Serbian apple producers will be showcasing their export offerings for the first time at the International Fair "Gulfood Green" in Dubai (UAE) from September 24 to 26. The participation of Serbian businessmen is facilitated by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS) with support from the "Trade Promotion East" project, implemented by the International Trade Center (ITC) and funded by the Government of Switzerland. "Gulfood Green" is a new fair taking place at the Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC), and the companies exhibiting their offerings within the National Pavilion of Serbia in Hall 3 include "Ćirić Agro MĐŽ", "COPA", "AgroCorp Duo", "Srbovoće", and "Mirax Agrar".

​Serbian Apple Producers for the First Time at the Gulfood Green Fair In Dubai

Serbia must refocus its efforts on building an artificial intelligence-powered digital economy in order to become, in the years ahead, a country that creates its own products, while positioning the Western Balkans as a region where original products are developed for the global market, said Marko Čadež, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS).
Čadež made the remarks during the panel discussion “Building the AI Economy – Data, Infrastructure and Competitiveness”, held as part of the second edition of the BELTALKS: Belgrade Economic Talks conference in Belgrade.
 
As he pointed out, building a digital economy requires artificial intelligence (AI) to be deeply integrated and embedded in the industrial processes of domestic manufacturing companies, given Serbia’s strong industrial tradition, which forms the foundation of the country’s economy.
 
“One indicator of progress will be how many manufacturing companies use AI in their processes. For me, this is one of the most important indicators of AI adoption and, subsequently, its impact on the entire economy, because Serbia’s economy is based on industrial production,” Čadež said in response to a question about what is needed for Serbia to become a credible destination for investment in the ICT sector, further business development and the modernisation of the economy.
 
According to Čadež, another key condition for continuing to build the digital economy is sustained investment in and development of digital infrastructure, as has been the case to date through the efforts of both the public and private sectors. He added that further development of an AI-powered economy will require strengthening the energy sector by combining renewable energy sources with nuclear energy.
 
Čadež said that Serbia has been laying the foundations for AI development for a decade and announced that the national language model will be completed ahead of EXPO 2027 Belgrade, noting that Serbian large language models (LLMs), including foundational and reasoning models, are being developed in parallel within two clusters. One of these is being developed in cooperation with the European company Mistral. The goal is for domestic companies and public institutions to have access to secure, personalised models adapted to the Serbian language and the specific characteristics of the country’s administrative and legal systems.
 
He stressed that further digital development must be driven by the needs of the economy, with education, infrastructure and the business sector working together, alongside investment in computing capacity, data and infrastructure such as the State Data Centre in Kragujevac and supercomputers.
 
President of the National Assembly Ana Brnabić said that the first prerequisite for the development and application of AI in Serbia was the creation of a data foundation through the development of eGovernment. The second prerequisite, she noted, was the development of knowledge and talent, while the third was infrastructure, including data centres and supercomputers. As a result, she said, Serbia’s ICT sector has become the fastest-growing sector of the Serbian economy, and she expects ICT services exports to exceed EUR 5 billion by the end of the year.
 
Aleksandar Bogdanović, CEO and President of the Executive Board of Yettel Bank, stressed that there is no doubt that artificial intelligence is not a passing trend that will disappear. He added that colleagues from different markets had been surprised by how far Serbia has progressed in digitalisation and how well its services are organised.
 
Stefan Andonovski, Minister of Digital Transformation of the Republic of North Macedonia, said that around 40 percent of companies in the country use AI tools, but that only five percent of small and medium-sized enterprises apply genuine AI models. He warned that simply using chatbots without changing internal processes does not bring about a fundamental transformation of business operations. According to him, companies that fall behind in adopting advanced AI technologies could face serious challenges when competing with large companies introducing genuine AI agents.
 
