President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic participated in a joint business forum involving more than 200 government and business representatives from the two countries. The forum brought together officials and executives from industrial and trading companies. Serbian businesses represented at the event included Galenika, AbelaPharm, Gosa FOM, Yumco and Luss Textile, among others.
During the forum, Mirziyoyev noted that talks held during his official visit to Serbia resulted in the establishment of a strategic partnership between the two countries. The sides plan to increase bilateral trade by expanding the range of goods supplied to each other and simplifying customs procedures. Uzbekistan and Serbia have also adopted a joint Action Plan for industrial cooperation for 2026–2028.
Mirziyoyev identified several areas for further economic cooperation. These include establishing joint production of textile and electrical products, automotive and industrial components, as well as localizing pharmaceutical manufacturing. The countries also plan to consider projects involving the processing of fruit and vegetable products and cooperation in software development and artificial intelligence.
Mirziyoyev said Uzbekistan is prepared to provide investment and business conditions for Serbian companies operating in the country and practical assistance with the implementation of joint projects. Following the business forum, the two sides signed a number of bilateral economic agreements and trade contracts.
Earlier Daryo reported that during the official visit, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic presented Shavkat Mirziyoyev with the Order of the Republic of Serbia with the Grand Chain, the country’s highest state honour, for his contribution to developing Uzbekistan–Serbia relations. Mirziyoyev thanked Vucic for the award, describing it as a sign of respect for Uzbekistan and the development of bilateral ties. The order is presented to foreign leaders and other distinguished figures for contributions to peace, cooperation, mutual understanding and friendly relations with Serbia.
