CorD Magazine No.85 by CorD Magazine

Joining the eu an immense inner transformation

the face of Digital serbia Jasna Matić,

eu recognizes the importance of the south stream

Vuk Drašković,

the State Secretary for Digital Agenda of the Serbian Government

Director General of Srbijagas

Dušan Bajatović,

sEP ‘11 / issUE NO. 85

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Writer and the leader of SPO

interviews opinions news comments events priCe 250 rSd SPecIAl edItIon - the GUIde

foreign investors council

Improvement of business enviroment in Serbia

echoeS FRoM the MeRKel – SARKoZY MeetInG

strong signal

The French and German leaders unveiled far-reaching plans for closer eurozone integration and tighter debt rules FeW FAShIon AcceSSoRIeS cAn enhAnce An oUtFIt lIKe A necKtIe

neckties are Back again

If, as Oscar Wilde observed, “A well-tied tie is the ﬁrst serious step in life,” then a well-tailored necktie collection is an emblem of accomplishment FolloWInG the ReSIGnAtIon oF SteVe JoBS

the minister of magic steps Down Can Silicon Valley’s most disruptive ﬁrm prosper without its maker?

MIlIcA deleVIĆ dIRectoR oF the GoVeRnMent oF SeRBIA’S eURoPeAn InteGRAtIon oFFIce

eu Wants

results!

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Kompanija KTITOR d.o.o. · 11080 Beograd, Zemun, Dobanovački put 58, Srbija, Tel: 011 30 70 700, Fax 011 30 70 777 · www.ktitor.com

45 BankinG

so far so Good, But What next?

ljiljana Smajlovic, Journalist

always offering more!

the face of Digital serbia

Jasna Matić, The State Secretary for Digital Agenda of the Serbian Government

Vuk draškovć, Writer and the Leader of SPO

eu recognizes the importance of the south stream dušan Bajatović, Director General of Srbijagas

strong signal

Echoes From the Merkel – Sarkozy Meeting

region

fantastic service

culture calendar

culture news

the sounds of serbia

Guča & Beer Fest

full circle Dinning

noticeable state attentiveness

rejuvenate & relax

Miljana Vidović, Managing Director of Rev Serbia and President & Ceo Reservoir Capital Corp

faces & Places neckties are Back again Feature

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Restaurant Square 9

Travel

chill out

Radmila Stanković, Jovana Gligorijević PHOTOS: Boško Karanović, Marijana Šaponjić TRANSLATION: Goga Purić, Snežana Bjelotomić PROJECT MANAGERS: Marija Savić, m.savic@aim.rs; Jelica Lepori, j.lepori@aim.rs Nataša Popović, n.popovic@aim.rs EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Ruža Ristanović, r.ristanovic@aim.rs

Techno Talk

Branislav Veselinović, Deputy CFO and Head of Procurement of Vojvodjanska bank

EDITOR: Milan Vasic, m.vasic@aim.rs ART DIRECTOR: Ilija Petrović, i.petrovic@aim.rs ASSISTANT EDITOR: Max Williams, m.williams@aim.rs CONTRIBUTORS: Marija Damjanović, Petar Savić, Vesna Popović,

85 September 2011

Mladen Simović, Director of Energoprojekt ENTEL a.d.

Joining the eu an immense inner transformation

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top 10 eco cars

Mr. Francois Xavier Mahot, Managing Director of United Serbian Breweries a Member of the Heineken Group

Milica delević, Director of the Government of Serbia’s European Integration Ofﬁce

Business Dialogue

Brewing a Better future

eu Wants results!

82 Profile

8 Politics

September 2011

the minister of magic steps Down

GENERAL MANAGER: Ivan Novčić, i.novcic@cma.rs FINANCIAL DIRECTOR: Ana Besedić, a.besedic@cma.rs OFFICE MANAGER: Tanja Banković, t.bankovic@cma.rs PRINTING: Rotografika d.o.o., Segedinski put 72, Subotica CorD is published by: alliance international media Makenzijeva 67, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia

Following the Resignation of Steve Jobs

Phone: +(381 11) 2450 508 Fax: +(381 11) 2450 122 E-mail: cordeditorial@cma.rs www.cordmagazine.com www.allianceinternationalmedia.com ISSN no: 1451-7833 All rights reserved alliance international media 2011

This issue is audited by

ABC Serbia

comment

So Far so Good, But What next? The latest crisis in northern Kosovo could not have come at a worse time for Serbia

