The General Assembly of the Federation of Danube Chambers of Commerce (DCCF) was held at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS).&nbsp;Participants emphasized that the countries of this region are important partners to one another, that there are significant opportunities for even stronger economic ties, and that through joint implementation of infrastructure, transport, and other projects, more funding can be attracted from EU funds within the Danube Transnational Programme.
At today’s meeting in the CCIS, presidents and representatives from 16 chambers of commerce from eight countries of the Danube region, and members of this business association, participated, including Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Germany, Romania, Serbia, and Turkey.

Joint Projects in the Danube Region Open Doors to EU Funds

The prestigious international entrepreneurship development program, “LEADER Project Serbia 2026,” designed for 40 young entrepreneurs, startup founders, and young professionals from various industries, officially began today at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS) and will run until May 15.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/DSC01824.jpg" id="image-tag-1777899395265" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2248"></div>The project is implemented by the Canadian-Serbian Business Association (CANSEE), in cooperation with one of Canada’s leading business schools, Ivey Business School, with the support of the CCIS and the Embassy of Canada in Serbia.
At the opening ceremony, Executive Director of the Canadian-Serbian Business Association, Mirjana Dončić-Biton, stated that this marks the 11th edition of the LEADER program in Serbia.
She emphasized that the program represents a unique educational concept that has, for decades, brought together young entrepreneurs and professionals with the aim of enhancing their business knowledge and skills.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/DSC01850.jpg" id="image-tag-1777899368886" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2244"></div>
Dončić-Biton specified that during the ten-day intensive course, participants from Serbia will have the opportunity to learn about global best business practices through interactive MBA-format workshops led by five Canadian instructors.
“Our goal is to empower young people through practical examples. These programs introduce the most advanced approaches in entrepreneurship, business management, leadership, as well as managerial skills that participants can take away from this program,” she said.
According to her, tracking participants who have completed the program in Serbia shows that they remain active in the domestic economy and enter the market with new products and startups.
Deputy President of the CCIS, Mihailo Vesović, addressing the participants, stated that entrepreneurial education and continuous professional development in business are becoming increasingly important, highlighting that joint initiatives in this field are among the most valuable activities carried out by the CCIS.
He announced that in three weeks, a CCIS delegation along with around 30 Serbian business representatives will take part in a promotional flight on the Belgrade–Toronto route, marking the launch of a direct flight by the national airline Air Serbia.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/DSC01842.jpg" id="image-tag-1777899383667" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2245"></div>
“This is not only about a promotional flight and the launch of a permanent direct Belgrade–Toronto route, which will provide significant support to the business community in developing cooperation, but we will also organize a business forum in Toronto on that occasion,” Vesović said.
According to him, this level of visit and organization of a business forum is rare in previous practice, but also represents an exceptional opportunity to enhance economic relations.
Vesović added that, in addition to the business forum and direct meetings with business representatives from Toronto and the Province of Ontario, the delegation will have specialized visits to companies in the aviation industry, including Bombardier, with the aim of learning about experiences and cooperation opportunities in the high-tech sector.
He also emphasized that the services sector dominates economic cooperation between Serbia and Canada, adding that geographical distance and logistical challenges are not key obstacles to competitiveness.
“Serbia is a well-positioned and attractive market for Canadian investors, while for us, Canada represents an opportunity to raise our technological level and establish partnerships on a global scale,” Vesović said.
He noted that Serbian-Canadian relations represent an important form of transatlantic cooperation and expressed expectations that, following the business forum and the establishment of the direct flight, there will be a significant increase in trade exchange, particularly in the services sector, information technology, and artificial intelligence.
Ambassador of Canada to Serbia, Michelle Cameron, stated that the “LEADER Project” is one of the flagship programs that has, across 23 countries, supported more than 10,000 young entrepreneurs in launching their ideas.
“What I value most about this program is that it encourages and develops entrepreneurship, enabling participants to remain in their home country, start their own businesses or, if they are already employed, become even better by applying newly acquired techniques,” she said.
Cameron emphasized that the program will enable young people to develop their ideas, start their own companies, operate successfully, and bring those ideas to the global market.
“As an ambassador, I assign each participant the role of an ambassador&mdash;to, through developing their ideas and launching businesses, become carriers of new business ties between our two countries,” she stated.
Cameron added that she believes participants, upon completing the program, will gain new ideas for launching businesses that are significant for Serbia.
As stated, the LEADER program was founded in 1991 by MBA students of Ivey Business School, with the mission to support the development of entrepreneurial ideas and empower a new generation of leaders.

