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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Serbian and North Macedonian Businesses: Two Billion Euros in Trade and New Investments Expected 

Addressing participants of the second conference “Serbia – Africa 2025: Dignity” organized by the Security-Information Agency (BIA), President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, Marko Čadež, highlighted that the CCIS has established a special company to facilitate economic cooperation between African countries and Serbia.
We have founded ‘Serbia Export’, a platform for trade and joint projects with African economies, which operates on the model of large foreign trade companies. Through this platform, we can implement joint projects with African industries, support Serbian and African businesses, and carry out import-export operations, investments, and knowledge transfer,” Čadež said.
He noted that a special catalogue has already been created, featuring profiles of more than 50 companies from Serbia across various industries that are interested in collaborating with African partners. By establishing Serbia Export, companies gain a single point of contact throughout all phases of project implementation, institutional guarantees, and support for easier mutual business operations and handling day-to-day challenges.
“Many of these domestic companies are already present in African markets, and they are interested not only in exporting to new African markets, but also in investments and joint projects with partners from the African continent,” Čadež added.
Serbia’s trade exchange with African countries amounted to $1.3 billion in 2024 and has significant potential for growth. Serbia also aims to become a logistics and production hub for African companies on their path toward the European market.
Photo: Miloš Milivojević / Tanjug

Čadež: “Serbia Export” for Faster and More Efficient Cooperation with Africa

Franchising is one of the most stable models for entrepreneurial growth and development, as well as a business potential that remains insufficiently utilized in Serbia it was highlighted at the International Franchising Conference “From Idea to Market – Together Towards New Opportunities”, held today at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia.
The conference, jointly organized by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS) and the Serbian Franchise Association, brought together representatives of national franchise organizations, successful franchise systems, and business development experts from the United Kingdom, Croatia, Slovenia, Hungary, Canada, Belgium, and other countries.

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Mihailo Vesović, Deputy President of CCIS, stated that Serbia has 250 registered franchise brands, 4,500 business entities, and around 30,000 employees. However, domestic brands account for only 35 percent of the market, significantly lower compared to the European average.
He emphasized that franchising globally accounts for 6.3 percent of the world’s GDP, with a new franchise opening every seven minutes, and around three million franchise units registered worldwide. “This concept can greatly contribute to the development of entrepreneurship. It is crucial for franchise owners to collaborate and use conferences like this as an opportunity for networking and knowledge exchange,” Vesović said.
He also noted that Serbia has become part of the European family of franchise associations, which opens the door for domestic companies to European standards and business practices.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/DSC09195-2.jpg" id="image-tag-1764678339320" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1913"></div>
Simon Bartholomew, Secretary General of the World Franchise Council and representative of the British Franchise Association, highlighted that cooperation between franchisors and franchisees is at the core of the most successful business models. According to him, the most developed franchise markets are the United States ($897 billion), the United Kingdom (£19 billion), and Canada ($20 billion), while New Zealand and Australia are among the most advanced markets in this sector.
Tatjana Petković, President of the Board of Directors of the Serbian Franchise Association, emphasized that the association’s goal is to build a stable and recognizable franchise system in Serbia that will create new jobs and strengthen the economy. She reminded that the association became a member of the European Franchise Federation this year, providing an additional boost to the development of the domestic market.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/DSC09199-2.jpg" id="image-tag-1764678352378" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1914"></div>
At the conference, case studies of leading brands were presented during expert panels, while discussions covered regulation, financing, and support mechanisms for this business model. A special exhibition area was dedicated to showcasing franchise concepts and connecting with potential partners.

