- A legal basis strengthened for protecting Korean companies’ investments in Serbia -

The “Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Korea and the Government of the Republic of Serbia for the Promotion and Protection of Investments” was brought into effect on Saturday, June 6, 2026. This came as the two countries completed their necessary domestic procedures after signing the Agreement on September 8, 2023. As a result, the Republic of Korea now has a total of 85 bilateral investment treaties in force.

※The Republic of Korea’s Bilateral Investment Treaties (as of June 2026): 101 signed, 85 in force.

Serbia has geographical advantages as a major production base located in the middle of the Balkan Peninsula and as a link between Europe and the Middle East. This newly effectuated Agreement is therefore expected to help further strengthen economic and trade cooperation between Korea and Serbia, enhance the stability of Korean companies’ investments, and expand opportunities for Korean companies to enter Serbia and the broader Balkan region in promising sectors such as automotive parts and energy.

※ Korea-Serbia Trade and Investment Statistics (2025, Korea International Trade Association, Export-Import Bank of Korea)

    - Bilateral Trade Volume (in 2025): USD287 million (Korea’s exports: USD177 million / Korea’s imports: USD110 million)

    - Cumulative Investment (As of 2025): Korea→Serbia: USD49.6 million / Serbia→Korea: USD200,000

In particular, the Agreement is significant as an international legal framework for the protection of Korean investors operating in Serbia, as it provides for, among others, national treatment and most-favored-nation treatment for investments; requirements and compensation standards in the event of expropriation; and investor-state dispute settlement mechanisms.

The government of the Republic of Korea will continue to promote the conclusion and revision of bilateral investment treaties in order to protect overseas investments by Korean nationals and companies and create a stable environment for such investment.