Serbia is a technological hub of the Western Balkans region, a leader in the development of software, artificial intelligence and smart IT solutions applied in various sectors from finance and energy to health and education. Companies like Microsoft and NCR have positive experiences in Serbia, which is the best recommendation for new US investors to invest in the Serbian IT sector, is the message of the first Virtual Conference on US Investment Opportunities in Serbia and the Western Balkans Economy (Virtual Road Show).
As it was pointed out, the exchange of services between Serbia and the USA is approaching billions of dollars, while the fast-growing and very promising Serbian IT sector, which employs more than 50,000 young professionals, is an excellent base for developing outsourcing services and opening development centers in the United States.
There is no better news for the future of Serbia and the economy of the entire region, than the news about the interest of more than a hundred American high-tech companies present at today’s online event, for opportunities for cooperation with our ICT sector and Serbia’s potential as a new European hub, are already moving into their development centers, said Nenad Djurdjevic, advisor to the President of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce at the opening of the conference. Recognized experts, state-of-the-art software solutions and products, investment incentives for research, development and innovation, are just part of the large package we have presented and which are our stake for new business partnerships here in Serbia, the Balkans and the US technology market, Djurdjevic added.
– The relationship between the USA and Serbia is stronger than it was years ago and is constantly improving. I am especially proud of our cooperation in the IT sector. Serbia is the regional leader in the Western Balkans in digital transformation. Serbia’s investments in higher education have made the young, motivated and highly educated workforce the backbone of Serbia’s transformation in the field of digital technology – said the US Ambassador to Serbia, Anthony Godfrey.
– Trade relations between the USA and Serbia are diverse, expanding, developing and providing multiple benefits for both the Western Balkans and the European region. The technology sector in Serbia is dynamic and growing. American technology is in the best position to help Serbia build its digital ecosystem – added David De Falco, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Europe and Eurasia.
– This conference is the first in a series of planned promotional activities that showcase the creative potential, innovation and achievements of our ICT industry in the US market. The fact that American companies are increasingly recognizing the potential of the Serbian ICT industry, with a record growth in exports of our services to the United States, speaks volumes about the fact that Serbia is recognized as an economic leader leading the region to a better future – said Serbian Ambassador to the United States Marko Djuric.
– I am looking forward to the continuation of successful cooperation with the US Department of Commerce and the Serbian Chamber of Commerce on the realization of activities in the field of economic diplomacy, especially in the year when we jointly celebrate 140 years of diplomatic relations between Serbia and the USA – Djuric emphasized.
At the virtual event, which was attended by more than 100 representatives of American companies, business associations and state institutions, representatives of Microsoft Serbia, the Serbian Government, the US Department of Commerce, the US Commercial Department and the Serbian Development Agency, it was pointed out that Serbia ranks 53rd among 131 economies covered by the Global Innovation Index (GII), which ranks world economies according to their innovation capacity.
Also, according to the research of the Academy for Digitalization of Estonia, Serbia took the 14th place among 144 countries in terms of the development of information security, the fight against high-tech crime and data protection.
Serbia’s focus is on digital transformation, innovation and the development of creative industries, which is a springboard for strengthening cooperation with American companies, the participants agreed. The United States is Serbia’s 20th foreign trade partner, the total exchange of the two countries in eight months in 2021 was worth 590 million US dollars, an increase of 12 percent compared to the same period in 2020, and the coverage of imports by exports is 88 percent.
The first “Virtual Road Show” was organized by the Trade Department of the US Embassy in Belgrade and the Serbian Chamber of Commerce with the support of the Serbian Embassy in the US and the US Embassy in Belgrade, Srbija Danas reports.
