As part of the visit by a Serbian business delegation to the Saudi Food Show, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from May 12 to 14, 2025, representatives of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS), together with the Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to Saudi Arabia, Dragan Bisenic, met with the President of the Federation of Saudi Chambers, Hassan bin Mujib Al-Huwaizi, to discuss plans related to the operations of the Saudi-Serbian Business Council, which serves as a platform for further intensifying economic cooperation between the two countries.
The Federation of Saudi Chambers is the umbrella organization bringing together 28 regional chambers and is a key partner for connecting Serbian businesses with the Saudi market.
The Serbian section of the Council has been formed and includes 22 companies from sectors such as agriculture, food industry, construction, metal and defense industries, and other economic branches. The Saudi section is expected to be established soon, after which the first joint session of the Council will be held.
In the previous year, 2024, the total foreign trade in goods between Serbia and Saudi Arabia reached USD 152.6 million, representing a significant increase of 58.2% compared to 2023, when it amounted to USD 96.4 million. During that period, Serbia achieved exports worth USD 62.8 million, marking a 30% increase compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, imports from Saudi Arabia reached USD 89.7 million, a sharp rise of 85.3%. Serbia's main imports from Saudi Arabia are chemical industry products, while Serbia ranks as the fourth-largest exporter of apples to the Saudi market.
As emphasized during the meeting, trade between the two countries has been continuously growing, with substantial room for further enhancement of bilateral economic cooperation.
The market of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is currently one of the most promising in the Middle East for Serbian companies.
The Kingdom is actively implementing a process of economic diversification, investing significantly in sectors recognized as key drivers of economic growth&mdash;renewable energy, agriculture, information and communication technologies (ICT), and tourism&mdash;areas in which Serbia holds pronounced comparative advantages, along with potential in other industrial sectors.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/IMG-20250513-WA0003.jpg" id="image-tag-1747211611330" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1684"></div>

​  Saudi Arabian Market Among the Most Promising for Serbian Companies

The leading international trade fair “The Saudi Food Show” opened today in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, with 15 Serbian companies from the agri-food sector presenting their export offerings.
Organized by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia and the Development Agency of Serbia, the companies will exhibit within two national pavilions until May 14. The exhibitors include: ITN Group (Belgrade), Master Food (Užice), Master Fruits (Belgrade), Laki (Arilje), Budimka (Požega), Agranela (Valjevo), Agropartner (Lučani), Candy Rush (Belgrade), Frigoonice (Niš), Kinoko (Donji Matejevac), Mixer Produkt (Aleksandrovac), Mirax Agrar (Belgrade), PIP Food Group (Čenej), ZA Fruit (Valjevo), and Podgorina Voće (Osečina).
Serbian Ambassador to Riyadh, Dragan Bisenic, visited the Serbian exhibitors and discussed opportunities for doing business in the Saudi market, its potential, advantages, and challenges.
These companies offer a wide range of products including frozen conventional and organic fruits, fresh apples, organic jams (with and without sugar), juices, freeze-dried, dried and chocolate-coated fruits, dried and frozen mushrooms, confectionery, fruit and creamy bases for the ice cream industry, bakery, pastry and confectionery ingredients, as well as fruit purees and baby food.
The fair features nine industry segments and brings together producers of dairy products, oils, grains, fruits and vegetables, meat and meat products, frozen and ready-made foods, as well as coffee and tea.
This is the third edition of the event, held at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center &mdash; the premier business platform connecting exhibitors with representatives of leading retail chains, importers, and distributors.
Program segments are focused on showcasing contemporary trends in the food industry.

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Spanning an exhibition space of 244,000 m², the show hosts more than 1,000 exhibitors from 97 countries, and expects over 25,000 professional visitors. Alongside Serbia, other national pavilions feature countries such as Turkey, China, Russia, Egypt, Jordan, Bahrain, Oman, Thailand, the Netherlands, Cyprus, Greece, Austria, Poland, Italy, Switzerland, France, Germany, Portugal, Singapore, India, Pakistan, Syria, the United States, and Canada.
The fair was officially opened by the Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar Ibrahim Al-Khoraye.
Exhibitors and visitors have access to the “Tawasul Meetings Programme” platform for organizing business meetings and commercial negotiations, enabling pre-scheduled appointments and direct contact with potential partners.
The Saudi Arabian market is considered one of the most attractive in the Middle East and a significant opportunity for Serbian companies, particularly in the export of frozen and fresh fruits and vegetables. As one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, Saudi Arabia is strategically located at the intersection of three continents and is rich in natural resources.
In an effort to reduce its dependence on oil and diversify its economy, Saudi Arabia has launched the ambitious “Vision 2030” program, which includes a range of economic and financial reforms, strengthening of the private and tertiary sectors, and the promotion of sustainable development.
Saudi Arabia has a young and educated population of over 34 million people, more than 50% of whom are under the age of 25. The country is the largest consumer of dairy products among Gulf states, and total spending on organic, gourmet, and health foods is expected to exceed $27 billion.

