Mihailo Vesović, Director of the Sector for Strategic Analysis, Services, and Internationalization of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, and Nenad Đurđević, Advisor to the President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, talked in Belgrade with US Senators Chris Murphy, Jeanne Shaheen, and Thom Tillis.
The main topics of the meeting were bilateral economic relations between the United States and Serbia, the business climate in our country, and the economic challenges of the conflict in Ukraine.
 
In a conversation with US senators, Vesović and Đurđević presented to the members of the US delegation the activities of the CCIS aimed at regional economic integration and emphasized their importance in the Western Balkans as well as the need to create preconditions for accelerating the integration of the entire region into the European Union.

CCIS Representatives with US Senators: The Importance of Regional Integration in the Western Balkans

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS), in cooperation with the Development Agency of Serbia, is organizing the participation of 36 Serbian companies at three prestigious international trade fairs in March 2025.
 These events present a unique opportunity for Serbian businesses to expand their market reach, strengthen international partnerships, and promote the quality and innovation of Serbian products. If you are planning to visit one of these fairs, be sure to check out what Serbian companies have to offer.
 From March 11 to 13, 2025, 14 Serbian wineries will showcase their finest wines at the Wine Warsaw Expo in Poland, capitalizing on the growing wine market and increasing demand for new and distinctive flavors.
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 At the same time, 10 Serbian tech companies specializing in embedded systems will present their cutting-edge solutions at Embedded World in Nuremberg, Germany&mdash;the world’s leading trade fair for embedded technologies.&nbsp;
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 Additionally, from March 11 to 14, 2025, 12 Serbian food and beverage producers will participate in FOODEX Japan, one of Asia’s most influential food industry exhibitions, aiming to strengthen export potential and establish new business collaborations in the Japanese market.
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Please follow the links to exhibitors.&nbsp;
<a href="https://fairs.pks.rs/warsaw-wine-expo2025/">https://fairs.pks.rs/warsaw-wine-expo2025/</a>
 
<a href="https://fairs.pks.rs/embedded-world-2025/">https://fairs.pks.rs/embedded-world-2025/</a>
 
<a href="https://fairs.pks.rs/foodex-2025/">https://fairs.pks.rs/foodex-2025/</a>

Serbian Companies to Showcase Innovation and Excellence at Three Major International Trade Fairs in March 2025

Israeli importers are increasingly interested in Serbian products,&nbsp; the signing of a free trade agreement between the two countries is expected in September, while additionally, Israel has confirmed its participation in Expo 2027 in Belgrade.
"Following the visit of Foreign Minister Marko Đurić to Israel, discussions with the local business community, importers, and accelerators have shown increased interest in the standards and competitiveness of Serbian exporters, as well as in preparations for Expo 2027," said Aleksandar Nikolić, Director of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce’s Representation in Jerusalem and Honorary Consul of Serbia in Israel.
He emphasized the strong interest of retail supermarket chains and leading importers of the food industry.
"Accelerators such as Tech7, as well as companies like Colosseum and HYPE, known for their innovations in sports, are also looking forward to cooperation with Serbian businesses," Nikolić added.
During the visit, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar highlighted that Israel views Serbia as a strategic partner and reaffirmed the country's participation in Expo 2027 in Belgrade.
Special attention was given to tourism and the networking of innovation ecosystems to strengthen bilateral relations. Minister Đurić noted that Serbia leads economic growth in Southeast Europe, with a growth rate of approximately 4%, a strong IT and software industry, and significant opportunities for partnership in these sectors, Nikolić added.
During a meeting with the Speaker of the Knesset, Amir Ohana, the discussion focused on trade growth statistics&mdash;a 63% increase compared to 2023&mdash;Israeli investments in Serbia reaching $3 billion, and a 37% rise in tourist visits. The very positive trends in economic relations between Serbia and Israel are paving the way for the signing of a free trade agreement, expected in September, the Serbian Chamber of Commerce representative in Jerusalem emphasized.

