The President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, Marko Čadež, met with Paddy Cosgrave, founder and CEO of the Web Summit in Lisbon, to discuss the potential and challenges of the IT market, as well as new opportunities for strengthening the position of Serbian startups on the regional, European, and global levels.
As stated, during a highly constructive meeting, it was emphasized that Serbia is increasingly being recognized as a dynamic and innovative technology hub of Southeast Europe, with great potential for the development of the digital economy and for attracting investments.
At the Serbian national stand, where around 30 startups are being presented from November 10 to 13, meetings with investors have also been organized with the aim of attracting as many venture capital funds as possible. The primary focus is on funds outside the region to initiate talks with Serbian startups about potential investments.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/IMG-20251112-WA0092.jpg" id="image-tag-1763025999391" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1895"></div>
Unlike traditional technology conferences that mainly discuss emerging tech trends, the Web Summit serves as a meeting place for innovative companies and investment funds&mdash;an aspect of strategic importance for the delegation of Serbian startups that are in the phase of seeking their first users, investments, and refining their business models for the market.
During the three-day Web Summit, startups have the opportunity to assess the strengths of their solutions, identify areas for improvement, and gain a clearer understanding of their market position and the activities of their competitors.

Successful Talks at Web Summit in Lisbon: Serbia Strengthens Its Position on the Global Tech Scene

In a time of accelerating geopolitical changes, technological transformation, and energy transition, future growth and development can only be built through connecting people, markets, investments, and knowledge, it was stated at the first international Horizons Forum in Belgrade, which brought together leading global figures from the fields of economics, artificial intelligence, energy, sustainable development, and business.
The first international Horizons Forum, jointly organized by the Center for International Relations and Sustainable Development (CIRSD) and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS), opened at the Sava Center as a new global platform bringing together decision-makers, investors, technology leaders, and economists from Europe, the Americas, and Asia. The event further affirmed the role of Belgrade and Serbia as a venue for dialogue on the future of the global economy, emerging technologies, and sustainable development.
Marko Čadež, President of the CCIS, emphasized that the forum serves as a platform connecting the people who shape the global economy and make decisions about future investments at a time when sustainability and connectivity are taking on new meanings. He noted that Serbia's ambition is not merely to remain a user of technology but to become a new artificial intelligence hub in this part of the world while preserving its national sovereignty. He reminded attendees that the ICT sector, with exports reaching five billion dollars, is the fastest-growing sector in the country and employs more than 100,000 people.
“The future will not belong to those who possess the most capital and technology, but to those who can combine all these elements with human judgment,” Čadež stated.
Vuk Jeremić, President of CIRSD, pointed out that Serbia holds a unique place in discussions on sustainability and connectivity due to its historical, geographical, and political position.
“Few places are as suitable as Serbia for discussing sustainability and connectivity. For centuries, this country has stood at the crossroads of empires, cultures, markets, and ideas, and today it occupies a unique position. Serbia is a European country, integrated into the political and economic space of the Old Continent, while at the same time maintaining excellent relations with China and other major global actors. This gives us a special opportunity, but also a special responsibility&mdash;not only to be a geographical bridge, but also a bridge of understanding. At a time of profound geopolitical, technological, and economic transformations, such bridges are becoming more valuable than ever,” Jeremić said.
During the opening ceremony, the Sustainability & Connectivity Awards, established within the framework of the forum, were presented. This year’s recipients are Jeffrey Sachs, the world-renowned economist and sustainable development expert; Stella Li, Executive Vice President of BYD and one of the leading global figures in the electric vehicle industry; and Zhang Chuanwei, Chairman of Ming Yang Smart Energy, one of the world’s leading wind turbine manufacturers.
The awards recognize contributions to advancing sustainable development through cross-border cooperation. Following the opening remarks, Jeffrey Sachs and Zhang Chuanwei received their awards from Vuk Jeremić and Marko Čadež, while Stella Li will receive her award on the second day of the forum.
One of the award recipients, Jeffrey Sachs, emphasized that Serbia, thanks to its history and geographic position, has a special role in connecting different parts of the world.
“Serbia is finding the right path in a complicated world, which is by no means easy when you are situated between different sides. Perhaps precisely because of its long and complex history, its experience in overcoming challenges, and its role in connecting empires and cultures, Serbia understands that its true mission is connectivity&mdash;just as the Horizons Forum seeks to achieve,” Sachs said.
Among the forum participants are some of the world’s most influential figures in artificial intelligence, the global economy, and energy, as well as leaders from the electric vehicle and renewable energy industries.
The Horizons Forum has been established as a new international platform connecting economic, technological, and diplomatic communities while creating space for a shared vision of the future of the global economy, innovation, and sustainable development.
The forum continues on June 19 with a program featuring multiple panel discussions dedicated to ESG investments, changes in the international order, Eurasian connectivity, the development of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, the transformation of the financial system, and the challenges of the energy transition.

