The international hospitality and hotel services fair, "GAST EXPO 2025", kicked off today in Ljubljana. Organized by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS), nine Serbian distilleries are showcasing their products at this prestigious event.At the CCIS stand, the following brands are presenting their rakijas: "Akov," "Blagojević," "Hubert 1924," "Momirović," "Porečje Vučje," "Potpis," "Gorda," "Korušac," and "Podrum Pevac." Renowned Serbian sommelier Ilija Malović will hold a special presentation on Serbian rakijas for Slovenian importers, distributors, retailers, and the HORECA sector.
The 18th International Hospitality and Hotel Services Fair "GAST EXPO 2025" runs until February 1, as part of the 35th Alpe Adria Tourism Fair at the Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre. This event is the largest HORECA fair in Slovenia, featuring numerous producers and suppliers of beverages, coffee, desserts, catering, and hotel equipment, along with major distribution chains in the country (https://www.gast.si/).
The fair has a strong tradition and attracts more than 20,000 visitors annually from Slovenia, the region, and across Europe. It is held just before the start of the tourist season, making it an ideal opportunity for businesses to plan their procurement for the upcoming season. This year, around 500 exhibitors are expected to participate.
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Serbian Brandy at the "GAST EXPO 2025" in Ljubljana

"China is now Serbia’s leading foreign investor, with over 7 billion euros in foreign direct investment, our second-largest foreign trade partner, the top country we import from, and the third largest export destination for Serbian products globally," said Marko Čadež, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, at the opening of the Economic and Trade Conference and business meetings between Serbian companies and representatives from China’s Jiangsu province, which gathered nearly 400 participants.He emphasized that the Free Trade Agreement with China has opened a new chapter in bilateral cooperation, enabling the realization of joint projects and noted that Serbia–China relations have gained significant momentum in recent years. Čadež highlighted the importance of Jiangsu as one of the most developed provinces in China, with 85 million consumers and strong innovation potential. "Jiangsu stands out not only because of its high GDP and vast market of 85 million consumers, but also for its prominent position on the global innovation and technology map," Čadež stated. He stressed that Serbia aims to establish an "innovation bridge"&mdash;a digital bridge&mdash;with Jiangsu by connecting domestic technology parks, innovation centers, and top scientific institutions with those in this Chinese province."We have already begun concrete discussions with representatives of the Suzhou Industrial Park, one of the most successful industrial parks in China and a symbol of cooperation between China and foreign investors in the field of high technologies. We are considering opening their office on the premises of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce and incorporating them into our development project, 'ScaleUp Factory.' We are actively working on this," Čadež said.He underlined that Serbia is interested in attracting more Chinese high-tech companies, and that Jiangsu already sees Serbia as a potential European hub. More than half of the companies in the Jiangsu delegation expressed interest in production and joint projects with Serbian firms."In partnership with Chinese companies, we can best leverage our resources and integrate into global innovation flows," Čadež noted, adding that the strong presence of Chinese companies reflects the positive experience of those already operating in Serbia.Čadež also emphasized Serbia’s upcoming participation in the Supply Chain Expo in Beijing this July, where 11 Serbian companies from the digital technology, food, and logistics sectors will be showcased."Producers from the confectionery industry, the ICT and embedded systems sector, as well as logistics companies, will participate in the fair," said the President of the Chamber, recalling that during the March visit of the China Chamber of Commerce delegation, an invitation was extended to the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) to open its representative office in Belgrade.
"Such a step would crown our partnership and mark an important milestone toward a more substantial and dynamic economic cooperation between our two countries," Čadež concluded.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/Tan2025-06-2517110623_5_960x640.jpg" id="image-tag-1750925311388" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1761"></div> Adrijana Mesarović, Deputy Prime Minister of Serbia and Minister of Economy, stated that the relationship between Serbia and China transcends traditional economic frameworks. "This is a friendship based on profound respect, mutual trust, and a long-term vision of shared progress. Within this relationship, cooperation with Jiangsu holds special importance as it aligns Serbia’s orientation toward innovation and sustainable development with China’s expertise in industrial transformation, digitalization, and the green economy," said Mesarović. She pointed out that Jiangsu leads in the fields of electronic equipment, green energy, and biotechnology. She added that Serbian exports to China have tripled in the past three years, and that the country is experiencing growth in investments in green and digital transition. "Serbia is a stable and attractive partner, with free trade agreements covering 2.5 billion people," Mesarović emphasized, announcing the opening of the first "Serbian House" in the Chinese city of Xiamen, as well as plans to open a "Jiangsu House" in Serbia.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/Tan2025-06-2517110292_0_960x640.jpg" id="image-tag-1750925325425" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1760"></div> Xin Changxing, Secretary of the Jiangsu Provincial Committee, said that China and Serbia are “ironclad friends” and that the goal of the forum is to strengthen trade and technological cooperation. He noted that Jiangsu is a region with a rich history and an important point within the Belt and Road Initiative. He emphasized that Jiangsu wants to help Serbia access Asian markets, expand trade exchange, and increase imports of Serbian products such as honey, wine, and meat. He added that the visa-free regime and direct air routes further connect the people and accelerate the building of a shared future. Chinese Ambassador Li Ming emphasized that the strategic alignment of Jiangsu’s innovation potential with Serbia’s reindustrialization can bring new momentum to the development of the entire region.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/Tan2025-06-2517110078_4_960x640.jpg" id="image-tag-1750925393272" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1759"></div><div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/Tan2025-06-2517140187_7_960x640.jpg" id="image-tag-1750925241641" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1762"></div>

