Business Dialogue - CorD Magazine, May 2018 Issue, No.163

BUSINESS LEADERS’ MEETING POINT

PAGE 36

PAGE 44

JOVO VUJČIĆ, PRODUCTION DIRECTOR, CARLSBERG SRBIJA

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BELGRADE

Investing In The Future Has No Cost

A Celebration Of Learning

PAGE 40

VOJIN ĐORĐEVIĆ, CREATOR OF THE VODAVODA BRAND

ČEDOMIR JANJIĆ, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF ZRENJANIN

VODAVODA Conquers The World

There Will Be Ever More Jobs

PAGE 45

JOVAN MILIVOJEVIĆ, SALES & MARKETING DIRECTOR AT KERAMIKA KANJIŽA LTD.

PAGE 48

Setting Out To Conquer Europe

ALEKSANDAR MIŠKOVIĆ, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF LIVNICA PRECIZNIH ODLIVAKA (PRECISION CASTINGS FOUNDRY) PAGE 49

Little Ada For A Big World

CESTRA D.O.O.

PAGE 50

Cestra, The Pride Of Serbia M AY

|

163

| 35

CORPORATE

JOVO VUJČIĆ, PRODUCTION DIRECTOR, CARLSBERG SRBIJA

Investing In The Future Has No Cost At the Čelarevo Brewery, which forms part of the Carlsberg Group, one of the world’s leading producers of beer, 224 million euros has been invested to date. Some €4.5 million was invested in 2017 alone, while investments worth €6.5 million are planned for the current year 2022 you will use electricity produced 100 per cent from renewable sources.

Are these really achievable goals?

- We are already working a lot on this, as evidenced by the opening of the new biomass boiler room, representing an investment worth a million euros. Apart from being an innovation on the Serbian ith the opening of a new market, the new boiler room also represents a breakthrough in the overall operabiomass boiler room worth tions of the Carlsberg Group. Our brewery a million euros, Carlsberg at Čelarevo is the first Carlsberg brewery has clearly shown its strategic commitment to making numerous in the world that will use the implementation of this technology to contribute investments in Serbia and ensuring to improving its own energy efficiency stable operations in order to achieve Within the framework of the and reducing the negative effects of long-term plans and successful reCarlsberg Group, a lot of young production on the environment. sults on the Serbian market By introducing this technology, people are employed and ■ Carlsberg has for decades been tasked with using their energy alongside the pre-existing biogas one of the global leaders in the boiler, we have more than doubled and broad perspectives fields of ecology, environmental our use of renewable energy in the to conquer alternative protection and sustainable develproduction process, which now acopment. What forms the basis of counts for 40 per cent. The biomass technologies and develop your strategy? used as a fuel by the new boiler is oralternative principles ganic matter of plant origin, or wood - At a time when the entire world is of operations chips that are obtained by purchasfacing challenges like climate change, ing and breaking down waste pallets water shortages and public health from the brewery itself. As a renewable issues, the Carlsberg Group has adopted biomass and electricity, means more to energy source, biomass is CO2 neutral, its SAIL’22 strategy and a programme for us than financial benefits. which means that during combustion it achieving sustainability under the title We are doing everything globally, because we focus on the use of knowledge, emits exactly as much carbon dioxide as ’Together Towards ZERO’. It implies four as well as the development and improvewas bound to the plant through the promajor ambitions: zero carbon footprint, ment of existing knowhow and experience, cess of photosynthesis during growth. zero wastewater, zero irresponsible alcohol consumption and zero injuries at work. all in order to develop sustainability and We have also invested in a CO2 station, Although the strategy was adopted improve balance in the production process. a wastewater treatment plant, and now just a year ago at the Group level, we at the new biomass boiler room, all of which ■ You announced last year that carbon Čelarevo are working intensively on its clearly shows that we are heading in the dioxide emissions at your breweries will realisation. I will allow myself to note right direction and that our plans and be reduced to zero by 2030, and that by that we have become a pilot plant, a strategy are implementable. pilot brewery, so when people come from elsewhere in the Carlsberg Group to visit us, they ask if there is anything new and what we are working on right now. As early as next week, in front of the Group’s most eminent experts in charge of energy, we will present in detail what we have done here, with our boiler room that works on biomass and biogas.

The opportunity to present what we are doing to such experts, as well as the trust placed in us by the Group when we initiate new projects related to biogas,

W

36 |

163

| M AY

■ It is estimated that as much as two thirds of the planet could face severe water shortages by 2025. How does the Carlsberg Group combat water scarcity?

- We really look to see how this purified water can be used in the production process... for irrigation, cleaning, disinfection... We are reducing yearon-year the amount of water needed to be consumed for the production of

facility. It is practically sludge that has optimal levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content, thanks to which it can be used as an organic soil cultivator. By registering “supercompost” as a cultivator, the amount of waste dumped at landfill sites has been reduced by half, and the aim was for waste to be handled in an environmentally sound manner. “Supercompost”

heritage, protecting the environment, raising awareness of social problems and investing in future generations.

How are experiences to date with the work of the Foundation?

- We launched the Foundation in 2015, with the desire of following all that is good, and everything left through the legacy of Jacob Jacobsen. We worked on nurturing history through investing in

VLADIMIR VAVA, CEO, Carlsberg Srbija

one unit of our finished product. We are even endeavouring to reduce to levels below those outlined in our development strategy, by moving to below three hectolitres of water per hectolitre of product by 2022. And our current level of consumption is also considered very low.

Our wastewater treatment plant is technologically conceived so that in the process of wastewater treatment, among other things, biogas is produced replaces part of the natural gas used for the production of heating energy. Carlsberg Srbija uses this gas as a substitute for natural gas, in quantities of up to 18%.

■ So-called “supercompost” was also created at Čelarevo and is used as a land cultivator. Is this “invention” being used by other breweries in the Carlsberg Group?

- “Supercompost” is created as a byproduct in the wastewater treatment

the future. We invest a considerable part of the Foundation’s funds in new young talents and talented future colleagues. We have very good cooperation with universities – technical, technological, economic, legal – and the Foundation connects all of that through scholarships. Meanwhile, on the other hand, we also have an internal programme with which – through the model of work placements – we engage talented youngsters at the brewery and develop among them a spirit of proactivity, belonging, enthusiasm, a high level of energy and a desire to change things.