Free Trade Agreement with Israel Expected in the Fall

The Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, Mihailo Vesović, met with the Minister of Tourism and Handicrafts of Gabon, Pascal Ogowet Siffon, and the Minister for Institutional Reform of Gabon, Murielle Mikoué, to enhance bilateral economic cooperation.
As highlighted during the discussion, strengthening economic ties is of great importance. Gabon recognizes Serbia as a key partner, particularly in the fields of construction and infrastructure projects, as well as tourism, eco-tourism, agriculture, the wood and processing industries, and energy.
Vesović emphasized the need to intensify economic cooperation and facilitate easier communication between companies from both countries. In this context, it was agreed to work on signing a Memorandum of Cooperation between the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia and the Chamber of Commerce of Gabon in the near future, which will open opportunities for concrete business projects and investments.
The Minister of Tourism and Handicrafts of Gabon, Pascal Ogowet Siffon, underscored the importance of promoting the tourism potential of both countries and announced that Gabon plans to participate at the specialized exhibition EXPO 2027.
The Minister for Institutional Reform, Murielle Mikoué, stressed the importance of creating a favorable business environment and enhancing institutional cooperation, which will contribute to developing economic relations and increasing Serbian investments in Gabon.

Serbia and Gabon Strengthen Economic Cooperation

Serbian companies showcased their products at Fruit Logistica 2025, Europe's leading fresh fruit and vegetable trade fair in Berlin. They held meetings with representatives from more than 220 top companies and secured on-site sales estimated at €2.3 million. The total sales potential from the fair exceeds €13 million.
With the support of the Swiss Government, through the International Trade Centre (ITC), and expert assistance from the Trade Promotion in the East (TPE) project, ten companies were featured at Serbia’s National Stand.
Fruit Logistica 2025 brought together 2,600 exhibitors from over 90 countries, representing various segments of the fresh fruit and vegetable value chain. The event was a unique platform for exchanging experiences, crucial for advancing the fruit and vegetable production sector. The fair, held in Berlin from February 5 to 7, 2025, attracted a record 91,000 visitors, including 23,500 company representatives at the exhibition stands.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/FL 4_960x640.jpg" id="image-tag-1740046255063" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1466"></div>
Serbian companies expressed their satisfaction with participating in this trade fair.
"The support in organizing the fair is extremely important to us, as it provides a unique opportunity to meet our customers, establish new business relationships, stay up to date with industry trends, and assess necessary future investments," said Marko Arsenović from COPA.
"We are pleased with our participation in Fruit Logistica. The number of new potential buyers and meetings with existing clients is essential for our business. The year 2024 was very challenging for us, and planning for the future is crucial. Supporting Serbian small and medium-sized enterprises in trade fairs is key to establishing new contacts, building networks, and fostering learning," said Jelena Ibrajter from VIja Product.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/FL 2_960x640.jpg" id="image-tag-1740046245184" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1465"></div>

Excellent Perfomance of Serbian Companies at Fruit Logistica 2025

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS) and the Bank of China Serbia will establish a joint operational group (Task Forces) to expedite the implementation of investment projects and further strengthen the connection between the Chinese and Serbian economies. This was agreed upon today during a meeting between Marko Čadež, President of CCIS, and Jason Qin, Head of Business Development at Bank of China Serbia.
During the meeting, Čadež emphasized the significance of Chinese investments in Serbia and stated that new major investments from China can be expected soon.
"There is ample room for expanding our cooperation and attracting new investments. Our goal is to accelerate the negotiation of joint projects, implement new investments, and connect Chinese and Serbian businesses more efficiently," said Čadež, proposing that the headquarters of the operational group for strengthening Chinese investments be located within CCIS.
Čadež also announced that Belgrade and Serbia will host the President of the China Chamber of Commerce and a delegation of Chinese business representatives from March 19 to 21. On this occasion, a series of B2B meetings between Serbian and Chinese companies will be organized.
In April, a delegation of Serbian startups will visit the Suzhou Industrial and Technology Park in China, and preparations are underway for representatives of that Park to open an office at the Center for Digital Transformation (CDT) of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia.
Jason Qin, Head of Business Development at Bank of China Serbia, stated that the bank plans significant investments in Serbia and is focused on connecting Chinese and Serbian companies, financing joint projects, and positioning itself among the top players in Serbia’s banking sector.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/DSC05962_960x683.jpg" id="image-tag-1739976474562" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1462"></div>