Photo: Ivana Vukotić / CCIS

Čadež: Serbia Must Refocus on Building an AI-Powered Digital Economy

Representatives of Serbian institutions took part in the seminar “Economic Exchange in the Field of Economic Development of Serbia”, held in Beijing, which focused on the exchange of experiences in economic development, modernisation and international economic cooperation.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/EE5AB77D-C913-44D8-B49D-DAB81DC3548C.jpeg" id="image-tag-1789120120582" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2407"></div>
Organised as part of the Xi Jinping Thought on Economy Study Center, the seminar covered a range of topics, including economic and spatial planning, industrial policy, the modernisation of production, innovation, new technologies, the green transition and sustainable development. Participants also discussed opportunities to further strengthen economic cooperation between Serbia and China.
One of the key topics was the formulation and implementation of medium- and long-term development plans. The Chinese planning system, based on five-year plans, spatial planning and sector-specific strategies, was presented, with particular attention to mechanisms supporting long-term and sustainable economic development. The seminar also addressed the development of new quality productive forces, the transformation of traditional industries, the growth of emerging sectors and opportunities for industrial diversification. Particular emphasis was placed on the green transition, renewable energy, environmental protection and sustainable development. As part of the programme, Serbian participants presented the institutions they represent, with a particular focus on opportunities to further strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, technology and institutional and business-to-business partnerships. The importance of the Belt and Road Initiative in connecting the two countries and further developing China-Serbia economic relations was also highlighted. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia was represented by Marija Borota, Advisor to the President, who gave a presentation on the role and activities of the national business association in supporting the Serbian economy and strengthening international economic cooperation.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/3E45DA68-433A-4096-A41D-DA8D4947AC49.jpeg" id="image-tag-1789120151197" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2405"></div> She also highlighted the importance of EXPO 2027 Belgrade, one of the most significant international events to be hosted by Serbia. She stressed that the event represents an important opportunity to further position Serbia on the international economic map, promote the country’s business community and create new opportunities for partnerships and business contacts. The programme also included a study visit to Shanghai, focusing on examples of modern urban and spatial planning, industrial development, investment attraction and technological innovation.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/4B013CC2-2DDD-497A-9349-29683279D71F.jpeg" id="image-tag-1789120164684" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2406"></div> Particular attention was given to Shanghai’s experience in hosting EXPO 2010 and the impact of the major international event on the city’s development, modernisation, international profile and tourism appeal. During the study visit, participants visited: • Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center, dedicated to urban and spatial planning; • Hongqiao Overseas Development Service Center, focused on international economic cooperation; • Planning Exhibition Center at Lingang Dishui Cloud Hall, showcasing the development and spatial planning of the Lingang area.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/EE5AB77D-C913-44D8-B49D-DAB81DC3548C2.jpeg" id="image-tag-1789120180217" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2409"></div> Shanghai was presented as an example of modern urban development, a strong industrial base, a dynamic innovation sector and effective integration of infrastructure, business and international cooperation. Shanghai’s experience is particularly relevant to Serbia’s preparations for EXPO 2027 Belgrade, as hosting an event of this scale can, beyond international promotion and the exhibition itself, provide a powerful impetus for the development of infrastructure, tourism, services and new business networks. Lectures during the seminar were delivered by experts from institutions including the National Development and Reform Commission, Xi Jinping Thought on Economy Study Center, China Macroeconomic Academy, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Peking University and Renmin University of China. The seminar provided a valuable platform for exchanging experiences, learning from China’s approach to economic and spatial development, and establishing new contacts with Chinese institutions.

Serbian Representatives in Beijing Discuss Development Policies, Modernisation and Economic Cooperation

President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, Marko Čadež, said in Istanbul that the Western Balkans is already deeply integrated into European value chains and that new EU rules must take this economic reality into account. He warned that regulatory barriers, including the 90/180 rule for professional drivers, could disrupt transport, production and supply chains across Europe.
Speaking at the meeting of Eurochambres’ affiliated members, held today in Istanbul, Čadež stressed that this is not merely an issue affecting Serbian or Western Balkan drivers.
<blockquote class="text-justify">“If transport stops, European factories and European supply chains stop as well. That is why resolving this issue is a common European economic interest. We are talking about hundreds of millions of euros worth of goods that could be blocked,” he said.</blockquote><div class="article-photo text-justify"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/3d72331b-9c02-45c1-aedb-b4e6ad348ffe_960x720.jpeg" id="image-tag-1788420921229" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2400"></div>
According to Čadež, more practical integration is essential.
<blockquote class="text-justify">“When the EU introduces new rules, from CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism), the Industrial Act, deforestation and steel regulations to public procurement, waste and packaging, it is necessary to consider how these rules affect Western Balkan companies that are already part of European value chains. If the goal is integration, regulation must not create new economic walls, because that would negatively affect both EU companies and companies from the region.” </blockquote>
He invited the presidents of the chambers of commerce to visit Belgrade and take part in EXPO 2027, and announced that a meeting of the Eurochambres Board of Directors would also be held next May during the exhibition.<div class="article-photo text-justify"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/5f13fde3-5c43-4b69-8a08-636efd335347_960x443.jpeg" id="image-tag-1788420932442" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2401"></div>
The main topics of the Istanbul meeting focused on the EU enlargement process, particularly integration into the EU Single Market, as well as the removal of various regulatory and other barriers that negatively affect European value chains. Participants exchanged views on current challenges and opportunities for business communities, as well as on the role of chambers of commerce in the European integration process, enhancing competitiveness and creating better conditions for companies to operate.
During the opening session, participants were addressed by Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, Vice-President of Eurochambres and President of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye (TOBB); Vladimir Dlouhý, President of Eurochambres; and Mehmet Kemal Bozay, Ambassador, Deputy Minister and Director for EU Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye, who previously served as Türkiye’s Ambassador to Serbia.
PHOTO: M. Petrović

