On the occasion of the visit to Italy of H.E. Stevan Nikčević, Deputy Minister for Domestic and International Trade of the Republic of Serbia, the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia, in cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia and Unioncamere, is organising a high-level conference entitled “Serbia 2035 Strategy and Expo 2027 – Prospects for the Italian Business Community”.
The event aims to provide both a strategic and operational overview of the major international initiatives that will place Belgrade at the centre of attention in the coming years, highlighting its growing role as a hub for innovation, economic cooperation and sustainable development. The conference will also present practical tools, priority sectors and market access opportunities for Italian companies interested in establishing or strengthening their presence in the Serbian market.
Who Should Attend
The initiative is aimed at Italian companies, trade associations and stakeholders interested in internationalisation processes, with a particular focus on the Serbian market and the Balkan region.
Why Attend
Participation offers the opportunity to:
- Learn about the concrete opportunities arising from the Serbia 2035 Strategy.
- Explore projects linked to Expo 2027 Belgrade and other major international events.
- Connect with institutions and key stakeholders to develop partnerships and investment opportunities.
Topics Covered
- Opening institutional session with government and diplomatic representatives.
- The role of the chamber system in supporting internationalisation.
- Public and private financial instruments for international expansion.
- Analysis of strategic sectors: infrastructure, agriculture, digitalisation and artificial intelligence.
- Presentation of opportunities linked to Expo 2027 Belgrade and GITEX.
The conference, organised by the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia and Unioncamere, will consist of two sessions:
- “The Confederation and Chamber System in Supporting the Growth of Italian Excellence in International Markets”, highlighting how the confederation and chamber network provides practical support for the internationalisation of Italian businesses and the promotion of Italian excellence abroad, with a focus on the Balkans.
- “The Role of Public and Private Finance in Supporting the International Projection of the Country System”, illustrating financial support opportunities for internationalisation, with particular emphasis on cooperation mechanisms and strategic partnerships linked to major development projects in Serbia, including those related to Expo 2027 Belgrade.
Programme
Rome, 6 May 2026 – 2:30 p.m. - Registration from 2:00 p.m.
Embassy of the Republic of Serbia, Via Monti Parioli 20, Rome
“Serbia 2035 Strategy” – Prospects for the Italian Business Community
Opening Remarks
- H.E. Mirjana Jeremić, Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to Italy
- H.E. Stevan Nikčević, Deputy Minister for Domestic and International Trade of the Republic of Serbia
- H.E. Luca Gori, Ambassador of Italy to the Republic of Serbia (via video link)
Session: The Confederation and Chamber System in Supporting the Growth of Italian Excellence in International Markets
- Mihailo Vesović – Vice President, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (PKS)
- Andrea Prete – President, Unioncamere
- Riccardo Breda – Vice President, CNA (National Confederation of Crafts and Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises)
- Vincenzo Elifani – Head of Relations with Chambers of Commerce and Member of the Executive Board, CONFAPI (Italian Confederation of Private Small and Medium-Sized Industry)
- Giovanni Rossi – Director General, Promos Italia (Agency for the Internationalisation of the Chamber System)
- Representative – Directorate-General for Economic Growth and Export Promotion, Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI)
Moderator: Maria Monica Annibaldis, Honorary Representative of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (PKS) in Italy.
Session: The Role of Public and Private Finance in Supporting the International Projection of the Country System
- Laurent Franciosi – CDP (Cassa Depositi e Prestiti), Senior Executive, International Cooperation and Finance
- Marco Cantalamessa – Head of Business Strategy and Sustainable Innovation
- Tiziano Spataro – Chief of Staff, Institute for Sports and Cultural Credit (ICSC)
- Laurent Truflandier – Head of Cross-Country Initiatives, Foreign Banks Division, Intesa Sanpaolo
Moderator: Valeria Centinaro, Head of Opportunities, Financial Advisory and European Projects Department, Promos Italia.
How to Participate
Participation in the event is free of charge, subject to prior registration.
The full programme is available in the event brochure via the dedicated link.
The conference will take place in person at the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia, Via Monti Parioli 20, Rome, with the possibility of following the proceedings via live streaming.
Registration details and the streaming link will be made available on this page shortly.