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The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS) today appointed Ashish Saraf, an Indian businessman, industrialist, and diplomat, as its Honorary Representative in India, said Marko Čadež, President of CCIS, following a meeting with the Ambassador of India to Serbia, Abhishek Shukla.
The appointment of Saraf, who serves as CEO of Saraf Group, as the representative of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia in India will enable more intensive cooperation between the business communities of the two countries, as well as joint activities in third markets, Čadež emphasized.

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“There is enormous potential for cooperation between our two economies, and Serbia, as well as the entire region with around 22 million people, can in the future be very important for Indian companies seeking faster access to the European Union market,” said Čadež.
In the coming period, business forums between Serbian and Indian companies, as well as B2B meetings, will be organized, Čadež announced, highlighting that one of the key opportunities for strengthening bilateral economic cooperation lies in the establishment of direct flights between Serbia and India, as well as in simplifying procedures related to workforce mobility from India.
Ambassador Shukla emphasized that the goal is for bilateral trade between the two countries to reach one billion dollars within the next three years, adding that a well-known Indian IT company will open an office in Serbia in the near future.

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The meeting highlighted significant potential for cooperation between the two business communities in sectors such as fertilizer production, energy, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, defense industry, financial services, and ICT.
India represents one of the key emerging economic and geopolitical powers, with a population of over 1.4 billion and the status of the fastest-growing major economy in the world, with stable annual GDP growth of 6–7 percent. The Indian economy is characterized by strong import demand for raw materials, semi-finished products, industrial components, and high-quality food products, making it one of the most promising markets for diversifying Serbia’s exports.

​  Čadež: Ashish Saraf Appointed Honorary Representative of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia in India

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS), in cooperation with Convestenics, is organizing the fourth edition of the “InterConnect 2026” conference, which will take place on April 28–29 at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, starting at 9:30 a.m.
The InterConnect BSM Matchmaking Conference has already established itself as an important platform for connecting businesses from Serbia and the region with international partners.&nbsp;
All interested companies can register for participation until April 24 via the following link<a href="https://www.interconnect-conference.com">https://www.interconnect-confe...</a>
This year, German companies seeking reliable suppliers and long-term partners include ZF Friedrichshafen AG, which is interested in cooperation in the automotive industry, as well as in railway technology, aerospace, and wind energy. KIRCHHOFF Automotive focuses on collaboration with companies in the automotive sector. The Villeroy & Boch Group offers cooperation opportunities in the production of ceramics, plastics, and metal components, while Mühlhoff Umformtechnik GmbH is looking for partners in metal processing and the automotive industry. GEDA GmbH is opening opportunities for cooperation with companies from the construction and industrial sectors.
“Following three successfully held conferences that attracted significant interest, we continue with a clear goal – increasing exports of domestic companies to Western European markets and creating new business opportunities for industrial manufacturers from the region. We believe that the InterConnect BSM Matchmaking Conference will once again open doors to new international partnerships and further strengthen the position of companies in the European market,” said Matthias Loidold, Director of Convestenics.
The conference will be structured into three key segments. After registration, participants will gain access to a secure B2B platform for scheduling meetings with international buyers, significantly increasing efficiency and the potential for concluding concrete business deals.
On the first day of the conference, following the opening session, five hours of intensive B2B meetings will take place, focused on direct connections between manufacturers and buyers, as well as assessing the potential for future cooperation.
On the second day, international buyers will have the opportunity to visit the production facilities of selected companies in Serbia. All registered companies will be considered for visits, while the final selection will be made by the buyers themselves, based on the meetings held and the level of interest expressed during the first day of the conference.
All interested companies are invited to take advantage of this opportunity for direct access to global supply chains and to enhance their business through international cooperation.

