At the 33rd Kopaonik Business Forum in Serbia, MK Group Chief Executive Officer Mihailo Janković presented a strategic vision focused on enhancing the country’s economic growth through increased investment, strengthening domestic capital, and expanding export-oriented industries. Speaking during a panel discussion on the investment climate, Janković highlighted the ongoing shifts in global capital flows and emphasized the need for Serbia to build internal economic resilience to ensure sustainable growth.
Janković reported a significant decline in foreign direct investment (FDI) both globally and within Serbia, noting that net FDI inflows had decreased from approximately EUR 4.5 billion between 2022 and 2024 to EUR 1.94 billion in the first eleven months of 2025. He stressed that in light of restricted foreign capital availability, domestic investment must become a pivotal component in maintaining economic dynamism and competitiveness.
Investment is central to MK Group’s corporate strategy, according to Janković, who announced plans for a new expansion phase involving investments ranging from EUR 1 billion to EUR 2 billion between 2026 and 2030 across key business sectors. Over the past decade, MK Group has invested more than EUR 1 billion, with the upcoming investment cycle aimed at solidifying its leading position in agribusiness, energy, and tourism within the Adria region.
A substantial portion of these investments will target renewable energy projects, aligning with sustainability goals while more than EUR 200 million is allocated to enhance agricultural operations. Additional funds will be directed toward improving the group’s hospitality services and developing premium tourism offerings, catering to both domestic and regional markets.
Janković also underscored the importance of Serbia’s export performance as a crucial element of economic strength. He noted that merchandise exports from Serbia have surged by 293% from 2010 to 2024, significantly outpacing GDP growth of 153.6% during the same period. This trend highlights the vital role that export-oriented sectors play in generating new value and expanding market reach beyond local consumption.
To stimulate increased private domestic investment, Janković called for policy reforms aimed at streamlining administrative processes and alleviating labor-related burdens. These changes are seen as essential for fostering a more predictable and competitive business environment, enabling domestic firms to scale operations and engage effectively with international markets.
His involvement in the forum—an event that gathers government officials, international investors, and business leaders—reinforces MK Group’s status as one of Serbia’s largest domestic investors and its commitment to long-term regional economic development. The company’s investment strategy is rooted in domestic capital utilization and export competitiveness, reflecting broader priorities for sustaining growth amid evolving global investment trends.