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Photo: Zorana Delić

Serbian Companies Among 1,000 Exhibitors at Prestigious “The Saudi Food Show” in Riyadh

NeoMedica, a domestic innovator in the field of diagnostic tests, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a strategic partner in Algeria, marking the official start of a joint venture for local production of “Naissa” tests.
NeoMedica develops and manufactures tests intended for the early detection and monitoring of various diseases, including autoimmune and infectious diseases, hormonal disorders, tumor markers, viruses, and other specific proteins. The tests are used on modern analyzers “Naissa” and “Uni,” both produced at the company’s facility in Niš.
By signing this memorandum, NeoMedica has secured access to the Algerian public healthcare system, which serves a population of 45 million. Local production and technology transfer will ensure a 25% advantage in all tenders, while also reducing the country’s need for importing similar products, in line with the capacity of domestic manufacturing.
“This partnership represents a significant step in NeoMedica’s international expansion strategy. We are proud that our work and products are finding their place in state healthcare systems beyond Serbia, reaffirming their quality and scientific value,” said Saša Tričković, CEO of NeoMedica.
The company’s products have already been successfully present in the Algerian healthcare system for the past two years. Their application has been validated through multiple clinical studies, especially in the field of autoimmune diseases, with results published in leading international scientific journals. Additional research is underway in the areas of tumor markers, gastrointestinal, and hormonal status, involving five more tests from the company’s portfolio.
The official signing of the production agreement is planned for September this year, during a scientific conference organized by NeoMedica in cooperation with its Algerian partners.
At the end of February, NeoMedica launched the production of hematology reagents at its facility in Cairo, Egypt. The upcoming immunochemistry test production in Algeria aims to serve the North African and Middle Eastern markets with high-tech products.
Photo: Saša Tričković

Niš-Based NeoMedica Expands Operations in North Africa, Launches Diagnostic Test Production in Algeria

Cooperation and innovation are key to overcoming common challenges in the chemical industry, from the energy crisis to global competition&mdash;this was emphasized at the annual summit of the European Chemical Industry Council (CEFIC), held for the first time in Belgrade and organized by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS).
“The goal of Serbia is to align its legislation with European standards and thus integrate more strongly with the EU market, even before full membership. The chemical industry, with more than 6,000 companies and strong export potential, plays a key role in this process,” said Mihailo Vesović, Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia. He added that membership in associations such as CEFIC enables Serbian companies to respond in a timely manner to regulatory and market changes.
Minister of Domestic and Foreign Trade, Jagoda Lazarević, emphasized that Serbia remains firmly committed to European integration and that the Serbian economy is strongly linked to the EU, both through trade and foreign investment. According to her, the Serbian and European chemical industries face the same challenges, as well as the growing market share of China and the U.S. in this sector. “We believe that through joint efforts we can develop an innovative and sustainable model to overcome these challenges,” said Lazarević, adding that the advantage of Serbian companies lies in their resilience and ability to adapt.
“The annual summit of the European Chemical Industry Council (CEFIC) is being held outside the EU for the first time&mdash;right here in Belgrade. This is a great recognition for the domestic chemical industry and confirmation of our place in European developments,” said Dragan Stevanović, Secretary of the Association for the Chemical, Rubber and Non-Metal Industry at CCIS. He added that the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia has been a member of CEFIC for six years&mdash;a body that represents the interests of the chemical sector in EU institutions and brings together national associations from across Europe, as well as from the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Norway.
While the EU chemical industry is facing energy challenges and capacity closures, the sector in Serbia is experiencing growth. Last year, there was a 16.4% increase in rubber and plastics processing and a 6.8% rise in chemical production.
“We see great opportunities for our companies to supply the European market, as our chemical industry is export-oriented. The chemical industry accounts for 13.9% of Serbia’s total exports, with an export value of around 4 billion euros. Nearly 65% of that goes to the EU market, 26% to countries in the region, the United Kingdom, and Norway, while 9% is exported to other global markets. This shows that we are competitive, meet the strictest EU criteria and standards, and have the potential to further strengthen our presence in the European market,” Stevanović noted.
The two-day conference will focus on current topics and challenges facing the chemical industry in Serbia, Europe, and globally, development potentials, and alignment with EU legislation. Special attention will be given to chemical management in the context of Serbia’s EU accession, the fertilizer market, and the impact of CBAM regulations on Serbian exports.