Čadež: The Western Balkans Is Part of the European Economy; New EU Rules Must Not Create Barriers

Ahead of the central event marking the 65th anniversary of the First Conference of the Non-Aligned Movement, held in Belgrade in 1961, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia hosted the Serbia–Tanzania Business Forum, as well as a series of bilateral meetings with delegations from Zambia, Sri Lanka, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Egypt, with the aim of advancing economic cooperation, investment and connections between business communities.
Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia Mihailo Vesović said that more than 20 Serbian companies were participating in the forum, presenting their business interests and exploring opportunities for investment and business activities in Tanzania and Zanzibar.
“Tanzania, with its strategic location and a population of around 70 million, offers business opportunities that go far beyond its tourism potential,” Vesović said.

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President of Zanzibar Hussein Ali Mwinyi thanked his hosts for their hospitality and noted that the value of bilateral trade was symbolic, pointing to significant room for improvement.
As he explained, Serbia’s imports from Tanzania mainly consist of coffee, tea, spices, oilseeds and nuts, which is insufficient given the good relations between the two countries. Tanzania currently imports large quantities of fertilizers, pharmaceutical products, edible oils and meat &mdash; products that Serbia can also supply.
“That is why we want to increase procurement from Serbia, but also open up opportunities for joint production in Tanzania,” Mwinyi said.

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“Tanzania is a stable and promising market for business and investment, with significant potential in agriculture, energy, mining and tourism. The country also represents an important gateway to the regional market,” Mwinyi stressed.
He noted that Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania are not two markets competing for investment, but rather two parts of a single value chain.
“A tourist who visits Kilimanjaro or the Serengeti often ends their journey in Zanzibar,” he pointed out, adding that Tanzania offers investors a stable business environment and access to a regional market of around 300 million people, as well as the African market of more than 1.5 billion consumers.
Significant opportunities also exist in agriculture, food processing, logistics, the pharmaceutical industry and higher value-added manufacturing.
Tanzania’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, said that he had met with Serbia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and that they had discussed important issues that would contribute to strengthening cooperation, including the avoidance of double taxation.
He also said that the opening of a Tanzanian embassy in Serbia was being considered.
“It is up to us to work on strengthening relations in the fields of agriculture and technology and on establishing direct air links. Tanzania is ready for Serbia; the question is whether Serbia is ready for Tanzania,” Thabit Kombo said.
A special part of the event was dedicated to practical issues related to procedures, permits, financing and establishing local partnerships.
The participants announced further improvements in institutional and business cooperation, including the possibility of organizing a business mission of Serbian companies to Tanzania.
Serbia and Zambia See Opportunities for Stronger Cooperation in Agriculture and IT

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Opportunities to enhance economic cooperation between Serbia and Zambia, particularly in agriculture, manufacturing and information technology, were the focus of talks between Zambian Ambassador Judith Maria Adeodate Mulenga, Political Adviser at the Embassy of Zambia Lawrence Mulangwe, Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia Mihailo Vesović, and Serbia Export Executive Director Aleksandar Stojanović.
Ambassador Mulenga stressed that Zambia wants to make a shift from the production of raw materials toward their processing and the production of higher value-added goods, creating opportunities for cooperation with Serbian companies.
In addition to existing cooperation in agricultural machinery and joint investments, agricultural technologies, specialized seeds, software solutions, artificial intelligence, automation and cybersecurity were identified as promising areas for cooperation.
The Zambian side expressed particular interest in cooperation in the field of cybersecurity.
The meeting also addressed improvements to the business environment, including the issue of avoiding double taxation between the two countries.
Tourism, ICT and Agriculture Offer Potential for Greater Cooperation with Sri Lanka

