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

Next year, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia&nbsp;(CCIS) will organize the participation of Serbian companies in at least four international trade fairs in China and lead at least ten business delegations to the world’s most populous country. At the same time, the CCIS will twice a year bring together Serbian and Chinese businesspeople in Serbia to foster networking and the implementation of joint projects, announced today Marko Čadež, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia.
Speaking at a ceremonial cocktail reception at the Serbian Business Club “Privrednik,” organized by the CCIS for representatives of the Serbian and Chinese business communities, Čadež said that Serbia has a significant opportunity to improve and further develop cooperation with China. This comes as the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), together with the Chamber of Chinese Companies in Serbia, begins the official opening of its representative office in Belgrade.
“We expect the office to be officially opened in 2026. What is important is that they are not starting from a ‘ground zero’,&nbsp; since Chinese companies are already operating in Serbia and have organized themselves into an association- the Chamber of Chinese Companies- which&nbsp;already operates here,” Čadež said.
At the event, which brought together more than 30 of the largest Serbian companies and 24 Chinese companies, Čadež emphasized that the number of visits to China will be doubled with the aim of connecting domestic companies with major Chinese partners. The goal is to launch new projects in 2026 and make next year a “year of Chinese-Serbian cooperation.”<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/IMG_3892_960x5401.jpg" id="image-tag-1766765224307" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1994"></div>
Jagoda Lazarević, Minister of Foreign and Internal Trade, highlighted that Serbia and China have strong potential for further growth in bilateral trade and investments. She stressed that the coming period will be dedicated to strengthening business ties and diversifying Serbian exports to the Chinese market, noting that Expo 2027 will be an excellent opportunity to present China in Serbia.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/IMG_3883_960x540.jpg" id="image-tag-1766765237515" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1993"></div>
Chinese Ambassador to Serbia Li Ming underlined that the two countries have enormous potential for further development of bilateral trade and investments. He emphasized the importance of implementing new projects, expanding market access for Serbian products, and continuing successful cooperation in 2026, with a focus on innovation, sustainable development, and premium product quality. He also noted the need to further develop the potential enabled by the joint Free Trade Agreement.

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Yang Dong, President of the Chamber of Chinese Companies in Serbia and General Director of China Communications Construction Company, recalled that the organization brings together 58 companies in Serbia employing more than 25,000 people across various sectors, from infrastructure to finance. He stressed the importance of intensifying cooperation between Serbian and Chinese companies in 2026.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/IMG_68661_960x720.jpg" id="image-tag-1766765250049" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1995"></div>

Čadež: A New Phase of Economic Cooperation with China in 2026 

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS) has published a Business Guide to the Bosnia and Herzegovina Market, intended for companies planning to start or expand their operations, establish new partnerships, increase exports, or implement investments in one of the most important markets in the region.
The publication is available free of charge on the CCIS website and is part of the Chamber’s activities aimed at providing concrete, reliable, and practical support to the domestic economy, to strengthen regional business activities. The Business Guide to the Bosnia and Herzegovina Market, as well as other CCIS regional guides, can be downloaded in PDF format from the Chamber’s website: <a href="https://pks.rs/strana/sekcija/publikacije-regionalna-saradnja">https://pks.rs/strana/sekcija/publikacije-regionalna-saradnja</a>
“Bosnia and Herzegovina is a natural and strategically very important market for Serbian companies. Geographic proximity, strong trade ties, a similar business environment, and long-standing cooperation make it one of the first and most logical steps for entering or further expanding business operations in the region. Investment in knowledge and timely information represents the foundation for successful business decisions,” emphasizes Đorđije Radović from the CCIS Center for Regional Cooperation.
Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina are the largest trading partners in the Western Balkans. Total trade in goods between the two countries amounted to EUR 2.9 billion in the previous year, while trade in services reached EUR 868 million.
With Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia realizes around 50 percent of its total trade in goods with Western Balkan economies. Bosnia and Herzegovina is Serbia’s leading export destination in the region, accounting for almost half of total regional exports, and at the same time, the country from which Serbia imports the most. Over the past three years, the Bosnian-Herzegovinian market has been Serbia’s second most important export market globally. According to data from the Central Bank of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, with more than EUR 1.5 billion in investments, is one of the largest investors in that country.
“The Business Guide to Bosnia and Herzegovina is the result of many years of experience and the daily work of the CCIS team with companies that already operate or plan to enter this market. The publication is based on the most frequently asked questions and practical business dilemmas&mdash;from the tax system, company establishment, and investment procedures, to public procurement, work permits, and other administrative requirements,” Radović points out.
The Guide provides a comprehensive overview of key aspects of doing business in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including economic indicators, the structure of the economy, the regulatory and tax framework, as well as the specifics of business practice. A particular value of the publication lies in references to relevant institutions, contacts, and additional sources of information that help companies navigate the local business environment and make informed decisions.
By publishing the Business Guide to Bosnia and Herzegovina, CCIS continues its series of regional publications, following previously published guides for Slovenia, Croatia, Albania, and North Macedonia, thereby further strengthening its role as a reliable partner and service provider to the domestic economy.
“Through these guides and other services we provide, the Chamber remains a strong pillar of support for companies in their efforts to efficiently harness the potential of regional markets, enhance competitiveness, and ensure long-term sustainable growth and resilience,” Radović concludes.

