The successful hosting of the Seventh China–CEEC Local Leaders' Meeting has elevated Jinan's role in cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European countries (CEEC), paving the way for deeper trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges.

Over the years, Jinan has strengthened international cooperation by expanding sister-city partnerships, promoting industrial collaboration, and enhancing connectivity. China–Europe freight train services, cross-border e-commerce channels, and cultural exchanges have helped deepen the city's engagement with CEEC markets.

Among these partnerships, Jinan's relationship with Novi Sad, Serbia, stands out as a model of growing cooperation. In just over a month, Jinan completed the Novi Sad sister-city garden, recreating several iconic Serbian landmarks and adding a new symbol of the friendship between the two cities. In return, Novi Sad has announced plans to build a Jinan-themed cultural park.

The two cities are also exploring broader cooperation across multiple sectors. As Serbia's leading IT hub, Novi Sad offers strong potential for collaboration with Jinan's fast-growing digital economy and artificial intelligence industries. Trade ties are also expanding, supported by improving logistics networks and the complementary nature of Jinan's fruits and vegetables and Central and Eastern Europe's wine, dairy, and grain products. Meanwhile, cooperation in infrastructure development, urban renewal, and cultural preservation continues to deepen.

Building on the momentum generated by the meeting, Jinan plans to establish more regular exchange mechanisms with key CEEC partners. The city will further improve China–Europe freight train services, strengthen its cross-border e-commerce ecosystem, and streamline customs clearance procedures, creating new drivers of high-level opening-up and international cooperation.