CCIS and Bank of China Form an Operational Group to Accelerate Investments

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS) and the Development Agency of Serbia (RAS) are organizing the participation of 22 Serbian companies at the GULFOOD 2025 International Food Industry Fair, held in Dubai from February 17th to 21st. Serbian companies are showcasing their products at the National Pavilion of Serbia in one of the main halls&mdash;Trade Centre Arena & Sheikh Saeed Halls. On the very first day, they held numerous meetings with potential partners, including food traders, distributors, and representatives of major food industry players.The fair was inaugurated by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, who emphasized the importance of this global event in strengthening Dubai’s position as a hub for food trade and innovation. The Serbian companies presenting their products in Dubai include: AGROPARTNER (Lučani), TISA COOP (Kanjiža), MORAVKA PRO (Leskovac), ARETOL (Novi Sad), BUDIMKA (Požega), TARTUFI SR (Belgrade), LAKI (Arilje), AGRANELA (Valjevo), ITN GROUP (Belgrade), FRUCOM FOOD (Arilje), MASTER FOOD (Užice), MONICOM (Niš), MASTER FRUITS (Belgrade), DAMAR CONFIT (Belgrade), CG FOOD EUROPE (Ruma), BENLIAN FOODS (Niš), YUMIS (Niš), YAYLAPAN (Sečanj), PACOM INTERNATIONAL (Leštane), RUBUS HILL (Ivanjica), CMANA (Krnjevo), and SIROGOJNO CO (Sirogojno). These companies are showcasing a diverse range of products, including fresh and processed fruits and vegetables, dairy products, frozen and smoked fish, truffle-based products, ajvar, honey, soups, spices, teas, fruit juices, jams, and marmalades. "Participating at GULFOOD 2025 provides our entrepreneurs with an excellent opportunity to introduce their products to new markets and establish new business connections. Dubai will be the world’s center of the food industry these days, allowing our companies to stand alongside the biggest global producers," said Jovanka Ćalina, Head of the Fair Organization Center at CCIS. GULFOOD is one of the largest and most significant specialized food industry exhibitions in the UAE and the Gulf region. This year, the fair spans 100,000 square meters, featuring over 5,500 exhibitors from more than 190 countries, with an expected attendance of over 70,000 visitors from approximately 160 countries.
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Serbian Companies Among 5,500 Exhibitors at GULFOOD 2025 in Dubai

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS) will collaborate with Banque Publique d'Investissement (BPI), France’s leading investment bank, on projects supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, investments, infrastructure, and strengthening economic cooperation between Serbia and France.
This was confirmed by a Memorandum of Cooperation signed in Paris by Marko Čadež, President of CCIS, and Olivier Vincent, Executive Director for Export at BPI, in the presence of representatives from the French Tech Business Association and the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in France.
"Signing this Memorandum with France’s leading investment bank is not just a formality but a strategic move that can significantly contribute to the long-term development of Serbia’s economy and enhance the country’s international standing. The focus of cooperation will be on concrete projects, strengthening the SME sector, and fostering regional collaboration," Čadež stated at the signing.
Vincent emphasized that the agreement opens new opportunities for cooperation between Serbian and French businesses and research institutions. According to him, both parties can finance three-year projects with a total budget of up to €150,000 per project through the BPI France and EUREKA funding mechanisms.
The signatories agreed that BPI will be an important partner in supporting Serbian companies in innovation, knowledge transfer, industry, agriculture, and digitalization.
BPI represents the interests of entrepreneurs, primarily supporting micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, as well as large companies and investment projects. Its support programs include easier access to favorable loans for Serbian businesses, as well as various types of training and education.
Through its cooperation with BPI France, Serbia has the potential to become a central hub for French investments in the region.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/41685448-57ef-4769-b612-8728bb00f596_960x1280.jpg" id="image-tag-1739438612962" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1454"></div>

