Signed documents on the construction of the "Vozd Karadjordje" roadway: “We will connect Belgrade and Sumadija"

The commercial contract for the design and construction, along with the agreement, were signed by Minister of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure Aleksandra Sofronijevic, Director of Corridors of Serbia Aleksandar Antic, and the director of Shandong Serbia branch, Chang Xiusien.

The total value of the "Vozd Karadjordje" roadway construction project will amount to around €1.3 billion.

Vucic: Reforms have delivered results

The President of Serbia stated that the economic reforms implemented over the previous decade contributed to significant progress, but that certain structural problems still exist, especially in the area of productivity.

Vucic stated that, in his assessment, the standard of living in Serbia today is at its highest level in the last ten years, with unemployment falling to around eight percent and public finances being stabilized.

"The implementation of difficult reforms, including reductions in salaries and pensions in the public sector, was aimed at long-term stability", Vucic said.

He added that public debt is currently below the European Union average and that Serbia remains a country with low indebtedness, but emphasized that there are limitations to the current growth model.

"We have a problem with productivity, and that is an issue we must work on further", the president stated.

He also assessed that global economic trends are challenging, noting that even the largest European economies, such as Germany, are unable to fully keep pace with the United States and China.

Vucic stated that the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have long-term consequences for the global economy, including Serbia.

"The fact that people in Serbia do not directly feel it at this moment does not mean that we are not paying a high price as a state and as citizens", Vucic said.

He assessed that global economic effects could lead to serious consequences for living standards, stating that in extreme scenarios "the world could once again face crises such as hunger" if oil prices reached significantly higher levels.

Foto: Tanjug/Amir Hamzagić

Vucic said that "the biggest beneficiaries of the energy crisis were certain major energy players, including American oil companies and British Petroleum, while markets remained unstable".

He pointed out that oil prices had previously been around $72 per barrel, while later, as he stated, they experienced major fluctuations and occasional spikes.

He added that, in his assessment, European institutions, including the European Commission and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, are becoming "seriously involved" in resolving the energy situation.

IMF economic projections

Speaking about economic indicators, Vucic presented projections from the International Monetary Fund, stating that Serbia has stable teams and plans for the coming period.

"For 2026, growth of 2.8 percent is projected, and we expect it could be even higher", Vucic said, adding that continued growth is expected in the coming years, with particular emphasis on 2027 as an important year for the results of economic policies.

He also stated that certain sectors, especially construction, have experienced some delays, assessing that activities need to be accelerated further.

Vucic concluded that, according to global projections, the world economy will grow more slowly than Serbia’s economy.

Contract worth €1.3 billion

Vucic stated that the "Vozd Karadjordje" roadway will connect residents of southern Belgrade, northern Sumadija, and the Pomoravlje region, emphasizing the importance of this infrastructure project for regional connectivity.

"This is the first phase of 83 kilometers, and with the second phase, which we will build by 2035, we will have a total of 125 kilometers from the Belosavci interchange, through Raca to Markovac and the exit to Corridor 10", Vucic said.

He recalled that the contract is worth €1.3 billion, adding that "it bears the name of Vozd Karadjordje because he originated from that region and fought for it".

"Until 12 years ago, we had only 596 kilometers of highways and expressways, and since then until today, we have built more than 622 kilometers of new highways and expressways. Another 380 kilometers are under construction", Vucic said.

Regional connectivity

As he stated, works on the roadway connecting the route from Lazarevac through Visevac and Raca to Markovac and the Markovac-Svilajnac interchange could be completed by 2029, or at the latest by 2030.

He noted that the new road infrastructure will enable better regional connectivity, emphasizing that residents of Arandjelovac will be able to use this route to travel toward Belgrade and Nis.

Vucic also said that in December 2024, 156 kilometers of highways were opened to traffic, and that additional sections are expected to open in the coming period.

Speaking about infrastructure projects, he also mentioned the completion of certain corridors, including the Morava Corridor and the Danube Corridor, which he said could be completed by the end of the year.

He also emphasized that works are being carried out at multiple locations across the country, including the Golubac-Brza Palanka route, Knic-Cacak-Kraljevo, as well as sections toward Prokuplje and Kursumlija. He also mentioned the Belgrade-Zrenjanin and Zrenjanin-Novi Sad projects, expressing expectations that they would be completed in the near future.

He thanked the Chinese partners for always being open to concrete cooperation in the interest of both countries and peoples, and because they perform their work in an efficient, serious, and responsible manner.

Ambassador Li Ming: This project is proof of lasting friendship

Chinese Ambassador to Serbia Li Ming assessed that the "Vozd Karadjordje" road construction project is very important for improving connectivity in central and eastern Serbia and as an infrastructure development component within the "Serbia 2035" plan.

Foto: Tanjug/Amir Hamzagić

He added that this project is significant testimony and proof of lasting friendship and joint development between China and Serbia.

"I am convinced that the Chinese company will complete the project with high quality and high standards and in accordance with the plan and schedule agreed upon by both sides", Li Ming stated.

"Better road connection between Belgrade and Sumadija"

Vucic earlier posted on Instagram that the value of the project is €1.3 billion. He also emphasized that fulfilling this contract will connect Belgrade and its southern parts with the northern part of Sumadija.

"We will finally connect Mladenovac and Lazarevac not only with Arandjelovac, but fully with Belgrade as well, and Mladenovac, Sopot, Lazarevac, as well as Topola, Raca, Kragujevac, and ultimately all places in our Sumadija region, including Rudnik, will be incomparably better connected with Belgrade than they have been until now", Vucic said.

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