Two and a half years ago, I arrived in Serbia as the Korean ambassador. My understanding of Serbia and the broader Western Balkan region had largely been shaped by history textbooks and media reports, often portraying it as a historical powder keg or a region torn by civil strife in the recent past.
In Korea, media coverage of Serbia tends to focus on regional tensions and security issues, with figures like Novak Djokovic and Nikola Jokic dominating public perception. Few Koreans realize that Nikola Tesla, the renowned scientist behind alternating current electricity, hailed from Serbia. This oversight speaks to the untapped potential for deeper cultural and historical appreciation of the Balkans.
Upon arriving in December 2021, I was captivated by Serbia’s beauty and the warmth of its people. Situated at the crossroads of East and West, Serbia’s rich history of cultural exchange and openness to innovation resonated deeply with me.
Recognizing the immense potential for economic cooperation between Korea and Serbia, my priority has been to strengthen bilateral trade and investment ties. Despite global challenges, our efforts have yielded concrete results. Last September, during Prime Minister Ana Brnabic’s visit to Korea, we signed an Agreement for the Promotion and Protection of Investments and initiated negotiations for a free trade agreement.
The momentum continued with agreements to enhance cooperation in advanced industries such as gaming and biotechnology. Korean companies like Yura Corp., Kyungshin Cable, and Hankook Tire have made substantial contributions to Serbia’s economy, creating over 8,000 jobs and boosting local development.
Currently, a Korean construction firm, in collaboration with a U.S. developer, is in talks with the Serbian government to build renewable energy plants—a project set to be the largest of its kind in the Balkans, fostering further trade and investment.
Serbia has made significant strides since the turbulent 1990s, achieving steady economic growth and implementing market-oriented reforms. In 2024, Serbia anticipates a GDP growth rate of 4.6% with per capita GDP nearing $12,385. The country boasts a highly skilled workforce, with thousands of engineers and technicians entering the job market annually, many bilingual or trilingual.
Hosting the World Expo 2027 in Belgrade is a historic opportunity for both Korea and Serbia. This event will facilitate collaboration in AI, e-mobility, biotechnology, and sustainable energy, including solar and hydropower, as well as nuclear energy.
As we forge ahead, Korea and Serbia are poised to become true partners, transcending geographical distances and enriching each other economically. Together, we aim to contribute to global peace, security, and prosperity, leveraging Serbia’s pivotal role in the Balkans and Korea’s global influence.
The journey ahead may present challenges, but I firmly believe that perseverance and steady progress will lead us to mutual success.
