Marko Čadež, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS), met today with Akira Imamura, Ambassador of Japan to Serbia, to discuss the current cooperation and opportunities for joint projects between the two economies in the fields of energy and agriculture, the organization of business meetings between Serbian and Japanese companies in the coming period, as well as the participation of Japanese companies at Expo 2027.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/DSC00476-2.jpg" id="image-tag-1766480149878" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1987"></div>
Čadež thanked Ambassador Imamura, whose term in Serbia is coming to an end, for the successful cooperation to date and officially proposed that Imamura become an Honorary Representative of the CCIS in Japan.
“The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia will support the further strengthening of energy cooperation with Japan, and we are also preparing a visit of Serbian companies to Japan. We also want to encourage Japanese companies to visit GITEX, which will be held in 2027 as part of Expo,” Čadež said.
Ambassador Imamura announced the upcoming visit of representatives of the Japanese organization JETRO to Belgrade and emphasized the importance of continuing to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in the areas of energy, e-mobility, and the participation of Serbian agricultural producers at the fair in Yokohama.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/DSC00456-2.jpg" id="image-tag-1766480160112" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1983"></div><div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/DSC00450-2.jpg" id="image-tag-1766480170453" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1982"></div><div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/DSC00472-2.jpg" id="image-tag-1766480180675" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1986"></div>
Photo: Boban Ristić

Čadež: Japan an Important Partner of Serbia in Energy and Innovation

The Serbian–Hungarian Business Forum, held today in Belgrade, brought together more than 200 business representatives from 117 companies across almost all sectors of the economy. Addressing the participants, Marko Čadež, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, emphasized that the strong turnout of business leaders sends a clear message of robust interest in strengthening economic cooperation between Serbia and Hungary.
“It is my great pleasure to welcome all participants of the Serbian–Hungarian Business Forum and to thank the ministers for including this event in the agenda of the Joint Commission for Economic Cooperation of our two countries. Bilateral trade reached EUR 3.4 billion last year, placing Hungary among our top five foreign trade partners. Nearly 4,500 Serbian companies trade with Hungary, and they are naturally interested in that market,” said Čadež.

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Hungarian investments in Serbia have exceeded EUR 1.5 billion, and the forum is expected to further stimulate a new investment cycle. New areas of cooperation are also opening in high technologies, with opportunities for technological partnerships, digitalization, industrial transformation, and the application of artificial intelligence in business, Čadež added.
A particularly important step is the signing of the Memorandum on Financing Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, which introduces a new support instrument for the SME sector. Agreements and deals reached at the highest level are expected to translate into concrete business activities, investments, and new jobs.
According to Čadež, good-neighborly relations between Serbia and Hungary are at their highest level and provide a strong foundation for further strengthening economic cooperation. Accelerated implementation of ongoing and the launch of new infrastructure projects are expected, which will further facilitate trade and cooperation between the two countries.
Čadež noted that companies present at the forum included YUMIS, Vital, Strela, Zdravo Organic, Biosil, Grah Automotive, RESOR, Millennium Team, Agromehanika, as well as component manufacturers and representatives of the banking sector.
Additional opportunities for cooperation are emerging in the automotive industry, bearing in mind the arrival of Stellantis in Serbia, as well as investments by Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD and battery producer CATL in Hungary. This creates opportunities for Serbian and Hungarian companies to be integrated into supply chains for both conventional and electric vehicle production.
Čadež invited Serbian and Hungarian businesspeople to take advantage of the opportunity for networking, exchanging information, experience, and knowledge, and for concluding new business deals, with the support of the governments and chambers of commerce of both countries.
Mesarović: We Will Present Our Automotive Industry in Budapest