Cooperation with BPI Opens Doors for French Investments in Serbia

One of Europe's leading political and business figures, Vladimir Dlouhý, president of Eurochambres, stated that if Europe were imagined as a company today, he would not invest in it&mdash;because such a "company" would be bankrupt.
Dlouhý made this remark in the show Čadež Talk, hosted by Marko Čadež, president of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS), which aired on Euronews Serbia. He was responding to a metaphorical question posed by Čadež, who asked him to describe the state of Europe's economy based on his experience in business and politics, and whether he would invest his own money in "Company Europe" today.
In the program, Dlouhý analyzed the current economic situation in Europe and globally, emphasizing the importance of integrating the Western Balkans into Europe's economic structure. He stressed that this process is not just about EU membership but also about regional cooperation, meeting candidate obligations, political decisions, and Europe's security.
The political veteran clarified that his sharp assessment of "Company Europe" should be taken with caution, as "one cannot compare running a country with running a company or corporation."
"Many people now feel that traditional politicians have failed to meet their expectations and increasingly believe that individuals like Elon Musk could make administration more efficient. I am very reserved about that. Politics cannot be reduced to signing contracts, while corporate business is based on concluding agreements, generating profit, and competition. A good politician must have a long-term strategy that sometimes contradicts short-term deals," explained the president of Eurochambres, an organization representing the interests of chambers of commerce from 38 countries, including Serbia.
Dlouhý added that if the same metaphorical framework were applied to the U.S., China, and Europe, the first two "companies" are performing better than Europe. However, he pointed out that other regions, such as India, Southeast Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East, also play significant roles in the global economy.
He attributed Europe's sluggish productivity and lack of competitiveness to decisions made decades ago and to flawed strategies, particularly the "overregulation of its business environment."
Responding to Čadež's observation that Europe is currently lagging in innovation and investment and that decision-makers are not addressing reality in the best way, Dlouhý agreed but noted that Europe is redefining its fundamental principles, a process that many countries have yet to fully grasp:
"Due to our insistence on a post-war welfare model and social structure, combined with the Green Deal and ESG regulations, we have overburdened our entrepreneurs and hindered rapid development. Europe must become much less restrictive when it comes to regulation, but the big question is&mdash;how?"
Dlouhý further noted that there is a "disconnect" between decision-makers and the business sector, calling it a structural issue. He emphasized the need to reassess the goals and implementation speed of the Green Deal, as well as the relationship between the European Commission and national governments.
"We need to rethink the entire decision-making process among the 27 EU member states. This will take a decade or two, but we must start now, or we will lose our connection with the more developed parts of the world."
Discussing the economies of the Western Balkans, Dlouhý firmly stated that the region must find a way to integrate into Europe's economic framework. This is not merely a question of membership, he said, but a process that requires time for candidate countries to fulfill their accession obligations and for the region to enhance internal cooperation.
"The best way for institutions like Eurochambres and its president to contribute to mitigating these risks and facilitating the integration of Western Balkan countries&mdash;if not directly into the EU, then at least into the single market&mdash;is by helping to establish deeper business ties," Dlouhý explained. He acknowledged that political issues must be resolved, but noted that these are not within his authority to comment on.
When asked by Čadež what kind of Europe he would like his grandchildren to inherit in 20 years, the president of Eurochambres said he hopes Europe will be different by then, with some of the necessary processes he mentioned&mdash;those requiring one or two decades&mdash;already completed:
"I hope for a Europe with fewer regulatory burdens, where cooperation in key areas, such as the capital market, is strengthened and freed from unnecessary rules and governance models that have hindered productivity and competitiveness in the past."
Above all, he emphasized that he wishes for his younger, one-year-old grandson to live in a Europe and a world at peace. "People may not realize it because there are no active battles on European soil, but Europe is, in essence, at war," he concluded.<div class="video-container"><iframe width="100%" height="380" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/b2qF6gcLx_w" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>

Čadež and Dlouhý: What Kind of Future Is Europe Leaving for Its Children?

