Imports from Central and Eastern European countries. [Photo/cnnb.com.cn]

In the first two months of this year, Ningbo's trade with Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries surpassed 10 billion yuan ($1.38 billion) for the first time, 15.3 percent higher than the same period last year. Exports reached 8.23 billion yuan, up 16.9 percent, while imports rose to 1.97 billion yuan, marking an 8.9 percent increase.

Innovation has played a pivotal role. High-tech exports are on the rise, while quality goods from CEE countries flow steadily into China.

For example, Ningbo Corelead Optoelectronics exports control panels for high-end smart mirrors to its Serbian factory. "Establishing a production base in Serbia is a milestone for expanding our presence in Europe," said Yu Xiongwei, the company's head. By exporting key components from China for assembly in Serbia, Corelead has reduced its delivery cycle by over 25 days.

Electromechanical products accounted for 64 percent of the total trade value in the first two months, with both exports and imports showing substantial growth.

In this period, Poland, Slovakia, and Greece emerged as Ningbo's top three trading partners. Trade with these countries amounted to a respective 4.31 billion yuan (up 15.2 percent), 1.51 billion yuan (up 37 percent), and 770 million yuan (up 6.1 percent).