The 11th LEADER Project Serbia 2026 for Youth Launched at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia

Switzerland is the sixth-largest investor in Serbia and the fourth-largest export market for the domestic IT industry, with significant potential for further deepening cooperation in mechanical engineering, railways, artificial intelligence, robotics, construction, and the pharmaceutical industry, said Mihailo Vesović, Deputy President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS), at a meeting with a business delegation from the Swiss Confederation at the Palace of Serbia today.
The Swiss business delegation is visiting Belgrade as part of the two-day official visit of the President of the Swiss Confederation, Guy Parmelin, who was hosted by the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, on the occasion of the 110th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Serbia and Switzerland.
“On the occasion of the visit of the Swiss President, we have a business delegation led by one of the most experienced teams representing their leading business associations, primarily in mechanical engineering, railways, pharmaceuticals, aviation, and the construction materials industry,” Vesović stated.
He emphasized that Swiss companies are interested in advancing innovation, technological, and scientific cooperation with Serbia, which boasts high-quality universities and skilled engineers.
“Switzerland is the sixth-largest investor in Serbia, and all prerequisites are in place for cooperation to reach an even higher level,” Vesović pointed out, adding that trade between the two countries exceeds one billion euros. He also noted that Switzerland is the fourth-largest export market for Serbia’s IT industry, following Germany, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
Christoph Mäder, President of Economiesuisse, the largest umbrella organization of the Swiss economy, highlighted the importance of strengthening ties through direct business engagement.
“The Swiss economy is largely composed of small and medium-sized enterprises. Many of them are export-oriented. Although relatively small, these companies are highly active within their niche markets,” Mäder said, stressing that the visit of the Swiss delegation presents an excellent opportunity to unlock cooperation potential between the two economies.
The meeting between Serbian and Swiss companies was also attended by the Minister of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure, Aleksandra Sofronijević, and the Minister of Internal and External Trade, Jagoda Lazarević. The potential of EXPO 2027 and the GITEX exhibition was also presented, alongside B2B meetings between Serbian and Swiss companies.

Vesović: Strong Potential for Cooperation with Switzerland in Innovation and Industry

Serbia and India are entering a new phase of economic relations, with a clear goal of increasing bilateral trade from the current approximately $130 million to as much as $1 billion within the next two to three years, while also strengthening business ties between their companies. This was stated by Marko Čadež, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, and Ashish Saraf, Honorary Representative of the Chamber in India, during the “Čadež Talk” program.
Čadež emphasized that Serbia is rapidly building its position as a regional economic hub, with growing interest from global partners. “We are preparing a large business delegation from India to visit Belgrade, as well as organizing visits of Serbian companies to India. We have a concrete goal and a clear timeline&mdash;and we are beginning to work seriously toward achieving it,” Čadež stressed.
Saraf assessed that the target is achievable with strong institutional support and determination on both sides. He particularly highlighted the importance of establishing a direct flight route, which would position Serbia as a gateway for Indian companies entering Europe. “Serbia has the potential to become an important bridge to the European Union&mdash;geographically, economically, and logistically,” Saraf noted.
Speaking about Serbia, he pointed to visible strong development, especially in infrastructure, urban development, and the business environment. As a symbol of this transformation, he singled out the Belgrade Waterfront project, which he described as an example of modernization and the capital’s new image. “It is tremendous progress&mdash;a space that today looks like a small Dubai, well-organized, clean, and attractive for both living and business,” Saraf said.
He identified Serbia’s key advantages as an educated and motivated workforce, strong English-language proficiency, and competitive business costs. He added that Serbia offers significant opportunities in the tourism, technology, and manufacturing sectors.
The speakers agreed on the need to strengthen the presence of companies in both markets, as well as to improve mutual understanding of their potential. Saraf invited Serbian businesspeople to visit India and experience a market undergoing rapid transformation: “Don’t start with business&mdash;come and feel India first, because only then can you truly understand its opportunities.”
Artificial intelligence was also highlighted as one of the key drivers of global change. Saraf noted that AI is dramatically transforming the way people learn, do business, and function as a society, while also bringing challenges such as labor market transformation. “Progress is inevitable&mdash;it brings more knowledge and efficiency, but it also requires adaptation,” he said, pointing out that India, with hundreds of millions of smartphone users, is one of the key players in this process.
Speaking about India, Saraf assessed that it is not only developing but also actively shaping the future of the world, from technology to the global economy. Rising confidence, infrastructure development, and technological advancement have positioned India as an equal global player, with a decreasing need to look up to Europe as a model.
Reflecting on Europe, Saraf noted that it once represented a “role model” for Indian citizens, but that perception is changing. Today, he said, India offers its own “wow factor,” while Europe, unless it accelerates reforms and efficiency, risks becoming a “large museum.”
In the broader context of global change, the speakers highlighted growing uncertainty in the world economy and the need for greater self-sufficiency among countries. Saraf emphasized that success depends on mindset rather than the size of a country, and that smaller economies like Serbia can achieve significant progress through strategic partnerships.
A special part of the discussion was dedicated to entrepreneurship and personal development. Saraf stressed that it is often easier and more successful to start “from scratch,” as there is no fear of loss. “When you have nothing, you have everything to gain. That is the essence of the entrepreneurial spirit,” he concluded, adding that this path has shaped many of the world’s most successful leaders.

