal and relevance for various industries.
- Global Influence: With representatives from Slovakia, Serbia, Germany, Finland, and other countries, the forum drew high-profile attendance, underscoring its international significance.
Exploring the Green Economy: Zero-Carbon Energy and Innovation
One of the core topics of the forum was sustainable energy, discussed at the Zero-Carbon Energy and Green Industry Innovation Forum.
This segment underscored the forum’s commitment to environmental progress, which is increasingly important for both China and Europe as they work toward a low-carbon future.
Energy Collaboration Opportunities
During the discussions, experts highlighted specific opportunities for collaboration in fields such as lithium, hydrogen, and renewable energy storage.
Participants explored cutting-edge solutions in these areas, considering both the technological advances and the economic viability for SMEs in the green energy sector.
Areas of Interest:
- Hydrogen Energy: Aimed at reducing emissions, hydrogen energy holds promise as a sustainable fuel, with potential applications in both China and Europe.
- Lithium Technology: As lithium is crucial for battery production, this sector opens a window for joint research and manufacturing initiatives.
By fostering this level of cross-national collaboration, the forum is paving the way for projects that align with China’s goals for sustainable development and strengthen global economic ties.
SME Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition
The 2024 International SME Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition’s European Segment also featured prominently at the event. This annual competition showcases leading projects and startups from across Europe, focusing on those with innovative solutions ready for practical applications.
By spotlighting these projects, the forum not only connects SMEs with investment opportunities but also reinforces the potential for technology transfer between Europe and China.
Competition Benefits for Participants:
- Access to Resources: Participants gain access to essential resources for scaling, including funding and industry connections.
- Visibility for Startups: This competition boosts visibility for European startups within the Chinese market, giving them a foothold in Asia.
For China, these new connections support its role as a leader in global innovation, while for European SMEs, the platform provides visibility and new market pathways.
Building a Foundation for Long-Term Partnership
With six years under its belt, the China-CEEC SME Cooperation Forum has emerged as a cornerstone for trade and innovation between China and Central and Eastern Europe.
The emphasis on creating shared growth and development opportunities is evident from the event’s dynamic agenda, designed to support industries central to both regions.
Overview of Collaborative Outcomes
Year |
Number of Projects Signed |
Total Investment (Billion Yuan) |
Countries Involved |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 25 | 4.8 | 10 |
| 2021 | 33 | 6.5 | 12 |
| 2022 | 38 | 7.2 | 14 |
| 2023 | 41 | 8.1 | 15 |
| 2024 | 43 | 9.2 | 17 |
Since the forum’s inception, Cangzhou has seen growing participation and investment, making it a major annual event for both economic and diplomatic engagement.
Noteworthy Forum Goals:
- Enhancing Trade Partnerships: The forum is a gateway for China and CEEC countries to expand trade networks, benefiting SMEs looking to enter new markets.
- Technological Advancement: By promoting technology transfer and collaboration, the forum supports Chinese and European SMEs in adopting and innovating new technologies.
The growing scale of this forum reflects its influence, as it enables mutual gains in market access, technology development, and business growth.
A New Era of China-CEEC Collaboration
As China and CEEC countries navigate a rapidly evolving economic landscape, the China-CEEC SME Cooperation Forum offers valuable opportunities to build sustainable, impactful, and enduring partnerships.
Through dialogues on innovation, green technology, and cross-border trade, this forum lays the groundwork for SMEs to expand their horizons and deepen international cooperation.
For China, the forum not only advances its global economic engagement but also reaffirms its commitment to fostering strong international alliances across industries.
