Serbia strengthens ties with the diaspora: business leaders from Austria pledge investment and cooperation

An important meeting dedicated to promoting economic relations between the homeland and the diaspora, initiated by Privredna komora Srbije (the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia), took place in Palata Srbija (the Palace of Serbia) in Belgrade. The event brought together prominent representatives of the Serbian community in Austria, among them members of the Austrian Serbian Economic Forum, the most successful Austrian entrepreneurs of Serbian origin, as well as officials from the Republic of Serbia and Republika Srpska.

Mr Mladen Filipović, Head of the Representation of Republika Srpska in Austria and President of the Association of Serbs in Austria, stressed the importance of continuously strengthening relations between the homeland and the diaspora. He emphasised the need to institutionalise cooperation through concrete projects, in particular in the fields of investment, education and cultural exchange. Filipović called on Privredna komora Srbije to intensify contact with the Serbian business community in Austria, since the diaspora constitutes a bridge between the two countries and can make a valuable contribution to Serbia’s economic development.

The meeting was also attended by the most successful Austrian entrepreneurs of Serbian origin, who expressed their readiness to contribute to Serbia’s progress with their knowledge, their experience and their investments. Their presence symbolises the diaspora’s commitment to strengthening economic and cultural relations with the homeland. The high-ranking guests also included Miloš Vučević, Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia, Marko Blagojević, Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to Austria, and Univ. Prof. Dr Wolfgang Rohrbach, President of the Austrian-Serbian Society.

In his address Prime Minister Vučević emphasised the role of the diaspora as a “strategic partner” of Serbia in the process of modernisation, industrialisation and economic development. He stated that the diaspora represents not only an emotional but also a structural value for Serbia – through know-how, networks and capital. He stressed in particular that forums such as this one are of inestimable value for building long-term, stable partnerships. According to Vučević, the government will take targeted measures to promote the institutional involvement of the diaspora in economic and educational projects.

Ambassador Blagojević highlighted the importance of diplomatic support for initiatives that connect the Serbian diaspora with institutions in Serbia, and stated that the embassy is working actively to strengthen bilateral relations and to promote Serbia as an attractive investment destination.

Prof. Dr Wolfgang Rohrbach, a renowned Austrian historian and President of the Austrian-Serbian Society, stressed the importance of preserving the cultural identity of Serbs in Austria and of promoting intercultural dialogue. He pointed out that cooperation between Austria and Serbia is of particular importance for the stability and prosperity of the region.

This meeting represents an important step towards the institutional networking of Serbia with its diaspora and opens up new opportunities for economic development, cultural exchange and the strengthening of mutual trust.

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