China has intensified its presence in the Balkans, especially in Serbia, since the beginning of the year. Serbia is a strategic target as its position is very important in transport infrastructure in Southeast Europe.
The next year Poland will host an important event — the EU-Western Balkan summit. The goal is to provide some solutions to existing socio-economic problems and to further strengthen cooperation between Balkan states.
The Serbian Minister of Commerce, Tourism and Telecommunications, Rasim Ljajić predicts that the 40 per cent fall of value of the TRY cannot be without consequences for Serbia and will have its effect on prospective investors.
In 2015, the Serbian government adopted the National Program for Suppression of the Shadow Economy, which may be one of the largest in Europe.
The Chinese investments in Serbia show considerable Chinese interest. Despite a limited number of investments it is likely that new ones will come, especially in the infrastructure, as a part of the Chinese One Belt, One Road Initiative.
Interest in Serbia’s automotive industry is increasing, with German companies leading the way. According to research carried out by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, the automotive industry accounts for over 10 per cent of Serbian exports.
The Eastern European consulting market saw a solid year of growth in 2017, with every major country in the region — Poland, Romania, Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia — expanding faster than the year before.
Could the financial turmoil afflicting Turkey slow the country’s investments in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, Albania and Kosovo? Some in the region believe so.
Serbia's gross domestic product will accelerate to 4 per cent in 2018 but if Serbia wants to catch up with other countries in the region and Europe, a constant growth of 5% and more is needed.
In 2017, the value of fixed capital formation in the EU member states increased by EUR123bn y/y. In Poland, it was EUR5.5bn higher y/y, but its share in relation to GDP decreased to the lowest level in 20 years.