Swiss–Serbian Chamber of Commerce Marks 110 Years of Swiss–Serbian Diplomatic Relations and the Anniversaries of Roche, Nestlé and Ringier at Kopaonik

Swiss companies reaffirm their long-term commitment to Serbia with a clear focus on quality, innovation and sustainable growth.

Kopaonik, 2 March 2026 – Within the framework of the Kopaonik Business Forum, the Swiss–Serbian Chamber of Commerce hosted the reception “Swiss Way”, bringing together representatives of Swiss companies, members of the diplomatic corps and the business community, with a special focus on the anniversaries of three distinguished Chamber members – Roche, Nestlé and Ringier.

The event highlighted the celebration of 110 years of Swiss–Serbian diplomatic relations, as well as important anniversaries of companies that have been operating in Serbia for decades and contributing to its economic development.

The Ambassador of Switzerland to Serbia, H.E. Anne Lugon-Moulin, emphasized that economic ties between Serbia and Switzerland are exceptionally strong and reflected in the presence of more than 600 Swiss companies operating in the Serbian market.

“The year 2026 marks not only 110 years of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Serbia, but also three major anniversaries of Swiss companies. It is a particular pleasure to celebrate these important milestones together with the Swiss–Serbian Chamber of Commerce here at the Kopaonik Business Forum,” said Ambassador H.E. Anne Lugon-Moulin.

This year, Roche celebrates 35 years of operations in Serbia, reaffirming its continuous commitment to innovation and the advancement of the healthcare system. On this occasion, Ana Govedarica, President of the Chamber’s Board and General Manager of Roche Serbia, highlighted the importance of long-term presence and partnerships in the healthcare sector.

“Swiss companies in Serbia represent an example of responsible and sustainable business practices, and through the Chamber we strive to present and promote these values,” said Ana Govedarica.

“The Swiss–Serbian Chamber of Commerce is one of the youngest chambers in the region, yet its importance continues to grow day by day, especially in light of the times ahead. We are particularly proud that this year we celebrate a major milestone – 110 years of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Serbia.

Although our Chamber currently has between 70 and 80 members, data shows that around 500 Swiss companies operate in Serbia. Therefore, this is the right moment to invite other companies, including those from the banking sector, to join us and become members. Our goal is to build stronger and more sustainable bridges between Switzerland and Serbia.

While we live in the 21st century where technology brings rapid change, business should not be conducted ad hoc. Instead, it requires strong leadership and strategic planning. Our main objective as a Chamber is to actively support Serbia’s economy while transferring the best Swiss practices and standards of quality to our local environment,” Govedarica added.

Ringier, a leading Swiss media group present in 19 markets, marks 30 years of operations in Serbia this year. With a tradition spanning more than 190 years, the company continues to invest in digital development, innovation and modern solutions, contributing to the growth and strengthening of the local media market. As a member of the Swiss–Serbian Chamber of Commerce, Ringier’s long-standing presence further demonstrates the importance of Swiss investment and its role in strengthening economic ties between Serbia and Switzerland.

“This anniversary confirms our long-term commitment to the Serbian market and encourages us to continue developing our business through artificial intelligence, technological innovation and new opportunities for growth,” said Jelena Drakulić Petrović, CEO of Ringier Serbia and Member of the Board of the Swiss–Serbian Chamber of Commerce.

“Last year we celebrated 20 years of Nestlé operations in Serbia, and since the establishment of the Chamber we have maintained strong cooperation with the Swiss–Serbian Chamber of Commerce. Although Nestlé is a local player with domestic production and management, cooperation with our base in Switzerland remains extremely important in improving regulation and the overall business environment. Product quality and sustainable development are values that connect Serbia and Switzerland, and the Chamber is our ally in that mission,” said Marjana Davidović, CEO of Nestlé Serbia, Montenegro and North Macedonia.

Jelena Sadler, Executive Director of the Swiss–Serbian Chamber of Commerce, emphasized that the Chamber is entering a new phase of strengthening business relations between the two countries.

“These anniversaries are not only symbols of longevity but also indicators of trust and stability. Our goal is to further strengthen Swiss–Serbian business relations and create space for new investments and strategic partnerships,” said Sadler.

The reception in Kopaonik once again confirmed that Swiss companies remain among the most stable and long-term investors in Serbia, with a clear focus on quality, innovation and sustainable growth.

News sources:

Kurir:

https://biznis.kurir.rs/info-biz/9929570/na-kopaoniku-obelezeno-110-godina-diplomatskih-odnosa-srbije-i-svajcarske

Blic:

https://www.blic.rs/biznis/vesti/svajcarsko-srpska-trgovinska-komora-na-kopaoniku-obelezila-110-godina-svajcarsko/d0lg3qp

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Bloomberg Adria:

https://rs.bloombergadria.com/biznis/kompanije/98433/svajcarske-investicije-u-srbiji-medu-vodecim-sta-firme-

Telegraf:

https://biznis.telegraf.rs/info-biz/4281653-svajcarsko-srpska-trgovinska-komora-na-kopaoniku-obelezila-110-godina-svajcarsko-srpskih-diplomatskih-odnosa

Nin:

https://www.nin.rs/ekonomija/vesti/105800/svajcarsko-srpska-trgovinska-komora-obelezila-110-godina-diplomatskih-odnosa

Diplomacy and Commerce:

https://www.diplomacyandcommerce.rs/swiss-way-brunch-at-the-kopaonik-business-forum-110-years-of-diplomatic-relations-between-serbia-and-switzerland/

Blic TV:

Link YT: https://youtu.be/v6nCqukfMZE