Serbia and India: A $1 Billion Trade Target and a New Era of Cooperation

Economic cooperation between Serbia and the Republic of South Africa (RSA) holds significant potential for strengthening in the fields of energy, mining, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals, it was stated today at a meeting between Mihailo Vesović, Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS), and Alvin Botes, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the RSA.
The meeting participants agreed that additional momentum for cooperation could come from the potential opening of a CCIS representative office in South Africa.
“Cooperation with the entire African continent is very important to us, especially with South Africa, where we see strong potential for enhancing collaboration in energy, renewable energy sources, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, as well as in the ICT sector, construction, logistics, and other areas,” Vesović emphasized.
He noted that, in order to further advance economic relations, it would be important for a business delegation from Serbia to visit South Africa in the near future, to explore opportunities for joint investments and joint appearances in third markets with local business representatives.
Vesović also highlighted Serbia’s strategic position in the region, as well as the opportunities that will open up for South African businesses during the international exhibition Expo 2027.
Botes recalled the historical ties between South Africa and the former Yugoslavia, stressing the importance of building on these strong foundations to further develop economic relations between the Serbian and South African business communities. He particularly pointed out the potential for cooperation in energy, mining, the food industry, and other sectors, noting that in the coming period it is necessary to accelerate and concretize business ties between the two economies.
The Republic of South Africa is a developed market with vast mineral resources and a strong industrial base, serving as a hub for numerous international companies across various sectors. Key industries include steel production, construction, energy, and manufacturing, among others.

Serbia and South Africa Open a New Era of Cooperation: Energy and Mining in Focus

For the fourth consecutive year, Serbia is participating in the Vinitaly wine fair in Verona&mdash;one of the most prestigious and largest events of its kind in the world&mdash;with a clear goal: to strengthen the international position of Serbian wines and rakija and to promote the Wine Vision by Open Balkan fair, which will take place in Belgrade from October 10 to 12. At the Wine Vision by Open Balkan pavilion, more than 140 carefully selected wines and rakija from Serbia are being presented to the international professional audience in Verona from April 12 to 15.
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The selection of premium beverages has been prepared by the Serbian Association of Winemakers and Winegrowers and the Serbian Association of Rakija Producers, in cooperation with leading domestic wineries and distilleries, with the aim of showcasing the quality, authenticity, and diversity of Serbia’s offerings in one place. Through professionally guided tastings, visitors have the opportunity to explore indigenous grape varieties, contemporary styles, and the export potential of Serbian wines and rakija.
 Established in 1967, Vinitaly gathers more than 4,000 exhibitors and professional buyers from over 130 countries, making it one of the key global platforms in the wine industry. In such an environment, Wine Vision by Open Balkan continues to strengthen its international recognition. Cooperation with Vinitaly has developed as a partnership that includes the exchange of knowledge, business contacts, and active engagement of international buyers. As a result, an increasing number of Italian wineries participate in the Belgrade fair each year, while the partnership also ensures the presence of professional buyers from the Vinitaly network.
 “It is a particular pleasure that our country is presenting itself at this fair through the prestigious event ‘Wine Vision by Open Balkan,’ which is the result of the personal commitment of the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić. This clearly demonstrates that Serbia has become a relevant player on the European wine map. Visitor interest in our wines is significant, and this success is the result of coordinated efforts by the Government of the Republic of Serbia, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, the Association of Winemakers and Winegrowers, and the Association of Rakija Producers. The state has provided substantial incentives for our winemakers and winegrowers, and we will continue to pursue new export arrangements and further develop Serbia’s wine sector,” said Dragan Glamočić, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of Serbia, during his visit to the Wine Vision by Open Balkan pavilion.
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“Direct contact with top-tier buyers and the opportunity for them to taste our wines and rakija are crucial for entering new markets and achieving tangible business results,” emphasized Igor Popović, Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia. “At Vinitaly, we present a cross-section of the very best Serbia has to offer today&mdash;from indigenous varieties to authentic expressions of Serbian terroir. The strong interest of the professional audience confirms that our wines, like our rakija, have growing international potential,” said Stevan Rajta, Director of the Serbian Association of Winemakers and Winegrowers.
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In line with the regional concept of the initiative, wines from North Macedonia and Albania are also being showcased at the pavilion, further strengthening the regional identity and recognition of the wine offering.
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Photo: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management and Nina Mirković, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia

