The second episode of the China-CEEC Think Tank Exclusive Interview comes with the balmy summer breeze! In this episode, we are honored to welcome a team of professors from the University of National and World Economy in Bulgaria to Ningbo.

As they walked through Ningbo, every step unfolded a story, and every journey brought new insights. From the grand narrative of port development history at the China Port Museum, to the serene centuries-old elegance of Tianyi Pavilion, and to the vibrant cultural exchange activities at the Sofia Chinese Cultural Center – along the way, the Bulgarian professors not only deeply appreciated the city’s heritage and development trajectory but also witnessed firsthand Ningbo’s innovative strengths and solid capabilities in green logistics, smart manufacturing, ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) -based sustainable development, and more.

In-depth dialogues gradually unfolded around three main themes: think tank cooperation, science & technology and industrial innovation partnership, and people-to-people exchanges, with the professors sharing valuable insights. They expressed anticipation for jointly advancing collaborative publications and co-funded research projects, moving think tank exchanges from “dialogue and consensus” to “tangible outcomes”. They also proposed that China and Bulgaria could strengthen cooperation in green energy, green logistics, and green shipping, while taking the lead in exploring areas such as robotization of port operations, intelligent port operations, and the application of artificial intelligence. The professors highly recognized Ningbo’s efforts in promoting the ESG system and building green ports, believing that this aligns with the global trend of green transformation in the port and shipping industry and deserves joint research and promotion. They also appreciated the ecological and cultural preservation of Moon Lake and the heritage of Tianyi Pavilion. In particular, they noted that the Sofia Chinese Cultural Center, which is co-built and operated with Ningbo’s participation, has for many years served as a window for the Bulgarian people to understand China and has laid a solid foundation for people-to-people friendship between the two countries.

Now welcome to the second episode of the Think Tank Exclusive Interview Series: “Bridging Cities, Deepening Mutual Learning Among Civilizations, Empowering Cooperation Through Think Tanks, and Pursuing Shared Success”.

This interview has not only further consolidated the foundation of cooperation between Ningbo and Bulgarian think tanks and universities but also injected new momentum and opened new spaces for the coordinated development of China-CEE countries in scientific and technological innovation, green transition, and cultural and humanistic connectivity.