InterConnect 2026 – An Opportunity for Domestic Companies to Connect with German Partners

The foundation stone for an innovation center of Toyo Tire company was laid in Inđija, in the presence of the President of the Republic of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić. On that occasion, he stated that this act also lays the foundation for a shared vision of Serbia and Japan's future and that the investment confirms Serbia’s position as a strategic hub from which markets worldwide can be reached.
The ceremony was also attended by Satoru Moriya, Executive Officer of Toyo Tire Corporation in charge of the technology sector; Jagoda Lazarević, Minister of Domestic and Foreign Trade; Bela Balint, Minister of Science, Technological Development and Innovation; and Maja Gojković, President of the Government of Vojvodina, as well as Atsushi Saito, a representative of the Embassy of Japan in Serbia, and representatives of the Municipality of Inđija and other relevant institutions.
The Innovation Center will serve as a key hub for advancing processing technologies. It will focus on developing new formulations and materials, designing materials and compounds, and conducting research and evaluating raw materials. In this way, the center will contribute to the further development of advanced manufacturing technologies. It will cover approximately 4,600 square meters and, thanks to its proximity to the factory and test track, will enable a fast and efficient process&mdash;from material development through tire production to vehicle testing&mdash;significantly accelerating product development and validation and shortening time-to-market.
“The opening of an R&D center within the Toyo Tire factory represents an important step for the industrial and technological development of the Republic of Serbia. This innovation center brings knowledge transfer and the application of the highest international standards, enabling domestic industry to integrate into global research and development flows. This positions Serbia as a participant in modern innovative industrial trends, not merely as a production base,” said Dragan Stevanović, Secretary of the Association for Chemical, Rubber and Non-Metal Industry of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia.
Toyo Tire, which employs more than 11,000 people globally, began production in Inđija in 2022, where it currently employs around 630 workers and produces approximately five million tires annually. In 2019, the company established a development center in Germany, and together with technology centers in Japan and North America, built a global R&D network. To strengthen competitiveness in the European market, development functions are now being further concentrated in Serbia, where production and sales capacities are already in place. The new center is expected to begin operations in January 2027.

​  Foundation Stone Laid for Toyo Tire Innovation Center in Inđija

Serbia is ready to take the next major step in the development and application of artificial intelligence by creating a national AI platform and its own large language model (LLM) that will be used in everyday life and business. This was the key message of the conference “Application of Artificial Intelligence in Business in Serbia – From Idea to Model, on the Road to an LLM,” held at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/DSC00207-2_960x540.jpg" id="image-tag-1773412771899" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2095"></div>
“I feel much more comfortable when I am surrounded by people who understand where technology is heading and how we can apply it. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia strongly supports the process of digital transformation, and software is already our main export product, worth €4.5 billion. Serbia is making serious investments in the infrastructure necessary for the development of artificial intelligence&mdash;from data centers to supercomputers. We are getting a second one, and by the end of the year a third supercomputer as well, and we are cooperating with NVIDIA. Now we need to move at extra speed&mdash;to find good partners and continue learning. We have the technology, engineers, and professors, and we are ready for the next step&mdash;the development of a national AI platform and a national LLM,” said Marko Čadež, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia.The President of the CCI Serbia emphasized that it is very important to use local capacities and experts to train the model on local knowledge with specific datasets from different sectors, to develop a sovereign platform that can later expand and be useful to companies. He highlighted the valuable participation of representatives of the French company Mistral AI at the conference, who exchanged knowledge and experience with local experts and company representatives in the development and training of AI models.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/DSC00196-2_960x540.jpg" id="image-tag-1773412789710" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2094"></div>
William El Sayed from Mistral AI pointed out that the company is actively working on training systems using data in cooperation with partners from both the public and private sectors.
“We cooperate with governments and companies around the world and develop partnerships in numerous sectors. One of the key elements is embedded platform design, as well as the development of integrated systems&mdash;not only software providers but the entire infrastructure. In the next ten years, practically every company will use artificial intelligence, and both businesses and governments will have to adapt to that,” El Sayed said.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/DSC00222-2_960x540.jpg" id="image-tag-1773412801724" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2097"></div>
He emphasized that as many as 95 percent of companies fail to increase productivity through artificial intelligence alone because the solutions are not tailored to specific industries.
“That is why cooperation between AI specialists and experts from different industries is crucial. Through the co-innovation program, we connect experts from physics, biology, and chemistry with AI engineers to develop solutions that companies can truly implement,” El Sayed added.
Nicolas Schuhl, Lead AI Application Engineer at Mistral AI, emphasized that the biggest global challenges require the most transformative technological solutions.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/DSC00240-2_960x540.jpg" id="image-tag-1773412818819" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2098"></div>
“Today, AI solutions are most commonly used in finance, management, and administration, but their potential is far broader. Transformative use cases are those that are truly adopted within companies and that change the way businesses operate,” Schuhl said.
As examples of practical applications, he mentioned solutions in the energy sector for predictive maintenance of facilities, optimization of oil system operations, as well as AI tools in logistics for improving processes, which result in greater efficiency and higher satisfaction among both employees and clients.
It was also emphasized at the conference that the development of sovereign AI systems is becoming an increasingly important issue, especially for smaller countries and languages, to maintain control over their own data and technological development.
The conference was organized by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, GITEX Global, and the French company Mistral AI. It brought together leading domestic and international experts in artificial intelligence, representatives of the technology industry and the business community, with the aim of exchanging knowledge and presenting the latest trends in the application of AI solutions in business, as well as opportunities for developing large language models in Serbia.

