The event combined business presentations, a panel discussion and targeted B2B meetings, enabling participants to establish contacts, exchange ideas and explore potential partnerships linked to the international exhibition. It highlighted how EXPO 2027 can build on the strong economic ties between Croatia and Serbia to generate new business opportunities across the region.
Igor Kovačević, Chief Operations Officer (COO) and Director of the International Participants Department at EXPO 2027, highlighted Zagreb’s strategic role in connecting the European Single Market with Serbia and the wider Western Balkans. He noted that EXPO 2027 aims to strengthen these connections by creating a meeting point between the region and the wider European and global economy.
Turning networking into business opportunities
The programme focused on translating the momentum surrounding EXPO 2027 into commercial opportunities. During the panel discussion, “Opportunities and Impact of EXPO 2027”, participants examined the exhibition’s potential to attract visitors, stimulate tourism and generate new business for regional companies.
A dedicated B2B speed-networking session, “Hospitality and Tourism: Business Opportunities during EXPO 2027”, gave participants an opportunity to discuss concrete projects, explore potential partnerships and identify ways to benefit from the anticipated demand generated by the 93-day exhibition.
The programme also included a press conference and an EXPO 2027 promotional video, followed by a Panel Discussion and Networking that provided further opportunities for professional exchange.
Building on strong economic ties
The Zagreb event built on the established economic relationship between Croatia and Serbia. According to the Croatian Chamber of Economy, bilateral trade in goods between the two countries reached nearly EUR 1.9 billion in 2025, providing a strong foundation for further cooperation. Beyond trade, the Chamber identified opportunities to deepen ties in tourism, transport, energy, IT, construction and agriculture. EXPO 2027 offers a platform to develop new business connections across these sectors.
