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

Opportunities to enhance institutional and business cooperation, as well as to foster connections between companies from Serbia and Türkiye, were the focus of a meeting held at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS) with a delegation from the Sivas Chamber of Commerce.
The delegation from the Sivas Chamber of Commerce was led by Zeki Özdemir, Chairman of the Board of Directors.

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During the meeting, 10&nbsp; Turkish&nbsp;companies operating across a range of economic sectors were presented, including construction and defence industries, construction materials and marble production, fuel distribution, the automotive industry, medical products manufacturing, iron and steel production, engineering and energy services, as well as logistics.
Representatives of CCIS associations also attended the meeting. The discussions focused on presenting the participating companies and exploring opportunities to establish and further develop business cooperation between companies from Serbia and Türkiye.

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​  CCIS and Sivas Chamber of Commerce Discuss New Opportunities for Business Cooperation between Serbian and Turkish Companies

According to the currently available official documents and announcements, Serbia is not included in the new measures introduced by the United States under Section 301, and no additional country-specific tariff has been imposed on goods originating from Serbia. This means that there are no new additional tariffs that apply exclusively to Serbian products.
Goods originating from Serbia continue to be subject to the existing tariff rates under the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS), depending on the product category, without the introduction of new reciprocal tariffs.
At the same time, the special trade measures imposed under Section 232 remain in force. These measures continue to apply, among other products, to certain steel, aluminum, and copper products, which remain subject to an additional 50% tariff.
Concerning Serbia's most significant exports to the United States, it is important to note that the previously introduced measures remain in effect for new pneumatic tires for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles (vans), as well as for passenger motor vehicles and certain automotive parts. Accordingly, the additional 25% tariff on these products remains in force and is not covered by the exemptions provided under the latest measures announced on July 24, 2026.
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia will continue to monitor decisions issued by the White House and other relevant U.S. authorities and will keep the Serbian business community informed promptly of any changes that may affect the operations of Serbian companies in the U.S. market.
For additional information, please contact the Center for Cooperation with the United States:
Marica Vidanović
Tel: +381 66 875 1208Full Information available on the <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2026/07/actions-by-the-united-states-in-the-investigations-under-section-301-of-the-trade-act-of-1974-of-the-acts-policies-and-practices-of-60-economies-related-to-the-failure-of-each-economy-to-impose-and/?utm_source=chatgpt.com">LINK</a>

Serbia Not Included in New U.S. Tariff Measures

Greater investment, new industrial and infrastructure projects, and stronger business-to-business ties will be the key priorities of future economic cooperation between Serbia and the Czech Republic, with the full support of the highest state leadership of both countries, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš said at the opening of the "Serbia–Czech Republic: Business Dialogue and New Opportunities for Economic Cooperation" Business Forum.
The gathering of 50 Serbian and Czech companies from nearly all key industries sends a strong signal that the business communities of both countries recognize significant potential for new investments and joint ventures, said Marko Čadež, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS).

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President Aleksandar Vučić told Czech business representatives that their companies are welcome to invest in Serbia, emphasizing that the country is a stable and reliable partner. He noted that bilateral trade has increased from EUR 433 million in 2012 to approximately EUR 2.4 billion today, while around 245 companies with majority Czech ownership currently operate in Serbia. Czech investments in Serbia have exceeded EUR 640 million since 2010. Vučić also announced an initiative to elevate the Joint Committee for Economic Cooperation to the ministerial level in order to accelerate the implementation of joint projects.
"I believe that Serbia can be a reliable partner in this part of Europe for the Czech Republic&mdash;an industrial leader in machinery manufacturing, electrical equipment, energy technologies, medical equipment, the chemical industry, and other advanced production systems&mdash;in developing modern industry, innovation, the digital economy, and new technologies," Vučić said.
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Marko Čadež highlighted that the forum brought together 50 Serbian and Czech companies from key industrial sectors, including the metalworking and electrical engineering industries, defense, aerospace and automotive manufacturing, as well as the chemical industry, information technology, telecommunications, and agriculture. Among the Serbian participants were major companies such as Electric Power Industry of Serbia (EPS), Telekom Srbija, and Beohemija, which is partly Czech-owned.
Čadež emphasized that the Czech Republic is one of Serbia's most important trading partners and a major export market, recalling that bilateral trade has quadrupled over the past decade. He added that the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia and the Confederation of Industry of the Czech Republic will further intensify cooperation and support for companies, while a return visit by a Serbian business delegation to the Czech Republic is already being prepared for later this year.

