On January 31, 2025, the Serbia-Italy Business Forum was held in Belgrade, providing a significant platform for dialogue between institutions and businesses to strengthen economic ties and promote new development opportunities between the two nations.

In his address, Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani underscored Serbia’s pivotal role for Italy, reaffirming the Italian Government’s commitment to supporting Serbia’s swift integration into the European Union. He also announced Italy’s prominent participation in the Special Expo 2027 in Belgrade, signaling a firm intent to deepen economic collaboration.The Forum placed a strong emphasis on financial instruments for internationalization. During a dedicated panel, Alessandro Minon, President of Finest S.p.A., highlighted the strategic value of cooperation between Italian and Serbian businesses, with a particular focus on the role of Northeast Italy—and Trieste in particular—as a natural hub connecting Italy to the Balkans.

President Minon stated: “Italy and Serbia share a deep historical bond and a common vision. Northeast Italy, with Trieste as a strategic gateway, has long been at the forefront of Italy’s internationalization efforts toward the Balkans. Trieste, with its historic Serbian community, serves as a natural bridge uniting economies, cultures, and people. In a transformative era where global value chains are being redefined, we have a unique opportunity to build more integrated, resilient, and competitive supply chains, supported by targeted financial instruments and a long-term vision. The Northeast Internationalization System, uniting the strengths of the Veneto Region, the Autonomous Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, and the Autonomous Province of Trento, exemplifies how a shared international strategy can enhance the presence of our companies in the Balkans.” Minon further concluded: “At this critical juncture in the reshaping of global value chains, we have the chance to foster more integrated, resilient, and competitive supply chains, underpinned by tailored financial tools and a forward-looking perspective.”

Finest S.p.A. remains committed to supporting Italian and Serbian businesses by providing essential financial backing, further strengthened by its collaboration agreement with the Development Agency of Serbia (RAS).