Horizons Forum in Belgrade: Future Growth Possible Only Through Connecting Markets, Investments, and Knowledge

Major European companies view the Western Balkans as a single investment and logistics area, while the level of regional integration and the predictability of the business environment are becoming key factors in attracting new investments, said Mihailo Vesović, Deputy President of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, during the panel discussion “Creating an Investment-Attractive Western Balkans: Private Sector Confidence, Soft Connectivity and Regional Coordination” held as part of the Transport Investment Summit 2026 in Thessaloniki.
Speaking about the factors influencing foreign companies’ decisions to invest in the region, Vesović emphasized that investors see the Western Balkans as a market of nearly 20 million consumers and a natural economic area located on the doorstep of the European Union.
According to him, in addition to investments in roads, railways, and other infrastructure, so-called “soft connectivity” measures are becoming increasingly important. These include the harmonization of procedures, digital exchange of documents, more efficient border crossings, and the implementation of initiatives such as Green Lanes.
Vesović warned that the region is now facing a new challenge: maintaining the confidence of investors already operating in the Western Balkans. As he pointed out, investors can accept longer transport times as long as they are predictable.
“What poses the greatest challenge for them is unpredictability and sudden obstacles that arise in business operations. For logistics and supply chains, it is essential that the rules remain clear and stable,” Vesović stressed.
As a concrete example, he highlighted the challenges in road transport and the shortage of professional drivers, which directly affects the competitiveness of companies operating within European supply chains.
He assessed that, in order to continue attracting investment, it is equally important for the economies of the Western Balkans to align more closely with one another as well as with the rules and standards of the European Union.
“Predictable regulations, faster regulatory harmonization, more efficient border procedures, and stronger regional coordination are prerequisites for making the Western Balkans an even more attractive destination for European and international capital,” Vesović concluded.
The Transport Investment Summit 2026 brought together in Thessaloniki representatives of the governments of the Western Balkan countries, the European Union, international financial institutions, and the transport and logistics industries, with the aim of accelerating the extension of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) into the Western Balkans region.
Participants discussed key infrastructure projects, the modernization of transport corridors, the removal of administrative barriers, and measures to enhance the region’s investment attractiveness. Special emphasis was placed on the role of the private sector, regional coordination, and the creation of a unified logistics area that would increase the region’s competitiveness and strengthen its integration into European and global supply chains.

Vesović in Thessaloniki: Predictability and a Unified Western Balkans Market Are Key for Investors

The President of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce, Marko Čadež, stated that Serbia continues to systematically strengthen its economic relations with China, and that one of the important steps in that direction will be the participation of Serbian companies at the 4th China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE), which will take place in Beijing from 22 to 26 June.
Speaking on Serbia’s national broadcaster RTS morning news program, Čadež recalled that CISCE is the world’s largest trade fair dedicated to supply chains and noted that this will be Serbia’s third appearance at the prestigious event.
 
“When you look at how systematically we approach economic relations with China&mdash;from the excellent political ties and the recent visit of President Aleksandar Vučić to China, to the activities of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Adrijana Mesarović and the President’s Office team in attracting new investments&mdash;we are now taking a step further and moving to a deeper level of cooperation,” Čadež said.
 
According to him, the goal is to introduce as many Serbian companies as possible, along with a broad catalogue of Serbian products, to the Chinese market through various platforms and business opportunities.
 
The Serbian delegation in Beijing will also include Minister of Domestic and Foreign Trade Jagoda Lazarević. One of the topics to be discussed will be the establishment of a representative office of the China Chamber of Commerce in Belgrade serving the entire region.
 
“We are hopeful for positive news and further strengthening of cooperation. We are also discussing the possibility of bringing this important trade fair to Belgrade after the specialized EXPO exhibition,” Čadež added.
 
He noted that special attention will be devoted to the harmonization of documentation and certification procedures in order to further facilitate trade and business operations between Serbian and Chinese companies.
 
The Serbian Chamber of Commerce is organizing the participation of Serbian businesses within the Serbia National Pavilion at this year’s CISCE, which brings together companies from various industries and serves as a platform for enhancing trade, investment, innovation, and international cooperation.
 
A total of 11 exhibitors will be showcased at the Serbia National Pavilion, including the Development Agency of Serbia (RAS), Expo 2027, and Serbia Export. Participants will also include logistics companies Nelt, JUSDA, Danubia Holding – Dragon Maritime Group, and LogMax Supply Chain Solutions, operating in the fields of logistics and freight forwarding.
 
