The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS) and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, with the support of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Belgrade, will organize a visit of a large Chinese business delegation to Serbia next spring, it was announced at a meeting between Marko Čadež, President of CCIS, and Li Ming, Ambassador of the PRC to Serbia, held on 20th November 2024.
During the meeting, both sides emphasized that further strengthening of economic cooperation is a top priority. In this context, the upcoming visit of the CCIS President to Beijing, participation in the China International Supply Chain Expo, and the inauguration of the Alliance of Chambers of Commerce of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor (ILSTC) were deemed significant.
"We aim to work closely with our colleagues from China to strengthen economic cooperation across all sectors, from ICT to agriculture and energy. We also look forward to hosting a major Chinese business delegation in Serbia next year and collaborating on concrete projects within the ‘Alliance of Ideas’ initiative, which Serbia proposed under the ILSTC Alliance of Chambers of Commerce," said Čadež.
He added that the goal of the "Alliance of Ideas" initiative is to connect Serbian companies, startups, and engineers with partners from all member countries of the ILSTC corridor.
The CCIS President emphasized that next year’s meeting of Chinese and Serbian businesses in Belgrade will also provide an opportunity for regional companies to establish connections with Chinese partners and work on the creation of joint-venture companies.
Li Ming, Ambassador of the PRC to Serbia, stated that enhancing trade cooperation remains a top priority for him. In the coming period, activities aimed at increasing the visibility of Serbian companies and products in China can be expected.

Čadež and Ming: Opening New Corridors for Serbian and Chinese Businesses

Serbia seeks much stronger cooperation with the United Kingdom and British companies. Our country, along with the entire Western Balkan region, has the potential to strengthen business connections and improve economic relations with this important global partner in key sectors ranging from ICT to energy.&nbsp;
Business associations and institutions will provide strong support to companies and entrepreneurs along this path, emphasized the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, Marko Čadež, the president of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, and UK Ambassador to Serbia Edward Ferguson at the opening of the Regional Conference on Trade between the UK and the Western Balkans.
"In our efforts to boost trade, services, tourism, and various social activities, we aspire to strengthen our relationship with the United Kingdom. As the world's sixth-largest economy and one of the leading political powers, it is a vital and reliable partner for us," stated President Vučić at the headquarters of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia.
He underlined the goal of attracting more investors from the EU and the UK. Addressing British investors, Vučić assured them that Serbia has no issues with its public debt-to-GDP ratio, currently at 48.4%, and will not exceed 50% over the next three years according to the IMF and World Bank projections. "There are no problems regarding financing security or doing business with Serbia," Vučić stated confidently. He expressed optimism that Serbian businesses will find opportunities in the UK market and that British businesses will recognize Serbia as a competitive and high-quality source for their products, as well as for those from the entire Western Balkans region.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/MČ.Tan2024-11-2010003015_2_960x640.jpg" id="image-tag-1732114251779" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1352"></div>
Marko Čadež, the president of CCIS, noted that the future of cooperation between Serbia and the UK lies in the ICT and energy sectors. At the conference opening, attended by more than 220 participants, primarily from the ICT sector, Čadež described the event as a turning point in the economic relations between the two countries and the region.
"Our mutual trade exchange is not at a satisfactory level. I believe this is because we don't know each other well enough. If you buy blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries in the UK, know that they were grown here. If you drive a Land Rover, its ignition systems were made in Serbia. Advanced central heating boilers? Their key components are produced in Serbia," Čadež explained. He highlighted that Serbia's software exports to the UK exceed €1 billion, more than the total trade in goods.
He added that 500 UK-based companies operate in Serbia, showing significant interest in cooperation. Čadež emphasized that Serbia exports over €4 billion in software annually, making it the country's largest and most important export product, thanks to years of investment in digital infrastructure. Speaking on energy, Čadež said the future of collaboration lies in energy storage systems, given the growing demand for electricity.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/Tan2024-11-2010184544_5_960x640.jpg" id="image-tag-1732114285588" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1358"></div>
UK Ambassador Edward Ferguson noted that now is the right time to enhance trade relations between the UK and the Western Balkans. "The Western Balkan region is growing rapidly, with Serbia projected to lead in growth. Serbia has a fast-growing economy and affordable labor," Ferguson said. He emphasized the UK's strengths in information technology and green transition, praising CCIS for fostering regional partnerships and assuring British companies of the embassy's support in entering the Serbian market.
The conference aimed to identify business opportunities and initiate discussions with prominent business partners in strategic sectors. It provided a platform for representatives of the six Western Balkan chambers of commerce, united under the Chamber Investment Forum, to present the region’s collective potential to the UK business delegation. The event offered insights into key sectors such as IT, infrastructure, green energy, and the food industry through panel discussions. Regional experts and UK participants at CCIS had the opportunity to discuss plans and strategies for addressing new global challenges. Alongside plenary sessions, B2B meetings are also scheduled.
The conference was organized by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, the UK Embassy in Belgrade, the UK Department for Business and Trade, and the British-Serbian Chamber of Commerce.
Photo: Tanjug/Sava Radovanović

