Representatives of Chinese and Serbian enterprises raise their glasses for a group photo. [Photo/Yongpai App]

A trade promotion event highlighting cooperation between Ningbo and Serbia's Vojvodina province was held on May 20 in Ningbo, bringing together government officials and business representatives from both sides.

Han Jun, deputy director of the Ningbo Municipal Bureau of Commerce, noted that the China-Serbia Free Trade Agreement, the first free trade pact signed between China and a Central and Eastern European country, has boosted economic exchanges since taking effect.

He said Ningbo has become an important gateway for Central and Eastern European products entering the Chinese market.

During the event, six cooperation agreements were signed, covering trade, tourism and cultural exchanges. Representatives also unveiled the China representative office of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Vojvodina.

Bojan Vranjkovic, Vojvodina Provincial Secretary for Energy, Construction and Transport, highlighted the growing ties between the two sides. He said Ningbo is becoming a key bridge connecting Serbian and Chinese enterprises through platforms such as the China representative office of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Vojvodina.

The venue featured Serbian wines, snacks, jewelry and cultural performances, creating a lively atmosphere for exchange. Serbian business representative Rajko Leposavic, who works to promote Serbian products in China, said he hoped the new agreements would further expand trade opportunities between the two countries.

Several Ningbo companies also expressed interest in exploring the broader Central and Eastern European market through cooperation with Serbia.