The world is currently experiencing a technological revolution driven by the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence. We have moved from an initial state of shock to a phase where this cutting-edge technology is integrated into our daily lives. As the world and economy rapidly digitalize, businesses of all sizes&mdash;ranging from small enterprises to large corporations&mdash;must adopt and implement digital tools and artificial intelligence. This is essential for improving efficiency and productivity, fostering innovation and growth, and maintaining competitiveness in the global market.
This message was delivered by Marko Čadež, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, at the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence Summit held at the Palace of Serbia.

Čadež: From the Shock Phase to the Phase of Artificial Intelligence Application

Serbia and Bahrain have significant potential to enhance economic cooperation in the sectors of energy and infrastructure, IT, food industry, automotive and chemical industries, construction, financial services, transport, and logistics – it was concluded today at a business meeting of representatives of more than 25 companies from both countries, held at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia. Key topics included investment cooperation, partnership development, joint appearances in third markets, as well as knowledge exchange and education.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/9-DSCF6842_960x640.jpg" id="image-tag-1758197695064" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1820"></div>
“Serbia’s economy is competitive, stable, and open to cooperation. We see Bahrain as a partner with whom we can develop long-term and mutually beneficial relations,” said Mihailo Vesović, Deputy President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, highlighting the important role of the Chamber in supporting Serbian companies in international markets.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/6-DSCF6854_960x639.jpg" id="image-tag-1758197705051" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1819"></div>
The Bahraini delegation, led by the Second Vice Chairman of the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce, Mohamed Abduljabbar Alkooheji, expressed satisfaction with the organization of the meeting and stressed the importance of direct contacts between businesspeople to reach agreements on concrete business opportunities.
Both sides agreed that there is considerable room for cooperation across various industries and expressed confidence that the visit to Belgrade would lead to concrete projects and business deals. Frequent visits and exchanges of business delegations are key to building trust and new business relations, emphasized Alkooheji.
Special focus was also placed on cooperation in education, knowledge exchange, and student internships as investments in human capital that can contribute to sustainable cooperation in the future.
Following the presentations, Serbian and Bahraini business representatives had the opportunity to hold direct B2B talks, exchange ideas, and explore opportunities for joint projects. These discussions will continue and intensify during tomorrow’s Serbia–Bahrain Business Forum, which will gather an even greater number of companies and institutional representatives from both countries.
Although territorially the smallest state in the region, the Kingdom of Bahrain is considered one of the most open and economically diversified countries within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Thanks to early liberalization and an open-door policy toward foreign investment, Bahrain has built a modern economy with strong sectors in finance, logistics, information technology, and aluminum processing. These reforms are rooted in the strategic document Bahrain Vision 2030, which aims to transition to a sustainable and productive economy led by the private sector.
Photo: Nikola Djordjević, CCIS

Serbian and Bahraini Businesses Strengthen Ties

President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS) Marko Čadež stated today in Tokyo that Japan’s trade strategy is becoming increasingly oriented toward the European market and that Serbia holds an ideal position for joint projects. He noted that Japanese companies are showing growing interest in cooperation in green technologies, as well as in the chemical and textile industries.
As a member of the state-business delegation of Serbia, led by President Aleksandar Vučić, Čadež said after a meeting with representatives of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) in Tokyo that Serbia has excellent cooperation with the association, especially in the past year, and that talks on opening a JETRO office in Serbia are moving in a positive direction.
“What is most needed now is to establish a Serbian-Japanese operational working group, that is, a joint integrated team that will work daily on projects and on coordinating what companies have discussed. We have a strong interest in green technology, not only in public-private partnerships, but also because our industries and companies must adopt different standards to access markets. In this respect, Japanese technology is extremely important,” Čadež told Tanjug.
He added that discussions also covered the production of crystalline phosphoric acid, which is used in the food industry and is part of the production of Elixir and the Industrial Chemical Park in Prahovo.
Minister of Domestic and Foreign Trade Jagoda Lazarević emphasized that JETRO is expected to reopen its office in Serbia and recalled that more than 75 Japanese companies visited Serbia last October. She stressed the importance of attracting new Japanese investors and pointed out that JETRO plays a key role in this process.
JETRO is an independent administrative institution affiliated with the Government of Japan, working to promote mutual trade and investment between Japan and the rest of the world.
It also provides information and support to foreign companies seeking to enter and expand into the Japanese market. JETRO plays a highly active and strategic role in strengthening economic cooperation between Serbia and Japan, with initiatives including the promotion of Serbia as an investment destination, organization of business events, and exchanges between government and business circles.