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Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš stated that Czech companies are ready to launch new investments in Serbia and stressed that there are numerous opportunities to expand cooperation.
"Our goal is to implement projects that will bring prosperity and mutual benefits to both countries. During our discussions, President Vučić and I identified a way to achieve that. I am confident that we will secure the same position in Serbia that some other European Union member states already enjoy, and President Vučić has shown great understanding and support for such an approach," Babiš said, adding that the composition of the Czech business delegation clearly demonstrates the broad scope for strengthening cooperation between the two countries.

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Jan Rafaj, President of the Confederation of Industry of the Czech Republic, said that Serbia and the Czech Republic share a long tradition of successful economic cooperation and significant potential for new partnership projects in mechanical engineering, energy, the defense industry, security, and digital technologies. He emphasized that the presence of President Vučić and Prime Minister Babiš confirms the strategic importance of bilateral economic relations and the clear commitment to deepening the partnership.
Rafaj recalled that Czech entrepreneurs have been present in Serbia since the era of the renowned industrialist Tomáš Baťa, noting that generations of Serbian citizens have recognized Czech brands such as Škoda, Jawa, Petrof, and Czech beer. He added that companies including PPF Group, Škoda Auto, Škoda Transportation, Sebre, Mattoni, and Dr. Max are successfully operating in Serbia today, bringing investments, expertise, and modern technologies that provide a strong foundation for new joint projects.
Following the opening remarks, presentations were held on the business potential of Serbia and the Czech Republic. Bojan Stanić, Assistant Director of the Strategic Analysis, Services and Internationalization Sector at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, presented opportunities for strengthening bilateral economic cooperation, while representatives of Czech companies showcased their operations, products, and cooperation opportunities with Serbian businesses.
The forum also featured B2B meetings between Serbian and Czech companies, focused on developing concrete business partnerships across a range of industries.

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Prior to the forum, Marko Čadež met with Jan Rafaj to discuss further strengthening cooperation between the two business associations, increasing the exchange of business delegations, and launching new initiatives to foster closer ties between Serbian and Czech companies, including cooperation in the fields of artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, and other advanced industries.