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Speaking at the forum were also Adriana Mesarović, Deputy Prime Minister of Serbia and Minister of Economy, and Péter Szijjártó, Hungary’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Mesarović announced that on 19 March, a presentation of Serbia’s automotive industry will be organized in Budapest for major brands producing vehicles in Hungary.
“As an automotive industry and as a country offering a predictable and incentive-based business environment, we can integrate into supply chains that represent a significant development opportunity,” said Mesarović. She added that she would lead around 20 automotive companies that will present their capacities, opening space for attracting new foreign direct investments.
Szijjártó: Border Controls Will Be Reduced to a Minimum
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Hungarian and Serbian railways will launch passenger traffic between the two countries on the Belgrade–Budapest high-speed line no later than 27 March, said Szijjártó, adding that border controls will be reduced to a minimum and organized so as not to significantly affect travel speed.
He recalled that freight rail traffic on the new Budapest–Belgrade line started today, emphasizing that this connects a port in southern Europe with western Europe, making the route via Serbia the fastest and most efficient.
Ten freight trains will now operate daily between the two cities, with an increase to 16 trains per day expected in March, including four that will also connect the Vienna–Budapest section, thereby establishing a direct Vienna–Belgrade line, Szijjártó explained.
Following the plenary session, more than 150 bilateral business meetings were held on concrete projects in sectors ranging from energy and infrastructure to consulting and ICT.
According to data from the Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia, total merchandise trade with Hungary in 2025 amounted to EUR 3.4 billion. Exports reached EUR 1.5 billion (an increase of 7.5%), while imports totaled EUR 1.9 billion (up 13.6%). The trade deficit stood at EUR 371 million, with export coverage of imports at 80.5%. Data from the Serbian Business Registers Agency show that 660 active business entities in Serbia are majority-owned by Hungarian legal entities and individuals.
Chambers of Serbia and Hungary Jointly Supporting SMEs
A Memorandum of Cooperation on the implementation of the Hungarian SME support program in Serbia was signed today at the Palace of Serbia between the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, the Hungarian Chamber of Commerce, and the Confederation of Hungarian Businessmen. The memorandum was signed by Nenad Đurđević, advisor to the President of the Serbian Chamber, and Péter Kárpáti, formalizing a new phase of institutional cooperation between Serbian and Hungarian business associations.

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“The Memorandum establishes a framework for cooperation in developing financing models for SMEs in Serbia based on the Hungarian example. This involves developing a type of credit line for small and medium-sized enterprises that face the greatest challenges in accessing finance,” said Đurđević.
He noted that under the Hungarian model, which has provided more favorable SME financing for over two decades, the chamber of commerce, together with the government, approves and helps qualify funds.
“In order to establish such a fund in Serbia, it is necessary to assess the possibilities for adapting and implementing this model. A feasibility study is planned for the first half of this year. Hungarian experience in supporting small businesses in Vojvodina is particularly valuable in this assessment,” Đurđević emphasized.
The Memorandum is concluded for a three-year period and represents an expression of joint intent to further develop strategic cooperation and improve economic relations between Serbia and Hungary.
Photo / Video: Boban Ristić, PKS

​  Strong Serbia–Hungary Ties for the Benefit of the Economy and Citizens

As part of the official two-day visit of the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, to Kazakhstan, the state–business delegation today took part in the Extended Session of the Serbian–Kazakh Business Council and a Business Forum attended by more than 150 business representatives from Serbia and Kazakhstan. Participants represented the construction, pharmaceutical, metal, ICT, agriculture and food industries, energy, and defense industries.Addressing attendees at the Extended Session of the Serbian–Kazakh Business Council, Nenad Popović, Minister in the Government of the Republic of Serbia, emphasized that “there is significant potential for cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the defense industry, agriculture, food production, mechanical engineering, metallurgy, construction, ICT services, and investment.” The Minister welcomed the establishment and renewed work of the Business Council and invited Kazakh companies to visit Serbia and take part in the country’s largest trade fairs to explore the substantial opportunities offered by the Serbian market.
Arman Shakkaliyev, Minister of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan, stated that Serbia represents a new market for Kazakhstan and a very friendly environment offering strong potential for building new, secure, and stable supply chains.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/photo-37_960x640.jpg" id="image-tag-1772185390493" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2065"></div>
“We view Serbia as a reliable partner in the Balkans and an important economic hub of Southeast Europe, with significant industrial, logistics, and investment potential,” Shakkaliyev said. According to him, Kazakhstan and Serbia will develop meaningful cooperation in agro-industry, mechanical engineering, logistics, renewable energy, and the pharmaceutical industry.Mihailo Vesović, Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, expressed satisfaction with the participation of 25 Serbian companies and their representatives.
“This is a positive signal that encourages expectations of concrete business agreements and the expansion of existing cooperation,” Vesović emphasized.
Vesović invited Kazakh companies to establish partnerships and cooperation with Serbian firms, as well as to consider opening joint ventures in Serbia to take advantage of the institutional support provided by Serbia’s network of free trade agreements. He added that he hopes the number of Serbian companies cooperating with Kazakhstan will increase and that today’s forum will serve as a strong impetus in that direction.
Business representatives presented themselves across five panels&mdash;transport and logistics, agriculture, pharmaceutical industry, information technologies, and construction&mdash;followed by more than 90 B2B meetings. At the Business Forum, seven cooperation agreements were signed, predominantly in the fields of innovation and technological development.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/photo-91_960x640.jpg" id="image-tag-1772185405094" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2070"></div>
The Center for Digital Transformation of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia signed a cooperation agreement with Astana Business Hub in the areas of startup ecosystem support, knowledge exchange, and digitalization.
This visit successfully formalized the work of the Serbian–Kazakh Business Council, which in the coming period will focus on expanding existing forms of economic cooperation and fostering regular and continuous business dialogue. The visit of the Serbian business delegation to Kazakhstan took place after a ten-year hiatus, and a more intensive exchange and stronger cooperation are expected in the period ahead.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/photo-1-2_960x640.jpg" id="image-tag-1772185420968" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2062"></div><div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/photo-68_960x640.jpg" id="image-tag-1772185432671" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2068"></div><div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/photo-81_960x640.jpg" id="image-tag-1772185446873" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2069"></div>

