CorD Special Edition: Austria - Partners 2017

NOVEMBER 2017

AUSTRIA

Partners

No. 4 ISSN 2560-4465

H.E. JOHANNES EIGNER, AUSTRIAN AMBASSADOR TO SERBIA: REMEMBERING HISTORY – CREATING THE FUTURE ● MARKO ČADEŽ, PRESIDENT OF THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY OF SERBIA: AUSTRIAN INVESTMENTS CONTRIBUTE TO SERBIA’S COMPETITIVENESS ● ERIKA TEOMAN-BRENNER, COMMERCIAL COUNSELLOR AT THE EMBASSY OF AUSTRIA IN BELGRADE: WE SEEK NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR COOPERATION ● DEJAN TURK, VIP MOBILE AND A1 SLOVENIJA CEO: SERBIA NEEDS INVESTORS LIKE US ● CARGO-PARTNER: A RELIABLE PARTNER FOR COMPREHENSIVE LOGISTICS SOLUTIONS ● MELANIJA PAVLOVIĆ, GENERAL MANAGER, BAUMIT SERBIA D.O.O.: TRADITION WITH A FUTURE ● JELENA KNEŽEVIĆ, CERTIFIED AUDITOR, MANAGING DIRECTOR, LEITNER LEITNER: BEPS - INTERNATIONAL TAX REFORM IMPORTANT FOR SERBIA ● ALUKÖNIGSTAHL: TRULY DIFFERENT ● THE DUAL VOCATIONAL TRAINING SYSTEM IN AUSTRIA : ADVANTAGES OF THE AUSTRIAN DUAL VOCATIONAL TRAINING SYSTEM ● LIBRARIES: AUSTRIAN LIBRARIES - SOCIAL INTEGRATIVE VEHICLE ● TOURISM: AUSTRIA’S WINTER WONDERLAND ● VIENNA BALL CULTURE: THE DANCE OF SIX STEPS

Remembering History – Creating Future

CONTENT

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WE’LL BE AS EUROPEAN AS WE’RE READY TO BE

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SEBASTIAN KURZ - AUSTRIA’S NEXT CHANCELLOR

COMMENT

AUSTRIA ELECTION

REMEMBERING HISTORY – CREATING THE FUTURE

H.E. JOHANNES EIGNER, AUSTRIAN AMBASSADOR TO SERBIA

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A RELIABLE PARTNER FOR COMPREHENSIVE LOGISTICS SOLUTIONS

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BEPS - INTERNATIONAL TAX REFORM IMPORTANT FOR SERBIA

cargo-partner

JELENA KNEŽEVIĆ, CERTIFIED AUDITOR, MANAGING DIRECTOR, LEITNER LEITNER

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THE DUAL VOCATIONAL TRAINING SYSTEM IN AUSTRIA

WE SEEK NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR COOPERATION

ERIKA TEOMAN-BRENNER, COMMERCIAL COUNSELLOR AT THE EMBASSY OF AUSTRIA IN BELGRADE

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AUSTRIAN INVESTMENTS CONTRIBUTE TO SERBIA’S COMPETITIVENESS

MARKO ČADEŽ, PRESIDENT OF THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY OF SERBIA

ADVANTAGES OF THE AUSTRIAN DUAL VOCATIONAL TRAINING SYSTEM

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AUSTRIAN LIBRARIES - SOCIAL INTEGRATIVE VEHICLE

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AUSTRIA’S WINTER WONDERLAND

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THE DANCE OF SIX STEPS

LIBRARIES

TOURISM

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SERBIA NEEDS INVESTORS LIKE US

DEJAN TURK, VIP MOBILE AND A1 SLOVENIJA CEO

ACTIVITIES

TRULY DIFFERENT ALUKÖNIGSTAHL

TRADITION WITH A FUTURE

MELANIJA PAVLOVIĆ, GENERAL MANAGER, BAUMIT SERBIA D.O.O.

CULTURE

EDITOR Ana Novčić a.novcic@aim.rs

EDITORIAL MANAGER Neda Lukić n.lukic@aim.rs

GENERAL MANAGER Ivan Novčić i.novcic@aim.rs

PHOTOS Zoran Petrović

PROJECT MANAGERS Biljana Dević b.devic@aim.rs Nataša Trifunović n.trifunovic@aim.rs Nevena Đurković n.djurkovic@aim.rs Vesna Vukajlović v.vukajlovic@aim.rs

FINANCIAL MANAGER Dragana Skrobonja d.skrobonja@aim.rs

PRINTING Rotografika d.o.o.

Segedinski put 72, Subotica, Serbia

COPY EDITOR Mark Pullen mrpeditorial@mail.com

OFFICE MANAGER Svetlana Petrović s.petrovic@aim.rs

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Maja Vidaković m.vidakovic@aim.rs

BUSINESS PARTNER AUSTRIA

DESIGNER Jasmina Laković j.lakovic@aim.rs

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VIENNA BALL

Published by: alliance international media Makenzijeva 67, 11111 Belgrade 17, PAK 126909, Serbia Phone: +(381 11) 2450 508 Fascimile: +(381 11) 2450 122 E-mail: office@aim.rs www.aim.rs

No 4 ISSN: 2560-4465 All rights reserved alliance international media 2017 THIS PUBLICATION IS FREE OF CHARGE

COMPANY REGISTER

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COMMENT

We’ll Be As European As We’re Ready To Be

Austria is one of the country’s that supports Serbia systematically on the road to EU membership. Words of encouragement weren’t lacking this time either, along with a clear message that all conditions must be fulfilled

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he recent news that European ComAfter the preparation period, the law on opportunity to ensure quality education and mission President Jean-Claude Juncker the new structuring of the chamber system dignified working conditions for school pupils, sent a Letter of Intent to the President came into force at the beginning of the year, potential employees and partnerships between of the European Parliament and the and dual education – though still without a final the sectors of education and the economy in EU Council Presidency, in which Serbia and legal solution – gained even more coverage as determining appropriate educational profiles.

Montenegro are mentioned as the Western of this school year. Both solutions, according On the side of the state, however, creating the basic prerequisites for these two Balkans’ main candidates to join the European to those directing them, represent versions experiments to succeed represents a much Union, hopes have been raised locally about adapted to Serbian needs. more enormous task. That’s because the state the possibility of membership after 2025.

Although it is, of course, still not time to is expected to create a stable macroeconomic Prominent Austrian politicians also used this evaluate the scope of such decisions, it’s not framework, to provide predictable opportunity to reiterate their message conditions for doing business and an of strong support for Serbia on this environment in which all participants path. And in these and other statements issued by the highest European will receive clear and unambiguous leaders, it is noted that something like signals that investing in their own capacities, (education, business, export, that can only happen if Serbia meets professional) pays off. all the requirements for membership, The reasons for looking towards which has been known for a long time.

Austria and other newer European Serbia has spent many years Union members, which are geographiadapting its regulations and operating cally similar in size and demographic to the standards of the European Union. Like many candidates, especially composition, are clear: countries like those weaker ones, they progress far Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary more in harmonising regulations, and and even Bulgaria, which have small far less in ensuring their application. economies and are forced to be deThe support Serbia receives in the process of harmonisation with the EU Success in the work of the chamber system and dual education or with good practises of members is based on the Austrian model, which Serbia has adopted, is wide ranging and extends from the dependent upon the extent to which domestic stakeholders will sphere of security and judicial reform be willing to apply them essentially and consistently to environmental protection and from institutional harmonisation to the pendent on import, function under the constant financing of good working models that could, too early to say that they can only be functional pressure of being magnets for investors, and of if they prove successful in the Serbian context, if underlying assumptions for that are created. having a strong, domestic, export-orientated become systemic solutions.

In the case of the new chamber organisation, economy. A good institutional framework and Among such examples, with the public, and those include, among others, three things: professional workforce represent unavoidable particularly economic circles, there are two the competence and ability of the chamber elements of success. that are inspiring in the Austrian experience: to respond to its new task of representing Whether Serbia will utilise all the opportuthe reform of the chamber system, based on the economy both in the country and abroad, nities provided depends on the country itself, the model of the Austrian system; and the especially as an ambassador of strong exports as does the responsibility for success in the introduction of dual education based on the and imposed as an equal state interlocutor in the implementation of selected Austrian models best experiences of Austria, Germany and adopting of legislation related to the economy. in Serbia’s backyard.  Switzerland.

In the case of dual education, it is primarily an

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AUSTRIA ELECTION

Sebastian Kurz - Austria's Next Chancellor Following parliamentary elections 15th October, Sebastian Kurz, serving Austrian foreign minister, is set to become the world’s youngest national leader, with his People’s Party (ÖVP) winning Austria’s snap general election

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the most direct votes of any MP in the election Since becoming foreign minister in 2013 at he People’s Party (ÖVP) won 31.6 per cent In December 2013 he became Austrian the age of 27, Kurz has become known for his of the vote in Austria’s recent general Foreign Minister. At the time of his swearingslim-fit suits, a tendency to forgo ties, open election, marking a major victory for the in, Kurz was Austria’s youngest government collars and slicked-back hair. Occasionally 31-year-old Kurz and expectations that minister since the foundation of the republic he is shown in jeans and a pressed shirt, or a the ÖVP will hold at least 62 seats. and the youngest foreign minister in the world. jacket, but never a T-shirt. He has branded not Austrian President Alexander van der Kurz was appointed acting party leader after only himself, but also his party. He changed Bellen on officially asked Kurz to form a new its former head, Reinhold Mitterlehner, stepped its official colour from black to turquoise government on 20th October. down in May 2017. He was later formally elected and referred to it as the New People’s Party, Kurz, who has been serving as the country’s party chairman, receiving 98.7% of votes at easing its transformation from a familiar part foreign minister, accepted the president’s offer, saying he was aware of the “great responsibility” that the job brought with it.

His strength is to anticipate critical questions and interpret Posting on Twitter, Kurz wrote: “I and sell his right-wing positions as common sense moderate accept this offer with determination policies. Underestimating him ahead of debates has proven to and gratitude toward the voters.” be a huge mistake Kurz was born in Vienna as the only child of Josef and Elizabeth Kurz. a party convention. The delegates approved of a coalition government to a “movement” Raised in the city district of Meidling, where he changes to the party statute, which put more shaped in his own image. still lives, in 2004 Kurz completed his obligatory power in the party leader’s hands, including the Kurz also likes to tweet (he has 253,000 military service and in 2011, after seven years of power to set party policy, appoint party ministers followers) and will engage in selfies with fans studies without obtaining a degree, he decided and name candidates to stand for election. for hours. Sports are a key part of his image: to suspend his law studies at the University of Running parliamentary elections campaign on His website has videos of him cycling, playing Vienna and pursue a political career instead. closing the borders, promising more and quicker tennis and climbing a mountain under the stars, In 2009 Kurz was elected chairman of the deportations, Kurz tirelessly emphasised that there only to arrive at the metal cross on the summit youth branch of the Austrian People’s Party. was no need to vote FPÖ. His rhetoric is less conas dawn breaks over the Alpine vista.

Between 2010 and 2011 he served as a member Kurz is undoubtedly a talented career of the Vienna City Council, where he focused on frontational and his positions seem less radical than politician. The ÖVP saw great potential in him generational fairness and ensuring pensions. In those of the FPÖ. He seeks to ban headscarves for early on. His strength is to anticipate critical April 2011 he was appointed to the newly created teachers – but not if they teach religion. He wants questions and interpret and sell his right-wing post of State Secretary for Integration (part of to close the borders to refugees, but emphasises positions as common sense moderate policies. the Interior Ministry). that Austria already has more than its fair share Underestimating him ahead of debates has In the 2013 general election, Kurz was and that refugees should not be allowed to pick proven to be a huge mistake. ■ elected as a member of parliament, winning and choose which EU country to live in.

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INTERVIEW

Remembering History – Creating The Future If the leaders of France and Germany can meet for a joint commemoration (The end of World War I), it shouldn’t seem strange for Serbia and Austria to do the same. We already showed in 2014 that it is perfectly possible to address such a seemingly controversial subject in a joint approach with our Serbian counterparts when we organised an Austrian-Serbian exhibition under the slogan “remembering history – creating the future” - Johannes Eigner

H.E. JOHANNES EIGNER,

AUSTRIAN AMBASSADOR TO SERBIA

to show loyalty and preserve that which is tangible – forests or rivers.