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Strengthening business ties and opening up new opportunities for companies from Serbia and Sri Lanka were the focus of a meeting between Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia Mihailo Vesović and Sri Lanka’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Arun Hemachandra, held at the Chamber.
The interlocutors assessed that the relatively modest volume of bilateral trade indicates significant room for increasing and diversifying trade, as well as for stronger connections between the two countries’ business communities.
Particular potential for cooperation was identified in information and communications technology, digitalization and the digital economy, logistics, trade, tourism and services, as well as in the transfer of knowledge and advanced technologies, especially in the agricultural sector.
Sri Lanka’s strategic position in the Indian Ocean and the importance of the Port of Colombo create opportunities for cooperation in logistics and connectivity with the markets of South and Southeast Asia.
At the same time, Serbia has the potential to serve as a logistics and distribution hub providing access to the Western Balkan market and the wider European market.
At the meeting, which was also attended by Mahesh Gunawardena, a representative of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Vienna, which is also accredited on a non-resident basis to the Republic of Serbia, it was agreed that cooperation with the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Vienna, Sri Lankan business associations and other relevant institutions would be intensified in the coming period, with the aim of expanding trade, establishing new business partnerships and developing joint investments.
Serbian Companies Invited to Major Business Forum in Egypt

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A bilateral meeting with the Egyptian delegation focused on opportunities to further enhance economic cooperation between Serbia and Egypt, as well as the potential for joint engagement in the African market.
Egypt’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohamed Abubakr highlighted the strength of Egypt’s medical and pharmaceutical sectors and presented the “Al Ameen Africa Business Forum,” which will be held from 2 to 4 October, bringing together representatives of a large number of African countries and key decision-makers.
The forum, which this year received the support of the African Union and is planned to be held every other year, will cover all major economic sectors, and Serbian companies and institutions have been invited to participate.
Aleksandar Stojanović, Executive Director of Serbia Export, assessed that the forum represents an interesting opportunity for the Serbian economy and pointed to the potential for the involvement of Serbian companies, particularly in the construction sector.
Mihailo Vesović pointed to the growth in bilateral trade and the significant increase in Egyptian exports to Serbia.
The participants also exchanged ideas on organizing a women’s business forum, as well as Egypt’s participation in EXPO, including an initiative to organize an Egyptian National Day.
Serbia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo Discuss Cooperation in Digitalization and Security

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The delegation of the Democratic Republic of the Congo was led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Jacquemain Shabani Lukoo Bihango, in the presence of Joseph Kalala Mulamba, Ambassador of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to Serbia.
The discussions focused on opportunities for cooperation in the areas of digital transformation and modernization of public administration and internal affairs systems, cybersecurity, critical infrastructure protection, identity management and biometric solutions, modern surveillance and border-control systems, as well as the production of uniforms and other equipment for police and security services.
Serbia’s capabilities and experience in these areas were presented by Vlatacom, IBIS Solutions and VIAI, as well as the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia’s Center for Digital Transformation.
PHOTO: Ivana Vukotić

Serbia and Tanzania Strengthen Economic Cooperation: Great Potential for Investment and New Business Opportunities

Serbia is making its biggest-ever appearance at Gamescom, the world’s leading gaming trade fair in Cologne, with twelve companies representing nearly the entire spectrum of the video game industry &mdash; from game development and publishing, through art production and localization, to marketing, post-production, and co-development. The joint appearance of the Serbian gaming industry is being organized with the support of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce, which has supported this initiative from the very beginning.
From August 26 to 29, the Serbian delegation is presenting itself to the international gaming community at a booth in the business area of the Cologne trade fair. The booth serves as a space for establishing new business contacts and as a central meeting point for companies, partners, and representatives of the Serbian Games Industry Association, which is organizing the delegation’s participation.
Serbia is represented in Cologne by companies from various segments of the domestic gaming ecosystem, ranging from video game development and publishing to specialized services for the global gaming industry.
The delegation includes studios and companies specializing in game development for PC, mobile, and VR platforms, as well as co-development and outsourcing, alongside 2D and 3D art production, cinematics, and other visual content. Also represented are companies specializing in localization, testing, voice-over production, narrative design, video and audio post-production, as well as the development of complete gaming solutions for both in-house and client projects.
Part of the domestic offering also includes platforms and services focused on marketing and connecting gaming studios with content creators and international audiences. In this way, the delegation showcases a broad range of expertise and services &mdash; from the creative and technical development of video games to their production, promotion, and support in bringing them to the global market.
This year’s presence at Gamescom confirms that Serbia’s video game industry is increasingly establishing itself as a cohesive and internationally competitive scene.
DevGAMM For the Win! will also be given special prominence. It is the largest international event dedicated to video game development to be held in Serbia to date, and is scheduled for September 29–30.
Photo: Tatjana Ristić

