The first regional conference dedicated to the rapid changes and development of the engineering sector, the Western Balkan Engineering Leadership Forum (WBELF), was held at&nbsp;the Chamber of Commerce of Serbia, gathering around 150 leaders from academia, businesses, government institutions, and students.
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A two-day conference explored current challenges and opportunities in engineering education and industry in the Western Balkans, through a series of panels and lectures,&nbsp;&nbsp;aiming to address the fast-paced changes driven by automation and the advancement of artificial intelligence.
Special emphasis has been&nbsp;placed on successful examples of aligning academic programs with industry needs, developing talent through industry-oriented research projects, and adapting curricula to prepare a new generation of engineers for future challenges.&nbsp;
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The WBELF forum was organized by the Global Engineering Deans Council (GEDC) and the International Federation of Engineering Education Societies (IFEES), with support from the "Great Small Economy" project, funded by USAID and the Serbian Chamber of Commerce (PKS).
&nbsp;With the participation and support of&nbsp;high-profile attendees, H.E. Cristofer Hill, Ambassador of USA in Serbia, Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation of Serbia, Jelena Begović and Mihailo Vesović, Director of the Sector for Strategic Analysis, Services, and Internationalization, the forum highlighted the need for strong collaboration in aligning educational programs with industry needs, encouraging women in STEM careers, fostering regional integration and economic competitiveness, supporting SMEs as Innovation Hubs, attracting and retaining talent, and creating a long-term vision for Engineering Education.&nbsp;<figure><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/31102024 WBELF (11).jpg" id="image-tag-1730456512469" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1330"></figure>

Transformation of the Engineering Sector in the Western Balkans: A Key to Economic Competitiveness

This week, Serbian companies, with the support of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS) and the Development Agency of Serbia, are showcasing their products and services at three major international trade fairs in Amsterdam, London, and Berlin.
At the PLMA Private Label Trade Show in Amsterdam (May 20–21), 36 Serbian companies – 28 from the food sector and 8 from non-food industries – are participating under the slogan “Your Name, Our Quality”. In two national pavilions, they are exhibiting a wide range of products, including frozen and dried fruits, low-calorie jams, granola, wine, instant noodles, chocolate, cosmetics, household chemicals, paper packaging, and dietary supplements.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/IMG-20250520-WA0022.jpg" id="image-tag-1747744215970" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1691"></div>
Meanwhile, at the London Wine Fair (May 19–21), Serbia is represented for the second time with a national stand (B-50), featuring wines from nine wineries: Doja, Šapat, Erdevik, Deurić, Vinčić, Aleksandrović, Panjković, BT Winery, and Matalj. A key focus is also the promotion of Wine Vision by Open Balkan as a major regional platform for wine industry promotion.
Starting May 21, 22 Serbian startups will debut at GITEX Europe 2025 in Berlin – the European edition of one of the world’s leading tech events. These companies will present cutting-edge solutions in AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity, green tech, fintech, edtech, telecom, and commerce, aiming to connect with international investors and markets.
For more details and company profiles follow links bellow:&nbsp;
<a href="https://fairs.pks.rs/plma-international-2025/">Check exhibitors from&nbsp;PLMA</a>
<a href="https://fairs.pks.rs/london-wine-fair-2025/">Check exhibitors for the London Wine Fair</a><a href="https://fairs.pks.rs/gitex-europe-2025/">Check exhibitors for&nbsp;GITEX Europe</a>

Serbian Companies at Leading International Trade Fairs in Amsterdam, London, and Berlin

