Abstract
In the wake of the coronavirus epidemic, the global foreign trade economy has experienced a significant downturn, with the mode of cross-regional cooperation facing unprecedented challenges. This backdrop underscores the importance of analyzing the cooperation mode between Central and Eastern European countries (CEE) and China in the post-COVID-19 era. This paper explores the trade relations between CEE countries and China from 2008 to 2021 through a quantitative analysis of trade exchanges and competition, evaluating the competitiveness and resource complementarity of these regions. Utilizing the trade gravity model, the study conducts an optimization regression analysis of various trade factors, incorporating economic scale, population demographics, and European Union membership status as key variables. This rigorous approach allows for an in-depth examination of trade complementarity and combination indices, aiming to uncover the latent trade potential between CEE and China. The findings reveal a substantial potential for enhancing trade exchanges and expanding the trade space between the two regions. By further optimizing the trade structure and understanding the diverse national conditions of CEE countries, the study suggests that significant improvements can be made in economic and trade stability, as well as in standardized development. The research posits that fostering trade exchanges and cooperation not only between CEE and China but also involving Western European Union (WEU) countries, holds critical social value and economic development significance. This study's implications extend beyond mere trade optimization, suggesting a roadmap for bolstering economic resilience and fostering a more interconnected and mutually beneficial global trade environment in the post-pandemic world. Received: 4 January 2024 / Accepted: 27 May 2024 / Published: 5 July 2024