We are aware that no one can work along anywhere, not in any entity. In order to achieve good results, you don’t only need high-quality people, but rather people who can work with you as a team, to be committed to a common mission, vision and idea that precedes everything. ■

All products that are incinerated in the new boiler room, including ash and smoke gases, adhere to the legal regulations of the Republic of Serbia and the European Union, which means that they don’t have a negative impact on the environment can be used as an additional fertiliser for field crops, vegetables, fruits and grapevines. Following successful implementation at Čelarevo Brewery itself, the ecological concept of “supercomput” has been adopted throughout Europe at many other companies of the Carlsberg Group.

■ The Carlsberg Foundation was established with the aim of advancing science and education, preserving cultural

M AY

|

163

| 37

LOCAL NEWS

DIPLOMACY “The EU is suffering from a serious illness, which is deafness when it comes to Serbia. Perhaps the disease is curable, we should work on it.”— IVICA DAČIĆ, Serbian Minister of Foreign Affairs NALED

MILENIJUM OSIGURANJE

Strategic Goals By 2021

Fair Discount - Casco 25% Cheaper

Atthe12thAnnualAssembly,itwasestimatedthatNALED wasaverysuccessfulyearandthatthenumberof300members from the ranks of the economy, local self-government and civil society organisations were reached.

InadditiontothepositiveresultsachievedbyNALEDinthe previous period, and more talked about by President of the Management Board Aleksandar Ružević, the NALED strategic plans for the period 2018-2021 were presented at the meeting. NALED members voted in the vote that NALED’s two key NALED program goals in the medium term would be to improve the regulatory framework for business and capacity building and accountability of the public administration.

Within the first goal of the critical activity will be the work on further reduction of the grey economy, development of e-government and e-business, improvement of the cadastre operation, development of the agriculture and health sector, as well as the improvement of international competitiveness and regional cooperation. The second objective envisages engagement in improving the capacity of state administration and local self-government to support the economy, develop the process of adoption and the quality of laws, and engage in the process of EU accession to strengthen the competitiveness of the economy.

The upcoming “BG CAR SHOW” auto fair, to be held at the Belgrade Fair, has prompted Milenijum osiguranje to prepare a special fair package. Anyone who purchases a policy in the period from 22nd March to 31st May will receive a 25% discount on a casco insurance policy. This fair discount applies to all insurees - both private individuals and registered companies. In addition to this discount, Milenijum osiguranje also offers other benefits, such as paying premiums in 12 monthly installments.

Casco insurance policies cover a large number of risks that can cause the destruction, damage or disappearance of vehicles, for example, vehicle theft, destruction or damage to vehicles in motor accidents, fire, lightning strikes, explosions, adverse weather conditions such as storms and flooding, and the like. Apart from advantages for purchases of casco insurance, with the purchase of just one policy, Milenijum osiguranje, under the name PACKAGE 5+, citizens can simultaneously insure their

HELLENIC PETROLEUM

Greece Launches Tender For Hellenic Petroleum Privatisation

DIREKTNA BANKA

Direktna Banka Buys Piraeus Bank Beograd Greece launched an international tender to sell a majority stake in its biggest oil refiner, Hellenic Petroleum. At least 50.1 percent of Hellenic will be sold, in one of the biggest asset sales under Athens’ privatisation scheme launched in 2010, and interested investors must submit expressions of interest by May 18.

Major shareholders Paneuropean Oil and Industrial Holding and the Greek government agreed to divest at least 50.1 percent of Hellenic, which is Europe’s third biggest oil refiner based on its market value of €2.6 billion. Paneuropean Oil owns 45.5 percent of Hellenic and the Greek government holds a 35.5 percent stake. Suitors need to have at least three years of experience in the oil and gas industry, while in the case of a consortium, at least one member must meet this requirement.

Direktna Banka a.d Kragujevac officially acquired 100% ownership of Piraeus Bank a.d. Beograd, to expand its business and strengthen its position on the Serbian market. As a universal bank, Direktna Banka aims to provide services for natural persons and medium-sized enterprises.

Merging with Piraeus Bank a.d. Belgrade will provide better accessibility for Direktna Banka to its clients, as this integration will increase the sales network of the bank by as much as 50%.

After the merger, which is expected in November 2018, the banks will operate under the name of Direktna Banka and will have a consolidated network of branch offices throughout Serbia and assets of approximately €500 million.

In the previous year alone when it bought Findomestic banka a.d. Beograd, Direktna Banka recorded a profit of €1.9 billion, and it continues with a positive business trend in 2018, as evidenced by the bank’s RSD 118 million profit in the first quarter of this year.

BRITISH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

Seventies Disco Event British International School invites you to the Seventies Disco event that will take place on 19 May at BIS Primary School Campus, Uzicka 7a, Belgrade, from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm.

This year the proceeds will be donated to the Children’s Hospital in Tirsova, Belgrade, Department of Hematology and Oncology.

For many years, a great number of embassies and companies have participated in our charity events, contributing to the causes and helping us in raising the awareness of our students about the importance of charity work.

The entrance to the event is free. Raffle tickets will be sold on the day, and visitors will have the opportunity to win valuable raffle prizes donated by a variety of prestigious hotels, restaurants and companies…

There will be an exciting stage programme, food stalls, activities and games for children and much more.

For additional information contact us on info@bis.edu.rs or give us a call on 011-3066-096.

38 |

163

| M AY

AIR SERBIA “I hope that Etihad would not leave Air Serbia. However, if that does happen, and Etihad decides to go, Air Serbia will be stronger than Jat.” — ALEKSANDAR VUČIĆ, Serbian President

Placements & postings appointments@aim.rs

▪ H.E. CARLO LO CASCIO, NEW ITALIAN AMBASSADOR TO SERBIA

cars, themselves and other travellers. PACKAGE 5+ covers the following risks: accident insurance of vehicle occupants and passenger vehic, road assistance, insurance of passenger vehicles due to natural hazards (storms, lightning strikes, hail damage, flooding), insurance against vehicle glass breakages, aswellas“replacementvehicle”.Theannualinsurancepremium is fixed and amounts to RSD 3,600 with a tax on premiums.

Milenijum osiguranje is focused on satisfying the demands of clients at the highest level, which is also confirmed by the fact that it is one of the leaders in timely claims handling.

