Recently, Ivan Candias, the Chargé d’affaires of the Serbian Embassy in China, was interviewed by a reporter from China Central Radio and Television and expressed his views on China-Serbia relations, cooperation in fighting the epidemic, cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European countries, and China’s achievements in poverty reduction.
China-Serbia “hardcore” friendship lasts forever
In 2009, China and Serbia established a strategic partnership. In 2016, during President Xi Jinping’s visit to Serbia, the relationship between the two countries was upgraded to a comprehensive strategic partnership. Thanks to good bilateral relations, China and Serbia have carried out fruitful cooperation in the economic and cultural fields.
Candias said: “From President Xi Jinping’s historic visit to Serbia in 2016 to President Vucic’s attendance of the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing in 2019, the China-Serbia high-level dialogue has never been as rich as in recent years. Diversity.” He believes that high-level exchanges of visits provide new impetus to deepen cooperation between the two countries in various fields.
China provides great help to Serbia in fighting the epidemic
Candias believes that China has played an active role in the global fight against the epidemic. It has made many donations to the World Health Organization and shared its experience in fighting against the epidemic.
“China is the first country to lend a helping hand to Serbia. Doctors who have been fighting on the front line of the anti-epidemic provided us with professional knowledge and advice. They also donated two’Huoyan’ virus testing laboratories to help Serbia successfully respond to the epidemic. In addition, the Chinese government, enterprises and individuals actively donated money and materials, and We are going through the difficult times together”.
When talking about China-Serbia cooperation in the post-epidemic era, Candias said that developing economic and trade cooperation with China and continuously attracting Chinese investment are Serbia’s priority development directions.
“17+1 cooperation” enhances the overall level of cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European countries
Driven by the “Belt and Road” initiative and “17+1 cooperation”, Chinese companies have participated in many Serbian projects such as the bridge across the Danube known as the “Friendship Bridge” between China and Serbia, the E763 highway, and the Kostolac Thermal Power Station. China Hegang Group’s acquisition of Smederevo Iron and Steel Plant will turn the plant back into profit in the short term, solve local employment problems, and stimulate local economic development.
In this regard, Candias stated that Serbia is one of the most active countries in the “17+1 cooperation”. “A lot of new and important national and regional cooperation projects have been launched. These projects have benefited Serbia a lot. Create conditions to promote overall cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European countries.”
Looking forward to more Serbian products entering the Chinese market
In 2019, the trade volume between China and Serbia was US$1.39 billion. In the first quarter of this year, Serbia’s exports to China increased by 217% year-on-year. Candias said: “We look forward to more Serbian meat and cheese products entering the Chinese market.”
China’s experience in poverty reduction is worth learning from other countries in the world
Candias said that in order to improve the well-being of all the people, China has worked hard to improve the living conditions of the poorest and most disadvantaged groups. “China can win the battle against poverty. I think the key lies in the leadership of the Communist Party of China. The Communist Party of China has a foresight.
The ruling party that sincerely serves the people, allocates resources rationally, and promotes balanced and sustainable economic development. She has solved many problems that developed countries have not yet overcome.” China’s poverty reduction experience is worth learning from all countries in the world.
