Rail links and roads boost China-Serbia ties

China and Serbia's deep ties, strengthened through high-tech Belt and Road projects, stand as a model of partnership bringing regional economic and social benefits.

The relationship between China and Serbia has a long history, rooted in traditional friendship. In recent years, bolstered by cooperation in infrastructure development supported by high technology, the bilateral ties have continued to reach new heights.

In 2013, under the Belt and Road Initiative, China reached a cooperation agreement with Serbia and Hungary to jointly upgrade the Hungary-Serbia Railway, making it a flagship project of collaboration between China and Central and Eastern European countries. In March 2022, the Serbian section of the railway, connecting Belgrade to Novi Sad, was the first to begin operations. The full railway is expected to be operational this year, becoming a crucial transport hub linking Eastern and Central Europe.

"Under the framework of the BRI, Serbia and China are jointly developing highly significant infrastructure projects. Chinese companies are operating very successfully in Serbia, and Serbia is satisfied with their performance.

"China, too, is pleased with its partnership with Serbia. Serbia is eager to continue building bridges of friendship between our two nations," said Damjan Jovic, state secretary in Serbia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Official data showed that in 2024, bilateral trade between China and Serbia reached $5.73 billion, marking a year-on-year increase of 31.8 percent. Imports from Serbia stood at $2.29 billion.

In building the Belt and Road together, cooperation between China and Serbia stands as a model, particularly in infrastructure development, said Li Ming, Chinese ambassador to Serbia.

"Adhering to the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, we have built numerous bridges, highways and railways in Serbia. These projects have created local jobs and promoted Serbia's economic and social progress while also enhancing connectivity across the Balkan Peninsula and the European continent. By fostering development among countries along the routes, they have injected strong momentum into regional economic integration," Li said.

The Danube Corridor expressway, a key project between the two sides in central and eastern Serbia, spans 68 kilometers and serves as a vital branch of the European E75 highway. Constructed by Shandong Hi-Speed Group with a total value of about €337 million ($373 million), the project is expected to boost tourism, improve the investment climate, and contribute to Serbia's economic growth.

"This expressway project is of great significance to the development of eastern Serbia and serves as a crucial branch of the E75 highway, part of the European road network," said Chang Xuxian, deputy general manager for European region of China Shandong International Economic & Technical Cooperation Group under Shandong Hi-Speed Group and project manager of the Danube Corridor.

"The E75 highway corresponds to the Pan-European Corridor X, and our project connects directly to this artery. Upon completion, it will establish a rapid link between the eastern areas of Serbia and the capital, Belgrade, facilitating resource sharing among urban clusters and unlocking potential for economic and tourism growth."

Construction began in August 2021, and a 31.85-km section of the main route was opened to traffic in February. The expansion from a two-lane to a four-lane bidirectional road has eased traffic congestion and marked a significant milestone in the project. The full route is expected to be completed by the end of this year.

"I hope that upon its completion, this project will boost our country's economic development, attract more businesses to invest here, draw more tourists to visit, and create more job opportunities for local residents," said a Serbian engineer involved in the project.

"At the same time, I look forward to more initiatives like the Danube Corridor in the future, which will allow the peoples of China and Serbia to work together in unity, building the path to the future with concrete actions and further deepening the friendship between our two nations."