Serbia and France Strengthen Cooperation

More than 80 Serbian and French companies from the construction, IT, and agriculture sectors participated in the Serbian-French business forum held today in Paris at the Serbian House. The event was organized by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia in cooperation with the French business associations Medef International and Business France.

Mihailo Vesović, Director of the Sector for Strategic Analyses and Internationalization of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS), presented the prospects for cooperation between Serbia and France, highlighting as a priority the collaboration on the development of innovations, new technologies, and IT solutions that can be applied and enhance the construction, agriculture, and energy sectors.

“We aim to develop new technologies, and innovations, and invest in research centers with our French partners,” said Vesović. He emphasized that new opportunities for cooperation are also brought by the recently signed free trade agreements with China and Egypt. Vesović highlighted that trade cooperation between the two countries is on an upward trajectory, reaching nearly 2 billion euros, and noted the rapid growth of the IT sector in both Serbia and France.

The Serbian Ambassador to France, Ana Hrustanović, stated that Serbia and France are celebrating 185 years of diplomatic relations this year and that Serbia has been a strategic partner of France since 2011. Hrustanović invited French companies to invest in Serbia, emphasizing that “Serbia is a dynamic market in the Western Balkans, attracting 80 percent of French investments in the region.” She added that, just as in sports, our country can win “medals” in the field of economics through increased investments and cooperation with French partners.

Hrustanović underscored the significance of the EXPO 2027 project in enhancing economic ties between Serbia and France. She added that this initiative will position Belgrade and Serbia as global hubs, akin to the current status of Paris and France.

Gérard Wolf, President of the Center for the Development of Sustainable Cities within Medef International, and Pierrick Bonard, Director of the association Business France, highlighted the importance of strengthening economic ties with Serbia, particularly in the areas of green transition, the development of sustainable cities, and the EXPO 2027 project. They expressed their desire for Serbia to become part of the European market as soon as possible.

Dušan Borovčanin, Director of the EXPO 2027 project, announced that Serbia and Belgrade will host a specialized exhibition focusing on sports and music in 2027. The event is anticipated to draw over 4 million visitors and more than 100 participating countries. He called on French companies, renowned for their extensive experience, expertise, and technology, to participate in the realization of the project.

Following the Business Forum, bilateral meetings between Serbian and French business representatives were held.

Photo Boban Ristić