Beohemija, a manufacturer of detergents, fabric softeners, and household care products, as well as Aleva, one of Serbia’s leading producers of seasonings, soups, food additives, and other food products, will present their products and solutions.
 
In the metal and electrical industry sector, Meter & Control will showcase its smart energy solutions, including smart meters, communication devices, and software for energy network management. The Mihajlo Pupin Institute will present its achievements in information and communication technologies, artificial intelligence, and automation.
 
The exhibition covers key industrial supply chains, including smart vehicles, digital technologies, healthy living, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and supply chain services.
 
&nbsp;

Marko Čadež: Serbia to Participate in the China International Supply Chain Expo in Beijing

Serbia and Angola are committed to opening a new chapter in their partnership based on stronger economic ties, mutual investments, and joint business ventures. Entrepreneurs from both countries can count on the highest level of political support for their initiatives and investments, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço emphasized at the roundtable discussion “Serbia and Angola: From Successful Projects to New Partnerships – 50 Years of Friendship and Cooperation.”
The attendance of more than 110 business representatives from Serbia and Angola, representing sectors ranging from agriculture, construction, and IT to trade and services, is the strongest confirmation of the significant interest in investments, partnerships, and concrete business arrangements, said Marko Čadež, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS).
Addressing the business community, President Vučić stated that he expects investors from Angola to come to Serbia and highlighted the vast opportunities for cooperation across numerous sectors, particularly in agriculture.
 
“I would like to invite all businesspeople from Angola to come to Serbia, and I would also encourage everyone who sees an opportunity to generate profit and build successful businesses to invest in Angola. Angola is a friendly country,” President Vučić said.
 
He noted that Angola was represented in Serbia by a highly distinguished delegation and that the event had brought together representatives of all key Serbian government bodies, agencies, institutions, and private companies.
 
“Some of these companies have already invested in Angola, while others are planning to do so. Angola is a very attractive investment destination for them, just as I believe we will soon see a significant number of companies from your beautiful country showing interest in investing in Serbia,” Vučić said. He added that Angola is one of the most important economies in Sub-Saharan Africa, with a population exceeding 35 million, while the oil sector continues to play a crucial role in its economy.
 
President Lourenço invited the Serbian business community to explore the potential of the Angolan market and take part in the country’s ongoing economic transformation.
 
“We want to open a new chapter on the path toward a strategic partnership by deepening our economic and business relations. This meeting provides an opportunity to identify business prospects that will benefit both sides,” Lourenço stressed. He recalled that Angola has implemented significant reforms in recent years aimed at creating a secure and predictable business environment for both domestic and foreign investors.
 
CCIS President Marko Čadež assessed that the strong turnout of companies demonstrates that the business community recognizes concrete opportunities for cooperation and business expansion in both markets.
 
“More than 110 business representatives from Serbia and Angola have gathered today with a clear objective: to find new partners, conclude business deals, and launch joint projects. Such strong interest confirms that companies are eager to capitalize on the renewed momentum in bilateral relations and transform traditional friendship into tangible results,” Čadež emphasized.
 
The potential for enhancing economic cooperation was presented by Mihailo Vesović, Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia. He highlighted the significant development of the Serbian economy and investments over the past decade, particularly in the IT sector, mechanical engineering, food industry, services, and trade.
 
Vesović pointed out that Serbia pursues an open trade policy and has established a broad network of free trade agreements with numerous countries worldwide, making it an attractive investment destination and a platform for accessing multiple international markets. He also emphasized the untapped potential for cooperation with Angola and the importance of strengthening ties between companies from the two countries.
 
Investment opportunities in Angola were presented by Jerónimo Pongogola, Chief Executive Officer of the Angolan Private Investment and Export Promotion Agency (AIPEX), while Marko Cilić, Chief Executive Officer of Nelt Group, shared the company’s successful business experience in Angola, where it operates a confectionery production facility.
 
The roundtable, held at the Palace of Serbia, was attended by Serbian Government ministers Adriana Mesarović, Jagoda Lazarević, Marko Đurić, Bratislav Gašić, Sara Pavkov, Dragan Glamočić, Boris Bratina, and Aleksandra Sofronijević, as well as Mihailo Jovanović, Director of the Office for Information Technologies and eGovernment. Earlier in the day, Serbia and Angola exchanged ten bilateral documents aimed at strengthening mutual cooperation.
 
Following the plenary session, B2B meetings were held between Serbian and Angolan companies, focusing on concrete projects and new business arrangements in agriculture, construction, information technology, trade, and services.