Franchising Becomes a Strong Driver of Growth in Serbia – 250 Franchise Brands and 30,000 Employees

<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/Абу Даби пословни форум (2)_634x640.jfif" id="image-tag-1764075049595" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1903"></div>A three-day business mission of the Serbian economy to the United Arab Emirates has begun with a Business Forum organized by the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia. The mission aims to strengthen economic ties, encourage new investments, and position Serbian companies in one of the world’s most dynamic markets.
At the opening of the forum, participants emphasized their commitment to developing strong partnerships between the business communities of the two countries and fostering economic cooperation, and expressed appreciation to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia for its extensive activities dedicated to strengthening bilateral ties.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/Абу Даби пословни форум (6)_960x443.jfif" id="image-tag-1764075033799" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1906"></div>
Addressing the participants, Mihailo Vesović, Deputy President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, recalled that Serbia and the UAE have nurtured stable, long-term economic relations for decades, as evidenced by numerous investment projects undertaken by companies from Abu Dhabi.
Among the key projects are Belgrade Waterfront by Eagle Hills, agricultural and agribusiness projects implemented by Al Dahra, Elite Agro, and Al Rawafed, investments in renewable energy in cooperation with Masdar, the strategic partnership between Etihad Airways and Air Serbia, as well as the presence of financial institutions such as Mirabank. Vesović invited companies from the Emirates to participate in the specialized exhibition Expo 2027 in Belgrade.
Stevan Nikčević, State Secretary at the Ministry of Domestic and Foreign Trade, emphasized that the forum represents a continuation of the strong relations between Serbia and the UAE, especially in the fields of investment, digital technologies, and the increasingly robust foreign trade exchange.
Vladimir Marić, Ambassador of Serbia to the UAE, highlighted that relations between the two countries rank among the most important for Serbia’s economic development, while Nemanja Jevtović from the Development Agency of Serbia presented Serbia’s investment potential and the macroeconomic advantages of doing business on the Serbian market.
The Serbian delegation includes companies Galenika, MicroControl, Perpetuum Gradnja, UPG Inženjering, Algometric, Baby FM, Beam Europe, House of ETRE, Synsoft, Top Trade and Innovation, Urban Planning, Infinity Global Consulting, Milšped, Wersirius, Termoinženjering, and ArthaNova, which held numerous direct meetings with Emirati partners following the plenary part of the forum.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/Абу Даби пословни форум (5)_960x443.jfif" id="image-tag-1764075014704" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1905"></div>
Over the next two days, the Serbian delegation will attend key meetings at the Chambers of Commerce of Sharjah and Dubai, meet with a major UAE investment group in the construction sector, and visit the BIG 5 Fair, the largest regional event dedicated to the construction industry. A visit is also planned to the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park, one of the leading technology hubs in the region, where Serbian companies will have the opportunity to explore prospects for innovation and technology partnerships and joint projects with UAE counterparts.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/Абу Даби пословни форум (4)_634x640.jfif" id="image-tag-1764074979150" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1904"></div>

