A Serbia–Hungary business forum held in Belgrade gathered government representatives and companies from both countries with the goal of strengthening trade, investment, and sectoral cooperation across several industries. The forum took place at the Palace of Serbia and brought together around 200 business representatives, including 117 participating companies from the two markets.
The event was organized alongside the 15th session of the Joint Commission for Economic Cooperation between Serbia and Hungary, highlighting the strong political framework supporting bilateral economic ties. Serbian Minister of Economy Adrijana Mesarović and Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó co-chaired the commission meeting preceding the business forum.
Trade relations continue to expand
Economic cooperation between the two countries has intensified significantly over the past decade. According to data presented at the forum by the Serbian Chamber of Commerce, bilateral trade reached about €3.4 billion in 2025, which places Hungary among Serbia’s top five foreign trade partners.
Serbia’s exports to Hungary amounted to approximately €1.5 billion, representing an annual increase of 7.5%, while imports reached around €1.9 billion, up 13.6% year-on-year. The trade balance therefore remained negative for Serbia, with a deficit of about €371 million, while export coverage of imports stood at 80.5%.
Nearly 4,000 Serbian companies are engaged in trade with Hungary, illustrating the depth of economic interaction between the two markets.
Hungarian investments in Serbia
Investment flows were another key focus of the forum. Hungarian companies have invested approximately €1.5 billion in Serbia, establishing a significant corporate presence across sectors such as energy, banking, manufacturing, and services.
According to the Serbian Business Registers Agency, around 660 active companies in Serbia are majority-owned by Hungarian investors or entities registered in Hungary, highlighting the scale of cross-border corporate integration.
Infrastructure and energy cooperation
Major joint infrastructure projects between the two countries are expected to further support trade expansion. One of the most important initiatives is the Belgrade–Budapest high-speed railway, which aims to dramatically shorten travel time between the two capitals and strengthen logistics connectivity across Central Europe and the Western Balkans.
In parallel, modernization of the Horgoš border crossing and improvements in cross-border transport infrastructure are intended to facilitate faster movement of goods and passengers.
Energy cooperation also featured prominently during discussions. Several companies participating in the forum represented the energy sector and renewable energy industries, signaling growing interest in joint projects and supply-chain integration.
New areas of cooperation
Beyond traditional trade and infrastructure projects, officials highlighted opportunities for collaboration in high-technology industries, digital technologies, and industrial supply chains. Serbian and Hungarian institutions are also working to support small and medium-sized enterprises through financing programs and equipment procurement initiatives.
During the broader session of the joint economic commission, four cooperation documents were signed, including agreements related to nuclear research collaboration, chamber cooperation programs, and Hungary’s support for Serbia’s EU accession negotiations.
Strengthening regional economic integration
The Serbia–Hungary business forum reflects the increasingly strategic economic relationship between the two countries. Infrastructure investments, growing trade volumes, and expanding cross-border corporate activity are positioning the partnership as one of the most dynamic economic links between Central Europe and the Western Balkans.
With large infrastructure projects underway and continued political backing from both governments, Serbia and Hungary are seeking to transform existing economic ties into deeper industrial, technological, and energy partnerships that could further integrate their economies within the wider European market.