Čadež: Serbia and Jiangsu Building a Bridge of Innovation and Technological Cooperation

At the Investment Conference – Expo Osaka 2025, held as part of the World Expo Osaka 2025, Serbia presented its investment potential. It extended an invitation to Japanese investors to continue investing in the country, initiate new projects, and establish partnerships with Serbian companies.
Mihailo Vesović, Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS), emphasized that Japanese companies have significantly contributed to the development of business culture in Serbia over the past decade and highlighted that the goal of the conference was to identify suitable partners and create the conditions for further cooperation.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/Japan Osaka investiciona konferencija (2)_960x1280.jpeg" id="image-tag-1750686690238" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1756"></div>
“Japan's economy is export-oriented, which makes it compatible with Serbia's. We believe this is the right moment to strengthen our partnership and launch new business ventures,” said Vesović at the event in Osaka, which gathered around 170 businesspeople and institutional representatives from both countries.
He identified key sectors with strong potential for joint business endeavors, such as the digital industry and artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, smart cities, green energy, and energy efficiency.
Vesović also noted that Serbia’s capabilities in the automotive and rubber industry, agriculture, IT services, and logistics position it as a reliable partner for companies seeking a long-term presence in the European and broader markets.
Siniša Mali, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Serbia, invited Japanese investors to come to Serbia &mdash; a country he described as a bridge between East and West and one of the fastest-growing economies in Europe. He presented the upcoming EXPO 2027 in Belgrade and the country’s investment plans totaling €18 billion by 2027.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/Japan Osaka investiciona konferencija (4)_960x1280.jpeg" id="image-tag-1750686725762" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1757"></div>
“You will feel at home in Serbia. We offer a stable and secure environment, strong infrastructure, a skilled workforce, and favorable trade agreements granting access to a market of 2.8 billion people,” said Mali. He underlined that Serbia is the only EU candidate country with an investment-grade credit rating and is a regional leader in attracting foreign direct investment.
Serbia's Ambassador to Japan, Aleksandra Kovač, stressed Serbia’s determination to strengthen quality partnerships and develop sustainable ties with Japan in various fields. “This commitment is mutual, as we heard directly from Japanese companies. Today we are stepping closer to what Japan calls ‘co-creation for the future,’” she stated.
Speakers at the conference also included Jagoda Lazarević, General Commissioner of EXPO 2025 Osaka and Serbia’s Minister of Domestic and Foreign Trade, Negoro Takayoshi, Director of International Cooperation at the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mia Kawada, Executive Vice President of JETRO, Goran Pekez, Chairman of the Japan-Serbia Business Association, Masaki Tominaga, representative of the Embassy of Serbia in Japan.
The conference, held at Fukuracia Osaka Bay Hotel, was part of Serbia’s broader participation in Expo Osaka, running from April 13 to October 13, 2025. Attendees had the opportunity to learn about Serbia’s potential in AI, bioeconomy, pharmaceuticals, and the IT sector, as well as hear firsthand experiences from Japanese companies already operating successfully in Serbia.
The event was the result of intensified economic cooperation and exchanges between Serbian and Japanese business delegations over the past year. It was jointly organized by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, Osaka Chamber of Commerce, JETRO, Development Agency of Serbia, Embassy of Serbia in Japan, and the Japan Business Alliance in Serbia (JBAS).
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between JBAS and the Serbia-Japan Business Club to promote investment and economic cooperation. Masami Miyamori, a representative of Toyo Tires, announced the company’s plan to open a Research & Development (R&D) Center in Serbia by 2027.
“We plan to relocate our EU R&D center from Germany to Serbia. Preparations will begin soon, and the center should officially begin operations in 2027,” Miyamori told Tanjug.