Photo: Boban Ristić

CCI Serbia: Serbia Ready to Develop a National AI Platform and Large Language Model

The international trade fair Embedded World 2026, one of the most significant global events dedicated to embedded technologies, software, hardware, and IoT solutions, is taking place in Nuremberg from March 10 to 12.
Ten Serbian companies are presenting their solutions at Serbia's national pavilion: Digital Logic, HS Devices, Veriest, ARS Embedded Systems, Bitgear Wireless Design Services, MikroElektronika, Advanced Security Technologies, RT-RK, CTRL+N, and Synchrotek.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/20260311_113000.jpg" id="image-tag-1773239259367" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2091"></div>
Serbian companies traditionally participate in this trade fair with the support of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia and the Development Agency of Serbia, which organize the joint appearance of domestic firms and promote them at one of the world’s most important events in the field of embedded technologies.
During the three-day event, companies from Serbia have the opportunity to present their products, technological solutions, and services to an international audience, as well as to establish new business contacts and potential partnerships with companies from Europe and around the world.
" Participation at Embedded World is an excellent opportunity for Serbian companies to showcase their innovative solutions to the international audience, expand their business networks, and further position themselves in the global embedded technology market. This trade fair is one of the key meeting points for leading technology companies, opening new opportunities for cooperation, knowledge exchange, and the development of partnerships,” said Bojana Lalović.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/VERIEST.jpg" id="image-tag-1773239272066" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2089"></div>
Every year, Embedded World gathers thousands of industry professionals, including hardware manufacturers, software developers, startups, and technology companies developing innovative solutions for sectors ranging from automotive and industrial automation to consumer electronics, telecommunications, and medical technology.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/20260310_124142.jpg" id="image-tag-1773239286346" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2087"></div>
A special focus of the fair is on innovations in embedded systems, which underpin modern digital technologies and play a key role in the development of smart devices, autonomous systems, industrial automation, advanced vehicles, and IoT solutions. Through presentations, expert conferences, and demonstrations of the latest technological achievements, participants gain insights into trends in microelectronics, software platforms, and intelligent systems that are increasingly shaping modern industry and everyday life.
Photo:Bojana Lalović