More Than 110 Serbian and Angolan Business Representatives Open a New Chapter in Economic Partnership

The international “Horizons Forum,” dedicated to sustainability, connectivity, investments, technology, energy, and artificial intelligence, will be held on June 18 and 19 in Belgrade. The event will bring together some of the world’s most renowned economists, technology experts, and business leaders, including economist Jeffrey Sachs, Executive Vice President of BYD Stella Li, Chairman of Ming Yang Smart Energy Zhang Chuanwei, as well as artificial intelligence experts Kai-Fu Lee and David Gorodyansky, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS) announced today.
Representatives of international diplomatic and analytical platforms will also attend the event in Belgrade, including Thierry de Montbrial, Lars-Hendrik Röller, and Wang Huiyao.
The forum will focus on the future of cooperation between Europe, China, and Asia, and the two-day program will feature panels and discussions on sustainable infrastructure, digital innovation, energy transition, finance, artificial intelligence, and strategic connectivity amid global geopolitical and economic changes.
Organizers also announced that the “Sustainability & Connectivity Award” will be presented for the first time during the opening ceremony on June 18.
The Horizons Forum represents a continuation of CIRSD’s initiative aimed at bringing international experts together and fostering dialogue on global issues, while the partnership with the CCIS further connects international discussions with business and investment opportunities.
The forum is jointly organized by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia and the Center for International Relations and Sustainable Development (CIRSD), with the goal of establishing Belgrade as an annual gathering place for representatives of international institutions, financial organizations, companies, investors, technology innovators, and diplomats.&nbsp;Interested in attending, please register via <a href="http://www.scforum2026.com">www.scforum2026.com</a>

Horizons Forum Held in Serbia for the First Time: World’s Leading Economists Coming to Belgrade

Representatives of Serbian businesses held meetings in Toronto with the management of Bombardier, one of the global leaders in business aviation, as well as with representatives of ventureLAB, a leading Canadian innovation hub, ahead of the Serbia–Canada Business Forum taking place today in Toronto.
The Serbian delegation was welcomed at Bombardier’s production facility by the company’s Vice President Graham Kelly, together with representatives of the international development sector, the supply chain team, and production management. During meetings and presentations, Serbian companies showcased their capacities and opportunities for cooperation with Canadian partners.
Particular emphasis was placed on the potential integration of Serbian companies into global aerospace supply chains, primarily in the areas of precision metal processing, CNC machining, IT and engineering software solutions, maintenance and logistics, as well as the production of cable, electronic, and cabin components.
During the visit, it was also highlighted that Serbian female engineers are employed at Bombardier, further confirming the high level of expertise and knowledge of Serbian professionals within the global aerospace industry.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/Вентуре хуб (13)_960x720.jpg" id="image-tag-1779781783572" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2293"></div>
Today, Bombardier is fully focused on the business aviation segment, with its Challenger and Global aircraft series programs, and operates across major international markets including the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. With annual revenues exceeding $9.5 billion and an order backlog valued at approximately $17.5 billion, Bombardier is one of the most significant players in the global aviation industry.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/Toronto - Bombardier (4)_960x720.jpg" id="image-tag-1779781794808" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2289"></div>
As part of the Toronto visit, the delegation also toured ventureLAB, one of Canada’s leading deep-tech accelerators and innovation centers. Support programs for technology companies were presented, including the Hardware Catalyst Initiative, designed to support hardware and deep-tech startups through access to laboratories, mentorship, and investment networks.
During the meetings, Serbian companies presented their capabilities in the areas of IT and AI solutions, IoT and embedded systems, automotive technologies, as well as research and development partnerships.
The Serbia–Canada Business Forum will be held today at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Toronto, bringing together representatives of institutions and businesses from both countries. During the forum, investment and business opportunities will be presented, as well as the EXPO 2027 Belgrade project, followed by B2B meetings between Serbian and Canadian companies.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/Вентуре хуб (8)_634x640.jpg" id="image-tag-1779781809152" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2292"></div>
The visit of around 40 business representatives from nearly 30 Serbian companies to Toronto has been organized with the support of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia and the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Canada, with the aim of strengthening economic relations between the two countries and connecting Serbian businesses with leading global companies in high-tech and advanced industries.
The Serbian business delegation traveled to Canada via the direct Air Serbia route between Belgrade and Toronto, launched on May 23 after a 34-year hiatus.
The delegation includes representatives from the following companies: INMOLD GROUP, KONELEK, EATFRUIT, ADVANCED SECURITY TECHNOLOGIES, ALGOMETRIC, COMDATA, EMPINITY, ENIGMATRY, CTRL N, KHAOTICEN, EPAM SYSTEMS, SYMBIOTICA, SIGMA CRVENKA, SYNCHROTEK, W.D. Concord West, TEHNOMARKET, UNIMET, GELID, NIKKA SOLUTIONS, NTP NIŠ, BAKSON LTD, INSTITUT MIHAJLO PUPIN, Kolo Ventures, CodeIT, Mind Group, MD Solution, as well as representatives of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia.
Photo: Kristina Lakić / Marica Vidanović, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia

