FRUIT FORUM SOUTH- EAST EUROPE 2023A specialized business event for the fresh fruit and vegetable industry, FruitNet Forum South-East Europe, which was held at the&nbsp;Chamber of Commerce and Industry of&nbsp; Serbia, gathered more than 40 producers and exporters from Serbia and the Western Balkan region. These companies had the opportunity to meet 10 prestigious European buyers and distributors of fresh fruits and vegetables, such as Champion-Fruit Kft - Hungary, ICA - Sweden, Arctic - Poland/Norway, Eurogroup - Italy, Consorfrut - Poland, Greenyard - Belgium, and others.
Fruitnet Forum South East Europe 2023 was organized in partnership with the international media house Fruitnet Media International, with the support of the Project "Big Small Economy" financed by the American Agency for International Development (USAID).

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Belgrade - A New Center in Europe and Export Hub for Companies Matchmaking 

Belgrade will host the European Negotiation Conference next year, to be held alongside the EXPO 2027 Belgrade Specialized Exhibition, announced Marko Čadež, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS).&nbsp;
At the closing ceremony of the two-day negotiation conference in Paris, Čadež symbolically received the baton from Francesco Marchi, President of the European Negotiation Association (ENEA), officially marking the handover of the next edition of the conference to Belgrade.
"We are truly proud that Belgrade will host such an important international conference during EXPO. This is the annual conference of the European Negotiation Association, bringing together both those who teach negotiation&mdash;professors, researchers, and leading scholars&mdash;as well as practitioners involved in high-level negotiations between governments and companies," Čadež said.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/1B4A0898_960x640.jpg" id="image-tag-1783333044621" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2359"></div>
He emphasized that this is the world's largest event dedicated to negotiation, both in theory and in practice.
"What makes it particularly significant is that, for the first time, the conference is leaving Paris, where it has traditionally been held every year, and coming to Belgrade. We are extremely proud of that," he added.
Addressing participants at the ceremony, Čadež noted that in Belgrade&mdash;and throughout the wider region&mdash;negotiation is a way of thinking because this is a place where negotiation is not merely a theoretical concept, but a way of shaping the future.
"This region, and Belgrade in particular, has always been a city on the frontier. For centuries, it negotiated between East and West&mdash;between the Roman and Byzantine Empires, and later between the Ottoman and Habsburg Empires," said the President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia.

He stressed that it is especially meaningful for the European Negotiation Conference to take place in Belgrade, as the city will also host EXPO 2027. The story of Belgrade's EXPO began in Paris. Competing against five candidates from four continents, Serbia secured the right to host the exhibition. That, too, was a story of negotiation&mdash;of persistence, hard work, and the ability to unite partners around a common vision.
"That is precisely why the connection between EXPO 2027 and the European Negotiation Conference is so natural and powerful. It brings together theory and practice, international experience and tangible results, while also telling the story of a region that knows how to engage in dialogue, build connections, and reach agreements&mdash;a region I am confident conference participants will find truly inspiring," Čadež said.
Ana Hrustanović, Ambassador of Serbia to France, expressed her great satisfaction at hosting the Ambassador of the European Negotiation Association at the Serbian Residence in Paris.
"We are delighted that Belgrade will host numerous major international events next year, beginning with the realization of our dream&mdash;EXPO 2027: Play for Humanity.
During EXPO, we will also have the opportunity to negotiate for humanity, as the Summit of the European Negotiation Association will be held in Belgrade for the very first time. Serbia is preparing for many important international gatherings, and we look forward to welcoming the world," Hrustanović said.
Francesco Marchi, President of the European Negotiation Association (ENEA), highlighted the importance of the partnership established with EXPO 2027.
"Bringing together representatives of the private sector, academia, and professional negotiators is an ambitious and highly valuable undertaking&mdash;especially at a time when it is essential to build bridges where many see divisions.
The European Negotiation Association builds bridges. We hope that next year's conference will provide an opportunity to strengthen them further&mdash;not only with the European Union, but also across the wider Balkan region," Marchi said.
The ceremony also featured remarks by Ana Bovan, Dean of the Executive School of Economics and Management (ESEM).