New Tool of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia for Businesses: Free Business Guide to the Bosnia and Herzegovina Market

Marko Čadež, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS), met today with Akira Imamura, Ambassador of Japan to Serbia, to discuss the current cooperation and opportunities for joint projects between the two economies in the fields of energy and agriculture, the organization of business meetings between Serbian and Japanese companies in the coming period, as well as the participation of Japanese companies at Expo 2027.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/DSC00476-2.jpg" id="image-tag-1766480149878" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1987"></div>
Čadež thanked Ambassador Imamura, whose term in Serbia is coming to an end, for the successful cooperation to date and officially proposed that Imamura become an Honorary Representative of the CCIS in Japan.
“The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia will support the further strengthening of energy cooperation with Japan, and we are also preparing a visit of Serbian companies to Japan. We also want to encourage Japanese companies to visit GITEX, which will be held in 2027 as part of Expo,” Čadež said.
Ambassador Imamura announced the upcoming visit of representatives of the Japanese organization JETRO to Belgrade and emphasized the importance of continuing to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in the areas of energy, e-mobility, and the participation of Serbian agricultural producers at the fair in Yokohama.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/DSC00456-2.jpg" id="image-tag-1766480160112" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1983"></div><div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/DSC00450-2.jpg" id="image-tag-1766480170453" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1982"></div><div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/DSC00472-2.jpg" id="image-tag-1766480180675" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1986"></div>
Photo: Boban Ristić

Čadež: Japan an Important Partner of Serbia in Energy and Innovation

With the entry into force of the Free Trade Agreement between Serbia and Egypt, significant opportunities have opened up for strengthening trade cooperation and for a stronger presence of Serbian companies in the Egyptian and African markets, it was highlighted at a meeting between the President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, Marko Čadež, and the Ambassador of Egypt to Serbia, Ahmed Salam Soliman. The meeting focused on advancing economic cooperation between the two countries.
The President of the CCIS assessed that trade exchange had so far been hindered by the absence of a Free Trade Agreement, the implementation of which began on 1st September this year. As he noted, the CCIS plans to open a representative office in Cairo, which will provide operational support to Serbian companies entering the Egyptian market and enable more effective use of the benefits of the Agreement.

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“Egypt has the potential to become a regional hub for cooperation with African markets,” Čadež said, adding that, in addition to existing services such as the PKS Chatbot available to companies, the CCIS, in cooperation with the relevant ministries, will prepare a practical guide for companies on how to make use of the advantages of the Free Trade Agreement.
Ambassador Soliman emphasized the importance of improving the visa regime and establishing direct air routes between Belgrade and Cairo, assessing that this would significantly contribute to the growth of trade exchange. “My priority is for the Free Trade Agreement to be fully implemented in practice, and I believe that the volume of trade exchange in the coming period will increase several times over,” Soliman stated. He added that EXPO 2027 will be an additional platform for strengthening economic cooperation between Serbia and Egypt.
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 Photo: Boban Ristić (CCIS)

Free Trade Agreement Opens New Opportunities for Strengthening Serbia–Egypt Cooperation

