International gathering was held in New York as part of World Trade Week and Trade Month

21. May 2026.
During World Trade Week, President Donald Trump reaffirmed the importance of strong economic growth, fair and reciprocal trade, protection of national interests, and the revitalization of American industry and manufacturing.

In his official World Trade Week message, President Trump emphasized that the United States is once again positioning itself as a global leader in industry, innovation, manufacturing, and economic growth, highlighting the importance of strategic trade policies, investment, and international economic partnerships. (The White House)

It was precisely in this spirit that an important international gathering was held in New York as part of World Trade Week and Trade Month, where I had the honor to participate in my capacity as Consul General of the Republic of Serbia in New York and Vice President of the Society of Foreign Consuls in New York.

The event took place at the historic General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen, an institution founded in 1785 that for more than two centuries has symbolized entrepreneurship, knowledge, innovation, and progress in New York and the United States.

During my remarks and numerous conversations with diplomats, business leaders, investors, and institutional representatives, I emphasized that the essence of modern diplomacy lies in building bridges — bridges of trust, cooperation, investment, technology, knowledge, and human connection.

I particularly underlined that Serbia today seeks to be recognized as a reliable, forward-looking, and modern partner — a country of talent, innovation, advanced technologies, and an open economy — ready to further strengthen economic and institutional ties with the United States and the international business community.

This gathering also represented an important opportunity to reaffirm the growing importance of economic diplomacy in the modern world, as well as the active role of Serbia and our diplomatic network within global economic developments.

The symbolism of this event is even greater given that it took place in New York — the city of Nikola Tesla and one of the world’s leading centers of finance, trade, innovation, and international diplomacy.

I am proud to have had the opportunity to represent Serbia at such an important international forum and to once again demonstrate that our country has much to offer the world — knowledge, talent, ideas, partnership, and people capable of building lasting bridges of cooperation and friendship.