Serbia and the UAE – New free trade and investment agreement

As part of its efforts to diversify economic partnerships and reduce dependence on the EU market, Serbia officially signed a Free Trade Agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the beginning of 2025. This Middle Eastern country, known for its rapidly growing economy, high living standards, and investment potential, represents an extremely attractive partner for Serbia.

Objectives and scope of the agreement

The agreement includes:

Elimination or reduction of tariffs on agricultural products, industrial goods, and construction materials.
Simplification of import-export procedures.
Enhancement of investment cooperation and access to UAE financial funds.

The UAE is one of the world’s largest food importers, meeting over 85% of its food demand through imports. Serbia is positioned as a supplier of fresh, healthy food—particularly fruit, meat, dairy products, and processed foods.

Business opportunities for serbian companies

Thanks to the agreement, Serbian companies will be able to:

Enter the UAE market without customs barriers.
More easily participate in tenders and public sector projects.
Establish direct connections with distributors and supermarket chains in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

There is also increased potential for:

Joint investments in the food processing industry.
Agro-industrial zones in Serbia financed by the UAE.
Knowledge exchange in digitalization and sustainable energy sectors.

Geopolitical and economic importance

This agreement also holds broader strategic significance. The UAE is one of the most economically stable countries in the world. Through this deal, Serbia gains a partner with access to Asian, African, and Gulf markets. The UAE is also already involved in several major projects in Serbia—such as the “Nikola Tesla” Airport, the “Belgrade Waterfront” development, and investments in the agricultural sector.

This agreement is more than just a trade deal—it is a platform for deepening economic cooperation, opening new markets, and attracting investments that could have a significant impact on the Serbian economy.

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