Čadež: Japan Increasingly Focused on the European Market, Serbia Ideal for Joint Projects

Strengthening cooperation, networking, and exchange of experiences in the IT and gaming industry between Serbian and Korean companies will be the focus of future collaboration between the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS) and the Busan IT Promotion Agency (BIPA), it was highlighted at the meeting of CCIS representatives with Kim Tae-yol, Director General of BIPA.
The meeting took place at Ložionica, the first international-standard center for creative industries and innovation in Serbia, as part of the event “Creative Bridge: Korea & Serbia – Connecting Worlds.” The event brought together leading IT and gaming companies from Busan and promising players from Serbia’s tech scene.
On behalf of CCIS, the BIPA delegation was welcomed by Đorđe Živanović, Advisor to the President of CCIS, and Nebojša Bjelotomić, digitalization expert. The importance of the Korean experience in developing IT and gaming technologies was particularly emphasized, as it can serve as a strong incentive for the further growth of Serbia’s digital ecosystem.
Creative Bridge: Korea & Serbia – Connecting Worlds, aimed at connecting industries of Serbia and Korea, gathered top IT and gaming companies from Busan and the most promising representatives of Serbia’s IT and gaming sector. The event is the result of cooperation between the national platform Serbia Creates and the Busan IT Promotion Agency (BIPA), initiated in 2024 with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Serbia’s national platform for creative industries, Serbia Creates, and BIPA.

CCIS and BIPA Agree on Closer Cooperation in IT and Gaming Industry

President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, Marko Čadež, met today with Professor Dr. Cédric Manara, Director of Copyright at Google. The discussion centered on one of today’s most pressing issues: how to protect copyright and safeguard creators’ work in the era of artificial intelligence.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/4-DSCF6798_960x640.jpg" id="image-tag-1757594050913" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1813"></div>
Čadež informed Professor Manara about the activities of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce and its cooperation with global technology leaders, including Gitex Global and Web Summit.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/10-DSCF6779_960x639.jpg" id="image-tag-1757594037426" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1815"></div>
“I see that everything Google does, the Serbian Chamber of Commerce does as well,” emphasized Professor Manara, who took part in the Internet Dialogue 2025 conference at the Chamber, where he presented Google’s views and plans in the field of copyright. He also spoke about the impact of AI on competition law and copyright.
The conference was opened by Dr. Dušan V. Popović, Chair of the Organizing Committee, who underlined that the key topics to be addressed by this year’s participants include intellectual property law, competition law, trade law, internet domain names, and artificial intelligence. He also highlighted the establishment of the Association for Law and Technology, inviting conference participants to join the initiative.
Predrag Nikolić, Director of the Chamber’s Center for Digital Transformation, pointed out that working with digital technologies has shown how essential legal assistance is in the use of digital tools and services.
“The Center was founded with the idea of helping with the implementation and application of digital transformation. Now, 1,600 implementations later, I can confirm that legal assistance and presence have been absolutely necessary in each of them. Over the past eight years, we have managed to identify what kind of support our small and medium-sized enterprises need when adopting digital technologies,” Nikolić stated.
Speakers at conference also included Professor Thibault Schrepel from the University of Amsterdam and Stanford.
Special attention will be given to aligning domestic legislation with EU regulations – the Digital Services Act.
The conference on digital technology law is organized by the University of Belgrade – Faculty of Law and the Foundation “Serbian National Internet Domain Registry” (RNIDS), under the auspices of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce and its Center for Digital Transformation.
Photo: Nikola Đorđević, CCIS