Marko Čadež, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS), is visiting Paris. Today, together with Jelena Begović, Minister of Science, he held discussions at the Serbian Embassy with Gila Gamliel, Israel’s Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, regarding cooperation and joint projects, particularly in the fields of agritech and cybersecurity.
"Israel ranks third in the world in investments in modern technologies, and we are ready to learn, develop, and support new ideas. CCIS, together with companies and in cooperation with the Ministry of Science, Technological Development, and Innovation, will visit Israel to exchange knowledge and experiences and discuss concrete business opportunities and support for innovation and technological development," Čadež emphasized. He recalled the numerous activities of the CCIS office in Jerusalem, which focus on strengthening economic ties and cooperation in modern technologies and startup development between the two countries.
The CCIS president stressed the importance of creating opportunities for young people to test their inventions in real-world environments, as this is essential for building a true innovation ecosystem.
"We want to focus on specific areas, particularly agritech and cybersecurity. Young people have ideas, but they lack the means to realize them. We need your help to understand how you have improved this process, especially considering the rapid changes happening on a weekly basis," Čadež said during his conversation with the Israeli Minister of Science.
Minister Begović expressed expectations for increased cooperation with Israel in the future, particularly in innovation. Minister Gamliel noted that Israel and Serbia share a common vision of a future based on science and technological development.
"I am pleased that we have opened important topics today that will enhance our cooperation and enable the exchange of knowledge and experiences between our innovation ecosystems," Gamliel said. She also highlighted Israel’s development of specialized AI programs in education.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/PHOTO-2025-02-09-15-54-29_960x638 (1)1.jpg" id="image-tag-1739177806293" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1451"></div>

Čadež: We Can Learn a Lot from Israel in Innovation and Education

Four major international accelerators, invited by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS) and the SEE UP accelerator, are on a three-day visit to Serbia to gain deeper insight into local projects and investment opportunities.
Top management representatives from Founders Factory, Alchemist Accelerator, Tenity, and Startupbootcamp Italy engaged in a constructive discussion with Marko Čadež, President of CCIS, exploring investment possibilities in Serbia’s rapidly growing innovation startup ecosystem, which is setting new business standards with cutting-edge solutions.
The discussion focused on identifying key sectors and promising projects that could receive strategic funding, further strengthening the country’s existing innovation potential.
Internationally recognized accelerators, with extensive experience across various industries, also contribute to assessing the potential of Serbia’s startup ecosystem. A young and dynamic entrepreneurial community, supported by modern infrastructure and a stimulating business environment, fosters technological advancement and innovation.
Interest in local startups confirms that Serbia is an attractive destination for high-tech investments. Through open dialogue and knowledge exchange, international connections are strengthened, paving the way for future joint projects.