​European Negotiation Conference to Be Held in Belgrade in 2027 

The President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, Marko Čadež, said in Brussels that it is crucial for Serbian industry to adapt as quickly as possible to the new European rules on decarbonization, energy diversification, and the increased use of renewable energy, as the competitiveness of Serbian companies, their exports to the European Union market, and Serbia's future economic growth depend directly on these efforts.
Following meetings with Minister of Environmental Protection Sara Pavkov, Director-General of the European Commission's Directorate-General for Enlargement Gert Jan Koopman, and European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy Jessika Roswall, Čadež described the discussions as highly constructive and practical.
"Our key priorities were the issues most important to the business community&mdash;how to accelerate the processes that will enable us to join relevant European mechanisms, implement the necessary measures, diversify our energy portfolio more effectively, and increase the use of renewable energy in industry," Čadež said.
He stressed that the discussions in Brussels were particularly important in light of the deadlines and obligations Serbian industry must meet in order to comply with increasingly stringent European regulations.
"The European Union is continuously tightening regulations governing imports into its member states. Serbia, its industry, and its companies must adapt to these new rules in order to remain competitive and continue operating successfully in the European market," Čadež stated.
According to him, cooperation with the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Minister Sara Pavkov has been excellent, and the meetings held in Brussels provide a solid basis for expecting that Serbian industry will be included in a broader package of support measures.
"It is important that we work together on the decarbonization of our industry, the diversification of our energy portfolio&mdash;that is, the sources from which we obtain energy&mdash;and the wider use of renewable energy. These are our top priorities," Čadež emphasized.
He noted that these issues are particularly important for manufacturers of construction materials and fertilizers, as well as for other energy-intensive industries.
"This is of critical importance. It is a matter of survival for many large companies and, consequently, a key issue for Serbia's continued economic development," Čadež concluded.Photo: Dragan Kujundžić

Čadež: Industrial Decarbonization Is a Matter of Competitiveness, Exports and Serbia's Future Economic Growth

Libya is once again emerging as one of the most promising markets for Serbian companies, with growing interest in bilateral cooperation confirmed during the official visit of the Serbian state-business delegation led by the Minister of Domestic and Foreign Trade, Jagoda Lazarević.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/IMG-20260701-WA0006(1).jpg" id="image-tag-1782983102745" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2354"></div>
During the visit, the two sides agreed to establish a Joint Commission between Serbia and Libya, as well as to continue cooperation between the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia and its Libyan counterpart institutions. The aim is to define common priorities and strengthen the presence of Serbian companies in the Libyan market.
Seven Serbian companies participated in meetings with Libyan government officials and business representatives to discuss opportunities for involvement in Libya's upcoming investment projects. The companies represented the pharmaceutical, construction, water treatment, agricultural machinery, textile, metal processing, and industrial manufacturing sectors: Majevica, Yumco, Kontakt, Unipromet, Hector, Galenika, and MIND Group.
Ana Stojanović, Head of the Middle East and Africa Centre at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, emphasized that this was the second visit of a Serbian state-business delegation to Libya within a year, demonstrating the increasingly intensive relations between the two countries and the significant potential of the Libyan market.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/IMG-20260701-WA0005(1).jpg" id="image-tag-1782983120640" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2355"></div>
"Relations between Serbia and Libya at the government level are excellent, and there is a clear commitment on both sides to further strengthen economic cooperation.
Serbian companies have a long-standing presence in the Libyan market. During the 1970s and 1980s, they participated in the construction of dams, bridges, roads, hospitals, and airports. At one point, more than 20,000 Serbian engineers, experts, and workers lived and worked in Libya. Today is the right time for our companies to return to a market entering a new investment cycle, where there is strong demand for the knowledge, experience, and quality that Serbian businesses can offer," Stojanović said.
She added that the greatest potential for cooperation lies in infrastructure development, construction, water treatment, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, agriculture, the metal industry, and industrial manufacturing.
"The companies that joined the delegation are ready to build long-term partnerships with Libyan businesses. The opening of Unipromet's representative office in the Misrata Free Zone is the first concrete outcome of this visit and demonstrates how quickly these discussions are translating into practical business cooperation," Stojanović noted.
During the visit, the Serbian delegation held meetings with Libyan Minister of Economy and Trade Suhail Abdel Matloub Abu Shiha, Minister of Planning Mohamed Youssef Al-Zaidani, Minister of State for the Affairs of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers Mohamed Bengalbun, and Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/IMG-20260701-WA0012(1).jpg" id="image-tag-1782983141913" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2349"></div><div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/IMG-20260701-WA0009(2).jpg" id="image-tag-1782983160697" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2352"></div>
A roundtable discussion with representatives of Libya's leading ministries, agencies, and business organizations was held at the Ministry of Economy and Trade. In addition, two business forums&mdash;organized by the Union of Libyan Chambers and the Misrata Chamber of Commerce&mdash;provided opportunities for numerous bilateral meetings between Serbian and Libyan companies.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/IMG-20260701-WA0007(1).jpg" id="image-tag-1782983174592" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2353"></div><div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/IMG-20260701-WA0010(3).jpg" id="image-tag-1782983189910" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2351"></div>