Now in the last year of his mandate, he enjoys the works of David Albahari, which he reads in Serbian, and announces an interesting programme at the upcoming Belgrade International Book Fair, the guest countries of which are Austria, Germany and Switzerland.

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ustrian Ambassador to Serbia H.E. Johannes Eigner believes that the joint commemoration of the centenary of the end of World War I, which Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabić has been invited to attend, is in line with the spirit of cooperation in Europe and good bilateral relations between Austria and Serbia.

Now approaching the end of his posting in Belgrade, Ambassador Eigner estimates that the statement of European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker on possible EU accession around 2025 has given Serbia a good point of orientation, but he notes that the pace of progress in membership negotiations will depend essentially on Serbia’s willingness to reform in all areas – from justice and security, via the dialogue with Pristina to environmental protection.

Having travelled throughout Serbia a lot during his time in the country, Ambassador Eigner concludes that the level of environmental pollution in some places is so great that it can be considered a sin. That is why he has urged citizens to not only view their “homeland” in the abstract, but rather

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• Your Excellency, Austria is facing extraordinary parliamentary elections.

Do you consider that the danger of populism and the radicalisation of the stance towards the EU is now reduced, given the results of recent elections in the Netherlands, France and Germany?

- My reading of the results of those elections – in as far as they are really comparable – is as follows: voters are, by and large, disenchanted with traditional parties, in particular the “grand old” ones. They want change, a different style of doing politics, but without hazardous experiments, especially regarding the European project. In my view, it was the Brexit vote in particular, and its still widely unclear consequences, that had and has a sobering effect on many who would otherwise have been inclined to believe that one might be better off without the EU. • Austria has in recent months found itself among the countries advocating for an end to Turkey’s European integration process. Why is the voice of Vienna so strong on this issue?

TURKEY

ACCESSION

BOOK FAIR

From the very beginning of this negotiating process, back in 2005, Austria had some interrogations regarding Turkey’s readiness and ability to join the Union

The actual concrete date of accession depends, of course, on the speed of fulfilling all requirements, hence on Serbia’s readiness

It is a fortunate coincidence that in my last year in Belgrade I have the chance to follow and partly also participate in Belgrade Book Fair

- From the very beginning of this negotiating process, back in 2005, Austria had some interrogations regarding Turkey’s readiness and ability to join the Union, as well as the Union’s readiness and ability to accept a country of that size and with such specificities. Those interrogations are, by the way, also clearly reflected in the negotiating framework. Developments in Turkey that have taken place since, and in particular after last year’s attempted coup, have done nothing to reduce that kind of scepticism, quite to the contrary.

worked at one point in the EU Enlargement Directorate, how do you view the EU’s announced Multi-Speed Europe reform process and how do you see the role and place of Austria in that process?

- I think it is premature to speak about an “EU announced Multi-Speed Europe reform process”. What we have right now is a series of proposals, or rather

I think it is premature to speak about an “EU announced Multi-Speed Europe reform process”. What we have right now is a series of proposals, or rather suggestions, for indeed far-reaching EU reforms, notably those put forward by President Juncker and President Macron

• For the EU, and for countries like Austria in particular, it is important to reach agreement with Turkey on border control in order to prevent an excessive influx of migrants and refugees. Does the radicalisation of relations with Turkey threaten this agreement?

- To date we have not observed that this agreement, which benefits both sides, might fall victim to the overall souring of EU-Turkey relations.

• Given that you are familiar with EU mechanisms from within, having

suggestions, for indeed far-reaching EU reforms, notably those put forward

by President Juncker and President Macron. We are in the midst of a debate about how wide and deep such reforms should go, including the issue of

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“multi-speed” approaches (or “géometrie variable”, which otherwise is not new to the EU). Austria is, of course, participating and will strive to contribute to an outcome that is more than the smallest common denominator in and for a Union that is right now rather divided on many issues.

• How should European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker’s statement that Serbia and Montenegro could become EU members around 2025 be interpreted, but also the explanation of Johannes Hahn that it could be “sooner, but also later”?

- The date mentioned by President Juncker gives, I believe, a very useful and welcome orientation, not more and not less. And judging from the reactions of Serbian officials, I have the impression that Serbia can live quite well with this tentative target. The actual concrete date of accession depends, of course, on the speed of fulfilling all requirements, hence on Serbia’s readiness, but also on factors like the ratification process required in all member states. So, Commissioner Hahn sort of stated the obvious.

• During his recent visit to Serbia, Austrian Vice-Chancellor and Federal Justice Minister Wolfgang Brandstetter invited Prime Minister Brnabić to participate in a joint ceremony between Austria and Serbia to commemorate the centenary of the end of World War I next year. This invitation will seem strange to many, given that the two countries were on opposing sides in the Great War. How do you view this proposal?

- I would say very much to the contrary – it would be strange if a hundred years later such an invitation were not possible. If the leaders of France and Germany can meet for a joint commemoration, why should something similar seem strange for Serbia and Austria? We already showed in 2014 that it is perfectly possible to address such a seemingly controversial subject in a joint approach with our Serbian counterparts when we organised an Austrian-Serbian exhibition under the slogan “remembering history – creating the future” .

• You have noted on several occasions that it is very important for Serbia’s advancement in EU membership negotiations that progress is made in the areas of justice, civil liberties and security, which relate to chapters 23 and 24 in the accession negotiations. How do you see the current state of affairs in these areas?

- There is undoubtedly a consciousness, by and large, of the importance those two chapters have for successfully concluding the accession negotiations and, even more importantly, for a successfulandlastingtransformationofthestate and the society. Does the same clear determina-

I still enjoy reading, currently works by David Albahari, but since my term here is slowly coming to an end, I have unfortunately no more opportunity to devote myself to another translation. But I am very grateful that I was in a position not only to consume Serbian literature in its original form tion apply for essential and often far-reaching legal and institutional changes and their unreserved implementation? The answer is a mixed one, considering both the complexity of the task and the inertia of the system.

• When it comes to Serbia’s obligations, the normalisation of relations with Kosovo is still considered crucial. What do you expect of the socalled ‘internal dialogue’ called for by President Vučić?

- We have yet to see the materialisation of this announced dialogue, but I fully agree with the way Foreign minister Ivica Dačić described this challenge, namely as “our test of maturity” (“naš ispit zrelosti”). It is a test for the senses of reality and compromise, which are much needed both in Serbia and Kosovo in order to attain the kind of normalisation required for either side to successfully conclude its European journey.

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• As someone who enjoys travelling around Serbia, you have stated that you are bothered by the high level of environmental pollution.

Do you believe the EU accession process can change the image of Serbia as a country that fails to take care where waste is dumped, which you even called “a sin” in one interview?

- The EU accession process will certainly require placing much more emphasis on the protection of the environment and will help to create the necessary legal, institutional and financial framework to do that. But I sincerely believe that only Serbia itself can change that image, or rather, only a different mind-set of everyone will change that image: that one doesn’t live in an abstract “homeland” that one is very proud of, but rather in a tangible country with landscapes, woods and rivers, whose beauty is worthy of being cherished.

• Considering that you are a lover of literature, the upcoming Belgrade Book Fair will certainly be a real treat for you - particularly given that this year Austria is a joint guest of honour country, along with Germany and Switzerland. What are you preparing for the fair?

- It is a fortunate coincidence that in my last year in Belgrade I have the chance to follow and partly also participate in this outstanding event. We have, together with our colleagues from Germany and Switzerland, prepared a rich and multi-faceted programme for old and young, for “professionals” and for “amateurs”. We want this book fair to be, as you said, a treat for everybody!

• You read Serbian literature in Cyrillic and have even translated the work of NIN Award-winner Filip David into German. What are you working on currently?

- I still enjoy reading, currently works by David Albahari, but since my term here is slowly coming to an end, I have unfortunately no more opportunity to devote myself to another translation. But I am very grateful that I was in a position not only to consume Serbian literature in its original form, but also to transfer an outstanding work of this literature to German-speaking readers. ■

INTERVIEW

Austrian Investments Contribute To Serbia’s Competitiveness Austria tops the list of countries whose companies invest in Serbia: it ranks first in terms of total foreign direct investment, which totalled three billion euros in the last decade and a half, and third in terms of the number of projects implemented. Around 500 Austrian companies that operate here provide a large contribution to the growth of Serbian exports, which last year recorded a record level of almost 340 million euros

MARKO ČADEŽ,

PRESIDENT OF THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY OF SERBIA

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e discussed economic cooperation between Serbia and Austria with Marko Čadež, president of the Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Serbia.

• How much have Austrian companies invested in Serbia in recent years?

- From 2010 to year’s end 2016, according to the official statistics of the National Bank of Serbia, Austrian companies invested almost 1.7 billion euros in the Serbian economy, through initial investments from the source country and during the course of operations on our market, which ranks Austria second on the list of the largest investor countries during that period. In 2016 alone, the NBS recorded Austrian investments of 257.9 million euros, while in the first half of this year there has been another 39.6 million euros of Austrian investments.

• What are the main characteristics of these investments in terms of sectors and geographical distribution?

- The structure of Austrian investments in Serbia is quite diverse according to all parameters. Viewed in terms of sectors, the most has been invested to date in telecommunications and the finance and insurance sector, followed by trade in petroleum products, real estate, the wood/furniture industry, the auto industry, agribusiness,

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transport, and, in recent years, logistics and tourism (projects of the Soravia Group, Falkensteiner, GebruderWeiss, Immofinanz etc.).

Austrian investments first arrived in banking and insurance, not only because of the profitability of the sector, but also as a logical precursor to other investors. Following banks, insurance companies, telecommunication operators and construction companies, investments then came in production. Today such companies include Rauch, Knauf, Tondach, Kronospan, Swarovski, Gierlinger, Agrana etc. While Gierlinger is expanding its operations in Sremska Mitrovica, company Vossloh Kiepe has arrived in Novi Sad and announced that it will launch production of air conditioners for the rail sector, intended primarily for export, while the Zumtobel Group, a world-renowned manufacturer of the most modern LED lighting, will invest around 30 million euros in Niš.

The list of individual Austrian investments includes investments worth hundreds of millions of euros (i.e., the total investments of Mobilkom Austria – initially and during the course of operations – are approaching a billion euros, according to company data) to investments in dozens of SMEs worth several hundred thousand euros. Austrian companies have participated in privatisations, joint ventures and both greenfield and brownfield investments. Viewed geographically, the largest Austrian investments are concentrated along transport cor-

ridors – mostly in Belgrade, Novi Sad and the surrounding area, while there are also Austrian investments in Kanjiža, Lapovo, Leskovac etc.

The Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Serbia, via specially created support tools, helps exporters to strengthen their capacities, produce and export more products, adopt the necessary standards, connect with potential partners – investors and customers abroad, but also to include themselves in the production and supply chains of large systems. Our companies will participate in a business forum in Austria at the end of November. Apart from forums and bilateral meetings at which they receive the opportunity to establish contacts with dozens of foreign companies in one day, the CCIS has also developed a special service - organising days of suppliers for multinational companies that represent an opportunity for our companies to present their operational capacities and references, while enabling foreign corporations to access the highest quality suppliers. For example, the Zumtobel Group’s decision to invest in

• How much do Austrian companies operating in our country contribute to the growth of GDP and exports?

- Austrian companies account for a significant part of the trade exchange between the two countries, which exceeded 867 million euros last year, and feature on the lists of the largest exporters from Serbia and the largest importers from Austria. Around 500 Austrian companies operating here provide a major contribution to the growth of Serbian exports, which last year recorded a record level of almost 340 million euros. The highest level has so far also been recorded by imports – at 528 million euros – which is why Serbia continues to be burdened by a trade deficit.