Serbia and Kazakhstan Strengthen Economic Partnership: Seven Agreements Signed, Over 90 B2B Meetings Held

As part of its program supporting the internationalization of domestic companies, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS) organized B2B meetings between Serbian business representatives and the French company Manutan, one of Europe’s leading suppliers of office furniture and workplace equipment.
Ivana Adamović, Advisor to the President of the CCIS, emphasized that the goal is to provide Serbian companies with stable access to major European supply chains through direct business connections, targeted B2B meetings, and ongoing institutional support. Adamović also noted that Manutan’s visit to Serbia was part of a series of events organized by the Chamber to connect domestic companies with international partners, and that a similar program of visits and meetings had been organized for Buic Construction.
&nbsp;The visit of Manutan and the B2B meetings with our manufacturers show that the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia is actively working to connect domestic companies with the French market. Manutan, as one of the leading European B2B distributors, recognized the quality and potential of the Serbian furniture and equipment industry. This is an important signal of confidence and a strong basis for concrete export arrangements,” said Adamović.

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Jean-Christophe Gac, Group Purchasing and Sourcing Director at Manutan, stated that the main motivation for the visit was to find new partners in the region.
“In our search for suppliers in Eastern Europe, we reached out to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia to obtain a list of potential partners. I was eager to learn more about the Serbian market, and this visit provided an excellent opportunity to do so. The organization of the meetings was outstanding. I had very productive discussions with companies of different sizes and profiles,” Gac said, adding that a careful assessment of the production capacities of potential partners is crucial for the next steps, emphasizing that consistency is key in long-term partnerships.
“I am pleased to see that Serbian companies are highly motivated to cooperate and expand their presence in international markets,” he added.
The program of business meetings included Serbian companies from the wood, construction, and metal sectors, with a particular focus on the production and furnishing of office spaces.
Aleksandar Stojanović, representative of Metal Art, a company specializing in metal processing and operating as a subcontractor for other companies, highlighted the potential for collaboration and manufacturing according to partner specifications. “We will send our product catalog to Manutan representatives and continue discussions on concrete models of cooperation,” Stojanović said.
David Marković, Director of Ktitor, noted that the company had not previously had the opportunity to cooperate with French companies.
“This is a serious and strong private company operating across the entire European Union market. We are interested in the possibility of placing our products, particularly in the segment of office furniture production and furnishing. We are pleased to have had the opportunity to participate in these discussions and to use this chance to establish new partnerships,” Marković stated.
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CCIS Organized B2B Meetings with Manutan: New Opportunity for Serbian Products in the French and EU Market

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS) is launching an initiative to develop a national e-mobility strategy, a key document for the transition to electric mobility, Marko Čadež, President of CCIS, stated today at the 5th session of the National e-Mobility Cluster, held at the “Playground” in Hall 5 of Belgrade Fair.
Čadež emphasized that e-mobility goes far beyond transport and environmental issues, highlighting that it is also a matter of energy, industry, infrastructure, investment, and geopolitics.
“Today’s gathering is particularly important for us as it takes place at a moment when the Chamber of Commerce of Serbia is launching an initiative for the adoption of a national strategy that will guide the transition to e-mobility and address the key issues of this process,” Čadež said.
He announced that, as part of preparations for the upcoming meeting of the Center for Economic Initiatives and Rapid Solutions&mdash;coordinated by CCIS, bringing together ministers, relevant institutions, and business actors&mdash;the initiative to develop this strategic document will be officially launched.
According to him, the first step for a successful transition to e-mobility is the existence of a national strategy that unifies goals, measures, responsibilities, and timelines, clearly defining coordination among all stakeholders. He noted that the experiences of developed European countries, including Norway, confirm this approach.
Čadež highlighted that for Serbia, the transition to e-mobility is part of a broader energy, industrial, and digital transformation, a top-priority national development project. He added that e-mobility brings benefits ranging from environmental protection and public health to technological innovation and new economic opportunities. The development of electric vehicles, he explained, fosters innovation in batteries, charging infrastructure, and related technologies, as well as advancements in energy storage and grid management sectors.
“Transitioning from conventional to electric mobility opens new business opportunities, new enterprises, new jobs, and space for research and development,” Čadež stated.
The national e-Mobility Cluster hosted international partners from the Kingdom of Norway, a global leader in the successful electrification of transport infrastructure and vehicles, as well as the integration of renewable energy sources into the mobility sector.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/2632_960x540.jpg" id="image-tag-1772024528581" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2060"></div>
Kristin Melsom, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway to Serbia, emphasized that the goal of the gathering is to build business partnerships between Norwegian and Serbian companies, as well as companies from the Western Balkans region.
“I believe we have much to learn from Norwegian companies, but I also believe that Norwegian companies can learn a great deal from Serbian enterprises. Such collaboration is extremely important,” the Ambassador said, expressing hope that the meeting would open space for dialogue and serve as a venue for decision-makers and business ecosystem actors to connect.
The event showcased the potential for cooperation between Serbian and Norwegian companies and organized B2B meetings. The e-Mobility Cluster was recognized as a relevant platform for developing partnerships with Norwegian partners, who come to Serbia with a clear intent to establish cooperation within the e-mobility ecosystem.
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Čadež: Chamber of Commerce of Serbia Launches Initiative for National e-Mobility Strategy