Manara: The Chamber Does What Google Does

Inflation, geopolitical tensions, and trade disruptions are strongly shaping corporate strategies, while the role of artificial intelligence in business continues to grow, according to Chamber Pulse 2025 – the flagship economic report of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and the World Chambers Federation (WCF).
The report was presented at the 14th World Chambers Congress in Melbourne and is based on a survey covering 230 chambers of commerce from 110 countries, together representing around 90 percent of global GDP. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia also participated in the survey.
This year’s edition of ICC Pulse highlights a cautiously positive global economic environment, but also sharp regional differences. While tariff and inflation challenges dominate in North America, Europe, and Central Asia face a particular shortage of labor. In East Asia and the Pacific, geopolitical pressures are strongest, in Sub-Saharan Africa, businesses struggle with limited access to finance, while in South Asia, taxation represents a significant burden.
The survey shows that political and market uncertainty is increasingly replacing tariffs as the main challenge for businesses. As many as 74 percent of chambers cite uncertainty as the biggest obstacle, compared to 59 percent that still point to tariffs. Inflation remains a persistent factor – prices have risen in more than 90 percent of economies, with 39 percent reporting significant increases.
Companies are adapting with a range of strategies, primarily diversification of export markets, passing on or absorbing costs, and seeking alternative suppliers, while relocation of production remains a less frequent occurrence.
Particular attention was drawn to findings on the use of artificial intelligence. As many as 80 percent of chambers view this technology positively, and widespread adoption has grown to 22 percent, up from 16 percent in 2024. Asia leads in readiness to adopt AI solutions, although significant barriers remain in terms of skills shortages and limited access to data.
During the Congress, WCF also presented key initiatives to be implemented in the coming period. Among them are the Phoenix project, aimed at reviving multilateral trade, the digitalization of global trade through the ICC DSI program, and preparations for COP30, where business will play a significant role in climate and industrial investments.
The full Chamber Pulse 2025 report is available in Arabic, French, Spanish, Chinese, and Turkish at <a href="https://iccwbo.org/news-publications/policies-reports/chamber-pulse-global-markets-local-landscapes/">[link]</a>.

Chamber Pulse 2025: Major Global Challenges Shaping Corporate Strategies September 10, 2025

Organized by the Global Forum for Sustainable Development, with the support of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia and the Judge Business School, University of Cambridge, Belgrade will host the international conference Sustainable Development Forum 2025: “Competitiveness in Turbulent Times” on October 30–31, 2025. The event will bring together leading experts, renowned professors, diplomats, and representatives of international institutions, banks, and companies investing in sustainability.
The Forum will address highly relevant and pressing topics, including trade in times of global uncertainty and strategies for countries to maintain economic stability. Discussions will also focus on the energy paradox&mdash;the balance between decarbonization, energy security, and competitiveness. Another key theme will be the role of artificial intelligence in driving sustainable innovation, as well as the risks it entails. Special attention will be given to food systems, food security, equity, and sustainability.
A particularly significant panel will feature the three chief negotiators of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)&mdash;David Donoghue, Csaba Kőrösi, and Macharia Kamau&mdash;diplomats who played a crucial role in shaping the 2030 Agenda and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
The conference will also host Professor Jeffrey Sachs, one of the world’s leading experts on sustainable development.&nbsp; Other speakers include:
Matilde Mordt, UN Resident Coordinator in Serbia
Jorge Laguna-Celis, Director of the One Planet Network at UNEP
Lord Martin Rees, Astronomer Royal and former President of the Royal Society
Michael Pollitt, Professor of Business Economics at the University of Cambridge
Lucia Reich, Director of the El-Erian Institute of Behavioural Economics and Policy
Khaled Soufani, Director of the Circular Economy Centre at the Judge Business School
Tracey Horn, Director of Communications and Marketing at the Judge Business School
The conference will feature bilateral talks, initiative presentations, and networking sessions, offering a unique opportunity for idea exchange among the public, private, and academic sectors.
The Sustainable Development Forum 2025 places Belgrade at the epicenter of the global debate on green transition and sustainability, while also providing domestic companies with the opportunity to showcase their solutions to the international community and establish new forms of cooperation.
For more information about the event and participation opportunities, please contact: office@sustainabledevforum.org

