President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, Marko Čadež, has been elected as a member of the General Council of the World Chambers Federation (WCF).
Over the past several weeks, WCF members from 120 countries voted to elect 20 chamber leaders to serve on the Federation’s General Council. Marko Čadež’s mandate in this international body will run until June 2028.
Chair of the World Chambers Federation, Mr. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, congratulated Čadež on his election and invited him to attend the first meeting of the new Council on September 1 in Melbourne, Australia.
The key objective of the new General Council is to strengthen cooperation with over 100 chambers of commerce worldwide, with a particular focus on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises through the initiatives of the International Chamber of Commerce. Special emphasis will be placed on improving access to global markets, advancing digitalization and innovation, and promoting better integration into international supply chains.
The World Chambers Federation, with over 1,500 members, is the largest global platform for chamber cooperation. It operates as an integral part of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC).

Marko Čadež Elected Member of the General Council of the World Chambers Federation

The project "SMEs Support to Digital and AI Transformation" by the Serbian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIS) – Center for Digital Transformation (CDT), has been selected as a finalist of the 14th World Chambers Competition organized by the World Chambers Federation of the International Chamber of Commerce (WCF ICC). The winner will be announced on September 4 in Melbourne, during the WCF ICC World Chambers Congress.
The CCIS delegation will be led by Marko Čadež, President of the Chamber, who was recently elected to the General Council of the World Chambers Federation (GC WCF ICC) by representatives of more than 120 chambers worldwide.
The World Chambers Competition is the most prestigious global event recognizing innovative chamber projects. The CCIS–CDT project has advanced to the finals among 83 projects from 41 countries in the category of&nbsp;Best Chamber Innovation Project.
In the final round of this category, along with the CCIS project "SMEs Support to Digital and AI Transformation", are:
<ul>
<li>
The "Innovation in International Trade: Carnet Tracker and CarnetCheck” project by Business West from the United Kingdom,
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<li>
The "ATONET Smart Assistant", an AI-powered chatbot by the Ankara Chamber of Commerce, Turkey,
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<li>
and the "CHaCHa" chatbot by the Chamber of Commerce of Iran.
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</ul>
The CCIS–CDT project offers a structured and adaptable methodology to support digital transformation of the SME sector internationally. The services provided by CCIS–CDT, which are also available to foreign chambers, include:
<ul>
<li>
creation of national frameworks for SME digital transformation,
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<li>
training and ISO 17024-certified accreditation of digital transformation consultants,
</li>
<li>
development of comprehensive support programs for SMEs undergoing digitalization,
</li>
<li>
transfer of educational models from the Digital Academy,
</li>
<li>
provision of data analysis tools and impact monitoring,
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<li>
and support for startup ecosystem development.
</li>
</ul>
These services enable the Serbian Chamber of Commerce and chambers worldwide to empower the SME sector, enhance digital skills, and develop sustainable innovation ecosystems based on a proven model from Serbia.
In addition to the Best Chamber Innovation Project category, chambers worldwide submitted entries in the following categories:
<ul>
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Best Out-of-the-Box Project,
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Best Green Transition Project,
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Best Collaboration between Chambers, Business, and Government,
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and Best Diversity and Inclusion Project.
</li></ul>

Innovative Project of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce Reaches Finals of Prestigious World Chambers Competition (WCF ICC) July 29, 2025

