On May 22, 2025, Hungary officially opened its National Pavilion at the fourth China–Central and Eastern European Countries Expo & International Consumer Goods Fair (China–CEEC Expo) held in Ningbo, China, on the picturesque shores of Dongqian Lake.
The China–CEEC Expo is a major trade event built on cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European countries. With a focus on boosting exports, presenting investment opportunities, expanding bilateral trade, and forging global business connections, Hungary’s participation carried strategic significance.
Representing Hungary at the official opening ceremony were Márta Mátrai, First Vice President of the Hungarian National Assembly; Lajos Kohári, Head of Department at the Foreign Affairs Directorate of the Office of the National Assembly; Zsófia Szokó, Chargé d’Affaires at the Consulate General of Hungary in Shanghai; and Dr. Gábor Péter Artner, Deputy CEO of HEPA Hungarian Export Promotion Agency. On the Chinese side, the ceremony was attended by Chen Yanqin, Deputy Director-General of the Zhejiang Provincial Foreign Affairs Office.
In her opening address, Márta Mátrai underscored the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in strengthening cooperation between Central Europe and China, affirming Hungary’s commitment to fostering economic and cultural ties with China. She also emphasized that the Expo offers a unique opportunity to introduce Hungarian innovations and quality products to an international audience, while enhancing Hungary’s position in the rapidly developing East Asian market.
Following this, Dr. Gábor Péter Artner highlighted the significance of Ningbo to Hungary’s strategic interests, calling the city a true partner where solid economic bridges have been built over recent years. As one of China’s largest port cities, Ningbo plays a pivotal role in global trade and is a strategic node of the modern Silk Road—one that increasingly connects to Hungary.
Dr. Artner also spotlighted twelve outstanding Hungarian companies showcasing at the Expo, primarily from the wine and food industries, logistics, livestock and feed production, and cosmetics. These businesses not only represent the forefront of their sectors but also convey the diversity and high standards of Hungary’s economy to global audiences.
The highlight of the official ceremony was the symbolic gesture of launching Hungary’s National Pavilion, marked by Márta Mátrai, Zsófia Szokó, Dr. Gábor Péter Artner, and Chen Yanqin jointly touching the countdown Rubic’s cube.
It was also announced that the Hungarian National Promotion Centre had officially opened in Zhejiang Province. The new institution aims to serve as a bridge between economic players in both countries, supporting Hungarian companies’ market access and expanding bilateral trade and investment cooperation.
This event further confirms the mutual commitment that has shaped Hungarian–Chinese diplomatic relations for 76 years. The continuous strengthening of cooperation between the two countries is yielding tangible results in both economic and cultural fields. Hungary’s participation in the China–CEEC Expo offers new opportunities for future joint development and deeper long-term partnerships.