Ambassador Carlo Lo Cascio (55) was born in Palermo, Italy, where he graduated in law. He began his career in diplomacy in 1990, with his first foreign posting as second commercial secretary, then first commercial secretary, in Bonn, German, in 1994. He became first commercial secretary in Sarajevo, later confirmed in the same position as an advisor, in 2001.

Returning to Rome, from 2001 he served in the Directorate-General for Multilateral Political Affairs and Human Rights, after which, in 2005, he was appointed first counsellor at the Italian Embassy in Belgrade. In 2008 he became ambassador resident in Maputo, Mozambique, whilst also accredited to Mbabane, Swaziland.

In 2012 he served the Director-General for Globalisation and Global Issues, then subsequently the Coordinator for EU relations - sub-Saharan Africa, while in 2013 he was appointed head of the unit for the Balkan Countries.

He became Deputy Director General for the EU and Principal Director for European Countries in 2014, then served as Vice Director General for the EU at the Italian Foreign Ministry in 2015.

Ambassador Lo Cascio was awarded the title of Official Knight of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Italy in 2007.

▪ FEZA TAN, NEW CHAIRWOMAN OF UNICREDIT BANK SERBIA JSC

AFI EUROPE

A One-Of-A-Kind Experience For All Potential Buyers

”Skyline Belgrade” residential-business complex played host to the representatives od the media at its sales house located at the corner of Kneza Miloša and Durmitorska streets.

On this occasion, the media representatives had a chance to get acquainted with all the amenities available to potential real estate buyers within this residential-business complex in addition take a virtual walk around the apartments within the complex by using VR technology. The sales house will provide relevant guidelines to all interested parties related to apartment acquisition, as well as support in all phases of the sales process: from presenting the apartments to potential buyers,givingadviceregardingthebeststructuralsolutionsto fit the buyers’ needs, to the final apartment selection and the handover of keys. Thanks to well-versed staff and the most modern technology that sets “Skyline Belgrade” apart from the rest on the Serbian market, “Skyline Belgrade” aims to develop professional yet personalized relations with clients and adapt to their needs and desires.

As the up-and-coming symbol of the Serbian capital, “Skyline Belgrade”. “AFI Europe”, an Israeli investment and development company behind this residential-business project, has been operating on the Serbian market since 2005.

Its projects “Airport City Belgrade” and “Central Garden” are testament to the evident market leadership role of “AFI Europe”, both when it comes to architectural solutions and urban development.

FezaTan holds a Bachelor degree in Economics from Boğaziçi University, İstanbul and Risk Management Program Diploma from Manchester Business School.

Ms.Tan started her career in Turkish Yapi Kredi, member of UniCredit Group, in 1993 as Management Trainee in Corporate Credits where after two years she became Analyst in Corporate Credits. In 1997, Feza was appointed as Corporate and Project Finance Underwriting Manager where she established first project finance team in Turkey. From 2001 she was Head of Corporate and Commercial Credit Underwriting, while in 2009 she took over the position of Head of Corporate and Commercial Credit which she was leading until 2013 when she was named Head of Corporate and Investment Banking. Moreover, Feza was also a Credit Commıttee and Board Member in leasıng and factorıng companies, as well as in 3 foreıgn subsidiaries of Yapı Kredi. She is coming from the position of Head of Corporate and Investment Banking in Yapi Kredi Bank where she was also Executive Committee member.

▪

ALEKSANDAR JAKOVLJEVIĆ, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF PHILIP MORRIS INTERNATIONAL FOR SOUTHEAST EUROPE As of last month, the new managing director / CEO of company Philip Morris International for Southeast is Aleksandar Jakovljević, who succeeds Jelena Pavlović in this position.

Jakovljević joined Philip Morris in 2015, and within the company has previously held the positions of financial director for the market of Southeast Europe and financial director for the markets of Ukraine, the Caucasus and Moldova. Prior to joining PMI, he held financial and general managerial positions in various international companies.

Pavlović, outgoing managing director and current president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Serbia, has been appointed Chairwoman of the Board of Directors.

▪

ROBERTO MANCUSO, NEW GENERAL DIRECTOR AT METRO CASH & CARRY FOR BOTH SERBIA AND CROATIA Roberto Mancuso has been appointed general director of METRO Cash & Carry Serbia, while he will also maintain his existing position as general director of METRO Cash & Carry Croatia.

Mancuso began his career at METRO in Italy in 2001, and since then has held numerous positions within the company in five different countries, including spending more than four years as general director of METRO Serbia, before being appointed general director of METRO Croatia in July 2017.

During the period of his leadership of METRO in Serbia, Mancuso successfully managed the transformation of the company from a traditional cash & carry retailer to its current model with multiple sales channels.

Deliveries of goods intended for professionals (B2B customers) is available to thousands of customers, with five delivery platforms located within METRO facilities.

M AY

|

163

| 39

CORPORATE THE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BELGRADE

A Celebration Of Learning The International School of Belgrade (ISB) is proudly celebrating its 70th anniversary. Thousands of children have passed through the portals of knowledge at ISB since the school was founded in 1948.

This would not be possible without ISB’s caring, committed and highly qualified educators

ANNE GOSLEE-JOVOVIĆ

A

nne Goslee-Jovović joined ISB in 1970 and continued her stellar work until retirement in June 2017. She worked for almost five decades in various teaching capacities and taught Language Arts, Social Studies, Visual Arts and Art Enrichment classes.

grams) all have enriched the mission of ISB throughout the years.

Enrolment fluctuations from 10 to over 400 students from K-12 have demanded a flexible staff and administration.

The amazing teachers and administration who have passed through ISB classrooms have brought teaching methods and experience from around the world.

Changes in the host country’s government and economy, as well as international communications/relations, have varied greatly during the history of ISB.

What kind of results has this concept yielded?

- The results include a student population that is not afraid to try something new, to help each other and others in Belgrade, to accept differences, to independently design research projects, to feel confident in displaying their work in the school and community, to study in foreign countries and in foreign languages.

