Great Potential for Investment and Cooperation Between Czech and Serbian Companies

The Czech Republic is an important strategic partner for Serbia, with strong cooperation in politics, the economy, investment, business partnerships, knowledge transfer, and joint development. This was emphasized during the Serbia-Czech Round Table held at the Palace of Serbia, which was attended by top government officials, ministers, and business leaders.

The event, organized by business associations from both countries as part of a visit by the Czech state economic delegation to Serbia, featured speeches from Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, and the Presidents of the Chambers of Commerce of Serbia and the Czech Republic, Marko Čadež and Zdeněk Zajíček.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić highlighted Serbia's view of the Czech Republic as a strategic partner in both politics and economics. He pointed out that Czech companies are already active in Serbia and expressed hopes for further strengthening of cooperation.

For the first time in its history, Serbia has achieved an investment rating, and its public finances are stable, with the public debt level being half the European average. Vučić remarked, “There is much we can and must learn from you — your responsibility, seriousness, and dedication in attracting foreign direct investment, with over 100,000 foreign companies operating in your country.”

He mentioned that there is a lot to learn from the Czechs and that collaborating with Czech companies in innovative technologies, including artificial intelligence, would be advantageous. “I am confident that we will make greater progress than in the past,” Vučić stated, wishing the business representatives success in their discussions.

Marko Čadež, the President of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce, emphasized that approximately 50 companies from both the Czech Republic and Serbia, representing various sectors such as metal, automotive, IT, and transportation, are participating in the round table. He stated, “We organized this forum around the topics most requested by companies from the Czech Republic and Serbia, providing an excellent opportunity to establish business deals and contracts today.” Čadež also highlighted that the Czech Republic is a key economic partner for Serbia, contributing not only through direct investment but also by fostering the development of the Serbian business ecosystem through investments in local companies, guiding them toward new opportunities.

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala announced that trade between the Czech Republic and Serbia surpassed two billion euros in 2023 and continues to grow. He emphasized that Czech companies are eager to expand their investments in Serbia across various economic sectors.

Fiala noted that a strong business delegation visited Belgrade, including representatives from companies such as the PPF Group, which operates in biotechnology and telecommunications; Aspiro; Škoda Transport; and Mattoni, which has considerable experience in Serbia as the owner of Knjaz Miloš. Additionally, in the areas of energy and sustainable development, Czech companies are prepared to offer solutions for energy and the energy transition.

"Czech Republic is a highly industrialized country undergoing an industrial transition. We have a strong interest in enhancing energy security and ensuring sustainability, which drives our interest in various raw materials. Our companies are prepared to offer their expertise, knowledge, and high-quality products," stated Prime Minister Fiala.

Zdeněk Zajíček, President of the Czech Chamber of Commerce, highlighted that the Czech Republic is the fourth-largest investor in Serbia. He noted that there are numerous areas for cooperation, including IT, telecommunications, transportation, and more.

The President of the Czech Chamber of Commerce stated that the organization is the largest association in the country, with over 16,000 members, contributing approximately 60% to the Czech GDP. He highlighted the strong relationship with the Serbian Chamber of Commerce, which was evident during a roundtable discussion that took place today as part of Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala's visit to Serbia. 

"Czech investors view Serbia as a favorable business environment. We have invested in sectors such as transportation, telecommunications, and banking in Serbia," he added.