Serbian Gaming Industry Takes the Stage in Cologne

President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS) Marko Čadež met today with a delegation from the Korean company SYChem, which specializes in the production of chemical products, particularly polymer flocculants used in wastewater treatment and various industrial processes.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/1000036943.jpg" id="image-tag-1787740579418" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2386"></div>
Representatives of the company expressed interest in investing in Serbia, technology transfer, as well as the implementation of joint venture projects.
The President of the CCIS briefed the Korean delegation on Serbia’s investment potential, access to markets enabled by free trade agreements, as well as the institutional support provided to investors by the CCIS and the Government of Serbia through foreign investment incentive programs.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/1000036960 (1).jpg" id="image-tag-1787740570652" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2387"></div>
Čadež also pointed out that, according to announcements by the Ministry of Environmental Protection, 20 new wastewater treatment plants are expected to be built by 2030. Such projects, he noted, create additional opportunities for investment, technology transfer and international cooperation.
SYChem CEO Dae Kap Byun said that he expects the visit to Serbia to contribute to defining new forms of cooperation and opening up concrete opportunities for future projects.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/10000369741.jpg" id="image-tag-1787740559859" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2389"></div>

Growing Interest Among Korean Companies in Investing in Serbia

Marko Čadež, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS), met today in Trieste with Antonio Paoletti, President of the Chamber of Commerce of Venezia Giulia – Trieste-Gorizia, and Franco Dal Mas, Secretary General of the Central European Initiative (CEI), to discuss stronger institutional and business ties between the economies of the Western Balkans and the Alpine-Adriatic region, as well as strengthening chamber and intergovernmental initiatives aimed at developing key transport corridors. David Piegački, Secretary General of the Western Balkans Chamber Investment Forum (WB6 CIF), also attended the meetings.
Čadež proposed to Paoletti that Trieste host meetings of businesspeople, investors and chamber leaders from the Western Balkans and the Alpine-Adriatic region twice a year, serving as a permanent platform for connecting companies, developing supply chains, presenting investment projects and launching joint initiatives.
The two chamber networks connected through this initiative represent approximately 1.2 million companies. The WB6 CIF brings together around 350,000 businesses from the six Western Balkan economies, while the Alpine-Adriatic network represents nearly 850,000 companies from Italy, Austria, Slovenia and Croatia. The aim is to connect this large business base through concrete projects and new partnerships.
“Trieste is a natural place for such an initiative. It is home to the WB6 CIF headquarters, the Chamber of Commerce of Venezia Giulia is one of the active stakeholders in the Alpine-Adriatic network, and the city itself represents an important economic, logistics and historical link between the Western Balkans, Central Europe and the Mediterranean,” Čadež said.
Future meetings in Trieste should focus on concrete results, business-to-business meetings, joint investment projects, transport and logistics, the energy and green transition, digitalisation, innovation, access to finance and stronger integration of Western Balkan companies into European value chains.
At the meeting with CEI Secretary General Franco Dal Mas, particular attention was devoted to linking this intergovernmental platform with the WB6 CIF and creating a joint business and transport agenda.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/IMG-20260824-WA0005_960x720.jpg" id="image-tag-1787579231821" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2382"></div>
“The CEI can bring together governments and European institutions, while the WB6 CIF represents around 350,000 companies and their real needs. It is precisely this connection between political decisions, infrastructure projects and the demands of businesses that can deliver results that companies will feel immediately,” Čadež stressed.
The modernisation of the Trieste–Ljubljana–Zagreb–Belgrade railway corridor and its connection with the Northern Adriatic ports, Skopje and Thessaloniki was at the centre of the discussions, with the aim of creating a fast, green and reliable land bridge linking the Adriatic, the Western Balkans, Central Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean.
Regional initiatives within the framework of the Interreg IPA ADRION programme offer particular potential. Joint efforts by the CEI and the WB6 CIF chambers should focus on modernising railway infrastructure and the Šid–Tovarnik border crossing, improving connections between railways, intermodal terminals and the ports of Trieste, Koper and Rijeka, as well as expanding green corridors, enabling digital data exchange and ensuring round-the-clock operation of inspection services.
The interlocutors also agreed that priorities include the mutual recognition of controls and the development of integrated border crossings, as well as a joint initiative towards the European Commission for a sustainable solution to the 90/180-day rule for professional drivers from the Western Balkans.
Around 26 million working hours of drivers are lost every year at Western Balkan border crossings, equivalent to almost 3,000 years of waiting time. For companies, however, logistics is simple – goods need to arrive quickly, reliably and at a predictable cost.
For this reason, the CEI and the WB6 CIF will work on establishing a joint business and transport agenda based on data from companies, precisely identified bottlenecks and joint projects to be submitted to European funds and institutions.
“Corridors are not just railways, roads and ports. They are infrastructure for economic growth, new investment and the faster integration of the Western Balkans into the European single market,” Čadež said.

