Gate to the Chinese market wide open to Macedonian companies

The Chinese Ningbo Fair for Goods Exchange is actually a long -term mechanism that supports sustainable cooperation and that during the latest issue it results in concrete business deals. The fourth edition of the economic event that attracted a lot of attention, within the Macedonian delegation led by Deputy Minister of Economy Marjan Risteski, presented 14 Macedonian companies, exposing guilt, juices, confectionery products … In order to better present themselves to the Chinese market

« Nova Makedonija » at the Chinese City of Ningbo Strategic Business Country Platform: China-Ciec Fair

Availability of quality Macedonian wine in several locations in Ningbo, for Chinese consumers to taste and get acquainted with its top features, as well as other exposed Macedonian products, shows the openness of the Chinese market to foreign companies and business opportunities offered by the China Cooperation Fair with Central and Eastern European Cooperation. The fair is actually a long -term mechanism that supports sustainable cooperation and that during the latest issue it resulted in concrete business deals. The Co -operation Mechanism between China and the CIEC countries has been in existence since 2012 and has produced excellent results, and at the previous three fairs more than three thousand companies from Central and Eastern Europe have presented their products.
The fourth edition of the economic event that attracted a lot of attention, within the Macedonian delegation led by Deputy Minister of Economy Marjan Risteski, were present 14 Macedonian companies, exposing guilt, juices, confectionery products … In order to better present themselves to the Chinese market. The Macedonian Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, Sasko Nasev, reflects the importance of the Ningbo fair, saying « this is a big step for future cooperation and the integration of civilizations ».

Realistic opportunities for developing closer cooperation with Chinese business partner

Many Macedonian companies first presented themselves in China at the Ningbo Fair, citing interest in establishing new collaborations and easier exports to the Asian state. At the fair, Stobi, Tikves, Imako, Krnevo and Lepovo’s wines were displayed at the fair, which should be emphasized that Chinese consumers in certain environments are familiar with Macedonian wines over the established sales of the Chinese market. And the Ningbo event was also attended by the Alter Food, Vitaminka, Vincini, Best Food, « Vitalia », « Eval », « M3Ds Academics », « Soko Gorica » ​​and « Tehma ».
– I hope that we as countries from Central and Eastern Europe and Ningbo will increase our cooperation. We have such a well-organized Expo as well as well-organized representatives of the Macedonian business community. There are everything here. Robotics, cars, our wine. We are a small country in Europe, but our companies can export almost everywhere, to more than 150 countries. China is really important for any economy, and especially for us as small states. We have some of our new products available to the Chinese people and for Ningbo. You know, the world is changing. And most people here are young. It is the greatest joy for me, because young people are interested in business collaboration with PR China. So we would like to get some knowledge from China and develop closer cooperation – Macedonian Ambassador to Beijing, Sasko Nasev, said in a statement to the media during the fair.
The Macedonian career diplomat also referred to the current economic cooperation with China, as well as the areas in which it could expand.
– In cooperation with a Chinese company, we are now finishing part of the highway, connecting cities from Western Macedonia – Kicevo, and our tourist center Ohrid. It refers to the infrastructure. We will also try to attract Chinese companies interested in green energy. I hope we get much greater cooperation, as Macedonia is a leading state in this transition. In fact we produce 50 percent of energy from renewable sources. We have water, sun and wind and hope to be successful. We have already increased the number of tourists coming from China – explains Ambassador Nasev.
Deputy Minister of Economy Marjan Risteski hosted the President of the Slovak Parliament, Richard Bradi, as part of his visit to the Macedonian stand in the special pavilion for the countries of the CEEk. Risteski also met with the Deputy Minister of Trade of the PR China, Ling Chi, during which they discussed the current economic cooperation between the two countries.
Products from Central and Eastern European countries were transported to China through an accelerated channel for the needs of the Ningbo fair, and the Chinese customs service has implemented target measures to ensure timely arrival of goods, according to Chinese media reports. Data from China’s Customs have shown that over the past year, China’s trade with Central and Eastern European countries increased by 6.3 percent annually, reaching a record high of $ 142.3 billion.

