In the first six months of 2024, Serbia attracted €2.3 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI), with a net FDI of €2 billion after accounting for investments made by Serbian residents abroad, according to the National Bank of Serbia. Most of these investments originated from Europe, totaling €1.5 billion, with €1 billion coming specifically from the EU.
When examining the inflow, the Netherlands emerged as the largest source, contributing €528 million. This is often attributed to investors registering companies in the Netherlands to take advantage of favorable tax policies before investing in other countries. Luxembourg also played a significant role, with an inflow of €312 million. Among non-EU countries, Great Britain led with €285 million in investments, while Asia accounted for €746 million, primarily driven by Chinese investments amounting to €698 million.
A closer look at the distribution of FDI by sector reveals that mining and construction received the majority of investments during this period. Specifically, mining attracted €583 million, while construction saw inflows of €670 million, making it the top sector for FDI. The information and communications sector followed with €339 million in investments. The processing industry, which had been the largest beneficiary in previous periods, received €275 million in FDI.
Other sectors included real estate, which attracted €68 million, and financial activities, with €98 million in investments. The electricity, gas, and steam supply sector received €108.5 million. However, the wholesale and retail trade and repair of motor vehicles experienced a net outflow of €34 million, along with transport and storage, which recorded a net outflow of €84.5 million.
