The city of Niš could become the new logistics hub for the internet giant Alibaba in the future, announced Niš Mayor Dragoslav Pavlović after signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Chinese metropolis of Hangzhou. This document marks the beginning of a new phase of cooperation between the two cities and builds on a previously signed letter of intent to strengthen the “Digital Silk Road.”
Pavlović added that the meeting also discussed the arrival of new Chinese companies in Niš and southeastern Serbia, presenting an opportunity to significantly enhance foreign trade exchange, as well as high-tech and scientific collaboration.
“We are working on completing our northern industrial zone so that Chinese companies can have the option to set up headquarters here, as Serbia and China have exceptional cooperation. This could serve as a base for China. Chinese companies are already operating here. Hangzhou is the headquarters of the Chinese giant Alibaba, and one of the ideas is for this global e-commerce giant to build a logistics center in Niš,” Pavlović said.
Hangzhou, the city from which Alibaba originates, has been closely cooperating with the Science and Technology Park in Niš for years. The Chinese delegation visited the park following the signing of the Memorandum. In addition to the logistics center, there are plans for joint projects in the fields of science, education, and culture.
Wang Zhiangxiao, a representative of the Chinese delegation, emphasized that deepening cooperation with Niš is of great importance to Hangzhou, and there is a sincere intention from both sides to significantly improve economic and technological ties.