Trieste – A Bridge Connecting the Economies of the Western Balkans and the Alpine-Adriatic Region

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS) is hosting, for the first time, a business delegation from four Central Asian countries &mdash; Armenia, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. The seven-day study visit brings together 17 business representatives and is aimed at strengthening business cooperation, exchanging experience, and opening up new business and investment opportunities for companies from Serbia and Central Asia. The visit represents an important step towards strengthening Serbia’s economic relations with the Central Asian region and creating new opportunities for the internationalization of Serbian companies’ operations in this market.
The event has been organized as part of the cooperation under the “Trade Promotion in the East” (TPE) project, in cooperation with the International Trade Centre (ITC) and with the support of the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).
On behalf of the CCIS, the delegation was addressed by Dušanka Kalezić, Adviser to the President, who expressed her gratitude to the International Trade Centre and the TPE Project for the results achieved over the past four years. Kalezić emphasized that the TPE project has provided significant support to Serbia’s food and agricultural sectors in strengthening the international competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises.
Through expert activities focused on export promotion, Serbian producers of fresh apples and sour cherries participated in seven international trade fairs, held more than 1,200 B2B meetings with potential buyers, and generated business opportunities estimated at approximately EUR 12 million.
In addition to providing direct support to companies, the TPE project also contributed to strengthening the institutional capacities of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia. Through the “Training of Trainers” programme, CCIS experts enhanced their knowledge and practical skills in using the International Trade Centre’s digital trade intelligence tools, including Trade Map, Export Potential Map and Market Access Map.
On this basis, a new export support service was established, enabling Serbian SMEs to access high-quality market intelligence and tailored advisory services for entering foreign markets.
One of the important outcomes of the project has also been the development of regional cooperation with Central Asian countries and the creation of opportunities for new business and investment partnerships.
“Diversification of markets, supply chains and business partnerships is today a strategic necessity for building resilient economies. Serbia remains strongly integrated into and committed to the single European market, while our companies are simultaneously adapting to an increasingly demanding regulatory environment, including sustainability requirements, the European Green Deal, the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, industrial decarbonization policies and other evolving regulatory frameworks,” Kalezić said.
In this context, strengthening economic ties with Central Asia represents an opportunity not only to diversify export markets, but also to build long-term partnerships based on complementary economic potential, growing demand and shared ambitions for sustainable economic development.
A particular focus of the study visit is on the fruit processing sector, with an emphasis on drying and freeze-drying, as well as the production of planting material. The members of the delegation are interested in learning about modern production processes and technologies, exchanging experience with Serbian companies, and exploring opportunities for developing long-term business relationships.
During the seven-day programme, with the support of the ITC project, the delegation will visit selected companies in Šabac, Valjevo, Osečina, Čačak and Kruševac. The visits will provide an opportunity to gain first-hand insight into production capacities, the application of modern technologies and examples of good business practice, as well as to discuss opportunities for developing joint projects, investments and trade cooperation.
The study visit represents another step towards connecting the economies of Serbia and the Central Asian countries and confirms the commitment of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia to actively support the internationalization of domestic companies, the opening of new markets, and the establishment of business ties with partners from a region of growing strategic importance.
Photo: CCIS

