From May 21 to 25, 2025, the 4th China-Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC) Expo and International Consumer Goods Fair were held in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, alongside numerous accompanying events.

The Bulgarian delegation was led by Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Zafirov and included Bulgarian Ambassador to China Andrey Tehov, Minister of Agriculture and Food Georgi Tahov, Minister of Environment and Water Manol Genov, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Lozana Vasileva, and Consul General in Shanghai Vladislav Spasov.

During the expo, Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Zafirov delivered a speech at the 9th China-CEEC Business Council Meeting (May 21, 2025). He highly praised the Bulgarian-Chinese relations, elevated to a strategic partnership in 2019. He noted that over the 75-year history of diplomatic relations, the ties between the two countries have been rich and diverse across all fields, always based on mutual friendship, goodwill, and respect. He highlighted that Bulgaria has been a traditional participant in the China-CEEC Expo in Ningbo, which has grown into one of the most important forums for fostering cooperation between China and CEEC countries. Each year, the expo expands, deepening engagement in trade, investments, local governance, and scientific-technological exchange. Bulgaria sincerely wishes to further develop relations with China based on balance, reciprocity, and equal treatment. A key priority for Bulgaria is boosting trade, accelerating and simplifying approval procedures for the export of Bulgarian agricultural and food products to China, and facilitating broader access for Bulgarian goods to the Chinese market.

Minister Georgi Tahov spoke at the opening of the 7th China-CEEC Customs Inspection and Quarantine Cooperation Dialogue (May 22, 2025). He highlighted the active cooperation between Bulgaria’s Ministry of Agriculture and Food, the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency, and China’s General Administration of Customs in finalizing protocols for the import requirements of several Bulgarian agricultural and food products to China.

Under the China-CEEC Cooperation Initiative, Bulgaria hosts the Association for the Promotion of Agricultural Cooperation between China and the CEEC (APACCCEEC), which has proven to be a key instrument in boosting agricultural and food trade. The Ministry of Agriculture and Food APACCCEEC supports and facilitates the participation of Bulgarian and other CEEC companies from the agri-food sector in exhibitions and fairs across China. At the 4th China-CEEC Expo, the APACCCEEC stand showcased products from 12 companies from Bulgaria, Hungary, and Slovenia.

During the visit of Minister Tahov, a protocol on phytosanitary requirements for Bulgarian saffron exports to China was signed. At an opening ceremony the new Permanent Pavilion exhibiting goods from CEEC and a liaison office of the APACCCEEC were inaugurated in Ningbo.

The Bulgarian Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion Agency and APACCCEEC, with the support of the Bulgarian Consulate General in Shanghai, organized the participation of various Bulgarian companies in the expo. They presented products from our cosmetic industry (including rose oil and herbal products), food and beverages (wine, beer, juice, herbal drinks, honey, protein bars, sweets, yogurt, and dietary supplements) and cultural and tourism products.

Chinese traders offered a variety of Bulgarian products for sale.

Representatives from the Bulgarian municipalities of Elin Pelin, Kyustendil, and Ruse took part in the China-CEEC Mayors’ Meeting (May 23, 2025).

Dancers from the Folklore Ensemble “Bulgarché” and singers from the “Srednogorski Zvun” vocal group (Chelopech Municipality) performed daily, introducing Bulgarian culture through its folk songs and dances. Their stay in Ningbo was led by Mrs. Nina Kaloyanova, Secretary of the Chelopech Municipal Administration.