Ningbo, Slovakia seek deeper cooperation

Milan Lajciak, ambassador of Slovakia to China, delivers a speech at the event. [Photo/Yongpai App]

More than 120 business representatives from Ningbo and Slovakia gathered on March 10 for the China (Ningbo)-Slovakia Investment and Trade Cooperation Exchange Event, aiming to expand partnerships in sectors such as new energy, auto parts and high-end equipment manufacturing.

Held at the permanent Central and Eastern European Countries Products Permanent Pavilion in Ningbo, the event provided a platform for companies from both sides to connect and explore new investment opportunities.

Business leaders highlighted the strong complementarities between the two economies. Zhang Wenfeng, chairman of Zhejiang Senung Energy Group, said Slovakia's advanced green power technology and secure investment environment make it an attractive destination.

His company, a comprehensive energy enterprise that previously focused on projects in West Africa, is now exploring opportunities in Central and Eastern Europe.

Beyond energy, Slovakia's strong automotive industry offers further potential. The country has the world's highest car production per capita and hosts manufacturing bases for brands including Porsche, Kia, Audi, Citroen and Land Rover. As Slovakia accelerates its transition toward electric vehicles, Ningbo's strengths in new-energy vehicle components and advanced manufacturing could support closer industrial cooperation.

Ningbo's total trade with Slovakia reached 6.86 billion yuan ($999.7 million) last year, reflecting steadily growing economic ties. The latest exchange event is expected to further promote investment, technology collaboration and supply chain integration between the two sides.

Attendees discuss cooperation. [Photo/Yongpai App]