The main focus of the Serbian pavilion at the &nbsp;<a href="https://impact.indiaai.gov.in/">India AI Impact Summit 2026</a>&nbsp;in New Delhi is the national AI platform and the national LLM – a large language model essential for the full implementation of artificial intelligence, said Marko Čadež, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS), speaking in New Delhi.
The Serbian national pavilion at this leading global event dedicated to artificial intelligence was organized by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia and the Office for Information Technologies and eGovernment. The pavilion presents the “Sovereign AI Serbia Concept,” demonstrating how Serbia, through a long-term and consistent digital development strategy, has built institutional, infrastructure, and human capacities enabling the development of a sovereign AI system&mdash;something that remains rare even among significantly larger countries.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/PHOTO-2026-02-17-14-50-59_960x539.jpg" id="image-tag-1771495310800" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2051"></div>
Čadež, who is part of the state-business delegation&nbsp;to India headed by the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, emphasized that having its own language model is crucial for applying artificial intelligence in business processes and predictive analytics.
“If a country wants to use artificial intelligence to predict disease outbreaks in specific regions at certain times, to plan pharmaceutical consumption, and similar purposes, it is essential to have its own language model,” Čadež explained.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/PHOTO-2026-02-17-14-51-00 (5)_960x539.jpg" id="image-tag-1771495320947" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2053"></div>
He recalled that, thanks to investments over the past decade, Serbia has built a national Data Center platform capable of collecting and processing large volumes of data.
“We have two supercomputers, and soon, through an agreement with France, a third will arrive, on which the national language model will operate. This is not only about preserving our language, but about safeguarding our overall knowledge base. If you want to develop AI-based tools to improve and optimize business operations or facilitate navigation through domestic regulations, you need domestic knowledge,” Čadež stated.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/PHOTO-2026-02-17-14-51-00_960x719.jpg" id="image-tag-1771495336206" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2054"></div>
He added that he had arrived in India directly from Paris, following a meeting with Mistral AI, with which Serbia has a strategic partnership for the development of its national language model.
“We will be among the few countries in Europe to have this. Analyses show that if you do not use the full potential of artificial intelligence in the economy, the GDP gap over ten years can exceed 11 percent. Thanks to the national language model alone, annual GDP growth could increase by 0.8 to 1.2 percent. That is a significant impact. Having a national language model means being competitive on the global market, especially for smaller countries like Serbia,” Čadež stressed.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/MC Indija 2.png" id="image-tag-1771495294843" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2055"></div>
The Director of the Office for IT and eGovernment, Mihailo Jovanović, stated that more than 100 countries were invited to the summit, and that Serbia is one of 13 with its own pavilion. He noted that Serbia is presenting achievements in data center development, with a particular focus on the State Data Center in Kragujevac, its capacities, and expansion plans within the “Serbia 2030” program. In addition to the first supercomputer installed in 2022, the launch of a second system&mdash;seven times faster&mdash;is expected soon, followed by a third, which will position Serbia as the leading country in supercomputing capacity in Southeast Europe.
State Secretary at the Ministry of Science, Technological Development and Innovation, Marija Gnjatović, emphasized that Serbia holds a significant advantage in its well-developed IT and AI infrastructure, built through years of investment. She also highlighted investments in science and technology parks across Serbia, as well as the upcoming development of the BIO4 Campus project in Belgrade.
The India AI Impact Summit 2026 is taking place from 16 to 20 February 2026 in New Delhi, bringing together political leaders, representatives of leading technology companies, researchers, and decision-makers from around the world, to strengthen global cooperation and promote the responsible use of artificial intelligence in the service of society and economic development.
The summit focuses on the practical impact of artificial intelligence on society, the economy, and public policy, with particular emphasis on inclusive development, ethics, safety, and responsible deployment of technology. The program includes plenary sessions, panel discussions, thematic workshops, and an exhibition segment where companies showcase the latest AI solutions, while dialogue between governments and the private sector addresses regulatory frameworks, standards, and the future direction of AI development at the global level.

