More than 75 percent of companies at Expo Dubai recorded business growth - will Serbian firms be able to seize the opportunities of Expo 2027 in Belgrade?
During Expo 2020 Dubai, more than 75 percent of companies experienced business growth, a clear indicator of the immense potential such events hold for Serbian firms. With the support of the state, Expo 2027 Belgrade could become a springboard for their faster entry onto the global stage and for achieving lasting international recognition, said Mark Rohan, an expert from Expo City Dubai.
Rohan has been involved in the development of Expo projects for many years and now works within Expo City Dubai, an innovation and business cluster established following the World Expo 2020. He emphasizes that the economic impact and reputational effects of such an event extend far beyond the exhibition itself. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with numerous companies that, after participating in international expos, were able to strengthen their positions in global markets.
“I see international expos as a global spotlight, an event that can transform the way the world perceives Serbia. When more than four million visitors arrive in Belgrade in 2027, they will not come only to tour the pavilions but to discover the deeper story of the country’s innovation, technology, agriculture, and creative potential,” Rohan highlighted.
He further stressed that one of the greatest values of international exhibitions is the unique opportunity for domestic companies to step before a global audience and establish strategic ties with investors and partners. “That is precisely what Expo delivers, an open gateway to global markets within just a few months,” Rohan explained, reminding that in Dubai more than three-quarters of participating companies recorded business growth.
According to Rohan, the benefits are not confined to tourism and hospitality but extend to construction and contracting companies, which gain experience applicable to other large-scale international events worldwide. He emphasized the importance of Serbian companies being present on-site, whether as sponsors or through their own pavilions, since this ensures visibility among millions of potential clients and partners.
“Expo 2027 is not only a national opportunity but also a regional one,” Rohan underlined, adding that the global attention focused on Belgrade could serve as a stimulus for the entire Balkans to present themselves jointly and strengthen their standing on the world stage. He noted that coordinated efforts in attracting investment and showcasing regional potential could bring long-term benefits to all economies in the region.
For Serbia, he said, Expo 2027 is not merely another event on the calendar but a true “turning point” that can accelerate economic development and reinforce the country’s position as an attractive investment and tourism destination. “If the opportunity is seized in the right way, Belgrade in 2027 will demonstrate that Serbia is not on the margins of global developments but is actively shaping them,” Rohan concluded.