PKS Hosts Business Delegation from Four Central Asian Countries

Bilateral relations between Serbia and Kazakhstan are at their highest level, primarily due to the strengthening of economic and trade ties between the two countries. This was assessed during a meeting between Mihailo Vesović, Deputy President of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce for International Cooperation and Development, and a Kazakh delegation led by Alibek Kuantirov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Rakhimzhan Isakulov, Deputy Minister of Industry and Construction.
“The continuity of visits by official Serbian delegations, business forums, business meetings, and participation in trade fairs in Kazakhstan have contributed to a better understanding of market requirements, direct contacts with business partners, and the realization of exports of products and services to Kazakhstan,” Vesović said. He invited Kazakh businesspeople to visit Serbia in order to familiarize themselves with the country’s economic, investment, and production potential.
Kazakhstan’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Alibek Kuantirov informed the Serbian side about government support programs available to Kazakh entrepreneurs and foreign investors. As he emphasized, Kazakhstan’s priority is the localization of production, which provides opportunities and government incentives for doing business in Kazakhstan’s rapidly growing industrial market, particularly in the fields of energy, mechanical engineering, and manufacturing. According to Kuantirov, Expo 2027 represents an ideal opportunity for Kazakhstan to showcase its economic potential. “We have officially begun preparations to promote Kazakhstan’s achievements next year in Belgrade,” Kuantirov concluded.
Deputy Minister of Industry and Construction Rakhimzhan Isakulov emphasized that all business initiatives put forward by the Serbian side would be seriously considered and supported through Kazakhstan’s government administration, business associations and funds, as well as by specific companies that could become future business partners.
Bilateral trade reached a record $903.7 million in 2025, representing a 50 percent increase compared with the same period of the previous year. Serbia exported $75 million worth of goods, primarily packaging paper and cardboard, aluminum alloy products, motor oils, sunflower seeds, cigarettes, machinery, and medicines. Serbia’s significant trade deficit was primarily due to increased imports of energy products, fertilizers, and chemical products, particularly polypropylene and polyethylene. In the first half of 2026, bilateral trade increased by 14 percent, with total trade in goods reaching $567 million.
The meeting was also attended by the newly appointed Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Serbia, H.E. Bolat Imanbayev.
During the meeting, Serbian companies Termovent, Energoprojekt, and PPT Inženjering presented their production programs, business initiatives, and results achieved to date in economic cooperation with Kazakhstan.

Serbia–Kazakhstan Relations on a Dynamic Upward Trajectory

Opportunities to enhance institutional and business cooperation, as well as to foster connections between companies from Serbia and Türkiye, were the focus of a meeting held at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS) with a delegation from the Sivas Chamber of Commerce.
The delegation from the Sivas Chamber of Commerce was led by Zeki Özdemir, Chairman of the Board of Directors.

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During the meeting, 10&nbsp; Turkish&nbsp;companies operating across a range of economic sectors were presented, including construction and defence industries, construction materials and marble production, fuel distribution, the automotive industry, medical products manufacturing, iron and steel production, engineering and energy services, as well as logistics.
Representatives of CCIS associations also attended the meeting. The discussions focused on presenting the participating companies and exploring opportunities to establish and further develop business cooperation between companies from Serbia and Türkiye.

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​  CCIS and Sivas Chamber of Commerce Discuss New Opportunities for Business Cooperation between Serbian and Turkish Companies

According to the currently available official documents and announcements, Serbia is not included in the new measures introduced by the United States under Section 301, and no additional country-specific tariff has been imposed on goods originating from Serbia. This means that there are no new additional tariffs that apply exclusively to Serbian products.
Goods originating from Serbia continue to be subject to the existing tariff rates under the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS), depending on the product category, without the introduction of new reciprocal tariffs.
At the same time, the special trade measures imposed under Section 232 remain in force. These measures continue to apply, among other products, to certain steel, aluminum, and copper products, which remain subject to an additional 50% tariff.
Concerning Serbia's most significant exports to the United States, it is important to note that the previously introduced measures remain in effect for new pneumatic tires for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles (vans), as well as for passenger motor vehicles and certain automotive parts. Accordingly, the additional 25% tariff on these products remains in force and is not covered by the exemptions provided under the latest measures announced on July 24, 2026.
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia will continue to monitor decisions issued by the White House and other relevant U.S. authorities and will keep the Serbian business community informed promptly of any changes that may affect the operations of Serbian companies in the U.S. market.
For additional information, please contact the Center for Cooperation with the United States:
Marica Vidanović
Tel: +381 66 875 1208Full Information available on the <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2026/07/actions-by-the-united-states-in-the-investigations-under-section-301-of-the-trade-act-of-1974-of-the-acts-policies-and-practices-of-60-economies-related-to-the-failure-of-each-economy-to-impose-and/?utm_source=chatgpt.com">LINK</a>

Serbia Not Included in New U.S. Tariff Measures

Greater investment, new industrial and infrastructure projects, and stronger business-to-business ties will be the key priorities of future economic cooperation between Serbia and the Czech Republic, with the full support of the highest state leadership of both countries, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš said at the opening of the "Serbia–Czech Republic: Business Dialogue and New Opportunities for Economic Cooperation" Business Forum.
The gathering of 50 Serbian and Czech companies from nearly all key industries sends a strong signal that the business communities of both countries recognize significant potential for new investments and joint ventures, said Marko Čadež, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS).

