Serbia has secured €953 million ($1.1 billion) in new investment commitments from Chinese companies during President Aleksandar Vučić’s state visit to China, with projects spanning automotive manufacturing, advanced technology and artificial intelligence set to create 1,650 jobs across multiple Serbian cities.
Vučić announced the agreements following meetings with local firms and a visit to the innovation centre of Hong Kong-listed car parts manufacturer Minth Group in Jiaxing. The investments will be spread across Niš, Novi Sad, Zrenjanin, Šabac, Ćuprija and Inđija.
Among the most notable announcements is a phased technology investment that will see humanoid robot production begin as early as July, followed by the construction of data factories and AI training centres for the robots, and ultimately the application of artificial intelligence across production systems. Vučić did not identify the investor or provide further financial details.
The largest single contract was signed with tyre maker Linglong for €566 million, which will create 400 new jobs at its existing factory in Zrenjanin. Minth Group signed two agreements: a €135 million deal creating 600 jobs at its Loznica plant and a €91 million investment adding 220 jobs in Šabac. Xingyu Automotive committed €77 million and 100 new jobs in Niš, while automotive chassis manufacturer SHAK will invest €33.5 million in Novi Sad, creating 50 jobs. Car parts maker Yusei announced a €27 million investment for its second Niš factory bringing 280 new jobs, and BMTS Technology signed a €13.3 million automation-focused agreement.
The deals add to an already substantial Chinese economic footprint in Serbia. According to Serbian Chamber of Commerce president Marko Cadez, approximately 2,000 firms with Chinese capital currently operate in the country, with the 37 largest having invested around €7.7 billion and employed more than 40,000 people. Zijin Mining and steelmaker HBIS Group are among the largest investors.
Vučić’s visit to China also included a meeting with President Xi Jinping in Beijing, where more than 20 cooperation documents were signed, marking the tenth anniversary of the China-Serbia comprehensive strategic partnership.
