On May 23, the “Hi-GO” CEEC Products Shopping Festival officially kicked off in Ningbo. Ambassador Jiang Yu, Special Representative for China-CEEC Cooperation Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Wang Jinsong, Level II Deputy Department Rank Official of the European Affairs Department of the Ministry of Commerce, about 30 government officials of CEE countries, and nearly 50 media representatives from CEE countries and domestic outlets attended the launch ceremony. They explored the Central and Eastern European Countries’ Products Pavilion, participated in the Economic and Trade Exchange Conference, and experienced the vibrant atmosphere of cooperation between Ningbo and CEE countries.
The launch ceremony of the “Hi-GO” CEEC Products Shopping Festival was hosted by the Ningbo Municipal People's Government and organized by Ningbo Municipal Bureau of Commerce and the Foreign Affairs Office of Ningbo Municipal People’s Government. In his speech, Li Guanding, Deputy Mayor of Ningbo, stated that this year, Ningbo has meticulously launched a series of events, including the "Hi-GO" CEEC Products Shopping Festival. These events cover various aspects such as culture, music, and commerce. They are lively in form, rich in content, and will take place throughout the year. These initiatives will further enhance citizens' understanding of the people, culture, and products of Central and Eastern Europe, aiding in fostering mutual understanding, smooth trade, and economic integration between Ningbo and the CEE countries.
According to the Ningbo Municipal Bureau of Commerce, four previous sessions of the “Hi-GO” CEEC Products Shopping Festival have been held, issuing exclusive consumer vouchers totaling RMB13 million and directly boosting sales of CEE products by over RMB 33 million. The redemption rate for the fourth session’s vouchers reached 93.5%, indicating high popularity and the increasing influence of CEE products among consumers.
This year’s “Hi-GO” CEEC Products Shopping Festival runs from May 23 to June 16, continuing to drive engagement and boost sales through a combination of online livestreams and offline activities, merchant discounts, and combined vouchers. Compared to previous sessions, this year’s event offers consumers more choices, greater discounts, and a better experience. The exclusive vouchers cover over 5,000 CEE products and 20,000 popular “star products”.
After the launch ceremony, officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Commerce, CEE countries, and media representatives visited the Central and Eastern European Countries’ Products Pavilion. They explored various CEE specialty products such as Czech handmade crystals, Serbian delicacies and wines, Hungarian Tokaji Aszú wines, Polish firefighting gears, Montenegrin wines, and Bulgarian rose skincare products. The pavilion, located in Hall 9 of the Ningbo International Convention & Exhibition Center, features 34 country pavilions, brand pavilions, and themed pavilions, covering over 30,000 square meters and housing over 5,000 SKUs. It is currently the largest and most diverse distribution center for CEE products in China.
On the day of the launch, diplomats from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovakia, and Slovenia joined the livestream, interacting warmly with the audience and promoting their countries' specialty products. During the livestream, the diplomats not only introduced the quality and characteristics of the products but also shared cultural stories and background knowledge related to the products, allowing the audience to appreciate the unique charm of CEE countries while shopping. Products such as wines and brandy from Bosnia and Herzegovina, specialty wines and chocolates from Slovenia, and wines, grape juice, and energy bars from Slovakia showcased the distinctive flavors of CEE countries and highlighted their rich cultures and histories. The event was broadcasted through Ningbo Mobile TV and Ningbo Evening News throughout the event, attracting a large audience. Interactive segments like prize draws and red envelope grabs added to the lively atmosphere. Viewers expressed that the innovative format of diplomats participating in the livestream made them more deeply understand the cultures and products of CEE countries, giving them more confidence and satisfaction in their purchases.
On the day of the launch, an Economic and Trade Exchange Conference called Ningbo Business Stories with CEEC was successfully held at the main venue of the “Hi-GO” event, the Central and Eastern European Countries’ Products Pavilion. Over 160 guests, business representatives, and media representatives from China and abroad attended. The conference was moderated by Hua Bitian, Deputy Secretary-General of the Ningbo Municipal People’s Government. At the meeting, Li Chengjie, Director-General of the Ningbo Municipal Bureau of Commerce, introduced Ningbo's business environment and cooperation with Central and Eastern Europe. Li stated that, as an open gateway with global port connectivity, a strong manufacturing city, and a modern metropolis with urban-rural integration, Ningbo has vigorously promoted mutually beneficial cooperation with Central and Eastern European countries in recent years. Ningbo has successfully hosted three sessions of the China-CEEC Expo and launched over 30 special trade facilitation measures such as supporting the import of specialty agricultural products. The city has also continuously organized the "Hundred-Group and Thousand-Tourist” CEEC Traveling Initiative. Through these activities, platforms for cooperation with CEEC countries are well-established, with active trade, close investment cooperation, and deep cultural exchanges. Going forward, Ningbo will introduce a new round of high-level opening-up measures, striving to become a center for economic and trade promotion, shipping and logistics, technological innovation, and cultural exchange between China and CEE countries. The CEE Products Procurement Alliance, representing enterprises, introduced their CEE products import and related service businesses.