Strong Support for New Investments and Serbia–Czech Partnership

Serbia has increased its exports of software and ICT services 13-fold over the past 12 years, reaching a value of EUR 5.2 billion, while the number of engineers in the sector has grown to 150,000, Marko Čadež, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, said at an innovation panel held as part of the international conference “Partners in a Changing World: Central and Eastern Europe, America, Israel and the New Middle East”, held at the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/ACS_6044_960x639.jfif" id="image-tag-1784194182965" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2360"></div>
At the panel “Innovation and the Start-Up Nation Model &mdash; What Can Central and Eastern Europe Learn from Israel and What Can It Build in Cooperation with It?”, participants discussed Israel’s experience in building one of the world’s most successful innovation ecosystems, connecting research, technology and business, as well as the opportunities for Central and Eastern European countries to apply these experiences in line with their own development potential.
Israel’s experience in developing start-ups, innovation, research and development centres and global business connectivity represents a valuable example for Serbia, particularly in areas where the country is already building strong capacities &mdash; from the ICT sector and artificial intelligence to science and technology infrastructure and cooperation with international companies.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/ACS_61011_960x639.jfif" id="image-tag-1784194193446" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2363"></div>
Čadež said that progress in innovation development is also reflected in the number of science and technology parks, of which there are currently six in Serbia, as well as in the country’s digital infrastructure, noting that Serbia has a Tier 4 State Data Centre.
“We also have two supercomputers owned by the state, as well as supporting data centres. As for the private sector, there is also a commercial artificial intelligence facility, an AI factory, which uses state-of-the-art technology, similar to that used in the Data Centre. It is difficult to find a country of this size in the EU that has such infrastructure and capacities,” Čadež said.
He noted that Serbia is home to more than 30 international research and development centres operated by some of the world’s largest companies, with Microsoft being the first major global company to establish a presence in Serbia.
“One of the first centres outside Microsoft’s headquarters is located in Serbia. Microsoft Azure, which is a backbone of artificial intelligence applications, was developed by Serbian engineers within Microsoft’s infrastructure development division,” Čadež said.
The key message of the session was that competitiveness in the modern world is increasingly built on knowledge, innovation, entrepreneurship and the ability to connect scientific potential with global markets. Israel’s “Start-Up Nation” model demonstrates how a small country can build a strong technology sector, while Serbia, which has made significant progress in digitalisation and the development of its ICT industry over the past decade, can use these experiences as an impetus for the next phase of development.
The international conference “Partners in a Changing World: Central and Eastern Europe, America, Israel and the New Middle East” is organised by the Serbian-American Friendship Congress (KSAP).
The conference has brought together representatives of government institutions, the diplomatic corps, international organisations, the business community and the expert community to discuss current geopolitical challenges and opportunities for enhancing cooperation among the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, the United States, Israel and the Middle East.
PHOTO: KSAP

Čadež: Serbia Has Increased Software and ICT Services Exports 13-Fold Since 2012

Belgrade will host the European Negotiation Conference next year, to be held alongside the EXPO 2027 Belgrade Specialized Exhibition, announced Marko Čadež, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS).&nbsp;
At the closing ceremony of the two-day negotiation conference in Paris, Čadež symbolically received the baton from Francesco Marchi, President of the European Negotiation Association (ENEA), officially marking the handover of the next edition of the conference to Belgrade.
"We are truly proud that Belgrade will host such an important international conference during EXPO. This is the annual conference of the European Negotiation Association, bringing together both those who teach negotiation&mdash;professors, researchers, and leading scholars&mdash;as well as practitioners involved in high-level negotiations between governments and companies," Čadež said.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/1B4A0898_960x640.jpg" id="image-tag-1783333044621" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2359"></div>
He emphasized that this is the world's largest event dedicated to negotiation, both in theory and in practice.
"What makes it particularly significant is that, for the first time, the conference is leaving Paris, where it has traditionally been held every year, and coming to Belgrade. We are extremely proud of that," he added.
Addressing participants at the ceremony, Čadež noted that in Belgrade&mdash;and throughout the wider region&mdash;negotiation is a way of thinking because this is a place where negotiation is not merely a theoretical concept, but a way of shaping the future.
"This region, and Belgrade in particular, has always been a city on the frontier. For centuries, it negotiated between East and West&mdash;between the Roman and Byzantine Empires, and later between the Ottoman and Habsburg Empires," said the President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia.