New Business Opportunities for Serbian Companies in Libya

Serbia is this year's Strategic Partner of GITEX AI Europe in Berlin, and next year Belgrade will host GITEX Global for the first time&mdash;the world's largest platform for technology and startups. This represents a major opportunity for Serbian companies, the country's startup ecosystem, and Serbia's growing position as an investment destination, said Marko Čadež, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, at GITEX AI Europe 2026, taking place in Berlin from 30 June to 1 July.
"This is where innovative companies from across Europe and the world come together to exchange the latest technological solutions, connect with investors, and establish new business partnerships. It is particularly important for Serbia because next year Belgrade and Serbia will become the host of GITEX Global for the very first time&mdash;the world's largest technology exhibition," Čadež emphasized, adding that preparations and partnership discussions are already well underway.
This year, 50 Serbian companies are participating at GITEX Europe in Berlin, including leading IT and AI companies as well as innovative startups.
Čadež highlighted that special attention is being devoted to connecting Serbian and German innovation companies while also preparing for GITEX in Belgrade.
According to him, a dedicated programme will be introduced for German companies, focused on supporting partnerships between German businesses and Serbian SMEs and IT companies.
"Through this programme, the German Association for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses (BVMW) will enable innovative German companies to receive funding covering up to 80 percent of their participation costs at GITEX in Belgrade. This is an excellent opportunity to further strengthen ties between the Serbian and German technology ecosystems," Čadež said.

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The President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia noted that investors are already showing significant interest in Serbian companies and that discussions with the organizers of GITEX Europe focused on the startups attracting the greatest attention.
"The startup that has generated the strongest interest among investors attending GITEX Europe this year is from Serbia. It is a company developing innovative electric motor solutions. We will share more details about this success story on another occasion," Čadež said.
The international technology exhibition GITEX Europe 2026 is being held in Europe for the second time. It was launched byGITEX Global, the world's largest technology and startup platform, with the aim of bringing together global technology leaders, investors, governments, and companies creating new opportunities in the digital economy.
Serbia's participation at GITEX Europe further reinforces the country's position as a regional hub for innovation, artificial intelligence, digital solutions, and startup development, while also serving as a prelude to the major global technology event that will take place in Belgrade next year.
On the sidelines of the exhibition, a bilateral workshop and B2B meetings were also organized by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia and the Kosovo Chamber of Commerce. Representatives of ICT associations presented cooperation opportunities and the latest industry trends, while next year's GITEX Serbia was also officially announced.
CHECK ALL THE EXIBITORS ON THE&nbsp;<a href="https://fairs.pks.rs/gitex-berlin-2026/">LINIK</a>&nbsp;

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Čadež at GITEX Europe: Serbia at the Heart of the Global Technology Map

