South Korea and Serbia will launch official negotiations for a comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA) on Monday in Seoul amid global trade uncertainties. The first round of talks, lasting four days, will focus on 10 sectors including tariff concessions and economic cooperation.
According to South Korea's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources, South Korea and Serbia will begin the first round of CEPA negotiations on Monday, December 1, 2025, in Seoul. The talks are scheduled to last four days until Thursday, focusing on 10 sectors such as tariff concessions, customs procedures, and economic cooperation.
Son Ho-young, acting director general for free trade agreement negotiations at the ministry, stated: "Serbia is a strategic hub connecting the European Union's neighboring markets and the Balkan region, and it has recently become an important emerging partner for Korean companies in the electric vehicle, battery and renewable energy sectors." He added: "A CEPA with Serbia will greatly help enhance Korean companies' market accessibility and help Seoul mitigate its supply chain risks."
The negotiations aim to expand economic ties between the two nations, with Serbia's location offering advantages for Korean firms entering European markets. Amid global trade uncertainties, this partnership is expected to support supply chain stability and market diversification.