Xinhua News Agency, Ningbo, May 26 Title: "China's vast market presents immense opportunities"-An interview with Nikolic, State Secretary of the Ministry of Economy, Serbia
Xinhua News Agency reporter: Zhong Ya
Dragana Milica Nikolic, the State Secretary of the Ministry of Economy, Serbia, stated in an exclusive interview with the reporter from Xinhua News Agency in Ningbo recently that China's vast market offers significant development opportunities for Serbia, and the economic and trade cooperation between Serbia and China will continue to foster momentum for China-Central and Eastern Europe cooperation.
During the 4th China-CEEC Expo & International Consumer Goods Fair held in Ningbo recently, Nikolic mentioned to the reporter that China's vast market provides significant development opportunities for Serbian businesses, while Serbia's market, characterized by its complementary advantages, is equally appealing to Chinese investors.
"It is widely acknowledged among various sectors in Serbia that China's vast market provides significant development opportunities for the country," she remarked. Serbia boasts strong industries in food production, sports, and cultural tourism, while China excels in areas such as information and communication technology, robotics development, and machinery manufacturing. By working collaboratively, both countries can achieve mutual benefits and win-win results.
At this Expo, the Serbian pavilion showcased a variety of products, including dried plums, fruit wine, and maritime safety sensors. Nikolic stated that Serbian exhibitors generally acknowledged substantial gains from this Expo and plan to make more thorough preparations for participation in the next Expo in the following year.
Economic and trade cooperation between China and Serbia has shown continuous growth in recent years. According to Chinese customs data, in 2024, the trade volume between China and Serbia amounted to USD 5.73 billion, marking a 31.8% increase compared to the previous year.
In July 2024, the China-Serbia FTA officially came into effect. China and Serbia have gradually eliminated tariffs on 90% of tariff items, and the import share of zero-tariff items for both countries will ultimately reach approximately 95%. Nikolic mentioned that the two countries' tariff policies would benefit numerous businesses of both sides.
The China-Serbia FTA is the first free trade agreement signed and brought into effect between China and a Central and Eastern European country. In Nikolic's view, Serbia-China cooperation holds great potential. "In the context of constructing a community with a shared future for Serbia and China in the new era, the Serbia-China FTA lays a solid foundation for advancing economic and trade cooperation between the two countries in the next stage."
Disclaimer：The above content is translated from Chinese version of Xinhua News Agency. The Xinhua News Agency version shall prevail.