"China is today the largest investor in Serbia, and our partnership has entered a new phase – from infrastructure and industry to technology and artificial intelligence. Serbia is the place in Europe where Europe and China meet and work together. The World Expo will provide an opportunity to further strengthen the steel friendship between our two countries," said Marko Čadež, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, at a gala event held during the China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) in Beijing, where he presented EXPO 2027 Belgrade to the international business community.
At the evening dedicated to Serbia, Čadež emphasized that Serbia and China have built a partnership that has evolved through several waves – from major infrastructure projects and new manufacturing capacities to advanced technologies.
"The first wave of cooperation was infrastructure. Chinese companies and the Chinese state have transformed the face of Serbia. Together, we have built hundreds of kilometers of highways, railways, and modern infrastructure. This has enabled the attraction of foreign direct investment and made Serbia the leading destination for investment in Southeast Europe," Čadež said.
According to him, the second wave of cooperation was driven by Chinese investors, particularly in the automotive industry, who are establishing production facilities and factories in Serbia to serve the European market.
"Now comes the third wave – the wave of technology and artificial intelligence. The first humanoid robotics factory on the European continent will be opened in Serbia. Companies Agibot and Mint will jointly establish Europe’s first humanoid robot manufacturing facility," said the CCIS President.
Čadež stressed that the economic cooperation between the two countries is the result of strong bilateral relations and political dialogue at the highest level.
"A few weeks ago, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić had a highly successful visit and meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Our ministers frequently travel to China, and our companies are increasingly interested not only in trade but also in investment partnerships," Čadež noted.
Presenting EXPO 2027 Belgrade, which will bring together representatives from 140 countries next summer, Čadež recalled that Serbia won the hosting rights in a competition with much larger countries, including the United States, Argentina, and Italy.
He highlighted that throughout the three-month exhibition, Belgrade will host companies, delegations, and institutions from around the world under the theme “Play for Humanity.”"Play for innovation. Play for music. Play for sports. We must learn how to play again because play is the source of creativity. It helps us cope with uncertainty and overcome the divisions that separate us. Play does not divide people – it brings them together. It unites us," Čadež said.
China was among the first countries to confirm its participation in EXPO 2027, Čadež reminded the audience, thanking Ren Hongbin, Chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) and one of the key organizers of CISCE, for his strong support and engagement.
"I am confident that the Chinese pavilion will be among the best at the exhibition," Čadež stated.
The CCIS President also underscored the importance of the China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE), noting that over the past three years he has promoted the event worldwide as one of the best-organized exhibitions in the world.
Addressing the gathering, Ren Hongbin highlighted the long-standing tradition of friendship between China and Serbia, as well as the strong connection between CISCE and EXPO 2027.
"Today is a very special day – Serbia Day, but also CISCE Night. Every edition of CISCE generates numerous success stories and provides opportunities for companies to grow together," Ren said.
Photo: Wang Chao

Serbian Night in Beijing: See You at EXPO 2027 in Belgrade

Serbia and Korea have significant potential to enhance cooperation in supply chains, industry and manufacturing, transport and logistics, clean energy, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and healthcare, it was emphasized during meetings held in Seoul between Marko Čadež, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS), and representatives of Korean business institutions and companies.The visit took place following the successful conclusion of negotiations on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Serbia and the Republic of Korea, which marks the beginning of a new phase in the economic relations between the two countries. Korea also confirmed its participation in EXPO 2027 Belgrade, while closer cooperation between Serbian and Korean companies over the coming year was agreed upon.
During his stay in Seoul, Čadež visited the Korea Import Fair, where eleven Serbian companies from the food industry, alcoholic beverages sector, pet food industry, and household goods and equipment manufacturing are presenting their products this year. The Serbian participation is organized by the CCIS in cooperation with the Korea Importers Association (KOIMA) and the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Seoul.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/Korea 8.jpeg" id="image-tag-1782308727279" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2319"></div>
At a meeting with representatives of the Korean Ministry of Trade, Serbia’s business environment was presented and assessed as still insufficiently known among Korean companies.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/Korea 3.jpeg" id="image-tag-1782308746115" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2317"></div>
Marko Čadež and KOIMA Chairwoman Yoon Young discussed opportunities for integrating Serbian producers into the distribution networks of major Korean conglomerates. Young noted that the Korean market offers considerable potential for imports of Serbian dried and frozen fruit, alcoholic beverages, and other food products.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/Korea 11.jpeg" id="image-tag-1782308822073" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2321"></div>
During discussions with representatives of the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), it was highlighted that the Korean market is becoming increasingly open to Serbian products, as well as to cooperation in technology transfer and joint investment projects. A visit by a Korean business delegation to Serbia by the end of the year was agreed, with the aim of establishing direct contacts between companies and gaining a better understanding of business opportunities in both markets.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/Korea 6.jpeg" id="image-tag-1782308839683" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2318"></div>
A meeting was also held with potential Korean investors from the chemical industry, who view Serbia as a regional economic leader and one of Europe’s fastest-growing economies. Representatives of Korean companies expressed interest in establishing joint ventures with Serbian partners.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/Korea 9.jfif" id="image-tag-1782308856168" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2320"></div>
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia will continue to provide institutional support to domestic companies interested in entering the Korean market. In addition to participation in the Korea Import Fair, plans are underway to organize a Serbian national presence at Seoul Food, Asia’s largest specialized food industry exhibition, which will provide an additional opportunity to promote Serbian products and strengthen business ties with Korean partners.
Photo: Jovana Majstorović