CCIS Hosts CEFIC Summit: Cooperation and Innovation as a Response to Challenges in the Global Chemical Industry

Over the past decade, nearly 400 participants have completed the Canadian international education program, the LEADER Project, in Serbia. Thanks to the knowledge and skills they acquired, many now successfully launch and lead businesses and manage domestic companies, it was announced today at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS).
The conference titled “Artificial Intelligence, Leadership, and Entrepreneurship: Shaping the Future Together,” held to mark ten years of the LEADER Project in Serbia, gathered more than 180 participants. During three panel discussions dedicated to the role of artificial intelligence and digital transformation in business and leadership, experts and former course participants shared their knowledge and experiences.
“The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia has supported and been part of this project from the beginning. Over the past ten years, we've seen increasingly stronger generations of entrepreneurs join this course. Today, artificial intelligence has become a necessity&mdash;a fundamental part of doing business, even for small companies and startups,” said Mihailo Vesović, Vice President of the CCIS.
The conference was organized by CANSEE – the Canadian-Serbian Business Association, in cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, the Center for Digital Transformation (CDT), and the Embassy of Canada in Belgrade.
“Participants of these programs, held over the past ten years, have begun networking independently and building an alumni network. That’s a great development because these are the people who will form the backbone of Serbia’s future business and social leadership,” emphasized David Morgan, Head of the Political Section and Deputy Ambassador of Canada to Serbia, North Macedonia, and Montenegro.

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The Canadian LEADER Project is an international economic development program established in 1991 and led by instructors from the Ivey Business School at Western University through its MBA, HBA, MSc, and PhD programs. According to Mirjana Dončić Beaton, Executive Director of CANSEE, the program is successfully implemented around the world, aiming to empower promising entrepreneurs to envision, launch, and grow new ventures that strengthen local economies.

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“Today, as the LEADER Project celebrates its 10th edition in Serbia, we remain committed to supporting individuals by helping them develop business ideas that contribute to both society and the economy,” said Dončić Beaton.
The event at the Chamber of Commerce brought together business leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs to discuss and explore the dynamic intersections between artificial intelligence, modern leadership, entrepreneurship, and the importance of diversity in shaping the future of business and society.
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LEADER Project Marks 10 Years in Serbia: 400 New Leaders for a Stronger Economy

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS) has become a member of the <a href="https://www.wtca.org/">World Trade Centers Association (WTCA)</a>, one of the largest international trade organizations, encompassing more than 300 World Trade Center (WTC) businesses across early 100 countries. “The World Trade Center Belgrade is set to open ahead of the specialized Expo Belgrade 2027 exhibition, announced Marko Čadež, President of&nbsp; CCIS.
 
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“This will be a hub for everyone coming to Belgrade and Serbia, offering them a place to find business partners, organize events, and access a state-of-the-art business environment to exchange ideas and build successful companies. After a year and a half of visiting various trade centers around the world, we have seen how this network operates and the importance of CCIS becoming part of WTCA. One of the best examples is our collaboration with World Trade Center Dubai, which organizes GITEX Global, the world’s largest tech trade show,” emphasized Čadež.
 
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Membership was officially formalized with a decision by the WTCA Board of Directors and the signing of a WTC License Agreement.
 
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“We are thrilled to welcome WTC Belgrade into our association’s global network, marking an exciting partnership with Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS), and continuing the momentum for our network’s growth in the Western Balkans. This partnership will integrate CCIS’ current services into the global network, enhancing its offering of trade information, trade education, trade missions, business forums and much more. We trust that WTC Belgrade will become a premier hub for global commerce, promoting Serbia as an investment destination, and hope this is the beginning of a bigger presence of WTC businesses within the region,” stated John E. Drew, WTCA Chair, Board of Directors. 
 
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The License Agreement between CCIS and WTCA was signed in Belgrade by Marko Čadež, President of CCIS, and Robin van Puyenbroeck, WTCA Executive Director-Business Development.
 