Abu Dhabi as a New Hub for Serbia–UAE Partnerships

The President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS), Marko Čadež, participated in the two-day session of the European Trilateral Commission in Vienna, where the main topic was Europe’s strategy &mdash; how to preserve and strengthen its role on the global stage in the context of technological and geopolitical competition, and the strengthening of alliances and partnerships.
The conference, held at the Hofburg Palace in Vienna, took place under the motto “Agenda for Europe’s Role in the New World Order,” with special attention devoted to the need to increase investment capacities in technologies (AI, IoT, industrial digitalization) to ensure Europe remains competitive, as well as to the integration of the Western Balkans into the EU.
“As a new member, this was my first time participating in such an event, and it is truly a great honor, but also a major opportunity to hear from political and business decision-makers about the issues driving public life and European politics in relation to global developments,” said Čadež.
He emphasized that the key themes included how Europe positions itself at a time of global tensions and the war in Ukraine, as well as in light of the new political reality in the United States&mdash;how Europe views itself, what goals it sets for its security and defense policies, and its stance on global issues.
“It was truly valuable to hear, above all, a renewed sense of optimism, since Europe has for a long time&mdash;over the past year or two&mdash;gone through a period of uncertainty about global developments and how to position itself. Now we can see that certain mechanisms are slowly being set in motion, including topics that are important to us, such as enlargement and the integration of the Western Balkans into the EU,” Čadež noted.
According to him, nearly all participants&mdash;political and major business leaders and members of the Trilateral Commission&mdash;expressed strong determination that a way must be found to accelerate the integration of Western Balkan countries into the EU.
“They stressed that this is a highly important geopolitical issue and that it must not be delayed. That is one of the most important impressions I took away,” emphasized Čadež.
He added that technology was another major topic of discussion.
“I had the opportunity to ask questions and discuss issues that have significantly transformed Serbia’s economy and the country’s image in the world. Serbia is recognized as a technological hub, a place with strong innovation potential, and one of the leading software exporters per capita. Today, Serbia is recognized not only as a technologically developed economy, but also as an economy that has built the fundamentals for the new digital-age economy,” the CCIS President said.
He stressed that it was personally important for him to raise the issue of improving regional cooperation.
“I personally want to help create an even stronger cooperation platform among us. As a region, we have a lot to offer, yet it seems that too little is known about us,” Čadež stated.
He highlighted that for the Western Balkan region in particular, it was crucial to hear a clear position that new ways of accelerating integration into EU structures must be considered, as this is essential for Europe’s security and consolidation in the new global order.
Čadež expressed special gratitude to the Serbian members of the Trilateral Commission who attended the meeting in Vienna&mdash;World Bank and EBRD advisers, as well as Harvard Alumni Association Director Aleksandra Drecun, Agrikom Group founder Aleksandar Lalić, and Mia Kovačić, Rockefeller Foundation fellow and industrial decarbonization expert.
The Trilateral Commission is an international, non-governmental organization founded in 1973 at the initiative of David Rockefeller and Zbigniew Brzezinski. Since then, it has served as a forum for discussion, the exchange of ideas, and policy and economic recommendations. Membership is by invitation&mdash;bringing together prominent figures from politics, business, academia, and the media, with around 400 members worldwide.

Čadež at the Trilateral Commission Meeting in Vienna: On the Future of Europe and the Integration of the Western Balkans into the EU 

British support for infrastructure development, the green energy transition, and the strengthening of economic ties with Serbia and the entire Western Balkan region was one of the central messages of today’s regional business conference “Building Futures”, held at the Lоžionica in Belgrade. Participants emphasized that a deeper partnership with the United Kingdom is a prerequisite for accelerated growth, improved connectivity, and new investments across the region.
The President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, stated that the United Kingdom could further intensify its financing for key infrastructure projects in Serbia and the region, proposing that one of the priorities should be the construction of a high-speed railway connecting Belgrade and Tuzla.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/Tan2025-11-2010183683_6.jpg" id="image-tag-1763638384575" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1899"></div>
“I would, for example, really like, and I believe the British can help us with this, to build a high-speed railway. It would run from Belgrade to Ruma, but above all, from Ruma to Bijeljina to Tuzla. This would connect Belgrade with Semberija, as well as with Tuzla, the second-largest city in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This is of exceptional importance for us. If trains reach 200 km/h, the Belgrade–Tuzla trip would take an hour and a half, no more than that&mdash;closer and faster than Tuzla–Sarajevo,” Vučić said.
He emphasized that Serbia needs loans and financing for cross-border cooperation projects, and that further infrastructure development toward North Macedonia is also vital.
“We are working on renewable energy sources. Through major energy projects, we also see opportunities for UK-supported financing. At the same time, we are ready&mdash;together with the European Investment Bank and the EBRD, but also with UK Finance and other UK banks&mdash;to finance all regional cross-border projects, because this is of key importance for us,” the President underlined.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/Tan2025-11-2010041306_4.jpg" id="image-tag-1763638399802" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1901"></div>
Mihailo Vesović, Deputy President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS), stated that the United Kingdom is one of Serbia’s most desirable partners in the areas of science and technology. He noted that cooperation is developing along three dimensions&mdash;institutional, investment, and industrial&mdash;and that significant results are being recorded across all levels.
“Institutional integration is yielding results&hellip; As for investment, it is important that funds are available to both Serbian and UK companies, and financial instruments help reduce risks and encourage investors. In the industrial segment, the services sector is the best example of how a principled approach produces real effects,” Vesović said. He added that the key sectors are green and energy transition.<div class="article-photo"><img src="https://en-api.pks.rs/storage/assets/Tan2025-11-2009491240_5.jpg" id="image-tag-1763638414818" data-image-alignment="article-photo" data-image-size-id="original" data-asset-id="1900"></div>
The UK Ambassador to Serbia, Edward Ferguson, emphasized that the UK continues to see steady business growth with Serbia, and that British companies can offer expertise and advanced technologies, particularly in the field of green transition. He noted that last year trade between the UK and the Western Balkan region reached four billion pounds, while trade with Serbia exceeded one billion. He recalled that the first conference was held at the CCIS exactly one year ago, while today’s third meeting symbolically takes place at Lоžionica.
“The UK is offering 24 billion pounds for the entire region, and five billion pounds for Serbia,” Ferguson said, stressing that the goal is to support regional governments in strengthening exports and accessing global markets.
Numerous British companies are already operating in Serbia in the sectors of transport, infrastructure expertise, solar park construction, and decarbonization. The conference, dedicated to innovation in green energy, infrastructure, and advanced technologies, brought together around 300 regional company representatives and more than 100 delegates from UK firms active in green energy, infrastructure, and high-tech industries.The “Building Futures” conference was organized by the British Embassy in Belgrade, the UK Department for Business and Trade (DBT), UK Export Finance, and the British-Serbian Chamber of Commerce (BSCC), with the support of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia and its partners. Photo: Tanjug / Miloš Milivojević