Serbia sells industrial products to Austria the most, which account for almost 85 per cent of our exports. The biggest exporter among Austrian companies is Swarovski, We are interested in having more Austrian investments in production sectors – metal, food, the auto industry, followed by Motoren Werke (today a member the ATB Group) and Eaton Electric, while Henkel is also highly ranked. the furniture industry – in the coming period, which

would contribute to increasing the exchange between the two economies and our exports

• How capable are Serbian companies to become suppliers of Austrian partners and can you identify some good examples or trends?

- Thera are both investors and buyers of our products in Serbian companies – producers have reliable suppliers and partners. Alongside all other advantages, Serbia as a destination for doing business and investing has another great plus – a base of secure suppliers.

Our companies have an industrial tradition and knowhow, are flexible, ready to learn, able to satisfy the requirements of the markets of developed countries, to respect the sought quality, processes and deadlines, and to deliver high-quality goods and services on time and at competitive prices. Their inclusion in the supply chains of large systems, whether Austrian or other multinational companies, not only creates channels for them to sell their products, but also creates new opportunities for them to raise their capacities, develop and continuously improve the quality of products and processes, in order to maintain these arrangements.

Niš was preceded by a supplier day event at the CCIS, at which this Austrian company convinced itself that local metal and plastic processing companies are capable of being included in its supply chain.

• Where do you see possibilities to further improve our economic cooperation?

- In talks to date, Austrian business leaders have shown particular interest in expanding their operations in the fields of infrastructure, industry, energy, especially renewable energy sources, as well as in the implementation of ecological projects related to the collection, processing and recycling of municipal waste and water treatment.

We are interested in having more Austrian investments in production sectors – metal, food, the auto industry, the furniture industry – in the coming period, which would contribute to increas-

The company Durst d.o.o. real estate development was founded in Belgrade in year 2002, by an Investment group from Vienna/Austria.

Durst d.o.o. is the developer and the owner of state-of-art office building Atrium Belgrade offices in Boulevard Mihajla Pupina 165G New Belgrade.

The building was built and opened for tenants in 2005, and, for the past 12 years, was a host place for numerous distinguished companies.

Atrium Belgrade offices is an extraordinary A-Class office building in the heart of New Belgrade, with a modern and introverted design concept, and reflects the highest European standards applied in office space organization, use of materials, technologies and design: it’s multifunctional, flexible and modular, easy to navigate, space efficient and comfortable.

Recently, the Atrium Belgrade offices has been awarded with a LEED Gold certificate for implementing practical and measurable strategies and solutions in energy efficiency and indoor environmental quality. Raising the bar, the building has officially scored 65 points, which is the highest rating ever achieved in Serbia for existing buildings.

For further information on the building as well as leasing possibilities visit www.atrium.rs

ing the exchange between the two economies and our exports. To date, there has been insufficient utilisation of opportunities for investment in agriculture and cooperation, through the transfer of Austrian knowledge and technologies, in the production and processing of food, especially organic production, where Austrian experiences and development models would be invaluable to us.

We see great potential for improving our economic relations in the services sector: through investments in tourism, especially spa tourism, engaging our construction companies on jobs in Austria, which would also create room for increased sales of construction

the fact that they are not the product of some theoretical, officebased or institutional analysis, but rather that they come from practise, from businesspeople who live with and apply regulations on the ground, in their companies and factories, at tax counters, customs offices etc. who are confronted by very specific problems that hamper their operations. They gain additional strength due to the fact that they were collected and coordinated through a system of 17 regional parliaments in which business leaders themselves for their representatives were selected by the owners and managers of about 800 companies, and through the system of 19 CCIS associations and 136 groups within which more than 1,600 companies are active on a daily basis.

Through improved dialogue between the economy and the state, the government has shown not only that it is ready to hear the voice of the economy, but also to appreciate it, while business leaders are encouraged by the fact that they have someone to address, and the Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Serbia – as a business association representing all businesspeople and entrepreneurs – has, through its own reform, built mechanisms and instruments for representing and supporting the economy, and has demonstrated the purpose of its existence in the best possible way.

In less than a year, more precisely since December 2016, in cooperation with the government, competent ministries and other state institutions, as many as 25 economic initiatives have been realised, sent through quarterly analyses and resolved issues of interest to the daily operations of our members.

• What kind of results, from the perspective of entrepreneurs, has the introduction of dual education so far brought?

- The results of the initiative of the economy to introduce dual education, which the CCIS has worked on with devotion in the past two years, are best expressed in figures. Around 3,000 pupils, 60 schools, 19 educational profiles and around 200 companies from the mechanical, electrical, textile, military and wood industries, as well as transport and trade, are included in the dual education pilot projects that we implement with the great support of Austria, Germany and Switzerland. According to CCIS surveys, around 1,800 companies are interested in cooperating with schools.

What is important for the further application and development of this concept is that the government forwarded a draft law on dual education to the parliament in early October, the drafting of which included the active participation of the CCIS, representing the views of businesspeople. With the adoption of this law, dual education will step out of the experimental phase, in which pilot projects are implemented, and become part of the regular education system. The Chamber of Commerce will play a significant role in its implementation, begin with its engagement in the drafting of bylaws and training trainers who will in turn train instructors from companies, with the project-based support of the Austrian Chamber of Commerce. ■

Apart from bringing capital and creating export channels, Austrian investors employ our people and engage our companies, as well as transferring their technologies, standards and business models from the developed world materials and, of course, in IT. Serbian IT companies have international experience and are capable of collaborating with their Austrian counterparts and on the world’s most complex projects, and to participate jointly on third markets.

• Are you satisfied with the partnership with the state when it comes to institutional changes and respect for the voice of the economy in selecting legislative solutions? Recently, you symbolically submitted the latest quarterly analysis of regulations to Prime Minister Ana Brnabić. What are the key changes that are being sought by businesspeople?

- The sixth quarterly analysis of the implementation of regulations of importance for the economy collected almost 60 tangible initiatives from business leaders for changes to existing regulations, the adoption of new regulations and the improvement of practises in all sectors of the economy, with the aim of relaxing and improving conditions for doing business. The quality of these initiatives is in

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CORPORATE cargo-partner

A Reliable Partner For Comprehensive Logistics Solutions Applying over 3 decades of experience in supply chain management as well as state-of-the-art technology and equipment, cargo-partner creates all-round logistics solutions

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operates a warehouse in Belgrade-Dobanovci via transport and storage, to distribution. SPOT othing is personal in business? With providing logistics and value added services on brings all supply chain partners together on one its motto “we take it personally”, intera surface of 8.000 m2, with 20,000 pallet spaces platform to ensure that the right information national transport and info-logistics and 18 loading docks, including a dock for oversized reaches the right person at the right time. provider cargo-partner opposes this cargo. The customs bonded warehouse on 2.200 In addition to air and sea freight and intestereotype. Guided by the idea that every client m2 is equipped with a rack system and a block storis special, the company provides tailor-made grated logistics solutions, cargo-partner offers solutions that create competitive benefits for road transport across Europe in cooperation with age zone. In 2018, cargo-partner plans to build an its customers. A quick overview of the comselected carriers. The Road Carrier Platform simadditional warehouse next to the existing facility.

All cargo-partner offices worldwide are pany’s investments across Europe shows that plifies this cooperation. Registered carriers that cargo-partner not only follows the needs of have provided the required accreditations and its clients, but also aims to lead the way in the documentation receive full access to all available digitalization of logistics. transport requests. This makes it easy to find Following investments into warehouses in clients and reduces empty trips to a minimum, the Slovakian town of Dunajská Streda, Hamsaving both time and money. Rather than having to keep track of paper documentation, each carburg in Germany and Ljubljana in Slovenia, cargo-partner is now building a modern logistics rier can easily access their complete transport centre near the airport in Sofia, Bulgaria. “After history online, including prices. This allows them Vienna, the new warehouse in Sofia is another to adapt their offer to current demand. important step in expanding our logistics capacities throughout Europe,” In Serbia, cargo-partner has been operating successfully explains Christina Hainbuchner, Head of for over a decade. The company operates a warehouse in Corporate Communications & MarketBelgrade-Dobanovci providing logistics and value added services ing at cargo-partner. The new logistics on a surface of 8.000 m2, with 20,000 pallet spaces and 18 centre is strategically located near loading docks, including a dock for oversized cargo Sofia Airport, with close proximity to metro and railway lines as well as simple access to the highway. The warehouse will have connected through the SPOT Visibility & Colcargo-partner is a company that operates a temperature range between +5 and + 25°C and globally, with own offices in Europe, Asia and laboration Platform. Introduced in 2000, the will be particularly suitable for oversized freight North America as well as an extensive network platform received a major upgrade in the beginand spare parts as well as valuable and customs of agents and partners around the world. At the ning of 2017 and serves as an example of how bonded goods. This investment of more than 15 same time, the company creates dedicated cargo-partner understands the demands of million euro will provide over 20 new jobs. The solutions tailored to local business and market modern business. Through SPOT, cargo-partner opening is planned for the beginning of next year. conditions as well as the specific requirements manages all transport operations and maintains In Serbia, cargo-partner has been operating of various industries. This is how the motto “we control of all essential information and comsuccessfully for over a decade. The company take it personally“ becomes reality. ■ munication – from the procurement of goods, BUSINESS PARTNER

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CORPORATE JELENA KNEŽEVIĆ, CERTIFIED AUDITOR, MANAGING DIRECTOR, LEITNER LEITNER

BEPS - International Tax Reform Important For Serbia

As part of a global company, LeitnerLeitner Serbia is devoted to aligning practises in CEE with global advisory and accounting standards and best practises in tax counselling, audit and accounting services. In that respect, LeitnerLeitner Serbia wants to bring the attention of Serbian regulators and foreign companies operating in Serbia to The Tax Treaty Related Measures

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he main goal of the Treaty is to Prevent Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS), based on three core principles: coherence, substance and transparency.

The intention of the project is to prevent tax planning that exploits gaps and non-compliance of tax regulations, in order to reduce the tax base or “artificially” shift profits to countries with more favourable tax jurisdictions, where economic activity either does not take place or takes place on a small scale.

BEPS will impact greatly Serbian legislation, but at this moment two significant changes might impact foreign companies planning an investment in Serbia.

One of the changes is to taxation on the transfer of dividends. BEPS proposes implementing a condition whereby the beneficial owner must prove that, in a certain period of time prior to dividend payment (365 days), they possess the proprietary rights on the basis of which dividends are paid.

Another proposed far-reaching change is preventing artificial avoidance of the status of a permanent establishment (PE) through commission arrangements where BEPS prescribes that there is PE when the commissioner regularly concludes agreements on behalf of a company, for providing services by that company or for transfer of ownership. It is considered that this proposition has economic justification and should therefore be accepted by Serbia. However, if adopted, it will represent a huge challenge in terms of practical application. ■

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INTERVIEW

We Seek New Opportunities For Cooperation In the coming period, we will try to focus even more on highlighting the business opportunities in Serbia, which are a result of promising macroeconomic indicators

ERIKA TEOMAN-BRENNER, COMMERCIAL COUNSELLOR AT THE EMBASSY OF AUSTRIA IN BELGRADE

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e are always seeking new possibilities to raise our cooperation to a higher level, says Erika TeomanBrenner, Commercial Counsellor at the Embassy of Austria in Belgrade, in this interview within which we discuss opportunities for, and obstacles against, more investments on the domestic market.

company, on the other hand, most often targets the domestic market and therefore looks at a completely different set of parameters.

In this case, for instance, it is really important to determine whether there is demand for that service, what the income situation of customer groups is like, what the trends in customer behaviour are etc.

In general, Austrian companies are heavily invested in Germany, as probably expected, but also in the Czech Republic, the U.S., Switzerland and Romania.

• Austria’s economic growth is expected to strengthen slightly in 2017, before expanding at the same pace in 2018. How will this impact on the interests of Austrian investors; and what are their • How does Serbia fare on the list of places where Austrian commain geographical targets? panies seek investment opportunities?

- Economic growth firstly creates optimism in the corporate world - Serbia currently ranks 24th on the list of countries where Ausand, as we all know, psychology plays an important role in the decitrian companies are invested, ahead of Belgium and behind Brazil. sion-making process when it comes to business.

