More than 300 representatives of small and medium-sized businesses, international financial institutions and the European Commission were present in Belgrade for a day of information, networking and matchmaking. A further 200 participants followed online, benefitting from the virtual networking opportunities on the dedicated event platform.<\/p>\n
H.E. Emanuele Giaufret, Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Serbia\u00a0<\/strong>opened the event: \u201cOur common goal is to promote economic growth and sustainable development. The support provided by the European Union is designed to align economies with EU standard by the time they integrate fully to the Union. The Growth Plan for the Western Balkans includes support for the whole region. The reforms, to which all governments have committed, will contribute to improving the business environment by strengthening competitiveness and the rule of law.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Adrijana Mesarovi\u0107, Acting Minister of Economy of Serbia<\/strong>, emphasised:\u00a0\u201cThe SME sector is the backbone of the Serbian economy, with over 110,000 active entities employing more than two-thirds of the working-age population. The EU is a key partner in developing the SME sector. Entrepreneurs in the region have shown resilience, strength, and creativity. Now is the time to support that energy through better access to finance, digital and green transformation, and internationalisation.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Mr. Marko \u010cade\u017e, President, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia<\/strong>\u00a0said:\u00a0\u201cFunding is important, but it\u2019s not everything. For companies from the region it is even more important to gain full access to the EU single market even before formal membership. This very idea is reflected in the EU\u2019s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans \u2014 to level the playing field for companies in the region with their counterparts in the EU.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n He reminded that the\u00a0Western Balkans 6 Chamber Investment Forum\u00a0<\/em><\/a>(WB 6 CIF)<\/em>\u00a0was established eight years ago to open new opportunities for companies and strengthen dialogue with EU institutions. He announced that the region\u2019s chambers of commerce will continue to develop new tools and services to keep companies informed in a timely manner about available financial support programmes.<\/p>\n A\u00a0first panel session of\u00a0Open4Business 2025<\/em><\/u>\u00a0helped MSMEs navigate EU-supported financing programmes with best practices and supporting tools.\u00a0Christophe Galand, Head of Unit for the Western Balkans, DG ENEST, European Commission<\/strong>\u00a0said:\u00a0\u201cAs well as investing in roads, electricity networks and infrastructure, we are also investing in access to finance. Micro, small and medium-sized businesses are a driving force in economic development, and the green and digital transition will not be made without them.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n The\u00a0<\/strong>discussion between\u00a0Alessandra Spinelli,\u00a0<\/strong>Head of Blending and Technical Assistance, Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP),\u00a0Milo\u0161 Kosi\u0107<\/strong>, Associate Director, Financial Institutions, EBRD,\u00a0Amir Salkanovi\u0107<\/strong>, CEO, Procredit Bank Bosnia and Herzegovina was followed by a Q&A session.<\/p>\n The\u00a0second panel session<\/u>\u00a0presented the WBIF financing programmes and practical experiences of local financial intermediaries and companies that have benefitted from the EU-supported financial products. Speakers were\u00a0Damien Sorrell<\/strong>, Head of the Regional Hub for the Western Balkans, EIB,\u00a0Mile Brada\u0161<\/strong>, Executive Director for SME division, NLB Komercijalna banka,\u00a0Igor Ani\u0107<\/strong>, CEO, Procredit Bank Serbia and\u00a0Matea Franji\u0107<\/strong>, Executive Director, Kristal d.o.o, Bosnia Herzegovina.<\/p>\n The\u00a0last panel session<\/u>\u00a0focused on challenges and opportunities of integrating value chains, and best practices for fostering investment and growth. Speakers:\u00a0Ben Butters<\/strong>, CEO, Eurochambres,\u00a0J\u00fcrgen Schreder<\/strong>, Austrian economic delegate, WK\u00d6, Austrian Foreign Trade Centre,\u00a0Milo\u0161 Vuksanovi\u0107<\/strong>, Country Manager (Serbia and Montenegro), Schneider Electric,\u00a0David Piegazki<\/strong>, Secretary-General, Western Balkans 6 Chamber Investment Forum.<\/p>\n Key challenges in the Western Balkans\u2019 business environment were also explored, including the need to stimulate local banks to open up to new financial products. Speakers from financial institutions emphasised the importance of adjusting their products to the gaps in the market and the need to accompany market evolution.<\/p>\n The afternoon was dedicated to\u00a0matchmaking<\/u>\u00a0between Western Balkans and European businesses and financial institutions for further collaboration and support. There was a marked interest in creating partnerships across the Western Balkans and also with EU companies. The practical experience of companies who have already benefitted from EU-supported financial products was shared, with representatives of local financial institutions indicating key lessons learned.<\/p>\n Marko Spasenovi\u0107<\/strong>, CEO of Flexisense, a private spin-off of Research Institute for Chemistry, Technology and Metalurgy of University of Belgrade:\u00a0\u201cThe event was a good opportunity to gather practical information as well as to network with people from different industries. Our product is a wearable sensor that tracks respiration during exercise. To further develop our product, we want to employ technical and marketing staff and to expand our markets. At the event I discovered many credit lines available with an EU guarantee, and will definitely apply directly through commercial banks.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n More about the Open4Business event\u00a0<\/em>here<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n