POZAREVAC, Serbia, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic celebrated the official opening of two sections of the Chinese-built Danubian Corridor near Pozarevac on Saturday, describing the expressway "a lifeline" that will boost the local economy.
A ceremony, which marks the important progress of the 67.94-km corridor built along the Danubian River, was held on the newly constructed section 1 and attended by Vucic, other Serbian government officials, representatives from the Chinese embassy, and contractor Shandong Hi-Speed.
Vucic emphasized that the new sections, which connect Eastern Serbia to Corridor 10 highway, are set to attract investments and boost tourism in the region.
"This road is a lifeline that brings investment to Pozarevac. There is no doubt that Pozarevac is becoming one of Serbia's top investment destinations. Towns such as Gradiste, Golubac, Donji Milanovac, Tekija, Kladovo, and even the entire Majdanpek municipality, including Rudna Glava, are rapidly emerging as improved tourist destinations," he said.
Noting that Serbia has built 589 km of highways and expressways since 2014, Vucic expressed deep gratitude to China's contribution, underscoring China's enduring support and friendship to Serbia.
Chinese Ambassador to Serbia Li Ming also remarked on the significance of the project, noting that the opening of the new sections is proof of Serbia's steady economic progress and the strong partnership between Serbia and China.
He expressed optimism that the expressway's completion would create new opportunities for regional development, and paving the way for regional development, paving the way for further collaborative projects.
Currently, 31.85 km of the total 67.94-km expressway are operational. This includes 21-km stretch from the bridge over the Jezava River to the end of the Pozarevac bypass, and a 10.85-km section from the start of the Veliko Gradiste bypass to Ponikve. Construction are continuing on the remaining segments.
Once fully completed next year, the Danubian Corridor is expected to play a pivotal role in bolstering Serbia's national transportation infrastructure and boosting the country's economic growth, especially in Eastern Serbia. ■