Belgrade to Host the Sustainable Development Forum 2025

The project of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS) – Center for Digital Transformation (CDT) “SMEs support to Digital and AI transformation” was ranked among the top three at the World Chambers Competition, held in Melbourne within the framework of the 14th World Chambers Congress 2025. A total of 83 projects from 41 countries competed.
The World Chambers Competition represents the most prestigious global competition of chamber projects, and our project attracted significant interest among the Congress participants, emphasized Mihailo Vesović, Deputy President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia.
The project “SMEs support to Digital and AI transformation” is available at the international level and adaptable to national frameworks and chambers.
It offers a structured and flexible methodology for supporting the digital transformation of the SME sector. The services are also available to foreign chambers and include the creation of national frameworks for SME digital transformation, as well as the training and certification of consultants.
Vesović added that the World Chambers Congress, held from September 2 to 4 in Melbourne, was an excellent opportunity for discussions with presidents and representatives of more than 100 chambers of commerce from around the world, as well as for presenting the Serbian economy and CCIS activities.
“We held a large number of bilateral meetings with representatives of chambers from Dubai, Qatar, Germany, the United Kingdom, and other countries on key development topics. At the Congress in Melbourne, we positioned Serbia as an important player in the global economy, technology, and innovation, whose voice should be heard,” said Vesović.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/14WCC_Express_215.jpg" id="image-tag-1757080215424" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1810"></div>
The participants of the 14th World Chambers Congress this year addressed global challenges such as international trade, geopolitical disruptions, investment readiness, sustainable energy transition, innovation, and digital transformation.
The World Chambers Congress is an initiative organized by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and the World Chambers Federation (WCF), its organizational body. It is the largest and only international forum that enables chamber leaders and professionals to share best practices, exchange ideas, build networks, and address the most pressing issues affecting business communities.
Marko Čadež, President of CCIS, was elected in June by the votes of representatives of more than 120 chambers worldwide as a member of the General Council of the World Chambers Federation (ICC WCF).
This year’s congress in Melbourne gathered 1,200 participants from more than 100 countries. The previous congress was held in Geneva in 2023.
Serbia’s ICC membership spans more than a century. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia is a member of ICC and the founder of ICC Serbia. Our country is among those with the longest tradition of ICC membership – the world’s largest and oldest international chamber organization. Serbia became a member in 1923, while ICC Serbia (the National Committee of ICC in Serbia) was established in 1929. Today, ICC has 45 million members from 170 countries.

Innovative CCIS Project Among the Top Three at the World Chambers Competition in Melbourne

Marko Čadež, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS), invited representatives of chambers of commerce from around the world today in Melbourne to support his proposal for the Regional Congress of World Chambers to be held in Belgrade in 2027, as part of the Specialized Exhibition EXPO 2027.
The CCIS delegation, led by Čadež, is in Melbourne attending the 14th World Chambers Congress 2025 (14WCC). As the CCIS President emphasized, his proposal received strong interest from colleagues.
“The essence of our presence here is to discuss with presidents of chambers of commerce worldwide about their participation in EXPO 2027, activities, and the potential for joint cooperation,” said Čadež. He added that the CCIS delegation had a large number of meetings with presidents of international business associations during the very first day. He highlighted the meeting with Xiao Sun, Secretary General of the China Chamber of Commerce, which focused on the participation of Serbian companies at the suppliers’ fair in Beijing in July this year, the opening of this association’s office in Belgrade, and activities within EXPO 2027.
In Melbourne, Čadež also signed a Cooperation Agreement with Aigars Rostovskis, President of the Chamber of Commerce of Latvia, and held bilateral meetings with colleagues from Ukraine, North Macedonia, and other countries.