Serbian Companies Meet with Bombardier Executives on New Cooperation Opportunities: Serbia–Canada Business Forum in Toronto

Openness, rapid adaptation, and flexibility are key responses to profound changes in the global economy and the only way for countries and companies to remain competitive in a world that is changing faster than ever before, said Marko Čadež, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, at the “GLOBSEC 2026” forum in Prague.
Čadež participated in the panel discussion “Global Trade in the World of ‘Trumponomics’,” dedicated to the new dynamics of global trade, the rise of protectionism, the weakening of the multilateral system, and the transformation of the global economic order following Donald Trump’s return to the White House. The panel also featured Jan Švejnar and Richard Gardner, professors at the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University, Wilhelm Molterer, Chairman of the GLOBSEC Board and former Vice Chancellor and Minister of Finance of Austria, Kazuto Suzuki, Director and Group Leader at The Institute of Geoeconomics, and Fabian Zuleeg, Chief Executive and Chief Economist at the European Policy Centre. The discussion was moderated by Dave Keating, journalist and presenter at France24.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/GLB26_DAY2_1050_Global Trade in a Trumponomics World_MS_-14_960x640.jpg" id="image-tag-1779451275412" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2285"></div>
Panel participants discussed the future of the World Trade Organization (WTO), growing trade tensions, the redefinition of global alliances, and the need for the global trading system to adapt to new geopolitical and technological realities.
Čadež, who represented Serbia’s business community and the business association bringing together more than 170,000 companies, emphasized that Serbia, thanks to its experience in dealing with numerous crises and challenges, is now an example of a country capable of rapidly adapting to global changes and successfully balancing between different economic and political centers.
“Serbia is an interesting example of a country that has investments from China, exports more than 60 percent of its goods to the European Union and receives significant investments from the EU, while at the same time developing cooperation with new markets, primarily in the Global South and Africa,” Čadež said.
He stressed that one of today’s key issues is linking global trade with the technological revolution driven by artificial intelligence.
“We no longer live in the world in which the existing trade agreements were created. We live in a world of tokens, in a world where it will be crucial to determine who has the energy and infrastructure required to produce intelligence. The question is whether we will have intelligence factories that will create the future economy and future value,” the President of the Chamber said.
“At this moment, we have NVIDIA projects worth 800 million dollars in AI factories, while at the same time a Chinese humanoid robot factory – the first on the European continent – is being developed and will be completed within two months. Such robot factories currently exist only in the United States and China,” Čadež stated.
He highlighted that the speed of investment implementation is one of Serbia’s greatest competitive advantages.
“In Serbia, permits are obtained ten times faster than in the European Union. If you want to build a smart economy based on artificial intelligence, you cannot spend seven years building a factory – the job has to be completed within a year,” Čadež said.
The President of the Chamber also reminded participants that, thanks to its free trade agreements, Serbia has access to a market of 2.7 billion consumers, representing a significant advantage at a time of growing global market fragmentation.
Speaking about Europe’s position in the new geoeconomic environment, Čadež assessed that the European Union must define more clearly its relationship with China, as well as its own industrial strategy.
“Our strategic orientation remains Europe, but we must understand the new global order and the place we want to have in it. Europe will never be China or the United States, but it must find a way to function in a world between these two powers,” Čadež said.
He also pointed to a lack of communication between European institutions and the business community, citing the example of the most advanced Stellantis factory in Europe, located in Serbia and producing electric vehicles, which cannot participate in European Union public procurement procedures and tenders due to regulatory limitations.
“We need a serious discussion about European industrial policy. I have never seen an administration so disconnected from its own economy as is currently the case in the European Union,” Čadež stated.
He concluded that security, defense, unity, and long-term strategy are issues Europe must urgently and seriously address in a time of global disruption and uncertainty.
Panel participants viewed a multilateral approach and new partnerships with regions and countries such as Africa, India, and Canada as a possible solution for Europe’s current position between China and the United States.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/GLB26_DAY2_1050_Global Trade in a Trumponomics World_MS_-7_960x640.jpg" id="image-tag-1779451290382" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2284"></div>
PHOTO: GLOBSEC

Flexibility Is the Answer to the New Reality: Čadež at GLOBSEC 2026 on the Future of Global Trade and the AI Economy

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.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/Париз 3_960x540.jpg" id="image-tag-1779371670847" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2281"></div>
“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.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/Париз 5_960x1016.jpg" id="image-tag-1779371694441" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2282"></div>
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.