■ The International School of Belgrade was established way back in 1948 and this year celebrates seven decades of work. Which years ■ For the International School of and periods proved crucial to your Belgrade, the interests of pupils school? and their most diverse needs have - Each period in ISB’s history has always been at the centre of attention. How difficult is it to create proved challenging in its own way: a balanced curriculum that is Adapting buildings, developing The amazing teachers and tailored to the majority yet also grounds and campuses, including administration who have to the individual? specialised technology, sports, art, passed through ISB classrooms customised - Rather than being difficult, I drama, music, science and adminishave brought teaching methods would say that it is a joy as a tration rooms, has continued from the 1950s to the present day. teacher to develop a class curand experience from around riculum that is flexible enough to Liaisons and accreditation with the world encourage many different ways of the ECIS (European Council of InterI believe that each challenge has national Schools), CEESA (Central and mastering it. served to make ISB a stronger school.

Eastern European Schools Association), NEASC (New England Association ■ Your school has always been ■ Your teachers strive to inspire and of Schools and Colleges), the Pittsford, known as an empowering and direct school pupils towards disNY, School to School project, the IB healthy environment that promotes covering their interests, talents and (International Baccalaureate Primary learning. What specifically sets you passions, towards being leaders.

Years, Middle Years, and Diploma Proapart you from the schools of the 40 |

163

| M AY

MIDDLE SCHOOL ART STUDENTS, 2015

education system of the state of Serbia, but also other international schools?

- As an international school, ISB has the privilege of sharing the varied viewpoints of students from more than 40 countries and teaching them to learn beyond an assigned, fixed curriculum.

The positive relationship with the host country of Serbia and the significant Serbian student population at ISB have ensured that international families posted to Serbia feel welcome.

■ Despite its long tradition and rich experience, your school also respects and accepts the demands of modern times and adapts to them

STUDENT ARTWORK IN ISB, 2013

SHARING MIDDLE SCHOOL ART WITH THE BELGRADE COMMUNITY, 2012

accordingly. Is this one of the secrets of the success of both your school and your pupils?

- Yes, it certainly contributes to the success. ISB has followed advances in

festivals, debate, model UN and a rich offering of languages have all consistently enhanced the ISB curriculum.

■ Although you are an international school, you both respect and cultural differences.

As an international school, ISB promote How do the pupils handle such has the privilege of sharing the an environment?

- Cultural diversity has been the varied viewpoints of students norm at ISB. Teaching at ISB enfrom more than 40 countries abled me to celebrate students’ and teaching them to learn individuality and also explore what beyond an assigned, fixed each of their cultures offered. In my middle school art and English curriculum classes, students worked towards information technology since the bethe goal of each lesson with the appreginning. And such activities as sports, ciation of how much the work of each travel, art exhibits, drama, music, of their classmates might differ from community outreach, cultural arts their own. ■

STUDENT ART EXHIBITION, 2011

M AY

|

163

| 41

REGIONAL NEWS

BEHAVIOUR “The attempt at tearing apart a Croatian or any other flag or state symbol and insulting members of official delegations on a friendly visit to Serbia is not the kind of behaviour that represents Serbia.”— ANA BRNABIĆ, Prime Minister

ROMANIA

FYR MACEDONIA

Mitsubishi Electric Europe Opens Subsidiary In Romania

First Western Balkans Digital Summit

Mitsubishi Electric Europe has launched its first subsidiary in Romania through Mitsubishi Electric Living Environmental Systems citing the favorable economic conditions and the growth of the local market. Last year, the company recorded sales of around €10 million, accounting for 10 percent of the market for air conditioning systems. For 2018, Mitsubishi forecasts additional growth of sales. Yoji Saito, president and CEO of Mitsubishi Electric Europe, pointed BULGARIA

Mondi Invests Over €600mln In A New Plant

out that the expansion in Romania marks the beginning of fresh growth in Eastern Europe.

Mitsubishi Electric Living Environmental Systems has been present on the local market through distributors since 1990.

The International Packaging and Paper Production Group Mondigroup intends to invest over €600 million in the construction of a new plant in Bulgaria.

Mondi is an international group for packaging and paper production, with about 26,000 employees in production units in 31 countries located on four continents. It serves markets around the world. Mondi’s main production units are located in central Europe, Russia and South Africa.

Mondi Stamboliiski EAD was established 60 years ago on the banks of the Maritsa River in the town of Stamboliyski. Today it is the biggest pulp and paper producer and the biggest user of technological wood in Bulgaria, using entirely local coniferous timber as its main raw material.

It is owned by Mondi since 2006.

At a joint press conference, Minister of Information Society and Administration of Macedonia Damjan Manchevski, Commissioner for Digital Economy and Society Mariya Gabriel, and Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council Goran Svilanović, pointed out the importance of the first Digital Summit held in Skopje.

“The Western Balkans Digital Summit 6 is a confirmation that we are all working towards the same goal”, said Commissioner Gabriel. “For us, the Western Balkans is part of the European Union, while the digital transformation will help us succeed in intensifying our cooperation. Under the recent Enlargement Strategy for the Western Balkan Countries, digitalization is placed high on the political agenda. We have important projects before us, such as reduction of roaming prices and cyber security”.

CROATIA

Croatian Hotel Resort Project In China Set To Open The impressive LN Garden Resort Hotel, designed

by Zagreb-based architect studio 3LHD, is set to open in June 2018. This huge project in China is another feather in the cap for the Croatian firm.

Located in southern China’s Guangdong province, on the Zhu Jiang (Pearl River) estuary, the LN Garden Resort is part of the Nansha Seaside Park. The hotel forms a unique entity with the surrounding landscape, has 374 rooms and is categorized higher than 5-stars in the Platinum category.

The hotel outdoor areas are designed to merge the building with the surrounding landscape. Green elements from the exterior appear in the interior linking it with the environment. Shade is provided with tree canopies placed on the water surfaces, or on the green or paved areas next to them.

The investor is Chinese state firm Guangzhou Lingnan International Enterprise Group.

42 |

163

| M AY

“With the adoption of the laws on e-Commerce and e-Government, Serbia has eliminated all obstacles for e-Government’s rapid development”, said Mihailo Jovanović, Director of the Serbian Office for IT and e-Government.

“It has passed all necessary legislation for the complete digital transformation of the public administration and local government.

The project for electronic identification of e-Government users is under way as one of the priority projects of the Office, aiming to provide citizens and companies with a very simple online access to e-Government services, without the need for qualified electronic certificates on smart cards, relying instead on electronic signatures in the cloud.”

He added that mutual recognition of electronic identification of citizens and companies in the Western Balkans region is the basis for cross-border use of electronic administrative services, and that regional cooperation and the improvement of neighbourly relations are among Serbia’s foreign policy priorities.