Serbia and Japan – Partners for the Future, Economic Cooperation Deepens

A Serbian business delegation visited Egypt as part of the official visit of Serbian Prime Minister Đuro Macut. A business forum bringing together Serbian and Egyptian companies was held, alongside approximately 30 bilateral meetings. The forum was organized in cooperation between the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia and the Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce. This was the second such event held in Cairo within the past year, confirming the growing intensity and significance of economic cooperation between the two countries.

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The business forum was attended by the Prime Ministers of Serbia and Egypt, Dr. Đuro Macut and Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, who agreed that such events are a key instrument not only for strengthening interstate relations but also for deepening concrete economic ties and business cooperation.
The delegation of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia was led by Đorđe Živanović, Advisor to the President of the Chamber, who addressed participants by highlighting the strategic importance of the Free Trade Agreement set to come into force soon. He emphasized that on the very day of its entry into force, nearly 50 percent of agricultural and 30 percent of industrial products from Serbia will be eligible for export to Egypt duty-free. Over the next decade, this liberalization is expected to expand to cover 87 percent of agri-food products and 90 percent of industrial products. On the other hand, the agreement will also enable duty-free imports of key raw materials and semi-finished goods from Egypt, such as urea, propane, cotton, silk, and metallurgical products.
As highlighted during the event, Egypt, being the second-largest economy in Africa with a population of 111 million and a strategic geographic position, represents a crucial partner for Serbia in accessing African and Middle Eastern markets. Conversely, Serbia can serve as a gateway for Egyptian companies to the European market.
While in Cairo, the Serbian Chamber delegation also met with representatives of Egypt’s National Food Safety Authority (NFSA), marking the beginning of institutional cooperation aimed at facilitating the export of Serbian food and dietary products to the Egyptian market. The meeting particularly emphasized the need to remove administrative barriers and recognize the FCS certificate for Serbian producers, which would further boost trade in the context of future liberalization. Additionally, a meeting was held with representatives of the Egyptian General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI).
At the end of the visit, the Serbian Ambassador to Egypt, Mr. Miroslav Šestović, hosted a formal reception at his residence in honor of the Serbian Prime Minister, the business delegation, and Egyptian partners.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/IMG_8589_960x1028.jpg" id="image-tag-1750242008597" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1752"></div>
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Photo: Milica Tošić

Serbian Business Delegation in Cairo: A New Impetus for Economic Relations with Egypt

At the European Conference of the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA Europe), held in Sofia, Mihailo Vesović, Deputy President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, presented the country’s investment potential, business climate, key development directions of the Serbian economy, and the specialized exhibition Belgrade EXPO 2027.

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To participants from over 20 World Trade Centers across Europe, Vesović also presented the activities and services of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia aimed at supporting companies, as well as plans for the future World Trade Center Belgrade (WTC Belgrade), for which the Chamber holds the license. WTC Belgrade, set to open ahead of EXPO 2027, will serve as a key platform for promoting international trade, investment, innovation, and connecting companies with global partners.
With the Chamber’s membership in the WTCA network, Serbia has become part of a global community of over 300 centers in more than 100 countries, opening up new opportunities for Serbian companies to collaborate with tens of thousands of businesses worldwide.
 



