Strong Support for New Investments and Serbia–Czech Partnership

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).

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—an industrial leader in machinery manufacturing, electrical equipment, energy technologies, medical equipment, the chemical industry, and other advanced production systems—in developing modern industry, innovation, the digital economy, and new technologies," Vučić said.

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.

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.

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.

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.