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Serbia is a “quiet rising star of the Balkans,” an economy marked by stable GDP growth, rising wages, an employment rate exceeding 50 percent, strong fiscal stability, improving credit ratings, and growing exports and investment. Additional momentum is expected from EXPO 2027, with projected effects of around six billion euros, said Professor Luigi Rizzo.
The Vice President of Morgan Stanley, a professor at Columbia Business School, and a visiting lecturer at several global universities, Rizzo noted on his LinkedIn profile that Serbia today represents one of the most compelling development stories in Europe.
He emphasized that Serbia had long been “under the radar,” but now stands out as one of the most promising economies, with strong and visible growth momentum and solid economic fundamentals.
According to him, over the past five years, Serbia has achieved steady economic growth, alongside significant improvements in the labor market and continuous wage increases. At the same time, progress has been made in public finances, including a reduction in public debt and an improved credit rating.
Rizzo pointed out that Serbia remains one of the leading destinations for foreign direct investment in the region, while export growth further confirms the resilience and competitiveness of the domestic economy.
He particularly highlighted the importance of the upcoming EXPO 2027 event, which is expected to gather more than 120 countries and attract millions of visitors, generating significant economic effects in tourism, investment, and overall economic activity.
“Although challenges remain, the fundamentals are strong, and the energy in Belgrade is tangible. A quietly ambitious Balkan economy on the move,” Rizzo stated.
Professor Rizzo was a guest at a recent event organized by ESEM Business School and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, where he discussed current economic challenges, sustainable growth, and the role of new technologies in the modern business environment with Marko Čadež, President of the Chamber.
Photo: Boban Ristić

Professor Luigi Rizzo: Serbia is the Balkans’ Quiet Rising Star

International logistics company JUSDA Europe has officially launched its operations in Serbia by opening a new regional center in Zrenjanin, from which it plans to serve the entire Southeast European region. In doing so, Serbia continues to strengthen its position as a key logistics gateway between Europe and global markets.The company’s entry into the Serbian market was marked by a meeting in Belgrade between Petr Škoda, CEO of JUSDA Europe, and Marko Čadež, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia. The main topic of discussion was Serbia’s growing role as a strategic hub for industry and logistics, as well as opportunities for further joint development in supply chains.
The newly established company, JUSDA SEE, headquartered in Zrenjanin, has already begun operations through a modern logistics center offering warehousing, transport, and comprehensive end-to-end supply chain solutions. The company is responding to increasing demand for nearshoring, faster delivery, and more resilient logistics across Europe.
“Serbia represents a strategic point for our further growth in Europe. Thanks to our new base in Zrenjanin, we can offer our clients faster and more flexible services, while supporting the development of efficient supply chains in the region,” said Škoda.
President Čadež welcomed JUSDA’s arrival on the Serbian market and expressed strong support from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia for the company’s future development and activities in the country. According to him, JUSDA’s presence will positively impact the business environment in Serbia and strengthen industry across almost all sectors&mdash;from automotive and chemical to food production, particularly in the transport of fruits and vegetables.
The entry of JUSDA Europe sends a strong signal that Serbia is becoming not only a regional logistics center, but also an important hub connecting Europe with other markets. Serbia is developing its infrastructure and logistics capacities to attract new international flows of goods and become a key distribution point in the region and beyond. Projects of this kind strengthen Serbia’s ties with international markets, Čadež emphasized.
He particularly highlighted the importance of strengthening transport infrastructure, with a focus on the railway sector, in order for Serbia to meet the growing demands of logistics flows.
As a logistics partner within the Foxconn ecosystem, JUSDA provides solutions for a wide range of industries, including technology, automotive, retail, and manufacturing.
The opening of the center in Zrenjanin represents another step in the development of regional infrastructure and confirms the trend of bringing production and logistics closer to European markets. Serbia is increasingly positioning itself as a key hub for international trade and industry in Southeast Europe.
About JUSDA Europe
JUSDA Europe is a leading Czech logistics company with more than 25 years of experience in international transport and warehousing. It is part of the multinational Hon Hai Technology Group. The company is an internationally recognized provider of transport services, specializing in deliveries for the technology, automotive, retail, and industrial manufacturing sectors.
It operates across Europe, with a focus on Eurasian and American markets. In addition to transport by truck, rail, sea, and air, it offers warehousing capacities and customized solutions tailored to client needs. It has its own warehouses in Pardubice, Kutná Hora, Dašice, and Serbia. JUSDA Europe is certified according to ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and TAPA A standards.

JUSDA Europe Opens Regional Center in Zrenjanin

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, in cooperation with the Commercial Section of the U.S. Embassy in Belgrade, organized a webinar dedicated to opportunities for Serbian companies in the U.S. market, with a focus on the SelectUSA program and support for the internationalization process.
Economic cooperation between Serbia and the United States is characterized by investments from American companies, which play a significant role in economic development and employment. The services sector, particularly the IT industry, has recorded strong growth and represents a key comparative advantage of Serbia, emphasized Marica Vidanović, Head of the Center for cooperation with North, Central, and South America and Australia at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia.
The event brought together representatives of the domestic business community interested in entering one of the most competitive markets in the world, presenting key trends, challenges, and concrete opportunities for cooperation with U.S. partners.
Boris Popovski, representative of the Commercial Section of the U.S. Embassy in Belgrade, spoke about investment opportunities and business expansion in the United States, presenting the SelectUSA program as the central “one-stop-shop” platform of the U.S. Government. The program provides companies with access to relevant market information, support in understanding the regulatory framework, and direct connections with U.S. states and economic development organizations.
The SelectUSA Investment Summit (May 3–6, 2026, Washington, D.C.) was also highlighted as the most significant event in the United States dedicated to foreign direct investment, bringing together more than 5,500 participants from over 100 countries. The summit includes numerous expert panels, B2B meetings, exhibition space, and opportunities for direct networking with investors and institutional representatives, making it an important platform for establishing concrete business contacts and making investment decisions.
Aleksandra Mališić, representative of the Commercial Section of the U.S. Embassy in Belgrade, presented digital tools and resources available to companies, emphasizing that timely access to information, analyses, and advisory services enables more efficient identification of business opportunities, risk reduction, and a strategic approach to entering the U.S. market.
During the webinar, participants were also informed about current trade conditions and regulatory challenges, with an emphasis on the importance of continuously monitoring changes and carefully planning entry into the U.S. market.
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia will continue to support domestic companies through information sharing, partner matchmaking, and the organization of international activities, inviting businesses to take advantage of available programs, including SelectUSA, to strengthen their presence in the U.S. market.Check for new webinars at Events Section&nbsp;<a href="https://pks.rs/dogadjaji">https://pks.rs/dogadjaji</a>

Gateway to the U.S. Market: Serbian Companies Explore Business Opportunities via SelectUSA

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

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