Vienna, 4 March 2025 – Reaffirming its commitment to industrial transformation and regional integration in the Western Balkans, UNIDO convened a meeting with representatives of the Permanent Missions to introduce two new regional projects covering Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia. Supported by the Government of Slovenia, the Slovene Enterprise Fund and the Government of Cyprus, these two initiatives focus on green and digital transformation while strengthening capacity-building efforts. The aim is to equip the region’s workforce and industries with skills and tools required in a rapidly evolving industrial landscape. 

With a longstanding presence in the Western Balkans, UNIDO addresses national development priorities while strengthening the region’s industrial capacities. UNIDO’s approach emphasizes coordinated regional interventions that align with the Western Balkan countries' aspirations to deepen their integration into European markets and strengthen their global competitiveness. 

Delivering welcoming remarks, Fatou Haidara, Deputy to the Director General and Managing Director of the Directorate of Global Partnerships and External Relations, said: " Regional cooperation plays a critical role in addressing shared challenges and unlocking new opportunities. European Union member countries are well-positioned to share their transitional experiences and lessons learned. In line with its regional approach, UNIDO has been facilitating this exchange and will continue creating mutually beneficial linkages in the region. " 

UNIDO’s lasting cooperation with Slovenian counterparts is based on an innovative partnership model, fostering the engagement of the private sector, investment promotion and stronger business linkages in the region and beyond. This model is now being scaled up with the engagement of new development partners in the EU and was broadly promoted at the second regional conference held in June 2024. 

Melita Župevc, Permanent Representative of Slovenia to UNIDO, stated: ''Slovenia enjoys a long-standing, mutually reinforcing partnership with UNIDO. We see UNIDO as an important partner for the implementation of our international development cooperation. In our collaboration, we particularly value the focus on transfer of knowledge and technology to support economic competitiveness, innovation ecosystem building and environmental protection.'' 

One of the new projects presented focuses on strengthening supply chain resilience, enhancing quality infrastructure services, and supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in meeting EU manufacturing standards in the automotive industry. By integrating regional suppliers into European value chains, the project aims to boost competitiveness and facilitate the sector’s adaptation to EU regulations. 

The second project builds on the success of the newly completed project in Serbia implemented by UNIDO with funding from the Government of Slovenia, which established the Smart Manufacturing Innovation Centre (SMIC). Now, SMIC will be expanded into a regional hub for digital transformation in the manufacturing sector, providing SMEs in the region with access to cutting-edge technologies, supporting policy harmonization and strengthening connectivity with the EU’s technological and industrial landscape.  

Andreas Ignatiou, Permanent Representative of Cyprus to UNIDO, emphasized: ''Our involvement in the new UNIDO project, also supported by Slovenia, a fellow EU member state, capitalizes on our country's priorities and enhances common impact. It further represents an important step in strengthening our cooperation with UNIDO, promoting coordinated EU efforts in the Western Balkans, and, especially, in our close partner country Serbia.'' 

UNIDO remains committed to advancing sustainable industrial development in the Western Balkans. By fostering innovation, enhancing SMEs competitiveness and promoting regional cooperation, UNIDO continues to play a pivotal role in shaping a more sustainable, resilient and integrated industrial future for the region. 

For more information, please contact:

Solomiya Omelyan

Chief of the Regional Bureau for Europe and Central Asia

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