Growing business engagement between China and Central and Eastern European countries (CEEC) will deliver long-term benefits for both sides, providing fresh momentum for multilateral cooperation, green growth and the Belt and Road Initiative in the years ahead, said government officials and business leaders.

Speaking at the ongoing fourth China-CEEC Expo in Ningbo, East China's Zhejiang province, they emphasized the importance of deepening cooperation in trade, investment and innovation.

The event is a key platform for showcasing signature products from the CEEC, boosting imports from the region, and advancing twoway investment between China and the CEEC, according to information released by China's Ministry of Commerce.

Matevz Frangez, state secretary at Slovenia's Ministry of the Economy, Tourism and Sport, who is leading a Slovenian delegation including 25 companies across sectors such as high-tech, food and beverage, smart manufacturing and tourism, participated in the expo this week.

As the Guest of Honor at the event that runs till Sunday, Frangez said Slovenia hopes to deepen engagement with China's dynamic market, highlighting significant opportunities for cooperation in areas such as automotive, pharmaceuticals, food and wine, tourism, sports and port logistics.

Voicing confidence in the resilience and potential of China-Slovenia relations, he said Slovenia supports clear and strong rules for international trade and the need to reform the World Trade Organization to meet the challenges of a changing and globalized world.

Richard Rasi, chairman of the Slovak National Council, said Slovakia seeks to not only import goods from China, but also expand the presence of its own products and technologies in the Chinese market.

"We are committed to enhancing two-way trade and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises in achieving greater development amid a competitive market environment," said Rasi.