The participation of Serbian companies at the 3rd China International Supply Chain Expo in Beijing&mdash;one of the most significant industrial events in China, Asia, and globally&mdash;has led to concrete business deals for Serbian entrepreneurs and opened new doors to the Chinese market and cooperation with large systems. The Chinese Customs Administration has placed Serbian goods on a priority list to accelerate certification and other necessary procedures, which is strategically important for our exports, stated Marko Čadež, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS), from Beijing.
“These are extremely important days for Serbia’s economy. In just three days of the expo, our companies have held over 500 business meetings with Chinese partners, with some already establishing partnerships and finalizing deals. Serbian companies are entering the supply chains of major Chinese systems,” said Čadež.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/DSC00984-2_960x639.jpg" id="image-tag-1753102042369" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1776"></div>
Logistics companies like Intereuropa Group, Milšped, and Nelt met with over 60 firms from the automotive and other industries to discuss service provision and integration into Chinese supply chains. “It seems we are on the verge of signing significant deals,” Čadež added.Belgrade-based Silver Bell Group, a leader in the BPO sector, is opening an office in Beijing after holding over 200 meetings.
Special attention was drawn to Bambi, which held a series of meetings with leading distributors and retail chains in China. It is expected that the “Plazma” brand, along with other Bambi products, will soon appear on shelves across the Chinese market.
“This would not have been possible without the Free Trade Agreement with China, which gives Serbia a unique advantage as one of the few European countries with such a deal. Following the strong political ties and friendship between Presidents Xi Jinping and Aleksandar Vučić, it is now time to solidify our economic relations,” emphasized Čadež.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/DSC00856_960x639.jpg" id="image-tag-1753102055249" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1775"></div>
Serbia is already recording significant export growth to China, and Chinese investments in the Serbian economy have exceeded €5.5 billion over the past four years. To further strengthen Serbian exports and business cooperation, CCIS has signed an agreement with one of China’s leading consulting firms, which will provide free legal and technical support to Serbian companies interested in placing their products and services on the Chinese market.
“We also agreed on key steps with the Chinese Customs Administration for faster certification and procedural alignment. Serbia has been placed on a priority list, which is of strategic importance for our exports,” added Čadež.
He called on all Serbian businesses&mdash;regardless of size&mdash;to seize the opportunity and find their place in the Chinese market, noting that there are many chances and possibilities.
During his visit to China, the President of CCIS spoke at the conference of the International Land-Sea Trade Corridor (ILSTC) Alliance, of which CCIS is a co-founder along with 18 national chambers. At the event, the Alliance’s new digital platform was launched, open to businesses worldwide, offering access to trade and logistics services across a corridor that connects 20 countries.
The CCIS delegation also visited the Internet 3.0 Metaverse Industrial Base within the Zhongguancun Internet 3.0 Industrial Park in Beijing, where cutting-edge technologies in artificial intelligence, virtual reality, energy, digitization, and Serbian innovations were presented.
A significant meeting was also held at the headquarters of COFCO Corporation (China National Cereals, Oils and Foodstuffs Corporation), one of China’s leading state-owned conglomerates in the food industry and a member of the Fortune Global 500.
Additionally, an agreement was signed with Chaoyang District of Beijing&mdash;one of China’s key economic and innovation hubs&mdash;and discussions were held on opening a Beijing office of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) in Belgrade.
CCIS and the Development Agency of Serbia jointly organized the participation of 12 Serbian companies at the 3rd China International Supply Chain Expo, running until July 20. Wines from four Serbian wineries were also promoted. The Serbia Pavilion, covering 300 square meters, brought together leading Serbian companies from the sectors of IT, logistics, food industry, furniture manufacturing, and advanced technology solutions.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/WhatsApp Image 2025-07-17 at 09.42.11_960x540.jpeg" id="image-tag-1753102068172" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1774"></div>

