Vucic meets with HBIS Group delegation

BELGRADE - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic met on Thursday with a HBIS Group delegation led by the Chinese steel company's new President Liu Jian to discuss the cooperation to date, challenges, as well as plans for the future.

"An open and substantial discussion with representatives of the HBIS Group company about the cooperation to date, the challenges we face, as well as plans for the future. HBIS is one of the largest foreign investors in our country and a partner with which we share a responsibility for preserving and developing one of the pillars of our industry," Vucic wrote in a post on his buducnostsrbijeav Instagram profile.

He added that they had also discussed ways to further strengthen mutual trust and enhance the communication among all relevant stakeholders.

He noted that special emphasis had been placed on the significance of jointly assessing strategic priorities, as well as on a need to make decisions quickly and responsibly and in the best interest of both employees and the wider community.

"Preserving the present 5,000 jobs at the (Smederevo) steel mill is essential for Serbia, as is maintaining a stable production level, which are objectives that represent a shared interest and a key strategic priority in Serbia-China relations," Vucic posted.

He expressed the confidence that, with joint commitment, a realistic approach and a clearer vision, HBIS's position in Serbia could be bolstered further and that the entire sector could be taken to a higher level.

"Serbia remains a dependable partner that will continue to provide all the necessary support for further development and modernisation," Vucic concluded.