Domestic startups and representatives of Serbia’s business community will take part in Web Summit Qatar 2026, to be held from 1 to 4 February 2026 in Doha, Marko Čadež, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS), said today at a meeting at the CCIS with a Qatari delegation on a working visit to Belgrade.
“Web Summit Qatar” is one of the largest technology conferences in that part of the world, expected to gather around 30,000 participants from more than 120 countries, including investors and startups from across the globe.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/DSC00335-2.jpg" id="image-tag-1766050044221" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1974"></div>
At the meeting, Čadež emphasized that Serbia has been recording steady growth in the ICT sector for years, with software exports exceeding €5 billion, and that the country, with a population of around 6.5 million, today represents an important European innovation and startup hub.
“I would like us to prepare a Memorandum of Cooperation and to agree on a strong matchmaking process for tech companies and innovative firms traveling to Qatar,” Čadež said at the meeting, stressing that the participation of Serbian startups at this summit further strengthens connections between Europe, the Gulf countries, Asia, and Africa.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/DSC00348-2.jpg" id="image-tag-1766050057379" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1972"></div>
Čadež also highlighted that Serbia is a strong global knowledge base, particularly in the field of engineering solutions, where he sees significant opportunities for cooperation.
“It is important that we jointly create a ‘soft-landing’ platform for connecting companies at the Summit, in order to link startups with investors and investment capital,” Čadež said.
Representatives of the Qatari delegation emphasized that they view Web Summit as a global business platform connecting Europe, the Gulf countries, and Africa, with a focus on tangible results and high-quality business networking.
Increased interest in Serbia followed the appearance of the Serbian delegation at Web Summit in Lisbon, it was noted at the meeting.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/DSC00328-2.jpg" id="image-tag-1766050072275" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1975"></div>
Duha Al Buhendi, Director of the Digital Society and Digital Skills Department at the Ministry of Communications, Information and Technology and Vice Chair of the Web Summit Qatar Organizing Committee, emphasized that the Summit will represent a new opportunity for networking among Serbian, Qatari, and global companies through organized pitching sessions, B2B and B2G meetings, as well as visits to technology parks and industrial zones.
The Qatari delegation also presented incentive programs and support mechanisms intended for startups, scale-up companies, and large technology systems, as well as opportunities for connecting with Qatar’s innovation, R&D, and technology ecosystem.
Following the meeting, presentations were held by the Development Agency of Serbia (RAS) on the business environment and investment opportunities in Serbia, as well as on the country’s innovation ecosystem.
The meeting was also attended by Saud Ahmed Al Bouinin, Director of the Department for Studies and Strategic Planning at the Government Communications Office and Secretary General of the Web Summit Qatar Organizing Committee; Ahmed Al Haiki, Investor Relations Advisor (Invest Qatar); Mubarak Ali Al Marri, PR Coordinator from the Government Communications Office; as well as Predrag Nikolić, Director of the Center for Digital Transformation (CDT); Nebojša Bjelotomić, Advisor to the President of the CCIS; and Ana Stojanović, Head of the CCIS Center for the Middle East and Africa.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/DSC00365-2.jpg" id="image-tag-1766050088104" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1973"></div>

CCIS and Qatar Preparing the Participation of Serbian Startups at Web Summit Qatar 2026 

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia and the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber will jointly approach European Union institutions in Brussels, as well as EU Member States, to find a solution to the problem of transport permits for truck drivers from Serbia. This was agreed today at a meeting between Marko Čadež, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS), Eva Liebman, Deputy Secretary General of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKO), and Jürgen Schröder, Director of Advantage Austria for Serbia.
“As early as next week, we will begin intensive work on this important issue&mdash;transport permits for truck drivers. We expect solutions to be defined in January or February of next year. The Austrian business community has recognized the seriousness of this challenge, and together we will address both Brussels and the Member States that decide on this matter, in order to reach concrete outcomes as soon as possible. This issue must be resolved no later than March next year,” Čadež said following the meeting with representatives of Austrian business associations.
The EU “90/180 rule” stipulates that nationals of countries with a visa-free regime may stay in the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period, which effectively halves the working time of professional drivers. Serbian drivers warn that this rule already has, and will continue to have, significant consequences for Serbian drivers, supply chains, the economy, and exports.
Čadež also emphasized that an agreement had been reached with Austrian partners to organize a major meeting of representatives from Austria, the Visegrád Group, and the Western Balkans, dedicated to strengthening regional cooperation and joint economic initiatives.
The President of the CCIS recalled that cooperation with the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber has been ongoing for more than twelve years and has provided strong support to the Serbian Chamber, from the transformation of the chamber system through the establishment of the Center for Digital Transformation to the introduction of dual education.
In the coming period, a priority of this cooperation will also be the participation of Austrian companies at EXPO and at the GITEX Serbia technology innovation fair, which will be held in Serbia starting in 2027.

