Benefits of Trading and Promotional

Economic & Commercial Benefits

Serbia as a Gateway to Europe: Serbia’s central position in Southeast Europe, with numerous free trade agreements (EU, CEFTA, EFTA, EAEU, Turkey), offers access to over 1.3 billion consumers. This makes it an excellent production and export base for Indian companies seeking entry into European and Eurasian markets.
India’s Expanding Capabilities: India’s rapidly growing economy—including sectors like IT, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, textiles, and auto-components—makes it a valuable partner for Serbia in terms of investment, innovation, and technological transfer.

Robust Bilateral Trade Volume: In FY 2023–24, bilateral trade reached approximately US$12.64 billion, with Indian exports to Serbia around US$10.7 billion and Serbian exports to India about US$1.95 billion.
Ambitious Targets Together: During high-level engagements, both countries set a goal to elevate bilateral trade to €1 billion by the end of the decade—a significant increase from prior levels.
Comprehensive Legal Framework: A web of bilateral agreements supports and facilitates this trade, covering:
- Trade (MFN status) and DTAA (since 2006)
- Agriculture, Science & Technology, IT & Electronics, Culture, Air Services, Defence, and Digital Cooperation (signed progressively from 2004 through 2023)

Attractive Conditions in Serbia: Foreign investors—Indian and otherwise—benefit from generous incentives:
- Financial support covering up to 50% of investments for greenfield/brownfield projects
- A 10-year corporate tax holiday for major investments and job creation
- VAT and customs duty exemptions via Free Zones
Indian Investment Footprint: Indian firms like TAFE, Mahindra, Sonalika, Embassy Group, CG Group, Motherson, among others, have already tapped into sectors such as IT, manufacturing, and agriculture. India’s EXIM Bank also lines up credit facilities to further bilateral investments.

Shared Global Outlook: Both Serbia and India emphasize multilateralism, strategic autonomy, and reforming global governance—a shared diplomatic foundation beneficial for deeper economic alignment.
Creative & Cultural Engagement: Serbia offers film production incentives (20–25% cashback) that attract Indian filmmakers for shooting and post-production, enhancing tourism and cultural exchange.
Tourism & People-to-People Ties: There’s significant potential in promoting heritage, spiritual wellness (like yoga and Ayurveda), and film-related tourism between the two nations. Serbia also sees India as a source of skilled labor, especially in IT and digital domains.

Pharmaceuticals, Machinery, IT Services, Textiles, and Coffee: High demand in Serbia, driven by its growing economy and consumer market.
Ayurvedic & Herbal Personal Care, Mobile Phones / Smartphones, Petrochemical Products, Particle Wood Boards, Tanned Leather, Textiles: Sectors where Indian exporters can fulfill Serbian import needs.

Serbia can supply fruits (raspberries, apples, peaches, berries, sour cherries, plums, strawberries), beer, mineral waters, wooden furniture, beech wood, copper, and agricultural commodities—diversifying Indian import sources.

Mining & Renewable Energy: Serbia’s coal-based electricity and outdated mining tech are areas where Indian expertise and investment can make a difference.
Infrastructure & Technology Transfer: Opportunities to bolster Serbia’s infrastructure (roads, rail, air, bridges) and digital innovation through technology partnerships.