Speaking of China's cooperation with central eastern European countries, one of the most prominent projects is a railway that connect the capitals of Hungary and Serbia. China signed a memo of understanding with the two countries in December 2014 and construction is expected to start this year.

The Belgrade central station is living history to Serbia's railway industry. In the late 19th century, it served as an intermediate station for the famous oriental express that ran from Paris to Istanbul. But it stopped operating in the 1970s, and now, the station is becoming old, rugged and under-maintained after years of slow economic growth and political turmoil. The the new railway project is a true positive change to the country's railways sector.

"Serbian railways had been forgotten by people for close to 40 years. I am glad that investments have finally come in the past few years, which can help us link Serbia with the continental Europe again," said Dusan Garibovic head of infrastructure, Serbian railways.

The new raiway project that connects Serbia with Hungary spans 250 kilometers, and is expected to be extended to Austria. The speed of the trains will reach 200 kilometers per hour as opposed to the current 40 kilometers per hours.

"The railway can be used to carry both passengers and cargo as it runs through several important economic and industrial centers. We will hopefully increase our passenger capacity four times and cargo capacity more than 20 times by 2034," he said.

The country's vice prime minister, who is also the minister of construction, traffic and infrastructure, believes the project has great strategic importance.

"This is a modernization of Serbia's railways. We will join with the European Union and become a transportation hub again. Serbia's status will rise as it will become the shortest and most low cost route across the east and the west," said Zorana Mihajlovic minister of construction, traffic and infrastructure.

The minister said the old Belgrade central station will be made into a museum, and a brand new station will be built, which will handle all the rail traffic after the project is finished in two years. A literal new starting point for Serbia.