China and Serbia have launched new cooperation in multiple fields and opened a new chapter of mutually beneficial cooperation
Serbia is China's first comprehensive strategic partner in Central and Eastern Europe, and the two countries have profound "iron friendship". In recent years, the economic and trade cooperation between the two countries has achieved fruitful results, bringing huge benefits to the two peoples and bilateral trade. In 2023, China is Serbia's largest source of investment and second largest trading partner, with bilateral trade volume reaching US$4.35 billion. Katarina Zakic, director of the Belt and Road Regional Research Center at the Serbian Institute of International Political Economy, said in an interview that the speed and breadth of economic and trade cooperation between Serbia and China are impressive. "Currently, auto parts manufacturing has become one of the key areas of cooperation between Serbia and China, which will effectively promote the development of Serbia's manufacturing industry, expand the export of related products, and promote Serbia's trade balance."
Serbia is one of the guest countries of honor at the 6th China International Import Expo in 2023. At the CIIE, Serbian companies and Chinese partners reached multiple cooperation agreements. Katarina Zakic said that the open economy is an important part of Serbia’s economic development strategy. The CIIE provides Serbian enterprises with a bridge for win-win cooperation, establishes connections with the Chinese market and consumers, and showcases in the international market. own characteristics.
Serbia is one of the first countries to sign a "Belt and Road" cooperation document with China. Over the past 10 years, the “Belt and Road” initiative has made important contributions to promoting the economic and social development of various countries. In October 2023, China and Serbia signed the first free trade agreement between China and Central and Eastern European countries. The free trade agreement will take effect on July 1 this year. "China is one of the most competitive markets in the world." Katarina Zakic said that the free trade agreement will further promote Serbia-China trade and investment and will promote Serbia's export trade. At the same time, policy support will be It is very important to promote trade between the two countries.
Katarina Zakic has traveled to China many times. She said that every time she goes to China, she can feel the rapid changes. In addition to the beautiful scenery, China's history and culture are also what attract her. "I admire the Chinese people's hardworking and determined character the most, and their commitment to improving lives and economic development, which is very inspiring."
China has proposed global development initiatives that focus on several key areas, namely poverty reduction, development financing, green development, industrialization, digital economy, and connectivity. Katarina Zakic believes that the Global Development Initiative, as well as several other initiatives such as the Global Civilization Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Artificial Intelligence Initiative, have received widespread attention from the international community. China’s plan to improve global governance reflects China’s assume responsibilities as a responsible major country. "The Global Development Initiative is consistent with Serbia's development strategic goals. There will be great potential for Serbia and China to strengthen cooperation under the framework of the Global Development Initiative."
Currently, a new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation are advancing by leaps and bounds, and emerging technologies are becoming a new engine for global development. Katarina Zakic believes that Serbia and China are currently launching new cooperation in the fields of information technology, agriculture, manufacturing, biotechnology, green energy, tourism, etc. These cooperation will further enhance the space and potential of economic and trade cooperation between the two countries. , “On the basis of continuously consolidating cooperation in existing fields, we will open a new chapter of mutually beneficial cooperation between Serbia and China.”