Čadež: Serbian Goods on China’s Priority List

Over 100 businesspeople, institutional representatives, and associations from Serbia and Slovenia gathered in Ljubljana at the Slovenian-Serbian Business Forum, where participants confirmed a strong shared interest in strengthening cooperation and jointly entering third markets.
During the forum, a Memorandum of Cooperation was signed between the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS) and the Slovenian development agency SPIRIT Slovenia, aimed at reinforcing institutional cooperation and supporting the connection of companies and entrepreneurs. The memorandum was signed by Mihailo Vesović, Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, and Tamara Zajec Balažič, Director of SPIRIT Slovenia. They emphasized that this agreement lays the foundation for long-term cooperation, information exchange, and joint implementation of international market projects.
Addressing the forum participants, Vesović underlined the strategic importance of cooperation with Slovenia, which enables increased competitiveness of companies and joint entry into third markets. He particularly highlighted the importance of forming clusters or consortia and jointly developing products with regional potential, drawing on good practices from the Benelux and Scandinavian regions.
"Our task is not to make final decisions but to establish dialogue – to identify complementary sectors and explore models of cooperation," stated the Vice President of the CCIS.
Tamara Zajec Balažič, Director of SPIRIT Slovenia, emphasized that Serbia and Slovenia are close in many aspects&mdash;not only due to historical, linguistic, and cultural ties, but also because of similar economic structures, export orientation, and entrepreneurial spirit.
“These shared foundations represent a strong basis for building successful partnerships and joint projects aimed at entering third markets, through which we can significantly enhance our international competitiveness and visibility. I am pleased that we further strengthened this partnership today by signing a memorandum with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia,” said Zajec Balažič.
She announced that further business matchmaking will take place in August at the AGRA fair, where SPIRIT Slovenia and the CCIS will organize a joint business event.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/520538312_1088910936730421_9153221076475320788_n_960x1280.jpg" id="image-tag-1753794013527" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1784"></div>
The working part of the forum included two panel discussions:
The first panel, titled "Support for Joint Market Entry – Internationalization Strategy", featured:
Ana Stojanović, Center for Africa and the Middle East, CCIS
Jernej Salecel, Director General of the Directorate for Industry, Economy, and Internationalization at the Ministry of Economy, Tourism and Sport of Slovenia
Dejan Prešiček, Director of the Center for International Cooperation and Development (CMSR)
Gašper Jež, Direct Financing Specialist at SID Bank
The panelists emphasized the importance of institutional support for companies entering third markets, the availability of financial instruments, diplomatic backing, and opportunities for cooperation in Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. They also stressed the need for targeted advisory support and easier access to existing support mechanisms, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The second panel, "On-the-Ground Experiences – Companies Conquering Third Markets", gathered representatives of companies who shared their experiences in internationalization and highlighted key success factors&mdash;ranging from understanding local conditions and perseverance to credibility and strategic partnerships.
Following the official part of the forum, B2B meetings and networking sessions were held between Serbian and Slovenian business representatives.
Participants rated the event as an important platform for building new partnerships, sharing experiences, and preparing for joint ventures in international markets.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/1000052999_960x640.jpg" id="image-tag-1753794030252" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1785"></div>

Support for Serbian and Slovenian Companies in Entering Third Markets

On the very first day of Serbia’s participation at the 3rd China International Supply Chain Expo in Beijing, interest in the Serbian pavilion was overwhelming, with over 100 B2B meetings held between Serbian and Chinese companies. Particularly noteworthy was the meeting with Mr. Yang Jiangbo, Vice President of Alibaba Cloud, where strategic cooperation was discussed, stated Marko Čadež, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS).
"We discussed the development of cloud solutions in Serbia, as well as the possibility of Alibaba Cloud&mdash;one of the leading Chinese and global tech giants&mdash;setting up infrastructure in Serbia aimed at serving the entire European market. Alibaba Cloud is seriously considering Serbia as a location for infrastructure that would cover all of Europe," Čadež added.

"The high number of meetings and the concrete discussions taking place on the very first day demonstrate the depth and strength of the relationship between our two countries. The visit is exceeding all expectations, and we are already seeing direct results of the Free Trade Agreement between Serbia and China," said Čadež in a live broadcast on the Morning Program of the Serbian National Television (RTS).
He emphasized that Serbia’s presence and organization of its pavilion at this prestigious fair, along with increasingly intensive economic ties, are a confirmation of the excellent political relations between Presidents Vučić and Xi Jinping. “China sees Serbia not only as a unique market but also as a logistics hub for the whole of Europe. The Free Trade Agreement opens the door for a large number of Serbian companies to export to the Chinese market,” Čadež said.
He noted that Serbian companies showcasing their offerings in Beijing have already had or scheduled important meetings with leading Chinese partners.
Milšped, already operating in China, held talks with the Shandong Group about joint investments and partnerships in Serbia. They are also scheduled to meet with Volvo Cars and the Chinese railway company.
Bambi has held 23 meetings, mainly with major distributors, which is an important step toward placing Bambi’s products across the Chinese market.
Fiscal Solutions, a company specializing in digital fiscalization, is in talks with Alibaba and Starbucks China.
Umbrella, a company focused on digital weather forecasting, is in discussions with ExxonMobil, Federal China Express, and other major organizations.
"Serbian companies in China are meeting with the largest distribution networks and platforms such as Meikedaown. We are entering a new phase of cooperation&mdash;from food exports to machinery and electronics, and now to IT and digital services. Everything is in place for dynamic growth in our relations," Čadež added.
In addition to meetings with Chinese companies, the Serbian delegation is also holding discussions with Chinese customs authorities to expedite procedures for Serbian products and enhance the effectiveness of the Free Trade Agreement.
“We have strong cooperation with the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade and its chairman, Ren Hongbing, and receive 24/7 support. A memorandum of understanding will also be signed with a company providing logistics and legal support for Serbian SMEs,” he added.
The joint participation of 12 Serbian companies was organized by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia and the Development Agency of Serbia. Wines from four Serbian wineries were also promoted. The 300-square-meter Serbian pavilion brought together leading Serbian companies from various sectors, including IT, logistics, the food industry, furniture manufacturing, and advanced technological solutions.

