Professor Luigi Rizzo: Serbia is the Balkans’ quiet rising star

Serbia is a “quiet rising star of the Balkans,” an economy marked by stable GDP growth, rising wages, an employment rate exceeding 50 percent, strong fiscal stability, improving credit ratings, and growing exports and investment. Additional momentum is expected from EXPO 2027, with projected effects of around six billion euros, said Professor Luigi Rizzo.

The Vice President of Morgan Stanley, a professor at Columbia Business School, and a visiting lecturer at several global universities, Rizzo noted on his LinkedIn profile that Serbia today represents one of the most compelling development stories in Europe, announced the Chamber of Commerce of Serbia (CCIS).

He emphasized that Serbia had long been “under the radar,” but now stands out as one of the most promising economies, with strong and visible growth momentum and solid economic fundamentals.

According to him, over the past five years, Serbia has achieved steady economic growth, alongside significant improvements in the labor market and continuous wage increases. At the same time, progress has been made in public finances, including a reduction in public debt and an improved credit rating.

Rizzo pointed out that Serbia remains one of the leading destinations for foreign direct investment in the region, while export growth further confirms the resilience and competitiveness of the domestic economy.

He particularly highlighted the importance of the upcoming EXPO 2027 event, which is expected to gather more than 120 countries and attract millions of visitors, generating significant economic effects in tourism, investment, and overall economic activity.

– Although challenges remain, the fundamentals are strong, and the energy in Belgrade is tangible. A quietly ambitious Balkan economy on the move – Rizzo stated.

Professor Rizzo was a guest at a recent event organized by ESEM Business School and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, where he discussed current economic challenges, sustainable growth, and the role of new technologies in the modern business environment with Marko Čadež, President of the Chamber, the CCIS announced in a press release.

Privredna komora Srbije

ESEM Business School

Chamber of Commerce of Serbia

Morgan Stanley

Columbia Business School

Luigi Rizzo

Marko Čadež

economy of Serbia

Expo 2027