Great Opportunities for Stronger Economic Ties with the UK Economy: ICT and Energy Sectors in Focus

Patrick "Paddy" Cosgrave, the founder of Web Summit, the world’s largest tech conference, visited the Serbian pavilion in Lisbon and praised the efforts Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia and it's president&nbsp;Marko Čadež made in promoting Serbian start-up community.&nbsp;
“Marko Čadež deserves great recognition for everything he has done for startups and the ecosystem,” Cosgrave stated.
He commended Serbia's organization at the summit and announced plans to visit Belgrade. “I believe we will meet again soon,” Cosgrave said.
He was particularly impressed by the innovation of Beeamond, a company producing beehives designed for home use. “I live on a farm and would love to get one. They seem like the perfect solution,” he added.
Marko Čadež and Serbian startups showcased innovations and solutions, further enhancing Serbia's visibility in the global tech industry.Sixty innovative startups had the opportunity to present their innovative ideas at the world's largest technology conference, Web Summit, held in Portugal from November 12th to 14th. The event brought together over 70,000 attendees and more than 1,000 investors from around the globe. More than 3,000 entrepreneurs from various industries showcased their innovations and ideas, offering a unique opportunity for global knowledge exchange.&nbsp;
Participation of the Serbian innovation community at the Web Summit was supported by the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation of the Republic of Serbia and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia.

​Web Summit Founder: Recognition for Čadež’s Success in Boosting Serbia’s Startup Ecosystem

The President of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce, Marko Čadež, announced today at the Web Summit in Lisbon, during the panel "Building a Balanced Economy," that Serbia is developing and will become one of the global centers for innovation."I see Serbia in the future as a much more developed European country, as one of the centers for innovation. We will host the specialized Expo 2027, which is a huge achievement for our country. It’s the first time an Expo will be held in our region. The main concept, with which we won the opportunity to host the exhibition, is ‘Play for Humanity,’” Čadež emphasized. He made this statement on one of the main discussion stages at the panel dedicated to strategies, best practices, and challenges associated with creating and maintaining a technological ecosystem. “We need to learn how to play again, and this is how our concept of ‘Play for Humanity’ evolves – for Expo 2027. We will have a lot to showcase at that time, not only us but the whole world,” added Čadež. “We are preparing, and I hope that together with the Web Summit, we will host one of the largest global hackathons for technology companies, where we will find or attempt to find new solutions,” the President of the Chamber of Commerce added. He noted that ten years ago, Serbia began heavily investing in the IT ecosystem, leading to several changes in the field, such as the introduction of programming in elementary schools. “Today, children from the age of eight in our elementary schools are required to learn a programming language each year,” said Čadež, highlighting that Serbia has also established a data center, equipped with a supercomputer, invested in infrastructure, and undertaken numerous other initiatives. He concluded by stating that the greatest challenge in today’s world is that we have yet to fully accept that innovation and technology are integral parts of our daily lives.