However, of course, when it comes to far-reach- We consider environmental industry as one of the most ing and long-term plans, only hard facts count. promising for our companies, since Serbia is taking This means that potential investors most ofvery important steps in that direction, also in light of ten look at an entire region – for example the the EU-accession negotiations Western Balkans – in order to evaluate the investment climate. It is important to note that • What do Austrian companies operating in Serbia value the most the criteria they seek differ, of course, depending on the business in the country; and what do they see as major obstacles needcase. If the goal is to set up production in Serbia, or any other country, a potential investor from Austria takes into consideration the availing to be overcome?

- We know from our latest survey, and from our daily contacts ability of labour and its costs, infrastructure etc. A service sector

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COMMITMENT

COOPERATION

OBSTACLES

The firm commitment of the Serbian government to follow the EU accession path definitely reinforces trust and confidence among our business community

We see a lot of very successful examples of cooperation between manufacturers in Serbia and Austrian companies, mainly in the field of metallurgy

Slow and delayed payments on the part of their Serbian partners or clients are always mentioned as an obstacle to doing more business

with companies both here and in Austria, that their Serbia´s announced focus on digitalisation is a very outlook for their future business in Serbia has improved slightly since last year. They have succeeded welcome policy that will definitely introduce new in adjusting to market conditions and have adopted and innovative models of cooperation between the their business model accordingly. On a more genercompanies of our countries al level, the firm commitment of the Serbian government to follow the EU integration path definitely reinforces trust and confidence in the future among the members • How would you assess the possibilities of Serbian manufacturof our business community. ers becoming suppliers of Austrian companies?

There is still room for improvement when it comes to the - We see a lot of very successful examples of cooperation berule of law and, more specifically, transparency and the length tween manufacturers in Serbia and Austrian companies, mainof administrative and regulatory procedures. Moreover, slow ly in the field of metallurgy. Serbian companies have a long tradiand delayed payments on the part of their Serbian partners or tion in this sector and are experienced in working with foreign cliclients are always mentioned by Austrian companies as an obents. Actually, our office regularly assists Austrian companies in finding suppliers here, mainly in the sector I just mentioned. Tostacle to doing more business in Serbia.

wards that end, we also organise special business meetings, with the next one scheduled for September 2018.

• To what extent are Austrian investors interested in the potential of Serbia’s creative industry?

- This is a sector where we have not, as yet, seen much interest on the part of Austrian companies.

• Serbia is slowly tackling environmental issues, in which Austrian companies have strong expertise. To what extent do Austrian companies see this sector as promising, in terms of demand for equipment and knowhow?

- We consider this sector as one of the most promising for our companies, since Serbia is taking very important steps to improve environmental protection, and also in light of EU accession negotiations.

ing closer ties between the Austrian and Serbian business communities during the previous year?

- We had a series of meetings and events that hopefully contributed to enhancing our commercial relations. Apart from our participation in various trade fairs in Serbia, we also invite Serbian companies to trade events in Vienna, for example to MARKETPLACE AUSTRIA FOOD 2017, which is taking place now, in October, or the INTERNATIONAL MACHINERY AND PLANT ENGINEERING FORUM, to be held in Vienna at the end of November. We also hosted an interesting business conference in Vienna this spring on the environmental industry in the Western Balkans, within the framework of the Austrian Presidency of the OSCE. However, our highlight was definitely our AUSTRIA CONNECT Southeast Europe event in Belgrade – the second event in the ADVANTAGEAUSTRIA regional conference series, following last year’s event in Zagreb.

• How would you evaluate the impact of the second AUSTRIA CONNECT conference?

- It is a new concept, because we normally work within our host country´s “boundaries”. This conference offered attendees the unique opportunity to get a picture of the whole region, compare economic parameters, find out where strengths and weaknesses lie, but, more importantly, to get to know other companies active in the region and share with them experience and knowledge.

In 2018, we are planning stronger participation in trade shows and business conferences, where we would like to see more Austrian involvement, be that in the form of speakers or as experts in discussions Our companies are indeed very experienced in terms of production and engineering. I would like to mention in this context that the very first biogas plants in Serbia were installed by an Austrian company.

We support our companies in finding the right projects. We participate in important trade events, like the annual Ecofair in Belgrade, and regularly consult with state bodies and International Financial Institutions in order to ensure we are up-to-date regarding tendering processes and financing.

• What were ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA’s major activities in support-

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• What do businesses expect from the Serbian government’s announced focus on digitisation?

- Digitalisation is naturally also a very important topic in Austria, because it will rapidly change the way we are used to working. We know that internet-based businesses have much higher growth potential than other businesses. ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA, with its worldwide network of offices, sees opening up new business areas for highly innovative Austrian companies as one of its priorities. Serbia’s announced focus on digitisation is a very welcome policy that will definitely introduce new and innovative models of cooperation between companies from our countries.

• What are your priorities for 2018?

- In general, we will try to focus even more than to date on highlighting business opportunities in Serbia that come as a result of promising macroeconomic indicators, while at the same time we will continue to provide our well-proven, hands-on and individualised services to our companies. More specifically, we are planning stronger participation in trade shows and, a somewhat new approach in business conferences, where we would like to see more Austrian involvement – be that in the form of speakers or experts in discussions. Since attracting businesspeople to conferences and seminars is becoming more of a challenge, we will also offer more webinars in the future, to be able to reach a wider audience. ■

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THE DUAL VOCATIONAL TRAINING SYSTEM IN AUSTRIA

Advantages Of The Austrian Dual Vocational Training System

The Austrian apprenticeship combines practical training in a company with schoolbased training in a vocational school. The company-based training is complemented by compulsory attendance of a part-time vocational school for apprentices. This is why apprenticeship training is also referred to as "dual vocational training system" or as "dual system"

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pproximately 40% of all Austrian teenagers enter apprenticeship training directly after finishing nine years of compulsory education. Upon completion of apprenticeship training, about 40 -44% of all apprentices continue to work for the company where they were trained.

By the end of 2016, all in all about 29,400 companies trained approximately 107,000 apprentices. The percentage of female apprentices is about 35 %. The most popular apprenticeship trades among girls are retail sales person, followed by office

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clerk and hairdresser. Among male apprentices the most popular occupations are metal technician, followed by electrical engineer and car mechanic. Company-based training is regulated by the Federal Ministry of Science, Research and Economy, while pedagogical matters fall under the responsibility of the Austrian Federal Ministry of Education.

There are approximately 200 legally recognized trades where apprenticeship training can take place. Apprenticeship training lasts two to four years, though in most cases runs for three years.

Education in part-time vocational schools for apprentices may COMPANY-BASED TRAINING take on various organizational forms, either on a daily, weekly or Companies which train apprentices are obliged to provide apseasonal basis, depending on the requirements of a certain trade. prentices with the skills and know-how laid out in the job profile to ensure a uniform minimum standard of training. In the case that a THE APPRENTICESHIP-LEAVE EXAM company cannot cover the whole range of skills that is required for The contract between the employer and the apprentice ends a particular job profile , this company can use the resources of a automatically after the stipulated period of time. At the end of aptraining network. This is very useful for small companies that would prenticeship training each apprentice may decide whether or not to otherwise not be able to hire and train apprentices.

A key feature of the Austrian apprenticeship system is certainly the weight of the company-based training. It takes up the majority of the time within the training as such.

The apprentice is employed by the company on the basis of an apprenticeship training agreement.

Thus, an apprentice has got full social insurance including health, accident, retirement and unemployment insurance.

Furthermore, the apprentice is entitled to a remuneration, which is fixed in collective labour agreements and varies according to the different apprenticeship trades.

This way, they are fully integrated in a working environment which also helps them to develop their social skills and personality.

One of the major advantages of this system, both for the apThe Austrian apprenticeship system aims at providing a highly prentice as well as the company, is qualified job training that at the same time takes into account the that apprentices may be employed requirements of the industry and trade as fully qualified skilled workers right upon completion of their apprenticeship training. take the apprenticeship-leave exam. This exam tests the practical skills and qualifications relevant to his/her occupation and whether PART-TIME VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS FOR APPRENTICES he/she is able to properly perform the tasks characteristic to the Attendance of a part-time vocational school for apprentices apprenticeship trade and required by the curricula. is compulsory for apprentices who have signed an apprenticeship The apprenticeship-leave exam is divided into a practical and a training agreement with a company. theoretical part and consists of a written and an oral exam.

Attendance of a part-time vocational school for apprentices The apprenticeship-leave certificate provides the apprentice with starts with the beginning of the apprenticeship training agreement access to two different vocational careers. On the one hand, it is a and lasts until its end . prerequisite for the admission to the Master Craftsman Exam and The aim of part-time vocational schools for apprentices is to for qualification tests. On the other hand, it gives access to higher provide apprentices with the theoretical basis of the respective education, if the apprentice takes additional courses and exams. occupation, to promote and complement company-based training Role of the Austrian Chamber of Commerce and cooperation and to deepen their general knowledge.

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administration of the apprenticeship training and eventually assistance to the companies that are willing to be included in this kind of apprenticeship training.

During the implementation of the various stages of dual vocational training in Serbia , ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA in Belgrade acts as an intermediary between companies, schools, ministries and authorities.

Moreover, ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA helps to promote the idea of dual educational training in Serbia within the scope of their activities . ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA continues to contribute expert knowledge to create new profiles of dual vocational training We firmly believe that a dual education system, which combines to meet the needs of companies theoretical and practical teaching, will not only open exciting new for a skilled labor force.

with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia The Austrian Chambers of Commerce in the 9 regional provinces play an important part in this system of dual vocational training. They are involved in setting up the apprenticeship employment contracts as well as in the evaluation of the companies in terms of the standards required for training the young people. In addition, they are responsible for the organisation of the apprenticeship-leave exams.

As a result of the long-standing and excellent relations between the Federal Economic Chamber of Austria and the Serbian

job opportunities for the young , but also prepare them for the challenges of a future working environment that requires more flexibility, social skills and the willingness to continuously learn

Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and in light of the rapidly inceasing need in Serbia for qualified labour , the Serbian Chamber of Commerce, the Serbian Ministry of Education, the Federal Economic Chamber of Austria and the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) initiated 2015 a pilot project to introduce elements of dual educational training in Serbia.

Within this framework of cooperation, the Federal Economic Chamber of Austria has been available to provide expert advice on the legal requirements for a functioning apprenticeship system as well as on the drawing up of job profiles. Also “ train the trainer” seminars were offered to those companies that were involved in the pilot project.

After the success of the pilot project a long term project involving more job profiles for dual educational trainings was launched this year. It also includes capacity building for the Serbian Chamber of Commerce and Industry regarding the

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OUTLOOK The Austrian apprenticeship system aims at providing a highly qualified job training that at the same time takes into account the requirements of the industry and trade. It is the joint objective of all institutions involved in apprenticeship training to maintain it as an attractive carrier path for the youth and develop it continuously.

In Serbia, we combine our efforts with the Serbian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Serbian Ministry of Education to establish a dual vocational system that serves the needs of Serbian businesses as well as the young people . We firmly believe that a dual education system, which combines theoretical and practical teaching, will not only open exciting new job opportunities for the young , but also prepare them for the challenges of a future working environment that requires more flexibility, social skills and the willingness to continuously learn. ■ Further information Short Movie “Apprenticeship Training in Austria”: http:// www.advantageaustria.org/international/educational-system

CORPORATE DEJAN TURK, VIP MOBILE AND A1 SLOVENIJA CEO

Serbia Needs Investors Like Us

I am the proudest that, as the youngest operator, we have for over a decade held the position of innovators and “challengers”, because in this way we raise the standard and competitiveness of the market, which is always in the interest of end users

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ere we speak with Dejan Turk, CEO at both Vip Mobile and A1 Slovenija, about the exciting world of innovations that this company has brought to the Serbian market.

for fast data transfers, and then also the 4G network. From the very beginning, we have sought to make mobile communication and smart devices accessible to the widest range of users, but also to educate them on the benefits of new technologies.

