Experts and business representatives from Hungary, Poland, Greece, Brazil, and other countries gather in Tai'an to explore new opportunities for agricultural cooperation. [Photo/Tai'an Daily]

The China (Tai'an) - Central and Eastern Europe Agricultural Industry Promotion Event was held in Tai'an on May 28, bringing together over 30 agricultural experts and institutional representatives from Hungary, Poland, Greece, Brazil, and other countries, along with nearly 100 entrepreneurs from 47 local companies. The event fostered lively discussions on new opportunities for agricultural cooperation.

A highlight of the gathering was the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the international chamber of commerce from Tai'an and the Chinese European General Chamber of Commerce. The agreement establishes a regular cooperation mechanism covering industrial coordination, trade promotion, and information sharing. The launch of a China-Hungary-Brazil agriculture and food innovation center was also announced. These practical steps are expected to boost industrial connectivity, technology exchange, and trade channels between the two sides.

Tai'an has long been a major agricultural city and a key producer of high-quality agricultural products, including Taishan tea, Taishan chestnuts, and Feicheng peaches. The city boasts a solid industrial foundation, a well-developed industrial chain, and a strategic transportation network integrating high-speed rail and expressways. Additionally, Tai'an is home to 15 universities and 21 research institutions, providing strong technological support for modern agriculture.

Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries possess rich agricultural resources, advanced technologies, and strong market demand, creating strong complementarity with Tai'an.

Data shows that from January to April this year, the total import and export volume of Tai'an with 14 CEE countries reached $48.155 million, up 1.7 percent year-on-year. Major export destinations include Poland, Greece, and Romania, with key products such as garments, steel, formic acid, and geotextiles; Bulgaria was the largest source of imports, mainly electrical control panels.

During interactive sessions, participants spoke highly of Tai'an's agricultural modernization.

A trade representative from a Hungarian company noted the impressive levels of automation and AI integration in Tai'an's agricultural companies, and expressed interest in win-win collaboration.

"The development of modern agriculture in Tai'an is truly impressive, and we were fortunate to have the opportunity to visit and learn up close. Here, not only are cutting-edge agricultural technologies and the latest scientific research achievements present, but digital operation models have also been fully implemented. Our two sides share a high degree of alignment in development philosophies and practical experience, providing a solid foundation for cooperation," said the secretary general of an Austrian association for project consulting and management.

With this event as a new starting point, Tai'an and its CEE partners are well positioned to achieve mutual benefits and write a new chapter in international agricultural cooperation.