Serbia IT companies at Embedded World 2026 in Nuremberg

One of Japan’s largest food exhibitions – FOODEX Japan – has opened in Tokyo, where 11 companies from Serbia are presenting their products. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia and the Development Agency of Serbia traditionally organize the participation and promotion of Serbian companies with the aim of promoting and enhancing exports to international markets.
Serbia’s exhibitors were visited by the Ambassador of Serbia to Japan, Aleksandra Kovač, who discussed with the companies the conditions for doing business in the Japanese market. During the four-day event, business meetings and commercial negotiations are planned with experts from leading retail chains, importers, and distributors of food products from Asia and around the world.
Serbian companies – producers of frozen, dried and freeze-dried fruit, jams, fruit and vegetable juices, refreshing non-alcoholic beverages with fruit juice in doypack packaging, fruit-flavored Ice Pops desserts, bakery products, tortillas, soups, spices, and food seasonings – are presenting their production programs and export capacities at Japan’s largest international food and beverage exhibition, taking place in Tokyo from March 10 to 13.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/Sajam Japan 1.jpg" id="image-tag-1773138089623" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2082"></div>
This year, the following companies will be presented within the Serbian national pavilion: AGROPARTNER (Lučani), AGRANELA (Valjevo), BUDIMKA (Požega), ITN GROUP (Belgrade), MASTER FOOD (Užice), MINELA (Batočina), PIP NOVI SAD (Novi Sad), SIROGOJNO COMPANY (Sirogojno), ZLATNI PLOD (Sinošević), YUMIS (Niš), and ZDRAVO ORGANIC (Selenča).
FOODEX Japan is one of the largest and most important specialized food and beverage exhibitions in Japan, with a 51-year tradition, bringing together manufacturers and exporters with distributors, representatives of leading retail chains, importers, and suppliers for the hotel industry. The fair covers 85,000 square meters and attracts more than 72,000 visitors annually. In 2025, a total of 2,930 exhibitors from 74 countries were represented across 20 sectors.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/Sajam Japan 2.jpg" id="image-tag-1773138101164" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2083"></div>
This year, more than 3,000 exhibitors from 80 countries will participate in 20 sectors, including a special exhibition zone for wines that have not yet entered the Japanese market, as well as areas dedicated to startups, logistics, digital innovations, and a special exhibition segment focused on Food & AI.
In addition to Serbia, national pavilions will also be presented by Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom, France, Türkiye, Finland, Portugal, Australia, China, South Korea, Indonesia, India, Mongolia, Egypt, South Africa, Kenya, Canada, Chile, and the United States.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/Sajam Japan 1.jpg" id="image-tag-1773138115285" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2082"></div>
Photo: Zorana Delić

​From Fruit to Spices: Serbian Companies at Major Food Fair in Tokyo

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS) and Gitex AI Serbia will organize the conference “Application of Artificial Intelligence in Business in Serbia – From Idea to Model, on the Path to Large Language Models (LLM)” on March 12. The focus of the event will be the development of a Serbian large language model, as well as its use in business.
Marko Čadež, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, stated that the presence of Mistral AI in Belgrade demonstrates that Serbia is entering a new phase of artificial intelligence development.
“The conference will initiate discussions on the development of a Serbian language model and on how companies in Serbia can apply AI based on local data and language. This is also the first joint activity of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia and Gitex AI Serbia, aimed at expanding the use of artificial intelligence in the economy,” he said.
The development of the Serbian LLM is primarily based on domestic knowledge, expertise, and resources, while Mistral AI will provide professional support through the exchange of knowledge and experience in the model training process. The goal of the project is to develop a sovereign AI model for Serbia, tailored to the Serbian language, local data, and the needs of the domestic economy and institutions, ensuring more accurate, reliable, and useful results.
“The preparation and collection of extensive materials and data in the Serbian language for model training are already underway, which represents a key step toward the development of national AI infrastructure and digital sovereignty in the field of artificial intelligence,” Čadež pointed out.
The Serbian LLM model will be a practical tool intended for companies, institutions, and industries to apply artificial intelligence in business processes.
The model will enable more accurate data processing in the Serbian language and the integration of specific expertise in areas such as law, finance, healthcare, and public administration.
The project is expected to reduce the costs of implementing AI technologies, facilitate their adoption in business operations, and improve the performance of digital tools used by companies.
This will create the conditions for the broader application of artificial intelligence in daily operations, as well as for strengthening the productivity and competitiveness of the Serbian economy in both domestic and international markets.

 CCIS and Gitex AI Serbia to Organize Conference on the Application of AI in Business in Serbia on March 12

