Ohio Signs Memorandum of Understanding with Serbian Organization

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Development is looking to strengthen economic and trade relations between the state and the European country of Serbia.

Lydia Mihalik, director of the ODD, signed a memorandum of understanding with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia on Sept. 7.

“Through this agreement, Ohio and Serbia forge a powerful partnership, united by the shared vision of driving economic growth and prosperity,” Mihalik said. “This collaborative commitment paves the way for innovation, trade and mutual benefit as we harness the strength of our regions to create a vibrant and prosperous future.”  

The memorandum of understanding was signed by Mihalik and Mihailo Vesović, CCIS director of division for Strategic Analyses, Services and Internationalization, at an event in Serbia. 

“This is an exceptionally important day for bilateral and economic U.S.-Serbia relations,” Vesović said. “By signing the memorandum between the chamber and the Ohio Department of Development, we are extending the existing cooperation between the two countries to the civil sector, and this is an important message for American businesspeople and investors, as well as for Serbian businesspeople.”

In 2019, Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabić led a delegation to Columbus, Ohio, to meet with a group of state leaders that included Gov. Mike DeWine to discuss a list of topics that included economic development. 

Pictured at top: Lydia Mihalik, right, director of the Ohio Department of Development, meets with Serbian Finance Minister Siniša Mali. (Ohio Department of Development)

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.