Marko Čadež, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia and a member of the Eurochambres delegation, met today in Brussels with EU Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, Marta Kós. They discussed the challenges facing the Western Balkans on its path toward integration into the EU Single Market and full EU membership.
The Eurochambres delegation, which included presidents of chambers of commerce from candidate and potential candidate countries, was led by Vladimir Dlouhý, President of Eurochambres.
According to Čadež, the meeting with Commissioner Kós was very constructive, covering important issues for regional economies, particularly the integration of Western Balkan economies into the EU Single Market ahead of full membership.
As Čadež explained, integration involves several elements – from joint border management, exchange and harmonization of customs documents and certificates, to other collaborative activities – without which the Western Balkans cannot be fully included in the EU Single Market.
“We already have all of this prepared, but what’s missing is motivation from various sectors of the European Commission – customs, energy, trade – to show more willingness to support the Western Balkans and resolve the challenges the region faces on its path toward EU integration. That’s where we requested support and assistance, and the Commissioner understood why this is crucial,” Čadež emphasized.
He added that the free movement of goods is not only important for the Balkan economies but also for European industry, as losses are measured in hundreds of millions of euros annually simply because the necessary documentation for the free flow of goods is not harmonized, leading to long border delays.
“This is a loss for all of us – especially in a world where customs duties have become a geopolitical issue. You must expand your market, and right here in the heart of Europe, you still haven’t figured out how to properly integrate the Western Balkans into the EU Single Market – to make it equal, just like any other part of the Union in terms of economy and economic dynamics,” Čadež stated from Brussels.
Eurochambres President Vladimir Dlouhý said the business community strongly believes that enlargement, strengthening of ties, and leveraging the advantages of the EU Single Market are extremely important for candidate countries.
“If we truly deepen economic ties with Western Balkan countries – countries like Serbia – it could have positive political consequences, but most importantly, it would bring economic progress, to the benefit of both sides,” Dlouhý concluded.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/Вкадимир Длоухи_960x537.jpg" id="image-tag-1747726228619" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1689"></div>

Čadež: Constructive Discussion with Marta Kos – The Western Balkans Belong on the EU Single Market

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS), in cooperation with the Development Agency of Serbia (RAS), will support the international promotion of Serbian companies at two prestigious global events this May: GITEX EUROPE 2025 in Berlin and the London Wine Fair 2025.
GITEX EUROPE 2025 | Berlin | May 21–23, 2025 For the first time, the globally renowned GITEX GLOBAL technology fair is launching its European edition, and Serbia will be part of this milestone event. A delegation of Serbian startup companies will exhibit their solutions at the national stand of Serbia, located in Hall 3.1 at Messe Berlin, covering a 108 m² space.
GITEX EUROPE connects global tech leaders, governments, investors, and innovators. A key event highlight is North Star Europe, the largest European platform for startups and investors, offering Serbian participants a unique opportunity to present their innovations, secure partnerships, and explore new markets for digital growth.
 
<a href="https://fairs.pks.rs/gitex-europe-2025/">GET IN TOUCH WITH SERBIAN STARTUPS HERE</a>
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London Wine Fair 2025 | London | May 19–21, 2025 For the second consecutive year, Serbia will participate with a national stand at one of Europe’s most prestigious wine exhibitions – the London Wine Fair. This event, which has been a central meeting point for the international wine trade for over 40 years, attracts thousands of buyers from bars, restaurants, supermarkets, and distribution networks across the globe.
The participation of Serbian wine producers presents an opportunity to introduce premium local brands to new markets, boost exports, and strengthen international partnerships. Exhibitors will engage in three days of intensive networking, education, and brand showcasing in one of the most influential wine capitals of the world.
“By supporting the international visibility of Serbian startups and wine producers at these flagship events, we are reinforcing Serbia’s position as a country of innovation, quality, and global ambition,” stated the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia.
 