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Promotion of Serbia's Economy and EXPO 2027 at the WTCA European Conference in Sofia

President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, Marko Čadež, has been elected as a member of the General Council of the World Chambers Federation (WCF).
Over the past several weeks, WCF members from 120 countries voted to elect 20 chamber leaders to serve on the Federation’s General Council. Marko Čadež’s mandate in this international body will run until June 2028.
Chair of the World Chambers Federation, Mr. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, congratulated Čadež on his election and invited him to attend the first meeting of the new Council on September 1 in Melbourne, Australia.
The key objective of the new General Council is to strengthen cooperation with over 100 chambers of commerce worldwide, with a particular focus on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises through the initiatives of the International Chamber of Commerce. Special emphasis will be placed on improving access to global markets, advancing digitalization and innovation, and promoting better integration into international supply chains.
The World Chambers Federation, with over 1,500 members, is the largest global platform for chamber cooperation. It operates as an integral part of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC).

Marko Čadež Elected Member of the General Council of the World Chambers Federation

A meeting was held at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia with a delegation from the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led by Dimitris Skalkos, Secretary General for International Economic Affairs. The meeting was initiated by the Greek side, and the delegation was received on behalf of the Serbian Chamber by Mihailo Vesović, Vice President of the Chamber.
During the discussions, it was emphasized that while trade between the two countries is at a relatively good level, there is significant potential for expansion, particularly in the areas of transport and logistics, innovation, e-mobility, and renewable energy sources.
These sectors will be the focus of the upcoming Serbia–Greece Business Forum, which will be held in Athens in September. On that occasion, it was announced that the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia and the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry will sign a Memorandum of Cooperation, establishing a foundation for stronger ties between the business communities of the two countries.
Bilateral relations between Serbia and Greece were described as excellent, grounded in traditional political ties, friendship, and a shared commitment to deepening economic relations.
According to the Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia, total foreign trade between Serbia and Greece reached €915.5 million in 2024, marking an increase compared to the previous year. Serbian exports amounted to €356.9 million (a 19.4% increase), while imports stood at €558.6 million (a 13.2% increase), resulting in an export-to-import coverage ratio of 63.9%.
In the first quarter of 2025, trade exchange continued its upward trend, reaching €223.2 million, further confirming the potential for strengthening economic cooperation.
The meeting was held within the framework of the first working gathering of countries participating in the World Expo 2027, taking place in Belgrade, and represents a step forward in intensifying bilateral economic cooperation between Serbia and Greece.

Serbia and Greece Strengthen Economic Cooperation: Focus on Innovation, Energy, and Logistics

EXPO 2027 represents a vital platform for unlocking business opportunities, connecting companies, and promoting Serbia as a business destination, it was emphasized at the preparatory meeting for EXPO 2027 – International Planning Meeting (IPM), attended by Mihailo Vesović, Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS).
The key role of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia was highlighted in supporting both domestic and international companies in establishing business connections and cooperation, during the event itself, as well as in the preparatory and post-EXPO phases.
EXPO 2027 has clearly defined business objectives, including building a digital economy and accelerating innovation, enhancing digital transformation, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises in the country and the region, enabling cross-border business connections, shaping an advanced society, and fostering new bilateral relations. These objectives reflect the intention for EXPO to be more than just an exhibition – to become a catalyst for long-term economic development.
Company participation is planned through specialized business events and platforms. As part of EXPO, a Global Business Summit will be organized, along with six thematic business forums and over 80 events within the business calendar. In addition, specialized business platforms will be introduced: the Business Connect Center, the EXPO 2027 B2B application, and Country Business Briefings showcasing the business environments of participating countries.
All foreign delegations visiting Serbia during EXPO 2027 will be treated as business delegations, with a focus on connecting them with local enterprises. During the exhibition, the CCIS will be open to all forms of business networking and matchmaking, with the possibility of organizing customized forums in line with the specific needs of companies. In this context, the Chamber will also leverage its regional role through cooperation with partners from the Western Balkans region (WB6 initiative).
By the time EXPO 2027 begins, WTC Belgrade will be fully operational and ready to offer opportunities for multilateral business cooperation in the field of international trade. In this way, Belgrade and Serbia will be positioned as an important hub for regional and global business collaboration.