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

20 May 2026
Serbia has the potential to become a key economic and logistics hub in the Balkans for Ukrainian companies, while a Free Trade Agreement could triple trade between the two countries and open a new chapter in their economic cooperation, participants said at the Serbian-Ukrainian Business Forum held during the visit of Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Taras Kachka to Belgrade. Negotiations are expected to be completed by the end of the year, paving the way for the abolition of customs duties on trade in goods.
The forum brought together more than 40 Serbian and Ukrainian business representatives, as well as officials and companies from the sectors of agriculture, river transport and logistics, mechanical engineering, metals and electrical industries, with the aim of strengthening economic ties and connecting companies from the two countries.
President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia Marko Čadež said that Serbia and Ukraine are countries that have learned through crises how to make their economies more resilient and flexible.
“There is a lot of talk about living in a time of uncertainty. But if you want to see how an economy develops, reshapes itself and reinvents itself, you should look at Ukraine. Look at how logistics, agricultural production and cybersecurity have been transformed. It is people, their ideas and creativity, that drive the economy,” Čadež said.
He stressed that the Free Trade Agreement is an important framework, but that the true strength of cooperation lies in companies and people who “create and change things again and again.”
“While everyone is saying that we need to prepare for the period ahead, we are already living that future,” Čadež said, adding that countries such as Serbia and Ukraine are showing Europe today what an economy capable of adapting to global shocks looks like.
President of the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Gennadiy Chyzhykov said that Serbia is one of the most attractive markets in the region for Ukrainian companies.
“Serbia should become the most important business hub in the Balkans for Ukrainian companies,” he said.
He added that Ukraine is strongly developing its green economy and digitalisation, and that major potential also exists in agriculture and food security.
“After the signing of the Free Trade Agreement, we should triple the volume of trade. We see great potential in logistics, mechanical engineering, agriculture and construction,” the president of the Ukrainian chamber said.
Minister of Domestic and Foreign Trade Jagoda Lazarević said that global economic turbulence has further demonstrated the importance of partnerships and economic resilience.
“Europe is facing serious economic challenges, which is why we need partners. Europe is our key economic partner, but at the same time we are diversifying our operations and opening new markets. Building resilience has become a necessity,” Lazarević said.
She announced the signing of a joint statement on the continuation of negotiations on the Free Trade Agreement with Ukraine.
Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Taras Kachka said that now is “the right moment” for the more intensive development of bilateral trade and joint projects.
“We see the Free Trade Agreement as a project of long-term cooperation. We have a great deal of optimism and we want to continue organising similar events, including in Kyiv,” Kachka said.
Deputy President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia Mihailo Vesović recalled that the chambers of commerce of Serbia and Ukraine signed an agreement two and a half years ago on mutual support and cooperation, as well as support for European integration.
Deputy President of the Serbian Business Club “Privrednik” Dragijana Radonjić Petrović said that business always finds new routes, adding that the most important part of the forum was the B2B meetings, where companies had the opportunity to connect and establish new contacts.
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Serbia as Ukraine’s Key Business Hub in the Balkans

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS) and Orion Telekom, as NVIDIA’s AI Factory partner in Serbia, signed a Memorandum of Cooperation today, effectively launching the development of a Serbian business language model based on NVIDIA technology &mdash; a model designed to understand the Serbian language, both Cyrillic and Latin scripts, domestic business terminology, regulations, and the specific characteristics of Serbian industries, with the aim of enhancing competitiveness and accelerating the digital transformation of companies in Serbia.

