Chinese President Xi Jinping recently replied to a letter from thirty workers at the HBIS Smederevo Steel Plant in Serbia, encouraging them to contribute further to the friendship between China and Serbia. The workers had written to President Xi to share updates on the plant’s progress and to express their gratitude for his support in revitalizing the iconic factory.
Established in 1913 in the city of Smederevo, the steel plant was once dubbed the “pride of Serbia.” However, by the late 1990s, it faced significant challenges and was on the brink of closure. The turning point came in 2016 when Chinese investment from HBIS Group revitalized the facility. That same year, President Xi visited the plant and met with its employees, marking a new chapter in Sino-Serbian cooperation.
With the introduction of advanced Chinese technology and management practices, the plant not only became profitable but also emerged as one of Serbia’s top three exporters. The success story of the HBIS Smederevo Steel Plant stands as a testament to the deepening economic ties between the two nations.
The workers expressed that President Xi’s reply has energized them to continue their efforts in enhancing production and fostering collaboration. The exchange underscores the strong bilateral relationship and mutual commitment to shared growth and development.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