EXPO 2027 – A Key Platform for Business Opportunities

Paris, June 6thMarko Čadež, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS), participated as the sole representative of Serbia and the region at the first European Negotiators’ Conference, organized by the Sorbonne University in Paris under the leadership of renowned professor Francesco Marchi, one of the leading experts in the field of negotiation.
At this prestigious gathering, which brought together top professionals from around the world – experts in negotiation, lobbying, and crisis management – Čadež presented positive examples from Serbia and spoke about how the country manages to maintain strong economic and diplomatic relations with the European Union, the United States, China, and other Asian countries amid highly complex global circumstances.
“It was a great honor to represent Serbia and to demonstrate how, through successful negotiation and appropriate economic policies led by the President and the Government of Serbia, our country manages to stay connected with all key global actors and achieve economic growth,” Čadež emphasized.
He also announced that in October, specialized workshops for domestic businesspeople will be organized in Serbia, in cooperation with leading European negotiation experts.
“Furthermore, discussions have already begun on organizing a major international negotiation conference in Belgrade in 2026,” Čadež revealed.

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Čadež at the European Negotiators' Conference at the Sorbonne

Serbian Chamber of Commerce with the support of Osaka Chamber of Commerce, JETRO and Japanese – Serbian Business Alliance in Serbia organizes a special event dedicated to presenting Serbia’s growing investment potential, strategic sectors and opportunities for bilateral economic cooperation with Japanese companies.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Thanks to the demanding economic reforms implemented in recent years, Serbia has positioned itself as one of the most important investment destinations in Central and Eastern Europe. The country has recently acquired an investment rating from Standard & Poor's. Serbia has proven to be a reliable partner and solution provider for some of the leading Japanese companies in the automotive industry, such as Nidec, Toyo Tires, and Yazaki. Serbia is also selected to host the Specialized EXPO 2027 in Belgrade.&nbsp; The conference will be attended by Mr. Sinisa Mali, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the Republic of Serbia and Mrs. Jagoda Lazarevic, Commissioner-General for Expo Osaka 2025 and Minister of Internal and Foreign Trade of the Republic of Serbia. Also, there will be an opportunity to hear positive experience from Japanese investors that already work in Serbia.&nbsp; After the conference, there will be an opportunity for the visit of Serbian Pavillion and networking.&nbsp; Please join us at this valuable opportunity to meet and gather more information about the prosperous business opportunities in Serbia.&nbsp;
CLICK BELOW to DOWNLOAD&nbsp;<a href="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/Invitation letter for Japanese companies eng.pdf">Invitation letter for Japanese companies eng.pdf</a>
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Investment Conference Expo Osaka 2025

A business delegation from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS) visited Brittany from June 2 to 4, where the Business Forum titled "Opportunities for Business and Partnerships Between Serbian and French Companies from Brittany" was held at the Brittany Chamber of Commerce in Rennes. <div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/Bretanja 3_960x720.jpg" id="image-tag-1749132228371" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1729"></div>
The Forum was organized in cooperation with WTC Brittany, the MEDEF association, the Regional Chamber of Commerce, and the Public Investment Bank BPI France. As Brittany is the largest agricultural region in France, the focus was placed on cooperation in agriculture and livestock farming.
The Forum was opened by Xavier Migeot, President of the regional MEDEF association, and Veljko Jovanović, Advisor to the President of CCIS. Maria Nestorović addressed the participants on behalf of the Embassy of Serbia in France. Participating on the French side were companies from the region, while the Serbian delegation included companies such as Meggle, Bio Vita, Agro Domestika, Vet Plus, and Nedeljković Meat Industry.
Following the forum, which gathered around 30 participants, the CCIS delegation also visited some of the region's leading French companies, including Groupe Roullier, Innoval, Windfarm, and the farm Le Gaec du Lagot.
The greatest potential for cooperation lies in the field of livestock farming, and joint projects in technology transfer and knowledge exchange have been announced.

