The evening opened with welcoming remarks from Aleksandar Milojević, co-founder of the Villa Dedinje Business Lounge concept, who greeted attendees and invited them to enjoy an evening of networking and conversation in the unique setting of the villa garden.

A special note of gratitude goes out to Her Excellency Michelle Cameron, Ambassador of Canada to Serbia. In her address, Ambassador Cameron emphasized the importance of the newly introduced direct flight between Belgrade and Toronto, highlighting its potential to further strengthen economic, business, and people-to-people connections between the two countries. Her continued support, together with that of the Embassy of Canada in Serbia, contributes significantly to fostering closer bilateral relations and supporting initiatives that bring the Canadian and Serbian business communities together.

Also, a special thank you goes to Air Serbia, and Mr. Željko Stojčić, Head of Trade, Corporate and Charter Sales, who also addressed the guests, highlighting the successful partnership between Air Serbia and CANSEE and emphasizing the importance of strengthening connectivity between Serbia and international markets.

Mirjana Dončić, Managing Director of CANSEE, welcomed guests on behalf of the association and presented special recognition awards to three long-standing members for their outstanding dedication, active participation and valuable contribution to CANSEE: Contango d.o.o, DPM Avala and RB Global/Stara Sokolova.

Ms. Dončić also expressed sincere thanks to the sponsors whose support helped make the event possible: DPM Avala, Envico, Unija ETL Accounting, MVJ Law Office, Cargo-partner, Walk Legal, Semos Education, Enel PS, Façade Engineering, Mijatović & Providžalo Law Office, Apatinska Brewery, and Stara Sokolova.

The CANSEE Salmon Business Dinner continues to serve as a valued gathering of the Canadian-Serbian business community, providing an opportunity to celebrate shared successes, strengthen professional relationships, and look toward future collaboration between the two countries.

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Developed by Ivey Business School at Western University in Ontario and implemented in Serbia through CANSEE, The LEADER Project continues to empower the next generation of Serbian entrepreneurs by providing practical learning opportunities, mentorship, and valuable international perspectives.

The program officially opened on May 4, marking the beginning of an inspiring journey for this year’s participants. Throughout the following two weeks, participants engaged in workshops, discussions, and educational visits designed to strengthen their entrepreneurial mindset and leadership capabilities while encouraging collaboration, creativity, and innovation.

On May 6, participants visited the Intellectual Property Office of the Republic of Serbia, where they gained valuable insights into the importance of intellectual property protection for entrepreneurs and innovators. Through discussions with experts, they learned about trademarks, patents, copyrights, and the role intellectual property plays in transforming innovative ideas into sustainable business ventures.

The following day, on May 7, participants visited NALED, one of Serbia’s leading organizations dedicated to improving the business environment and supporting economic development. The visit provided valuable perspectives on public-private cooperation, regulatory reform, and initiatives that foster entrepreneurship and innovation, helping participants better understand the broader ecosystem in which businesses operate.

On May 8, the group visited Ložionica, where they were hosted by Fabrika inovacija. During the visit, participants attended a presentation by Tadej Kurepa, who shared valuable insights into Serbia’s startup ecosystem and the opportunities available to emerging entrepreneurs. The session offered a deeper understanding of innovation, startup development, and the growing entrepreneurial landscape in Serbia.

As the program approached its conclusion, participants had the opportunity to visit the Embassy of Canada to Serbia on May 14, together with their instructors from Ivey Business School at Western University. The visit served as an opportunity to reflect on their experiences throughout the program, discuss the skills and knowledge they had acquired, and present the innovative business ideas they had been developing in preparation for the final pitch competition. The gathering highlighted the strong partnership between Canada and Serbia in supporting youth entrepreneurship and leadership development.

The program culminated on May 15 with an exciting final pitch competition, where participants presented innovative business concepts developed throughout the program. Demonstrating creativity, dedication, and entrepreneurial spirit, the teams impressed both mentors and judges with the quality of their ideas and presentations.

This year’s instructors — Stuart Morton, Evelyn Tran, Robbie Morris, and Ethan Won played a key role in guiding participants throughout the program, helping them refine their entrepreneurial skills and transform ideas into viable business concepts.

