Zagreb and Belgrade forge regional ties ahead of EXPO 2027

Igor Kovačević, COO of EXPO 2027, positioned Zagreb as a vital bridge between the European Single Market and the regional economy. During the event, participants moved beyond general discussions into targeted B2B speed-networking sessions, focusing on concrete partnerships in hospitality, transport, and energy sectors. The Croatian Chamber of Economy identified these areas as primary growth engines, alongside existing robust trade in IT, construction, and agriculture.

Scheduled for May through August 2027, the Belgrade exhibition expects to draw four million visitors under the theme "Play for Humanity: Sport and Music for All." By hosting 140 international participants, the organizers intend to move past traditional trade dynamics, creating a permanent meeting point for local firms to plug into global supply chains. The Zagreb gathering served as a functional roadmap for these businesses to align their regional operations before the global stage opens in Belgrade.