Čadež in Seoul: Korea Opens New Opportunities for Trade, Investment and Technological Cooperation

At a time of global tensions, divisions, and uncertainty, and when supply chains are increasingly exposed to various pressures, initiatives such as the Belt and Road have never been more necessary, said Marko Čadež, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, speaking today at the Belt and Road Trade and Investment Cooperation Forum in Beijing.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/МЧ, Обраћање_960x501.jfif" id="image-tag-1782223030516" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2315"></div>
Addressing the Forum participants, Čadež emphasized that this year’s China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) and the Belt and Road Forum are taking place at a particularly important moment for Serbia-China relations, following the recent visit of the President of Serbia to China, which opened a new chapter in the economic relations between the two countries.
According to Čadež, cooperation between Serbia and China is focused on new technologies, e-mobility, robotics, green energy, advanced manufacturing, and smart infrastructure, building on the development priorities outlined in China’s 15th Five-Year Plan and Serbia’s Development Strategy 2030–2035, which share key strategic objectives.
“Innovation, artificial intelligence, and other advanced technologies will serve as the main guide and ally in building a digital, green, and sustainable Belt and Road, as well as new business models based on openness, cooperation, and trust,” Čadež stated.
Speaking about the significance of the Belt and Road Initiative, the President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia stressed that the Initiative is entering a new phase of development, in which partnerships will no longer be defined solely by geography but also by technology and innovation.“Serbia aims to become not only a logistics and manufacturing hub, but also a technology hub along the Belt and Road &mdash; a smart crossroads between Asia and Europe, where innovation, manufacturing, and logistics converge,” Čadež emphasized.
He recalled that the results of the Belt and Road Initiative for Serbia and other participating countries are already visible through the construction of roads and railways, including the Belgrade–Budapest high-speed railway, the implementation of energy and industrial projects, the establishment of new factories, free trade agreements, new business opportunities, and job creation.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/DSC01306_960x540.jfif" id="image-tag-1782223019727" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2313"></div>
On the second day of the 4th China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE), the Serbian delegation, led by Minister of Domestic and Foreign Trade Jagoda Lazarević, met in Beijing ahead of the Forum with representatives of OIG Group (Youhe Group), one of China’s largest companies specializing in the import of frozen food products.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/DSC01177_960x540.jfif" id="image-tag-1782223051658" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2312"></div>
As Minister Lazarević pointed out, the Chinese company has expressed interest in importing frozen fruit, particularly berries, as well as meat products, especially poultry. This represents a concrete next step in implementing the protocol on the export of Serbian poultry meat to China, which was signed during the Serbian President’s visit to China in May this year.

Čadež: The Belt and Road Initiative Has Never Been More Necessary Than Today

A delegation of Serbian startups and IT companies made its debut at Viva Technology (VivaTech), one of the world's most prominent events dedicated to innovation and advanced technologies, held in Paris from June 17 to 20. This prestigious event brought together more than 14,000 startups, 3,500 exhibitors, 3,600 investors, and over 180,000 visitors from more than 170 countries worldwide.
Ten startups and technology companies showcased their solutions at the Serbian national pavilion: Matis, Panio, 3D HealTech, DEX, Angylynx, Knjiga Priča, Pixels:2Pixels, DiraTech, HUB201, and Grape. Throughout the four-day event, they had the opportunity to present their innovations to investors, corporate partners, and potential clients from across the globe.
The achievements of the Serbian delegation further highlighted the strength of the country's innovation ecosystem. Startup 3D HealTech won the award for the Best MedTech Startup in the Alpes–Côte d'Azur region, while DiraTech was the only Serbian startup participating at this year's VivaTech with the support of the European Innovation Council (EIC), the European Union's flagship institution for funding and supporting high-tech companies.
"The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia brought Serbian startups and technology companies to VivaTech for the first time to demonstrate that Serbia has much more to offer than traditional outsourcing services. Our goal is to present Serbia to international investors and partners as a country of innovation, talent, and companies developing products for global markets. Events like VivaTech open doors to new investments, partnerships, and international market expansion for our companies," said Ivana Adamović, Advisor to the President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/9.jpg" id="image-tag-1782201420509" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2309"></div>
This year's VivaTech gathered leading global technology companies, including Google, Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, NVIDIA, Meta, Salesforce, and LVMH, as well as numerous businesses at the forefront of artificial intelligence, robotics, biotechnology, and green technologies.
Members of the Serbian delegation had the opportunity to attend presentations and discussions featuring some of the most influential figures in the global technology ecosystem, including Jeff Bezos, along with company founders, investors, and experts shaping the future of technological innovation.
Serbia's participation at VivaTech represents an important step in increasing the international visibility of the country's innovation ecosystem and confirms that Serbian startups can compete on equal footing on the world's largest technology stages. At the same time, it creates new opportunities for attracting investment, building international partnerships, and further positioning Serbia as one of the fastest-growing hubs for innovation and technology entrepreneurship in this part of Europe.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/6.jpg" id="image-tag-1782201408267" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2308"></div>
Photo: Marija Kovačević