Serbia at Vinitaly: Strengthening the Global Position of Wines and Rakija and Promoting Wine Vision by Open Balkan

Serbia is a “quiet rising star of the Balkans,” an economy marked by stable GDP growth, rising wages, an employment rate exceeding 50 percent, strong fiscal stability, improving credit ratings, and growing exports and investment. Additional momentum is expected from EXPO 2027, with projected effects of around six billion euros, said Professor Luigi Rizzo.
The Vice President of Morgan Stanley, a professor at Columbia Business School, and a visiting lecturer at several global universities, Rizzo noted on his LinkedIn profile that Serbia today represents one of the most compelling development stories in Europe.
He emphasized that Serbia had long been “under the radar,” but now stands out as one of the most promising economies, with strong and visible growth momentum and solid economic fundamentals.
According to him, over the past five years, Serbia has achieved steady economic growth, alongside significant improvements in the labor market and continuous wage increases. At the same time, progress has been made in public finances, including a reduction in public debt and an improved credit rating.
Rizzo pointed out that Serbia remains one of the leading destinations for foreign direct investment in the region, while export growth further confirms the resilience and competitiveness of the domestic economy.
He particularly highlighted the importance of the upcoming EXPO 2027 event, which is expected to gather more than 120 countries and attract millions of visitors, generating significant economic effects in tourism, investment, and overall economic activity.
“Although challenges remain, the fundamentals are strong, and the energy in Belgrade is tangible. A quietly ambitious Balkan economy on the move,” Rizzo stated.
Professor Rizzo was a guest at a recent event organized by ESEM Business School and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, where he discussed current economic challenges, sustainable growth, and the role of new technologies in the modern business environment with Marko Čadež, President of the Chamber.
Photo: Boban Ristić

Professor Luigi Rizzo: Serbia is the Balkans’ Quiet Rising Star

International logistics company JUSDA Europe has officially launched its operations in Serbia by opening a new regional center in Zrenjanin, from which it plans to serve the entire Southeast European region. In doing so, Serbia continues to strengthen its position as a key logistics gateway between Europe and global markets.The company’s entry into the Serbian market was marked by a meeting in Belgrade between Petr Škoda, CEO of JUSDA Europe, and Marko Čadež, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia. The main topic of discussion was Serbia’s growing role as a strategic hub for industry and logistics, as well as opportunities for further joint development in supply chains.
The newly established company, JUSDA SEE, headquartered in Zrenjanin, has already begun operations through a modern logistics center offering warehousing, transport, and comprehensive end-to-end supply chain solutions. The company is responding to increasing demand for nearshoring, faster delivery, and more resilient logistics across Europe.
“Serbia represents a strategic point for our further growth in Europe. Thanks to our new base in Zrenjanin, we can offer our clients faster and more flexible services, while supporting the development of efficient supply chains in the region,” said Škoda.
President Čadež welcomed JUSDA’s arrival on the Serbian market and expressed strong support from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia for the company’s future development and activities in the country. According to him, JUSDA’s presence will positively impact the business environment in Serbia and strengthen industry across almost all sectors&mdash;from automotive and chemical to food production, particularly in the transport of fruits and vegetables.
The entry of JUSDA Europe sends a strong signal that Serbia is becoming not only a regional logistics center, but also an important hub connecting Europe with other markets. Serbia is developing its infrastructure and logistics capacities to attract new international flows of goods and become a key distribution point in the region and beyond. Projects of this kind strengthen Serbia’s ties with international markets, Čadež emphasized.
He particularly highlighted the importance of strengthening transport infrastructure, with a focus on the railway sector, in order for Serbia to meet the growing demands of logistics flows.
As a logistics partner within the Foxconn ecosystem, JUSDA provides solutions for a wide range of industries, including technology, automotive, retail, and manufacturing.
The opening of the center in Zrenjanin represents another step in the development of regional infrastructure and confirms the trend of bringing production and logistics closer to European markets. Serbia is increasingly positioning itself as a key hub for international trade and industry in Southeast Europe.
About JUSDA Europe
JUSDA Europe is a leading Czech logistics company with more than 25 years of experience in international transport and warehousing. It is part of the multinational Hon Hai Technology Group. The company is an internationally recognized provider of transport services, specializing in deliveries for the technology, automotive, retail, and industrial manufacturing sectors.
It operates across Europe, with a focus on Eurasian and American markets. In addition to transport by truck, rail, sea, and air, it offers warehousing capacities and customized solutions tailored to client needs. It has its own warehouses in Pardubice, Kutná Hora, Dašice, and Serbia. JUSDA Europe is certified according to ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and TAPA A standards.