We have a generational opportunity to rebuild Belgrade as the region’s congress center, primarily thanks to winning the organization of the specialized exhibition Expo 2027, said Marko Čadež, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, at the 33rd Kopaonik Business Forum.
Speaking at the panel “Destination Economy: Creating the Future,” he recalled that Belgrade had previously been a hub for congresses and trade fairs, and that we now have the opportunity for it to assume that role once again.
“Primarily because of winning Expo 2027 and what is expected to take place there. On the other hand, also because of one of the most modern congress centers in Europe – the Sava Center, which has recently been renovated. When we analyzed the economic impact of exhibitions held since Expo 2015 in Milan, we saw that between 70 and 80 percent of the economic benefits were generated after the exhibition itself,” said Marko Čadež.
He believes that what happens after Expo 2027 makes the difference.
“Until now, we have viewed the economy and destinations as part of the tourism offer. That is a completely wrong approach, because congresses and trade fairs are much more than that. It is not just a guest who comes, stays overnight, and spends money, but a guest from a specific field who makes decisions. That guest will come here, hear new ideas, perhaps stay, start a business, and use this destination for the economic development of the entire country, not just for a single event,” emphasized the President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia.
He recalled that the Chamber of Commerce had succeeded in bringing major trade fairs to Serbia, the first being GITEX Global, one of the largest technology exhibitions in the world.
“The entire artificial intelligence industry is coming to Belgrade not because they find it interesting indoors, but because they have recognized this as a place where they can easily connect with colleagues and the value chain of that industry worldwide,” he pointed out.
As he added, it is no coincidence that GITEX Global is coming to Belgrade, because, beyond its geographical position, what you offer is equally important.
“We have digital infrastructure when it comes to the development of artificial intelligence, including a Data Center equipped with state-of-the-art technologies. A third supercomputer will be arriving soon. We are one of only a few countries in Europe that have this kind of infrastructure, and that contributed to their saying – Belgrade is interesting to us,” emphasized Marko Čadež.
Čadež also announced that the license for the World Trade Center has been secured for Serbia in partnership with World Trade Center Dubai, which, in his assessment, opens space for the strategic positioning of Belgrade as one of the key trade fair and business hubs in Europe.
He stated that the goal is to link the World Trade Center license with the Expo 2027 project, as well as with future congress and exhibition capacities, including the Sava Center, in order to create a unified infrastructure for hosting major international events.
According to him, discussions are underway to organize Europe Food in Belgrade, the European “spin-off” of one of the world’s largest food trade fairs – Gulfood, which is held in Dubai.
“This would be one of the largest food trade fairs in Europe, and Belgrade would become its host destination,” said Marko Čadež.
He added that negotiations are also in their final phase regarding the organization of Europe Health, the European version of the globally renowned Arab Health trade fair, dedicated to the healthcare sector.
“These are massive events that fundamentally reshape the economic map of a destination,” Čadež emphasized.The General Manager of the Sava Center, Kristina Milinčić, stated that Expo 2027 and the Belgrade Fair are not competitors to the Sava Center, but complementary segments of the same industry, which, together with hotels, the airport, and hospitality facilities, form the infrastructure of a destination.
“Expo 2027, that is, the Fair and the Sava Center, are not competitors. They are players in the event industry with different dynamics, but also different purposes and audiences,” Milinčić said.
As she explained, the Sava Center is designed for congresses and conferences of up to 5,000, 6,000, or even 7,000 participants, while the Fair and Expo 2027 site is intended for international trade fairs, large exhibitions, and gatherings with more than 10,000 visitors, which in format are closer to major summits.
“Every developed destination has both. These are complementary businesses that together strengthen Belgrade as a congress industry destination,” she emphasized.

Čadež: Belgrade Has a Chance to Become a Congress and Trade Fair Hub Again

The Serbian–Hungarian Business Forum, held today in Belgrade, brought together more than 200 business representatives from 117 companies across almost all sectors of the economy. Addressing the participants, Marko Čadež, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, emphasized that the strong turnout of business leaders sends a clear message of robust interest in strengthening economic cooperation between Serbia and Hungary.
“It is my great pleasure to welcome all participants of the Serbian–Hungarian Business Forum and to thank the ministers for including this event in the agenda of the Joint Commission for Economic Cooperation of our two countries. Bilateral trade reached EUR 3.4 billion last year, placing Hungary among our top five foreign trade partners. Nearly 4,500 Serbian companies trade with Hungary, and they are naturally interested in that market,” said Čadež.