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Čadež: Over 100 B2B Meetings on the First Day at the Beijing Expo; Strategic Partnership Talks with Alibaba

The 3rd China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) officially opened today in Beijing. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS) and the Development Agency of Serbia jointly organized the participation of 12 Serbian companies, with wines from four Serbian wineries also being promoted.
The Serbian National Pavilion, located in the hall dedicated to digital technologies, was visited by Ren Hongbin, Chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT). In a meeting with Marko Čadež, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, Hongbin emphasized the importance of cooperation and supporting the positioning of Serbian companies in the Chinese market. He had the opportunity to taste Serbian wines and products, including the iconic "Plazma" biscuit by Bambi.
“Serbia’s presence at one of the largest global and Chinese trade fairs sends a strong message that our economy has a lot to offer the world. Serbian companies will have the chance to position themselves within the supply chains of major Chinese systems and secure new business deals. I will personally hold meetings with leading tech companies such as Alibaba and participate in forums with representatives of Nvidia and other tech giants, where we will showcase Serbia’s efforts in the development of artificial intelligence,” said Čadež. Following the fair’s opening, the CCIS President also met with representatives of the Shandong company.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/WhatsApp Image 2025-07-16 at 07.47.32_960x720.jpeg" id="image-tag-1752667969287" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1768"></div>
The 300-square-meter Serbian Pavilion brings together leading Serbian companies from the fields of information technology, logistics, food industry, furniture manufacturing, and advanced technological solutions. From July 16 to 20, the companies presenting their offerings at the fair include Aleđo, which specializes in metal processing; ElevenEs, which develops LFP-based lithium-ion battery cells; Nelt Group, engaged in logistics and distribution; Largo, a tire manufacturer; Bambi, known for its confectionery products including Plazma biscuits; Advanced Security Technologies, a cybersecurity company; Milšped Group, involved in transport and logistics; Umbrella, offering IT solutions for weather forecasting; Bitgear, active in IoT and wireless technologies; Fiscal Solutions, which develops fiscal software; Silver Bell Group, providing BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) services; and Intereuropa Group, a logistics company.
In addition to these companies, the pavilion also promotes wines from Serbian wineries, including BT Winery, Zvonko Bogdan, Lastar, and Deurić, thereby contributing to the promotion of Serbia’s gastronomic culture and the export potential of its wine industry.
The expo was officially opened by Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang. Serbia’s participation in this major event aims to strengthen economic ties with China, stimulate exports, integrate into global supply chains, and position Serbia as an attractive destination for investment in technology, innovation, and manufacturing.

Čadež from Beijing: Serbian Companies Have a Great Opportunity to Join Global Supply Chains in China

At the Korea Import Fair 2025, held from July 7 to 9 in Seoul, Serbian products are being showcased at a joint booth organized by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia and the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia. This specialized event, designed to promote imported goods on the Korean market, brings together exhibitors from over 50 countries and more than 20,000 business visitors.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/Korea 2025 3.jpg" id="image-tag-1751884457070" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1764"></div>
The Serbian selection is attracting attention with a diverse range of offerings, including protein porridges, fruit and chocolate spreads, dried plums, truffle-based products, natural juices, muesli and granola, baby food, pet food and treats, pumpkin seed oil, craft beer, premium alcoholic beverages, wines, and handmade clogs.
Organized by the Korea Importers Association (KOIMA) with the support of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy of the Republic of Korea and the KOTRA agency, the fair serves as a key platform for the promotion of foreign products, direct B2B meetings, and the exchange of information on import procedures, consumer expectations, and market trends in Korea.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/Korea 2025.jpg" id="image-tag-1751884471738" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1765"></div>

