A blog written by the British-Serbian Chamber of Commerce, Showcase Partner of the Driving International Trade Conference 2025.

Serbia is a leading economy in the Western Balkans area, measured by market size (population/customers, territory and economic potential). The key macroeconomic indicators are quite stable: Serbia continues its expansive real GDP growth rates (around 4% annually), industrial production and foreign trade are on the rise, banking sector is well-capitalized, public finances (budget balance and debt to GDP ratio) are stable, including the FX rate, inflation is under control, within the central bank`s target (3%+/-1.5pp). Macroeconomic stability is the basement to credit rating, which is BBB- according to Standard and Poor’s, with stable outlook for further upgrade (by this credit rating, Serbia is within the group of investment grade countries).   

Serbia is the most attractive investment destination in the Western Balkans and attracted more than EUR 5 bn in the last year. The attractiveness for investments is based on quite good geographical location (in the heart of South-East Europe, across the country run Pan-European corridors) macroeconomic stability, free trade agreements (EU, CEFTA, China, EAEU, UK, Turkiye, UAE, Egypt), financial and technical support by the Government. 

Foreign direct investments are well diversified, coming mainly from European countries, but also from non-European countries. Thousands on foreign capital owned businesses are operational in Serbia, they create local and continental supply chains. Interest of Serbian Government is to support local micro, small and medium enterprises to enter those supply chains led by large foreign and multinational companies.    

Economic branches that have priority in further development of Serbia are: food processing industry, automotive industry, informational technologies (ICT) and creative industry. Serbia has advantage in agriculture production, runs a high surplus in foreign trade of services mainly because of double-digit growth in ICT services. 

Serbia is the main promoter of regional integration process, pushing the Western Balkans region toward common market, based on free movement of people, goods services and capital, on its mutual way toward the full EU membership. 

Find out more about the Driving International Trade Conference 2025, including agenda and speakers.