Serbia Can Become a Center for Innovation

Starting from&nbsp;January next year, Belgrade will open the Tesla Venture Studio, a platform aimed at creating and scaling startups, which will also serve as a regional hub. This announcement was made at a press conference held during the Web Summit in Lisbon by Marko Čadež, the President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS).
The establishment of Tesla Venture Studio in Belgrade is a result of the rapid growth of Serbia’s startup ecosystem, Čadež said to reporters, adding that the CCIS supports innovations and innovative companies not only in Serbia but also in the wider region.
According to Čadež, much has changed in Serbia over the past 10 years, with Serbian companies now offering the world cutting-edge solutions used in a variety of industries, from automotive to IT.
Microsoft’s AI Azure was developed in a Belgrade-based R&D center, and the smart driving camera systems used by major brands like Volvo are actually produced by Serbian tech company RT-RK from Novi Sad, Čadež added.
"Serbia has many talented engineers, and we see the potential and opportunity to establish a venture studio here that will function as a startup factory. We want to create a system that will make Belgrade a center for startup development for the entire region and, with our partners, expand this to Europe," said Katarina Galić, founder and CEO of XIergy SusTech Powerhouse.
The Tesla Venture Studio team will include Antonia Norman, former CEO and board member of Virgin Unite Africa. Speaking at the press conference, Norman said she had the privilege of working with various startups and entrepreneurs across the globe, from Africa and the U.S. to Amsterdam and Turkey, but she sees a unique energy in Serbia when it comes to startups.
Serbian Startups in Talks with Luxembourg’s Prince
Luxembourg’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Xavier Bettel, and Luxembourg’s Prince Guillaume Jean Joseph Marie visited the Serbian National Pavilion at the Web Summit in Lisbon, where they discussed startup development in Serbia with Serbia's Minister of Science, Technological Development and Innovation, Jelena Begović, and CCIS President Čadež. Begović and Čadež introduced Luxembourg’s visitors to some of Serbia’s best young companies and its innovation capacities.

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 Belgrade to Open Its First Startup Factory in January

The arrival of the Web Summit from Ireland to Portugal about a decade ago made Lisbon visible and recognized as a tech hub in Europe. Belgrade also has a huge opportunity to become a hub for creative technologies and new fast-growing companies with Expo 2027, said Marko Čadež, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS),&nbsp; in Lisbon.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/_MDJ9499_960x640.jpg" id="image-tag-1731409171505" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1345"></div>"It seems to me that we have been successful and recognized so far, and this is just the beginning of what we’ll achieve by 2027," said the CCIS President to journalists after visiting Lisbon's Unicorn Factory, one of Portugal's most successful startup ecosystems, together with Jelena Begović, Minister of Science, Technological Development, and Innovation.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/_MDJ9493_960x640.jpg" id="image-tag-1731409192469" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1344"></div>
According to Čadež, Lisbon and Portugal achieved great success in developing innovative technologies when the Web Summit came to them.
"Serbia is also actively working to seize the opportunity that Expo 2027 provides, which could be our trigger for Belgrade to become a hub for creative technologies and new companies," Čadež stated.
Minister Begović expects that Serbia could have its first "unicorns"&mdash;startups worth at least a billion dollars&mdash;in the next three to five years. She highlighted that the goal of visiting Portugal’s leading platform for startup support was to see how this country and Lisbon became one of Europe’s most prominent innovation ecosystems.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/_MDJ9667_960x640.jpg" id="image-tag-1731409116671" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1346"></div>
José Mota Leal, Director of the Unicorn Factory in Lisbon, explained that this startup ecosystem encompasses a collection of projects and programs, having supported and developed hundreds of startups so far and that the doors are open for collaboration with Serbian young companies.
"Currently, we have six Portuguese unicorns and 13 unicorns from various countries that chose to operate in Lisbon," said Mota Leal.
At this year's Web Summit, the world's largest exhibition of innovative companies in Lisbon, Serbia is represented by 60 startups until November 14, which, as highlighted by the CCIS President, makes us one of the four countries with the most startups at this global event.
With the support of the Government of Serbia and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, our country has, for the first time, its own "island" at the Web Summit, where all domestic startups will be presented to the world, along with a special Serbian pavilion that will serve as a hub for exchanging ideas in innovative technologies over the next four days.
Čadež: Next Year, We’re Bringing 120 Startups to Lisbon
On the occasion of the official opening of the Web Summit, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, in collaboration with partners, organized a Balkan Night in Lisbon&mdash;a reception for members of the Serbian delegation, startups, and guests from our region.
"Next year, we’ll have 120 startups in Lisbon, moving from the Serbian Startup Island to the Serbian Startup Continent," announced Čadež.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/PHOTO-2024-11-11-21-39-18_960x540.jpg" id="image-tag-1731409079726" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1347"></div>

Čadež: Belgrade Has the Opportunity to Become a Hub for Creative Technologies and Fast-Growing Companies

