Business opportunities in the Western Balkans

The coronavirus pandemic and the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine, which has been raging since February 24, 2022, have had a significant impact on the business activities of German companies. Supply chains have come under pressure, particularly as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, and companies are examining new investment opportunities in the neighborhood. Since the beginning of the war, the reassessment of political risks for investments abroad has also been on the agenda.

Together with the Committee on Eastern European Economic Relations (OA), the Hanover Chamber of Industry and Commerce and the Hanover Region Economic Development Agency are organizing an information event on the countries of the Western Balkans: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia. Trade with the countries in this region has developed rapidly over the last ten years, with the exchange of goods almost tripling. We are delighted to have Martin Gaber, GTAI's Belgrade-based correspondent for the countries of the Western Balkans, to present the region and the economic potential of each of the six countries. Anja Quiring, Regional Director for South Eastern Europe at the OA, will provide information about the association's involvement in and with the region as well as offers to support German companies. These impulses will be complemented by the contribution of Antje Müller, Program Director of the Zoran Djindjic Scholarship Program for the countries of the Western Balkans.

The aim is to give you a comprehensive picture of the opportunities in the individual markets. The plan is to travel the region in the second half of the year and identify travel destinations in advance. A corresponding survey will follow the event.