Sitemap

Comment

Nordic Business Forum: Lesson to be Learned – Competitors and Teammates

The investment forum that brings together Nordic and Western Balkan companies will be an inspiring event and an opportunity for Serbian companies and decision makers, as well as for their regional counterparts, to use the occasion to learn how to become leaders, and how to play for the same team

Very few countries in the world, including those in the European Union, could aspire to compare themselves to the Nordic states. Indeed, their citizens are among the happiest in the world and they enjoy the highest social standards, while their companies are among the most innovative and least corrupt.

However, it would not be unthinkable to compare the Western Balkans and the Nordic countries or, to be more precise, to look for reputable examples of regional cooperation and mutual support. One good example is certainly interconnectivity.

The Western Balkan countries are still in the initial phase of connecting with each other in terms of transportation, digitalisation or customs tariffs, and are a long way from institutionalising their cooperation through the establishment of a body similar to the Nordic Council of Ministers.

While the Nordics share a single labour market, our region’s workforce moves based on quotas in the case that there is a shortage of some skills, like in tourism. Nordic countries may play for the same team and be fierce competitors, as they have very similar business models and sectors in focus, while their Western Balkan counterparts often clash over agricultural products and close their borders to one another.

The Nordic Business Forum, which will bring together for the first time the largest Nordic trade and commerce delegation in Belgrade and their counterparts from the Western Balkans, will be an excellent opportunity to identify potential for mutual cooperation, but also an invaluable chance for companies from the region to get better acquainted and to deepen their cooperation.

It would not be unthinkable to compare the Western Balkans and the Nordic countries or, to be more precise, to look for reputable examples of regional cooperation and mutual support

It would be fair to say that Serbia was the first Western Balkan country to take some bold steps towards trying to invigorate cooperation with the Nordic countries. Although the level of investments and mutual trade is quite low, it seems that today Nordic companies are more likely to think about investment opportunities in this part of the world.

The numbers speak for themselves.

While still modest, trade relations between Danish and Serbian companies are growing at double-digit rates, mainly due to Danish export-orientated investments. And as a specific result of these investments more than 2,000 jobs have been created in Serbia. Furthermore, there is growing interest in the country among Danish companies, primarily owing to Serbia’s favourable geographic location and educated workforce.

Finland’s cooperation is even more modest, with only 11 registered Finnish companies in Serbia, albeit with positive experiences of doing business.

The establishment of IKEA in Serbia was obviously one of those important signals that things are advancing. Sweden’s annual export to Serbia is growing steadily at present, and several Swedish companies are considering entering the market in the mining industry, and energy, healthcare and agriculture sectors.

It would be good if more Nordic companies brought their know-how and values to Serbia.

By Jovan Milić, Special Adviser to the Minister of Science, Technological Development and Innovation

Science Diplomacy as a Bridge to a Sustainable Future

In an era of global challenges and rapid technological change, the concept of science diplomacy is gaining increasing relevance—not as an abstract ideal, but...

Comment by Mirko Dautović

Reason Lives Elsewhere

This wasn’t World War III—but it may prove to be a step toward it. Just as there were many steps leading up to World...

David Mališ, Head of Reserves Management Division, National Bank of Serbia

A Vague and Potentially Risky Idea

The expectation that a rise in the value of Bitcoin will reduce U.S. debt relies on an unwavering belief in its perpetual growth, while...

Ivan Andrejević, Crypto Analyst

Without Clear Regulation, Trump’s Idea Remains Populism

Trump’s crypto narrative holds symbolic appeal for small investors, but genuine institutional impact depends on concrete measures such as using stablecoins for bond purchases...

Levi Strauss Shares Surge on Denim Demand and Strong Forecasts

Shares of Levi Strauss leapt more than 7% in pre-market trading on Friday after the denim giant upgraded its...

France Prepares for Bastille Day Amid Heightened Security Concerns

Marking the storming of the Bastille in 1789, France’s national day will be celebrated with grand military parades and...

Trump Slaps 50% Tariff on Copper Imports

In a sweeping move aimed at safeguarding domestic industry, U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a 50% tariff on...

Dr. Max Expands Its Reach with Acquisition of Žalfija Pharmacies

Dr. Max, the Czech pharmacy giant, has expanded its footprint in Serbia by acquiring the Žalfija pharmacy chain, marking...

Bulgaria’s Path to the Eurozone: A New Era of Economic Integration

Bulgaria is set to join the Eurozone on 1 January 2026, a historic step that marks a deeper integration...