(ANSA) - TRIESTE, AUG 24 - Greater economic integration of the Western Balkans—both within the region and with the European market—to strengthen the competitiveness of businesses. A context in which Trieste's role can foster new connections and collaborations, including with the contribution of the private sector. This was the hope expressed by Marko Čadež, President of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and David Piegazki, Secretary General of the Western Balkans 6 Chamber Investment Forum (WB6 CIF), which is based in Trieste and brings together the six Chambers of Commerce of the Western Balkans. Čadež and Piegazki visited the Executive Secretariat of the Central European Initiative (InCE) in Trieste today, where they met with Secretary General Franco Dal Mas. "Trieste has a natural calling to serve as a bridge between Central Europe and the Western Balkans. The presence in the city of InCE and WB6 CIF represents a concrete opportunity to strengthen synergies between institutions and the business community and to more effectively support the region's path toward European integration," Dal Mas stated. The visit focused on regional economic cooperation and strengthening synergies between InCE and WB6 CIF. Dal Mas emphasized the importance of connectivity—in the transportation, energy, and digital sectors, as well as between institutions and among people—as a driver of regional economic integration and a future priority of the new InCE Action Plan. This meeting is part of an ongoing collaboration in which the Serbian Chamber of Commerce and WB6 CIF have participated in InCE events, initiatives, and projects. On this occasion, several concrete opportunities for future joint activities also emerged. (ANSA).