The first prize in the pitching competition was awarded to Fit Fridge, whose business concept stood out among a highly competitive field of participants. In addition, several special awards were presented to recognize outstanding individual and team contributions:

• Best Team Chemistry: HeyT Team
• Top Speaker: Milana Petković
• Top Contributor: Nikola Filipović
• Most Initiative: Milan Miljković

While the official program concluded on May 15, its impact extends far beyond the closing ceremony. The knowledge gained, connections established, and ideas developed throughout the program represent the beginning of many promising entrepreneurial journeys for this year’s participants.

CANSEE extends its sincere gratitude to all partners, supporters, and sponsors whose continued commitment makes The LEADER Project possible. Special thanks go to Ivey Business School at Western University, The LEADER Project, the Embassy of Canada to Serbia, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, NALED, the Intellectual Property Office of the Republic of Serbia, Fabrika inovacija, Apollo Graphic, DVS, and all organizations and individuals who contributed to another successful edition of the program.

As we celebrate the success of the 11th edition of The LEADER Project Serbia, we look forward to witnessing the future achievements of this remarkable group of young leaders and entrepreneurs and continuing to create opportunities that inspire innovation, leadership, and business excellence.

The post The LEADER Project Serbia 2026 Successfully Concludes Its 11th Edition – Young entrepreneurs, industry experts, and institutional partners come together to foster innovation, leadership, and business development appeared first on CANSEE.

The event, co-hosted by Ambassador Michelle Cameron and CANSEE, gathered more than 100 guests and offered an excellent opportunity to reflect on our shared achievements and future plans. During the remarks, it was highlighted that this direct route represents not only improved connectivity but also an important boost for stronger economic cooperation between the two countries.

In the welcome speeches, we heard:

• H.E. Michelle Cameron – She emphasized her expectations for even stronger economic and trade results in 2026, noting the impressive 80% growth in bilateral trade during the first eight months of the year, along with significant increases in both Serbian and Canadian exports.
• Jiří Marek, Air Serbia – He highlighted that establishing the direct route to Toronto marks a historic milestone after 34 years, significantly enhancing economic, business, and cultural ties, while also facilitating travel for the Serbian diaspora and the entire region.
• Nevena Jovanović, Ministry of Foreign Affairs – She stated that the Belgrade–Toronto direct route is an exceptional achievement that will further strengthen the ties between Serbia and Canada, rooted in long-standing friendship, solidarity, and mutual understanding.

The festive atmosphere at the Embassy of Canada provided guests with a warm setting to connect, exchange ideas, and enjoy delightful food and drinks.

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Intermark Relocation, a proud member of CANSEE Association, is an expert on relocation, immigration and moving services, operating for more than 30 years covering Central and eastern Europe, Caucasus region and central Asia. They have recently opened their office in Belgrade.

The workshop was opened by Monika Esclangon, Director for Global Relocation Services at Intermark Relocation, who warmly welcomed the guests and expressed her gratitude for their strong turnout at the workshop. She thanked the representatives from CANSEE and SPK for their collaboration on the event and acknowledged the hotel management for being such gracious hosts.

Mirjana Dončić-Beaton, CANSEE Managing Director, also welcomed the guests and spoke about Intermark Relocation’s impressive 30-year history. She expressed joy in their membership with the CANSEE association, highlighting their collaboration through one of Intermark’s employees who participated in CANSEE’s LEADER Project in 2022.

Milena Mihailović, on behalf of Slovenian Business Club, welcomed the guests and wished them a successful workshop.

Rados Djordjevic, the General Manager of Saint Ten Hotel, warmly welcomed the guests and expressed his gratitude to the organizers for selecting the hotel as the venue for this significant conference.

The dynamic and professional team of Intermark Relocation made participants familiar with the rental market, international schools offer, as well as with healthcare solutions and adaptation challenges in the first part of the workshop. The second session focused on immigration, covering topics such as the legalization of stay and work for international assignees, recent legal changes, and key regulations that are essential for successfully employing foreign assignees in Serbia.

The official part of the workshop concluded with a Q&A session and a raffle. Attendees were pleasantly surprised by Intermark’s communication style, which simplified complex legal topics and provided valuable insights from the expatriate perspective

Participants continued to network and exchange thoughts and ideas during the aperitif that concluded the event.

