Mao Ning, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Photo: fmprc.gov.cn

China and Serbia, as reliable and trustworthy partners, have witnessed the rapid development of economic and trade cooperation over the past decade, which has brought tangible benefits to the peoples of the two countries, said Wednesday. a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The comment came after Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabić applauded China’s efforts to advance high-level opening-up which has brought development opportunities to many countries, according to China Media Group (CMG).

Brnabić said in a recent interview that Serbia’s exports to China have increased 152 times over the past decade, with bilateral trade in 2021 reaching 5 billion euros ($4.85 billion) despite the fallout. of the COVID-19 pandemic.

At a regular press conference on Wednesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning said China has become a major trading partner not only of Serbia, but of more than 130 countries and regions.

“Over the past decade, China’s merchandise trade totaled 262.3 trillion yuan ($36.6 trillion), of which imports accounted for 117.6 trillion yuan and recorded an average annual growth rate of 4.7%,” Mao said.

Trade volume between China and Serbia Graph: Xia Qing/ GT

Additionally, China utilized $1.2 trillion in foreign investment, with an annual growth rate of 5%. The country is now ranked third with its registered capital of over $2.7 trillion in overseas direct investment, Mao said.

“China is making important and visible contributions to promoting global economic growth and building an open world economy,” the spokesperson said.

While unilateralism and protectionism are on the rise, putting pressure on the global economy, China will always support economic globalization, relentlessly promote high-level opening-up, and “provide more market, investment and growth to enterprises of all countries,” Mao said.

China and Serbia have strengthened cooperation in various fields, from epidemic prevention to infrastructure construction and business investment.

Two Zijin Mining subsidiaries in the Serbian town of Bor recently received the Outstanding Contribution Award from the local authorities. The Chinese mining giant’s businesses in the city have offered jobs to around 7,000 local residents, according to a statement released by Zijin Mining.

Zijin’s investment in Serbia has raised the mining sector’s share of Serbian GDP to 2.6% this year from 1.9% last year, the statement said, citing Serbian officials.

The two countries launched their first direct flights in July, from Beijing to Belgrade, capital of Serbia.

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