The 6th China-Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC) SME Cooperation Forum took place on November 7, 2024, in Cangzhou, Hebei Province. Hosted by the China Centre for Promotion of SME Development (ProSME) under the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), alongside the Hebei Provincial Department of Industry and Information Technology and the Cangzhou Municipal People’s Government, the event showcased collaboration and innovation opportunities for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) between China and CEECs.
With the theme “Deepening Cooperation and Sharing Opportunities,” the forum served as a dynamic platform for fostering industrial partnerships, advancing sustainable energy initiatives, and promoting digital and economic innovation.
Forum Highlights: Uniting SMEs for Shared Growth
Diverse Activities to Foster Collaboration
The forum featured a combination of offline and online activities, with a primary emphasis on in-person engagement. Key events included:
- Opening Ceremony and Keynote Forum
- Zero-Carbon Energy and Green Industry Innovation Forum
- International Forum on Remanufacturing Industry
- International Forum on Aviation Industry and Low Altitude Economy
- SMEs’ Cross-border Collaboration and Matchmaking Meeting
- European Segment of the 2024 International SME Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition
These events provided a robust platform for SMEs to explore cross-border opportunities, share innovative solutions, and forge long-term partnerships.
Expert Insights on Key Themes
Under the overarching theme “New Path for Pragmatic Cooperation between SMEs of China and CEECs,” industry leaders emphasized:
- Sustainable energy: Focusing on zero-carbon technologies like lithium and hydrogen.
- The digital economy: Highlighting digital innovation as a driver of global trade.
- Trade and logistics: Enhancing supply chain integration and regional connectivity.
Speakers and participants from Slovakia, Serbia, Germany, Finland, and other nations emphasized practical collaboration as a key driver of mutual growth.
Zero-Carbon Economy Takes Center Stage
At the Zero-Carbon Energy and Green Industry Innovation Forum, experts delved into the future of the green economy. Discussions centered on:
- Cutting-edge technologies in lithium, hydrogen, and energy storage.
- Innovative business models for sustainable development.
- Collaborative solutions to address global climate challenges.
The insights presented aimed to advance green energy transformation across China and CEECs, laying the groundwork for future-focused industries.
Accelerating Innovation: SME Collaboration
The European division of the 2024 International SME Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition was a standout event. By attracting leading European innovation projects, it successfully transformed ideas into tangible applications. This initiative has become a catalyst for collaborative technology development between Chinese and European SMEs, enhancing their competitive edge in global markets.
Cangzhou: A Growing Hub for International Cooperation
Now in its sixth year, the China-CEEC (Cangzhou) SME Cooperation Forum has become a hallmark event for Hebei Province’s foreign affairs initiatives. High-profile participants included:
- Ambassadors from CEECs to China.
- Executives from international industry associations and enterprises.
- Researchers and policymakers focused on technology transfer and cultural exchange.
Cangzhou has positioned the forum as an open, inclusive, and impactful platform, driving high-level collaborations in manufacturing, technology, trade, and investment.
A Vision for the Future
Cangzhou aims to further elevate the forum’s global relevance by:
- Strengthening its position as a premier international platform for SME collaboration.
- Expanding its role in technology transfer, educational partnerships, and cultural exchange.
- Enhancing sustainable and innovative economic ties between China and CEECs.
The 6th China-CEEC SME Cooperation Forum has reinforced its role as a pivotal event for fostering global partnerships and shared prosperity.
