The agribusiness sector as a regional export opportunity: evidence for the Vojvodina region

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to determine if the agribusiness sector can be an initiator of export on the emerging markets. For this aim, we analyzed export opportunities for the region of Vojvodina, the region in Serbia with the most potential for agribusiness.Design/methodology/approachThis paper uses the Comparative Advantage Index and the Index of Intra-industrial Integration to determine the region's level of comparative advantage and the market's level of integration on the main emerging markets.FindingsThe results show that this region has the most competitive advantages in crop production – primarily in cereals and industrial plants – but the situation is not favorable for livestock production. Because of this, comparative advantage should be used as a factor for the growth of competitiveness in the sectors for which crop products are the raw material base. At the same time, agricultural policy measures should encourage more intensive agricultural production, which could create a better foundation for progress in the food industry.Research limitations/implicationsData collected on foreign trade at the level of statistical regions is not always reliable. Also, regional and local characteristics are specific to each country, so the ability to generalize conclusions is limited.Practical implicationsThis paper provides a useful review of the agri-food sector's competitiveness and determines which agri-food segments have competitive advantages. It is essential for policymakers to identify what determinants improve or degrade the competitiveness of the region's agri-food sector.Originality/valueSince there are a limited number of studies analyzing trends of competitiveness for the region's agri-food sector, the paper will contribute to filling this gap. Furthermore, the framework is conceptually innovative in identifying the determinants that create export opportunities for the region on the international market.

Is a Food Shortage Coming to the Western Balkans?

“…However, the region as a whole can fulfill its population’s feed demand. The greatest merit for ensuring food security belongs to Serbia, which is the only net exporter of agricultural goods in the region [ 67 , 68 ]. Although there is a need to increase the productivity of the Serbian agri-food sector by increasing the participation of high-value food in the total export [ 69 ], Serbia so far successfully plays the role of the region’s key supplier.…”

Towards an analysis of the determinants of exports in Brazil: the perspective of exporting companies

“…Some specific sectors can have a more significant impact on export levels than others. For example, the agribusiness sector is essential for exports in developing countries (Matkovski et al , 2021). Works like those by Szczepaniak (2018) in Poland or by Sachitra and Chong (2018) in Sri Lanka have testified to this importance.…”

Agri-Food Trade Competitiveness: A Review of the Literature

“…They highlighted that the sector's performance depends on its ability to respond to the demand of these foreign markets, especially in terms of product security and quality. Based on Matkovski et al's study [47], the export of cereals is particularly important in the Vojvodina region. They also added that there is a lower competitive pressure, i.e., quality and quantity, on the CEFTA markets that also makes them important.…”