The century-old Smederevo steel plant in Serbia has found new life, thanks to a collaboration that underscores the ‘ironclad’ friendship between China and Serbia.
Headquartered in northern China’s Hebei Province, Hesteel Group (HBIS) is one of China’s largest and oldest steelmakers. Under the Belt and Road Initiative, HBIS revitalized the Smederevo steel plant by updating its equipment, improving technologies, and helping establish a global industrial chain. This transformation pulled the plant back from the brink of closure, safeguarding thousands of jobs and boosting the local economy.
Recently, Serbian football coach Cakara Alen from the Tianjin Football Association and a Chinese engineer who returned from the Smederevo steel plant visited HBIS. Their reunion highlighted touching stories of international collaboration and the boundless opportunities for cooperation in various fields.
“The partnership between HBIS and the Smederevo plant is more than just business; it’s a bridge connecting our peoples,” said Alen. “We’ve shared knowledge, culture, and forged friendships that will last a lifetime.”
The successful revitalization of the steel plant stands as a testament to the benefits of global cooperation. For young people in the Global South, it represents a model of how international partnerships can lead to sustainable development and mutual prosperity.
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Sino-Serbian 'ironclad' friendship breathes new life into steel plant
cgtn.com