Serbian Startups at VivaTech in Paris: Innovations from Serbia Presented to Global Investors and Technology Leaders

A representative office of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), which brings together more than 300,000 member companies, will be opened in Serbia and will cover the entire region through its activities. This was confirmed at today’s meeting in Beijing between Marko Čadež, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS), Jagoda Lazarević, Minister of Internal and Foreign Trade, and Ren Hongbin, Chairman of CCPIT.
The meeting also resulted in an agreement to establish a joint working group that will work on organizing a European spin-off edition of the China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE)&mdash;a trade fair focused on connecting suppliers from Europe and China. The event could begin taking place in Belgrade as early as 2028.
Čadež and Lazarević are visiting Beijing on the occasion of Serbia’s participation in the Fourth China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE), held from 22 to 26 June. This year, Serbia is presenting itself through a national pavilion within the AI Zone, featuring 11 companies and institutions and a total of 23 representatives.
Marko Čadež, President of the CCIS, emphasized that Serbia is participating for the second time in one of the world’s largest and best-organized trade fairs dedicated to supply chains.
“At the meeting, the opening of a CCPIT office&mdash;effectively the Chinese national chamber of commerce&mdash;in Belgrade was confirmed. The office will cover the entire region. This is very important news, and it was officially confirmed today. Another positive development is the establishment of a joint working group to organize a fair similar to CISCE, but focused on connecting suppliers between Europe and China, right here in Belgrade, from 2028 onward. We have already begun working together on this initiative, and it is truly a major opportunity for Serbia,” Čadež said.
Čadež added that he expects this year’s participation of Serbian companies at the fair to produce tangible results, just as it did last year.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/333333333_960x540.jfif" id="image-tag-1782121810312" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2302"></div>
“I expect that the opening of the Chinese chamber’s office in Belgrade will further accelerate the entry of our products and companies into the Chinese market, while also strengthening business partnerships and investment projects between Serbian and Chinese companies,” Čadež stated.
He also noted that several important meetings await the Serbian delegation in Beijing over the coming days.
“We will meet with four of China’s largest distribution and retail chains to discuss the placement of Serbian products, as well as with the management of Moonshot AI, China’s leading artificial intelligence company and developer of the Kimi chatbot, to discuss joint projects involving AI technologies,” Čadež said.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/44444444444444444_960x540.jfif" id="image-tag-1782121840144" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2305"></div>
Jagoda Lazarević, Minister of Internal and Foreign Trade, stressed the importance of continuity in institutional and economic cooperation between Serbia and China.
“This is our third visit to Beijing in the past two months, this time for the world’s most prestigious supply chain exhibition, where the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia and Serbian companies are participating for the second time. Just one month after the historic visit of President Aleksandar Vučić to Beijing, Serbia is taking part in this important event, continuing its development agenda and focusing on key areas of cooperation such as advanced manufacturing, robotics, and artificial intelligence,” Lazarević said.
She added that today’s meeting, as well as those scheduled over the next two days with Chinese companies and provincial representatives&mdash;including the Governor of Hainan Province and the Vice Governor of Shandong Province&mdash;represent an important step in further strengthening economic cooperation between Serbia and China.
The China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) is China’s largest institution dedicated to supporting international trade and investment. It maintains only a limited number of overseas representative offices, which are established exclusively in strategically important markets. The decision to open an office in Belgrade confirms Serbia’s growing importance in economic cooperation between China and Europe.
The China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) is the world’s first national-level exhibition dedicated exclusively to supply chains. It brings together leading global companies, investors, technology firms, industry associations, and policymakers with the aim of strengthening global production and logistics connectivity.
Video and photos: Wang Chao