<a href="https://fairs.pks.rs/london-wine-fair-2025/">CONTACT OUR WINE PRODUCERS HERE</a>

Serbian Companies to Showcase Innovation and Quality at GITEX EUROPE in Berlin and London Wine Fair 2025

As part of the visit by a Serbian business delegation to the Saudi Food Show, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from May 12 to 14, 2025, representatives of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS), together with the Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to Saudi Arabia, Dragan Bisenic, met with the President of the Federation of Saudi Chambers, Hassan bin Mujib Al-Huwaizi, to discuss plans related to the operations of the Saudi-Serbian Business Council, which serves as a platform for further intensifying economic cooperation between the two countries.
The Federation of Saudi Chambers is the umbrella organization bringing together 28 regional chambers and is a key partner for connecting Serbian businesses with the Saudi market.
The Serbian section of the Council has been formed and includes 22 companies from sectors such as agriculture, food industry, construction, metal and defense industries, and other economic branches. The Saudi section is expected to be established soon, after which the first joint session of the Council will be held.
In the previous year, 2024, the total foreign trade in goods between Serbia and Saudi Arabia reached USD 152.6 million, representing a significant increase of 58.2% compared to 2023, when it amounted to USD 96.4 million. During that period, Serbia achieved exports worth USD 62.8 million, marking a 30% increase compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, imports from Saudi Arabia reached USD 89.7 million, a sharp rise of 85.3%. Serbia's main imports from Saudi Arabia are chemical industry products, while Serbia ranks as the fourth-largest exporter of apples to the Saudi market.
As emphasized during the meeting, trade between the two countries has been continuously growing, with substantial room for further enhancement of bilateral economic cooperation.
The market of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is currently one of the most promising in the Middle East for Serbian companies.
The Kingdom is actively implementing a process of economic diversification, investing significantly in sectors recognized as key drivers of economic growth&mdash;renewable energy, agriculture, information and communication technologies (ICT), and tourism&mdash;areas in which Serbia holds pronounced comparative advantages, along with potential in other industrial sectors.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/IMG-20250513-WA0003.jpg" id="image-tag-1747211611330" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1684"></div>

​  Saudi Arabian Market Among the Most Promising for Serbian Companies

The leading international trade fair “The Saudi Food Show” opened today in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, with 15 Serbian companies from the agri-food sector presenting their export offerings.
Organized by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia and the Development Agency of Serbia, the companies will exhibit within two national pavilions until May 14. The exhibitors include: ITN Group (Belgrade), Master Food (Užice), Master Fruits (Belgrade), Laki (Arilje), Budimka (Požega), Agranela (Valjevo), Agropartner (Lučani), Candy Rush (Belgrade), Frigoonice (Niš), Kinoko (Donji Matejevac), Mixer Produkt (Aleksandrovac), Mirax Agrar (Belgrade), PIP Food Group (Čenej), ZA Fruit (Valjevo), and Podgorina Voće (Osečina).
Serbian Ambassador to Riyadh, Dragan Bisenic, visited the Serbian exhibitors and discussed opportunities for doing business in the Saudi market, its potential, advantages, and challenges.
These companies offer a wide range of products including frozen conventional and organic fruits, fresh apples, organic jams (with and without sugar), juices, freeze-dried, dried and chocolate-coated fruits, dried and frozen mushrooms, confectionery, fruit and creamy bases for the ice cream industry, bakery, pastry and confectionery ingredients, as well as fruit purees and baby food.
The fair features nine industry segments and brings together producers of dairy products, oils, grains, fruits and vegetables, meat and meat products, frozen and ready-made foods, as well as coffee and tea.
This is the third edition of the event, held at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center &mdash; the premier business platform connecting exhibitors with representatives of leading retail chains, importers, and distributors.
Program segments are focused on showcasing contemporary trends in the food industry.

