Korea, Serbia discuss trade expansion

Serbian Ambassador to Korea Nemanja Grbic, right, shakes hands with Korea Importers Association Chairwoman Youn Young-mi in Seoul, Tuesday. Courtesy of Korea Importers Association

The Korea Importers Association said Tuesday it discussed ways to expand bilateral trade and strengthen economic cooperation with Serbia during a meeting with Nemanja Grbic, Serbia’s ambassador to Korea.

During the meeting at the association’s headquarters, Grbic said Serbia has a competitive agri-food industry that is well recognized in the European market and expressed hope for expanding exports to Korea, including organic corn and vegetable oils.

He added that interest in the Korean market among Serbian companies continues to grow, noting that Serbia plans to participate again this year in the Korea Import Expo. Grbic said the event would serve as a key platform for expanding business ties between companies from both countries.

Grbic also requested the dispatch of a Serbian import delegation to Korea, saying such exchanges would help further invigorate bilateral business cooperation.

In response, Korea Importers Association Chairwoman Youn Young-mi said Serbia has strong quality competitiveness in food products such as frozen fruits and vegetables, adding that greater brand awareness in Korea would help accelerate market entry. She said the association hopes Serbian companies will use the Korea Import Expo to showcase their products, engage in one-on-one consultations with Korean buyers and build momentum for tangible trade deals.

Grbic also said negotiations for a free trade agreement between Korea and Serbia are set to begin in 2025, with both sides aiming to conclude talks within the year. He said an agreement would mark a positive turning point for expanding trade and boosting exchanges between companies in both countries.