M AY

|

163

| 43

CORPORATE VOJIN DJORDJEVIC, CREATOR OF THE VODAVODA BRAND

VODAVODA Conquers The World VODAVODA comes from a depth of 605 metres, is filled at the very source without any additional finishing, and has an outstanding mineral composition, which the most demanding and fastidious consumers recognise and appreciate.

Many new markets have been conquered; the conquest of the rest of the world is under way but we are patient and confident that our goals will be achieved.

N

atural properties and quality are what distinguishes VODAVODA from all other waters and opens the doors to hotels and restaurants, from the Belgrade Metropol to Qatar’s Four Seasons. We are also proud of being partners of some of the biggest sporting events, because only quality counts there.

■ Only two years after VODAVODA’s market comeback, you have reached Singapore, Korea, Hong Kong and all the countries of the Persian Gulf.

How do you explain this success?

- Success is much easier in these markets because they are well regulated. They recognize and appreciate quality and the law clearly defines the requirements to be declared as a premium product. Precisely for this reason, its quality, VODAVODA has not only returned to the foreign market but has occupied even better positions, because in those markets there is a clear differentiation between processed waters and premium waters that are completely natural.

In our market there is no such differentiation, and reaching the position that VODAVODA deserves due to its quality and design is more challenging, 44 |

163

| M AY

■ VODAVODA is the first mineral water in Serbia that has received the NSF certificate. Was it hard to enter the most exclusive restaurants in which, until then, only Evian, One and Fiji water were served?

- Natural properties and quality are what distinguishes VODAVODA from all others and opens the doors to hotels and restaurants, from the Belgrade Metropol to Qatar’s Four Seasons. The prestigious NSF certificate is a confirmation of this quality, which allows marketing in America and other distant countries. The

We wish to use our abilities to support the noble idea and vision carried out by UNICEF so that VODAVODA can contribute to and continue to live in a high-quality environment. We will pay special attention to coming generations NSF has verified properties due to the fact that the water comes from a depth of 605 metres, is filled at the very source without any additional finishing, and has an outstanding mineral composition.

This composition was analysed by the Medical Faculty in Belgrade, showing that VODAVODA enables all of the body’s cells to function properly.

■ A partnership between VODAVODA and Unicef will enable the work of development counselling centres for children in 15 Community Health centres in Belgrade. What’s next?

- Our future is in what we are creating now, and what we are dreaming about.

Our vision, desire and responsibility are that one day VODAVODA should reach all corners of the world. When we are now suffering the consequences of centuries of man’s carelessness towards nature, we find it important that something good and useful to the planet should come from Serbia and to enable the whole world to enjoy its benefits. Unicef has goals that focus on health, early child development and the quality of life for future generations, and we allow ourselves to say that our values and goals coincide.

■ VODAVODA is the only domestic partner of Euroleague and the official drink of Final Four, which is held this year in Belgrade. How did these prestigious contracts come about?

- We are fortunate that many people recognise true values and quality and do not compromise when organizing big events. That’s why the Euroleague has chosen us, a special honour. We think it is good that VODAVODA as a partner of these sporting events comes from Serbia, as a land of basketball and important global names in the game. It is especially important to us that this year’s Final Four will be in Belgrade and that the presence of VODAVODA will provide all the players with additional strength. ■

CORPORATE ČEDOMIR JANJIĆ, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF ZRENJANIN

There Will Be Ever More Jobs The City of Zrenjanin is among the first in Serbia to open new, fully-equipped industrial zones and to attract investors with various benefits and the efficient work of the administration. This has paid off for the city

I

am satisfied that serious investors are coming to our city, that existing ones are expanding their operations, and that we are interesting to foreigners, but I am even more satisfied that domestic companies see Zrenjanin as a good place to invest ■ There is ever-increasing interest in your city among investors. This spring alone, company Essex launched operations, MB invest bought land, Unionimpex and Momo announced new advances, as did MPZ Agrar, UM-ING etc. How many new jobs can Zrenjanin residents expect in the period ahead?

- I can state with pride that we have made great strides forward in the last four years and that we are in constant negotiations with new potential investors. Reducing the number of unemployed is one of our priorities, and we are very dedicated to that job and also, I would say, successful.

The investors that already operate in our zones are very satisfied, and some of them, such as Dräxlmaier, Fulgar, Gomex and UM-ING, are expanding their capacities. Dräxlmaier alone has hired around 2,000 new workers, which is extremely important for us.

Unionimpex is planning to open a showroom for Peugeot cars and to employ 12 to 15 new workers, while

Momo, a local Zrenjanin firm with a tradition dating back 32 years, has begun expanding its capacity, which will naturally also require an increase in the number of workers.

The largest investment – not only in Zrenjanin but in Serbia as a whole – is construction of the production facilities of South Korean company Essex, which is being realised in the “Jugoistok” (Southeast) industrial zone. This contract is worth €30 million, and the production complex will employ 160 workers who will have an average net monthly salary of 90,000 dinars.

ment of this branch of the economy.

Company MPZ Agrar, which operates within the framework of Meat Industry Matijević, purchased 10 hectares of land in the “Northwest – Elemir” Industrial Zone and will construct the most modern cold storage facility there, with a capacity of 15,000 tonnes. MPZ Agrar also plans to plant fruit on an area of around 1,000 hectares, 300ha of which are on the territory of Zrenjanin, and 200 workers will get jobs.

Otherwise, every investor enhances the attractiveness of the industrial zone in which they operate, enticing new investors, which in turn raises the price of construction land and improves the economic environment.

Thanks to the environment that we’ve created, small businesspeople have expanded their operations.

This led to 448 workers being sought at the 22nd Employment Fair, from drivers, sales staff and sales agents, via warehouse staff, locksmiths, bakers, bricklayers, steel fixers and tailors, to sales managers ■ Do you also expect new investors and, if so, from which industries? Is the local government working on the creation of even better conditions; do you plan to expand industrial/business zones?

- Apart from industry, the City of Zrenjanin also devotes special attention to agrarian policy and the creation of optimal conditions for the develop-

■ Zrenjanin is also awaited by important tasks in utility infrastructure. What are your plans like?

What is happening with the project to construct a water factory?

