​ Regional Cooperation Key to a Stable and Competitive Regional Economy

The conference "The Power of Joint Planning: Transport and Logistics for a Stable Regional Economy" emphasized the importance of infrastructure investments, regional cooperation, digitalization, expert and professional development, and the implementation of innovations for the further development of the transport and logistics sector in the region. The event brought together over 200 business leaders from Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, Italy, and Greece at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia.

At the conference, an Agreement on Empowering Women in the Logistics Sector was signed, aiming to improve their representation in leadership positions in transport and logistics.

The agreement was signed by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, Confindustria Serbia, the Slovenian Business Club, the Croatian Chamber of Economy’s Representation in Serbia, and the Hellenic Business Association in Serbia.

Recent data shows that the participation of women in the logistics sector in the region varies between 15% and 33%, depending on the country, and the signed agreement aims to further promote women in leadership roles in this sector.

Mihailo Vesović, Director of the Sector for Strategic Analysis, Services, and Internationalization of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce (SCC), emphasized that the flow of goods across borders has increased by almost 50% in the last three years and has multiplied over the past decade.

"The quantity and volume of supplier exchange across the entire region demonstrate how transport and logistics are key parts of economic activities and how they can impact the competitiveness of companies and their products," Vesović said. He added that logistics represent the economic lifeblood without which the economy becomes dysfunctional, but collaboration between the private and public sectors is essential.

"It is impossible for transport and logistics to function well without regional cooperation. We are talking about the Western Balkans region, the nearest route for goods to the European Union, which is the main buyer of almost 65% of the goods produced in this region," Vesović noted, adding that workforce issues and environmental concerns are also important in this sector.

Eric Kosuta, a member of the board of Confindustria Serbia, emphasized the importance of the supply chain for investors, particularly during global crises and challenges. He mentioned that Serbia's policies are increasingly attractive to investors, leading to a growing presence of the EU in the country. Kosuta also discussed the agreement on empowering women in logistics, noting the increasing presence of women in companies and the potential impact they will have. He emphasized the importance of providing visibility for women, especially in key positions within companies.

He emphasized that visibility should also be given to the entire supply chain, with its digitalization progressing alongside infrastructure development.

Daniela Fišakov, President of the Slovenian Business Club, emphasized that this year's conference is titled "The Power of Joint Planning for a Stable Regional Economy." She highlighted the strength of collaboration during the preparation of the conference and thanked all the women involved in organizing this significant event in the field of transport and logistics for the third consecutive year.

Pero Mijakić, Director of the Croatian Chamber of Economy's Representation in Serbia, emphasized the significance of robust regional cooperation for the efficient operation of the transport and logistics sector. He highlighted that any disruptions in this sector can impact product prices. Additionally, he mentioned that the Croatian Chamber of Economy provides comprehensive support to its members across all aspects of their business.

Nikolaos Sliousarengko, President of the Hellenic Business Association in Serbia, emphasized the importance of the transport and logistics sector for both Greek and Serbian companies. He highlighted that the gathering confirms the willingness of institutions and business representatives to engage in open dialogue and cooperate to create a more stable business environment in Serbia.

"Serbia is at a strategic crossroads. With its central position in the Western Balkans and along key European corridors, Serbia has a unique opportunity to position itself as a logistics hub that can foster growth both domestically and regionally. However, achieving this requires vision, planning, and partnerships," said Fabiana Urbani, First Secretary of the Italian Embassy in Serbia.

"Infrastructure investments, regional cooperation, and sustainable innovations will define the future of transport and logistics in the region. By continuing to align with European standards, Serbia and the region can unlock new opportunities for trade, particularly with the EU, its primary trading partner. In this, Italy can be a reliable and strategic partner," Urbani emphasized.

The conference included expert panels that brought together institutional representatives, leading experts, and industry leaders from transport, logistics, and supply chains. The participants included representatives of the EU Delegation, Serbia’s Ministry of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure, the Thessaloniki Port Authority, Port of Split, Port of Koper, MSC Global Shipping Company, DP World, Transfera, Dragon Maritime, Milšped Group, the Italian company Alpe Adria, Intereuropa, WTO, and CBS International, one of the leading real estate consulting firms. Panel topics included infrastructure projects, planning in times of instability, supply chain sustainability, strengthening competitiveness and regional cooperation, as well as innovations and intermodal transport.

The conference "The Power of Joint Planning: Transport and Logistics for a Stable Regional Economy" was organized in partnership by the Italian Industrialists’ Association Confindustria Serbia, the Serbian Chamber of Commerce, the Slovenian Business Club, the Croatian Chamber of Economy, and the Hellenic Business Association in Serbia.