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On the second day of the Congress, Čadež will take part in the inaugural meeting of the General Council of the ICC World Chambers Federation (WCF GC), of which he was elected a member in June this year by votes from chamber presidents from over 120 countries.
The World Chambers Congress is positioned as the most important event in the business community. On the third day of the event, September 4, the winner of the World Chambers Competition will be announced. Among the finalists is the CCIS project – the Digital Transformation Center’s "SMEs Support to Digital and AI Transformation". The project reached the finals in the category "Best Chamber Innovation Project", competing with 83 projects from 41 countries.
Other finalists in this category include: Business West (UK) with *Innovations in International Trade: Carnet Tracker and CarnetCheck, Ankara Chamber of Commerce (Turkey) with ATONET Smart Assistant (AI-powered chatbot), and Iran Chamber of Commerce with the project CHaCHa chatbot.
The main theme of this year’s Congress is *“Business, Chambers, Governments: Partners for Prosperity.”* Participants will address shared global challenges such as international trade, geopolitical disruptions, investment readiness, sustainable energy transition, innovation, and digital transformation.
The World Chambers Congress, launched and organized by the World Chambers Federation (WCF) and the International Chamber of Commerce, is the largest and only global forum that enables chamber leaders and professionals to share best practices, exchange ideas, expand networks, and address the latest business issues affecting business communities.
The first Congress was held in 1999 in Marseille, France, and has since been organized every two years in different regions of the world. It offers vast opportunities for networking and strengthening ties with chambers, businesses, and experts from around the globe.
This year’s Congress in Melbourne, from September 2–4, has brought together 1,200 participants from over 100 countries. The previous Congress was held in Geneva in 2023.

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Čadež at the World Chambers Congress: See You in Belgrade at EXPO 2027

The Free Trade Agreement between the Republic of Serbia and the Arab Republic of Egypt will come into effect on Monday, September 1, under which nearly 50 percent of agricultural products and 30 percent of industrial products will be exempt from customs duties, it was announced at the presentation of the agreement to businesses at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia.
“The agreement is the result of years of negotiations and represents a historic moment in the economic cooperation of our two countries,” said Mihailo Vesović, Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/DSC05040_960x540.jpg" id="image-tag-1756802910553" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1799"></div>
According to him, in the first phase, the greatest liberalization will apply to agricultural products, including frozen fruit and apples. Full exemption from customs duties is expected gradually, over the next ten years, when more than 90 percent of agricultural and industrial products will be under a duty-free regime.
The agreement also brings simplified administrative procedures, certification, and a reduction of trade barriers. In addition, it opens space for new investments and joint ventures between Serbian and Egyptian companies, particularly for entering third markets, Vesović emphasized.
He added that Egypt represents an important gateway to the markets of Africa and the Middle East, and this agreement creates opportunities to increase Serbian exports to those regions.
The traditionally good political relations between the two countries, dating back to the time of the former Yugoslavia, have in recent years gained strong economic momentum, said Jagoda Lazarević, Minister of Domestic and Foreign Trade in the Government of Serbia.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/DSC05140_960x540.jpg" id="image-tag-1756802963162" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1802"></div>
Lazarević thanked the institutions involved in the process, especially the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, which was a key partner, organized numerous business forums, and plans to open a representative office in Egypt, which will be of great importance to the economy.
The agreement not only opens the door for a wide range of Serbian products to one of the most promising African markets, but also benefits citizens through lower prices of imported goods, thanks to the elimination of customs duties. This is a concrete example of how international agreements can directly contribute to strengthening the economy and improving the living standards of our citizens, the minister added.
Serbia remains committed to expanding its economic partnerships, and today Egypt is one of our key strategic friends on the African continent, Lazarević concluded.
Serbia is the first country in the Balkans to sign a free trade agreement with Egypt. Negotiations began in June 2022, and Egypt’s Ambassador to Belgrade, Basel Salah, stressed that the agreement is the “crown of cooperation” between the two countries and expressed satisfaction at witnessing this historic moment.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/DSC05065_960x540.jpg" id="image-tag-1756802993724" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1801"></div><div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/DSC05013_960x540.jpg" id="image-tag-1756803008611" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1797"></div><div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/DSC05052_960x540.jpg" id="image-tag-1756803021991" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1800"></div>

