Press Releases
Signing of the Japan-Serbia Investment Agreement
December 25, 2025
On December 24 (same day local time), the “Agreement between Japan and the Republic of Serbia for the Promotion and Protection of Investment” (Japan-Serbia Investment Agreement) was signed in Belgrade, the capital of the Republic of Serbia, by H.E. Mr. IMAMURA Akira, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Republic of Serbia and H.E. Ms. Jagoda LAZAREVIĆ, Minister of Internal and Foreign Trade of the Republic of Serbia.
- This Agreement aims to further protect and promote investment between the Contracting Parties. It stipulates the treatments accorded to investment activities and investments when an investor (e.g. an enterprise) of a Contracting Party invests in the other Contracting Party: national treatment and most-favoured-nation treatment at the post-establishment phase of investments; fair and equitable treatment; conditions for expropriation and compensation; freedom of transfers; procedures for dispute settlements.
- Serbia, which has the largest economy among the Western Balkan countries and has maintained stable economic growth, has attracted a steady flow of investment by Japanese enterprises in recent years, owing to its highly skilled workforce as well as its advantageous geographical position in close proximity to the surrounding markets, including the European single market. Furthermore, the Serbian government has been actively working on promoting foreign investment, and the conclusion of this Agreement is expected to further improve the overall bilateral investment environment and to strengthen bilateral economic relations through the development of investment environment that are beneficial to both countries.
- The Contracting Parties will notify each other, through diplomatic channels, of the completion of their respective internal procedures necessary for the entry into force of this Agreement (in case of Japan, the approval of the National Diet will be required). This Agreement will enter into force on the thirtieth day after the latter of the dates of receipt of the notifications.
