CONTRACT SIGNED FOR BRČKO–BIJELJINA MOTORWAY CONSTRUCTION

BANJA LUKA, DECEMBER 30 /SRNA/ – Acting Director of the public company Motorways of Republika Srpska Radovan Višković and Director of the Chinese company China Overseas Lee Gang today signed in Banja Luka the financial part of the contract for the construction of the 17-kilometre motorway section from Bijeljina to Brčko. The deadline for the implementation of the project is 60 months.

The total value of the bid submitted by the group of bidders amounts to approximately BAM 347 million, of which around BAM 275 million, excluding VAT, refers to the design and construction works, according to the explanation accompanying the signed contract.

Following the signing of the contract, Višković told reporters that this was a major day for Republika Srpska and for the company Motorways of Republika Srpska, noting that this is the sixth consecutive project being carried out by the Chinese in Republika Srpska.

"Republika Srpska is entering a serious investment cycle at the beginning of spring. Negotiations lasted for about three years, and we managed to bring them to a successful conclusion and enter the New Year with investments," Višković said.

He recalled that seven days ago a financial contract was signed for the Vukosavlje–Brčko motorway section, which is estimated to cost around BAM 650 million excluding VAT, emphasizing that over the past seven days two very important agreements with Chinese partners have been reached, worth approximately BAM one billion, which represents a major achievement for Republika Srpska.

Višković thanked the Government of China for all the projects it is implementing in Republika Srpska.

Lee told reporters that the project is of strategic importance for Republika Srpska and that its construction will boost regional economic development and transport connectivity, providing citizens with more efficient travel while also having significant importance for local development.

"Today is an important day for Motorways of Republika Srpska. Chinese banks are signing the loan agreement, which means that the project will soon enter the implementation phase," Lee said.