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“Congratulations to CCIS and especially to Marko Čadež for his leadership and vision in achieving this milestone in fostering global trade and investment. This collaboration aligns with WTCA’s mission of connecting local economies to the global market, creating new opportunities for Serbian businesses to access international markets, form partnerships and drive economic growth. As a regional leader, Serbia’s strategic geographic location and dynamic economy make it a vital gateway for the Western Balkans, supporting integration into the global economy. With the global WTCA network and the support of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce, WTC Belgrade will empower businesses across sectors to expand their reach, attract foreign direct investment, and position the region as a hub of innovation and trade. This initiative will also play a key role in promoting the success of the Expo Belgrade 2027, a transformative event for Serbia’s global standing and economic development,” said van Puyenbroeck.
 
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CCIS Joins WTCA, World Trade Center Belgrade to Open Ahead of Expo 2027

With a symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony, the Serbian Pavilion was officially opened today at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka. Titled “Society of Play”, the pavilion showcases an innovative architectural structure made of sustainable eco-materials.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/IMG_7541_960x640.jpeg" id="image-tag-1744618460941" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1659"></div>
Žarko Malinović, Serbia’s Commissioner General for EXPO 2025, emphasized that the Republic of Serbia has opened its pavilion on time for visitors at the global exhibition in Osaka. He stated that the pavilion will serve as a bridge connecting the two EXPOs &mdash; Osaka and Belgrade.
“As you can see, there is great interest in our pavilion,” Malinović told reporters.
He pointed out that Serbia’s pavilion is the only one at EXPO featuring a vertical, living garden, making it the greenest pavilion at the event.
Serbia is also the only Western Balkan country with its own independent pavilion.
“This sends a clear message &mdash; that Serbia is just as capable as the world’s most developed countries to compete in the top league. We believe that more than a million people will visit our pavilion over the next six months and will enjoy and play with us, because play is a human superpower that will make society more resilient to the challenges ahead. That is the core theme of the Osaka EXPO,” said Malinović.
Architect Jakša Nikodijević told journalists that the team behind the pavilion is proud to have delivered the only living facade at the exhibition. He noted that 95% of the structure is recyclable, and over 80% of the materials can be reused in construction.
“This meets some of the standards of EXPO Osaka 2025’s ‘Design for Future Society’, where sustainability is a key pillar,” Nikodijević explained. He added that architects from Italy, Belgium, and the Far East also participated in the pavilion’s development.
He also mentioned that the theme of EXPO 2027 in Belgrade &mdash; “Play for Humanity” &mdash; inspired the concept.
“Our goal was to use landscape furniture to create features that invite people to engage in sports activities and to design areas resembling large playground zones,” Nikodijević said.
In addition to the permanent exhibition, and in cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, the pavilion will host thematic weeks where Serbian businesses will have the opportunity to present their products and ideas.
The pavilion, covering 930 square meters, is undoubtedly one of the greenest at the EXPO.
Its shape is reminiscent of the Great War Island in Belgrade, symbolizing the preservation of untouched nature within an urban environment.
The EXPO 2025 Osaka will be held from April 13 to October 13, 2025, in Osaka, Japan. At its National Pavilion, Serbia will present itself as a promising business destination, promoting domestic companies’ products with the potential to enter the Japanese and other international markets.
The exhibition is being held under the slogan: “Designing Future Society for Our Lives”, With high expectations that this EXPO in Japan will surprise the world with its innovations.
Source: Tanjug Photo: Dragan Kujundžić

