A business forum for Serbian and Chinese entrepreneurs was recently held at the Serbian Chamber of Commerce, attracting over 200 representatives from Serbian and Chinese companies and institutions. Marko Čadež, President of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the key objective of the Chinese companies attending the forum: enhancing economic cooperation between Serbia and China while working on new projects. He also announced plans for the establishment of a Chinese Chamber of Commerce office in Serbia that would serve the entire region.
In an interview on RTS Morning Program, Čadež shared that for the first time in 15 years, Ren Hongbin, the President of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, visited Serbia, accompanied by representatives from 20 Chinese companies. This visit marked the first opportunity for these companies to engage in discussions with Serbian business partners. Čadež emphasized that the Chinese companies are focused on improving economic relations and exploring new projects. Additionally, Serbian companies were invited to participate in a major trade fair in Beijing in July, a development Čadež described as significant. He believes this fair could open doors for Serbian companies to join the supply chains of major global companies across various industries.
Chinese companies are also extending invitations to Serbian companies to visit China, with discussions centered on joint investments and creating partnerships that could take place either in Serbia or on the Chinese market.
One key area of interest for Serbia is food exports to China, following necessary adjustments to meet Chinese regulatory standards. Čadež noted that more than 200 Serbian companies are already exporting various food products to China.
Addressing administrative hurdles and the potential threat of trade barriers, Čadež mentioned ongoing negotiations to open a Chinese Chamber of Commerce office in Serbia. He sees this as a significant step in deepening bilateral cooperation. “This is a mutual interest, to collaborate and generate profits,” he said.
Furthermore, Čadež acknowledged the challenges that often come with administrative procedures, particularly in international trade. However, he assured that Serbia has established a dedicated team to streamline these procedures with Chinese partners, particularly in areas that impact security and consumer safety.
Lastly, Čadež expressed concerns about potential “customs wars” and the possibility of the EU introducing new tariffs. He noted that such measures could affect countries in the process of joining the EU, but emphasized Serbia’s efforts to explain to Brussels how interconnected Serbia’s economy is with European industry.
