​Agreement signed in the USA: Western Balkans as a tourist destination

In the United States Congress today, the Memorandum on the Cooperation of the Chambers of Commerce of the Western Balkans in the field of tourism was signed. Mihailo Vesović, Director of the Sector for Strategic Analysis, Services, and Internationalization at the Serbian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, signed the memorandum on behalf of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Vesović stated that this is the first joint step in presenting the Western Balkans as a unique tourist destination for American visitors. He also emphasized that this is part of the joint effort to change the image of the region in the American public. Vesović highlighted the opportunity for better positioning and promotion of other economic areas of cooperation for Serbia, as the largest market in the Western Balkans.

The CCIS delegation participated in the Economic Forum of Southeast Europe, held in the US Congress and organized by the Transatlantic Leadership Network, the European Center of the Atlantic Council from Washington, and the Institute for Politics and Economics of Southeast Europe from Belgrade. The forum brought together state officials, representatives of chambers, business associations, the US administration, and experts dealing with the Western Balkans. The forum discussed the improvement of economic cooperation and integration in the Western Balkans provided by the "New EU Growth Plan" and the role of the USA, as well as the challenges that the business community is facing.

The forum also delved into the discussion on energy diversification and the challenges and opportunities that the green energy transition provides. Nenad Đurđević, advisor to the president of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, emphasized the importance of deepening regional cooperation as one of the preconditions for participation in the EU single market. Đurđević highlighted the need for better institutional coordination and cooperation of all actors in the Western Balkans to take advantage of the Single European market.

During the visit to Washington, the CCIS delegation will have meetings with representatives of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the US Congress, representatives of the State Department, Assistant Secretary for Europe, Eurasia David DeFalco, co-chair of the Caucus for Serbia, Claudia Teni, and representatives of the DFC (Development Finance Corporation).