The ongoing 4th China-Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC) Expo and International Consumer Goods Fair is expected to see the signing of procurement agreements of intent worth more than 10 billion yuan (1.39 billion U.S. dollars), a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said on Friday.
The expo kicked off in Ningbo City of East China's Zhejiang Province on Thursday.
Chinese State Councilor Shen Yiqin attended the opening ceremony and delivered a speech. Richard Rasi, Speaker of the National Council of the Slovak Republic - the guest of honor of the expo - and Meira Hot, deputy president of the National Assembly of Slovenia, also delivered speeches respectively.
"Both Chinese and foreign attendees spoke highly of China's cooperation with Central and Eastern European countries, believing that the mutually beneficial cooperation between the two sides has strengthened continuously, showing a broad prospect for joint development," said Mao Ning, the spokeswoman, at a press conference in Beijing.
"This expo features more than 10 key events about economic and trade negotiations, investment promotion and cultural exchanges. It will also see the holding of more than 50 small and effective matchmaking events for specific industries and countries to explore cooperation opportunities in all directions and at different levels," Mao said.
"Attending the expo are seven politicians from Central and Eastern European countries, more than 10 senior officials at or above the vice-ministerial level and over 3,000 overseas buyers from 72 other countries and regions. The procurement intentions are expected to reach more than 10 billion yuan (1.39 billion U.S. dollars)," she said.
"Judged from the progression of the expo, the China-CEEC cooperation mechanism has not only promoted economic and trade exchanges, but also improved cultural exchanges. As the expo is still going on, we welcome international friends from all walks of life to the expo and experience in person the vigor and vitality of China-CEEC cooperation," said the spokeswoman.
Procurement intentions expected to exceed 10 billion yuan at 4th China-CEEC Expo: spokeswoman
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
