PUC "Belgrade Metro and Train" Belgrade hosted a high-ranking delegation of the PowerChina company from Beijing, led by Deputy General Director Zhang Jinfu. The visit was carried out as part of the delegation's several-day stay in Serbia, with the aim of monitoring the progress of the construction of the first line of the Belgrade metro, as well as deepening technical cooperation and strategic dialogue with Serbian partners.
In addition to the deputy general director, the delegation consisted of management representatives in charge of market development, finance, international affairs, commercial and legal aspects, as well as leading engineers and managers engaged in the implementation of the first phase of Line 1. During the visit, the delegation visited the location of the future metro depot on Makish, as well as the section of the route to Mirijevo, with a detailed introduction to the dynamics of the project, challenges on the ground and the next phases of the works.
Andreja Mladenović, Director of PUC "Belgrade Metro and Train" Belgrade, emphasized the importance of this visit as a confirmation of commitment and deep trust in cooperation with the company PowerChina, one of the largest and most experienced contractors of infrastructure works in the world.
"Our cooperation with PowerChina is an example of successful cooperation between Serbia and China, based on trust, mutual respect and a common goal - to get Belgrade a modern, efficient and automated metro system. We see this partnership not only as a commercial contract, but as the foundation of the future of urban transport in the capital of Serbia," said Mladenović.
He reminded that the cooperation with PowerChina has been going on for almost eight years, during which three key contracts were signed, and a fourth one is expected soon, which will include the final works of the first phase. He particularly emphasized the importance of starting tunnel excavation as soon as possible and presenting concrete results to the public.
"Our goal is to build three metro lines and to effectively integrate them with other forms of public transport, including the city railway. With the support of our partners from PowerChina, I am confident that we will complete the first phase of Line 1 by the end of 2030," Mladenović added.
In front of the PowerChina company, Deputy General Director Zhang Jinfu thanked for the warm reception and pointed out that this is one of the most significant international projects in which the company is currently involved.
"The Belgrade metro is the first metro that PowerChina is building in Europe and we are approaching this with special attention. We are dedicated to building a modern and automated system that will significantly improve the quality of life in Belgrade. The best expert team from China has been engaged, and we are ready for additional training of local staff and knowledge exchange," said Jinfu.
He pointed out that the current inspection on the ground shows that the works are progressing according to the plan, and that the first "mole" - the TBM tunneling machine - will arrive in May 2026. He added that the company is open to continued cooperation within the construction of the next metro lines, as well as to strengthening technical and institutional cooperation with Serbian partners.
Meetings of this level further strengthen the partnership between Serbia and China, not only on the Belgrade metro project, but also in the broader context of bilateral relations and the development of strategic infrastructure. The common goal - the construction of an efficient, safe and modern metro system in Belgrade - remains a priority for both parties, with the belief that the first phase of Line 1 of the metro will soon become a reality for all citizens of Belgrade.
