Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba could soon establish a major logistics centre in the Serbian city of Niš, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Niš and the Chinese city of Hangzhou, home to Alibaba’s headquarters.
During the ceremony, Niš Mayor Dragoslav Pavlović reportedly said that the agreement marked a significant step forward in revitalising the digital Silk Road, referring to a 2018 letter of intent aimed at strengthening digital and economic ties with China.
He stated that the move could pave the way for more Chinese companies to invest in southeastern Serbia and hinted that Niš’s Northern Industrial Zone could serve as a key base for Chinese operations in the region.
Pavlović was also said to have emphasised the exceptional cooperation between Serbia and China, noting that Chinese firms were already operating locally.
He added that one of the ideas being discussed was for Alibaba to construct a logistics hub in Niš, potentially transforming the city into a strategic point for global trade flows.