2022 FDI inflow to Serbia at record-high level, exceeds 4.1 bln euros

BELGRADE - Serbia saw a record-high level of FDI last year despite rising global uncertainties, the National Bank of Serbia (NBS) says.

"FDI inflow between the beginning of January and December 10 stood at 4.1 bln euros, so it is certain that we will have a new record for 2022," the NBS said in a statement.

According to figures released by the central bank, FDI inflow from EU member states in the first half of last year totalled 401 mln euros or 29.4 pct of the total FDI, compared to 1.762 bln euros in 2021, which accounted for 45.6 pct of the total FDI.

The NBS said that, due to an escalation of the Ukraine conflict, FDI inflow had temporarily slowed down in March and April 2022 but that the remainder of the year had made up for that and that initial projections from before the outbreak of the Ukraine conflict had even been exceeded as a result.

The most important factor that led to continued FDI inflow is, above all, the achieved and preserved macroeconomic stability, despite the negative external impacts, the central bank said.

A favourable business climate, FTAs with many countries, as well as continued investment in infrastructure development have additionally contributed to continued FDI inflow, the NBS noted.