​  Čadež: Serbia Showcases National AI Platform in New Delhi

Serbia has the opportunity to steer the accelerated development of its cities toward a model of smart and sustainable urban planning, drawing on Nordic experience and applying best European practices in energy efficiency and green construction. Partnership, innovation, and responsible planning are key to the competitiveness and long-term development of cities in Serbia and the region, which was the message of the conference “Smart Engineering for Urban Development,” held at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia.

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The fourth and final conference under this title was organized as part of the initiative “Nordic Green and Smart Cities – Building Partnerships in the Western Balkans,” implemented by the embassies of Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden in cooperation with the Nordic Business Alliance.
With the support of the Nordic Council of Ministers, the initiative aims to present the Nordic experience in the development of smart and sustainable cities, encourage the exchange of knowledge and technologies, and strengthen cooperation between Nordic and local institutions and companies in Serbia and Montenegro. The closing conference at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia focused on the concept of future smart cities, with particular emphasis on the application of new technologies and artificial intelligence in their planning and development.

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Cooperation with Nordic partners is of exceptional importance, particularly in the fields of smart cities, high-quality urban planning, well-organized traffic flows, and energy efficiency, which are the foundations of modern development, emphasized Mihailo Vesović, Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia.
Vesović noted that the accelerated development of Belgrade and other cities presents an opportunity to apply the best European practices in energy efficiency and green construction, stressing that green building will be a key factor in the competitiveness of construction companies in the future. As he stated, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia will continue to connect domestic and international partners and improve construction standards. He added that sustainability requires responsible planning and a different approach to development, pointing out that Serbia and the region still have room for progress in understanding and implementing these standards. He also highlighted the importance of the construction industry, which accounts for around five percent of GDP, assessing that its development contributes to positioning Belgrade as a strong industrial and service hub.
“Our theme, Smart Engineering for Urban Development, is closely linked to the broader Swedish narrative of innovation, sustainability, and partnership &mdash; what we call #MadeWithSweden. It reflects our belief that the most effective solutions to today’s complex urban challenges emerge when public institutions, academia, and the private sector work together,” emphasized Charlotte Sammelin, Ambassador of Sweden, welcoming the participants.

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In addition to the Ambassador of Sweden, the conference was attended by the ambassadors of the other Nordic countries: Pernille Dahler Kardel, Ambassador of Denmark; Kristin Melsom, Ambassador of Norway; and Niklas Lindqvist, Ambassador of Finland.
The opening of the conference was also attended by Igor Conić, Editor-in-Chief of the conference’s partner portal “Gradnja”; Christina Salmhofer, Sustainability Strategist for the City of Stockholm; and Paul Dixelius, SymbioCity Project Manager, as well as representatives of academia, non-governmental organizations, and Nordic and local companies.
Through this cycle of conferences, the Nordic “Smart Cities” initiative has reinforced the commitment to cooperation already demonstrated by the countries of the region in the field of sustainable urban development. As the concluding event in the series, the conference confirmed the shared ambition for the Nordic region, as a leader in the development of green and smart cities, to continue advocating sustainable urban practices at the international level.
By conveying the guidelines of the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Nordic Smart City Roadmap, the initiative has contributed to the exchange of knowledge and experience, facilitated urban transformation processes, and encouraged the development of greener, smarter, and more sustainable communities, laying the foundations for a long-term and sustainable future in the Western Balkans.

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Nordic Experience for the Development of Smart Cities in Serbia and the Region

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia and the Development Agency of Serbia traditionally organize the participation and promotion of Serbian companies within the national pavilion of Serbia at the 33rd International Food Industry Trade Fair “Prodexpo 2026”, held in Moscow from February 9 to 12.
Eighteen Serbian companies are presenting their products in Moscow, including producers of dairy products and meat products, frozen and dried fruit and vegetables, confectionery, jams and juices, truffles, spirits (rakija), wines and beer, with the aim of increasing exports to the strategic export market of the Russian Federation.

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The following companies are participating in the fair:
MLEKARA ŠABAC (Šabac), BUDIMKA (Požega), NEOPLANTA (Novi Sad), MAMBIKOM AGRAR (Belgrade), MLEKARA UB (Ub), FRUCOM FOOD (Arilje), COJA PROMET (Žitkovac), DAMAR CONFIT (Belgrade), JAFFA (Crvenka), PACKOM INTERNATIONAL (Leštane), SIMEX ORIGINAL (Subotica), SMILJANIĆ-KOMERC (Požega), TARTUFI SR (Belgrade), VINARY CHOKA PLUS (Subotica), VALJEVSKA BREWERY (Valjevo), VINARY JEREMIĆ (Smederevo), ARETOL (Novi Sad) and ZLATIBORAC (Belgrade).<a href="https://fairs.pks.rs/prodexpo-2026/">CLICK HERE FOR THE CATALOGUE OF EXHIBITORS</a>Participation in the international trade fair enables Serbian exhibitors to promote and place their products in new export markets, as well as to enhance existing business relations and establish new commercial contacts.
During the four days of the fair, business meetings and commercial negotiations are organized with experts from leading Russian, federal, and international retail chains, importers, and distributors of food products.