Serbian Products at the Korea Import Fair 2025 in Seoul, July 7–9

"China is now Serbia’s leading foreign investor, with over 7 billion euros in foreign direct investment, our second-largest foreign trade partner, the top country we import from, and the third largest export destination for Serbian products globally," said Marko Čadež, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, at the opening of the Economic and Trade Conference and business meetings between Serbian companies and representatives from China’s Jiangsu province, which gathered nearly 400 participants.He emphasized that the Free Trade Agreement with China has opened a new chapter in bilateral cooperation, enabling the realization of joint projects and noted that Serbia–China relations have gained significant momentum in recent years. Čadež highlighted the importance of Jiangsu as one of the most developed provinces in China, with 85 million consumers and strong innovation potential. "Jiangsu stands out not only because of its high GDP and vast market of 85 million consumers, but also for its prominent position on the global innovation and technology map," Čadež stated. He stressed that Serbia aims to establish an "innovation bridge"&mdash;a digital bridge&mdash;with Jiangsu by connecting domestic technology parks, innovation centers, and top scientific institutions with those in this Chinese province."We have already begun concrete discussions with representatives of the Suzhou Industrial Park, one of the most successful industrial parks in China and a symbol of cooperation between China and foreign investors in the field of high technologies. We are considering opening their office on the premises of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce and incorporating them into our development project, 'ScaleUp Factory.' We are actively working on this," Čadež said.He underlined that Serbia is interested in attracting more Chinese high-tech companies, and that Jiangsu already sees Serbia as a potential European hub. More than half of the companies in the Jiangsu delegation expressed interest in production and joint projects with Serbian firms."In partnership with Chinese companies, we can best leverage our resources and integrate into global innovation flows," Čadež noted, adding that the strong presence of Chinese companies reflects the positive experience of those already operating in Serbia.Čadež also emphasized Serbia’s upcoming participation in the Supply Chain Expo in Beijing this July, where 11 Serbian companies from the digital technology, food, and logistics sectors will be showcased."Producers from the confectionery industry, the ICT and embedded systems sector, as well as logistics companies, will participate in the fair," said the President of the Chamber, recalling that during the March visit of the China Chamber of Commerce delegation, an invitation was extended to the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) to open its representative office in Belgrade.
"Such a step would crown our partnership and mark an important milestone toward a more substantial and dynamic economic cooperation between our two countries," Čadež concluded.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/Tan2025-06-2517110623_5_960x640.jpg" id="image-tag-1750925311388" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1761"></div> Adrijana Mesarović, Deputy Prime Minister of Serbia and Minister of Economy, stated that the relationship between Serbia and China transcends traditional economic frameworks. "This is a friendship based on profound respect, mutual trust, and a long-term vision of shared progress. Within this relationship, cooperation with Jiangsu holds special importance as it aligns Serbia’s orientation toward innovation and sustainable development with China’s expertise in industrial transformation, digitalization, and the green economy," said Mesarović. She pointed out that Jiangsu leads in the fields of electronic equipment, green energy, and biotechnology. She added that Serbian exports to China have tripled in the past three years, and that the country is experiencing growth in investments in green and digital transition. "Serbia is a stable and attractive partner, with free trade agreements covering 2.5 billion people," Mesarović emphasized, announcing the opening of the first "Serbian House" in the Chinese city of Xiamen, as well as plans to open a "Jiangsu House" in Serbia.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/Tan2025-06-2517110292_0_960x640.jpg" id="image-tag-1750925325425" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1760"></div> Xin Changxing, Secretary of the Jiangsu Provincial Committee, said that China and Serbia are “ironclad friends” and that the goal of the forum is to strengthen trade and technological cooperation. He noted that Jiangsu is a region with a rich history and an important point within the Belt and Road Initiative. He emphasized that Jiangsu wants to help Serbia access Asian markets, expand trade exchange, and increase imports of Serbian products such as honey, wine, and meat. He added that the visa-free regime and direct air routes further connect the people and accelerate the building of a shared future. Chinese Ambassador Li Ming emphasized that the strategic alignment of Jiangsu’s innovation potential with Serbia’s reindustrialization can bring new momentum to the development of the entire region.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/Tan2025-06-2517110078_4_960x640.jpg" id="image-tag-1750925393272" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1759"></div><div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/Tan2025-06-2517140187_7_960x640.jpg" id="image-tag-1750925241641" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1762"></div>

