Hebei plans AI services ecosystem with Central Europe
New plans for cooperation in AI services, logistics and trade were announced at a forum for Chinese, Central and Eastern European small and medium-sized enterprises in Cangzhou, China. Participants built business and technology links across several industries.
- The 7th China-Central and Eastern Europe Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Forum was held in Cangzhou on October 26 and 27.
- A plan for Hebei's shared AI services ecosystem was unveiled.
- A new chamber of commerce and small and medium-sized enterprise cooperation initiative were launched.
- Cargill invested approximately $500 million in the first two phases of the Huanghua port project.
- Cooperation between China and Central and Eastern Europe will reach its 15th anniversary in 2027.
AI, logistics and international expansion
The 7th China-Central and Eastern Europe Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Cooperation Forum was held in Cangzhou, in China's Hebei province, on October 26 and 27. The event coincided with the 70th anniversary of the founding of the China-Czechoslovak Friendship Farm.
At the forum, Hebei province's plan for a shared AI services ecosystem was unveiled as part of the “Wanfan Yunhai” initiative. Officials also presented measures on open technology processing to support the development of industrial clusters, the “Hebei Goods Going Global” cooperation plan for Central and Eastern Europe, and a strategic framework for logistics cooperation between China and countries in the region.
New institutions and business forums launched
The Cangzhou Chamber of Commerce for Central and Eastern European Economic and Trade Cooperation officially opened at the event. An initiative to support cooperation between Cangzhou and small and medium-sized enterprises in Central and Eastern Europe was launched, while Cangzhou's partnership program was also announced.
The forum consisted of eight parallel events. These included a cross-border networking conference for Chinese, Central and Eastern European small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as the “Hebei Goods Going Global, AI Sets Sail” meeting. The latter focused on energy equipment, zero-carbon energy and equipment manufacturing between companies in the Cangzhou area and those in Central and Eastern Europe.
According to the organizers, the events created practical business opportunities. Olivier Salzgeber, vice president of Cargill Asia Pacific, said the forum enabled him to meet potential partners. According to the statement, he praised Cangzhou's circular development model in the ecological chemicals industry, as well as the progress of its AI-powered digital transformation.
Companies seek direct connections
Cargill invested approximately $500 million in the first two phases of the Hebei Jiahao Grains & Oilseeds project at Huanghua Port. Salzgeber said the port's location and its land and sea transport links help reduce logistics costs. According to the company statement, Cargill plans to further expand its presence in Cangzhou.
Wang Yunhong, chairman of IBIH Aerogel, said the networking conference clarified the company's path into Central and Eastern European markets and enabled direct discussions with companies in the region. Yan Chaoyi, CEO of Czech-Sino Shark (Cangzhou) Aircraft Manufacturing, said the forum provided a platform to present the company's project and establish international orders and technology partnerships.
Another anniversary comes in 2027
Cooperation between China and Central and Eastern Europe will reach its 15th anniversary in 2027. Li Jian, director-general of the Department of European Affairs at China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said China is ready to work with countries in the region to strengthen cooperation and promote shared development.
According to the statement, the AI, logistics and overseas-market programs announced at the forum connect Chinese industrial players with Central and Eastern European companies in several areas. Participant accounts indicated that the focus was on direct business ties, technology cooperation, industrial supply chains and preparations for market entry.
