Serbia signs framework deal with China's Reliance Energy for battery plant

BELGRADE, Aug. 31 (Xinhua) -- The Serbian government, the Municipality of Indjija and Chinese battery maker Jiangsu Reliance Energy Tech signed a 100.5 million-euro (116.5 million U.S. dollars) framework agreement on Monday to build the company's first overseas factory in the northern Serbian city of Indjija.

The plant, to be built in Indjija's high-tech zone, will produce batteries for drones, humanoid robots, unmanned vehicles, advanced power tools and household appliances.

The agreement was signed at the Palace of Serbia in Belgrade by Serbian Economy Minister Adrijana Mesarovic, Indjija Municipality President Marko Gasic and Reliance co-founder and Chief Operating Officer Xu Fenlan.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic met with company representatives before the signing ceremony and said the investment will support Serbia's efforts to develop a domestic supply chain for robots, drones and batteries, while reducing its reliance on imported components.

"We hope to build one of the largest drone factories in Europe within six months," Vucic said.

He said the Reliance factory will contribute to the transfer of modern knowledge and technology to Serbia and help create employment opportunities.

Reliance founder and Chairwoman Chen Xuan said the Indjija facility would be the company's first overseas factory, adding that Serbia was selected after the company spent nearly three years considering locations in more than 10 countries across Asia, Europe and Africa.

She said the investment is expected to create jobs and support related industries in Serbia.

The Reliance investment followed the recent opening of a factory in the western Serbian city of Sabac by the Chinese company Minth Group, which produces humanoid robots, as Serbia seeks to develop a broader high-tech manufacturing supply chain.