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Spanning an exhibition space of 244,000 m², the show hosts more than 1,000 exhibitors from 97 countries, and expects over 25,000 professional visitors. Alongside Serbia, other national pavilions feature countries such as Turkey, China, Russia, Egypt, Jordan, Bahrain, Oman, Thailand, the Netherlands, Cyprus, Greece, Austria, Poland, Italy, Switzerland, France, Germany, Portugal, Singapore, India, Pakistan, Syria, the United States, and Canada.
The fair was officially opened by the Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar Ibrahim Al-Khoraye.
Exhibitors and visitors have access to the “Tawasul Meetings Programme” platform for organizing business meetings and commercial negotiations, enabling pre-scheduled appointments and direct contact with potential partners.
The Saudi Arabian market is considered one of the most attractive in the Middle East and a significant opportunity for Serbian companies, particularly in the export of frozen and fresh fruits and vegetables. As one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, Saudi Arabia is strategically located at the intersection of three continents and is rich in natural resources.
In an effort to reduce its dependence on oil and diversify its economy, Saudi Arabia has launched the ambitious “Vision 2030” program, which includes a range of economic and financial reforms, strengthening of the private and tertiary sectors, and the promotion of sustainable development.
Saudi Arabia has a young and educated population of over 34 million people, more than 50% of whom are under the age of 25. The country is the largest consumer of dairy products among Gulf states, and total spending on organic, gourmet, and health foods is expected to exceed $27 billion.

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Photo: Zorana Delić

Serbian Companies Among 1,000 Exhibitors at Prestigious “The Saudi Food Show” in Riyadh

NeoMedica, a domestic innovator in the field of diagnostic tests, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a strategic partner in Algeria, marking the official start of a joint venture for local production of “Naissa” tests.
NeoMedica develops and manufactures tests intended for the early detection and monitoring of various diseases, including autoimmune and infectious diseases, hormonal disorders, tumor markers, viruses, and other specific proteins. The tests are used on modern analyzers “Naissa” and “Uni,” both produced at the company’s facility in Niš.
By signing this memorandum, NeoMedica has secured access to the Algerian public healthcare system, which serves a population of 45 million. Local production and technology transfer will ensure a 25% advantage in all tenders, while also reducing the country’s need for importing similar products, in line with the capacity of domestic manufacturing.
“This partnership represents a significant step in NeoMedica’s international expansion strategy. We are proud that our work and products are finding their place in state healthcare systems beyond Serbia, reaffirming their quality and scientific value,” said Saša Tričković, CEO of NeoMedica.
The company’s products have already been successfully present in the Algerian healthcare system for the past two years. Their application has been validated through multiple clinical studies, especially in the field of autoimmune diseases, with results published in leading international scientific journals. Additional research is underway in the areas of tumor markers, gastrointestinal, and hormonal status, involving five more tests from the company’s portfolio.
The official signing of the production agreement is planned for September this year, during a scientific conference organized by NeoMedica in cooperation with its Algerian partners.
At the end of February, NeoMedica launched the production of hematology reagents at its facility in Cairo, Egypt. The upcoming immunochemistry test production in Algeria aims to serve the North African and Middle Eastern markets with high-tech products.
Photo: Saša Tričković

Niš-Based NeoMedica Expands Operations in North Africa, Launches Diagnostic Test Production in Algeria