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The workshop was hosted at the beautiful premises of the CMS Belgrade office at Krunska street in Belgrade, featuring insights from esteemed speakers Dragana Bajić, Partner at CMS Belgrade, and Sandra Miljanić, Senior Lawyer at CMS Belgrade. Participants were welcomed with introductory remarks, setting the stage for an engaging session on the significance of the “S” in ESG.

Mr. Radivoje Petrikić, Managing Partner at CMS Belgrade, opened the event with a warm welcome, expressing gratitude to all attendees for their participation. In his speech, he highlighted the rich history of the building, noting its significance as a space that not only serves as a legal hub but also actively promotes young artists by hosting their exhibitions. This commitment to culture and community reflects CMS Belgrade’s dedication to fostering a vibrant and inclusive environment.

Ms. Mirjana Dončić-Beaton, Managing Director at the CANSEE Canadian Serbian Business Association warmly welcomed the guests, expressing appreciation for their presence and highlighting the longstanding cooperation between CANSEE and CMS Belgrade. Ms. Dončić-Beaton emphasized that CANSEE is committed to ESG principles, noting that this workshop addresses a vital topic in today’s business landscape. She also extended her gratitude to Confindustria Serbia for their partnership in this important event.

Representing Confindustria, Zorana Leđanski also addressed the audience, thanking the guests for their attendance and expressing her appreciation to CMS and CANSEE for their collaboration. She emphasized Confindustria’s commitment to ESG principles, underscoring the organization’s dedication to promoting sustainable and socially responsible business practices.

Ms. Dragana Bajić and Ms. Sandra Miljanić focused on multiple issues encompassed by the social aspect of ESG, including employment practices, data use and security, anti-discrimination regulations, and health and safety at work. The speakers emphasized that neglecting these social factors can expose companies to legal, financial, and reputational risks, particularly in a global operational landscape. Conversely, a strong commitment to these principles can enhance a company’s appeal to top talent, providing a competitive advantage in a challenging job market.

Attendees participated in an insightful discussion that included practical examples and evolving practices essential for in-house lawyers and people managers. The workshop highlighted the need for organizations to prioritize social considerations to foster a responsible and thriving workplace culture.

Following the informative session, participants enjoyed a networking cocktail on the beautiful terrace overlooking the city, providing an excellent opportunity to connect and discuss the insights gained during the workshop. This event underscored the importance of integrating ESG principles into employment strategies, paving the way for more socially responsible business practices in Serbia.

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The working breakfast with representatives of the Customs Administration of the Republic of Serbia brought together a large number of companies, members of business associations and experts in the field of logistics and transportation.

Present guests had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the process of digitization and e-customs, novelty in the transit procedure and security deposits in the customs procedure.

During the opening address, the guests were greated by:

– Danijela Fišakov, President, Slovenački poslovni klub

– Mirjana Dončić-Beaton, Managing Director, CANSEE Canadian-Serbian Business Association,

– Aleksandra Bibić Kalanj, Marketing and Events Manager, British-Serbian Chamber of Commerce

Slobodan Tomić, coordinator of joint affairs in the Customs Procedures Sector, presented the new application platform (NAP) and pointed out its importance in speeding up the process of declaring goods and reducing the need for direct contact between customs officers and importers/exporters. This platform, which relies on semi-automation and a step towards the implementation of the AIS/AES system, brings a number of benefits such as cost reduction, a more efficient procedure for declaring goods and the possibility of preparing for full automation. He also pointed out that NCTS phase 5 was implemented on January 28 of this year, and that in the previous period a series of seminars were organized with the aim of preparing the business community for the upcoming changes.

Slobodan Ilić, Head of the Group for Transit Procedures in the Sector for Customs Procedures, presented the novelties in the transit procedure, which include the improved transit system, i.e. NCTS phase 5. He explained in more detail the structure of the entry and exit summary declaration and the EORI number. He also pointed out to those present the roles of customs offices, which include, among other, the incident registration.

Ivanka Jovetić, coordinator of joint affairs in the Sector for Financial, Investment and Legal Affairs, presented the amendments to the regulation on customs procedures and customs formalities that are applied in practice. She explained the types and forms of security in the customs procedure, as well as the types of guarantees, general conditions for granting approval, methods and terms of repayment of the security.

After the presentations and Q&As, the attendees had the opportunity to discuss and exchange experiences from this field during breakfast and networking.

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