Norwegian companies recognize Serbia as destination – Trade amounts to EUR 58.2 million in 2017

Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic welcomed Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg, on an official visit to Serbia, in front of the Palace of Serbia yesterday. The Norwegian prime minister said that there was a possibility for enhancing the economic cooperation of the two countries.

Norway and Serbia have good partner relations in the domains of policy, economy and culture and Norway provides full support to the Government of Serbia in the European integration and all reform efforts, Solberg said.

As she said, the Western Balkans still needs to further stabilize, develop its economy and achieve a greater degree of the rule of law.

– We will strive to enhance the cooperation in this region – Solberg underlined.

She pointed out that Serbia was a recognized destination for Norwegian companies and that it was important to create equal and predictable conditions for foreign investors, such as adequate taxation and organization terms.

Brnabic also said that the economic cooperation between the two countries was growing, but that it was still modest.

Last year, the trade between Serbia and Norway amounted to EUR 58.2 million, a record amount and an increase by 8% compared to 2016.

– There's a range of fields in which we can improve the cooperation and I hope that this visit will lead to a stronger impulse for Norwegian investors and their interest in Serbia – Brnabic said.

She underlined that Serbia could learn a lot from Norway through the Nordic Business Alliance as well, not just about the economy, but about regional stability and connections.

Brnabic pointed out that Norway was one of the biggest bilateral donors of Serbia and that it has invested EUR 216 million in 15 years through development aid. She added that, in 2018, it had doubled the amount to EUR 6.3 million from the previous year's EUR 3.1 million.

She especially emphasized that half of the aid was directed at the economic development of the poorest parts of Serbia.

– Norway is working with us on projects related to the rule of law and supports the media strategy efforts and the countering of grey economy – Brnabic said.

Vlada Republike Srbije

Nordijska Poslovna alijansa u Srbiji NPA

Nordic Business Alliance

Ana Brnabic

Erna Solberg

cooperation between Norway and Serbia

development aid of Norway to Serbia

aid of Norway to Serbia

bilateral relations of Norway and Serbia

investments of Norway to Serbia