- We work for every day to be better and, of course, it is a great wish of mine to do everything that we promised citizens we would, and we are doing that – from the bypass and water factory, to large infrastructure works such as the construction of four lanes on roads to Belgrade and to Novi Sad. When it comes to the water factory projects, after overcoming procedural and legal problems, it will finally be made operational, and supplying citizens with safe drinking water will finally be solved, after 14 years. This did not progress as fast as we wanted and expected, but we are still just a step away from a lasting solution to this problem. ■ M AY

|

163

| 45

WORLD NEWS

SANCTION I “Regardless of the political situation, the German private sector is invested in Russia like no other.

This was and is the case, and will remain so.” — MATTHIAS SCHEPP, AHK Chairman FINLAND

GREECE

The Largest Rooftop Solar Power System In Nordics

EIF And NBG New EU Guarantee Agreements

Fortum and S Group have come to an agreement on the installation of the largest rooftop solar power system in the Nordics.

Themajoritystate-ownedenergycompanyrevealed thatitsubmittedthewinningbidforimplementingthe electricity system on the rooftops of approximately 40 commercial buildings owned by S Group, a Finnish retail co-operative, across Finland.

With a total capacity of roughly 10 megawatts, the system would have accounted for nearly a third of the total solar power capacity of Finland in 2017 and will become the largest rooftop solar power system ever inaugurated in the Nordics.

S Group stated that its objective is to use its renewable energy assets to generate 80 per cent of the energy it consumes in 2025.

The Finnish government has pledged to provide 20 per cent of the eight million euros required for the energy project, according to YLE.

The European Investment Fund (EIF) and the National Bank of Greece (NBG) have signed three guarantee agreements worth €640 million to improve access to finance for smallandmedium‑sizedenterprises(SMEs)inGreece.These agreementsbenefitfromthesupportoftheEuropeanFund for Strategic Investments (EFSI), the heart of the Investment Plan for Europe, the Juncker Plan. Under the new InnovFin agreement, NBG will provide loans at favourable terms to innovative SMEs and small mid-caps for two years. EIF’s guarantee is provided under the initiative “EU InnovFin finance for Innovators” with the financial backing under Horizon 2020, the EU research and innovation programme.

The EU’s support for innovative Greek companies under this transaction is expected to generate a portfolio of €100 million of loans. In addition, EIF signed an EaSI microfinance guarantee transaction with NBG, supporting €40 million of loans to 3,400 micro-borrowers – very small companies – who have difficulties in accessing credit across the country.

NETHERLAND

Wageningen University To Develop Chinese Agriculture Research Centre Wageningen University is to head the development of a new food and agriculture research centre east of Beijing.

Wageningen’schancellorArthur Mo said that the university was not investing any money in the €1bn project, but it would supply a great deal of knowledge. The research centre will house academic institutions and the business community who will work together to make Chinese agriculture more productive and to tackle environmental issues. The aim is to create China’s leading R&D centre in the field of agriculture and food. The University is also involved in a joint venture with China to improve standards in the dairy industry. Chinese students, both MSc and PhD, make up 10% of the Wageningen students population and the trend is set to continue, the university says on its website.

TURKEY

Turkey’s Metcap, Fusion Of Qatar Ink $5.2bln Deal Metcap Energy Investments of Turkey and Qatar’s Fusion Dynamics signed a $5.2 billion protocol to invest in natural gas and petrochemicals in Turkey.

The two firms will build a natural gas-based chemicals plant in northwestern Turkey’s Trakya province for $4 billion with a capacity to produce 2.6 million tons of methanol and 1 million tons of light olefins annually, according to a report in the Daily Sabah newspaper.

The investment, backed by government incentives, will reduce the country’s current account deficit by $1.4 billion.

The companies will also complete a natural gas combined-cycle power plant of 550 megawatts for $1.2 billion. Construction of the facility in Turkey’s Kırklareli and Karaman region is already underway and will meet about 5 percent of Turkey’s total electricity production needs, Daily Sabah said. Metcap is run by Celal Metin, former chief executive officer of Sabanci Holding, one of Turkey’s largest industrial groups. The company has completed three wind farm projects and built a small power plant in Turkey’s Samsun region. The investments will be completed by 2023, Turkey’s centenary year.

46 |

163

| M AY

10 BUSINESS

ETIQUETTE RULES EVERY PROFESSIONAL SHOULD KNOW

When it comes to the business world, etiquette goes far beyond using the right salad fork. Many people assume 'etiquette' refers to which fork you use for the salad and how quickly you should send a thank you note after receiving a gift. When it comes to the business world, however, the way you behave says a lot about your professionalism.

Here are 10 business etiquette rules you need to be aware of and avoid breaking at all cost: 1. Use your full name when introducing yourself.

2. Stop crossing and uncrossing your legs.

3. Don't eat at your desk.

4. Don't just walk into someone's office.

5. Keep personal items off the table.

6. Keep questions to a minimum in meetings.

7. If you did the inviting, you pay.

8. Reply to everyone on emails when it's necessary.

9. Remove people from email threads who don't need to be there.

10. Limit your "thanks yous."

SANCTION II “The sanctions aren’t just increasing; they’re turning into a tool of real economic war. We will take all measures needed to stabilise the situation.”— DMITRY MEDVEDEV, Russian Prime Minister ISRAEL

CHINA

“Together Pharma” Signs Deal To Sell 5t Of Cannabis Oil In Canada

Top 10 Influential Chinese Business Leaders In 2018

Israeli cannabis company Together Pharma has announced that its subsidiary Globus Pharma, specializing in the medical cannabis sector, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to sell medical cannabis or oil to an unnamed Canadian company with a license to grow, produce and import medical cannabis.

Under the agreement, the Canadian company will buy 50 tons of dried inflorescences (flowers) of cannabis each year or its equivalent, five tons of medical cannabis oil from Globus Pharma. The companies will also collaborate in R&D and promoting technologies in the medical cannabis sector. The companies estimate that the sales revenue of this deal will be between $3.17 and $4.7 per gram of inflorescence. Globus Pharma will provide the Canadian company with medical cannabis from farms in Israel “subject to receiving an export permit for medical cannabis” or from its farm in an overseas country, which has an export agreement with Canada.