The third International Infrastructure and Dispute Resolution Conference took place on November 7, 2024 in Belgrade. The conference was organized by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in collaboration with the Serbian Chamber of Commerce, Karanović & Partners, and Pinsent Masons. The conference gathered over 130 professionals from Serbia and the surrounding region, including representatives from construction companies, engineers, lawyers, and law professors from Belgrade, Novi Sad, and London.
The event was inaugurated by Nevena Rakić, Advisor to the President of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce, who highlighted the significance of infrastructure and arbitration for economic development and stability.
"Infrastructure forms the foundation of economic growth, and arbitration enables fast, efficient, and impartial resolution of disputes in complex projects," Rakić highlighted.
The conference was chaired by Milan Lazić, President of the ICC Serbia Commission on Arbitration and a partner at Karanović & Partners.
Professor Renato Nazzini from King’s College London presented the latest trends in the infrastructure sector, including the rise in investment and the importance of sustainable construction. Nazzini also underscored the projected growth in construction and provided insights from reports on international construction costs and green building, which will become essential for the industry's future.
Attendees participated in three-panel sessions that covered topics such as contractual challenges in infrastructure, FIDIC contract administration, and the impact of ESG standards on corporate governance. The panels were moderated by leading experts from Karanović & Partners and Pinsent Masons from London, with distinguished lawyers and managers from prominent companies as speakers.
About ICC and ICC Serbia
Founded in 1919, ICC is the world’s largest business association, focused on creating international rules and guidelines. The Serbian Chamber of Commerce established ICC Serbia, representing the Serbian business sector and actively supporting education and alignment with international business standards.

The third International Infrastructure and Dispute Resolution Conference held in Belgrade

The Czech Republic is an important strategic partner for Serbia, with strong cooperation in politics, the economy, investment, business partnerships, knowledge transfer, and joint development. This was emphasized during the Serbia-Czech Round Table held at the Palace of Serbia, which was attended by top government officials, ministers, and business leaders.
The event, organized by business associations from both countries as part of a visit by the Czech state economic delegation to Serbia, featured speeches from Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, and the Presidents of the Chambers of Commerce of Serbia and the Czech Republic, Marko Čadež and Zdeněk Zajíček.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić highlighted Serbia's view of the Czech Republic as a strategic partner in both politics and economics. He pointed out that Czech companies are already active in Serbia and expressed hopes for further strengthening of cooperation.
For the first time in its history, Serbia has achieved an investment rating, and its public finances are stable, with the public debt level being half the European average. Vučić remarked, “There is much we can and must learn from you &mdash; your responsibility, seriousness, and dedication in attracting foreign direct investment, with over 100,000 foreign companies operating in your country.”
He mentioned that there is a lot to learn from the Czechs and that collaborating with Czech companies in innovative technologies, including artificial intelligence, would be advantageous. “I am confident that we will make greater progress than in the past,” Vučić stated, wishing the business representatives success in their discussions.
Marko Čadež, the President of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce, emphasized that approximately 50 companies from both the Czech Republic and Serbia, representing various sectors such as metal, automotive, IT, and transportation, are participating in the round table. He stated, “We organized this forum around the topics most requested by companies from the Czech Republic and Serbia, providing an excellent opportunity to establish business deals and contracts today.” Čadež also highlighted that the Czech Republic is a key economic partner for Serbia, contributing not only through direct investment but also by fostering the development of the Serbian business ecosystem through investments in local companies, guiding them toward new opportunities.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/20241106_140935.jpg" id="image-tag-1730988300845" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1339"></div>
Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala announced that trade between the Czech Republic and Serbia surpassed two billion euros in 2023 and continues to grow. He emphasized that Czech companies are eager to expand their investments in Serbia across various economic sectors.
Fiala noted that a strong business delegation visited Belgrade, including representatives from companies such as the PPF Group, which operates in biotechnology and telecommunications; Aspiro; Škoda Transport; and Mattoni, which has considerable experience in Serbia as the owner of Knjaz Miloš. Additionally, in the areas of energy and sustainable development, Czech companies are prepared to offer solutions for energy and the energy transition.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/20241106_140941.jpg" id="image-tag-1730988320833" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1338"></div>
"Czech Republic is a highly industrialized country undergoing an industrial transition. We have a strong interest in enhancing energy security and ensuring sustainability, which drives our interest in various raw materials. Our companies are prepared to offer their expertise, knowledge, and high-quality products," stated Prime Minister Fiala.
Zdeněk Zajíček, President of the Czech Chamber of Commerce, highlighted that the Czech Republic is the fourth-largest investor in Serbia. He noted that there are numerous areas for cooperation, including IT, telecommunications, transportation, and more.
The President of the Czech Chamber of Commerce stated that the organization is the largest association in the country, with over 16,000 members, contributing approximately 60% to the Czech GDP. He highlighted the strong relationship with the Serbian Chamber of Commerce, which was evident during a roundtable discussion that took place today as part of Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala's visit to Serbia.&nbsp;
"Czech investors view Serbia as a favorable business environment. We have invested in sectors such as transportation, telecommunications, and banking in Serbia," he added.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/20241106_142928.jpg" id="image-tag-1730988341458" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1337"></div>