Serbia to Host a Representative Office of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and a European Supply Chain Fair from 2028

In a time of accelerating geopolitical changes, technological transformation, and energy transition, future growth and development can only be built through connecting people, markets, investments, and knowledge, it was stated at the first international Horizons Forum in Belgrade, which brought together leading global figures from the fields of economics, artificial intelligence, energy, sustainable development, and business.
The first international Horizons Forum, jointly organized by the Center for International Relations and Sustainable Development (CIRSD) and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS), opened at the Sava Center as a new global platform bringing together decision-makers, investors, technology leaders, and economists from Europe, the Americas, and Asia. The event further affirmed the role of Belgrade and Serbia as a venue for dialogue on the future of the global economy, emerging technologies, and sustainable development.
Marko Čadež, President of the CCIS, emphasized that the forum serves as a platform connecting the people who shape the global economy and make decisions about future investments at a time when sustainability and connectivity are taking on new meanings. He noted that Serbia's ambition is not merely to remain a user of technology but to become a new artificial intelligence hub in this part of the world while preserving its national sovereignty. He reminded attendees that the ICT sector, with exports reaching five billion dollars, is the fastest-growing sector in the country and employs more than 100,000 people.
“The future will not belong to those who possess the most capital and technology, but to those who can combine all these elements with human judgment,” Čadež stated.
Vuk Jeremić, President of CIRSD, pointed out that Serbia holds a unique place in discussions on sustainability and connectivity due to its historical, geographical, and political position.
“Few places are as suitable as Serbia for discussing sustainability and connectivity. For centuries, this country has stood at the crossroads of empires, cultures, markets, and ideas, and today it occupies a unique position. Serbia is a European country, integrated into the political and economic space of the Old Continent, while at the same time maintaining excellent relations with China and other major global actors. This gives us a special opportunity, but also a special responsibility&mdash;not only to be a geographical bridge, but also a bridge of understanding. At a time of profound geopolitical, technological, and economic transformations, such bridges are becoming more valuable than ever,” Jeremić said.
During the opening ceremony, the Sustainability & Connectivity Awards, established within the framework of the forum, were presented. This year’s recipients are Jeffrey Sachs, the world-renowned economist and sustainable development expert; Stella Li, Executive Vice President of BYD and one of the leading global figures in the electric vehicle industry; and Zhang Chuanwei, Chairman of Ming Yang Smart Energy, one of the world’s leading wind turbine manufacturers.
The awards recognize contributions to advancing sustainable development through cross-border cooperation. Following the opening remarks, Jeffrey Sachs and Zhang Chuanwei received their awards from Vuk Jeremić and Marko Čadež, while Stella Li will receive her award on the second day of the forum.
One of the award recipients, Jeffrey Sachs, emphasized that Serbia, thanks to its history and geographic position, has a special role in connecting different parts of the world.
“Serbia is finding the right path in a complicated world, which is by no means easy when you are situated between different sides. Perhaps precisely because of its long and complex history, its experience in overcoming challenges, and its role in connecting empires and cultures, Serbia understands that its true mission is connectivity&mdash;just as the Horizons Forum seeks to achieve,” Sachs said.
Among the forum participants are some of the world’s most influential figures in artificial intelligence, the global economy, and energy, as well as leaders from the electric vehicle and renewable energy industries.
The Horizons Forum has been established as a new international platform connecting economic, technological, and diplomatic communities while creating space for a shared vision of the future of the global economy, innovation, and sustainable development.
The forum continues on June 19 with a program featuring multiple panel discussions dedicated to ESG investments, changes in the international order, Eurasian connectivity, the development of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, the transformation of the financial system, and the challenges of the energy transition.

Horizons Forum in Belgrade: Future Growth Possible Only Through Connecting Markets, Investments, and Knowledge