We recently again set an example to other players on the market with our NEO tariffs, which offer unlimited conversations and messages to all networks in Serbia. Interest is high among Vip users, but also the users of other networks who transfer their number to us, and we expect this trend to continue.

to the development of the operations of the economy, production and improvement of the quality of life of citizens, and that this is the basis for the introduction of new, more advanced services.

• In which way will Vip mobile position itself • Vip mobile this year marks its 10th anniveron the market in the future? What are your sary of doing business in Serbia. How would future plans in terms of market innovation? you evaluate results to date?

- The market is evolving rapidly, because users - Telekom Austria Group acquired the license have an ever-increasing number of devices for Serbia’s third mobile operator in November that need connecting to the internet and 2006, for which it paid 320 million and one want faster rates of data transfer. They are euros, while Vip mobile launched commercial operations in June 2007. We practically started from scratch, while We want to make a significant contribution to the digitization today we are a company with over 1,000 employees, stable revenues, process in Serbia, which is why we will focus not only on the transfer more than 2.2 million users, a market of contents via the mobile network, but also on their creation share of 23% and the fastest mobile network in the country, according to also increasingly seeking additional contents • What are your further plans for developcompany Ookla, which is the global leader and digital solutions. Vip is primarily a mobile ment of the 4G network? in internet speed and performance testing. operator, and our focus remains on improving - We are still one of the fastest growing operaWe are still the biggest greenfield investor the network, technology and services, but we tors in the region, which, among other things, in Serbia, having to date invested as much as have also recognised the need to turn to other is a result of continuous investment in the de960 million euros. I believe Serbia needs invescontents, all-in-one solutions and services velopment of the network. Over the three-year tors like Vip, which have a long-term strategy. that have long been a part of our portfolio, period from 2015 to 2017, our investments in from the cloud platform to mobile TV and the network, licenses and technology amounts • What are you particularly proud of in these other digital services. We want to make a to more than 100 million euros. ten years of operations? significant contribution to the digitisation At this moment, the Vip 4G network - The innovations we brought have created process in Serbia. covers around 95 per cent of the population a turning point in the development of new It is for this reason that we will focus in of Serbia, both urban remote rural areas. trends on the domestic market. For example, the coming period not only on the transfer Users demand a fast and reliable network, we were the first to introduce tariffs that of contents via the mobile network, but also which is why we will continue to improve included megabytes and phones for 1 dinar, as on their creation, independently or through their experience. We are aware that, with the well as the first Android and tablet devices, partnerships with other industries. ■ development of infrastructure, we contribute launched the first HSPA+ network in Serbia BUSINESS PARTNER

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ACTIVITIES 10-11.03.2017

Edufair™ - The Fair For Education EDUfair™ has been helping future students choose their further education paths and future careers for 14 years, with the slogan “And what will you study?”. In one place, secondary school pupils, students, young professionals and parents receive the opportunity to acquaint themselves with the programmes of over 100 colleges, both in Serbia and abroad, both state and private. This year colleges and higher schools – among them seven Austrian educational institutions – presented their bachelor and masters programmes, while several embassies presented scholarship programmes. This year’s focus was once again on MBA studies, which are currently the most popular academic programme worldwide.

The EDUfair™ beat its own record this year, attracting over 5,200 visitors, and with the participation of over 100 exhibitors from 19 countries.

Austria was again present, as is now its tradition, in the form of a group stand for seven Austrian educational institutions. Representatives of the Wiener Neustadt University of Applied Sciences, the Carinthia University of Applied Sciences, Karl Franzens University of Graz, Modul University, Montanuniversität Leoben, the INNES Institute and the Modul School of Tourism patiently handed out to school pupils and students information on study programmes, scholarships and foreign language courses in Austria.

30.03.2017

19-23.04.2017

Meeting Of Austrian And Serbian Tour Operators In Belgrade

Austrian Group Stand At Construction Fair

Austria is a more popular destination than ever, as proven by the Austrian Statistical Office’s preliminary data for 2016 – with 41.45 million arrivals exceeding the 2015 record by 5.2%. More than a third of guests were from abroad. In order to encourage as many tourists from Serbia as possible to choose Austria, and not just for winter holidays or short city breaks, but also for summer holidays in numerous lake resorts in Austria, ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA organises already regular meetings of Austrian and Serbian tour operators, in order to present new aspects of the holiday offer and expand tourist offers.

Within the framework of the SEEBBE International Building Trade Fair, held at the Belgrade Fair from 19th-23rd April, an Austrian stand was organised for the first time by the Commercial Section of the Embassy of Austria - ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA, at which six Austrian companies presented themselves to visitors.

Some of these exhibitors are already successfully represented on the Serbian market, while others are in search of representation.

Company Sto GesmbH has long been present on the Serbian market with its products for façades and flooring, as well as insulation products. The products of Gedore Austria don’t require special mention, given that they are known by every professional who values high-quality tools. The concrete nets and reinforcement products of company EVG are irreplaceable on every construction site. It also worth mentioning the stair-climbing devices for the transport of goods produced by Sano Transportgerate, as well as the new patent for preserving glass at transport firm forstner glass, where cling film wrap has been replaced by their protective coating. With a hot summer just around the corner, company Peraqua presented its products for swimming pools – from heat pumps, via rinsing systems, to the development of individual systems.

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13-19.05.2017

ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA At The 84th Novi Sad Agriculture Fair

30-31.05.2017

Second AUSTRIA CONNECT - SEE Regional Conference ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA Belgrade, as the local branch of the Austrian Chamber of Commerce – together with its sister ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA foreign trade representative offices in Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, Croatia, Kosovo, Macedonia and Slovenia – organised the 2nd regional conference AUSTRIA CONNECT Southeast Europe 2017.

The topics discussed were: how does competitiveness in the region and individual countries look?

What are the challenges for industry, infrastructure

Numerous Austrian exhibitors appeared at the 84th Novi Sad Agriculture Fair, including members of the Austrian Agricultural Cluster – ACC, such as the Association of Cattle Breeders - ZAR, Edtmayer,

and the labour market? What does this all mean for investors from Austria?

which deals with the development and production of special facilities in the field of process engineering,

The responses to these and other questions

wastewater treatment facilities and water supply networks and canals, Likra livestock fodder producer

were received by the conference’s 154 partici-

and agricultural buildings specialist Wolf Systems etc.

pants, through lectures and discussions with ex-

15-20.05.2017

ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA At The 61st International Technology Fair

perts and experienced investors from the region.

Representatives of Austrian companies that are potential investors in SEE, as well as managers of Austrian companies based in Serbia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, Macedonia, Albania and Montenegro, also had the opportunity to receive more detailed information about the potential of the region’s countries via individual talks with regional trade advisors.

Austrian companies participating in the 61st International Fair of Technology and Technical Achievements included GGW Gruber – a trade and service company in the field of industrial measuring technology for lengths and surfaces, HFS – a company engaged in the production of solutions for lifting systems according to the individual needs of clients, IMR Fabrikautomation - dealing with machine engineering, construction groups and components, hardware and software engineering, service production, assembly, trade in machine components, logistics and the automation of entire production processes. REHAU – one of the leading international suppliers of systems and services for polymer-based solutions in the field of construction, the automotive sector and industry in general. SCHIEBEL Antriebstechnik – an enterprise that has excelled in Austria for almost 60 years in the manufacture and development of electric actuators. WEDCO TOOL COMPETENCE – for 25 years one of the most significant Austrian manufacturers of precision tools for solid metal milling USED in the metalworking industry, and Weidmüller d.o.o., which deals with the development, production and worldwide sale of products in the field of electrical connection technology and electronics.

The honorary guests of this regional gathering of investors included Serbian EU Integration Minister Jadranka Joksimović and Serbian Chamber of Commerce President Marko Čadež.

Minister Joksimović emphasised Austria’s position as one of Serbia’s strategic partners on its road to Europe, as evidenced by the approximately €3 billion of Austrian investments in Serbia, as well as €40 million in grant assistance to Serbia. She also made specific reference to the Berlin Process, which must in no way be a substitute for the European integration of each of the region’s countries, particularly Serbia.

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30-31.05.2017

AUSTRIA CONNECT Conferences During the staging of the AUSTRIA CONNECT Conferences, held on the premises of the Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Serbia, a delegation of presidents of chambers of commerce from the region was hosted on the occasion of the session of the Chambers Investment Forum of the Western Balkans, while a panel discussion was held within the framework of the AUSTRIA CONNECT Conference that included representatives of the chambers of commerce of Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, Kosovo and Macedonia, on the topic “Trends, Challenges and Opportunities in Southeast Europe”.

The conference included an example of the successful operations of an Austrian company in the region, with Christof Papousek, director and co-owner of the Cineplexx Cinemas, presenting his expansion strategy for Europe and noting that while implementing it he never gave bribes.

Insight into the economic situation in the Balkans was provided by an expert of the Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies – WIIW. Noting the common characteristics of the countries of the region, Karl Bayer pointed out the weakness of competitiveness, along with trade deficits and high unemployment rates, while noting that Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia and Macedonia are well integrated into the international production network, though they lack trained personnel for industrial branches. Patrick Sagmeister, on behalf of foreign trade promotion agency ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA, gave a presentation entitled “Austrian hidden champions of market niches”, placing an emphasis on Austrian companies that cover technologies and goods that are not part of mass production, but which are, despite or precisely because of that, market leaders. The previous day saw guests enjoy the hospitable atmosphere of the Amsterdam splav (raft) restaurant and take advantage of the opportunity to network with companies from neighbouring countries and Austria, and to explore opportunities for joint projects.

The AUSTRIA CONNECT event was held partly thanks to the sponsorship of Austrian companies cargo-partner, Wiener Städtische Insurance, OMV Serbia, Erste Bank, Austrian Airlines and tax consultancy tpa Serbia, and with the special support of law firm JPM - Janković Popović Mitić.

The next “Marketplace Austria” event - a gathering of suppliers from all over the world, organised by ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA, will be held on 28th November 2017 in Vienna, under the organisation of the International Forum of Machine Building and Plant Construction.

During 2017

Austrian Embassy Commercial Section Organises Free Seminars Alongside occasional events for Austrian delegations, the Commercial Section of the Embassy of Austria, in cooperation with Austrian companies’ branch offices in Serbia, organises free seminars on tax consultations with TPA d.o.o., Confida d.o.o., LeitnerLeitner and the law office of JPM - Janković Popović Mitić, as well as discussing amendments to the Law on VAT and its impact on business.

Also held was a series of events on the premises of the Austrian Chamber of Commerce in Vienna, such as the 4th International B2B Software Days, BAUZ – congress on building management, or the recently held Marketplace Austria meetings, where Austrian food suppliers met in the form of individual discussions with Serbian suppliers. Common to all such events in Vienna is that they are partly a platform for exchanges of ideas alongside a series of expert lectures and discussions, while they are also partly a place for individual meetings, with talks arranged in advance via the online portal.

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13.02.2017

31.03.2017

Revitalisation Of Dual Education Progressing Successfully!

The revitalisation of dual education pro-

Pilot Project For The Revitalisation Of Dual Education In Serbia

vided the occasion for the visit to Belgrade

The project to revitalise dual education in Serbia

of the Vice President of the Chamber of

continued during 2017, starting with the associating of

Commerce of Austria and representatives

forces with sister organisations, i.e., Serbian chambers

of the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

of commerce.

and the Austrian Development Agency, ADA.

On 13th February 2017, after a year of preparation, a

As the owner of the largest ski lifts in Aus-

contract on paid work placements was signed between

tria, as well as several gastronomic complexes

retail chains dm drogerie markt, Univerexport, Delhaize,

and travel agencies, the Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce of Austria, Martha Schultz, realised a two-part programme:

Merkator S and mobile operator VIP mobile with students of the Trade School in Belgrade.

Under the organisation of the Commercial Section of the Embassy of Austria – ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA

ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA, in cooperation with the

in Belgrade, Mrs Schultz met with a number of travel agencies from Serbia with the aim of establishing

Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Serbia, the Ser-

future cooperation, in order for her agency to present tourist arrangements in Austria, while Serbian

bian Ministry of Education, the Austrian Development

tour operators gained the opportunity to promote holiday options in Hochzillertal, Tyrol and Carinthia.