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Hungarian investments in Serbia have exceeded EUR 1.5 billion, and the forum is expected to further stimulate a new investment cycle. New areas of cooperation are also opening in high technologies, with opportunities for technological partnerships, digitalization, industrial transformation, and the application of artificial intelligence in business, Čadež added.
A particularly important step is the signing of the Memorandum on Financing Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, which introduces a new support instrument for the SME sector. Agreements and deals reached at the highest level are expected to translate into concrete business activities, investments, and new jobs.
According to Čadež, good-neighborly relations between Serbia and Hungary are at their highest level and provide a strong foundation for further strengthening economic cooperation. Accelerated implementation of ongoing and the launch of new infrastructure projects are expected, which will further facilitate trade and cooperation between the two countries.
Čadež noted that companies present at the forum included YUMIS, Vital, Strela, Zdravo Organic, Biosil, Grah Automotive, RESOR, Millennium Team, Agromehanika, as well as component manufacturers and representatives of the banking sector.
Additional opportunities for cooperation are emerging in the automotive industry, bearing in mind the arrival of Stellantis in Serbia, as well as investments by Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD and battery producer CATL in Hungary. This creates opportunities for Serbian and Hungarian companies to be integrated into supply chains for both conventional and electric vehicle production.
Čadež invited Serbian and Hungarian businesspeople to take advantage of the opportunity for networking, exchanging information, experience, and knowledge, and for concluding new business deals, with the support of the governments and chambers of commerce of both countries.
Mesarović: We Will Present Our Automotive Industry in Budapest

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Speaking at the forum were also Adriana Mesarović, Deputy Prime Minister of Serbia and Minister of Economy, and Péter Szijjártó, Hungary’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Mesarović announced that on 19 March, a presentation of Serbia’s automotive industry will be organized in Budapest for major brands producing vehicles in Hungary.
“As an automotive industry and as a country offering a predictable and incentive-based business environment, we can integrate into supply chains that represent a significant development opportunity,” said Mesarović. She added that she would lead around 20 automotive companies that will present their capacities, opening space for attracting new foreign direct investments.
Szijjártó: Border Controls Will Be Reduced to a Minimum
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Hungarian and Serbian railways will launch passenger traffic between the two countries on the Belgrade–Budapest high-speed line no later than 27 March, said Szijjártó, adding that border controls will be reduced to a minimum and organized so as not to significantly affect travel speed.
He recalled that freight rail traffic on the new Budapest–Belgrade line started today, emphasizing that this connects a port in southern Europe with western Europe, making the route via Serbia the fastest and most efficient.
Ten freight trains will now operate daily between the two cities, with an increase to 16 trains per day expected in March, including four that will also connect the Vienna–Budapest section, thereby establishing a direct Vienna–Belgrade line, Szijjártó explained.
Following the plenary session, more than 150 bilateral business meetings were held on concrete projects in sectors ranging from energy and infrastructure to consulting and ICT.
According to data from the Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia, total merchandise trade with Hungary in 2025 amounted to EUR 3.4 billion. Exports reached EUR 1.5 billion (an increase of 7.5%), while imports totaled EUR 1.9 billion (up 13.6%). The trade deficit stood at EUR 371 million, with export coverage of imports at 80.5%. Data from the Serbian Business Registers Agency show that 660 active business entities in Serbia are majority-owned by Hungarian legal entities and individuals.
Chambers of Serbia and Hungary Jointly Supporting SMEs
A Memorandum of Cooperation on the implementation of the Hungarian SME support program in Serbia was signed today at the Palace of Serbia between the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, the Hungarian Chamber of Commerce, and the Confederation of Hungarian Businessmen. The memorandum was signed by Nenad Đurđević, advisor to the President of the Serbian Chamber, and Péter Kárpáti, formalizing a new phase of institutional cooperation between Serbian and Hungarian business associations.

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“The Memorandum establishes a framework for cooperation in developing financing models for SMEs in Serbia based on the Hungarian example. This involves developing a type of credit line for small and medium-sized enterprises that face the greatest challenges in accessing finance,” said Đurđević.
He noted that under the Hungarian model, which has provided more favorable SME financing for over two decades, the chamber of commerce, together with the government, approves and helps qualify funds.
“In order to establish such a fund in Serbia, it is necessary to assess the possibilities for adapting and implementing this model. A feasibility study is planned for the first half of this year. Hungarian experience in supporting small businesses in Vojvodina is particularly valuable in this assessment,” Đurđević emphasized.
The Memorandum is concluded for a three-year period and represents an expression of joint intent to further develop strategic cooperation and improve economic relations between Serbia and Hungary.
Photo / Video: Boban Ristić, PKS