The Chinese market offers strong stimuli for Central and Eastern Europe’s ratial

At the Ningbo Fair, concrete results were achieved through the signing of more cooperation agreements, as Chinese state television reporter Si-Ji-EN, Early, said in a statement to Nova Makedonija.
-The results of this year’s China Fair were tangible and aimed at the future. I witnessed the signing of several co -operation agreements in trade, investment, logistics and green technology – evidence of growing economic complementarity between China and Central and Eastern European countries. More than 400 companies have participated in business connection sessions, resulting in concrete business deals that will be turned into jobs, growth and innovation on both sides – says the Chinese journalist who knows the circumstances of the Ningbo fair.
The fair, according to her, is developing in a long -term mechanism that supports sustainable cooperation, with a promising role in deepening institutional ties.
– The most prominent is the role of the fair in deepening institutional ties. From the national pavilions of the countries of Central and Eastern Europe representing the specialized industries to the dialogues of smart production and cross-border e-commerce, the fair is developing in a long-term mechanism that supports sustainable cooperation-says Rand.
She believes that digital trade, green transition and cultural tourism are areas with clear opportunities.
– Looking forward, I think there are clear opportunities in sectors such as digital trade, green transition and cultural tourism. The huge consumer market of China and continued policy support – including the « Belt and Road » initiative – offer strong incentives for companies from Central and Eastern European countries to expand their presence. At the same time, expertise of Central and Eastern European countries in specialized production, clean energy and innovation in the agricultural sector can help promote China’s economic activity. Therefore, this fair is not just an annual event-it is a strategic platform for shaping a more balanced, open and resistant economic partnership in the years to come-concludes Ci-Yi-EN.

The fair expands the partnership of the entire European continent

The China-Ciec Fair is no longer just about Central and Eastern Europe but develops a partnership with the entire European continent, inviting nine countries outside the current framework. That is why countries like Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy and Spain have now got space for the economic co -operation platform. They, along with existing members, had the opportunity to consider market conditions in China and investigate new ways to cooperate with one of the world’s leading economies. China also believes that this framework helps boost trade between China and the EU, as well as to counter the US trade and support global economic stability.
« Perhaps the latest developments in the EU have developed that we need to cooperate closer to China, which shares our beliefs in just and based on International Trade Agreement Rules, » Slovenian Secretary of State at the Ministry of Economy, Tourism and Sport Matevz Frangang said during the Ningbo fair.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the EU and the 13th anniversary of the establishment of the Cooperation Mechanism between China and Central and Eastern European countries. With more agreements, projects and policies expected to take effect, China and Central and Eastern European countries are building a solid partnership for cooperation.
Over 400 exhibitors and eight thousand unique products from Central and Eastern European countries (CIEK) were present at the fourth consumer goods fair. This year’s event put contemporary technology, cultural exchange and booming opportunities between China and Central and Eastern European countries. During the Ningbo fair, import contracts worth about $ 1.39 billion were foreseen.

The experience of twinning between municipalities

The intention to transfer the experience of twinning between Chinese and European municipalities was announced by the President of the Kumanovo Municipality Council, Ivana Gjorgjievska, who represented Macedonia at the Mayors forum at the Ningbo Fair.
– I participate in a forum that is extremely important for Europe and for cooperation with China. This is a great experience. It is extremely important that we have already attended the twinning of several municipalities. This is perhaps a good experience to convey to Macedonia with other presidents of councils and mayors, that such a thing is possible and that trade is for the common good. This cooperation with China needs to be strengthened, because all of Europe is here – said the President of the Kumanovo Council.
Several cities from Central and Eastern European countries have signed an agreement to twin with cities in China within the mayors forum. The Croatian city of Rijeka will connect with Ningbo, Serbian Novi Sad with HFE, Laktashi from BiH with Jepae, while the Hungarian municipality of Kishkunfeljhaza will do the same with Joshuen.

Milko Zivkovic, our rapporteur from Beijing