He stressed that it is especially meaningful for the European Negotiation Conference to take place in Belgrade, as the city will also host EXPO 2027. The story of Belgrade's EXPO began in Paris. Competing against five candidates from four continents, Serbia secured the right to host the exhibition. That, too, was a story of negotiation&mdash;of persistence, hard work, and the ability to unite partners around a common vision.
"That is precisely why the connection between EXPO 2027 and the European Negotiation Conference is so natural and powerful. It brings together theory and practice, international experience and tangible results, while also telling the story of a region that knows how to engage in dialogue, build connections, and reach agreements&mdash;a region I am confident conference participants will find truly inspiring," Čadež said.
Ana Hrustanović, Ambassador of Serbia to France, expressed her great satisfaction at hosting the Ambassador of the European Negotiation Association at the Serbian Residence in Paris.
"We are delighted that Belgrade will host numerous major international events next year, beginning with the realization of our dream&mdash;EXPO 2027: Play for Humanity.
During EXPO, we will also have the opportunity to negotiate for humanity, as the Summit of the European Negotiation Association will be held in Belgrade for the very first time. Serbia is preparing for many important international gatherings, and we look forward to welcoming the world," Hrustanović said.
Francesco Marchi, President of the European Negotiation Association (ENEA), highlighted the importance of the partnership established with EXPO 2027.
"Bringing together representatives of the private sector, academia, and professional negotiators is an ambitious and highly valuable undertaking&mdash;especially at a time when it is essential to build bridges where many see divisions.
The European Negotiation Association builds bridges. We hope that next year's conference will provide an opportunity to strengthen them further&mdash;not only with the European Union, but also across the wider Balkan region," Marchi said.
The ceremony also featured remarks by Ana Bovan, Dean of the Executive School of Economics and Management (ESEM).

​European Negotiation Conference to Be Held in Belgrade in 2027 

The President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, Marko Čadež, said in Brussels that it is crucial for Serbian industry to adapt as quickly as possible to the new European rules on decarbonization, energy diversification, and the increased use of renewable energy, as the competitiveness of Serbian companies, their exports to the European Union market, and Serbia's future economic growth depend directly on these efforts.
Following meetings with Minister of Environmental Protection Sara Pavkov, Director-General of the European Commission's Directorate-General for Enlargement Gert Jan Koopman, and European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy Jessika Roswall, Čadež described the discussions as highly constructive and practical.
"Our key priorities were the issues most important to the business community&mdash;how to accelerate the processes that will enable us to join relevant European mechanisms, implement the necessary measures, diversify our energy portfolio more effectively, and increase the use of renewable energy in industry," Čadež said.
He stressed that the discussions in Brussels were particularly important in light of the deadlines and obligations Serbian industry must meet in order to comply with increasingly stringent European regulations.
"The European Union is continuously tightening regulations governing imports into its member states. Serbia, its industry, and its companies must adapt to these new rules in order to remain competitive and continue operating successfully in the European market," Čadež stated.
According to him, cooperation with the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Minister Sara Pavkov has been excellent, and the meetings held in Brussels provide a solid basis for expecting that Serbian industry will be included in a broader package of support measures.
"It is important that we work together on the decarbonization of our industry, the diversification of our energy portfolio&mdash;that is, the sources from which we obtain energy&mdash;and the wider use of renewable energy. These are our top priorities," Čadež emphasized.
He noted that these issues are particularly important for manufacturers of construction materials and fertilizers, as well as for other energy-intensive industries.
"This is of critical importance. It is a matter of survival for many large companies and, consequently, a key issue for Serbia's continued economic development," Čadež concluded.Photo: Dragan Kujundžić

Čadež: Industrial Decarbonization Is a Matter of Competitiveness, Exports and Serbia's Future Economic Growth

