Cooperation with China on infrastructure projects

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure Zorana Mihajlovic spoke on 22 July with Chinese Ambassador to Serbia Li Manchang about infrastructure projects carried out by Serbia in partnership with China.

Mihajlovic informed Manchang with the pace of works on the completion of the Borca-Zemun bridge, construction of a new block of the thermal power plant "Kostolac" and the Belgrade-Budapest railway.

She recalled that Serbia has not built any big energy facility in 30 years, which is why, after the renovation of the two existing blocks, the construction of the block Kostolac B3 is the most important for Serbia, as it will give it energy security.

She said that Serbia is awaiting the signing of the financial arrangement for "Kostolac B3", and it is up to the Chinese side to make a move now.

Mihajlovic pointed out that the second most important joint project is the Borca- Zemun bridge, and invited her interlocutor to visit the bridge together, at which the works should be completed by the end of this year.

According to her, Serbia has fulfilled all its obligations to the Chinese side regarding this project.

Manchang said that the traditionally friendly relations between China and Serbia are a basis for good economic cooperation between the two countries, and confirmed that he will discuss with the Chinese side to ensure that the obligations assumed will be fulfilled and that the works will be completed within the deadline set.

The two officials also discussed Corridor XI, the project in which Chinese company "Shandong Hi-Speed Group" is taking part, as well as the construction of the third block of the thermal power plant Nikola Tesla in Obrenovac.