Serbian Women Entrepreneurs in France: New Partnerships, Greater Market Access and Enhanced Cooperation

New business partnerships, agreements on increasing the placement of Serbian products on the French market, and strengthened institutional cooperation in the field of women’s entrepreneurship marked the French-Serbian Women’s Business Forum, taking place in Paris from May 19 to 23.

Concrete business results were achieved during the very first meetings. French company “The Good List” agreed on cooperation with Serbian brands “Wool Art,” “Vele Brand,” and “Hota Hota Jewellery,” whose products will be featured on the French digital platform. This creates new opportunities for their market placement and visibility across the European market.

The Serbian delegation included 17 companies representing organic food production, information technology and artificial intelligence, architecture and construction, sustainable and rural tourism, winemaking, fashion, cosmetics, design, and creative industries. The Forum provided an opportunity for direct B2B discussions, networking with French companies, and opening new possibilities for exports and joint projects.

“Women entrepreneurs bring added value because they not only create new horizons, jobs, and business opportunities, but also bring with them strong determination, responsibility, innovation, and empathy,” emphasized H.E. Ana Hrustanović, Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to France.

Ivana Adamović, Advisor to the President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, highlighted that Serbia today represents one of the most dynamic economies in Southeast Europe and that economic cooperation between Serbia and France continues to record steady growth. Tatjana Novik from the Business Club and the “Women and Challenges” Network emphasized the importance of such meetings and networking opportunities, which provide Serbian and French businesswomen with a chance to establish business connections, while Delphine Val, Director General of the Normandy Chamber of Commerce, called for continued cooperation between the two chambers and women entrepreneurs.

Following a reception at the Residence of the Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia, Marija Nestorović, Acting Director of the Serbian Cultural Center in Paris, hosted the Serbian businesswomen and presented the Center’s activities and work. Iva Vuksanović from the Center for Business Support Programs and SMEs introduced the support activities provided by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia for women entrepreneurs and presented all 17 companies to French businesswomen.

Trade exchange between the two countries exceeded EUR 2.3 billion in 2025, while more than 5,000 Serbian companies cooperate with French partners. Nearly 300 companies with majority French capital operate in Serbia, employing around 14,000 people. According to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, women account for 33 percent of the entrepreneurship sector, placing Serbia in line with the European Union average.

During the Forum, it was also agreed that a Memorandum of Cooperation between the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia and the Normandy Chamber of Commerce in the field of women’s entrepreneurship would be signed, while a return visit by French businesswomen to Serbia is planned during the World Expo 2027.

A significant step was also made in cultural cooperation. The Belgrade Festival Center (CEBEF) established cooperation with one of the most important European documentary film festivals in Paris, and the partnership will continue within this year’s FEST in Belgrade.