China is playing a leading role in shaping the future of Serbia's global showcase - EXPO 2027.
The project has become a symbol of both economic ambition and deepening bilateral ties.
The specialized exhibition is scheduled to run from May to August 2027.
It is expected to bring together more than 130 countries and attract millions of visitors.
Aljoša Milenković has more from Belgrade.
On the outskirts of the Serbian capital, this vast construction site will give rise to what will become the centerpiece of EXPO 2027.
PowerChina is the main contractor tasked with delivering the project under tight deadlines.
CHEN SHUANGQIAO Construction Manager, PowerChina "The construction period for the entire main structure of the convention center is less than 30 months, while projects of similar scale in Serbia usually take four to five years to complete."
The speed of construction reflects both the scale of investment and the urgency to meet fixed deadlines, with Serbia aiming to showcase its growing infrastructure capacity.
The EXPO complex is part of a broader development plan estimated at several billion euros, including new roads, utilities and urban expansion around Belgrade.
Aljoša Milenković Belgrade "This is one of the largest and most expensive infrastructure projects that Serbia has ever seen. It's hoped this investment will propel the already expanding Serbian economy to new heights."
Authorities say the expected benefits range from increased tourism and foreign investment to long-term job creation and modernization of infrastructure.
EXPO 2027 is also closely linked with the modernization of Serbia's railway network and the high-speed Belgrade–Budapest line.
CHEN SHUANGQIAO Construction Manager, PowerChina "Therefore, we believe that this project is not only an important infrastructure project, but also a good example of China-Serbia cooperation and people-to-people exchanges."
The director of EXPO2027 highlights the importance of partnership with PowerChina in delivering such a complex project on time and at scale.
DANILO JERINIC Director, EXPO 2027 Ltd. Belgrade "There are really a lot of people who work in front of PowerChina who are really very experienced, very smart, very resourceful people. They help us a lot. Of course, there are no big projects without problems. In this part of Europe, this is by far the biggest construction site. Of course, there are problems, but we solve them. We have partners to help us solve them."
With construction racing against the clock, Serbia is betting that EXPO 2027 will not only deliver a successful global event, but also leave a lasting economic and infrastructural legacy.
Aljoša Milenković, CGTN, Belgrade.