Serbian Pavilion Opened at EXPO 2025 in Osaka

A joint conference and two panel discussions titled “Sustainable Partnerships between Sweden and Serbia – Swedish Expertise Leading the Green Transition” were held at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, organized by the Embassy of Sweden and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia.
The main goal of the conference was to strengthen trade and cooperation between Sweden and Serbia and to highlight the synergies between development cooperation and trade promotion. Special focus was placed on Sweden’s new foreign trade strategy and the reform agenda of its development cooperation, which provides strong support to Serbia’s ongoing reforms. Furthermore, enhancing transparency in public procurement and fighting corruption were emphasized as key steps for a successful green transition in Serbia and for strengthening trade ties with Sweden and the European Union (EU).
"By bringing together key stakeholders in one place, we aim to create a dynamic platform for economic cooperation and shared prosperity. Serbia’s reform agenda is crucial for improving the economy, business environment, and digital transformation. Sweden strongly supports these reforms, which are fully aligned with our foreign trade strategy and development cooperation goals," stated Charlotte Sammelin, Ambassador of Sweden to the Republic of Serbia, at the conference opening.
Radman Šelmić, PhD,&nbsp;Advisor to the President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, emphasized that the Chamber is a leader of the green transformation in the country and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to organize this event with the Swedish team and promote the green agenda."The symbolism and message of this partnership are powerful – a country that leads the green transition within the EU is collaborating with an institution that plays a key role in promoting and implementing the green agenda in Serbia. Learning from Swedish companies and institutions in the areas of green technologies, energy transition, and circular economy is a valuable experience for local firms – both in terms of knowledge and technology transfer and in enhancing their competitiveness in EU supply chains," Šelmić said.
Jessika Roswall, Swedish Minister for European Affairs, reaffirmed Sweden’s unwavering support for Serbia’s EU membership, underlining the country’s commitment to peace, democracy, security, stability, and prosperity in Europe. "With more than €300 million invested since 1998, significant progress has been made in economic development, digital transformation, skills development, and the rule of law. This conference represents a key moment to establish new partnerships between Swedish and Serbian companies and to further strengthen economic ties, fostering Serbia’s sustainable development and international cooperation," the Minister added.
Violeta Jovanović, Executive Director of NALED, welcomed the initiative to strengthen economic relations between Sweden and Serbia, highlighting the importance of knowledge exchange and support in the fields of green and digital transition, renewable energy, and environmental policies, so that Serbian companies remain competitive in the EU market.
She also thanked the Swedish Government for nearly three decades of consistent support for reforms in Serbia, particularly in areas such as good governance, gender equality, and local development, which contribute to alignment with EU standards.
Maja Zorić, Trade and Investment Commissioner from Business Sweden, and Johanna Brismar Skoog, Ambassador at the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs, delivered the closing remarks. They emphasized that Sweden’s experience and leadership in the green transition, supported by strategic investments and international cooperation, can play a key role in guiding Serbia’s sustainable development, boosting trade exchange, and advancing its EU integration process.
The conference successfully highlighted the strong link between Sweden’s foreign trade strategy and Serbia’s reform agenda, with a particular focus on transparency, anti-corruption, and sustainable practices.
High interest from representatives of public administration, local governments, and the business sector confirms that this event laid the foundation for growing trade and institutional cooperation. Sweden will continue to provide steadfast support to Serbia’s sustainable growth and international cooperation, enabling further integration into the EU.
Photo: Boban Ristić, CCIS

Sustainable Partnerships and Swedish Experiences in Leading the Green Transition

In today’s world of global instability, where it is extremely difficult to predict future developments, cooperation and joint efforts of all local, regional, and global actors in the exchange of knowledge and information are of essential importance in order to solve the issues of energy supply stability, said Marko Čadež, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS), at the conference of the National Energy Committee of Serbia – WPC Energy, dedicated to the global perspectives of the energy sector.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/217.jpg" id="image-tag-1744208851154" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1655"></div>
“We are all aware that we woke up today in a world that is different from what it was just 24 hours ago. We must keep in mind that we are no longer in a position to foresee how and what is going to happen. That’s why we need new tools and skills to approach problem-solving,” stated Čadež.
He emphasized in particular that addressing the challenges of stable energy supply requires cooperation between businesses, universities, institutes, the scientific community, and engineers, in order to overcome the challenges in the energy sector through knowledge, timely information, and innovation.
“There is a need for regional cooperation on these matters, ensuring access to the EU market, including the energy market and available funds, because the world we live in today is a world we no longer recognize – and that is why we must work together,” the CCIS President highlighted.

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Dubravka Đedović Handanović, Minister of Mining and Energy, emphasized that Serbia, despite all the challenges it faced during the energy crisis, has managed to maintain its energy stability and continue the development of its energy sector in line with its strategic goals.
“Through strategic documents, and above all the new Energy Development Strategy, we have outlined how we will achieve the decarbonization of the energy sector by 2050, while ensuring sufficient quantities of energy, maintaining stable supply, and strengthening energy security. The price of electricity in Serbia is still among the lowest in Europe, and the progress we have made over the past few years has been recognized by the European Commission and other international partners,” the Minister said. As Minister responsible for the sector, Đedović Handanović also serves as the President of the Assembly of the National Energy Committee of Serbia.