Free Trade Agreement Between Serbia and Egypt Enters into Force on September 1

The founder and president of the world’s largest tech fair, Gitex Global from Dubai, Trixie Loh Mirmand, along with the entire executive team of the fair, visited the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS).
Loh Mirmand was introduced to the capacities and potentials of Serbia and Belgrade, as our country will be the “partner country” at this year’s Gitex Global fair, which will take place in mid-October in Dubai.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/DSC030032.jpg" id="image-tag-1754049232805" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1789"></div>
The Gitex Global team was also introduced to our technology and IT companies that are already collaborating with some of the world’s leading firms in this field.
President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, Marko Čadež, said that Loh Mirmand and her team showed particular interest in the organization and capacity of Expo 2027, which will be held in Belgrade, as well as in the opportunities for cooperation.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/DSC029962_960x540.jpg" id="image-tag-1754049244757" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1788"></div>
“Our main task was to find the best way to connect these two events. There is no doubt that a major world exhibition like Expo 2027 and the world’s largest technology fair, Gitex Global from Dubai, together can achieve great things,” Čadež emphasized.
He also pointed out that Serbia will be represented at this year’s Gitex Global with the largest number of companies so far, and that great news for Serbia’s economy is expected in October in Dubai.
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Čadež: Expo 2027 Serbia and Gitex Global Dubai Can Achieve Great Things

More than 500 meetings between Serbian and Chinese companies, an agreement to include Serbian goods on China's priority import list, a notable increase in Chinese interest in Serbian products, and numerous agreed joint projects between domestic and Chinese partners &mdash; all of this marks the success of the recent participation of Serbian companies at the China International Supply Chain Expo in Beijing. The appearance was organized with the support of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS) and the Development Agency of Serbia (RAS).<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/Kina 5.jpeg" id="image-tag-1754050009440" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1794"></div>
At the Beijing expo &mdash; one of the world’s most important events in logistics, intermodal transport, IT, and trade &mdash; 12 Serbian companies presented their offerings and established contacts with Chinese partners, including leading technology and trade giants, confirming that Serbia can be a strong player in global supply chains.
Marko Čadež, President of the CCIS, emphasized the importance of opening the Chinese market to Serbian products and services, highlighting specific steps taken:
“We agreed on key steps with the Chinese Customs Administration to accelerate certification and procedure alignment. Serbia has been placed on the priority list, which is strategically important for our exports,” Čadež said.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/Kina 2.jpg" id="image-tag-1754050020531" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1791"></div>
During his stay in China, Čadež met with the Vice President of the China Chamber of International Commerce, the leadership of the CIIE Expo, representatives of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, governors of several Chinese provinces, and addressed the International Land-Sea Trade Corridor (ILSTC) Conference, of which CCIS is a co-founder along with 18 national chambers.
Excellent Results for Serbian Companies in China
Marko Dobočanin from Silver Bell Group reported more than 200 meetings, including talks with NSPUR and the Chinese Commerce Group, with plans to open a representative office in Chaoyang District:
“An excellent opportunity to connect Serbian and Chinese companies and continue growing our steel partnership.”
Milšped Group, which already operates in China, used the expo for high-level meetings, including with Shandong Group, Volvo Cars, Geely, and China Railways.
“We met with over 30 companies active in the EU market to discuss potential collaboration. We used this chance to invite all Chinese companies to come and invest in Serbia,” said Gojko Stanivuković from Milšped.
Serbian Wineries Ready for Large Markets Alongside companies, Serbian wineries BT Winery, Zvonko Bogdan, Lastar, and Deurić promoted their wines at the national pavilion. In the wine sector, BT Winery emphasized contact with Sam’s Club, Walmart’s division, which is interested in importing Serbian wines:
“Wine Vision helped us position ourselves on the global wine map. Exhibiting at events like this with such a professional booth boosts our international credibility,” said Milan Nastić from BT Winery.
Aleđo has held 40 meetings and is currently negotiating with potential Chinese partners, according to Snežana Obradović, who emphasized the importance of the Chinese market.
Jovana Stević from Intereuropa believes the expo appearance will contribute to business growth and innovation implementation, while her colleague Mišo Božić from AD Intereuropa added:
“This is just the beginning of our cooperation and presence in the Chinese market.”
ElevenEs, a company in the green technology sector, sees participation in the expo as an opportunity to showcase Serbian innovation to the world:
“Events like this show how much Serbia has to offer. The Serbian Chamber of Commerce helps ensure others see that too,” emphasized Zoltan Grišić from ElevenEs.
Other domestic companies &mdash; Umbrella, Fiscal Solutions, Bitgear, Largo, Nelt, and Bambi &mdash; also had a strong presence at the national booth, holding a series of successful meetings with international players&mdash;their goals: connecting with distribution chains, expanding business networks, and promoting Serbian products.
FACT: Chinese investments in Serbia have reached €5.5 billion in the past four years.