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Support of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber in Addressing the EU Permit Issue for Serbian Truck Drivers

Producers and exporters of frozen sour cherries from Serbia showcased their products at the Food Ingredients Europe 2025 fair in Paris, establishing numerous B2B contacts, with the value of potential business arrangements estimated at around USD 3.5 million.
With the support of the International Trade Centre (ITC) project Trade Promotion East (TPE), in cooperation with the SIPPO Serbia project and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia presented a delegation of Serbian frozen sour cherry producers and exporters at the joint national stand at Food Ingredients Europe 2025, held from 2 to 4 December in Paris.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/Miša i Marija_960x720.jpg" id="image-tag-1765367142263" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1948"></div>
Supported by the ITC project, Serbian companies had the opportunity to connect with European buyers and distributors seeking reliable partners and high-quality fruit ingredients. The fair is specialized and exclusively geared toward business and professional buyers (B2B market).
Eight companies represented Serbian sour cherry producers and exporters at the joint national stand: Frutorga, Fungo-jug, Green Group Fresh & Frozen, Interfood 60 d.o.o., MDDP Janić, Menex, SB Brava, and Strela Group. In total, 164 new business contacts were established, with potential sales estimated at around USD 3.5 million.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/amb. Ana, Vlada i Jovana_960x720.jpg" id="image-tag-1765367115383" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1946"></div>
Serbia has built a strong reputation for excellence in sour cherry production, backed by decades of expertise and a consistent annual export capacity of 30,000 tons.
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia and the International Trade Centre (ITC) will continue supporting export-oriented companies (in the sour cherry and apple segments) through regular project activities focused on capacity building and strengthening competitive advantages in international markets throughout 2026.
During the fair, the Serbian delegation at the national stand was visited by the Ambassador of Serbia to France, Ana Hrustanović, Minister-Counsellor and Head of the Economic Department of the Embassy, Marija Nestorović, the Honorary Representative of CCIS in France, Miša Ražnatović, as well as the CCIS representative in Paris, Ivana Stanković.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/Ivana_960x1361.jpg" id="image-tag-1765367056214" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1947"></div>

Serbian Sour Cherries in the Spotlight at Food Ingredients Europe 2025 in Paris 

Serbia has undergone a major shift in the structure of its economy and exports over the past several years, most clearly reflected in the rapid growth of the technology sector. Today, our biggest export product is software – last year alone, Serbia exported more than 5.1 billion euros in software services. “This represents a fundamental change in Serbia’s positioning on the global economic map,” stated Marko Čadež, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia.
Speaking on the panel “Building the Foundations: Infrastructure, Connectivity and Business Environment” at the international BELTALKS (Belgrade Economic Talks) forum, Čadež noted that when software exports per capita are compared with Austria, Serbia achieves better results.
Commenting on the investment climate, Čadež emphasized that fiscal stability is a result of responsible cost management, as confirmed by IMF assessments and projections, as well as Serbia’s investment rating. These are, he said, the most important factors for investors.
He pointed out that Serbia is entering a period of major advancement, with investments in EXPO 2027. “It is a major event, and what we have done over the past year is to turn EXPO into a hub for new large-scale events. This will be followed by events such as GITEX, the world’s largest tech fair. We will be the only host of GITEX in Central and Eastern Europe,” said Čadež. Such fairs and events significantly enhance global visibility and the country’s international positioning.
He stressed the urgent need for the entire Western Balkans to be included in the EU single market. “We advocate establishing a regulatory body at the level of the Western Balkans that would implement common rules and accelerate economic integration, while also opening a direct line of communication with the European Union on step-by-step accession to the single market, with a clear roadmap,” he said.
“I see no reason why the Western Balkans should not view itself as part of the European economic area. We see ourselves as part of European values,” Čadež concluded.
He highlighted the importance of supporting regional cooperation and noted that placing political focus on integration has delivered concrete results in just one year – border waiting times across the region have been shortened, and company costs have been reduced by up to 70 percent. Trade with Albania and North Macedonia has grown by around 70 percent and 50 percent, respectively, over the past four years, proving that when concrete steps are taken, results follow quickly.
The panel also featured Eva Libman, Deputy Secretary General of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber; Lev Ratnovski, IMF Resident Representative for Serbia; Pierre Grangeon, Head of the Regional Economic Service for the Western Balkans at the French Embassy in Belgrade; and Vuk Velebit, President of the Pupin Initiative.
BELTALKS, a two-day conference organized by GLOBSEC, together with the embassies of the United Kingdom, France, and Italy, the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, and Friends of Europe, was held at the Hyatt Hotel. It focused on enhancing cooperation and competitiveness across Europe, aiming to improve policy alignment and competitiveness while offering new opportunities for alignment with the EU Growth Plan and the Net-Zero Industry Act.
This year’s BELTALKS gathered more than 150 international participants, including senior EU officials, government representatives, business leaders, and experts from the EU and candidate countries.