​  Strong Serbia–Hungary Ties for the Benefit of the Economy and Citizens

As part of the official two-day visit of the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, to Kazakhstan, the state–business delegation today took part in the Extended Session of the Serbian–Kazakh Business Council and a Business Forum attended by more than 150 business representatives from Serbia and Kazakhstan. Participants represented the construction, pharmaceutical, metal, ICT, agriculture and food industries, energy, and defense industries.Addressing attendees at the Extended Session of the Serbian–Kazakh Business Council, Nenad Popović, Minister in the Government of the Republic of Serbia, emphasized that “there is significant potential for cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the defense industry, agriculture, food production, mechanical engineering, metallurgy, construction, ICT services, and investment.” The Minister welcomed the establishment and renewed work of the Business Council and invited Kazakh companies to visit Serbia and take part in the country’s largest trade fairs to explore the substantial opportunities offered by the Serbian market.
Arman Shakkaliyev, Minister of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan, stated that Serbia represents a new market for Kazakhstan and a very friendly environment offering strong potential for building new, secure, and stable supply chains.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/photo-37_960x640.jpg" id="image-tag-1772185390493" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2065"></div>
“We view Serbia as a reliable partner in the Balkans and an important economic hub of Southeast Europe, with significant industrial, logistics, and investment potential,” Shakkaliyev said. According to him, Kazakhstan and Serbia will develop meaningful cooperation in agro-industry, mechanical engineering, logistics, renewable energy, and the pharmaceutical industry.Mihailo Vesović, Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, expressed satisfaction with the participation of 25 Serbian companies and their representatives.
“This is a positive signal that encourages expectations of concrete business agreements and the expansion of existing cooperation,” Vesović emphasized.
Vesović invited Kazakh companies to establish partnerships and cooperation with Serbian firms, as well as to consider opening joint ventures in Serbia to take advantage of the institutional support provided by Serbia’s network of free trade agreements. He added that he hopes the number of Serbian companies cooperating with Kazakhstan will increase and that today’s forum will serve as a strong impetus in that direction.
Business representatives presented themselves across five panels&mdash;transport and logistics, agriculture, pharmaceutical industry, information technologies, and construction&mdash;followed by more than 90 B2B meetings. At the Business Forum, seven cooperation agreements were signed, predominantly in the fields of innovation and technological development.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/photo-91_960x640.jpg" id="image-tag-1772185405094" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2070"></div>
The Center for Digital Transformation of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia signed a cooperation agreement with Astana Business Hub in the areas of startup ecosystem support, knowledge exchange, and digitalization.
This visit successfully formalized the work of the Serbian–Kazakh Business Council, which in the coming period will focus on expanding existing forms of economic cooperation and fostering regular and continuous business dialogue. The visit of the Serbian business delegation to Kazakhstan took place after a ten-year hiatus, and a more intensive exchange and stronger cooperation are expected in the period ahead.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/photo-1-2_960x640.jpg" id="image-tag-1772185420968" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2062"></div><div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/photo-68_960x640.jpg" id="image-tag-1772185432671" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2068"></div><div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/photo-81_960x640.jpg" id="image-tag-1772185446873" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2069"></div>

Serbia and Kazakhstan Strengthen Economic Partnership: Seven Agreements Signed, Over 90 B2B Meetings Held

As part of its program supporting the internationalization of domestic companies, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS) organized B2B meetings between Serbian business representatives and the French company Manutan, one of Europe’s leading suppliers of office furniture and workplace equipment.
Ivana Adamović, Advisor to the President of the CCIS, emphasized that the goal is to provide Serbian companies with stable access to major European supply chains through direct business connections, targeted B2B meetings, and ongoing institutional support. Adamović also noted that Manutan’s visit to Serbia was part of a series of events organized by the Chamber to connect domestic companies with international partners, and that a similar program of visits and meetings had been organized for Buic Construction.
&nbsp;The visit of Manutan and the B2B meetings with our manufacturers show that the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia is actively working to connect domestic companies with the French market. Manutan, as one of the leading European B2B distributors, recognized the quality and potential of the Serbian furniture and equipment industry. This is an important signal of confidence and a strong basis for concrete export arrangements,” said Adamović.