JUSDA Europe Opens Regional Center in Zrenjanin

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, in cooperation with the Commercial Section of the U.S. Embassy in Belgrade, organized a webinar dedicated to opportunities for Serbian companies in the U.S. market, with a focus on the SelectUSA program and support for the internationalization process.
Economic cooperation between Serbia and the United States is characterized by investments from American companies, which play a significant role in economic development and employment. The services sector, particularly the IT industry, has recorded strong growth and represents a key comparative advantage of Serbia, emphasized Marica Vidanović, Head of the Center for cooperation with North, Central, and South America and Australia at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia.
The event brought together representatives of the domestic business community interested in entering one of the most competitive markets in the world, presenting key trends, challenges, and concrete opportunities for cooperation with U.S. partners.
Boris Popovski, representative of the Commercial Section of the U.S. Embassy in Belgrade, spoke about investment opportunities and business expansion in the United States, presenting the SelectUSA program as the central “one-stop-shop” platform of the U.S. Government. The program provides companies with access to relevant market information, support in understanding the regulatory framework, and direct connections with U.S. states and economic development organizations.
The SelectUSA Investment Summit (May 3–6, 2026, Washington, D.C.) was also highlighted as the most significant event in the United States dedicated to foreign direct investment, bringing together more than 5,500 participants from over 100 countries. The summit includes numerous expert panels, B2B meetings, exhibition space, and opportunities for direct networking with investors and institutional representatives, making it an important platform for establishing concrete business contacts and making investment decisions.
Aleksandra Mališić, representative of the Commercial Section of the U.S. Embassy in Belgrade, presented digital tools and resources available to companies, emphasizing that timely access to information, analyses, and advisory services enables more efficient identification of business opportunities, risk reduction, and a strategic approach to entering the U.S. market.
During the webinar, participants were also informed about current trade conditions and regulatory challenges, with an emphasis on the importance of continuously monitoring changes and carefully planning entry into the U.S. market.
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia will continue to support domestic companies through information sharing, partner matchmaking, and the organization of international activities, inviting businesses to take advantage of available programs, including SelectUSA, to strengthen their presence in the U.S. market.Check for new webinars at Events Section&nbsp;<a href="https://pks.rs/dogadjaji">https://pks.rs/dogadjaji</a>

Gateway to the U.S. Market: Serbian Companies Explore Business Opportunities via SelectUSA

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS) today appointed Ashish Saraf, an Indian businessman, industrialist, and diplomat, as its Honorary Representative in India, said Marko Čadež, President of CCIS, following a meeting with the Ambassador of India to Serbia, Abhishek Shukla.
The appointment of Saraf, who serves as CEO of Saraf Group, as the representative of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia in India will enable more intensive cooperation between the business communities of the two countries, as well as joint activities in third markets, Čadež emphasized.