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Pedro Miras Salamanca, President of WPC Energy, presented the current geopolitical context and emphasized that fossil fuels accounted for 85% of primary energy production in 1973, while in 2022 that share was 82%.
“Still, 800 million people around the world remain without access to electricity,” Salamanca pointed out.
The workshop titled “Global Perspectives of the Energy Sector”, organized by the National Energy Committee of Serbia – WPC Energy, was held as part of the Executive Committee meeting of the World Petroleum Council (WPC Energy), which took place over the past two days in Belgrade. The National Energy Committee of Serbia has been an active member of WPC Energy for over a decade and serves as the organizer of these important global-level meetings among WPC Energy members.
Today’s event was attended by WPC Energy President Pedro Miras Salamanca and members of the Executive Committee of the organization, who came from Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, the United States, China, Kazakhstan, Turkey, Kuwait, Spain, and Canada.

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Čadež: Knowledge, Cooperation and Innovation as a Response to Energy Challenges

In Serbia, with the support of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS), more than 10,000 companies have used the services of the Enterprise Europe Network, and over 25,000 bilateral meetings have been held &mdash; clear indicators of the network’s importance in strengthening the competitiveness of our companies. However, access to finance remains one of the key challenges for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the region, along with administrative barriers in doing business with the EU. Faster integration of Western Balkan companies into the EU single market and easier access to financing remain critical factors in enhancing competitiveness in the region, said Marko Čadež, President of the CCIS, at the opening of the regional conference “Open4Business: Empowering MSMEs in the Western Balkans – The Path to the EU.”
“The world has changed, but issues such as limited access to finance for SMEs are still very present, especially in our region,” said Čadež, emphasizing that financial support programs like WBIF are essential for SME development. He stressed that the approach to funding also needs to evolve from the perspective of commercial banks. “Commercial banks are increasingly participating not just as intermediaries but also as investors in equity funds, which is a positive step forward for the entire region,” he noted.
Equally important is removing regulatory barriers that restrict business operations in the Western Balkans. “Funding is important, but it’s not everything. If you have access to finance but face heavy administrative burdens, it is still difficult to grow. Money doesn’t help if you’re limited by the regulatory framework. We see what's happening globally and in the EU, which is our largest trading partner. That’s why it is crucial for companies from the region to gain full access to the EU single market even before formal membership. This very idea is reflected in the EU’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans &mdash; to level the playing field for companies in the region with their counterparts in the EU,” emphasized Čadež.
The CCIS President reminded that the Western Balkans Chamber Investment Forum (CIF WB) was established eight years ago to open new opportunities for companies and strengthen dialogue with EU institutions. He announced that the region’s chambers of commerce will continue to develop new tools and services to keep companies informed in a timely manner about available financial support programs.

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Emanuele Giaufret, Ambassador and Head of the EU Delegation to Serbia, stated that the EU is the largest trading partner for all Western Balkan countries and will continue to promote competitiveness and sustainable development in the region. He also emphasized that the EU remains the biggest supporter of the private sector. “Many countries in the region have already accessed over €600 million in funding, with total investments reaching €7 billion,” said Giaufret. According to him, the EU supports not only the business environment but also innovation. “We have a new support package for the private sector, especially in light of the EU’s upcoming enlargement. The goal is for Western Balkan countries to move closer to the EU as much as possible by 2027,” Giaufret said. He added that the aim is to align the region’s economies with European standards and values, promote cross-border trade and a shared future, and ensure that reforms undertaken by regional governments lead to a more favorable business environment, stronger competitiveness, and the rule of law.
Adrijana Mesarović, Acting Minister of Economy, emphasized that the SME sector is the backbone of the Serbian economy, with over 110,000 active entities employing more than two-thirds of the working-age population.
“This sector is the pillar of the economy and a driver of social development. In recent years, Serbia has maintained macroeconomic stability and has been recognized as a reliable partner for long-term investments. However, global geopolitical instability also impacts local economies, and Serbia is no exception. That’s why continuous dialogue between the state and the business community is essential to jointly respond to challenges,” said Mesarović. She underlined that the European Union is a key partner in developing the SME sector and announced a new project to be launched in September, coordinated by the Faculty of Technical Sciences in Novi Sad, aimed at strengthening cooperation between businesses and the academic community. “Entrepreneurs in the Western Balkans have shown resilience, strength, and creativity. Now is the time to support that energy through better access to finance, digital and green transformation, and internationalization,” Mesarović concluded.

