As part of the Serbia-Japan Business Forum, the Republic of Serbia today hosted the largest delegation of Japanese companies and entrepreneurs to ever visit our country. Over 100 Japanese businesspeople had the opportunity to meet with numerous domestic companies following introductory speeches and panels discussing the possibilities and challenges of joint cooperation

PHOTO TANJUG / Jadranka Ilić

Belgrade – October 17, 2024 - The Serbia-Japan Business Forum, organized by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), the Government of the Republic of Serbia, and the Serbian Chamber of Commerce, with the support of the Embassy of Japan in Belgrade, the Japan Business Alliance in Serbia, and Development Agency of Serbia - RAS, was held today at the Palace of Serbia. The event marks the visit of the largest economic delegation from Japan ever to visit Serbia.

The introductory part of the Forum began with speeches from Susumu Kataoke, President of JETRO, Akira Imamura, Ambassador of Japan to Serbia, and Aleksandar Vučić, President of the Republic of Serbia.

In his opening remarks, the JETRO President expressed Japanese companies' interest in investing in Serbia and noted a noticeable increase in Japanese investments in the country recently, highlighting companies such as Toyota, Nidec, NTD Data, and Nikkon Express. Kataoke confirmed that the Forum features Japanese companies from various sectors, including information technology, infrastructure, construction, and finance, with 28 of the attending firms having headquarters in Europe, including those involved in the production of pharmaceutical equipment and engineering.

The Japanese Ambassador emphasized that today's visit is historic and confirmed that Serbia is an attractive destination for Japanese investors due to its stable development, macroeconomic stability, and confirmed investment rating. Ambassador Imamura added that the companies present at the Forum possess unique technologies and solutions for the future. He stated that today's meeting is a result of the engagement of both sides and noted that EXPO 2025 will be held in Osaka, which will continue the momentum of today’s event and provide an ideal opportunity to further enhance cooperation.

President Vučić thanked the guests from Japan and invited them to visit Serbia more frequently, highlighting that "this is the largest Japanese business delegation that has ever visited our country."

Numerous ministers from the Government of the Republic of Serbia also attended the opening part of the Forum.

PHOTO TANJUG/ Jadranka Ilić

In the second part of the Forum, attendees heard from Serbian Prime Minister Miloš Vučević, Serbian Chamber of Commerce President Marko Čadež, JETRO President Susumu Kataoke, and Nikola Janković, Director of the International Cooperation Sector at the Development Agency of Serbia, who presented the advantages of Serbia as an investment destination.

PHOTO TANJUG/ Jadranka Ilić

Following the introductory speeches, a panel discussion titled "Economic Cooperation between Serbia and Japan: Opportunities and Challenges" was held, during which participants heard from Mr. Kunio Saijo, Vice President of the Board of Chair Nikkei Inc, Mr. Yasuki Maruhashi, Director of MUFG Vienna, and representatives from domestic companies Mind Group and Mikroelektronika. The official portion concluded with a presentation by Mr. Goran Pekez, President of JBAS.

After the presentations, bilateral talks took place between Serbian and Japanese entrepreneurs from various sectors.