Great Potential for Investment and Cooperation Between Czech and Serbian Companies

The 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) started in Shanghai, with 20 companies from the food sector participating from Serbia. The event attracts over 150,000 professional buyers from more than 100 countries.
The booth representing Serbia was visited by several key officials, including Prime Minister Miloš Vučević, Minister of Economy Adriana Mesarević, and Minister of Culture Nikola Selaković. Also present were Li Ming, the Chinese Ambassador to Serbia, and Maja Stefanović, the Serbian Ambassador to China, along with other government representatives.

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The Serbian companies exhibiting in the food sector include "Delta Agrar," "Vinex Grozd," "Frucom Food," "Fruškogorski Vinogradi," "Frigo Nais," "Čoka Plus Winery," "Simex Original," "Natura Top," "Agranela," "Tisacoop," "Aleksandrović Winery," "Trivanović Winery," "Budimka," "ITN Group," "Damar Confit," "Sanum per Fructus," "Cmana," "Rodoslav Distillery," "NS Bomi," "Sanum per Fructus," and "Aroma." In addition, the logistics company "Milšped" presented its services, while "Pupin Park" showcased its industrial zone project and potential.

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The Serbian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCC), along with the Development Agency of Serbia (RAS), organized a national stand to help Serbian businesses expand their market reach and support the Free Trade Agreement with China.

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“Serbian companies anticipate engaging in numerous business discussions during the fair. They believe that the recently signed Free Trade Agreement between our two countries will significantly enhance economic cooperation between Serbian and Chinese companies, benefiting both sides,” said Zorana Delić from the SCC's Center for Fair, Event, and Exhibition Organization.&nbsp;
She mentioned that most Serbian companies participating in this year’s CIIE have already started the registration process and are in the process of&nbsp;obtaining export numbers for the Chinese market. Additionally, some companies that already operate in China are looking to expand their business arrangements in China.
The CIIE, organized by the Government of China and the China International Import Expo Bureau, aims to encourage importing foreign goods and services into China in line with China’s commitment to promoting globalization and market openness.
 Photo credit: Zorana Delić

Twenty Serbian Companies participates in CIIE Fair in Shanghai 

The first regional conference dedicated to the rapid changes and development of the engineering sector, the Western Balkan Engineering Leadership Forum (WBELF), was held at&nbsp;the Chamber of Commerce of Serbia, gathering around 150 leaders from academia, businesses, government institutions, and students.
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A two-day conference explored current challenges and opportunities in engineering education and industry in the Western Balkans, through a series of panels and lectures,&nbsp;&nbsp;aiming to address the fast-paced changes driven by automation and the advancement of artificial intelligence.
Special emphasis has been&nbsp;placed on successful examples of aligning academic programs with industry needs, developing talent through industry-oriented research projects, and adapting curricula to prepare a new generation of engineers for future challenges.&nbsp;
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The WBELF forum was organized by the Global Engineering Deans Council (GEDC) and the International Federation of Engineering Education Societies (IFEES), with support from the "Great Small Economy" project, funded by USAID and the Serbian Chamber of Commerce (PKS).
&nbsp;With the participation and support of&nbsp;high-profile attendees, H.E. Cristofer Hill, Ambassador of USA in Serbia, Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation of Serbia, Jelena Begović and Mihailo Vesović, Director of the Sector for Strategic Analysis, Services, and Internationalization, the forum highlighted the need for strong collaboration in aligning educational programs with industry needs, encouraging women in STEM careers, fostering regional integration and economic competitiveness, supporting SMEs as Innovation Hubs, attracting and retaining talent, and creating a long-term vision for Engineering Education.&nbsp;<figure><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/31102024 WBELF (11).jpg" id="image-tag-1730456512469" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1330"></figure>

Transformation of the Engineering Sector in the Western Balkans: A Key to Economic Competitiveness