Technologies No 3: Jack Ma, founder and chairman of Alibaba Group No 4: Wang Jian, chairman of Shenzhen Huada Gene Research Institute, No 5: Liu Qiangdong, board chairman and CEO of JD.com No 6: Lei Jun, chairman and CEO of Xiaomi Technology and Chairman of Kingsoft Corp No 7: Yu Liang, chairman of China Vanke No 8: Wang Chuanfu, chairman and president of BYD No 9: Fang Hongbo, chairman and president of Midea Group No 10: Zhang Yiming, founder and CEO of Bytedance, the developer of Toutiao

MA HUATENG

Ma Huateng, chairman and CEO of Tencent Holdings, is the most influential Chinese business leader in 2018 according to Fortune China. Ren Zhengfei, founder and CEO of Huawei Technologies, and Jack Ma, founder of Alibaba Group Holding, grabbed second and third place respectively in this year’s ranking. Let’s take a look at the rest of the list.

No 1: Ma Huateng, chairman and CEO of Tencent Holdings No 2: Ren Zhengfei, founder and CEO of Huawei VIETNAM

Fintech On The Rise Start-ups in Vietnam have invested around US$129 million in the field of fintech, according to Ernst & Young (EY) The survey was carried out on more than 250 fintech (technology used to support banking or financial services) companies in more than 10 countries, providing insights from regional fintech experts. The number of incubators and accelerators and innovation labs in Vietnam is estimated at 24, the second most among ASEAN region, following Singapore. The country has also launched a fintech club, which allows businesses to improve knowledge, support and share experiences. The most important thing though is to develop a legal framework for this service. According to EY experts, policy support from authorities will form the foundation for a fintech ecosystem that encourages creativity and healthy competition. EY experts also said many banks want to hire fintech to provide digital banking services, instead of developing solutions themselves. This way will benefit both sides and help save costs.

KOPAONIK

The Other Side Of The Mountain, Top Destination For Team Building Good relationships among staff have been shown to improve the working environment and contribute to their satisfaction and higher productivity. That is why, in recent years, in many companies a new business philosophy of improving interpersonal relationships is used, more commonly known as team building. One of the destinations that is not only known for skiing and good fun, and which, apart from the summer and winter season, has developed a high quality offer for the organisation of the most diverse corporate events, but also for team building is - Kopaonik.

What distinguishes MK Resort and the Grand Hotel for organising this type of event is a good combination of modern congress capacities, the possibility of accommodating a larger number of participants in one place and a natural environment at the centre of the National Park, which provides many opportunities for organising innovative team building games. Organisers have numerous sports and entertainment facilities in the hotel and outdoor facilities that will complement each programme at a business event. Safari tours, mountain biking, orienteering, archery, picnic in nature, quad driving, rafting and many other activities, get them from the business

Spring team building package – hotspot of the season at the Grand Hotel • Team building games of your choice: Escape Kopaonik, trophy hunting, archery training, team building polygon • Lunch in nature • Conference facilities and equipment • Sports in the hotel - basketball, volleyball, handball tournaments • Bowling - team competition • Gift for team building game winners For groups of 30 to 200 participants. Valid until 30 June 2018. From as little as 61 EUR per package.

More information at www.mkresort.com.

stereotype into a natural environment where business processes are simulated through various exciting games.

On the other hand, the Grand Hotel congress centre is one of the most famous and most modern in Serbia, and it is no wonder that there are about 250 events a year, both national and international. More than 70% of these events are team building groups, and the demand is increasing year after year, not only by international companies, but also by a large number of domestic companies that have recognised the benefits of investing in their staff.

M AY

|

163

| 47

CORPORATE JOVAN MILIVOJEVIĆ, SALES & MARKETING DIRECTOR AT KERAMIKA KANJIŽA LTD.

Setting Out To Conquer Europe Ceramics company Keramika Kanjiža has existed for 38 years, and for the last three has been the official leader on the domestic market. Thanks to the quality of its products, and modern equipment that would be the envy of many global companies, this comppany is also highly rated in developed Western countries

F

rom the very beginning, our idea was to provide every customer with the opportunity to define their own space, in accordance with their individual style, intentions and habits. With the brand’s evolution and the introduction of new formats and dimensions, we provide a huge range of possibilities to combine and express. In that sense we are unique.

■ You were the first company in Serbia to introduce the Ink Jet digital printer into regular production, and two years ago you completely digitised the process of decorating ceramic tiles. You’ve now modernised your production facility with the strongest presses and introduced Gres quality tiles. How important was this for the production process?

- The introduction of digitisation to the production process in 2016 certainly represented a revolution on our market. We recognised the transition to IT technology as the right business move and an opportunity for us to develop, to decorate tiles more boldly, and to bring quality control to perfection. That is why we now have optical-laser control, thanks to which we can detect even the 48 |

163

| M AY

tiniest imprecision. We are able, in this way, to provide customers with perfect ceramic tiles with a wide range of decorations and dimensions.

With the installing of the strongest presses in the region, which we possess, we have created a new space in which we produce large dimension “Gres Poreclain” tiles. Due to the high thrust that this press has, we produce extremely strong tiles.

■ You have enriched your offer with realistic imitations of natural and building materials, including cement, brick, concrete, Carrara marble etc.

What sells the best?

It is very important for us to retain the leadership position on the domestic market that we have had for the last three years - Our customers’ needs are our driving force. We are happy that we are able to satisfy their desires and the style they have and are developing. Thanks to the best pigments from Italy, we succeed in implementing the ideas of our customers, and that’s what led to the rise of our interpretations of natural and building materials, such as wood, marble, brick and stone. These tiles act better spatially, are easier to maintain and are more cost-effective than the original natural materials.

Domestic consumers still prefer to choose slightly “richer” décor, such as stone, marble and Carrara imitations. An absolute hit on Western markets is the replica wood, the weathered design, socalled Shubby Chic.

■ What’s more difficult: retaining a leading position on the domestic market or conquering foreign markets?

- It is very important for us to retain the leadership position on the domestic market that we have had for the last three years. This is not an easy task, considering all the disloyal competition, both among domestic retail chains and with imported junk products. But we have existed on the domestic market for 38 years and quality is synonymous with our products, which gives us something of a slight advantage when it comes to maintaining our leadership position.

