Serbia has a unique opportunity to define a new phase of development based on sustainability, innovation, a highly skilled workforce, and a stable business environment
Achieving this goal requires strong policies, clear regulations, and a modern approach to technology and vocational education. CEBAC is ready to support this process and help remove obstacles in order to unlock the full potential of the Serbian economy — this was the key message of the conference organized by the Council of European Business Associations and Bilateral Chambers — CEBAC, held at the Embassy of Italy in Belgrade.
The aim of the conference, which brought together numerous officials and high representatives of Serbian and European institutions, the diplomatic and business community, business leaders and financial institutions, was to provide a comprehensive insight into the key factors shaping the modern investment environment in Serbia, analysis of current and future investment trends, presentation of new financial instruments, examination of the role of innovation as a driver of growth and competitiveness, as well as the identification of major opportunities and challenges for attracting investments in the coming years, Events Portal reports.
“Serbia has the opportunity to define a new stage of development — one in which innovation, sustainability, technological progress and a stable business environment are the main drivers of growth. To fully realize this potential, it is necessary to improve the regulatory framework, modernize approaches to supporting innovation and technology, accelerate the reform of vocational education, and create policies that keep pace with rapidly evolving economic opportunities. CEBAC remains committed to this process,” said Silvija Rakić, Secretary General of CEBAC, as reported by Events Portal.
Luca Gori, the Ambassador of Italy to Serbia, stated that Italy’s presence in Serbia is both historic and significant. “With almost 4 billion euros in investments, around 1,200 registered Italian companies, Italy as Serbia’s third-largest trading partner, and trade exchange reaching 3.5 billion euros by the end of September 2025 (an 8% increase), while in 2024 it amounted to 4.5 billion euros. The current phase the country is undergoing represents both a challenge and an opportunity, and Italy stands by its companies, supporting them with a wide range of instruments and initiatives,” Ambassador Gori noted.
“The EU Delegation to Serbia stands ready to support CEBAC, this young business council, in strengthening its role as a platform for dialogue on economic policies and coordinating issues related to the business environment, EU investments, and the application of EU standards in Serbia. The future of Serbia and the Western Balkans lies in the European Union — and the time for investment, reforms, and growth is now. The EU is here to move forward on this path together with Serbia, as its largest investor, its largest trading partner, and its closest economic ally,” emphasized Andreas von Beckerath.
Special attention from conference participants was drawn to the analysis of economic opportunities presented by Pasquale De Micco, Head of the European Integration and Economic Section at the EU Delegation to Serbia.
During the three panel discussions, it was highlighted that Serbia has the opportunity to develop an economy based on innovation, sustainability, and technological progress, Events Portal reports.
The panelists emphasized that the diversification of financial instruments, such as minibonds and green bonds, can stimulate corporate growth, while innovation has become a necessity.