From Belgrade to Beijing: Domestic Products, Knowledge, and Quality in the Spotlight

The project "SMEs Support to Digital and AI Transformation" by the Serbian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIS) – Center for Digital Transformation (CDT), has been selected as a finalist of the 14th World Chambers Competition organized by the World Chambers Federation of the International Chamber of Commerce (WCF ICC). The winner will be announced on September 4 in Melbourne, during the WCF ICC World Chambers Congress.
The CCIS delegation will be led by Marko Čadež, President of the Chamber, who was recently elected to the General Council of the World Chambers Federation (GC WCF ICC) by representatives of more than 120 chambers worldwide.
The World Chambers Competition is the most prestigious global event recognizing innovative chamber projects. The CCIS–CDT project has advanced to the finals among 83 projects from 41 countries in the category of&nbsp;Best Chamber Innovation Project.
In the final round of this category, along with the CCIS project "SMEs Support to Digital and AI Transformation", are:
<ul>
<li>
The "Innovation in International Trade: Carnet Tracker and CarnetCheck” project by Business West from the United Kingdom,
</li>
<li>
The "ATONET Smart Assistant", an AI-powered chatbot by the Ankara Chamber of Commerce, Turkey,
</li>
<li>
and the "CHaCHa" chatbot by the Chamber of Commerce of Iran.
</li>
</ul>
The CCIS–CDT project offers a structured and adaptable methodology to support digital transformation of the SME sector internationally. The services provided by CCIS–CDT, which are also available to foreign chambers, include:
<ul>
<li>
creation of national frameworks for SME digital transformation,
</li>
<li>
training and ISO 17024-certified accreditation of digital transformation consultants,
</li>
<li>
development of comprehensive support programs for SMEs undergoing digitalization,
</li>
<li>
transfer of educational models from the Digital Academy,
</li>
<li>
provision of data analysis tools and impact monitoring,
</li>
<li>
and support for startup ecosystem development.
</li>
</ul>
These services enable the Serbian Chamber of Commerce and chambers worldwide to empower the SME sector, enhance digital skills, and develop sustainable innovation ecosystems based on a proven model from Serbia.
In addition to the Best Chamber Innovation Project category, chambers worldwide submitted entries in the following categories:
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Best Out-of-the-Box Project,
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Best Green Transition Project,
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Best Collaboration between Chambers, Business, and Government,
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and Best Diversity and Inclusion Project.
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