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The Memorandum was signed by Marko Čadež, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, and Slobodan Đinović, CEO and founder of Orion Telekom, in the presence of Carlo Ruiz, Vice President for Enterprise Solutions & Operations EMEA at NVIDIA.
“The Memorandum we signed today enables the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia and Orion, as NVIDIA’s AI Factory partner in Serbia, to initiate the development of a Serbian business language model &mdash; more precisely, a series of models &mdash; based on NVIDIA’s Nemotron architecture. This is a model that understands the Serbian language, both Cyrillic and Latin scripts, our business terminology, regulatory environment, and the specifics of our industries,” said Čadež.
According to him, the global AI race is entering a phase where competitive advantage will no longer be measured by the speed of completing individual tasks, but rather by the ability to fundamentally transform how business itself is conducted.
“The greatest value of AI does not come from accelerating a single email or summarizing a document. True transformation happens when AI connects multiple processes, systems, and decisions into a single coordinated workflow,” Čadež explained.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/IMG_0857_960x720.jpeg" id="image-tag-1779182324953" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2279"></div>
Companies that merely add AI to existing systems, he added, may achieve modest efficiency gains, while those that redesign their processes around new technologies will gain entirely new competitive positions &mdash; and competitiveness remains one of CCIS’s core responsibilities.
“We bring together more than 130,000 companies across a wide range of sectors, from banking, telecommunications, and pharmaceuticals to energy, food production, and many others. Our responsibility is not only to sign memorandums. Our responsibility is to turn this infrastructure and this model into a tangible competitive advantage for the Serbian economy &mdash; without losing time,” emphasized the President of CCIS.
Čadež highlighted that it is a significant privilege for this step to be taken together with Orion and a company such as NVIDIA. He noted that Carlo Ruiz’s presence at the signing was not merely ceremonial, but rather a signal that Serbia had been selected and that Orion Telekom had been chosen as NVIDIA’s AI Factory partner, demonstrating that what is currently being built follows global standards.
“Serbia now has a generational opportunity to establish the foundations of future economic sovereignty and competitiveness. The countries and companies that succeed will be those capable of integrating technology, institutions, capital, and human judgment into a unified vision. That is precisely what we are trying to achieve today,” Čadež stated.
Čadež also recalled attending the opening of Orion’s first AI Factory in February this year, describing it as the first commercial sovereign AI infrastructure in Southeast Europe equipped with the latest NVIDIA chips, designed to ensure that domestic data remains stored within Serbia.
Đinović emphasized the importance of the Memorandum, which, according to him, will enable the creation of a series of specialized small-scale AI models intended for domestic and regional companies, while also announcing plans for business expansion and company growth.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/7777777777777777777_960x720.jpeg" id="image-tag-1779182345568" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2277"></div>
“We have submitted an initiative to the Government of Serbia aimed at establishing a national AI factory. We expect that investment to amount to approximately €800 million, while, according to our estimates, the state could benefit by around €2.5 billion. This is something that will create substantial momentum toward AI technologies and position us as generators of new revenues and jobs,” said Đinović.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/IMG_0893_960x720.jpeg" id="image-tag-1779182366552" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2276"></div>
Following the signing ceremony, Carlo Ruiz, Vice President for Enterprise Solutions &Operations EMEA at NVIDIA, held an exclusive executive masterclass titled ‘AI & the Future of Business’ at CCIS for leading representatives of Serbia’s business community.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/99999999999999999999_960x720.jpeg" id="image-tag-1779182380038" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2278"></div>
Photo: Ivana Vukotić / CCIS

CCIS and Orion Telekom Launch Development of a Serbian Business AI Model Based on NVIDIA Technology

Serbia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have significant potential for new investments and stronger cooperation in agribusiness, high technologies, logistics, and supply chains, it was emphasized during the meeting between the President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS), Marko Čadež, and the UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, Dr. Amna Al Dahak Al Shamsi, who is leading the Emirati state and business delegation visiting Serbia on the occasion of the International Agricultural Fair in Novi Sad.

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During the meeting at the CCIS, discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between Serbia and the UAE in agriculture, the food industry, agri-tech, the food-tech industry, and innovations in the agricultural sector, as well as on improving the implementation of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between the two countries, particularly in the areas of trade and investment in the agri-food sector.
The interlocutors also highlighted the importance of connecting scientific institutions, enhancing institutional cooperation, and intensifying networking among companies, including the logistics sector, which represents important support for the development of agriculture and the trade of agricultural products.
Čadež emphasized the great opportunities for cooperation and networking between companies from the UAE and Serbia, as well as with other global markets. “Serbia can serve Emirati companies as a hub for the European Union market, while Serbian companies see the Emirates as a gateway to the Gulf countries,” the President of the CCIS said. He particularly pointed to the application of high technologies in Serbian agriculture and the potential for new partnerships.
The CCIS President also recalled the successful cooperation with the Dubai World Trade Centre (WTC Dubai), announcing the arrival of the GITEX fair to Belgrade starting next year, as well as plans to bring other major global trade fairs to Serbia.
He stressed that the specialized exhibition EXPO 2027, which will be held in Belgrade, will further strengthen Serbia’s position as a regional center for organizing major international events. He also underlined the importance of investing in infrastructure capacities, especially in expanding port capacities.

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Minister Al Shamsi assessed that there are major investment opportunities for cooperation between the two countries and emphasized the need for more frequent visits of business delegations and mapping key areas for joint projects.
She also highlighted the importance of institutional cooperation in order to provide stronger support to the business communities for more intensive economic cooperation, and invited CCIS President Marko Čadež to lead a Serbian business delegation to the UAE so that companies could discuss new business opportunities and partnerships through direct meetings.
Al Shamsi praised the organization of EXPO 2027, assessing it as a major and important project that significantly contributes to the international recognition of Serbia and Belgrade.
Total foreign trade exchange between Serbia and the UAE, including goods and services, reached one billion dollars in 2025, representing an eight percent increase compared to the previous year.
Trade in goods between the two countries amounted to 113.4 million dollars, while trade in services reached 916.1 million dollars, representing a 12 percent increase compared to the previous year.
Serbian Agri-Technologies in the Focus of the UAE Delegation Visit
During her visit to Serbia, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment Amna Al Dahak Al Shamsi also met with the Serbian Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management, Prof. Dr. Dragan Glamočić, with whom she discussed opportunities to strengthen cooperation in agriculture, innovation, food security, livestock development, and the sustainable use of water resources for agriculture.