Serbia–UK Partnership: From Innovation to Investment

Companies from Serbia once again stood shoulder to shoulder with global leaders in the private label industry this year. Ten Serbian companies are exhibiting at the largest North American private label trade show, PLMA Chicago, organized by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia and the Serbian Development Agency. Under the slogan “THE STORE BRANDS MARKETPLACE,” the event brings together more than 1,800 exhibitors from nearly 60 countries and around 5,000 professional visitors from the retail, import, distribution, and e-commerce sectors.
At the national pavilion of Serbia, from 16 to 18 November, the following companies are presenting their offerings: Agranela (Valjevo), Cold Pressok (Belgrade), Mambikom Agrar (Belgrade), Agro Partner (Lućani), M Pet (Belgrade), Budimka (Požega), MTM Sirela (Preljina), Packom International (Belgrade), Laki (Arilje), and TM Culinary Solutions (Belgrade). Their diverse assortment includes frozen and dried fruit, jams, spreads, juices, pet food, vitamin gummies and supplements, soups, and ready-to-eat meals developed according to buyer specifications, as well as professional solutions for the food industry. Visitor interest is high, as Serbian products have recorded growing international demand in recent years.
Participation in this fair represents an important step in strengthening the position of Serbian companies in the global private label industry. For domestic producers, PLMA Chicago is one of the key platforms for establishing contacts with leading retail chains in North America and beyond, which contributes to export growth, business expansion, and positions Serbia as a reliable partner in this sector, emphasizes Zorana Delić from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia.
She notes that on the day before the fair’s opening, thematic seminars are held focusing on innovation, development, and differentiation of private labels, as well as understanding the modern consumer. The fair traditionally begins with a working breakfast accompanied by lectures by leading representatives of retail chains. This year’s speakers included Joel Rampoldt, CEO of Lidl US, and Hunter Thurman, founder of Alpha-Diver, who presented the latest trends based on behavioral science.
During the three-day event, Serbian companies scheduled a large number of meetings with retail chains, importers, specialty stores, distributors, and packaging and design experts from North America and around the world. These interactions open new opportunities for partnerships, product placement, and long-term positioning of Serbian brands in the demanding U.S. market.
PLMA, the Private Label Manufacturers Association, was founded in 1979 and brings together more than 4,000 companies from over 75 countries. It organizes the two largest global private label trade shows, in Chicago and Amsterdam, which have become central hubs for all those who follow and create trends in this industry.
Photo: Zorana Delić, CCIS