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Čadež: Easier Access to Finance and Integration into the EU Single Market Are Key to Boosting Competitiveness of WB Companies

Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia&nbsp;voted against the adopted Declaration of the EU–Serbia Joint Consultative Civil Society Committee, as it proposes, among other things, halting Serbia's European integration path.The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia represents the interests of the Serbian economy with full awareness that the EU is our largest trading partner. For companies from Serbia, the EU market is one of the most important. Precisely because of this, CCIS cannot support any initiative that calls for conditioning or slowing down the European integration process. We cannot overlook the fact that in almost every point of the Declaration, there are unmethodical and deeply harmful proposals aimed at completely suspending Serbia’s EU accession process, as well as blocking many concrete processes that are vital for the Serbian economy. As the protector of Serbia’s business interests, CCIS could not support the undermining of our business environment, which would, in turn, jeopardize Serbia’s position in attracting further foreign investment. This is especially relevant to the demand for further delays in opening Cluster 3, as well as the calls to postpone some of the largest infrastructure projects that are expected to bring additional development to Serbia. The CCIS representatives in this Committee proposed several amendments aimed at improving the text of the Declaration, but unfortunately, they were not accepted. CCIS respects differing viewpoints, which are highly valued in a democracy, and remains committed to the idea of the four freedoms and to free access to the European single market. It is precisely for this reason that we cannot accept a Declaration that, in the European economic, political, and broader public sphere, could lead to beliefs or decisions that would deeply harm the Serbian economy&mdash;thereby threatening the fundamental pillars of the domestic economic, industrial, and social environment.

Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia Voted Against the Declaration Conditioning Serbia’s Progress Toward the EU

In response to the United States’ decision to introduce new tariffs on imports into the country, an urgent meeting was held today at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS) with representatives of Serbian companies exporting to the U.S. market. All relevant and up-to-date information of importance to domestic companies was presented at the meeting. The government's swift action to initiate negotiations with the U.S. administration was welcomed, and a number of proposed measures aimed at providing direct and immediate support to domestic producers affected by the new tariffs were discussed.
At the meeting, which brought together companies from various sectors, including the rubber, metal, agriculture, defense, and automotive industries, it was stated that the complete and necessary documentation from the U.S. regarding the new tariffs is expected to arrive by April 9.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/Okrugli sto - carine SAD (21)_960x720.jpg" id="image-tag-1744032288972" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1646"></div>
Mihailo Vesović, Deputy President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, emphasized the importance of businesses working closely with both the CCIS and the government to ensure the best possible conditions are negotiated for Serbian companies.
"This requires urgent commencement of trade negotiations. We are aware that there is a long queue in Washington, but we must position ourselves as one of the first countries to secure more favorable conditions&mdash;at the very least those that would place us on equal footing with countries in the region and the EU," Vesović highlighted.
In addition, he noted that, given some companies are already experiencing direct losses, immediate support should be considered. This could take the form of favorable credit lines or more advantageous export financing&mdash;topics that will be explored in the coming days.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/Okrugli sto - carine SAD (14)_960x720.jpg" id="image-tag-1744032269204" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1645"></div>
Jagoda Lazarević, Assistant Minister for Economic Diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that daily communication is ongoing with U.S. representatives. She added that a high-level Serbian delegation is expected to visit the U.S. soon, where the issue of new tariffs will be one of the main topics on the table.
Dragan Kršanin, Director of the Pančevo-based company “Tehnomarket,” which has been exporting to the U.S. market for years, said that swift action from the relevant institutions is crucial, especially for companies like his, which sends one-third of its exports to the U.S.
“We see a potential solution in CCIS and the government stepping into the negotiations to bring tariffs down to a reasonable level. We’re not expecting a completely duty-free regime, but the current situation is effectively removing us from the U.S. market,” Kršanin stated.
This view was echoed by Sanja Stanimirović, General Director of “Testeral” from Jagodina, who believes the government responded quickly and that entering into negotiations with the American side as soon as possible is now key.
“What’s most important now is to respond swiftly and engage in negotiations, trying to reach some solutions through diplomatic and economic diplomacy channels,” emphasized Stanimirović, whose company is 90% export-oriented, with 70% of its exports going to the U.S. market.
She suggested that companies with long-term contracts with U.S. partners should be granted certain benefits, which, as she explained, would not only help the individual businesses affected by the tariffs but also preserve jobs.

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