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President Aleksandar Vučić told Czech business representatives that their companies are welcome to invest in Serbia, emphasizing that the country is a stable and reliable partner. He noted that bilateral trade has increased from EUR 433 million in 2012 to approximately EUR 2.4 billion today, while around 245 companies with majority Czech ownership currently operate in Serbia. Czech investments in Serbia have exceeded EUR 640 million since 2010. Vučić also announced an initiative to elevate the Joint Committee for Economic Cooperation to the ministerial level in order to accelerate the implementation of joint projects.
"I believe that Serbia can be a reliable partner in this part of Europe for the Czech Republic&mdash;an industrial leader in machinery manufacturing, electrical equipment, energy technologies, medical equipment, the chemical industry, and other advanced production systems&mdash;in developing modern industry, innovation, the digital economy, and new technologies," Vučić said.
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Marko Čadež highlighted that the forum brought together 50 Serbian and Czech companies from key industrial sectors, including the metalworking and electrical engineering industries, defense, aerospace and automotive manufacturing, as well as the chemical industry, information technology, telecommunications, and agriculture. Among the Serbian participants were major companies such as Electric Power Industry of Serbia (EPS), Telekom Srbija, and Beohemija, which is partly Czech-owned.
Čadež emphasized that the Czech Republic is one of Serbia's most important trading partners and a major export market, recalling that bilateral trade has quadrupled over the past decade. He added that the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia and the Confederation of Industry of the Czech Republic will further intensify cooperation and support for companies, while a return visit by a Serbian business delegation to the Czech Republic is already being prepared for later this year.

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Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš stated that Czech companies are ready to launch new investments in Serbia and stressed that there are numerous opportunities to expand cooperation.
"Our goal is to implement projects that will bring prosperity and mutual benefits to both countries. During our discussions, President Vučić and I identified a way to achieve that. I am confident that we will secure the same position in Serbia that some other European Union member states already enjoy, and President Vučić has shown great understanding and support for such an approach," Babiš said, adding that the composition of the Czech business delegation clearly demonstrates the broad scope for strengthening cooperation between the two countries.

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Jan Rafaj, President of the Confederation of Industry of the Czech Republic, said that Serbia and the Czech Republic share a long tradition of successful economic cooperation and significant potential for new partnership projects in mechanical engineering, energy, the defense industry, security, and digital technologies. He emphasized that the presence of President Vučić and Prime Minister Babiš confirms the strategic importance of bilateral economic relations and the clear commitment to deepening the partnership.
Rafaj recalled that Czech entrepreneurs have been present in Serbia since the era of the renowned industrialist Tomáš Baťa, noting that generations of Serbian citizens have recognized Czech brands such as Škoda, Jawa, Petrof, and Czech beer. He added that companies including PPF Group, Škoda Auto, Škoda Transportation, Sebre, Mattoni, and Dr. Max are successfully operating in Serbia today, bringing investments, expertise, and modern technologies that provide a strong foundation for new joint projects.
Following the opening remarks, presentations were held on the business potential of Serbia and the Czech Republic. Bojan Stanić, Assistant Director of the Strategic Analysis, Services and Internationalization Sector at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, presented opportunities for strengthening bilateral economic cooperation, while representatives of Czech companies showcased their operations, products, and cooperation opportunities with Serbian businesses.
The forum also featured B2B meetings between Serbian and Czech companies, focused on developing concrete business partnerships across a range of industries.

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Prior to the forum, Marko Čadež met with Jan Rafaj to discuss further strengthening cooperation between the two business associations, increasing the exchange of business delegations, and launching new initiatives to foster closer ties between Serbian and Czech companies, including cooperation in the fields of artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, and other advanced industries.

​Serbian Apple Producers for the First Time at the Gulfood Green Fair In Dubai

Serbian Apple Producers for the First Time at the Gulfood Green Fair In Dubai