Libya is once again emerging as one of the most promising markets for Serbian companies, with growing interest in bilateral cooperation confirmed during the official visit of the Serbian state-business delegation led by the Minister of Domestic and Foreign Trade, Jagoda Lazarević.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/IMG-20260701-WA0006(1).jpg" id="image-tag-1782983102745" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2354"></div>
During the visit, the two sides agreed to establish a Joint Commission between Serbia and Libya, as well as to continue cooperation between the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia and its Libyan counterpart institutions. The aim is to define common priorities and strengthen the presence of Serbian companies in the Libyan market.
Seven Serbian companies participated in meetings with Libyan government officials and business representatives to discuss opportunities for involvement in Libya's upcoming investment projects. The companies represented the pharmaceutical, construction, water treatment, agricultural machinery, textile, metal processing, and industrial manufacturing sectors: Majevica, Yumco, Kontakt, Unipromet, Hector, Galenika, and MIND Group.
Ana Stojanović, Head of the Middle East and Africa Centre at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, emphasized that this was the second visit of a Serbian state-business delegation to Libya within a year, demonstrating the increasingly intensive relations between the two countries and the significant potential of the Libyan market.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/IMG-20260701-WA0005(1).jpg" id="image-tag-1782983120640" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2355"></div>
"Relations between Serbia and Libya at the government level are excellent, and there is a clear commitment on both sides to further strengthen economic cooperation.
Serbian companies have a long-standing presence in the Libyan market. During the 1970s and 1980s, they participated in the construction of dams, bridges, roads, hospitals, and airports. At one point, more than 20,000 Serbian engineers, experts, and workers lived and worked in Libya. Today is the right time for our companies to return to a market entering a new investment cycle, where there is strong demand for the knowledge, experience, and quality that Serbian businesses can offer," Stojanović said.
She added that the greatest potential for cooperation lies in infrastructure development, construction, water treatment, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, agriculture, the metal industry, and industrial manufacturing.
"The companies that joined the delegation are ready to build long-term partnerships with Libyan businesses. The opening of Unipromet's representative office in the Misrata Free Zone is the first concrete outcome of this visit and demonstrates how quickly these discussions are translating into practical business cooperation," Stojanović noted.
During the visit, the Serbian delegation held meetings with Libyan Minister of Economy and Trade Suhail Abdel Matloub Abu Shiha, Minister of Planning Mohamed Youssef Al-Zaidani, Minister of State for the Affairs of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers Mohamed Bengalbun, and Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/IMG-20260701-WA0012(1).jpg" id="image-tag-1782983141913" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2349"></div><div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/IMG-20260701-WA0009(2).jpg" id="image-tag-1782983160697" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2352"></div>
A roundtable discussion with representatives of Libya's leading ministries, agencies, and business organizations was held at the Ministry of Economy and Trade. In addition, two business forums&mdash;organized by the Union of Libyan Chambers and the Misrata Chamber of Commerce&mdash;provided opportunities for numerous bilateral meetings between Serbian and Libyan companies.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/IMG-20260701-WA0007(1).jpg" id="image-tag-1782983174592" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2353"></div><div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/IMG-20260701-WA0010(3).jpg" id="image-tag-1782983189910" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2351"></div>

New Business Opportunities for Serbian Companies in Libya

Serbia is this year's Strategic Partner of GITEX AI Europe in Berlin, and next year Belgrade will host GITEX Global for the first time&mdash;the world's largest platform for technology and startups. This represents a major opportunity for Serbian companies, the country's startup ecosystem, and Serbia's growing position as an investment destination, said Marko Čadež, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, at GITEX AI Europe 2026, taking place in Berlin from 30 June to 1 July.
"This is where innovative companies from across Europe and the world come together to exchange the latest technological solutions, connect with investors, and establish new business partnerships. It is particularly important for Serbia because next year Belgrade and Serbia will become the host of GITEX Global for the very first time&mdash;the world's largest technology exhibition," Čadež emphasized, adding that preparations and partnership discussions are already well underway.
This year, 50 Serbian companies are participating at GITEX Europe in Berlin, including leading IT and AI companies as well as innovative startups.
Čadež highlighted that special attention is being devoted to connecting Serbian and German innovation companies while also preparing for GITEX in Belgrade.
According to him, a dedicated programme will be introduced for German companies, focused on supporting partnerships between German businesses and Serbian SMEs and IT companies.
"Through this programme, the German Association for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses (BVMW) will enable innovative German companies to receive funding covering up to 80 percent of their participation costs at GITEX in Belgrade. This is an excellent opportunity to further strengthen ties between the Serbian and German technology ecosystems," Čadež said.

