Interconnect Conference- A Chance to Meet the Buyers

Effective matchmaking of companies from the Western Balkan region with large foreign buyers from Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Poland, and Sweden operating in the metal-processing sector and rubber and plastic industry will be the focus of one of the most important business events in the region- the Interconnect Conference, which is to be held in Belgrade on April 26 and 27^th.

What makes Interconnect unique is the platform for efficient matchmaking of the companies from Serbia and the region with more than 15 big foreign buyers who are interested to do business with the Western Balkan Region. Companies, immediately upon registration, are able to search for partners through the platform and connect with them prior to the conference, while during the conference they will be able to have meetings in person. The day after will be an opportunity for company visits" says Matthias Loidold, one of the conference organizers.

Representatives of foreign companies that will take participation at the conference want to establish partnerships and stable supply chains with companies from Serbia and the region. The potential of Serbian companies in the sector of the metal processing and industry of plastics is indicated by the growth of exports by 28 percent in 2022, Loidold pointed out, stating that Interconnect contributes to the development of the region, because it not only presents networking event for companies, but a connects managers- supply and demand.

The Summit held last year in autumn was an event with a different concept and it brought new business opportunities for businessmen but also provided reliable insight into strategic directions in business development. I believe that this year will attract a large number of companies, he emphasized.

Among the companies that have already secured participation at Interconnect is Mecafor Products Kikinda, which operates in the field of mechanical engineering and cooperates with global brands in the world of the automotive industry and agricultural machinery. Company director Nebojša Nedeljković says that they are participating in the Interconnect conference for the first time and that they expect to find new customers for their products.

"We deal with machining and plastic injection molding in the automotive sector for well-known customers and brands, we export everything we produce, and we want to find new partners for cooperation at the conference." We are particularly interested in the possibility of potential company visits the day after," Nedeljković points out.

 More than two hundred representatives of companies are expected to participate, who will have the opportunity to connect with renowned partners, negotiate new deals, and join international supply chains, but also to exchange experiences with leading world experts on the latest trends, challenges, and solutions in the field of sustainability, production processes and conditions of global trade and industry. One of the main speakers will be Thyssenkupp CPO, Ferdinand Wieland, who will highlight the most current topics in international business as well as the best practice of sustainability and circularity at a global expert level.

Hendrik Hansen, Global Category Manager for Special Projects at Roche Diagnostics will share sustainability experiences in the supply chain and bring current trends closer presenting Roche Diagnostics' business example.

 The "Interconnect" conference will be held at the Metropol Palace Hotel in Belgrade, and companies can apply for participation via the https://interconnect.pks.rs/Companies wishing to participate in bilateral meetings at Interconnect will apply from Friday, April 7th through a special platform.

InterConnect is organized by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia and company Convestensics, with the support of the "Big Small Economy" project financed by USAID and implemented by the organization ACDI/VOCA.