Serbia, China's Shandong boost economic ties at major Belgrade forum

Co-operation deals signed covering artificial intelligence, transport, agriculture, tourism and energy

Serbia and China's Shandong province signed a string of co-operation deals on Tuesday during a major business forum in Belgrade, as the two sides look to boost economic ties. The deals cover a wide range of sectors, including artificial intelligence, transport, agriculture, tourism and energy.

The forum was attended by Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Shandong Governor Zhou Naixiang. Vucic said that the deals would help to further strengthen the economic ties between Serbia and China, which are already strong. He also said that Serbia is looking to attract more Chinese investment in the country.

Trade between Serbia and China has been growing rapidly in recent years

Zhou said that Shandong is committed to working with Serbia to further develop economic ties between the two sides. He also said that Shandong is looking to increase its investment in Serbia.

Trade between Serbia and China has been growing rapidly in recent years. In 2021, trade between the two countries reached a record high of $6.2 billion, up from $1.2 billion in 2012. China is now Serbia's largest trading partner, and Serbia is China's largest trading partner in the Western Balkans.

Serbia is looking to attract more Chinese investment in the country

The deals signed on Tuesday are expected to further boost trade and investment between Serbia and China. The deals include a number of projects that will help to develop Serbia's infrastructure, including a new railway line between Belgrade and Nis. They also include a number of projects that will help to develop Serbia's economy, including a new industrial park in Nis.

The forum was organized by the Serbian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PKS) and the Shandong Provincial Department of Commerce.