Čadež: Serbian Software Has Become Our Number One Export – Regional Integration and Access to the EU Single Market Are Key for Further Growth 

The traditionally strong economic relations between Serbia and Türkiye can be further enhanced by deepening cooperation in the ICT sector, digitalization, and innovation, as well as by strengthening ties between the two countries’ startup ecosystems. Additional potential lies in building partnerships within major global events such as the world’s largest technology fair,&nbsp;GITEX Global, which will be hosted in both Belgrade and Istanbul, as well as the specialized exhibition&nbsp;EXPO 2027, it was highlighted at the meeting between Marko Čadež, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, and H.E. İlhan Saygılı, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Serbia.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/DSC09831-2_960x540.jpg" id="image-tag-1765354599532" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1942"></div>
The long-standing cooperation between the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS) and the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye (TOBB) also contributes to strengthening ties between the two business communities, launching new initiatives, and expanding collaborations across diverse sectors of the economy.
At the beginning of 2026, CCIS, TOBB, and the Foreign Economic Relations Board of Türkiye (DEIK) will jointly organize a business mission to key Turkish economic centers – Istanbul, Bursa, and Ankara – in cooperation with Western Balkan economies.
This mission will offer an excellent opportunity for companies to connect directly, open new business prospects, and intensify cooperation in traditional sectors such as the automotive and chemical industries, pharmaceuticals, textiles, rubber manufacturing, energy, infrastructure, and tourism. It will also enable closer cooperation between the ICT and startup communities of Serbia, Türkiye, and the region, the participants agreed.
According to statistical data, total trade in goods between Serbia and Türkiye amounted to nearly €3.1 billion in 2024.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/PHOTO-2025-12-09-12-21-43_960x720.jpg" id="image-tag-1765354610514" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1943"></div>
Serbia’s exports exceeded €1 billion, marking an increase of 84.3% compared to 2023, while imports were slightly above €2 billion, reflecting a growth of 20%.
In the first nine months of 2025, trade reached €2.4 billion. Türkiye is Serbia’s fifth-largest import partner and tenth-largest export partner.

ICT, Innovation and Digitalization Open New Opportunities for Cooperation Between the Economies of Serbia and Türkiye

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia is launching the first Balkan Negotiation Academy (BNA), a unique, specialized program designed for business leaders, decision-makers, and representatives of institutions that contribute to development and economic cooperation in the Western Balkans region.
The program begins in January 2026, and participants will have the opportunity to work with leading international experts in negotiation, including Francesco Marchi, Director of Negotiation Expertise at ALTERNEGO, lecturer at Sciences Po and Sorbonne, advisor to EU institutions, and founder of the European Negotiators Association (ENEA).
Why this program?
 
The Western Balkans region is entering a period of significant economic change, new investment ventures, and accelerated alignment with European Union standards. In such an environment, the ability to build trust, conduct effective dialogue, and carry out successful negotiation becomes crucial for the sustainable development of companies and public institutions.
 
The Balkan Negotiation Academy aims to strengthen these exact competences through:
 
• simulations of real negotiation situations,&nbsp;
&nbsp;• work on concrete practical examples,&nbsp;
&nbsp;• expert guidance and analysis of negotiation processes,
&nbsp;• applicable strategies that can be immediately implemented in professional practice.
 
Program Structure
 
The program is designed in two phases:
 
Phase 1 – two-day interactive workshop
 
A combination of simulations, case studies, and practical sessions in small groups.
 
Phase 2 – one-day workshop focused on applying acquired skills
 
Through work on real cases, participants receive operational advice and develop approaches that can be immediately applied in practice.
 