Cooperation and innovation are key to overcoming common challenges in the chemical industry, from the energy crisis to global competition&mdash;this was emphasized at the annual summit of the European Chemical Industry Council (CEFIC), held for the first time in Belgrade and organized by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS).
“The goal of Serbia is to align its legislation with European standards and thus integrate more strongly with the EU market, even before full membership. The chemical industry, with more than 6,000 companies and strong export potential, plays a key role in this process,” said Mihailo Vesović, Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia. He added that membership in associations such as CEFIC enables Serbian companies to respond in a timely manner to regulatory and market changes.
Minister of Domestic and Foreign Trade, Jagoda Lazarević, emphasized that Serbia remains firmly committed to European integration and that the Serbian economy is strongly linked to the EU, both through trade and foreign investment. According to her, the Serbian and European chemical industries face the same challenges, as well as the growing market share of China and the U.S. in this sector. “We believe that through joint efforts we can develop an innovative and sustainable model to overcome these challenges,” said Lazarević, adding that the advantage of Serbian companies lies in their resilience and ability to adapt.
“The annual summit of the European Chemical Industry Council (CEFIC) is being held outside the EU for the first time&mdash;right here in Belgrade. This is a great recognition for the domestic chemical industry and confirmation of our place in European developments,” said Dragan Stevanović, Secretary of the Association for the Chemical, Rubber and Non-Metal Industry at CCIS. He added that the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia has been a member of CEFIC for six years&mdash;a body that represents the interests of the chemical sector in EU institutions and brings together national associations from across Europe, as well as from the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Norway.
While the EU chemical industry is facing energy challenges and capacity closures, the sector in Serbia is experiencing growth. Last year, there was a 16.4% increase in rubber and plastics processing and a 6.8% rise in chemical production.
“We see great opportunities for our companies to supply the European market, as our chemical industry is export-oriented. The chemical industry accounts for 13.9% of Serbia’s total exports, with an export value of around 4 billion euros. Nearly 65% of that goes to the EU market, 26% to countries in the region, the United Kingdom, and Norway, while 9% is exported to other global markets. This shows that we are competitive, meet the strictest EU criteria and standards, and have the potential to further strengthen our presence in the European market,” Stevanović noted.
The two-day conference will focus on current topics and challenges facing the chemical industry in Serbia, Europe, and globally, development potentials, and alignment with EU legislation. Special attention will be given to chemical management in the context of Serbia’s EU accession, the fertilizer market, and the impact of CBAM regulations on Serbian exports.

CCIS Hosts CEFIC Summit: Cooperation and Innovation as a Response to Challenges in the Global Chemical Industry

Over the past decade, nearly 400 participants have completed the Canadian international education program, the LEADER Project, in Serbia. Thanks to the knowledge and skills they acquired, many now successfully launch and lead businesses and manage domestic companies, it was announced today at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS).
The conference titled “Artificial Intelligence, Leadership, and Entrepreneurship: Shaping the Future Together,” held to mark ten years of the LEADER Project in Serbia, gathered more than 180 participants. During three panel discussions dedicated to the role of artificial intelligence and digital transformation in business and leadership, experts and former course participants shared their knowledge and experiences.
“The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia has supported and been part of this project from the beginning. Over the past ten years, we've seen increasingly stronger generations of entrepreneurs join this course. Today, artificial intelligence has become a necessity&mdash;a fundamental part of doing business, even for small companies and startups,” said Mihailo Vesović, Vice President of the CCIS.
The conference was organized by CANSEE – the Canadian-Serbian Business Association, in cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, the Center for Digital Transformation (CDT), and the Embassy of Canada in Belgrade.
“Participants of these programs, held over the past ten years, have begun networking independently and building an alumni network. That’s a great development because these are the people who will form the backbone of Serbia’s future business and social leadership,” emphasized David Morgan, Head of the Political Section and Deputy Ambassador of Canada to Serbia, North Macedonia, and Montenegro.

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The Canadian LEADER Project is an international economic development program established in 1991 and led by instructors from the Ivey Business School at Western University through its MBA, HBA, MSc, and PhD programs. According to Mirjana Dončić Beaton, Executive Director of CANSEE, the program is successfully implemented around the world, aiming to empower promising entrepreneurs to envision, launch, and grow new ventures that strengthen local economies.

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“Today, as the LEADER Project celebrates its 10th edition in Serbia, we remain committed to supporting individuals by helping them develop business ideas that contribute to both society and the economy,” said Dončić Beaton.
The event at the Chamber of Commerce brought together business leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs to discuss and explore the dynamic intersections between artificial intelligence, modern leadership, entrepreneurship, and the importance of diversity in shaping the future of business and society.
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LEADER Project Marks 10 Years in Serbia: 400 New Leaders for a Stronger Economy

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS) has become a member of the <a href="https://www.wtca.org/">World Trade Centers Association (WTCA)</a>, one of the largest international trade organizations, encompassing more than 300 World Trade Center (WTC) businesses across early 100 countries. “The World Trade Center Belgrade is set to open ahead of the specialized Expo Belgrade 2027 exhibition, announced Marko Čadež, President of&nbsp; CCIS.
 
