Japanese companies are planning investments in Serbia

About 30 Japanese companies are currently operating in Serbia. Among them is “Toyo Tires” in Indjija. It is also Japan’s largest direct investment, with almost 400 million euros.
This trend was created by Serbia’s efforts to implement socio-economic reforms, including the promotion of a better business environment for foreign companies. Serbia has concluded free trade agreements with the European Union, Turkey, Russia, which leads to access to large regional markets.
Thus, in a conversation with Novosti, the first for the Serbian media since he took office, about the investments and the relationship between Serbia and his country, the ambassador of Japan in our country, Takahiko Katsumata, speaks.
* How important is Serbia as a strategic partner for Japan?
– The initiative for cooperation was launched by Prime Minister Abe Shinzo, in January 2018. The goal was to support socio-economic reforms in the countries of the Western Balkans, including Serbia, on the path to EU accession. Japan promotes the initiative by implementing projects in various fields, useful for the further development of countries, but also by strengthening dialogue with those countries. Japan also facilitates regional cooperation by sharing its knowledge and experience on common issues in the region. The relationship between Japan and Serbia has a long history. Next year, the two countries will celebrate 140 years of friendship. In history, we have sometimes faced difficult situations. These include the devastating earthquake in eastern Japan in 2011, the great floods in Serbia in 2014 and the spread of coronavirus infections since 2020. When Serbia and Japan, however, faced such difficult situations, we were able to help each other, based on mutual trust. I hope that Japan and Serbia can strengthen our relationship in the future.
* In recent years, Serbia has been an important market for Japanese businessmen. Are new investments planned?
– I am aware that “Nidek”, the world’s leading company for the production of engines, is preparing a project in Serbia, but I am not in a position to prejudge this business decision. In general, investments in Serbia from Japan have been increasing sharply in recent years. The number of inquiries we receive from Japanese companies about doing business in your country is also growing. I hope that Japan and Serbia can strengthen economic relations even in the difficult times of the pandemic. Serbia can also offer foreign investors easy access to the workforce, with competitive costs and quality people with a high level of education. I must also mention the top diplomacy of the two countries in recent years. There is the visit of Prime Minister Abe in 2018 and Minister of Foreign Affairs Kono in 2019 to Serbia. In addition, Prime Minister Ana Brnabic was in Japan the same year. It is a powerful driving force for the promotion of our economic partnership.
* After 37 years, you are in Belgrade again, how do you feel about the Serbian capital today?
– Belgrade, when I visited it for the first time in the summer of 1984, was the capital of the former Yugoslavia. Then, as a young Japanese diplomat, I was impressed by the magnificent landscape, green hills and fortress at the place where the Sava River flows into the Danube. I still remember the cordial hospitality of the people. As you can imagine, I am happy and satisfied to be here again, but now as the ambassador of Japan. Honestly, my first impressions, after so many years, are that this city and its people have not changed at all. Of course, Belgrade now looks far more modern, but there are still remnants of rich domestic culture, such as the famous “cafe”, modern art and historical heritage. The people of Belgrade are still very cordial and kind. Serbian culinary culture is something that attracts me and it is a pity that due to the measures related to Covid, I have not yet been able to try the famous specialties in local restaurants, Novosti reports.