At the end of the program, participants take part in the annual BNA Forum, held within the ENEA Conference in Paris, gathering representatives from the region and Europe with the aim of launching new initiatives and deepening cooperation.
 
Who can apply?
 
The program is intended for professionals at mid- and senior-level positions in:
 
• companies and business systems,&nbsp;
&nbsp;• the entrepreneurial sector,&nbsp;
&nbsp;• institutions dealing with economic development and cooperation,&nbsp;
&nbsp;• regulatory bodies and organizations involved in cross-border and public-private projects.
 
Participants are organized in groups of approximately 20 people, ensuring active interaction, knowledge exchange, and effective work.
 
How to apply?
 
You can submit a preliminary application via email to:
 
📩 <a href="mailto:bna@pks.rs">bna@pks.rs</a>
 
The application should include:
&nbsp;• full name&nbsp;
&nbsp;• organization and position&nbsp;
&nbsp;• expectations from the program&nbsp;
&nbsp;• CV
 
The number of places is limited, and selection is conducted based on professional experience and candidate motivation.
 
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia invites companies, institutions, and individuals to apply and become part of the first generation of the Balkan Negotiation Academy &mdash; a program that sets new standards in professional development, expert dialogue, and regional cooperation!
 
<a href="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/BNA for Business and Policy Makers1.pdf">BNA for Business and Policy Makers.pdf</a> 
Links to the Čadež Talk episodes&nbsp; - guest Francesco Marchi, PhD
<div class="video-container"><iframe width="100%" height="380" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/1rn8qzFz9Vc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div> 
<div class="video-container"><iframe width="100%" height="380" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/DgaXSl4sYcw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>&nbsp;
 
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Launching the First Balkan Negotiation Academy in Belgrade 2026

The arrival of the world’s largest technology fair, Gitex Global, from Dubai in Belgrade represents a major development opportunity for Serbia and the region.&nbsp;
This “partnership will be the new currency of the AI economy,” bringing a significant influx of investment, stronger technological capacities, and the growth of startups and innovation, stated Marko Čadež, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS), and Trixie LohMirmand, President of Gitex Global, in Belgrade.
The fair, which will be held in Belgrade from 2027 under the name “Gitex AI Serbia,” is a tremendous opportunity for Serbia’s future, but also a great responsibility. “Everything that matters in innovation will be present at Gitex AI Serbia,” Čadež said after touring the Expo Playground with LohMirmand, who is on a working visit to Belgrade.
“This will be an excellent opportunity for all tech companies because key people from the worlds of business, innovation, and startups will be present. We see Belgrade primarily as a technology hub for this part of Europe. It is truly a great pleasure to be here again today with LohMirmand,” the CCIS President emphasized.
LohMirmand stated that Gitex AI Serbia will have a lasting impact on foreign investment in Serbia, the strengthening of the economy’s capacities, and the building of global partnerships and diplomacy, to create a unique platform together with Serbia.
“Gitex is coming to Belgrade as the world’s largest technology and startup event, and Serbia and the region can expect a record level of foreign investment. We are very privileged and honored to partner with Expo 2027 Belgrade and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, to jointly create a unique platform for this generation,” LohMirmand said.
According to her, Gitex and Expo 2027 are only the beginning, and the region can expect record-breaking foreign investment. Expo 2027 Belgrade will be an opportunity to showcase the region’s progress to the world and highlight the potential of emerging economies, she added.
“There is no better opportunity than to use artificial intelligence and technology as a soft-power tool to connect the world here, give small and medium-sized enterprises the chance to grow, attract more investors, and enable startups to enter this part of Europe,” LohMirmand emphasized.
She reminded that the global Gitex network brings together the investment, research, and academic communities, as well as startups, adding that the plan is to gather people who will “create a new intelligent and innovative future together with Serbia.” “AI requires collaboration &mdash; partnership is the new currency of the AI economy,” the Gitex Global President said.
Dušan Borovčanin, Advisor to the Director of Expo 2027 d.o.o. Belgrade, noted that Gitex AI Serbia is a powerful indicator of everything that the international exhibition Expo 2027 Belgrade brings to Serbia. Expo enables Serbia to attract major global events like Gitex Global not only in 2027, but also in the years to come.
The world’s largest technology fair, Gitex Global, has chosen Belgrade to host the first Gitex fair in Southeast Europe, under the name “Gitex AI Serbia.” The first edition will take place in May 2027, bringing together a large number of world innovators and companies.Foto:&nbsp;Foto Tanjug Amir Hamzagić

