Serbia strengthened its standing in international business-environment assessments, recording improvements across several policy areas and achieving high placements in global evaluations of its regulatory framework and business operations. The latest results point to progress in creating conditions for investment and business formation, while highlighting the importance of translating those gains into higher productivity and export growth.
According to the OECD’s 2024 Western Balkans Competitiveness Outlook, Serbia improved its performance in eight of 15 policy areas compared with the 2021 assessment. The country scored above the Western Balkans regional average in 13 policy areas, with particularly strong results in agriculture, science, technology and innovation, and employment policy.
Business Environment Receives Higher International Rankings
The World Bank’s Business Ready 2025 assessment also placed Serbia among the leading performers in several categories. Serbia ranked 18th among 101 economies for its regulatory framework and 19th for operational efficiency. The country placed fourth for business entry and ranked among the top 20 economies in four additional areas covering different stages of the corporate life cycle.
The assessments indicate improvements in business registration procedures, regulatory systems and administrative processes that can reduce the cost and complexity of establishing businesses for both domestic entrepreneurs and foreign investors.
Infrastructure and Productivity Remain Key Factors
While regulatory improvements support business creation, long-term competitiveness depends on broader operating conditions.
The ability of companies to secure reliable energy supplies, transport products efficiently, recruit appropriately skilled workers, resolve commercial disputes and compete under consistent market conditions will determine their capacity to expand, innovate and participate in international supply chains The economic impact of business-environment reforms therefore extends beyond company registration to the operating conditions that influence business growth.
European Union Remains Serbia’s Largest Trading Partner
Trade data continue to demonstrate the importance of the European Union for Serbia’s economy. In 2025, the EU accounted for 62.3% of Serbian goods exports and 55% of goods imports, providing domestic companies with access to a large market while encouraging compliance with European technical and production standards. The same level of integration also increases the exposure of Serbian manufacturers to fluctuations in industrial demand across the European Union.
Export Diversification Focuses on Higher Value Products
Broadening export markets can reduce dependence on a single region, although diversification also depends on expanding the range and value of exported goods and services. Increasing exports of specialized industrial components, software and professional services can strengthen economic resilience by reducing reliance on a limited number of high-volume products.
Serbia’s higher international rankings reflect progress in improving the business environment, while future competitiveness will increasingly depend on productivity growth, innovation, the development of domestic supplier networks and the expansion of higher-value exports. Success will ultimately be measured by the ability of businesses to grow, remain competitive and participate in international markets.