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The President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia noted that investors are already showing significant interest in Serbian companies and that discussions with the organizers of GITEX Europe focused on the startups attracting the greatest attention.
"The startup that has generated the strongest interest among investors attending GITEX Europe this year is from Serbia. It is a company developing innovative electric motor solutions. We will share more details about this success story on another occasion," Čadež said.
The international technology exhibition GITEX Europe 2026 is being held in Europe for the second time. It was launched byGITEX Global, the world's largest technology and startup platform, with the aim of bringing together global technology leaders, investors, governments, and companies creating new opportunities in the digital economy.
Serbia's participation at GITEX Europe further reinforces the country's position as a regional hub for innovation, artificial intelligence, digital solutions, and startup development, while also serving as a prelude to the major global technology event that will take place in Belgrade next year.
On the sidelines of the exhibition, a bilateral workshop and B2B meetings were also organized by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia and the Kosovo Chamber of Commerce. Representatives of ICT associations presented cooperation opportunities and the latest industry trends, while next year's GITEX Serbia was also officially announced.
CHECK ALL THE EXIBITORS ON THE&nbsp;<a href="https://fairs.pks.rs/gitex-berlin-2026/">LINIK</a>&nbsp;

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Čadež at GITEX Europe: Serbia at the Heart of the Global Technology Map

"China is today the largest investor in Serbia, and our partnership has entered a new phase – from infrastructure and industry to technology and artificial intelligence. Serbia is the place in Europe where Europe and China meet and work together. The World Expo will provide an opportunity to further strengthen the steel friendship between our two countries," said Marko Čadež, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, at a gala event held during the China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) in Beijing, where he presented EXPO 2027 Belgrade to the international business community.
At the evening dedicated to Serbia, Čadež emphasized that Serbia and China have built a partnership that has evolved through several waves – from major infrastructure projects and new manufacturing capacities to advanced technologies.
"The first wave of cooperation was infrastructure. Chinese companies and the Chinese state have transformed the face of Serbia. Together, we have built hundreds of kilometers of highways, railways, and modern infrastructure. This has enabled the attraction of foreign direct investment and made Serbia the leading destination for investment in Southeast Europe," Čadež said.
According to him, the second wave of cooperation was driven by Chinese investors, particularly in the automotive industry, who are establishing production facilities and factories in Serbia to serve the European market.
"Now comes the third wave – the wave of technology and artificial intelligence. The first humanoid robotics factory on the European continent will be opened in Serbia. Companies Agibot and Mint will jointly establish Europe’s first humanoid robot manufacturing facility," said the CCIS President.
Čadež stressed that the economic cooperation between the two countries is the result of strong bilateral relations and political dialogue at the highest level.
"A few weeks ago, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić had a highly successful visit and meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Our ministers frequently travel to China, and our companies are increasingly interested not only in trade but also in investment partnerships," Čadež noted.
Presenting EXPO 2027 Belgrade, which will bring together representatives from 140 countries next summer, Čadež recalled that Serbia won the hosting rights in a competition with much larger countries, including the United States, Argentina, and Italy.
He highlighted that throughout the three-month exhibition, Belgrade will host companies, delegations, and institutions from around the world under the theme “Play for Humanity.”"Play for innovation. Play for music. Play for sports. We must learn how to play again because play is the source of creativity. It helps us cope with uncertainty and overcome the divisions that separate us. Play does not divide people – it brings them together. It unites us," Čadež said.
China was among the first countries to confirm its participation in EXPO 2027, Čadež reminded the audience, thanking Ren Hongbin, Chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) and one of the key organizers of CISCE, for his strong support and engagement.
"I am confident that the Chinese pavilion will be among the best at the exhibition," Čadež stated.
The CCIS President also underscored the importance of the China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE), noting that over the past three years he has promoted the event worldwide as one of the best-organized exhibitions in the world.
Addressing the gathering, Ren Hongbin highlighted the long-standing tradition of friendship between China and Serbia, as well as the strong connection between CISCE and EXPO 2027.
"Today is a very special day – Serbia Day, but also CISCE Night. Every edition of CISCE generates numerous success stories and provides opportunities for companies to grow together," Ren said.
Photo: Wang Chao

