China and Central Europe call for an AI ecosystem and European expansion
Plans for building an AI services ecosystem, expanding into Central and Eastern European markets, and strengthening logistics cooperation were presented at the seventh China-CEEC SME Forum. The event also established new institutional and business ties between small and medium-sized enterprises in China and the region.
- An AI services ecosystem plan was presented in Hebei Province.
- A new Cangzhou chamber and partner program were launched to support cooperation with Central and Eastern Europe.
- The forum hosted eight parallel business and professional events.
- Cargill invested around $500 million in the development operating at Huanghua Port.
- 2027 will mark 15 years of cooperation between China and Central and Eastern Europe.
AI services plan presented in Hebei
The China-CEEC forum, focused on cooperation between small and medium-sized enterprises in China and Central and Eastern Europe, was held in Cangzhou, China's Hebei Province, on October 26 and 27. The event coincided with the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Czech-Slovak Friendship Farm. The forum focused on advancing two-way cooperation and building a shared future.
Participants presented an AI services ecosystem plan based on the joint development of Hebei, linked to the “Wanfan Yunhai” initiative. They also released provincial measures to support the high-quality development of industrial clusters, the “Hebei Products Go Global” cooperation program for Central and Eastern Europe, and a strategic framework for logistics cooperation between China and the region.
New organizations and business programs launched
The forum saw the establishment of the Cangzhou Chamber of Commerce for Economic and Trade Cooperation with Central and Eastern Europe. Participants also launched an initiative to support cooperation between small and medium-sized enterprises in Cangzhou and those in Central and Eastern European countries, and announced the Cangzhou City Partner Program.
The event hosted eight parallel activities. These included a cross-border business matchmaking conference between China and Central and Eastern Europe, a cooperation meeting titled “Hebei Products Go Global, AI Sets Sail,” and discussions on electrical power equipment, zero-carbon energy, and equipment manufacturing in Cangzhou and Central and Eastern Europe. Organizers said the meetings created practical business opportunities.
Companies seek partnerships and market access
Olivier Salzgeber, vice president of Cargill Asia Pacific, said he met potential partners at the forum. The company representative was also impressed by Cangzhou's circular development model for the green chemicals industry and the progress of its AI-enabled digital transformation.
Cargill invested around $500 million in Hebei Jiahao Grains & Oilseeds, which operates at Huanghua Port, during the first two development phases. Salzgeber said the port's location, along with its land and sea transport links, helps reduce logistics costs. Cargill plans to continue developing its presence in Cangzhou.
Wang Yunhong, chairman of IBIH Aerogel, said the business matchmaking conference provided a clearer picture of the company's path into Central and Eastern European markets and enabled direct discussions with companies from the region. Yan Chaoyi, CEO of Czech-Sino Shark (Cangzhou) Aircraft Manufacturing, said the forum provided a platform to present the project and seek international orders and technical cooperation.
Partnership will mark its 15th anniversary in 2027
Cooperation between China and Central and Eastern Europe will reach its 15th anniversary in 2027. Li Jian, director-general for European affairs at China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said China is ready to work with countries in the region to strengthen cooperation, promote shared development and deliver mutually beneficial results. The goal also includes expanding the substance of the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership.
The Cangzhou forum showed how cooperation links several areas, including AI services, industrial clusters, logistics, energy and manufacturing. For participating companies, the event offered direct access to Central and Eastern European partners, while the announced programs aim to help Hebei's products and companies enter international markets.