​Global Accelerators Interested in Investing in Serbia

The General Assembly (GA) of the Association of Balkan Chambers (ABC) was held in Skopje, bringing together presidents and representatives of the chambers of commerce from ten member countries of this significant business network: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, and Turkey. The session featured a presentation on the specialized exhibition EXPO Belgrade 2027 and the opportunities this event offers to the economies of the Balkans.
Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, President of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB), Vice President of Eurochambres, and Chairman of the World Chambers Federation (ICC), also met with the representatives of the Balkan chambers. He emphasized the crucial importance of cooperation among Balkan countries for developing the entire Southeast European region.
As highlighted at the ABC General Assembly, significant opportunities exist for collaboration among regional economies in infrastructure connectivity, mutual and joint investments, and forming business consortiums that can co-produce and present unified market approaches at local, regional, and global levels.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/IMG_7386_960x540.jpg" id="image-tag-1738577964794" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1445"></div>
Digitalization and Education as Key Drivers
Beyond strong infrastructure links, the development of the ICT sector and the digitalization of traditional industries are essential for better economic integration and the full utilization of each economy’s potential, as well as the entire area covered by the ABC chambers. Equally important is workforce development through aligning educational systems with market demands and modern labor trends.
This year, the Montenegrin Chamber of Commerce took over the ABC presidency from North Macedonia.
Before the ABC General Assembly, the Sixth Session of the National Export Council of the Government of North Macedonia was held at the Economic Chamber of North Macedonia, presided over by Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski and Chamber President Branko Azeski. During the session, the Export Institute, operating within the Chamber, was officially inaugurated.
Three Decades of the Association of Balkan Chambers
Since its establishment in 1994, the Association of Balkan Chambers has been dedicated to strengthening economic ties among member states, removing administrative and business barriers, supporting the CEFTA agreement, fostering new bilateral and multilateral partnerships, and increasing trade and investment flows.
Serbia maintains intensive economic cooperation with most ABC member states, hosting multiple major business events annually, involving hundreds of companies and thousands of B2B meetings.
For the first nine months of 2024, Serbia’s total trade volume with ABC member countries reached €10.4 billion. Serbian exports to ABC countries exceeded €6 billion, accounting for 27.45% of Serbia’s total exports worldwide during the period. Imports from ABC member countries amounted to €4.4 billion, representing 15.33% of Serbia’s total imports, as reported by Tatjana Maksimović Vujisić, Head of the Center for Multilateral Cooperation at the Serbian Chamber of Commerce (PKS).
Serbia recorded a trade surplus of €1.7 billion with ABC member states in the first nine months of 2024, achieving a positive balance in trade with Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Romania, while registering a deficit with Turkey and Greece, Maksimović Vujisić added. The ABC region boasts over 130 million consumers.
Regional Cooperation and Trade Facilitation
 Discussing the improvement of regional cooperation through infrastructure connectivity, Maksimović Vujisić reminded the GA participants of a joint initiative proposed by Marko Čadež, President of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce, and Luka Burilović, President of the Croatian Chamber of Commerce. The initiative urges national governments and the European Commission to adopt urgent measures to accelerate and facilitate the movement of goods at border crossings between the EU and the Western Balkans within the Adriatic-Ionian macro-region.
Following the adoption of this initiative by the Board of Directors of the Forum of Adriatic-Ionian Chambers, it was also included on the agenda of the 9th EUSAIR Forum in Šibenik. A key outcome was the establishment of a Working Group within the Forum to address cross-border trade challenges, which has been active since January 2025. The group is advocating with the European Commission for swift solutions to border-related trade bottlenecks between the Western Balkans and EU member states, Maksimović Vujisić noted.
The PKS delegation attending the ABC General Assembly also included Marija Borota, Advisor to the President of PKS.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/IMG_7388_960x540.jpg" id="image-tag-1738577954681" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1447"></div>

General Assembly of Balkan Chambers: EXPO 2027 Offers Great Opportunities for Regional Economies

The fourth major Serbia-Italy business forum in the past 14 months will be held today in Belgrade, gathering over 500 businesspeople, representatives of more than 200 Italian and 250 Serbian companies from nearly all economic sectors, ranging from agri-food production to ICT and energy, announced Marko Čadež, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS).
Speaking on Radio Television of Serbia, Čadež expressed confidence that Serbia’s trade exchange with Italy will reach five billion euros by the end of the year.
"More than half of the Italian companies attending the forum come from the services, ICT, logistics, and energy sectors, especially renewable energy sources. Italy is among our most important trading partners. I believe we will close the year with a trade exchange of five billion euros," Čadež stated, saying that Italian companies have so far invested over four billion euros in Serbia.
He explained that Italian and Serbian companies cooperate well because both economies are largely comprised of small and medium-sized family businesses. Serbian firms can learn a lot from their Italian counterparts, particularly about the transfer of family businesses to younger generations.
"We are at a generational turning point. Italy has mastered the process of passing down family businesses from generation to generation, enabling them to grow from small to medium-sized enterprises and integrate more quickly into international supply chains," Čadež emphasized.
He highlighted joint projects between Serbian and Italian companies in agriculture, infrastructure, logistics, and energy, while also stressing the strategic importance of the port of Trieste for the Serbian economy.
"When you have strong political relations, as Serbia and Italy have enjoyed for years, you can work on strategic projects," the CCIS president noted.
Čadež expects a significant number of B2B meetings between Serbian and Italian business representatives today and underlined the importance of planned panel discussions focusing on finance, ICT technologies, and agriculture.
He also pointed out that Italy recognizes the significance of the Western Balkans as a priority in its foreign policy and economic diplomacy. Italy has been a strong advocate for Serbia and the region’s integration into the European single market and the European Union.