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia ( CCIS), following the signing of the Free Trade Agreement, has opened new offices in the People’s Republic of China&mdash;specifically in the capital city of Beijing and Changsha, the capital of Hunan Province. CCIS President Marko Čadež stated that these offices will be an essential hub and support for Serbian companies looking to start new ventures with Chinese partners or improve their business in this vast market. Four years ago, CCIS established a representative office in Shanghai. Now, the Free Trade Agreement between Serbia and China has opened up completely new opportunities for the placement of our products in the Chinese market and collaboration with Chinese companies, so as of today, we officially have two more offices in China, Čadež said.During his visit to Beijing, Čadež met with honorary CCIS representatives in China, Zhuoqun Wang, and Linda Wang, with whom he discussed cooperation between the two economies. "We have agreed on the arrival of more than 40 buyers from China at our regional wine fair, 'Wine Vision by Open Balkan,' which will be held in Belgrade in November. This will be another opportunity for our winemakers to position themselves in the Chinese market," said Čadež.

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS) Opens New Offices in Beijing and Hunan Province

At the round table marking the establishment of the Alliance of Chambers of Commerce for the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor (ILSTC) in the Chinese city of Chongqing,&nbsp;Marko Čadež, the President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS), proposed the establishment of an "Alliance of Ideas" platform to connect all countries along the ILSTC corridor through technology, innovation, and knowledge exchange.
Today’s "Chongqing Session" for international chambers, held in anticipation of the Alliance’s founding in Beijing at the end of November, featured high officials and business association representatives from 16 countries, including Laos, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Egypt, and the United Kingdom.
"This Alliance will be a digital transformation platform for ILSTC countries, promoting innovation, developing startup ecosystems, and facilitating knowledge and technology transfer among our regions. The 'Alliance of Ideas' will unite top innovation institutions from each ILSTC member country, enabling them to collectively address new challenges," stated Čadež. He emphasized Serbia's role in the "Belt and Road Initiative" (BRI), spotlighting its contributions to infrastructure connectivity projects, such as the Belgrade-Budapest high-speed railway. This positions Serbia as a crucial link between Europe and China.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/41ebde16fde8e62a39783786cfbe416c_960x540.jfif" id="image-tag-1729848562446" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1314"></div>
"Serbia has become a key hub along the BRI route, benefitting from its strategic location and free trade agreements with the European Union, China, Russia, and the United States. These factors provide Serbia with unique advantages. Our country offers access to over 2.7 billion consumers worldwide, making it an ideal location for companies globally," Čadež noted.
The CCIS President highlighted Serbia’s rapidly growing digital economy, pointing out that, over the past decade, Serbia has emerged as a leader in information technology and innovation. Currently, ICT services and software exports exceed four billion dollars each year, making this sector the country’s top export.
He also mentioned that there are an estimated 200 to 300 startup accelerators, tech incubators, and innovation research institutions across the ILSTC countries.
Čadež emphasized that technologies such as artificial intelligence, smart cities, e-commerce, and green technologies have the potential to significantly influence the future of the global economy, with ILSTC countries well-positioned to lead these trends.
He identified innovative centers and accelerators from China, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and other ILSTC corridor countries as key partners in this effort. Their collaboration could expedite the development of smart logistics solutions and Industry 4.0 advancements.
Serbia's proposal for the "Alliance of Ideas" is based on several key pillars: digital transformation and Industry 4.0 technologies, the development of startup ecosystems and innovation accelerators, technology and knowledge transfer, collaboration between companies and research institutions, and the alignment of policies and regulations to facilitate digital and innovation cooperation among member countries.
Together, through the "Alliance of Ideas," we can unlock the full potential of the International Land-Sea Trade Corridor (ILSTC). This initiative aims to build a network of smart cities, digital economies, and innovation ecosystems that connect our countries not just through trade routes but also through shared visions for the future. Čadež emphasized, "Let’s build this ‘Alliance of Ideas’ together to create a brighter, more connected, and innovative future for all our people."
The ILSTC is a trade and logistics corridor that links regions in inland China with Southeast Asia, Europe, and beyond, utilizing a combination of rail, road, and sea routes. As part of the Belt and Road Initiative, the ILSTC seeks to enhance logistics, trade, and economic cooperation among the countries along this corridor.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/45a3190bf806347248af36b3fdf7e9831.jfif" id="image-tag-1729848585716" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1315"></div>