Sustainable Partnerships and Swedish Experiences in Leading the Green Transition

A joint conference and two panel discussions titled “Sustainable Partnerships between Sweden and Serbia – Swedish Expertise Leading the Green Transition” were held at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, organized by the Embassy of Sweden and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia.

The main goal of the conference was to strengthen trade and cooperation between Sweden and Serbia and to highlight the synergies between development cooperation and trade promotion. Special focus was placed on Sweden’s new foreign trade strategy and the reform agenda of its development cooperation, which provides strong support to Serbia’s ongoing reforms. Furthermore, enhancing transparency in public procurement and fighting corruption were emphasized as key steps for a successful green transition in Serbia and for strengthening trade ties with Sweden and the European Union (EU).

"By bringing together key stakeholders in one place, we aim to create a dynamic platform for economic cooperation and shared prosperity. Serbia’s reform agenda is crucial for improving the economy, business environment, and digital transformation. Sweden strongly supports these reforms, which are fully aligned with our foreign trade strategy and development cooperation goals," stated Charlotte Sammelin, Ambassador of Sweden to the Republic of Serbia, at the conference opening.

Radman Šelmić, PhD, Advisor to the President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, emphasized that the Chamber is a leader of the green transformation in the country and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to organize this event with the Swedish team and promote the green agenda.

"The symbolism and message of this partnership are powerful – a country that leads the green transition within the EU is collaborating with an institution that plays a key role in promoting and implementing the green agenda in Serbia. Learning from Swedish companies and institutions in the areas of green technologies, energy transition, and circular economy is a valuable experience for local firms – both in terms of knowledge and technology transfer and in enhancing their competitiveness in EU supply chains," Šelmić said.

Jessika Roswall, Swedish Minister for European Affairs, reaffirmed Sweden’s unwavering support for Serbia’s EU membership, underlining the country’s commitment to peace, democracy, security, stability, and prosperity in Europe.
"With more than €300 million invested since 1998, significant progress has been made in economic development, digital transformation, skills development, and the rule of law. This conference represents a key moment to establish new partnerships between Swedish and Serbian companies and to further strengthen economic ties, fostering Serbia’s sustainable development and international cooperation," the Minister added.

Violeta Jovanović, Executive Director of NALED, welcomed the initiative to strengthen economic relations between Sweden and Serbia, highlighting the importance of knowledge exchange and support in the fields of green and digital transition, renewable energy, and environmental policies, so that Serbian companies remain competitive in the EU market.

She also thanked the Swedish Government for nearly three decades of consistent support for reforms in Serbia, particularly in areas such as good governance, gender equality, and local development, which contribute to alignment with EU standards.

Maja Zorić, Trade and Investment Commissioner from Business Sweden, and Johanna Brismar Skoog, Ambassador at the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs, delivered the closing remarks. They emphasized that Sweden’s experience and leadership in the green transition, supported by strategic investments and international cooperation, can play a key role in guiding Serbia’s sustainable development, boosting trade exchange, and advancing its EU integration process.

The conference successfully highlighted the strong link between Sweden’s foreign trade strategy and Serbia’s reform agenda, with a particular focus on transparency, anti-corruption, and sustainable practices.

High interest from representatives of public administration, local governments, and the business sector confirms that this event laid the foundation for growing trade and institutional cooperation. Sweden will continue to provide steadfast support to Serbia’s sustainable growth and international cooperation, enabling further integration into the EU.

Photo: Boban Ristić, CCIS