​Serbia and Italy Strengthen Strategic Economic Partnership Ahead of EXPO 2027

Business forums and conferences dedicated to strengthening economic cooperation between Serbia and Italy, deepening bilateral economic relations, supporting the internationalization of companies, and presenting Serbia’s development potential ahead of the specialized exhibition EXPO Belgrade 2027, were held in Rome on May 6 and 7.

The events were organized in cooperation between Serbian and Italian institutions and gathered senior government officials, representatives of chambers of commerce, financial institutions, and leading companies from both countries.
On the first day, the focus was on support mechanisms for Italian companies in international markets, as well as on the role of the confederative and chamber systems in strengthening economic cooperation in the Western Balkans. The gathering was opened by Maria Monica Annibaldis, Honorary Representative of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia in Italy. Addresses were delivered by Serbia’s Ambassador to Italy, Mirjana Jeremić, State Secretary at the Ministry of Domestic and Foreign Trade Stevan Nikčević, Italian Ambassador to Serbia Luca Gori, and Mihailo Vesović, Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia.
During the roundtable discussions, participants addressed strategic cooperation between the public and private sectors, export support policies, and the role of financial institutions in supporting investments and the internationalization of companies. Special emphasis was placed on development projects in Serbia and the opportunities brought by EXPO Belgrade 2027, recognized as one of the most significant international events in the region.
Mihailo Vesović, Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, emphasized that Serbia represents a reliable partner for the Italian economy, offering a stable investment environment, a developed industrial base, and an increasingly strong positioning in the fields of innovation, infrastructure, and sustainable development. 

Representatives of Unioncamere, CNA, CONFAPI, Promos, as well as leading financial institutions CDP and SIMEST, highlighted the importance of institutional and financial support for new investments and for strengthening the presence of Italian companies in Serbia and the wider region.

On the second day, the conference “Serbia Strategy 2035 – Economic Cooperation and Major Global Events” was held at Sala del Refettorio in the Chamber of Deputies in Rome, focusing on Serbia’s long-term development vision and opportunities for further strengthening the partnership with Italy.
Participants discussed the priorities of the Serbia Strategy 2035, support for Italian companies, and the development of healthcare, wellness, cultural and creative industries, agriculture, research, and innovation sectors. Representatives of Confindustria, the Italian Trade Agency (ITA/ICE), SIMEST, and other institutions emphasized that Serbia is playing an increasingly important role as a regional hub for investment, manufacturing, and technological development.
Special attention was devoted to major international events and their impact on economic growth. Participants assessed that EXPO Belgrade 2027, under the theme “Play for Humanity,” will serve as a strong driver for new investments, infrastructure development, innovation, and the international promotion of Serbia. The importance of the GITEX AI initiative and cooperation in the fields of digitalization, artificial intelligence, and the sports industry was also highlighted.
It was concluded that Serbia and Italy have strong foundations for further enhancing economic cooperation through joint investments, technological connectivity, innovation development, and participation in major international projects. Italy remains one of Serbia’s most important foreign trade and investment partners, while Serbia continues to strengthen its position as a regional business and development hub in Southeast Europe.