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Jean-Christophe Gac, Group Purchasing and Sourcing Director at Manutan, stated that the main motivation for the visit was to find new partners in the region.
“In our search for suppliers in Eastern Europe, we reached out to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia to obtain a list of potential partners. I was eager to learn more about the Serbian market, and this visit provided an excellent opportunity to do so. The organization of the meetings was outstanding. I had very productive discussions with companies of different sizes and profiles,” Gac said, adding that a careful assessment of the production capacities of potential partners is crucial for the next steps, emphasizing that consistency is key in long-term partnerships.
“I am pleased to see that Serbian companies are highly motivated to cooperate and expand their presence in international markets,” he added.
The program of business meetings included Serbian companies from the wood, construction, and metal sectors, with a particular focus on the production and furnishing of office spaces.
Aleksandar Stojanović, representative of Metal Art, a company specializing in metal processing and operating as a subcontractor for other companies, highlighted the potential for collaboration and manufacturing according to partner specifications. “We will send our product catalog to Manutan representatives and continue discussions on concrete models of cooperation,” Stojanović said.
David Marković, Director of Ktitor, noted that the company had not previously had the opportunity to cooperate with French companies.
“This is a serious and strong private company operating across the entire European Union market. We are interested in the possibility of placing our products, particularly in the segment of office furniture production and furnishing. We are pleased to have had the opportunity to participate in these discussions and to use this chance to establish new partnerships,” Marković stated.
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CCIS Organized B2B Meetings with Manutan: New Opportunity for Serbian Products in the French and EU Market

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS) is launching an initiative to develop a national e-mobility strategy, a key document for the transition to electric mobility, Marko Čadež, President of CCIS, stated today at the 5th session of the National e-Mobility Cluster, held at the “Playground” in Hall 5 of Belgrade Fair.
Čadež emphasized that e-mobility goes far beyond transport and environmental issues, highlighting that it is also a matter of energy, industry, infrastructure, investment, and geopolitics.
“Today’s gathering is particularly important for us as it takes place at a moment when the Chamber of Commerce of Serbia is launching an initiative for the adoption of a national strategy that will guide the transition to e-mobility and address the key issues of this process,” Čadež said.
He announced that, as part of preparations for the upcoming meeting of the Center for Economic Initiatives and Rapid Solutions&mdash;coordinated by CCIS, bringing together ministers, relevant institutions, and business actors&mdash;the initiative to develop this strategic document will be officially launched.
According to him, the first step for a successful transition to e-mobility is the existence of a national strategy that unifies goals, measures, responsibilities, and timelines, clearly defining coordination among all stakeholders. He noted that the experiences of developed European countries, including Norway, confirm this approach.
Čadež highlighted that for Serbia, the transition to e-mobility is part of a broader energy, industrial, and digital transformation, a top-priority national development project. He added that e-mobility brings benefits ranging from environmental protection and public health to technological innovation and new economic opportunities. The development of electric vehicles, he explained, fosters innovation in batteries, charging infrastructure, and related technologies, as well as advancements in energy storage and grid management sectors.
“Transitioning from conventional to electric mobility opens new business opportunities, new enterprises, new jobs, and space for research and development,” Čadež stated.
The national e-Mobility Cluster hosted international partners from the Kingdom of Norway, a global leader in the successful electrification of transport infrastructure and vehicles, as well as the integration of renewable energy sources into the mobility sector.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/2632_960x540.jpg" id="image-tag-1772024528581" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2060"></div>
Kristin Melsom, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway to Serbia, emphasized that the goal of the gathering is to build business partnerships between Norwegian and Serbian companies, as well as companies from the Western Balkans region.
“I believe we have much to learn from Norwegian companies, but I also believe that Norwegian companies can learn a great deal from Serbian enterprises. Such collaboration is extremely important,” the Ambassador said, expressing hope that the meeting would open space for dialogue and serve as a venue for decision-makers and business ecosystem actors to connect.
The event showcased the potential for cooperation between Serbian and Norwegian companies and organized B2B meetings. The e-Mobility Cluster was recognized as a relevant platform for developing partnerships with Norwegian partners, who come to Serbia with a clear intent to establish cooperation within the e-mobility ecosystem.
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Marko Čadež

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Marko Čadež

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March 2026

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