Agency – ADA, as well as the German organisation for

The business talks included the participation of Roland Poeltzeneder, as the representative of TSG Tourismus Salzburg – the tourist organisation of the Salzburg region.

international cooperation – GIZ, developed a pilot project for the revitalisation of dual education in Serbia.

31.03.2017

Revitalisation Of Dual Education In Serbia The revitalisation of dual education in Serbia has been developing successfully since 2015, in cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce of Austria, its foreign trade office ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA Belgrade and the Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Serbia, as well as Austrian Development Agency ADA, the Serbian Ministry of Education and, to date, several Austrian companies operating in Serbia.

At a session held on the premises of the Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Serbia, CCIS President Marko Čadež noted “we are working on the introduction of profiles that are necessary for the economy”.

In cooperation with Austrian companies dm drogerie market and VIP mobile, as well as retail chains Delhaize, Univerexport, Mercator, the School

The first step included the surveying of Austrian companies that operate in Serbia and need professional profiles, including banking and insurance officers, merchants (sellers), freight forwarders (logistics

of Commerce in Belgrade is already suc-

technicians), mechatronics etc.

cessfully training 120 first-year pupils for

In February 2016, a Memorandum of Understanding

the profile of traders under the cooperative

was signed in Belgrade between the Ministry of Foreign

model of theoretical teaching in school and

Affairs of the Republic of Austria, the Chamber of

work placement practise in companies.

Commerce of Austria, the Chamber of Commerce &

Work is currently ongoing on the develop-

Industry of Serbia and the Ministry of Education of the

ment of the education profile for Logistics and

Republic of Serbia, with the aim to reintroducing ele-

Freight Forwarders, while other profiles are

ments of dual education to the Serbian school system.

planned for future introduction.

A year after the signing of that agreement, the

The dual education system has a long tradition in Serbia, said Austrian Chamber of Commerce VP Martha Schulz, who, as the owner of a hotel in Austria, trains about 40 school pupils annually. “With more than 100 students in trade, the Serbian model is already successful,” added Schulz, before announcing that Austria will continue to support Serbia in the implementation of dual education.

The visit was rounded off with a press conference and visits to the branch offices of Austrian companies dm drogerie markt and VIP mobile.

following companies joined the project to form the educational profile of “trader/merchant”: dm drogeriemarkt, Univerexport, Delhaize, Merkator S and VIP mobile. Cooperation was established with the School of Commerce in Belgrade. Some 111 pupils, comprising an entire generation of the “trader/merchant” profile, along with their parents, signed contracts on 13th February 2017 with companies where they will receive practical

Contact information and the profiles of participating companies in events organised by the Commercial Section of the Embassy of Austria – ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA – can be found on the local portal www.advantageaustria.org/ rs, under the link ‘Događaja/Events’.

By the end of 2017, the Regional Survey on business conditions in Serbia will be conducted for the sixth time, and for the second time at the regional level, in 24 countries.

training in the next three years, which implies learning at work in the presence of instructors, as well as receiving monthly cash payments. Upon completion of their schooling, practitioners will have the opportunity to gain employment at the aforementioned companies.

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CORPORATE ALUKÖNIGSTAHL

Truly Different The façades designed and conceived by ALUKÖNIGSTAHL increase the value of the properties they form integral components of, regardless of the passage of time been under family ownership for four generations. And it has such personal and familial relationships with all of its clients. At the company they say that, for them, partnership, alongside professionalism, means a personal approach, loyalty and perseverance.

It’s no news to state that ALUKÖNIGSTAHL has offered the best and highest quality façade brands Schüco and Jansen for the past 50 years, but it is certainly news that it has now introduced its virtual showroom to the Serbian market for the first time.

Imagine the following scenario: an architect enters a building he designed for the first time, to find that the space doesn’t correspond to his vision and design, or an investor is not satisfied with the appearance of the façade structure. Thanks to new virtual reality technology, all products are projected in a three-dimensional environment,

that all teams within the company cooperate very closely in the technological process. This implies that professionals in various fields work together on specific projects at all stages of work, from production, via processing methods and solutions for details to the final appearance.

In short, the project is under the watchful eye of expert and professional teams from the planning stage to the handing over of keys.

ALUKÖNIGSTAHL works closely with the majority of experienced local and regional architectural bureaus and companies involved in the production and installation of façade structures on all of the markets where it is active, while cooperation with a lot of them has existed for many years. The result of joint work is high-quality production that achieves a combination of ALUKÖNIGSTAHL system solutions and the solutions of manufacturers

Thanks to new virtual reality technology, all products are projected in a three-dimensional environment, which provides an unbelievable sense of scale, depth and spatial awareness…

T

he strength of the performance of properties depends on their outer covering. Façades are a consequence of architectural creativity and freedom, but they mustn’t be just that. They also serve as protection and a barrier, primarily in terms of energy. ALUKÖNIGSTAHL is a leading company in several areas, but in the regions of Central and Southeast Europe it is the undisputed leader in the domain of aluminium systems for facades.

It is also recognisable in this domain in Serbia, where it has been operating for 16 years.

ALUKÖNIGSTAHL is a company that has

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which provides an unbelievable sense of scale, depth and spatial awareness that is simply incomparable to traditional samples and animations.

During the very initial design phase, an investor or architect can “walk” through a property that has not yet been built and simultaneously select some of the most recognisable brands: Schüco or Jansen system doors, windows or façades.

Personal relations with clients are particularly reflected in the details. ALUKÖNIGSTAHL’s teams of experts and advisors help clients in every possible way to design and develop projects, selecting the best products and system components. It is no less important to note

of metal structures. In summary, this boils down to a strong partnership based on years of trust.

If this needed to be proven empirically, then the most relevant evidence would be the fact that, contrary to the usual opinion that buildings lose their initial values over the passage of time, the façades designed and developed

by ALUKÖNIGSTAHL increase the value of the properties that they represent an integral part of.

This fact reinforces the company’s unwritten rules: that every day is a new challenge, that every goal is achievable, and that shifting boundaries is part of the everyday work of employees at ALUKÖNIGSTAHL. ■

CORPORATE MELANIJA PAVLOVIĆ, GENERAL MANAGER, BAUMIT SERBIA D.O.O.

Tradition With A Future ”Baumit is the leading building material brand in Austria and our intention is to become the number one in Serbia as well,” says Melanija Pavlović, General Manager at Baumit Serbia

S

omething that began in 1810 with a lime kiln was to go on to develop into one of Europe’s most successful building materials brands. In 1988, the creation of the Baumit brand was sealed via a collaboration between two Austrian building materials companies, and today Baumit is a pioneer in the field of External Wall Insulation (EWI).

Baumit is a leading building material brand in Austria. Indeed, over the past twenty years it has become one of the strongest industrial brands in Europe. Baumit products cover a wide range, including plasters, renders, mortars, screeds and paints for construction (new builds and renovations), with everything from private family homes to industrial facilities produced and sold under the Baumit brand.

The name “Baumit open – the climate façade” stands for continuous research and development for a new generation of thermal insulation. With Baumit external thermal insulation composite systems, we set sustainable ecological trends for the future. As of 2012, our colour expertise in both interiors and exteriors has been underscored with the most comprehensive range of shades for façades in Europe, using the new Baumit Life colour system.

With almost 40 years’ experience in Germany, Austria and numerous CEE countries, Baumit supplies over three million square metres annually in Germany alone. Baumit products satisfy quality standard EN ISO

9001and correspond to all valid national and EU requirements.

The Baumit EWI System is a fully integrated system offering the widest design choice available to customers. The system encompasses all insulation, adhesives, base coats, reinforcing meshes, primers and finished coats, window seals, beads and accessories.

Baumit has been operating in Serbia since 2002, with headquarters in Belgrade. Baumit launched its production in Serbia in early 2006,

On 22nd August 2017, the Wopfinger Group took over 100% of shares of Wietersdorfer Baustoff. This means that all locations and company shares, as well as trademark rights to Baumit and KEMA, are now bundled in w&p Baustoffe GmbH. Company Schmid Industrieholding GmbH, headquartered in Waldegg/Wopfing (Austria), is a conglomerate of the building materials sector. This company group generated sales of €1.4 billion in 2016 and has 5,100 employ-

Serbia is strategically important for Baumit and within the domestic market we see great potential and space for both us and our products at its own factory in Aranđelovac, where part of the production programme is produced.

Baumit also joined Slovenian company Kema in 2013, so the two brands of Baumit and Kema now offer wide and innovative systems of products. Façades, mortars, screeds, adhesives for ceramic tiles and marble, industrial and epoxy floors, special products and interior decoration products represent just a small part of the entire product portfolio.

Baumit products meet all the requirements of both the domestic market and European markets. The quality management system applied at Baumit Serbia includes all measures for achieving and maintaining the constant quality of all products manufactured and sold, in accordance with EN ISO 9001.

ees. The Group’s most important revenue drivers today include materials such as lime and cement, façade systems, plasters and screeds, construction chemicals and insulation materials. Schmid Industrieholding brings together more than 90 companies in 22 countries, including Baumit subsidiaries, Wopfinger Baustoffindustrie, Austrotherm, Murexin, Lorencic and Wolf Plastics.

Integration into Schmid Industrieholding will bring growth and further development for Baumit Serbia over the next five years.

With new spirit and the strong support of its Austrian headquarters, Baumit will also initiate new investments in its production plant in Aranđelovac and sees great potential on the Serbian market and its surroundings. ■ BUSINESS PARTNER

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LIBRARIES

Austrian Libraries - Social Integrative Vehicle

ADMONT ABBEY LIBRARY, Admont

Austria has a comprehensive network of libraries: 1,062 municipalities have a library. Hence libraries play a key role in the provision of literature and culture. Moreover, the Public Library Concept “The Library of the Future – The Future of Libraries” demonstrates that they are more than that: libraries are also centres of information and education and they have a social integrative function

T

he historic roots of the Austrian National Library reach back to the late Middle Ages. The earliest book that can still be found in the library today dates back to 1368, a medieval illuminated manuscript: the Gospel book by Johannes von Troppau.

After the end of the Second World War and in accordance with the country’s socio-political development, the Austrian National Library became an important symbol of Second Republic Austria and contributed to the country’s cultural identity. Starting from its historical centre on Josefsplatz it was able to gradually expand its premises. In 1966 the library began to occupy a large part of the Neue Hofburg, and the Main Reading Room on Heldenplatz was opened, which continues to be used for this purpose to this day. With the

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opening of the book storage beneath the Burggarten in 1992 the library gained not only large storage areas, but also an additional area for using new and large-format media on the top level.

The general renovation and modernisation of the Heldenplatz public library division was carried out in 2004: the Main Reading Room and the Newspaper and Periodical Reading Room were connected by a glass lift, and the facilities were made accessible to the disabled. A comfortable reading lounge was also incorporated into the portico.

In 2005 the Department of Music, Globe Museum, Esperanto Museum and Department of Planned Languages moved to a new location, in the adapted Palais Mollard at Herrengasse 9 in Vienna’s

first district. The establishment of the Literary Museum in the former Austrian Court Archives (Hofkammerarchiv) at Johannesgasse 6 in the centre of Vienna constitutes the most recent architectural expansion. It opened in 2015.

With over 7.4 million items in its collections, the Austrian National Library, is the largest library in Austria. It may also just be the most beautiful library in the world.

The Austrian National Library’s collections include everything from ancient texts written on papyrus, maps, paintings, manuscripts, ancient and rare books, photographs and even works in Esperanto. The library resides inside the Hofburg Palace which was home to the Habsburg dynasty that ruled the Austro-Hungarian empire.

In its seven reading rooms, the Modern Library offers 425 seats for reading – a further 147 seats are available for you to

DEPARTMENT OF MANUSCRIPTS AND RARE BOOKS The historical core of the former imperial Court Library: discover one of the world’s most important collections of manuscripts and prints.

ADMONT ABBEY

ADMONT ABBEY

MAP DEPARTMENT The Map Department looks after about 295,000 sheet maps, around 45,000 geographical-topographical plans, 800,000 picture postcards, 700 globes, 100 reliefs and models of castles and about 83,000 volumes of specialist literature and atlases.