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“Prodexpo” is the largest and most significant specialized food industry exhibition in Russia and the region, providing a platform for meetings between Serbian producers and exporters on one side and importers, distributors, and representatives of leading retail chains on the other. The fair is visited annually by around 70,000 visitors, who have the opportunity to learn about the product ranges of more than 1,800 exhibitors from 36 countries.
The placement of Serbian products in the Russian Federation, based on a unique preferential trade agreement and duty-free exports to a market of approximately 150 million consumers, is characterized by an initial price competitiveness advantage compared to other imported products.

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Photo: Dejan Delić

Serbian Food Producers at “Prodexpo 2026” Trade Fair

The President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS), Marko Čadež, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding at Web Summit Qatar in Doha with Sheikh Jassim bin Mansour bin Jabor Al Thani, Chairman of the Qatar Communications Office, formalizing a strategic partnership aimed at connecting the Serbian and Qatari startup ecosystems and strengthening economic and technological ties between the two countries.
As part of the conference, Čadež also met with Web Summit founder Paddy Cosgrave, whom he introduced to a new project focused on the development of a Serbian Large Language Model (LLM).
The Memorandum envisages the official presentation of Serbia at Web Summit Qatar through the Serbian Startup Pavilion, joint participation in international forums and events, and a stronger presence of Serbian startups on the global innovation scene. The signing ceremony was attended by Soud Ahmed Al Boinin, Chairman of Web Summit Qatar, as well as Dr. Marija Jović, Chargé d’Affaires of Serbia in Qatar.
During talks with Sheikh Jassim, the establishment of a joint platform between Serbian and Qatari technology and engineering companies was discussed. The goal, as emphasized at the meeting, is long-term and structured cooperation that would enable Serbian companies to offer their technological solutions, products, and expertise to the Qatari and regional markets, as well as to jointly enter third-country markets. Major events such as Web Summit were recognized as key platforms for networking and building partnerships through concrete projects and activities.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/WhatsApp Image 2026-02-03 at 12.03.39 (3)_960x720.jpg" id="image-tag-1770125840613" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2027"></div>
At the meeting with Cosgrave, the strong performance of the Serbian delegation in Qatar and the great potential of the startup community were highlighted, along with the fact that the European Web Summit will remain the “flagship” event. Čadež and Cosgrave also discussed trends in artificial intelligence (AI) and developments in Europe in this field. The President of CCIS informed the Web Summit founder about the development of AI infrastructure in Serbia and the new project for creating a Serbian LLM currently in preparation.
For the first time, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia is organizing the participation of Serbian startup companies at Web Summit Qatar, which is being held from February 1 to 4, 2026, in Doha. The conference brings together more than 30,000 participants, 1,500 startups, 700 investors, 350 speakers, and around 600 media representatives from over 120 countries.
Serbia is presenting itself through the national exhibition area “Serbian Island,” where eight Serbian startup companies from the fields of the digital economy, industry, security, and healthcare are showcasing their solutions: Smart Part, SpiceAds, MyFlow, Baby FM, Marina Int, Protokol, CyberParent, and Advanced Security Technologies. These companies have the opportunity to present their innovations to investors, global corporations, and institutions, as well as to participate in numerous B2B and B2G meetings, further strengthening the international visibility of the Serbian startup ecosystem.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/03022026 qatar seik (2)_960x720.jpg" id="image-tag-1770125861703" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2026"></div>

Partnership Between Serbia and Qatar for Strong Startups and Innovation, Serbian LLM Presented to Cosgrave