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“There is enormous potential for cooperation between our two economies, and Serbia, as well as the entire region with around 22 million people, can in the future be very important for Indian companies seeking faster access to the European Union market,” said Čadež.
In the coming period, business forums between Serbian and Indian companies, as well as B2B meetings, will be organized, Čadež announced, highlighting that one of the key opportunities for strengthening bilateral economic cooperation lies in the establishment of direct flights between Serbia and India, as well as in simplifying procedures related to workforce mobility from India.
Ambassador Shukla emphasized that the goal is for bilateral trade between the two countries to reach one billion dollars within the next three years, adding that a well-known Indian IT company will open an office in Serbia in the near future.

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The meeting highlighted significant potential for cooperation between the two business communities in sectors such as fertilizer production, energy, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, defense industry, financial services, and ICT.
India represents one of the key emerging economic and geopolitical powers, with a population of over 1.4 billion and the status of the fastest-growing major economy in the world, with stable annual GDP growth of 6–7 percent. The Indian economy is characterized by strong import demand for raw materials, semi-finished products, industrial components, and high-quality food products, making it one of the most promising markets for diversifying Serbia’s exports.

​  Čadež: Ashish Saraf Appointed Honorary Representative of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia in India

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS), in cooperation with Convestenics, is organizing the fourth edition of the “InterConnect 2026” conference, which will take place on April 28–29 at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, starting at 9:30 a.m.
The InterConnect BSM Matchmaking Conference has already established itself as an important platform for connecting businesses from Serbia and the region with international partners.&nbsp;
All interested companies can register for participation until April 24 via the following link<a href="https://www.interconnect-conference.com">https://www.interconnect-confe...</a>
This year, German companies seeking reliable suppliers and long-term partners include ZF Friedrichshafen AG, which is interested in cooperation in the automotive industry, as well as in railway technology, aerospace, and wind energy. KIRCHHOFF Automotive focuses on collaboration with companies in the automotive sector. The Villeroy & Boch Group offers cooperation opportunities in the production of ceramics, plastics, and metal components, while Mühlhoff Umformtechnik GmbH is looking for partners in metal processing and the automotive industry. GEDA GmbH is opening opportunities for cooperation with companies from the construction and industrial sectors.
“Following three successfully held conferences that attracted significant interest, we continue with a clear goal – increasing exports of domestic companies to Western European markets and creating new business opportunities for industrial manufacturers from the region. We believe that the InterConnect BSM Matchmaking Conference will once again open doors to new international partnerships and further strengthen the position of companies in the European market,” said Matthias Loidold, Director of Convestenics.
The conference will be structured into three key segments. After registration, participants will gain access to a secure B2B platform for scheduling meetings with international buyers, significantly increasing efficiency and the potential for concluding concrete business deals.
On the first day of the conference, following the opening session, five hours of intensive B2B meetings will take place, focused on direct connections between manufacturers and buyers, as well as assessing the potential for future cooperation.
On the second day, international buyers will have the opportunity to visit the production facilities of selected companies in Serbia. All registered companies will be considered for visits, while the final selection will be made by the buyers themselves, based on the meetings held and the level of interest expressed during the first day of the conference.
All interested companies are invited to take advantage of this opportunity for direct access to global supply chains and to enhance their business through international cooperation.

InterConnect 2026 – An Opportunity for Domestic Companies to Connect with German Partners

The foundation stone for an innovation center of Toyo Tire company was laid in Inđija, in the presence of the President of the Republic of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić. On that occasion, he stated that this act also lays the foundation for a shared vision of Serbia and Japan's future and that the investment confirms Serbia’s position as a strategic hub from which markets worldwide can be reached.
The ceremony was also attended by Satoru Moriya, Executive Officer of Toyo Tire Corporation in charge of the technology sector; Jagoda Lazarević, Minister of Domestic and Foreign Trade; Bela Balint, Minister of Science, Technological Development and Innovation; and Maja Gojković, President of the Government of Vojvodina, as well as Atsushi Saito, a representative of the Embassy of Japan in Serbia, and representatives of the Municipality of Inđija and other relevant institutions.
The Innovation Center will serve as a key hub for advancing processing technologies. It will focus on developing new formulations and materials, designing materials and compounds, and conducting research and evaluating raw materials. In this way, the center will contribute to the further development of advanced manufacturing technologies. It will cover approximately 4,600 square meters and, thanks to its proximity to the factory and test track, will enable a fast and efficient process&mdash;from material development through tire production to vehicle testing&mdash;significantly accelerating product development and validation and shortening time-to-market.
“The opening of an R&D center within the Toyo Tire factory represents an important step for the industrial and technological development of the Republic of Serbia. This innovation center brings knowledge transfer and the application of the highest international standards, enabling domestic industry to integrate into global research and development flows. This positions Serbia as a participant in modern innovative industrial trends, not merely as a production base,” said Dragan Stevanović, Secretary of the Association for Chemical, Rubber and Non-Metal Industry of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia.
Toyo Tire, which employs more than 11,000 people globally, began production in Inđija in 2022, where it currently employs around 630 workers and produces approximately five million tires annually. In 2019, the company established a development center in Germany, and together with technology centers in Japan and North America, built a global R&D network. To strengthen competitiveness in the European market, development functions are now being further concentrated in Serbia, where production and sales capacities are already in place. The new center is expected to begin operations in January 2027.

