Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo speaks at a seminar in Tokyo, Japan, April 22. Courtesy of Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources

Korea and Serbia struck a comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA), which is expected to help the two nations bolster trade ties and address global economic uncertainties, the trade ministry said Friday.

Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo signed the agreement in Belgrade with his Serbian counterpart, Jagoda Lazarevic, some two years after the two countries kicked off negotiations in September 2024.

It marks the first trade agreement signed by Korea with a Balkan nation.

"The CEPA will allow Korea's key export goods, including chips, electric vehicles and auto parts, greater access to the Serbian market, which will expand trade and investment opportunities for companies in both countries," the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources said in a release.