By Zhao Yu

According to the website of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić is on a state visit to China from May 24 to 28, placing renewed attention on China–Serbia relations, often described as an "ironclad friendship".

On May 20, the CEEC Products Permanent Pavilion in Ningbo hosted a Serbia–Vojvodina Economic and Trade Cooperation Promotion Conference, bringing together Chinese and Serbian participants.

Bojan Vranjković, Secretary of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina and the Minister of the Ministry of Energy, Construction, and Local Self-Government, spoke of his province's ties with Ningbo. He noted that with the establishment of the Vojvodina Chamber of Commerce and Industry's China representative office and the Serbian Business, Technology and Tourism Center, Ningbo is increasingly serving as a hub linking Chinese and Serbian businesses for two-way cooperation.

Six agreements were signed at the event, including a memorandum on the establishment of the China representative office of the Vojvodina Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which was inaugurated on the same day. The deals focus on building joint platforms to expand cooperation between Chinese and Serbian companies in trade, tourism and culture.

Rajko Leposavić, China Market Director of the Serbian Export Development Association and China Regional Director of Frug Ltd., came to Ningbo in 2025 to promote Serbian products and facilitate two-way trade.

"I've lived in Ningbo for nearly a year and really love the traditional culture here. We should make full use of these cooperation opportunities to support economic development on both sides," Leposavić said. He added that the liquors showcased at the event reflect a high standard of Serbian distilling. "I believe they will be well received in China."

Before the event began, many Ningbo companies had already held in-depth discussions with Serbian delegates.

In the lounge area, Cheng Xianshui, general manager of Ningbo Shuomei Daily Necessities Co., Ltd., was in talks with Serbian representatives. The company exports beauty products to Western Europe and is now looking to expand into Central and Eastern Europe.

"From our initial discussions, we learned that Serbian supermarkets already carry a wide range of Chinese daily necessities. I believe our beauty products have a chance to become popular," he said.

He added that the agreements reached at the event, along with the establishment of the Vojvodina Chamber's China representative office, are expected to facilitate future cooperation. "We hope to use this as a gateway to the wider CEE region."