LITERARY ARCHIVE The Literary Archive of the Austrian National Library collects lifetime and posthumous literary bequests from Austrian authors from the 20th century onwards and makes them available for academic study.

use in our comfortable communication lounge and in the client With over 7.4 million items in its collections, the Austrian National areas outside the reading rooms.

Library, is the largest library in Austria. It may also just be the most There is free wireless Internet access in all reading rooms and in beautiful library in the world the entire client area. All of reading rooms are air-conditioned to DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC ensure a pleasant working environment. Every reading room is The music collection constitutes Austria’s biggest music archive, equipped with a reference area, where the readers can find referand is both a modern academic research library and a place where the ence material sorted according to subject groups. The collection most valuable original musical manuscripts are kept. of reference materials primarily consists of encyclopaedia, general reference books, manuals, bibliographies, specialised lexica, DEPARTMENT OF PAPYRI specialised dictionaries and language dictionaries, which can be The papyrus collection, with about 180,000 items, is one of the largest researched via catalogue. of its kind in the world. In October 2001, the collection was included in In 8 collections, important treasures of Austrian cultural heritage the UNESCO Memory of the World Register of documentary heritage. are preserved and made accessible to scholars. The collections are constantly growing, thanks to new acquisitions, and can be studied in DEPARTMENT OF PLANNED LANGUAGES reading rooms with the latest facilities.

Ever since it was founded in 1927, the Esperanto Museum of the The Collections of the Austrian National Library are divided in the Austrian National Library has held an extensive library, and in 1990 this following departments and archives. was given the name Department of Planned Languages.

PICTURE ARCHIVES AND GRAPHICS DEPARTMENT ARCHIVES OF THE AUSTRIAN FOLK SONG INSTITUTE The Picture Archives and Graphics Department is Austria’s largest Huge collection of books and journals about folk songs, folk music, centre of pictorial documentation with holdings of approximately three folk dancing and folk poetry in Austria. million objects in different historical types of media.

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Austrian Academy Of Sciences Library

Vienna University Library

THE NEW LIBRARY for the University of Economics and Business in Vienna

AUSTRIAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES

The library of is a public access hub for writings of the Academy and universities from all over the world. Its total holdings include around 400,000 volumes, almost 12,000 scientific series and journals, as well as microfilms, CDs, DVDs and other electronic media The Library, Archive and Collections provide information and service. In addition to more than 400,000 publications and archival materials dating back 150 years, rare historic manuscripts, centuries-old globes, historic images and many other valuable artifacts are also available to researchers and anyone who is interested.

The collections contain historical artefacts of the Austrian Academy of Sciences as well as a unique collection: the Woldan Collection. With over 11,000 valuable historical works on geography and cartography, the estate of the Viennese independent scholar Erich Woldan was one of the most important private collections in Austria. This collection is available to the public.

With 7.1 million books, 325,000 e-books, 80,000 e-journals, 7,400 print journals and over 1,200 databases, Vienna University Library is Austria’s largest library. At the same time it is also the oldest university library in the German-speaking area, dating from 1365 and founded by Duke Rudolf The library’s mission, then and now, is to serve the needs of students, faculty and researchers at Vienna University as well as the general public.

It is universal in character striving as far as possible for comprehensive collection development.

The library is strongly committed to the preservation and opening of its holdings and cultural heritage in the broadest sense, including the generation of databases and other electronic resources. Therefore, it seeks to cooperate and co-ordinate with other scientific libraries in Austria and Europe.

The collections contain historical artefacts of the Austrian Academy of Sciences as well as a unique collection available to the public The historical travel reports, globes, world maps, atlases, individual folios and collections of topographical illustrations date back to the fifteenth century. The collections of the Academy also include legal writings and coin collections spanning many centuries as well as busts and artefacts relating to the history of the Academy.

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VIENNA UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY LIBRARY

The history of Vienna University Library has always been linked closely to that of Vienna University -- starting with the foundation of the library. The so-called “publica libraria” was originally located at what today is Universitätsplatz in Vienna’s first district. The university was split into a number of faculties, and each faculty had its own library.

The library’s holdings grew significanly during the 15th century. Soon, each library had its own “bibliothecarius”, whose task was to protect the books from theft or damage. At the time, the books were chained to the shelves (“libri catenati”), and borrowing them was possible only in very special circumstances. Due to the Ottoman wars in Europe and several plague epidemics, the importance of Vienna University declined during the 16th and 17th centuries. Along with the university’s decline came the library’s decline,

and the monastery of the Jesuits took over the last remains of the university library. It was only during the reign of Empress Maria Theresia that the university library was reopened. At the time it was also decreed that the university library was to answer directly to the state. This was not changed until 1 January 2000, when the university library was put under the control of the rector of Vienna University.

The library is strongly committed to the preservation and opening of its holdings and cultural heritage in the broadest sense, including the generation of databases and other electronic resources As the numbers of both holdings and users grew steadily, an extension had to be built for the library in the early 19th century. In 1884, the library followed the university into its new building on Ringstrasse, but the lack of space still remained.

During World War II, the books were relocated to bomb shelters in Lower Austria, but many books were lost or damaged during transport and due to inadequate storage conditions or other complications. In 1951, the reconstruction of the damaged university building was complete; the large reading room’s floor had been raised to gain room for extra storage space.

The World’s Largest Monastery Library

THE AUSTRIAN NATIONAL LIBRARY

Admont Abbey is a Benedictine monastery located on the Enns River in the town of Admont, Austria. It is the oldest remaining monastery in Styria and contains the largest monastic library in the world The abbey is known for its Baroque architecture, art, and manuscripts. While the abbey itself was completed in 1074 the library (late Baroque) was not completed until 1776. It was commissioned by Abbot Matthäus Offner (reigned 1751-1779) and built by the Graz Master Builder Josef Hueber (1715-1787).

The library is divided into three sections and has an overall length of 70m, a width of 14m and 11m in height (12.7 m in the central cupola).

Adorning the ceilings are seven frescoes by Bartolomeo Altomonte

who was 80-years-old at the time and completed the frescoes over the summer months of 1775 and 1776. The frescoes depict the steps in ‘man’s exploration of thinking and speaking from the sciences to Divine Revelation in the central cupola’.

The sculptures in the library were made by master Baroque sculptor Josef Stammel. Particularly famous is The Four Last Things, a group of four oversized presentations of Death, the Last Judgement, Heaven and Hell. The library collection comprises some 200,000 volumes. The most valuable treasures are the more than 1,400 manuscripts (the earliest from the 8th century) and the 530 incunabula (early printed books before 1500). Of the 1000 medieval manuscripts that are preserved in the Admont Benedictine monastery, some of

The Globe Museum of the Austrian National Library in Palais Mollard

The library collection comprises some 200,000 volumes. The most valuable treasures are the more than 1,400 manuscripts (the earliest from the 8th century) and the 530 incunabula (early printed books before 1500 which were also made there, the majority of the Gothic period dates back to the Middle Ages. In the Admonter scriptorium the Gothicization of the Carolingian Minuskel is visible at the end of the 12th century. This book, which has been in use throughout the whole of Europe since the time of Charlemagne, has gradually changed. The scribes begin to “bend” the letters and increasingly use the “broken” Gothic textura in the calligraphic writings.

Since the completion of the library hall in 1776, no comparable work has ever been carried out: in three major working phases during the years 2004 to 2008, all the stone and metal collections, the ceiling frescoes, the entire sculptural jewelery and all wood components were restored.

The entire book stock of about 70,000 items was cleaned and examined for its damages. Over 5,000 books have been restored.

The restoration work was urgently necessary as parts of the building’s structure as well as a considerable part of the books were endangered in their further existence. The century project for the general restoration of the Admont monastery library was under the supervision of the Federal Office for Contemporary Art. The architectural and art-historical jewel was thus secured for further generations. Since March 2008, the world’s largest monastic library has been gloriously glittering. ■

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TOURISM

Austria's Winter Wonderland

Austria remains one of the most popular winter holiday destinations in Europe. According to a survey of the tourism consulting group - IPK International, 47% of the Europeans chose Austria followed by France with 14% and then by Italy and Switzerland with 11% each. The number of overnight stays by international visitors during the winter tourist season in Austria (November2016 to April2017) was 21.9 million

A

ustria is the key Alpine ski nation, with many hidden treasures waiting to be explored. The Arlberg ski region, including St. Anton, St. Christoph, Lech and Zürs is the jewel in its crown and the birthplace of modern Alpine skiing.

Kitzbühel is located in the Tirol are justifiably world famous for the annual Hahnenkamm ski race, cosmopolitan atmosphere and a distinctive medieval town flair in addition to the 170km of linked skiing on its doorstep. Two annual Alpine celebrations worth mentioning live in Mayrhofen, the first is the renowned Altitude comedy Festival, which sees ‘the big guns of comedy’ provide a week of unforgettable laughs, and the second is Snowbombing! which mixes fresh current talent with

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crucial pioneers of the music scene. On the subject of music vibrating off of the snowy slopes of the Austrian Alps, we cannot forget Ischgl & Galtür, with 241 kilometres of pistes and stylish hotels; it’s one of the most popular winter hot spots in the world and attracts international superstars to its open air concerts.

The key to ski holidays in Austria is the country’s celebrated ‘Gemütlichkeit’ culture, which attempts to make guests feel welcome, entertained and well fed, both on the slopes and after the lifts have closed.

Skiing in Austria has always attracted skiers and snowboarders, and many of them learned to ski in resorts such as Alpbach, Niederau, Söll, Mayrhofen, Obergurgl and Filzmoos. Family skiing in Austria is a

major attraction, and in many cases parents have returned later with their own children, confident that the experience they had when they were learning is as rewarding as ever.

The Austrian concept of Gemütlichkeit is a vital part of Austria’s success story: you’ll find the typical Austrian welcome both on the slopes with genuinely friendly instructors and the traditionally friendly (and lively) après-ski in almost every Austrian bar when the lifts have closed.

Or even before they have - the partying starts early, and it’s a familiar sight at many of the resort’s mountain huts to see skiers dancing while still in their ski boots. Later on the nightlife continues to be energetic, with live bands and traditional Austrian folk music and dancing, including schuhplattler (in which male dancers rhythmically strike their thighs, knees and soles (platteln), clap their hands and stamp their feet.

On the slopes, Austrian resorts enjoy a good snow record even though their ski areas are not, in general, quite as high as those of Austria’s big OBERGURGL, the highest parish in Austria rival, France. Even Kitzbühel, which is lower than many Austrian resorts Most if not all the instructors speak good English, and that applies – regularly “punches above its weight”. But there is plenty of genuinely to many villagers and townsfolk too. If there’s a slightly negative aspect high skiing: the highest ski resorts in Austria such as Kühtai, Obergurgl, to Austria perhaps it’s the relatively narrow choice of cuisine. Austrians Obertauern and Galtür are as snowsure as you’ll find anywhere. Skiers do like their pork and veal, especially in the form of Wiener Schnitzel, who enjoy some culture and tradition thrown in with their skiing will one of the country’s most popular dishes. Fish dishes are available, of appreciate the proximity of Götzens part our new ‘Olympia SkiWorld course but Austria’s culinary culture is definitely biased towards meat.

Ski Safari’ to the picturesque old Tyrolean capital of Innsbruck or the closeness of Kitzbühel’s slopes to the town’s medieval walled centre.

The key to ski holidays in Austria is the country’s celebrated The high quality of the hotels and ‘Gemütlichkeit’ culture, which attempts to make guests feel pensions in Austria is another strong welcome, entertained and well fed, both on the slopes and after selling point. More than any other the lifts have closed Alpine country, ski accommodation in Austria and the communal living ST ANTON areas are almost always several cuts above average. So Austria really Without exaggeration, one of the best and most exciting ski areas does tick all the relevant boxes: extensive skiing, good snow, pulsating in the world (304km interconnected piste + 200km ‘deep snow runs’) nightlife and accommodation that’s usually not far from luxurious. And The World famous Arlberg ski area is the largest interlinked ski area for those who really want challenging skiing, St. Anton, Saalbach, Hinterin Austria! Four new cable cars will are constructed to bridge the gap glemm and Kitzbühel have slopes that most skiers and snowboarders between St. Anton, St Christoph side and the Lech, Zurs side completely will find more than steep enough. eradicating the need to take a ski bus between the two ski areas. This ski-link has created complete ski convenience as most of the properties in our Arlberg ski programme offer skiing from the front door.

