Serbian Night in Beijing: See You at EXPO 2027 in Belgrade

"China is today the largest investor in Serbia, and our partnership has entered a new phase – from infrastructure and industry to technology and artificial intelligence. Serbia is the place in Europe where Europe and China meet and work together. The World Expo will provide an opportunity to further strengthen the steel friendship between our two countries," said Marko Čadež, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, at a gala event held during the China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) in Beijing, where he presented EXPO 2027 Belgrade to the international business community.

At the evening dedicated to Serbia, Čadež emphasized that Serbia and China have built a partnership that has evolved through several waves – from major infrastructure projects and new manufacturing capacities to advanced technologies.

"The first wave of cooperation was infrastructure. Chinese companies and the Chinese state have transformed the face of Serbia. Together, we have built hundreds of kilometers of highways, railways, and modern infrastructure. This has enabled the attraction of foreign direct investment and made Serbia the leading destination for investment in Southeast Europe," Čadež said.

According to him, the second wave of cooperation was driven by Chinese investors, particularly in the automotive industry, who are establishing production facilities and factories in Serbia to serve the European market.

"Now comes the third wave – the wave of technology and artificial intelligence. The first humanoid robotics factory on the European continent will be opened in Serbia. Companies Agibot and Mint will jointly establish Europe’s first humanoid robot manufacturing facility," said the CCIS President.

Čadež stressed that the economic cooperation between the two countries is the result of strong bilateral relations and political dialogue at the highest level.

"A few weeks ago, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić had a highly successful visit and meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Our ministers frequently travel to China, and our companies are increasingly interested not only in trade but also in investment partnerships," Čadež noted.

Presenting EXPO 2027 Belgrade, which will bring together representatives from 140 countries next summer, Čadež recalled that Serbia won the hosting rights in a competition with much larger countries, including the United States, Argentina, and Italy.

He highlighted that throughout the three-month exhibition, Belgrade will host companies, delegations, and institutions from around the world under the theme “Play for Humanity.”

"Play for innovation. Play for music. Play for sports. We must learn how to play again because play is the source of creativity. It helps us cope with uncertainty and overcome the divisions that separate us. Play does not divide people – it brings them together. It unites us," Čadež said.

China was among the first countries to confirm its participation in EXPO 2027, Čadež reminded the audience, thanking Ren Hongbin, Chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) and one of the key organizers of CISCE, for his strong support and engagement.

"I am confident that the Chinese pavilion will be among the best at the exhibition," Čadež stated.

The CCIS President also underscored the importance of the China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE), noting that over the past three years he has promoted the event worldwide as one of the best-organized exhibitions in the world.

Addressing the gathering, Ren Hongbin highlighted the long-standing tradition of friendship between China and Serbia, as well as the strong connection between CISCE and EXPO 2027.

"Today is a very special day – Serbia Day, but also CISCE Night. Every edition of CISCE generates numerous success stories and provides opportunities for companies to grow together," Ren said.

Photo: Wang Chao