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Special emphasis during the discussions was placed on the development of agri-technologies, the application of modern irrigation systems, as well as opportunities for cooperation in artificial intelligence and sustainable food production.

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The UAE delegation attended the Business Summit 2026, which gathered more than 400 participants at Ložionica, as well as the panel in which the founder of “EMAAR Properties” and creator of the famous Burj Khalifa, Mohamed Alabbar, as the central guest of the “Hard Talk” segment, spoke about investments, architecture, and global visions.

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During her visit to Serbia, Minister Al Shamsi also visited the company Agrosava in Šimanovci, where the UAE delegation was presented with production capacities, development projects, and innovations in agri-technologies, especially in the segment of pet food production.

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Company representatives pointed out that Agrosava operates in numerous global markets and exports its products to more than 30 countries, including Russia, Italy, France, and Croatia. The company employs seven PhDs, while more than 50 percent of its employees are engineers, confirming its orientation toward innovation, technology, and the development of modern agricultural solutions.
The discussions highlighted the potential for cooperation with UAE companies in the areas of innovation, application of modern technologies, and development of sustainable production systems.

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As part of the program, Minister Al Shamsi also attended the ceremonial opening of the 93rd International Agricultural Fair in Novi Sad, which this year gathered more than 1,200 exhibitors from Serbia and around 40 countries worldwide.
On the second day of the visit, the UAE Minister visited Zobnatica, an agricultural complex operating within the Elite Agro company and representing one of the significant Emirati investments in the Republic of Serbia. The visit focused on strengthening cooperation in agricultural production, especially in the field crop production segment, as well as on the further development of Serbia-UAE partnerships in food security and stable supply chains. One of the main topics discussed was the possibility of further improving irrigation systems as an important prerequisite for increasing production efficiency and achieving more stable yields.

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Photo/&nbsp;Boban Ristić ( CCIS)&nbsp;

​Serbian Agriculture Opens New Opportunities for Partnerships with the UAE

A seminar on strengthening economic relations between Mexico and Serbia was held at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, focusing on advancing economic cooperation between the two countries and creating new opportunities for Serbian companies within global supply chains.
Deputy President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia Mihailo Vesović emphasized the importance of such initiatives in intensifying economic cooperation between Serbia and Mexico.
“After more than two decades without a business mission, we invite Mexican companies to come to Belgrade. We want Belgrade to be included on the route map of business delegations visiting this region. We will be proud hosts,” Vesović stated.
He highlighted the high-tech and IT services sector as an area with strong cooperation potential, noting that geographical distance and logistics are less significant factors in these industries.
“Serbian companies can offer high-quality IT and high-tech services to the Mexican market, while there is also considerable room for investment cooperation,” Vesović added, thanking the Embassy of Mexico for its support in organizing the seminar and strengthening economic relations between the two countries.
Carlos Isauro Félix Corona pointed out that Mexico, with a population of more than 130 million, represents one of the world’s most important economies.
“Mexico has a strong industrial sector, particularly in the automotive industry, auto parts manufacturing, and aerospace industry, as well as a highly developed agricultural sector. We are the world’s leading silver producer and one of the world’s most visited tourist destinations, welcoming 46 million international visitors annually,” the ambassador said.
He also recalled that the Free Trade Agreement between Mexico, Canada, and the United States remains in force and is currently undergoing revision aimed at further improving regional economic cooperation.
Speaking about global economic challenges, the ambassador assessed that geopolitical tensions and tariff barriers have significantly affected the global economy, while at the same time creating new opportunities for companies seeking to become part of emerging supply chains.
“The structure of the global economy will not change dramatically, but supply chains are shifting. Mexico belongs to one of the world’s most important regions, and in that context, Serbian companies have an opportunity to become part of those supply chains,” the ambassador emphasized.
During the seminar, it was also noted that Mexico is the world’s tenth-largest exporter and the eleventh-largest investment destination, while as much as 75 percent of the country’s GDP comes from foreign trade. Mexico is the second-largest economy in Latin America and one of the region’s export leaders, while among OECD countries it stands out for its large number of engineers and STEM graduates.