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New Steps in Cooperation Between Serbian and French Companies from Brittany

A kick-off meeting held in Naples officially marked the launch of a three-year INTERREG project titled “Promoting the Use of Renewable Hydrogen for a Sustainable and Greener Europe – PRHyUS”.
The PRHyUS project aims to promote the use of renewable hydrogen, thereby accelerating the energy transition, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and supporting the goals of the European Green Deal. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS) is participating in the project as part of an international consortium that includes partners from Italy, Germany, Poland, France, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Romania, and Serbia.
According to Dušan Stokić, Head of the Environmental Protection Unit at CCIS and one of the project experts, the initiative focuses on increasing the demand for renewable hydrogen, fostering the development and deployment of hydrogen technologies in high-emission sectors, such as industry, mobility, and household heating. At the same time, the project plans to strengthen cooperation among public authorities, local administrations, industry stakeholders, and the academic and scientific communities to ensure the long-term and sustainable use of these technologies.
The project also includes the development of policy guidelines for decision-makers and businesses, the creation of digital tools to assess the impact of hydrogen use, and contributions to policy-making for integrating hydrogen into regional energy strategies. Additionally, PRHyUS aims to enhance transnational cooperation and facilitate the exchange of best practices among partners.
Ultimately, the PRHyUS project seeks to contribute to energy security, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, stimulate investment in hydrogen technologies, and strengthen regional economies across Europe, aligning with the vision of a climate-neutral continent.
 
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INTERREG Project PRHyUS on Renewable Hydrogen Usage Launched

The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between Serbia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which came into force on June 1, opens up an important and highly promising market in the Gulf region for Serbian companies at a higher level. This agreement is expected to bring new partnerships and business opportunities to the Serbian economy, while also expanding cooperation in the services sector, from logistics to ICT, it was&nbsp;highlighted today at the presentation of the agreement at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS). Over the next three years, nearly 80% of the products covered by the agreement are expected to be traded under a free trade regime.

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According to Marko Čadež, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, the Economic Partnership Agreement between Serbia and the UAE is the first of its kind that Serbia has signed with any country in terms of scope and areas of cooperation, and it holds great strategic significance for the country.
Čadež emphasized that the agreement brings a new quality to the relations between the two nations and opens a new chapter in cooperation, not only in free trade of goods but also in significant liberalization of the services sector. The first to feel the impact of the agreement, he said, will be Serbian producers of agricultural and food products, who are already present in the UAE market and have established contacts with local buyers.
The business community anticipates the creation of conditions for full implementation of the agreement, particularly regarding the provision of halal certification for a range of products, from the meat industry to cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Čadež announced that the CCIS will be actively involved in addressing these issues.
“Major steps have been taken, and major potential lies ahead. It is up to us, as the business community, to bring these agreements to life through new contracts,” Čadež said, inviting all interested companies to contact the CCIS representative office in Dubai for key information.
“The agreement with the UAE is part of a new generation of trade agreements that cover not only goods but also the liberalization of services. This will undoubtedly be of interest to many companies operating in areas such as telecommunications, logistics, and business services,” said Jagoda Lazarević, Minister of Internal and Foreign Trade in the Government of Serbia. She noted that trade in goods between the two countries remains relatively modest, amounting to around 200 million USD, while trade in services is significantly more developed, exceeding 600 million USD.
“When you look at both segments&mdash;goods and services&mdash;the total trade volume is slightly over 800 million USD, which is already a substantial figure with potential for significant growth. Upon entry into force, the agreement immediately covers more than 60% of products under the free trade regime,” explained Lazarević.
She added that the agreement features shorter timelines for phased tariff reductions, so that in three years, an additional 15% of products will be duty-free, with full liberalization expected in the fifth year of implementation.
The minister also expressed expectations that the agreement will positively impact the inflow of new investments. “I believe that through partnerships like this one with the Emirates, we will have mutual and long-term intensive economic cooperation that fully reflects the excellent political relations between our two countries,” Lazarević stated.

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Ahmed Hatem Al Menhali, the UAE Ambassador to Serbia, said that the agreement reflects a mutual commitment to strengthening economic ties and expanding trade cooperation between Serbia and the UAE.
He emphasized that the agreement is not just about trade, but also serves as a bridge connecting people, economies, and shared visions. It offers a platform for investment and cooperation in various fields, including water management, logistics, digital innovation, and tourism.
“The UAE remains committed to building partnerships based on mutual respect and shared goals. Serbia is a key partner in that vision, and we believe there is significant room to deepen our cooperation,” concluded the UAE Ambassador.

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