The President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, Marko Čadež, announced today that the domestic startup Cloud City has become, among the first in this part of Europe, a member of the NVIDIA Inception program – the world’s most prestigious program for the development of artificial intelligence. In the world of&nbsp;technology, this is considered an entry into the “Champions League.”As he emphasized, this represents strong confirmation that Serbia possesses knowledge and innovation potential recognized at the global level, as well as a clear signal that domestic startups are becoming part of the most advanced international technological trends.&nbsp;Čadež highlighted that Cloud City’s inclusion in this program further strengthens Serbia’s position as a growing technology hub and confirms that solutions shaping the future of urban life worldwide can be developed in our country. On this occasion, the company’s founder and CEO, Marko Šćepanović, stated that membership in the NVIDIA Inception program for Cloud City – a visionary startup he leads together with Slavko Fodor – represents a strategic leap and a turning point in the company’s development. According to him, this step is not only recognition but also “rocket fuel” that gives the company direct access to NVIDIA’s most advanced AI infrastructure, experts, and development resources, which until now were reserved exclusively for the world’s largest technology companies.&nbsp;Šćepanović added that Cloud City’s teams will use the best and fastest NVIDIA technology to develop creative, scalable, and fully autonomous, specialized AI agents for cities, effectively making the company part of the global NVIDIA team developing a new generation of smart urban systems. Joining the NVIDIA Inception program enables Cloud City to use state-of-the-art hardware and software architecture to develop complex AI systems capable of processing massive amounts of data in real time and independently managing key urban processes. The solutions the company is developing are intended for cities and other complex environments, such as large residential and commercial infrastructure projects, universities, airports, stadiums, and transport hubs, where continuous management of infrastructure, waste, public services, energy consumption, logistics, and sustainability is required. Relying on NVIDIA technology, Cloud City is building a platform that allows cities to become not only “smart,” but also self-learning systems that predict problems, optimize resources, and improve citizens’ quality of life.

​  Čadež: Serbian startup Cloud City enters the “Champions League”

The President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, Marko Čadež, stated at Web Summit Qatar 2026 in Doha that Serbia today has a strong and globally competitive startup ecosystem. This is confirmed by the growth of software exports and the increasing presence of Serbian innovative companies at major global technology events, including the participation of eight Serbian startups at this year’s Web Summit, held from February 1 to 4.Speaking on a panel dedicated to building regional companies with global impact at Web Summit Qatar 2026&mdash;one of the most important international technology conferences in the Middle East&mdash;Čadež emphasized that significant structural changes have taken place in Serbia over the past decade, most clearly reflected in software export figures.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/foto 39_960x540.jpg" id="image-tag-1770040968106" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2023"></div> “Ten years ago, Serbia’s software exports amounted to around €350 million, while today they exceed €5.1 billion annually,” Čadež said, adding that Serbia now has around 30,000 engineers.He recalled that the foundations for this growth were continuous investments in digital infrastructure, supercomputers and data centers, as well as the introduction of programming as a mandatory subject in primary schools. According to him, these steps have contributed to the arrival of research and development centers of leading global companies in Serbia.Addressing the challenges, Čadež noted that Serbia has a strong base of knowledge and innovation, but that additional efforts are needed in sales and the global positioning of domestic technological solutions. As he pointed out, conferences such as Web Summit are an important platform for connecting Serbian startups with investors and international partners. He added that years of operating in complex economic conditions have contributed to the resilience and innovativeness of Serbian companies.Speaking about future priorities, Čadež stressed the need to continue investing in infrastructure, supercomputers, and data centers, strengthen cooperation with the scientific community, and build a strong link between expert knowledge and advanced technologies.The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia is organizing, for the first time, the participation of Serbian startup companies at Web Summit Qatar 2026, held from February 1 to 4, 2026, in Doha. The conference brings together more than 30,000 participants, 1,500 startups, 700 investors, 350 speakers, and around 600 media representatives from over 120 countries. Serbia is presenting itself through the national exhibition area “Serbian Island,” where eight Serbian startups from the fields of the digital economy, industry, security, and healthcare are showcasing their solutions: Smart Part, SpiceAds, MyFlow, Baby FM, Marina Int, Protokol, CyberParent, and Advanced Security Technologies. These companies have the opportunity to present their innovations to investors, global corporations, and institutions, as well as to participate in numerous B2B and B2G meetings, further strengthening the international visibility of Serbia’s startup ecosystem.