​  Foundation Stone Laid for Toyo Tire Innovation Center in Inđija

Hydrogen is a strategic resource of the future and one of the key pillars of the global energy transition. Serbia must rapidly and systematically develop its hydrogen economy as a crucial instrument for energy transition, decarbonisation, and strengthening energy security. Strong cooperation among the government, industry, and academia, accelerated development of the regulatory framework, as well as increased investments, innovation, and international support are essential for this process, it was emphasized at the Third Belgrade Hydrogen Conference, which opened at the Hyatt Hotel and gathered representatives of state institutions, businesses, academia, and international partners.Vice President of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce (CCIS), Mihailo Vesović, highlighted the important role of the Chamber in connecting businesses, academia, and institutions in the development of the hydrogen economy. He recalled that the Chamber, in cooperation with relevant faculties, participated in drafting Serbia’s hydrogen development strategy. He identified production, demand, and infrastructure as key development elements, emphasizing that the entire process must be market-oriented. He also pointed to the importance of adopting a national strategy, as well as the contribution of the hydrogen cluster that brings together all relevant stakeholders in this process.
Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Đedović Handanović pointed out that hydrogen is taking an increasingly important place in Serbia’s energy transition process, particularly in the context of global challenges and the energy crisis the world has faced since 2022. She stressed the necessity of reducing dependence on fossil fuels, despite the complexity of that process, and underlined hydrogen’s important role in decarbonisation, especially in sectors such as transport.
She particularly highlighted activities aimed at improving the legislative framework, including amendments to the Energy Law adopted in December 2024, as well as work on the hydrogen development programme covering production, transport, and storage. Attention was also drawn to the importance of pilot projects, including the demonstration plant in Vinča implemented with the support of the European Union, as well as the need for further development of renewable energy sources and investments in education and science.
Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Belgrade, Prof. Dr Vladimir Popović, emphasized that the hydrogen cluster actively contributes to the development of this sector by connecting key stakeholders, supporting infrastructure development, providing education, and participating in the drafting of strategic documents. He pointed to the significant potential of green hydrogen in reducing carbon dioxide emissions and decreasing the use of fossil fuels.
British Ambassador to Serbia Edward Ferguson stressed that the transition toward a clean economy is inevitable, with hydrogen being one of the central elements of that process. He highlighted Serbia’s importance as a partner in the development of renewable energy sources and decarbonisation, as well as the potential for strengthening regional cooperation and attracting investments.
German Ambassador to Serbia Anke Konrad emphasized that hydrogen can play a central role in the transition toward alternative fuels while strengthening energy security, adding that Germany strongly supports Serbia’s green transformation. She particularly highlighted the energy potential of Serbia and the Western Balkans region.
Ambassador of the Kingdom of Denmark Pernille Dahler Kardel pointed to the advanced development of hydrogen technologies in Denmark and the importance of setting ambitious goals in the field of green hydrogen, recalling the large number of projects that Denmark is implementing worldwide.
EU Ambassador and Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Serbia Andreas von Beckerath assessed that the conference is taking place at the right moment, given the rapid changes in the energy sector. He highlighted the key role of green hydrogen in strengthening energy independence, especially in industries such as chemicals and transport, as well as the European Union’s plan to produce 10 million tonnes of hydrogen by 2030. He also emphasized the importance of the CBAM mechanism, stressing that hydrogen represents a strategic tool for Serbia’s long-term economic transformation.
The Third Belgrade Hydrogen Conference once again confirmed that the development of the hydrogen economy requires synergy between the state, industry, and academia, as well as strong international cooperation, in order for Serbia to successfully respond to the challenges of the energy transition and make full use of the potential offered by this technology.
Photo: Tanjug / Jadranka Ilić