French Companies See Serbia as a Key Partner in the Region

The positive experiences of French investors in Serbia are reflected in the presence of 130 French companies that employ more than 13,000 workers across various economic sectors. New French investments are anticipated, and the French market remains open to Serbian companies. This was emphasized today in Lyon, France, at a business forum that brought together over 70 representatives from Serbian and French companies.

Serbia boasts stable GDP growth and a favorable investment climate, which is further validated by the presence of major companies such as Michelin and Schneider Electric. Mihailo Vesović, Vice President of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce (PKS) for International Cooperation and Development, discussed the opportunities for strengthening business ties between Serbia and France. He highlighted Serbia’s well-developed infrastructure, science and technology parks, and its free trade agreements with major global economies.

Ana Hrustanović, the Serbian Ambassador to France, emphasized the significance of French-Serbian cooperation, which is built on 186 years of diplomatic relations. She highlighted the increase in French investments in Serbia, stating, "Serbia is a strategic bridge to the Balkans, Western countries, and the rest of the world," as demonstrated by recently signed free trade agreements with China and Egypt. Hrustanović invited French companies to invest in Serbia.

Sanja Ivanić, Director of the French-Serbian Chamber of Commerce, reminded attendees of the strong presence of French companies in Serbia, which currently number 130 and employ over 13,000 people. "The closer we cooperate, the more prepared France will be for new investments," Ivanić emphasized.

Michelin Serbia, a French investment in Serbia, highlighted the positive experience of doing business with France. Igor Tatić, a representative of Elixir Group, also discussed the collaboration with French partners in the mineral fertilizers sector.

Philippe Meunier, Vice President of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, and Bertrand Vellon both agreed that France considers Serbia a key partner in the region, emphasizing the long-standing historical and economic ties between the two countries. They stressed the importance of further strengthening bilateral trade and investment.

As part of the forum, B2B meetings were conducted between French and Serbian companies. Additionally, a visit to the Global Industry fair—one of the largest events focused on industrial innovation and technological advancement—is scheduled for tomorrow.

Photo: PKS / Ivana Adamović, Kristina Lakić, Dragan Stevanović