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Čadež and LohMirmand: Partnership Is the New Currency of the AI Economy

Strengthening economic ties between Serbia and North Macedonia, expanding cooperation across all sectors&mdash;from agriculture to IT and digitalization&mdash;boosting bilateral trade toward two billion euros, attracting new investments, and jointly entering third markets are key to the future development and success of both economies, as well as the Western Balkan region. This was the central message of the Serbia–North Macedonia Business Forum, which today gathered more than 450 participants in Skopje, including business representatives from nearly 250 companies, alongside government officials, institutions, and business associations from both countries.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/IMG_5754_960x720.jpeg" id="image-tag-1764943390798" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1923"></div>
Addressing forum participants, Marko Čadež, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS), emphasized that this is the largest bilateral business forum between Serbia and North Macedonia so far, expressing gratitude to the business community and the leadership of both states for supporting economic cooperation.
“We thank the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, and the Prime Minister of North Macedonia, Hristijan Mickoski, for supporting our business communities in jointly carrying out major ventures. Special thanks go to Serbia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Adrijana Mesarović, for her energy and initiative in negotiating new business opportunities,” Čadež added.
He recalled that Serbian companies&mdash;from large systems to small enterprises&mdash;are already successfully cooperating with partners in North Macedonia, but the goal is to encourage new partnerships. With that in mind, the “Business Guide to North Macedonia” was prepared and presented, containing all key information about this market.
“We are pleased to see a growing number of joint investments &mdash; the best proof that together we are strengthening the regional economy. Serbian investments in North Macedonia have exceeded 1.5 billion euros, from Mtel, Ananas, Nectar, Imlek, Comtrade, Vino Župa, Čoka Winery, Nelt, to investments in the banking sector such as Alta Banka’s acquisition of Stopanska Banka Bitolj and Vege’s acquisition of Fenix Farm. At the same time, more than 1,000 companies in Serbia are owned by investors from North Macedonia, with increasing presence in retail and real estate,” Čadež highlighted.
He added that the two economies can jointly approach third markets&mdash;especially in Africa&mdash;and stressed the need to continue efforts to facilitate trade, simplify procedures, and implement infrastructure projects. “I wish you new deals, new investments, and I look forward to seeing you soon in Belgrade,” Čadež said.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/IMG_58021_960x720.jpeg" id="image-tag-1764943408364" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1927"></div>
Adrijana Mesarović, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy of Serbia, emphasized that the number of participants at the forum demonstrates the great potential that must be further developed.
“Partnership, trust, open dialogue, and determination to build a stable, competitive, and prosperous region &mdash; these are the foundations of our cooperation. Serbian exports are growing by 16%, our economies are compatible, and there is room for even stronger cooperation, both in traditional sectors and in modern technologies,” she said.
Ivan Stoilković, Deputy Prime Minister of North Macedonia and Minister for Community Relations, stated that the two countries can reach a trade volume of as much as two billion euros, and that they must continue to strengthen economic potential based on a shared vision of regional cooperation.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/IMG_5752_960x720.jpeg" id="image-tag-1764943433754" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1922"></div>
Branko Azeski, President of the Economic Chamber of North Macedonia, emphasized that the two economies are moving forward together and that the support of political leaders is crucial for concrete joint business ventures.
The Business Forum in Skopje was organized by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, in cooperation with the North Macedonian business community. Its aim was to improve existing and create new business ties, as well as define future directions of cooperation. More than 150 bilateral meetings were held within the forum, where businesses discussed concrete opportunities.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/IMG_5857_960x720.jpeg" id="image-tag-1764943452285" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1926"></div>
Statistics also confirm the upward trend in cooperation: in the first nine months of 2025, bilateral trade reached 1.12 billion euros, an increase of 101.4 million euros compared to the same period in 2024. Serbian exports amounted to 804.8 million euros, up 15.7%, with a trade surplus of 487.5 million euros, an increase of 117.4 million euros year-on-year.
In 2024, 4,438 business entities in Serbia traded with North Macedonia, while by October 2025, 1,066 companies were registered in Serbia with majority ownership by Macedonian legal or natural persons.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/IMG_5817_960x720.jpeg" id="image-tag-1764943465514" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1924"></div>
Photo: CCIS / Ivana Vukotić