Serbian Night in Beijing: See You at EXPO 2027 in Belgrade

Serbia and Korea have significant potential to enhance cooperation in supply chains, industry and manufacturing, transport and logistics, clean energy, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and healthcare, it was emphasized during meetings held in Seoul between Marko Čadež, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS), and representatives of Korean business institutions and companies.The visit took place following the successful conclusion of negotiations on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Serbia and the Republic of Korea, which marks the beginning of a new phase in the economic relations between the two countries. Korea also confirmed its participation in EXPO 2027 Belgrade, while closer cooperation between Serbian and Korean companies over the coming year was agreed upon.
During his stay in Seoul, Čadež visited the Korea Import Fair, where eleven Serbian companies from the food industry, alcoholic beverages sector, pet food industry, and household goods and equipment manufacturing are presenting their products this year. The Serbian participation is organized by the CCIS in cooperation with the Korea Importers Association (KOIMA) and the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Seoul.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/Korea 8.jpeg" id="image-tag-1782308727279" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2319"></div>
At a meeting with representatives of the Korean Ministry of Trade, Serbia’s business environment was presented and assessed as still insufficiently known among Korean companies.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/Korea 3.jpeg" id="image-tag-1782308746115" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2317"></div>
Marko Čadež and KOIMA Chairwoman Yoon Young discussed opportunities for integrating Serbian producers into the distribution networks of major Korean conglomerates. Young noted that the Korean market offers considerable potential for imports of Serbian dried and frozen fruit, alcoholic beverages, and other food products.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/Korea 11.jpeg" id="image-tag-1782308822073" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2321"></div>
During discussions with representatives of the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), it was highlighted that the Korean market is becoming increasingly open to Serbian products, as well as to cooperation in technology transfer and joint investment projects. A visit by a Korean business delegation to Serbia by the end of the year was agreed, with the aim of establishing direct contacts between companies and gaining a better understanding of business opportunities in both markets.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/Korea 6.jpeg" id="image-tag-1782308839683" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2318"></div>
A meeting was also held with potential Korean investors from the chemical industry, who view Serbia as a regional economic leader and one of Europe’s fastest-growing economies. Representatives of Korean companies expressed interest in establishing joint ventures with Serbian partners.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/Korea 9.jfif" id="image-tag-1782308856168" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2320"></div>
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia will continue to provide institutional support to domestic companies interested in entering the Korean market. In addition to participation in the Korea Import Fair, plans are underway to organize a Serbian national presence at Seoul Food, Asia’s largest specialized food industry exhibition, which will provide an additional opportunity to promote Serbian products and strengthen business ties with Korean partners.
Photo: Jovana Majstorović

Čadež in Seoul: Korea Opens New Opportunities for Trade, Investment and Technological Cooperation

