The recent discussions between Croatia's Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Gordan Grlić Radman, and China's Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, have highlighted the significance of the Peljesac Bridge as a prime illustration of successful Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) cooperation. This bridge is not merely an infrastructural achievement; it symbolizes the strengthening of bilateral relations and trust between China and Croatia.

As the BRI continues to evolve, projects like the Peljesac Bridge have set the stage for a broader network of economic links among countries involved. This infrastructure initiative has catalyzed growth, diversified international partnerships, and driven innovation across the region.

Wang Yi noted that the notable collaboration represented by the Peljesac Bridge has yielded positive outcomes, contributing to a maturing bilateral relationship that is now entering a phase of heightened development. He emphasized the importance of continual exchanges between the two countries to foster mutual understanding and respect, which will further solidify their cooperation.

Inaugurated on July 26, 2022, the Peljesac Bridge has transcended its role as a simple transport link, significantly enhancing connectivity between Croatia's mainland and the Peljesac Peninsula. Constructed by a Chinese consortium led by the China Road and Bridge Corporation, the bridge spans 2.4 kilometers and has streamlined travel to the Adriatic coast, thereby boosting economic opportunities in the area.

Since its opening, the bridge has notably improved transportation efficiency while fostering tourism and logistics growth throughout the region. As an architectural symbol in southern Croatia, it now attracts increasing numbers of visitors. Recent data reveals that the bridge experiences an average of 13,880 daily crossings during peak seasons.

Experts affirm that the Peljesac Bridge has delivered concrete benefits to the local population, as it has shortened travel times and facilitated the movement of goods and people. This landmark project illustrates China's capabilities in infrastructure development, underlining both technological advancements and cost-effectiveness.

The success of the Peljesac Bridge is emblematic of the growing BRI cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European countries. This trend sees expanding collaboration in trade, investment, and infrastructural connectivity, as evidenced by other key projects such as the Hungary-Serbia Railway.

The Hungary-Serbia Railway represents China's first high-speed rail undertaking in Europe, boasting a length of 350 kilometers and a top speed of 200 kilometers per hour. Upon completion, it will connect Belgrade and Budapest in under three hours, significantly enhancing economic ties in the region.

As physical construction of the Hungarian section nears completion, attention is shifting towards testing and commissioning. The China Railway Group Limited has expressed intentions to meet deadlines for quality completion of this critical infrastructure project.

Investment under the BRI framework has galvanized Serbia's economic landscape, attracting over $10 billion from Chinese sources since 2016. Major infrastructure developments have reinvigorated the economy while the BRI fosters new areas of cooperation, evolving from rudimentary infrastructure support to comprehensive economic collaboration.

Amid the BRI's continuing evolution, sectors such as green energy, industrial production, and digital infrastructure are being prioritized for future development in Serbia. This corresponds with a growing trend in Central and Eastern Europe towards electric vehicle technology and renewable energy, indicating a shift towards sustainable practices.

Chinese enterprises such as Yutong Bus Co. are actively exploring the CEEC markets, promoting cleaner public transport solutions. This aligns with the broader trend of deepening economic ties between China and these countries, as trade and investment have consistently increased since 2012.