However, along with the introduction of numerous innovations for this season, we have also set new goals – we will pay special attention to the idea of becoming one of the leading manufacturers of ceramic tiles on the European scene, standing side by side with the world’s best known manufacturers. This will be a special challenge. It is definitely more difficult to conquer foreign markets, but that also carries with it excitement, as well as great joy for every consignment of tiles we sell. ■

CORPORATE ALEKSANDAR MIŠKOVIĆ, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF LIVNICA PRECIZNIH ODLIVAKA (PRECISION CASTINGS FOUNDRY)

Little Ada For A Big World Founded in 1978, the Ada-based precision castings foundry - Livnica Preciznih Odlivaka – has today been rejuvenated, thanks to the support of Israeli company Bet Shemesh Engines Ltd., as a supplier of the world’s leading manufacturers of engines and components for turbojet engines

W

e overcome the competition with our devotion, industriousness, dedication, discipline and knowhow.

Customers always seek the same things – high quality, deliveries on time and competitive prices, and that’s precisely what we offer. In addition, we observe strict discipline in our work and culture of communication, which is very important in the aviation industry.

■ You supply some of the world’s leading companies in the aviation industry. How did you acquire such respectable clients from Germany, the U.S., Canada, Spain etc.?

- The Livnica preciznih odlivaka foundry is orientated fully towards foreign markets, or rather the Western market, which is the only one that has respectable manufacturers of engines and components for turbojet engines for commercial aviation. The criteria for entering such an exclusive club are extremely stringent. Becoming a successful supplier, adopting new programmes and acquiring new clients is a very painstaking, arduous and enduring process, but the satisfaction of a job well done ultimately justifies the effort exerted.

And that satisfaction is even greater when one considers that we are located in a deeply provincial area, far from major industrial centres.

We have mastered all the lessons; our employees are highly disciplined, welltrained and dedicated to the company’s success. All of our managers, engineers, inspectors and an enviable number of personnel in the facility can communicate independently in English, which is something that doesn’t exist in other companies from other countries.

■ How did you succeed in breaking into the world aviation industry market and becoming competitive?

Young, educated people must be given an opportunity to remain in their own country, to feel useful and successful - We found a way to maintain ourselves and develop as a supplier of the aviation industry with the continued and unselfish support of parent company Bet Shemesh Engines Ltd. from Israel. Our success has also been recognised by the Government of Serbia, with which we’ve implemented a successful 2013 grant agreement, and I hope we will soon sign another agreement that will represent an important message to all current and future investors.

Success always comes thanks to employees, and this is the answer to the question of how we have beat the competition - devotion, industrious-

ness, dedication, discipline... There is no other recipe for the constant growth of production, revenue and profit. We have been certified by companies like MTU Aero Engines from Germany, Pratt Whitney Canada, Pratt Whitney America, UTAS from the U.S., and Goodrich and ITP from Spain. We were the first company in Serbia to receive the AS9100 certificate, just as we are now the first company to possess an NADCAP certificate for special thermal processing and HIP processes, while we also plan to acquire two more NADCAP certificates. Being in this business and remaining successful and profitable for years is not easy, but for us every day is a new battle.

■ Youngsters today are reluctant to opt for professions based in production. How do you gain the required professional personnel?

- A lack of qualified workers is becoming our country’s most serious problem, and it is one that we recognised a few years ago, when we launched cooperation with the local secondary school and thus tried to “build up” the necessary personnel.

That approach has now become difficult, so we will develop, train and educate the required personnel by ourselves. When it comes to engineers, we solve the problem through a combination of reasonable salaries and possibilities to advance and learn, but also by providing them with the opportunity to resolve their housing issues in the most affordable way. ■ M AY

|

163

| 49

CORPORATE CESTRA D.O.O.

Cestra, The Pride Of Serbia The Belgrade Company Cestra has been pronounced National Winner in the European Business Awards competition and business winner in Serbia in the category ‘Turnover from 0 to 25 million euros’. In May, we will see if they are the best in Europe

Owing to its professionalism, extensive operating range, numerous demanding apid change requires constant parking facilities, cycling infrastructure and projects that have been successfully completed, the company has been pronounced adjustment and seeking optimal, building construction. Environmental and National Winner in the European Business innovative and sustainable soluSocial Impact Assessments (ESIA) for existtions in all areas of human activity. ing infrastructure projects, and for plans Awards competition and business winner in When solutions for new and existing infraand programmes, are an integral part of Serbia in the category ‘Turnover from 0 to structure projects are needed, clients turn the core business and represent one of the 25 million euros’. The decision was made by to Cestra as a leader in this field. steps in designing sustainable solutions. the votes of independent judges, including The beginnings of our company Cestra Consulting and technical assistance, business leaders, politicians and academics from the most developed countries, date to 2005 when the Danish company which imply comprehensive technical, environmental, legal and financial assessment and Cestra will represent Serbia in the final COWI A/S established a company in Serbia of a project, also represent one segment stage of the competition. within the COWI group, so as to extend the Adrian Tripp, CEO of the European Business experience and knowledge it has acquired Awards said: “This is a remarkable achieveacross the globe to this part of Europe too. ment, and Cestra is clearly a leader in its A team of local and international experts field. To be a National Winner means to repwas soon formed, who strengthened their resent our key values of success, ethics position on the market and became a and innovation, and to be one of the best recognisable brand. Last February, the Cestra has generated in Europe”, wishing the best of luck in the company became one hundred per cent more than EUR 3.5 million final round of the competition. locally owned, retaining a strong connecof revenue, it operates in 14 tion with its international partners.

The European Business Awards have The company specialises in the areas countries, with 60 permanent been awarded for 11 years. The primary of infrastructure development, waemployees and more than 100 purpose of the competition is to support ter and environmental engineering, the development of the business comtemporary staff (at the annual munity across Europe. This year, more consulting and technical assistance, level), working on over than 110,000 companies from 34 counand it participates in some of the most tries participated in the competition. important and largest projects in the 50 ongoing projects Cestra is also competing in the catcountry and the region. Current activities include consulting, designing, planning, egory ‘European public winner’, where the of the company’s activities. The services and research in the field of engineering and public from around the world will vote on cover assistance and managing projects for infrastructure projects, including spatial the winner. The competition’s popularity is construction, rehabilitation, reconstruction, planning, transport planning, planning for shown by the fact that as many as 250,000 supervision and public–private partnerships roads, railways, tunnels, bridges, terminals, votes were registered last year. ■ in large infrastructure projects.

R

50 |

163

| M AY