September the 15th, 2025 – Chinese investors have expressed their desire to construct a Vukovar logistics hub, with Osijek also being a place of interest.
As Sinisa Malus/Poslovni Dnevnik writes, with the aim of strengthening economic cooperation and developing logistics capacities and increasing traffic between China and Croatia, a delegation from the Chinese province of Hebei, led by Deputy Governor Jin Hui, recently visited Vukovar.
On that occasion, a meeting was held, which, in addition to the delegation of the province of Hebei and of Vukovar-Srijem County, was also attended by representatives of the Port of Vukovar and the Special Economic Zone company from Zagreb.
The possibilities for better connectivity between the Port of Vukovar and the railway along the China-Europe route were discussed. On top of that, the opening of new trans-Caspian channels and Chinese investors establishing a Vukovar logistics hub were topics of interest. Further cooperation with the Hebei International Land Port Group was also agreed upon, which could transform Vukovar into an important point for multi-modal transport across the region. The Director of the Port of Vukovar, Marijan Kuprešak, emphasised that this cooperation represents a significant opportunity for the recovery and development of this eastern Croatian port, especially after the loss of 60 percent of its revenue following the war in Ukraine.
chinese investors want a vukovar logistics hub
“Chinese investors want to establish a Vukovar logistics hub, where containers for the import and export of goods would be stored and reloaded. We’re currently offering 80 percent of Vukovar Port’s capacity and we’re ready to start immediately, without additional investments. Our Chinese partners have expressed their interest in joint investments through a new concession period, which opens up the possibility of even more new investments, increased revenues and more employment,” said Kuprešak. It was also noted that the cooperation also includes Osijek Airport. As it was pointed out, the Special Economic Zone, in partnership with Hebei Logistics, sees eastern Croatia as a key point for multi-modal transport connecting inland waterways, roads, railways and air transport.
It all started back in early February 2023 at the initiative of the President of the Chinese Southeast European Business Association (CSEBA), Mario Rendulić. Back then, the first official talks began between investor Dong Zihao (Kelvin), owner of the Singapore-based Eureka Investment Group, and CSEBA. CSEBA President Mario Rendulić presented a number of strategic projects located across Croatia, introducing Dong and his legal team to the complexities of the Croatian legal framework, investment opportunities and other current opportunities.
“Back in March 2023, we organised and hosted the first Eureka delegation to Croatia. During the visit, the delegation visited key locations in Zagreb, Zadar County and Osijek-Baranja County, which provided the investors with a direct insight into local potential and infrastructure opportunities. During that same visit, a cooperation agreement was signed, in which both parties confirmed their intention to establish a long-term partnership. The result of this agreement was the transfer of the majority ownership package of the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) company to Dong and his team,” Rendulić revealed.
zadar is another location of particular interest
Based on the recommendations of CSEBA and Rendulić, Dong recognised the long-term investment potential in Croatia in general. A decision was made to open offices in Zagreb and Osijek and purchase a facility in the Poličnik business zone (not far from Zadar).
“CSEBA coordinated the agreement under which SEZ signed a contract with the company Direct Entry. Based on this contract, in early January 2024, a joint venture company, Eureka International Group Logistic, was established. It is headquartered in Osijek and its aim is to develop various projects across Osijek and Vukovar, especially in the field of logistics,” Rendulić explained.
Back during that time, the agreement also involved the rental of some warehouse space in the former Pevex building in Osijek. The facility, located on Svilajska Ulica (Street), with an area spanning approximately 50,000 square metres, offers exceptional logistics capacities, including access for freight vehicles, the possibility of storing palletised goods, and adaptation for distribution and production activities.
“This location provides a strong operational base for expanding business across eastern Croatia,” Rendulić concluded.
