Chinese banks move into Bosnian power sector

17 April 2018, ChinaDialogue

Balkan coal projects are expanding under the Belt and Road banner

“Miners don’t say good day, we say good luck,” says Hata Muratović Hasanspahić, standing at the door to a concrete elevator shaft that carries her 300 metres below ground each day. Hata is a coal miner in the central Bosnian mountain town of Breza.

It is hard work but Hata hopes her son will continue the family tradition. Working in a mine is still considered a good job in Breza as you’re sure to be paid, and on time, too.

Jobs are scarce and coal is plentiful in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is how the Balkan country finds itself in the midst of a building boom of Chinese-funded coal-fired power stations. At least six power generation projects are underway, backed by Chinese loans linked to the country’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Source: Chinese banks move into Bosnian power sector | China Dialogue