BEIJING — Trade between China and Central Eastern Europe (CEE) countries grew steadily in 2017, the Ministry of Commerce said over the weekend.

Trade volume between China and 16 CEE countries reached $68 billion last year, up 15.9 percent year-on-year.

China’s export to CEE countries grew 13.1 percent to stand at $49.5 billion while import reached $18.5 billion, up 24 percent year-on-year.

So far, Chinese firms have invested over $9 billion in CEE countries covering sectors including machinery, telecommunication and new energy.

CEE countries’ investment in China has exceeded $1.4 billion.

The fourth China-CEEC Investment and Trade Expo will be held in East China’s Ningbo city from June 8 to June 11.