Čadež: Serbia and Jiangsu Building a Bridge of Innovation and Technological Cooperation

At the Investment Conference – Expo Osaka 2025, held as part of the World Expo Osaka 2025, Serbia presented its investment potential. It extended an invitation to Japanese investors to continue investing in the country, initiate new projects, and establish partnerships with Serbian companies.
Mihailo Vesović, Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS), emphasized that Japanese companies have significantly contributed to the development of business culture in Serbia over the past decade and highlighted that the goal of the conference was to identify suitable partners and create the conditions for further cooperation.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/Japan Osaka investiciona konferencija (2)_960x1280.jpeg" id="image-tag-1750686690238" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1756"></div>
“Japan's economy is export-oriented, which makes it compatible with Serbia's. We believe this is the right moment to strengthen our partnership and launch new business ventures,” said Vesović at the event in Osaka, which gathered around 170 businesspeople and institutional representatives from both countries.
He identified key sectors with strong potential for joint business endeavors, such as the digital industry and artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, smart cities, green energy, and energy efficiency.
Vesović also noted that Serbia’s capabilities in the automotive and rubber industry, agriculture, IT services, and logistics position it as a reliable partner for companies seeking a long-term presence in the European and broader markets.
Siniša Mali, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Serbia, invited Japanese investors to come to Serbia &mdash; a country he described as a bridge between East and West and one of the fastest-growing economies in Europe. He presented the upcoming EXPO 2027 in Belgrade and the country’s investment plans totaling €18 billion by 2027.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/Japan Osaka investiciona konferencija (4)_960x1280.jpeg" id="image-tag-1750686725762" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1757"></div>
“You will feel at home in Serbia. We offer a stable and secure environment, strong infrastructure, a skilled workforce, and favorable trade agreements granting access to a market of 2.8 billion people,” said Mali. He underlined that Serbia is the only EU candidate country with an investment-grade credit rating and is a regional leader in attracting foreign direct investment.
Serbia's Ambassador to Japan, Aleksandra Kovač, stressed Serbia’s determination to strengthen quality partnerships and develop sustainable ties with Japan in various fields. “This commitment is mutual, as we heard directly from Japanese companies. Today we are stepping closer to what Japan calls ‘co-creation for the future,’” she stated.
Speakers at the conference also included Jagoda Lazarević, General Commissioner of EXPO 2025 Osaka and Serbia’s Minister of Domestic and Foreign Trade, Negoro Takayoshi, Director of International Cooperation at the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mia Kawada, Executive Vice President of JETRO, Goran Pekez, Chairman of the Japan-Serbia Business Association, Masaki Tominaga, representative of the Embassy of Serbia in Japan.
The conference, held at Fukuracia Osaka Bay Hotel, was part of Serbia’s broader participation in Expo Osaka, running from April 13 to October 13, 2025. Attendees had the opportunity to learn about Serbia’s potential in AI, bioeconomy, pharmaceuticals, and the IT sector, as well as hear firsthand experiences from Japanese companies already operating successfully in Serbia.
The event was the result of intensified economic cooperation and exchanges between Serbian and Japanese business delegations over the past year. It was jointly organized by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, Osaka Chamber of Commerce, JETRO, Development Agency of Serbia, Embassy of Serbia in Japan, and the Japan Business Alliance in Serbia (JBAS).
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between JBAS and the Serbia-Japan Business Club to promote investment and economic cooperation. Masami Miyamori, a representative of Toyo Tires, announced the company’s plan to open a Research & Development (R&D) Center in Serbia by 2027.
“We plan to relocate our EU R&D center from Germany to Serbia. Preparations will begin soon, and the center should officially begin operations in 2027,” Miyamori told Tanjug.

Serbia and Japan – Partners for the Future, Economic Cooperation Deepens

A Serbian business delegation visited Egypt as part of the official visit of Serbian Prime Minister Đuro Macut. A business forum bringing together Serbian and Egyptian companies was held, alongside approximately 30 bilateral meetings. The forum was organized in cooperation between the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia and the Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce. This was the second such event held in Cairo within the past year, confirming the growing intensity and significance of economic cooperation between the two countries.