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“This will be a hub for everyone coming to Belgrade and Serbia, offering them a place to find business partners, organize events, and access a state-of-the-art business environment to exchange ideas and build successful companies. After a year and a half of visiting various trade centers around the world, we have seen how this network operates and the importance of CCIS becoming part of WTCA. One of the best examples is our collaboration with World Trade Center Dubai, which organizes GITEX Global, the world’s largest tech trade show,” emphasized Čadež.
 
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Membership was officially formalized with a decision by the WTCA Board of Directors and the signing of a WTC License Agreement.
 
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“We are thrilled to welcome WTC Belgrade into our association’s global network, marking an exciting partnership with Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS), and continuing the momentum for our network’s growth in the Western Balkans. This partnership will integrate CCIS’ current services into the global network, enhancing its offering of trade information, trade education, trade missions, business forums and much more. We trust that WTC Belgrade will become a premier hub for global commerce, promoting Serbia as an investment destination, and hope this is the beginning of a bigger presence of WTC businesses within the region,” stated John E. Drew, WTCA Chair, Board of Directors. 
 
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The License Agreement between CCIS and WTCA was signed in Belgrade by Marko Čadež, President of CCIS, and Robin van Puyenbroeck, WTCA Executive Director-Business Development.
 
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“Congratulations to CCIS and especially to Marko Čadež for his leadership and vision in achieving this milestone in fostering global trade and investment. This collaboration aligns with WTCA’s mission of connecting local economies to the global market, creating new opportunities for Serbian businesses to access international markets, form partnerships and drive economic growth. As a regional leader, Serbia’s strategic geographic location and dynamic economy make it a vital gateway for the Western Balkans, supporting integration into the global economy. With the global WTCA network and the support of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce, WTC Belgrade will empower businesses across sectors to expand their reach, attract foreign direct investment, and position the region as a hub of innovation and trade. This initiative will also play a key role in promoting the success of the Expo Belgrade 2027, a transformative event for Serbia’s global standing and economic development,” said van Puyenbroeck.
 
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CCIS Joins WTCA, World Trade Center Belgrade to Open Ahead of Expo 2027

With a symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony, the Serbian Pavilion was officially opened today at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka. Titled “Society of Play”, the pavilion showcases an innovative architectural structure made of sustainable eco-materials.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/IMG_7541_960x640.jpeg" id="image-tag-1744618460941" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1659"></div>
Žarko Malinović, Serbia’s Commissioner General for EXPO 2025, emphasized that the Republic of Serbia has opened its pavilion on time for visitors at the global exhibition in Osaka. He stated that the pavilion will serve as a bridge connecting the two EXPOs &mdash; Osaka and Belgrade.
“As you can see, there is great interest in our pavilion,” Malinović told reporters.
He pointed out that Serbia’s pavilion is the only one at EXPO featuring a vertical, living garden, making it the greenest pavilion at the event.
Serbia is also the only Western Balkan country with its own independent pavilion.
“This sends a clear message &mdash; that Serbia is just as capable as the world’s most developed countries to compete in the top league. We believe that more than a million people will visit our pavilion over the next six months and will enjoy and play with us, because play is a human superpower that will make society more resilient to the challenges ahead. That is the core theme of the Osaka EXPO,” said Malinović.
Architect Jakša Nikodijević told journalists that the team behind the pavilion is proud to have delivered the only living facade at the exhibition. He noted that 95% of the structure is recyclable, and over 80% of the materials can be reused in construction.
“This meets some of the standards of EXPO Osaka 2025’s ‘Design for Future Society’, where sustainability is a key pillar,” Nikodijević explained. He added that architects from Italy, Belgium, and the Far East also participated in the pavilion’s development.
He also mentioned that the theme of EXPO 2027 in Belgrade &mdash; “Play for Humanity” &mdash; inspired the concept.
“Our goal was to use landscape furniture to create features that invite people to engage in sports activities and to design areas resembling large playground zones,” Nikodijević said.
In addition to the permanent exhibition, and in cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, the pavilion will host thematic weeks where Serbian businesses will have the opportunity to present their products and ideas.
The pavilion, covering 930 square meters, is undoubtedly one of the greenest at the EXPO.
Its shape is reminiscent of the Great War Island in Belgrade, symbolizing the preservation of untouched nature within an urban environment.
The EXPO 2025 Osaka will be held from April 13 to October 13, 2025, in Osaka, Japan. At its National Pavilion, Serbia will present itself as a promising business destination, promoting domestic companies’ products with the potential to enter the Japanese and other international markets.
The exhibition is being held under the slogan: “Designing Future Society for Our Lives”, With high expectations that this EXPO in Japan will surprise the world with its innovations.
Source: Tanjug Photo: Dragan Kujundžić

