Tourism and Agriculture – Promising Sectors for Cooperation Between Serbia and Zambia

Tourism and agriculture represent promising sectors for strengthening economic cooperation between Serbia and Zambia. Zambia’s intention to participate in the specialized exhibition EXPO 2027 provides additional motivation for the development of bilateral activities. This was highlighted during a meeting between Mihailo Vesović, Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS), and Mulambo Haimbe, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Zambia, as well as John Shimbela, Advisor to the President of Zambia.

At the meeting held at the CCIS, Vesović emphasized that EXPO2027 is a key opportunity to lay the foundations for stronger economic cooperation. "If we use the next two years to participate jointly in trade fairs and business forums, we can significantly advance our bilateral relations," said Vesović, adding that the Chamber will provide full support for the arrival of a Zambian business delegation and facilitate its connection with the Serbian economy.

Foreign Minister Mulambo Haimbe presented Zambia’s strategic development priorities, focusing on strengthening economic stability, developing infrastructure, and positioning Zambia as a regional hub for trade and investment, despite its lack of direct maritime access. He highlighted the importance of natural resources, particularly critical minerals such as cobalt and nickel, as well as the significant potential in agriculture, where a well-developed scientific and research base already exists.

Tourism was pointed out as one of the most promising sectors for cooperation, given that Zambia is home to 20 national parks, including the world-famous Victoria Falls among its top tourist attractions. To strengthen tourism cooperation, it was proposed that Zambia present its tourism offer at the next International Tourism Fair in Belgrade.

In 2024, foreign trade between Serbia and Zambia amounted to 2.32 million US dollars. Serbia exported goods worth 2.25 million dollars to Zambia, primarily electric motors, wooden furniture, and specialized equipment. In return, Serbia imported goods worth 71.9 thousand dollars from Zambia, mostly consisting of cut flowers and seeds of various types of vegetables.