FINANCIAL SUPPORT SECURED FOR CONSTRUCTION OF VUKOSAVLJE-BRČKO HIGHWAY

BANJA LUKA, DECEMBER 24 /SRNA/ – A long-term loan agreement worth EUR 180 million was signed today in Banja Luka with the leading Chinese financial institution Exim Bank, securing support for the construction of the Vukosavlje–Brčko highway section.

The loan agreement, with a 15-year repayment period and a four-year grace period, was signed by Acting Director of the Republika Srpska Highways Public Enterprise Radovan Višković and the authorized representative of the China State Construction Engineering Corporation /CSCEC/ Yin Hang. Republika Srpska Highways announced that this loan agreement provides financial support for the implementation of one of the most significant road infrastructure projects in Republika Srpska – the construction of the Belgrade–Banja Luka motorway, specifically the Vukosavlje–Brčko section, approximately 31.5 kilometres in length. "It is important to emphasize that this is also the first loan agreement for road infrastructure projects that Republika Srpska Highways have signed with the most significant Chinese financial institution," the statement said. Višković expressed satisfaction that the loan arrangement had finally been completed and signed, to the mutual satisfaction of all parties. "This agreement is of particular importance, as it has closed the financial framework for the implementation of an exceptionally important project for Republika Srpska," Višković said. He stressed that the construction of the Belgrade–Banja Luka highway, of which the Vukosavlje–Brčko section is an integral part, represents a strategic national project of Republika Srpska and the Serb people. "Through this transport route, we will be connected with our mother country Serbia, while also achieving territorial integration within our own space," Višković stated. He pointed out that the project simultaneously represents a strong indicator of successful and comprehensive cooperation between Srpska and China, as well as mutual trust in the implementation of major infrastructure projects of mutual interest. Višković expressed hope that more intensive works on this section would begin with the first days of the new construction season.