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The business forum was attended by the Prime Ministers of Serbia and Egypt, Dr. Đuro Macut and Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, who agreed that such events are a key instrument not only for strengthening interstate relations but also for deepening concrete economic ties and business cooperation.
The delegation of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia was led by Đorđe Živanović, Advisor to the President of the Chamber, who addressed participants by highlighting the strategic importance of the Free Trade Agreement set to come into force soon. He emphasized that on the very day of its entry into force, nearly 50 percent of agricultural and 30 percent of industrial products from Serbia will be eligible for export to Egypt duty-free. Over the next decade, this liberalization is expected to expand to cover 87 percent of agri-food products and 90 percent of industrial products. On the other hand, the agreement will also enable duty-free imports of key raw materials and semi-finished goods from Egypt, such as urea, propane, cotton, silk, and metallurgical products.
As highlighted during the event, Egypt, being the second-largest economy in Africa with a population of 111 million and a strategic geographic position, represents a crucial partner for Serbia in accessing African and Middle Eastern markets. Conversely, Serbia can serve as a gateway for Egyptian companies to the European market.
While in Cairo, the Serbian Chamber delegation also met with representatives of Egypt’s National Food Safety Authority (NFSA), marking the beginning of institutional cooperation aimed at facilitating the export of Serbian food and dietary products to the Egyptian market. The meeting particularly emphasized the need to remove administrative barriers and recognize the FCS certificate for Serbian producers, which would further boost trade in the context of future liberalization. Additionally, a meeting was held with representatives of the Egyptian General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI).
At the end of the visit, the Serbian Ambassador to Egypt, Mr. Miroslav Šestović, hosted a formal reception at his residence in honor of the Serbian Prime Minister, the business delegation, and Egyptian partners.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/IMG_8589_960x1028.jpg" id="image-tag-1750242008597" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1752"></div>
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Photo: Milica Tošić

Serbian Business Delegation in Cairo: A New Impetus for Economic Relations with Egypt

At the European Conference of the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA Europe), held in Sofia, Mihailo Vesović, Deputy President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, presented the country’s investment potential, business climate, key development directions of the Serbian economy, and the specialized exhibition Belgrade EXPO 2027.

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To participants from over 20 World Trade Centers across Europe, Vesović also presented the activities and services of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia aimed at supporting companies, as well as plans for the future World Trade Center Belgrade (WTC Belgrade), for which the Chamber holds the license. WTC Belgrade, set to open ahead of EXPO 2027, will serve as a key platform for promoting international trade, investment, innovation, and connecting companies with global partners.
With the Chamber’s membership in the WTCA network, Serbia has become part of a global community of over 300 centers in more than 100 countries, opening up new opportunities for Serbian companies to collaborate with tens of thousands of businesses worldwide.
 



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Promotion of Serbia's Economy and EXPO 2027 at the WTCA European Conference in Sofia

A meeting was held at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia with a delegation from the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led by Dimitris Skalkos, Secretary General for International Economic Affairs. The meeting was initiated by the Greek side, and the delegation was received on behalf of the Serbian Chamber by Mihailo Vesović, Vice President of the Chamber.
During the discussions, it was emphasized that while trade between the two countries is at a relatively good level, there is significant potential for expansion, particularly in the areas of transport and logistics, innovation, e-mobility, and renewable energy sources.
These sectors will be the focus of the upcoming Serbia–Greece Business Forum, which will be held in Athens in September. On that occasion, it was announced that the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia and the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry will sign a Memorandum of Cooperation, establishing a foundation for stronger ties between the business communities of the two countries.
Bilateral relations between Serbia and Greece were described as excellent, grounded in traditional political ties, friendship, and a shared commitment to deepening economic relations.
According to the Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia, total foreign trade between Serbia and Greece reached €915.5 million in 2024, marking an increase compared to the previous year. Serbian exports amounted to €356.9 million (a 19.4% increase), while imports stood at €558.6 million (a 13.2% increase), resulting in an export-to-import coverage ratio of 63.9%.
In the first quarter of 2025, trade exchange continued its upward trend, reaching €223.2 million, further confirming the potential for strengthening economic cooperation.
The meeting was held within the framework of the first working gathering of countries participating in the World Expo 2027, taking place in Belgrade, and represents a step forward in intensifying bilateral economic cooperation between Serbia and Greece.