Serbian Pavilion Opened at EXPO 2025 in Osaka

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,&nbsp;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

Sustainable Partnerships and Swedish Experiences in Leading the Green Transition

In today’s world of global instability, where it is extremely difficult to predict future developments, cooperation and joint efforts of all local, regional, and global actors in the exchange of knowledge and information are of essential importance in order to solve the issues of energy supply stability, said Marko Čadež, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS), at the conference of the National Energy Committee of Serbia – WPC Energy, dedicated to the global perspectives of the energy sector.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/217.jpg" id="image-tag-1744208851154" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1655"></div>
“We are all aware that we woke up today in a world that is different from what it was just 24 hours ago. We must keep in mind that we are no longer in a position to foresee how and what is going to happen. That’s why we need new tools and skills to approach problem-solving,” stated Čadež.
He emphasized in particular that addressing the challenges of stable energy supply requires cooperation between businesses, universities, institutes, the scientific community, and engineers, in order to overcome the challenges in the energy sector through knowledge, timely information, and innovation.
“There is a need for regional cooperation on these matters, ensuring access to the EU market, including the energy market and available funds, because the world we live in today is a world we no longer recognize – and that is why we must work together,” the CCIS President highlighted.

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Dubravka Đedović Handanović, Minister of Mining and Energy, emphasized that Serbia, despite all the challenges it faced during the energy crisis, has managed to maintain its energy stability and continue the development of its energy sector in line with its strategic goals.
“Through strategic documents, and above all the new Energy Development Strategy, we have outlined how we will achieve the decarbonization of the energy sector by 2050, while ensuring sufficient quantities of energy, maintaining stable supply, and strengthening energy security. The price of electricity in Serbia is still among the lowest in Europe, and the progress we have made over the past few years has been recognized by the European Commission and other international partners,” the Minister said. As Minister responsible for the sector, Đedović Handanović also serves as the President of the Assembly of the National Energy Committee of Serbia.

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Pedro Miras Salamanca, President of WPC Energy, presented the current geopolitical context and emphasized that fossil fuels accounted for 85% of primary energy production in 1973, while in 2022 that share was 82%.
“Still, 800 million people around the world remain without access to electricity,” Salamanca pointed out.
The workshop titled “Global Perspectives of the Energy Sector”, organized by the National Energy Committee of Serbia – WPC Energy, was held as part of the Executive Committee meeting of the World Petroleum Council (WPC Energy), which took place over the past two days in Belgrade. The National Energy Committee of Serbia has been an active member of WPC Energy for over a decade and serves as the organizer of these important global-level meetings among WPC Energy members.
Today’s event was attended by WPC Energy President Pedro Miras Salamanca and members of the Executive Committee of the organization, who came from Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, the United States, China, Kazakhstan, Turkey, Kuwait, Spain, and Canada.

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