The Serbian government, through the Ministry of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure, and two Chinese companies have begun negotiations for the development and maintenance of the Belgrade-Pozega section of E-763 highway.

The two firms, China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) and Shandong Hi-Speed Group, have completed the pre-qualification procedure.

The project involves the financing, construction, operation and maintenance of the following sections:

• the 17.6 km stretch from Surcin to Obrenovac and
• the 30.9 km long Preljina-Pozega section,

The project also involves the operation and maintenance of the 103 km section from Obrenovac to Preljina.

The total project investment is estimated at €92 million (US$116 million).

The Government had two meetings to present the projects and the selection procedure to the representatives of CRBC and Shandong Hi-Speed Group.

The negotiations between the government and the Chinese companies are in process, the focus is now on technical, legal and financial aspects of the future arrangement.

Interested parties must submit their proposals on or before 15 December 2014. The concession agreement is scheduled to be signed by the end of March 2015.

This year Serbia has announced plans to develop two more infrastructure projects through PPP. The two projects in planning stage are the following: Belgrade parking PPP project and Belgrade waste PPP project.