Over 100 business representatives, institutions, and associations from Serbia and Slovenia gathered in Ljubljana for the Slovenian-Serbian Business Forum, where participants confirmed a strong mutual interest in enhancing cooperation and jointly entering third-country markets, announced the Serbian Chamber of Commerce (PKS).
During the forum, a Memorandum of Cooperation was signed between the Serbian Chamber of Commerce and the Slovenian development agency SPIRIT Slovenija, aiming to strengthen institutional collaboration and support the connection of companies and entrepreneurs. The memorandum was signed by PKS Deputy President Mihailo Vesović and SPIRIT Slovenija Director Tamara Zajec Balažič.
Both sides emphasized that the agreement lays the foundation for ongoing cooperation, information exchange, and joint implementation of projects in international markets.
Vesović highlighted the strategic importance of cooperation with Slovenia to boost competitiveness and expand into third markets. He stressed the value of clustering companies or forming consortia and jointly developing products with regional potential, drawing lessons from Benelux and Scandinavian practices.
Zajec Balažič pointed out the close ties between Serbia and Slovenia, including historical, linguistic, cultural, and economic similarities, which form a strong base for successful partnerships and joint projects to improve international competitiveness.
The connection between companies will continue in August at the Agra fair, where SPIRIT Slovenija and PKS will organize a joint business event.
The forum featured two panels: one on “Support for Joint Market Entry – Internationalization Strategy,” which discussed institutional support, financial instruments, diplomatic assistance, and cooperation opportunities in Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia; and another titled “Field Experiences – Companies Conquering Third Markets,” where business representatives shared their experiences and success factors such as understanding local conditions, persistence, credibility, and strategic partnerships.
Following the official program, Serbian and Slovenian entrepreneurs held meetings and networking sessions, viewing the event as a valuable platform to establish new partnerships, exchange experiences, and prepare for joint international market entries.
The forum was jointly organized by SPIRIT Slovenija and the Serbian Chamber of Commerce.