Čadež in Doha: Serbia Has a Globally Competitive Startup Ecosystem

Companies from Serbia recorded an exceptionally successful appearance at the International Food Industry Trade Fair “Gulfood 2026” in Dubai, as confirmed by the results achieved over the four-day event. Serbian exhibitors held around 1,300 business meetings, while the estimated value of concluded and expected export deals reached €8.2 million.
The largest number of business contacts was established with partners from the United Arab Emirates, Israel, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United States of America, Canada, the Russian Federation, Iraq, the Netherlands, India, Japan, Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, Egypt, China, South Korea, Turkey, Oman, Lebanon, and Bahrain, further confirming the global interest in products from Serbia’s food industry, emphasized Zorana Delić from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia.
During the event, the Serbian national pavilion was visited by the Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to the United Arab Emirates, Vladimir Marić, who spoke with company representatives and highlighted the importance of the continuous presence of Serbian producers in the Middle East market.
Within the Serbian national pavilion, organized by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia and the Development Agency of Serbia, 24 companies from various segments of the food sector presented their products from January 26 to 30: AGROPARTNER (Lučani), ARETOL (Novi Sad), BENLIAN FOODS (Niš), BUDIMKA (Požega), DAMAR CONFIT (Belgrade), DBA PROMET (Arilje), FRIGO PAUN (Požega), FRIGONAIS (Niš), FRUCOM FOOD (Arilje), FRUITICA (Čantavir), GENEZA (Kanjiža), ITN GROUP (Belgrade), LAKI (Arilje), MASTER FOOD (Užice), MASTER FRUITS (Belgrade), MLEKARA UB (Ub), PACKOM INTERNATIONAL (Belgrade), PIP NOVI SAD (Novi Sad), RUBUS HILL (Kušići), SIROGOJNO COMPANY (Sirogojno), ŽUTI LIST (Vranje), TARTUFI SR (Zemun), UNIAPAK (Niš), and YAYLA PAN (Sečanj).
Serbian exhibitors showcased a wide range of products &mdash; from frozen fruit and vegetables, dairy and confectionery products, jams, juices, baked goods, and ready-made meals, to truffles, mushrooms, spices, soups, coffee, and snack products &mdash; and participated in numerous business meetings and commercial negotiations with international buyers, importers, and distributors.
A special contribution to Serbia’s visibility at “Gulfood 2026” was made by the company “Damar Truffles,” which took part in the prestigious World of Taste program as the only brand from Serbia among selected European names. As part of the Tastes of the World program, the company’s director, Daniel Trifunović, held a culinary presentation of truffle pasta preparation in front of a large international audience, placing the Serbian stand among the most striking at the fair.
The participation of Serbian companies at “Gulfood 2026” once again confirmed the competitiveness of the domestic food industry and the importance of this event as a key platform for boosting exports and positioning Serbia on the global food market.
“GULFOOD” (<a href="http://www.gulfood.com">www.gulfood.com</a>) is one of the largest and most significant specialized food industry exhibitions in the UAE and the Gulf region. For the first time in its history, in 2026, the fair was held at two locations &mdash; the Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai Expo City.
This year’s partner country was India, and more than 8,500 exhibitors from over 190 countries participated in the event across 12 sectors, including startups, logistics, and digital innovations.

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Photo: Zorana Delić, CCIS Video: Tijana Ranđelović, Damar Truffles

<a href="https://fairs.pks.rs/gulfood-2026/">GET IN TOUCH WITH ALL SERBIAN EXHIBITORS AT GULFOOD 2026</a>

New Export Deals Worth €8.2 Million Agreed at “Gulfood 2026” Trade Fair

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS) has launched the first Balkan Negotiation Academy (Balkan Negotiation Academy – BNA), a specialized and practice-oriented program designed for business leaders and decision-makers from the public and private sectors. The program aims to strengthen negotiation capacities within institutions and companies, while enhancing cooperation and trust across the region and Europe.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/4331_960x540.jpg" id="image-tag-1769684255401" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2018"></div>
The program is based on the innovative Highly Reliable Negotiation Framework (HRNF) methodology, enabling participants to improve their ability to manage complex and international negotiations, develop reliable negotiation processes and decision-making under pressure, acquire practical tools applicable immediately in their work, and become part of a regional and European professional network, namely the European Negotiation Association (ENEA).
“The program is intended for directors, managers, entrepreneurs, public sector representatives, and professionals involved in business, public-private, and cross-border initiatives,” said Mirjana Kovačević, Head of the CCIS Center for Education, Dual Education, and Educational Policies. She added that the program consists of six modules delivered in 21 teaching hours in English.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/7100_960x540.jpg" id="image-tag-1769684266123" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2020"></div>
Over the past years, the Western Balkans region, and Serbia in particular, has made significant progress in political and economic reforms and in strengthening relations with the European Union, Kovačević explained. The further success of this process, she noted, largely depends on the development of cross-border cooperation and the strengthening of economic ties between companies, public institutions, and other stakeholders.
“That is precisely why this program was designed as a concrete contribution to enhancing negotiation capacities, cooperation, and trust in the region and the broader European context,” she emphasized.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/5215_960x540.jpg" id="image-tag-1769684278530" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2019"></div>
The program is delivered by a team of distinguished international experts with extensive relevant experience and recognized professional credentials. The team is led by Francesco Marchi, Director of Negotiation Expertise at the Paris-based consultancy ALTERNEGO, specializing in complex negotiations and conflict resolution.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/2626_960x540.jpg" id="image-tag-1769684247270" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2017"></div>
Francesco Marchi previously led the “Negotiators of Europe” program at ESSEC’s IRENE Institute and, as head of a European consortium, trained European Commission teams, including the Brexit Task Force and several Directorates-General. He is a certified mediator (CEDR, London) and lecturer in international negotiations at Sciences Po, INSP, the College of Europe, and the Sorbonne. He is also the founder and president of the European Negotiation Association (ENEA).
Photo: Boban Ristić