At a time of global tensions, divisions, and uncertainty, and when supply chains are increasingly exposed to various pressures, initiatives such as the Belt and Road have never been more necessary, said Marko Čadež, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, speaking today at the Belt and Road Trade and Investment Cooperation Forum in Beijing.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/МЧ, Обраћање_960x501.jfif" id="image-tag-1782223030516" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2315"></div>
Addressing the Forum participants, Čadež emphasized that this year’s China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) and the Belt and Road Forum are taking place at a particularly important moment for Serbia-China relations, following the recent visit of the President of Serbia to China, which opened a new chapter in the economic relations between the two countries.
According to Čadež, cooperation between Serbia and China is focused on new technologies, e-mobility, robotics, green energy, advanced manufacturing, and smart infrastructure, building on the development priorities outlined in China’s 15th Five-Year Plan and Serbia’s Development Strategy 2030–2035, which share key strategic objectives.
“Innovation, artificial intelligence, and other advanced technologies will serve as the main guide and ally in building a digital, green, and sustainable Belt and Road, as well as new business models based on openness, cooperation, and trust,” Čadež stated.
Speaking about the significance of the Belt and Road Initiative, the President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia stressed that the Initiative is entering a new phase of development, in which partnerships will no longer be defined solely by geography but also by technology and innovation.“Serbia aims to become not only a logistics and manufacturing hub, but also a technology hub along the Belt and Road &mdash; a smart crossroads between Asia and Europe, where innovation, manufacturing, and logistics converge,” Čadež emphasized.
He recalled that the results of the Belt and Road Initiative for Serbia and other participating countries are already visible through the construction of roads and railways, including the Belgrade–Budapest high-speed railway, the implementation of energy and industrial projects, the establishment of new factories, free trade agreements, new business opportunities, and job creation.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/DSC01306_960x540.jfif" id="image-tag-1782223019727" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2313"></div>
On the second day of the 4th China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE), the Serbian delegation, led by Minister of Domestic and Foreign Trade Jagoda Lazarević, met in Beijing ahead of the Forum with representatives of OIG Group (Youhe Group), one of China’s largest companies specializing in the import of frozen food products.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/DSC01177_960x540.jfif" id="image-tag-1782223051658" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2312"></div>
As Minister Lazarević pointed out, the Chinese company has expressed interest in importing frozen fruit, particularly berries, as well as meat products, especially poultry. This represents a concrete next step in implementing the protocol on the export of Serbian poultry meat to China, which was signed during the Serbian President’s visit to China in May this year.

Čadež: The Belt and Road Initiative Has Never Been More Necessary Than Today

A delegation of Serbian startups and IT companies made its debut at Viva Technology (VivaTech), one of the world's most prominent events dedicated to innovation and advanced technologies, held in Paris from June 17 to 20. This prestigious event brought together more than 14,000 startups, 3,500 exhibitors, 3,600 investors, and over 180,000 visitors from more than 170 countries worldwide.
Ten startups and technology companies showcased their solutions at the Serbian national pavilion: Matis, Panio, 3D HealTech, DEX, Angylynx, Knjiga Priča, Pixels:2Pixels, DiraTech, HUB201, and Grape. Throughout the four-day event, they had the opportunity to present their innovations to investors, corporate partners, and potential clients from across the globe.
The achievements of the Serbian delegation further highlighted the strength of the country's innovation ecosystem. Startup 3D HealTech won the award for the Best MedTech Startup in the Alpes–Côte d'Azur region, while DiraTech was the only Serbian startup participating at this year's VivaTech with the support of the European Innovation Council (EIC), the European Union's flagship institution for funding and supporting high-tech companies.
"The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia brought Serbian startups and technology companies to VivaTech for the first time to demonstrate that Serbia has much more to offer than traditional outsourcing services. Our goal is to present Serbia to international investors and partners as a country of innovation, talent, and companies developing products for global markets. Events like VivaTech open doors to new investments, partnerships, and international market expansion for our companies," said Ivana Adamović, Advisor to the President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/9.jpg" id="image-tag-1782201420509" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2309"></div>
This year's VivaTech gathered leading global technology companies, including Google, Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, NVIDIA, Meta, Salesforce, and LVMH, as well as numerous businesses at the forefront of artificial intelligence, robotics, biotechnology, and green technologies.
Members of the Serbian delegation had the opportunity to attend presentations and discussions featuring some of the most influential figures in the global technology ecosystem, including Jeff Bezos, along with company founders, investors, and experts shaping the future of technological innovation.
Serbia's participation at VivaTech represents an important step in increasing the international visibility of the country's innovation ecosystem and confirms that Serbian startups can compete on equal footing on the world's largest technology stages. At the same time, it creates new opportunities for attracting investment, building international partnerships, and further positioning Serbia as one of the fastest-growing hubs for innovation and technology entrepreneurship in this part of Europe.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/6.jpg" id="image-tag-1782201408267" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="2308"></div>
Photo: Marija Kovačević