Major European companies view the Western Balkans as a single investment and logistics area, while the level of regional integration and the predictability of the business environment are becoming key factors in attracting new investments, said Mihailo Vesović, Deputy President of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, during the panel discussion “Creating an Investment-Attractive Western Balkans: Private Sector Confidence, Soft Connectivity and Regional Coordination” held as part of the Transport Investment Summit 2026 in Thessaloniki.
Speaking about the factors influencing foreign companies’ decisions to invest in the region, Vesović emphasized that investors see the Western Balkans as a market of nearly 20 million consumers and a natural economic area located on the doorstep of the European Union.
According to him, in addition to investments in roads, railways, and other infrastructure, so-called “soft connectivity” measures are becoming increasingly important. These include the harmonization of procedures, digital exchange of documents, more efficient border crossings, and the implementation of initiatives such as Green Lanes.
Vesović warned that the region is now facing a new challenge: maintaining the confidence of investors already operating in the Western Balkans. As he pointed out, investors can accept longer transport times as long as they are predictable.
“What poses the greatest challenge for them is unpredictability and sudden obstacles that arise in business operations. For logistics and supply chains, it is essential that the rules remain clear and stable,” Vesović stressed.
As a concrete example, he highlighted the challenges in road transport and the shortage of professional drivers, which directly affects the competitiveness of companies operating within European supply chains.
He assessed that, in order to continue attracting investment, it is equally important for the economies of the Western Balkans to align more closely with one another as well as with the rules and standards of the European Union.
“Predictable regulations, faster regulatory harmonization, more efficient border procedures, and stronger regional coordination are prerequisites for making the Western Balkans an even more attractive destination for European and international capital,” Vesović concluded.
The Transport Investment Summit 2026 brought together in Thessaloniki representatives of the governments of the Western Balkan countries, the European Union, international financial institutions, and the transport and logistics industries, with the aim of accelerating the extension of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) into the Western Balkans region.
Participants discussed key infrastructure projects, the modernization of transport corridors, the removal of administrative barriers, and measures to enhance the region’s investment attractiveness. Special emphasis was placed on the role of the private sector, regional coordination, and the creation of a unified logistics area that would increase the region’s competitiveness and strengthen its integration into European and global supply chains.

Vesović in Thessaloniki: Predictability and a Unified Western Balkans Market Are Key for Investors

The President of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce, Marko Čadež, stated that Serbia continues to systematically strengthen its economic relations with China, and that one of the important steps in that direction will be the participation of Serbian companies at the 4th China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE), which will take place in Beijing from 22 to 26 June.
Speaking on Serbia’s national broadcaster RTS morning news program, Čadež recalled that CISCE is the world’s largest trade fair dedicated to supply chains and noted that this will be Serbia’s third appearance at the prestigious event.
 
“When you look at how systematically we approach economic relations with China&mdash;from the excellent political ties and the recent visit of President Aleksandar Vučić to China, to the activities of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Adrijana Mesarović and the President’s Office team in attracting new investments&mdash;we are now taking a step further and moving to a deeper level of cooperation,” Čadež said.
 
According to him, the goal is to introduce as many Serbian companies as possible, along with a broad catalogue of Serbian products, to the Chinese market through various platforms and business opportunities.
 
The Serbian delegation in Beijing will also include Minister of Domestic and Foreign Trade Jagoda Lazarević. One of the topics to be discussed will be the establishment of a representative office of the China Chamber of Commerce in Belgrade serving the entire region.
 
“We are hopeful for positive news and further strengthening of cooperation. We are also discussing the possibility of bringing this important trade fair to Belgrade after the specialized EXPO exhibition,” Čadež added.
 
He noted that special attention will be devoted to the harmonization of documentation and certification procedures in order to further facilitate trade and business operations between Serbian and Chinese companies.
 
The Serbian Chamber of Commerce is organizing the participation of Serbian businesses within the Serbia National Pavilion at this year’s CISCE, which brings together companies from various industries and serves as a platform for enhancing trade, investment, innovation, and international cooperation.
 
A total of 11 exhibitors will be showcased at the Serbia National Pavilion, including the Development Agency of Serbia (RAS), Expo 2027, and Serbia Export. Participants will also include logistics companies Nelt, JUSDA, Danubia Holding – Dragon Maritime Group, and LogMax Supply Chain Solutions, operating in the fields of logistics and freight forwarding.
 
Beohemija, a manufacturer of detergents, fabric softeners, and household care products, as well as Aleva, one of Serbia’s leading producers of seasonings, soups, food additives, and other food products, will present their products and solutions.
 
In the metal and electrical industry sector, Meter & Control will showcase its smart energy solutions, including smart meters, communication devices, and software for energy network management. The Mihajlo Pupin Institute will present its achievements in information and communication technologies, artificial intelligence, and automation.
 
The exhibition covers key industrial supply chains, including smart vehicles, digital technologies, healthy living, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and supply chain services.
 
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