Famed in Austria as ‘the birthplace of skiing’, the magnificent Arlberg is one of those select few ski areas which fully justifies its ‘world-class’ reputation. Renowned for its challenging slopes, both on and off-piste, the area also includes many wonderful miles of picturesque intermediate skiing, from high altitude, snow-sure open bowls to picturesque tree-lined pistes down to the valley.

The area has two distinct halves. The first links St. Anton with its even higher neighbours, St. Christoph and Stuben, and an efficient ski bus service connects this side of the region with the huge network of slopes surrounding Lech and Zürs, including the excellent ‘Borderpark’ above Lech.

The recently added Auenfeldjet lift which links the ski areas of Lech/Zürs and Warth-Schröcken adds a further 66km of piste as well ISCHGL, pedestrian town centre as numerous deep snow runs to the Arlberg ski area.

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posh town has an exclusive feel, glittering with 5 star hotels, high end stores, piano bars and acclaimed restaurants.

Lech sits in a sunny position high up in a striking valley, surrounded by the Lechtal Alps. A little river runs through the centre with pistes and authentic architecture either side of it. A striking onion-domed church peers over all and the atmosphere is intimate and upmarket.

A fantastic ski lift system transports 44,600 snow lovers every hour to a legendary ski area where you’re pretty much guaranteed to find amazing snow. Every level of skier and snowboarder are catered for superbly - particularly intermediates - and you’ll also find some of the best off-piste around.

Lech is connected to the higher resort Zurs by ski lifts, pistes and a bus which is why the resorts are usually paired together and referred to Lech-Zurs. Together they’re part of a legendary ski area of over 280km - the Arlberg area, where ski lifts connect Lech and Zurs to après legend St. Anton and the smaller villages of St Christoph and Stuben. You can ski the entire region with the Arlberg pass.

KITZBUHEL

MAYRHOFEN Mayrhofen manages to tick all boxes for families, groups, beginners and experts alike. Two mountains make up the local ski area: There’s the Ahorn, where the pace is deliciously cruisey. And then there’s the Penken, SOLDEN which injects adrenaline with the legendary Harakiri run (Austria’s steepStar of Bond flick, Spectre, Solden was always destined for great est) and the mammoth Vans Snowpark. While this might be enough for things. The ski area has some pretty hefty claims: There are two skiable many a skier, there’s also a gaggle of other areas within easy reach, none more snow sure than the Hintertux glacier. You’ll always find things hapOn the slopes, Austrian resorts enjoy a good snow record even pening in resort – even outside the though their ski areas are not, in general, quite as high as those of Snowbombing and Altitude festivals Austria’s big rival, France (which bring big names in music and comedy every spring). With the town glaciers, the Tiefenbach and Rettenbach, and three accessible peaks oozing old-school charm, Christmas is magical and markets and carols poke above the 3000m mark. This makes the 145km of groomers traditionally add to the festivities. And the après is always amazing, from fabulously snow sure – blue and red run skiers can explore the whole the White Lounge igloo bar up top, to Ice Bar and Scotland Yard in resort. area, while those after a test have nearly 30km of black slopes. Cracking snow quality extends off the piste, and the height of the area opens KITZBUHEL up some unmissable views (you can see the Dolomites from Schwarze Kitzbuhel’s a looker – but it’s not all about the colourful coaching Schneide on a clear day). The après scene is huge, with massive pisteinns and cobbled streets. It’s luxurious too – but it’s not all about the side parties in the likes of Gampe Alm. And if you prefer post-ski Michelin-starred restaurants and spa hotels either… The ski area’s pampering, the Aqua Dome has every wellness facility you can dream a classic: When Franz Reisch schussed down from the Kitzbueheler of over 50,000 square metres.

Horn in 1893, he created Austria’s first Alpine ski run. And what an area it’s grown into - home to 170km of groomers, including the world famous Streif run (star of the annual Hahnenkamm race), as well as 32km of ski routes and oodles of powder terrain. While it’s not the highest ski area in the Alps, the snow quality’s usually incredible, with most years seeing around 155 days of the good stuff. They’ve thrown millions of euros into keeping the lift system slick, and the valley’s six beginner lifts are usually free to use. The SkiWelt area’s nearby if you fancy clocking up even more miles, and there’s also the option to go for the All Star Card, which covers a whopping 10 ski areas in the Kitzbüheler Alps.

LECH Known as one of the classic ski resorts, Lech is part of the ‘Best of the Alps’ group. The resort’s superior status in the skiing world has made it a favourite of the rich and Royal for decades. The uber-

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LECH

SOLL King of the SkiWelt, Soll has speedy access to Austria’s biggest linked ski area – all 280km of it – via the mighty Hohe Salve. Beginners are in brilliant hands (the kids areas are especially impressive) while more experienced skiers can really roam. It needn’t end when the sun sets, with 10km of local pistes making up the country’s biggest night ski area. Having shifted its old ‘lads holiday’ reputation, the resort’s achieved the golden mean of being warm and welcoming for families, whilst still knowing how to party. Take tots tobogganing on the 3km Hexenritt track (which is crammed with fun surprises) or set your sights on the Whisky-Muhle for drinks and dancing. All this is easily reached from the village, which happens to be one of the prettiest around - a true reminder of bygone days with horse-drawn sleighs, an old Rococo church and cute wooden buildings.

MAYRHOFEN CHRISTMAS MARKETS

area, where the 77km of pistes include 5 full valley descents and fine views over the lake and town. Then there’s the Maiskogel in nearby ISCHGL Kaprun, with 20km of family-focussed skiing. And finally, the glorious Ischgl knocks the socks off other resorts après ski – and the Trofana Kitzsteinhorn – Austria’s first skiable glacier with 41km of snow sure Alm should be experienced at least once. But that’s not the only reason groomers and amazing powder descents. They’re all linked by free you come here: 240km of groomers and countless off piste reaching buses, with free WiFi thrown in across the region. And with resorts over the border to Swiss Samnaun. And thanks to a top height of 2812m, like Saalbach nearby, the opportunity goes on and on… the ski area has a super snow record. It’s also home to a socking great snow park, one of the finest in the Alps, with ‘King-Size’ features and the More than any other Alpine country, ski accommodation in Austria longest pro-line on the continent.The and the communal living areas are almost always several cuts resort itself is packed with things to above average do: Swimming, spas, bowling, restaurants – and that’s just in the Silvretta SAALBACH Centre. Look out for the legendary Top Of The Mountain concerts at Connecting Saalbach with Hinterglemm, Leogang and Fieberbrunn, the beginning, middle and end of the season. Recent headliners include the Ski-Circus is one of Austria’s biggest linked areas. And there’s no Rihanna and Elton, and the atmosphere’s mighty electric. clowning about when it comes to the stats: Pistes total a hefty 270km and there are 3 Snowparks with miles of ungroomed trails to boot. A ZELL AM SEE lot of investment goes into these mountains, with heated chairlifts Even if you didn’t touch a piste all week you’d have a whale of a and extensive snowmaking cropping up in recent years. And Saalbach’s time in Zell – there’s loads to do around the town, from shopping in the handily stationed slap bang in the middle of the valley, making getting market, to snoozing in the spas, to wandering along the lakeside. Though around an absolute breeze. The resort also lays claim to the Glemmtal’s we wouldn’t recommend ditching the skis completely... You’ve got three liveliest après scene, with as much to do off the slopes as on them. different ski areas included in the lift pass: First the local Schmitten Besides big parties at the Hinterhag Alm, you’ll also find horse-drawn sleigh rides, piste-basher driving, snowmobiling and quad biking (and that’s just for starters…

SAALBACH, part of Ski-Circus

OBERGURGL Officially the highest parish in Austria, Obergurgl’s biggest draw is its fabulous conditions: It’s not often you find a ski area sans glacier where the snow quality’s this good. We like the fact that everyone gets a taste of the good stuff – with both beginner and expert runs streaming from 3080m on the Wurmkogl. In all, there’s 110km to ski – mostly blues, closely followed by reds, with a decent amount of black pistes and powder runs thrown in. Back in resort, the vibe is chilled and cheerful which is spot on for ski holidays with children. Even better, the bulk of hotels and chalets have doorstep skiing (a rarity in Austria), and being 95km from Innsbruck Airport keeps transfers splendidly short. ■ BUSINESS PARTNER

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VIENNA BALL CULTURE

The Dance Of Six Steps

Once considered wicked, today it is the very definition of all things Viennese: the Viennese waltz. The people of Vienna love it, the music - made world famous 150 years ago by waltz king Johann Strauss - as well as as the dance of the same name in three-four time, which is a fixed item at every ball

S

chubert, Chopin, Liszt, Brahms and Mahler wrote waltzes that are not intended to be danced to but rather as a song, for piano or orchestra. However, it was the danceable waltzes of the Strauss dynasty that triumphed around the world like no other. Dancing the waltz - that was and is the Viennese way of partying.

Nowhere else is that so keenly celebrated as at the Viennese balls.

Viennese ball culture had its beginnings about 200 years ago, when Europe was being restructured at the Congress of Vienna in

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1814/15. An effort was made to make the negotiating guests’ stay more pleasant with balls and social events. The catchphrase was: “The Congress is dancing”. The whole of Vienna swayed in three-four time and became the city of the waltz.

When it came to dance music, the public expected a constant stream of new waltzes or polkas. Composers such as Joseph Lanner, Johann Strauss Sr. and Jr. supplied quantity and quality - and often conducted their own works. They were celebrated like popstars. Johann

Strauss Sr. (1804-1849) composed the “Radetzky March”. Johann Strauss Jr. (1825-1899) went down in history as the “Waltz King”, his concert tours taking him to Russia and America. His brothers Josef and Eduard also made music. Interesting information about the whole Strauss dynasty can be gleaned nowadays in the Strauss Museum.

THE VIENNESE WALTZ is a quick rotating ballroom dance with a subtle rise and fall

which are also a unique experience for visitors to Vienna.

BLUE DANUBE WALTZ - THE FIRST HIT Each Viennese ball usually adheres to a strict dress code. If you Perhaps Strauss Jr.’s most famous work is the Blue Danube Waltz, get the evening attire (totally) wrong, you may not be allowed to enter, actually entitled “On the beautiful, blue Danube”. It was composed in even with a valid ticket. The dress code for elegant balls is usually Strauss’ apartment at Praterstrasse 54, which has been preserved in its long ball gowns for the ladies and tuxedos, tailcoats or black suits original state. On 17 February 1867, the ‘Neues Fremdenblatt’ wrote about the acclaimed premiere: “The opening number of the second movement was a decisive hit” - the first recorded Viennese ball culture had its beginnings about 200 years ago, when Europe was being restructured at the Congress of Vienna in 1814/15 use of the term ‘hit’. The nine-minute, would-be national anthem of Austria is regularly played at the change of (depending on the respective dress code of each organiser) for the year, for example as an encore and highpoint of the globally broadcast gentlemen. With modern balls, such as the Life Ball, the dress code New Year’s Concert of the Vienna Philharmonic and at Viennese balls, can be themed and quite extravagant.

The journey from non-dancer to ball-ready is a short one with the assistance of the Vienna Dance Schools.

The dance consists of just six steps; what makes it challenging is the high speed. Experienced dancers alternate the right-hand waltz with the more difficult variant in the opposite direction. Those who become dizzy from the rapid turning (tip: always look in the direction you’re dancing and especially never at the floor!) or find their path blocked on a busy dance floor, can steal a couple of quiet rock steps on the spot.

By the way: someone who dances twelve waltzes in a single evening will have completed about an hour of physical exercise, including 2,500 turns, 5,000 Imperial Ball musical director JOHANN STRAUSS JR. with his band steps and a distance of 5 kilometers. ■ BUSINESS PARTNER

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