China Construction First Group sponsors kindergarten in Serbia. [Photo provided to China Daily]

China and Serbia have continuously deepened their bilateral economic and trade cooperation as well as people-to-people relationship.

In Belgrade, the Serbian capital, China opened the first Chinese cultural center in the Balkans to promote cultural exchanges with Serbia and enhance the friendship between the two peoples.

In the new urban area of Belgrade, about 5 kilometers from the central commercial district, stands the Yihai Z65 residential and commercial complex, covering an area of 32,700 square meters. It will provide 227 deluxe apartments and 8 commercial spaces for residents.

In Novi Sad, the second largest city in Serbia, the Vidovdan Settlement Health Center, built by China Construction First Group, has been one of the most important basic medical facilities in the area and has been operating smoothly for more than three months.

It houses specialized outpatient departments, including surgery, internal medicine, dentistry, gynecology, and orthopedics, and can provide medical services to over 25,000 residents, greatly improving local healthcare.

As one of the earliest Chinese construction companies to venture abroad, China Construction First Group Cooperation has also helped to build many major projects in Serbia.

These include the Industrial Complex for the Production of Industrial Machines in Ruma, the Bridge Construction of LOT1 and LOT2 of the Danube Corridor Project in Serbia which is part of the important European national road network, the E75 expressway, also known as the Pozarevac to Golubac "Danube Corridor Expressway" project.

"I feel great when people work together to achieve success. Every year, I make progress, which makes me very happy," says Boris Dudas who joined China Construction First Group in 2019. The Serbian worker feels the company is everyone's "home''. His career has flourished from being a translator, driver, material and data manager, to a marketing specialist, and construction supervisor. Boris has experienced these transformations in his career through his efforts and professional training and job rotations provided by the company, opening up more career possibilities.

Speaking about his future plans, Boris says "I will continue to take challenges and grow with the company and my colleagues, hoping that China Construction First Group will become a leader in the construction field in Serbia!"

Chinese and Serbian employees celebrate Chinese New Year together. [Photo provided to China Daily]

China Construction First Group also sponsors local schools and communities, hosts charity activities for festive occasions, and brings gifts such as stationery, toys, school bags, and food to children during festivals.

During traditional festivals such as the Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, and Chinese New Year, they organize gatherings to celebrate and help people understand Chinese culture.

They also regularly invite Serbian employees to visit China to taste the cuisine, experience calligraphy, ink painting, and other traditional arts and culture, immersing themselves in the charm of Chinese culture.

Translator Marija Deuric and her Chinese friend. [Photo provided to China Daily]

"I have made many friends," said translator Marija Deuric. She helps Chinese employees to learn Serbian.

She said when the Chinese team first arrived, there were rows of abandoned houses by the Sava River, which have now been replaced by tall buildings. "I believe that the cooperation and friendship between China and Serbia will continue, and together we will 'build' a better future for Serbia!"