First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Ivica Dacic opened, today, Serbia Day at “EXPO 2015” International Fair.

On this occasion, Minister Dacic stated that the relations between Serbia and Italy were characterized by first-rate cooperation and that the announcement of fresh investments was encouraging, indicating that a new, more favourable business environment was created in Serbia.
Opening Serbia Day at the Fair, Minister Dacic underlined that overall foreign trade between the two countries in 2014 exceeded 4 billion euro.
The Minister emphasized that 700 Italian companies were operating in Serbia, whereas total investments from that country exceeded 2 billion euro. In this context, Dacic recalled that “Fiat” in Kragujevac was also an Italian investment and the biggest national exporter.
“New investment announcements were very encouraging indeed, particularly in the agricultural sector, which reflects that Serbia has created a new economic climate. It comes as a result of great efforts made by the Serbian Government and painful reforms that are being pursued”, stated Dacic.
He added that the fourth joint meeting between the two Governments, which would contribute to further cooperation between the two countries, was expected to take place this year.
“Our two countries have a tradition of good relations, built over a longer period of time, that are being reaffirmed. The relations between Serbia and Italy are characterized by fruitful economic cooperation”, he said.
Minister Dacic thanked the Republic of Italy for facilitating Serbia’s participation at this year’s “EXPO” by providing premises free of charge, and added:
“Serbia has found a place for itself in this Mediterranean environment and we are honoured to be among the 145 official participants of the event”.
The Serbian pavilion, he noted, had three themes – wheat and water, organic Serbia and energy for the future.
On the occasion of Serbia Day at “EXPO 2015” international exhibition, “Air Serbia” national air-carrier announced today that international football star Dejan Stankovic was third among the renowned personalities of Serbia and that one of the carrier’s airplanes had been named after him.
In this connection, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ivica Dacic and Belgrade Mayor Sinisa Mali visited the joint „Etihad Airways“ and „Alitalia“ pavilion, where Mali, Stankovic and Dane Kondic, „Air Serbia“ General Manager, unveiled Dejan’s name on the big model airplane that had been brought to Milan.