Seventy domestic and Austrian companies gathered at the Serbian-Austrian Economic Forum in Belgrade to strengthen bilateral cooperation, said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Adriana Mesarović. She highlighted Austria as one of Serbia’s most important and reliable partners for many years.
Mesarović noted that the forum, held at the Serbian Chamber of Commerce, represents a significant step in the continuous development of economic relations between the two countries, offering opportunities for exchanging ideas, launching new projects, investments, and partnerships despite challenging geopolitical circumstances.
In 2024, the total trade volume between Serbia and Austria reached €1.78 billion, with Serbian exports valued at €720 million and imports from Austria at €1.1 billion. In just the first four months of this year, trade exceeded €600 million. Austrian investments in Serbia have totaled around €2.9 billion since 2012, making Austria the third-largest investor in Serbia.
The Ministry of Economy has signed 23 agreements granting incentives to Austrian investment projects worth over €437 million, expected to create nearly 6,000 new jobs.
Mesarović also emphasized Serbia’s growing focus on sustainable business and the startup ecosystem. Serbia currently has over 600 registered startups, soon to have five science and technology parks, and developing centers for artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and fintech sectors supported by a young, highly qualified IT community collaborating internationally.
Preparations for Expo 2027, in which 115 countries have confirmed participation, are underway. At a recent International Planning Meeting in Belgrade, delegates from 140 countries attended, demonstrating high global interest.
Dušan Kozarev, Acting Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stressed the traditionally strong Serbia-Austria relations and thanked Austria for supporting Serbia’s EU integration. Over 600 Austrian companies operate in Serbia employing more than 16,000 people, playing a key role in dual education development. Austrian direct investments totaled €163 million from 2010 to 2024, placing Austria sixth among countries attracting Serbian capital abroad. Additionally, 29 companies registered in Austria have Serbian shareholders, mainly based in Vienna.
Mihailo Vesović, Deputy President of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce, expressed satisfaction with the intensified ties with Austria, recalling Austria’s pioneering investments in Serbia post-privatization 25 years ago. He stressed the importance of small and medium enterprises as cooperation drivers and the role of the Serbian diaspora in ensuring investments support industry rather than mere consumption.
The forum also featured speeches from Miloš Nenadić, President of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce Assembly, and Mladen Filipović, Head of the Republika Srpska Representation in Austria. Participants were presented with the Expo 2027 project, Serbia’s economic potentials, and profiles of domestic and Austrian companies.