ljiljana Smajlovic, Journalist

in 1995. Hundreds of thousands of Serbs he country’s ruling coalition is desperately seeking EU were subsequently cleansed from ancescandidate status before the parliamentary elections tral homes in Croatia, with Western counnext spring. Anxiety is running high in Belgrade over the tries paying hypocritical lip service to European Commission’s expected October ruling on the multiethnicity and multiculturalism. candidacy. Candidate status is deemed critical to the ruling parThis is why no one in Serbia expects a return to the status quo ties’ election prospects, given the country’s brutally high unemante on the northern border, fearing instead that even KFOR’s ployment, disastrous economy and appalling corruption. control of Jarinje will soon be remembered as the “good old days.“ After finally nabbing the last two Hague fugitives, Ratko Mladic So what Taci did, in one fell swoop, was to illuminate the key and Goran Hadzic, and extraditing them to The International weakness of Boris Tadic’s three year unadulterated rule over Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia this summer, Belgrade Serbia. The President has been masterful at weathering “a perfect had fully hoped to spend the rest of the season basking in the storm“ of economic and political disasters simply by dangling the warmth of international approbation. European carrot while, concurrently, promising to “fight“ (diploThe bubble burst as Hashim Taci sent out special police to matically) for Kosovo. seize two northern border posts, while KFOR escorted Albanian Tadic won Serbs over by telling them they could have their customs officials to man them. Western approval fizzled as viocake and eat it, too. This July Taci dramatically raised the stakes, lence erupted and Albanian special police officers withdrew, takthreatening to slow down Serbia’s advance towards Europe and ing a mortally wounded colleague back to Pristina with them, thus jeopardizing Tadic’s chance to win another election by sellwhile masked Serbian youth firebombed the Jarinje crossing and ing the same pipe dream to his constituents. Serb villagers blockaded KFOR troops, accusing them of acting as Serbs can now see the writing on the wall. The West used a Taci’s enforcement agents. humanitarian pretext to wrest control over Kosovo from Milosevic; With the chips down, Taci had won the day by creating Western control became a step“new facts on the ground. “ For ping stone for Albanians on the one, Taci’s ban on Serbian imThe bubble burst as Hashim Taci sent port is tacitly enforced by KFOR, out special police to seize two northern road to independence. Reason enough for Serbs now to be suswhile northern border posts are border posts, while KFOR escorted picious of KFOR and Western conno longer under Serbian control. Serbian officials and oblig- Albanian customs officials to man them trol over the north of Kosovo. The “new reality“ Taci created in ing European diplomats continue northern Kosovo this summer is very reminiscent of the “new reto refer to them as mere “administrative crossings“, but the fact ality“ he helped create after the March 2004 pogrom, when ethis that Serbs have lost any meaningful “control“ of the part of nic Serbs poured out of Kosovo and hundreds of medieval Serbian Kosovo north of the Ibar river. A special Albanian police unit was churches burned. forced to turn back, but Serbs no longer man the crossings, and Only the foolish would think that Western control could ever KFOR gets to pick and choose which goods and people are allead to secession of northern Kosovo. Nineties’ civil wars taught lowed into Kosovo from Serbia. Serbs a lesson: everyone can secede from the Serbs, but the Serbs Border control is now to be renegotiated in direct talks becannot secede from anyone. tween Serb and Kosovo Albanian representatives, with EU playing This is a perilous moment for President Tadic and the Serbian “honest broker.“ But powerful Western countries have already Government. If they cannot muster sufficient support from voiced support for the Kosovo authorities’ constitutional right to Western allies to prevail during September’s round of negotiaenforce their sovereignty over the entire territory of Kosovo. tion, danger is Serb voters will think the West has decided Tadic Serbs have good reason to fear what will come next, especialto be an expendable political commodity. ly when it comes dressed as principle, the same principle evoked If Taci wins this round, Tadic may well lose the next election. ■ when Tudjman got the West’s green light for Operation Storm

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New Media Summit – Digital Agenda 28th September 2011

Hotel CONTINENTAL, Belgrade

TOPICS

• Digital agenda – an opened global market (video message) • Information society and its challenges to emerging economies • Regional experience and digitalization of television in Serbia • How to interactivity of the digital age is affecting journalism and editors around the globe • Serbian internet compared to other countries in CEE and Western Europe • Digital television in Serbia – the new beginning • IPTV insights and perspectives • Trends in Digital income

WHO SHOULD ATTEND:

• Marketing managers • Corporate Communications Directors • PR and marketing professionals • Print, electonic and online media representatives • IT professionals • Telecommunications and internet solutions and services providers • Software engineering industry representatives

SPEAKERS

• Ms. Malgorzata Kowalczyk, EU Commission Audiovisual and Media Policy Unit, Policy Officer for International Relations • Ms. Jasna Matić, State secretary for Digital Agenda, Ministry of Culture, Republic of Serbia [video message] • Mr. Stephen Herrmann, BBC Online News, Editor in Chief • Mr.Vasile Baltac, Council of European Professional Informatics Societies (CEPIS), President • Mr. Philip Pieczynski, Gemius, Vice President • Mr. Jan Jilek, IAB Croatia, President • Ms. Mojca Jarc, Directorate for Information Society, Head of department for electronic communications infrastructure • Mr. Milan Janković, RATEL, Director • Ms. Tatjana Ćitić, Serbian Broadcasting Corporation (RTS), Editor in Chief RTS Digital • Mr. Marek Slačik, Telenor, Chief Marketing Officer • Ms. Jelena Stojanović, Telecom Serbia, General Manager, Commercial Affairs, Marketing & Sales • Mr. Jovan Protić, Ringier Axel Springer, Chief Digital Officer

CONTACT:

Makenzijeva 67 11000 Belgrade, Serbia Tel: +381 (11) 2450 508 Fax: +381 (11) 2450 122 of�ice@aim.rs www.business-dialogue.eu

cordeditorial@cma.rs

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interview Milica DElEviĆ, DIRECTOR OF THE GOVERNMENT OF SERBIA’S EUROPEAN INTEGRATION OFFICE

eu Wants results! Several issues were discussed during the talks between German Chancellor Angela Merkel and President Boris Tadić. I believe that the EU not only expects Serbia to implement processes but to be able to show visible results By Jovana GlIGoRIJeVIĆ

ollowing Serbia completing its cooperation with The Hague Tribunal, it seemed there were no more insurmountable hurdles to accomplishing success in the European integration process. However, big political issues got in the way, again – Kosovo and Metohija. The recent official visit of German Chancellor Angela Merkel confirmed that Kosovo was one of the key topics for Serbia’s accession to the EU. Folthat lowing Angela Merkel’s visit, and the messages she relayed to the top Serbian officials, it seems that Euro-enthusiasm deflated rapidly both amongst citizens and the government bodies that are supposed to be dealing with EU matters. Director of the Government of Serbia’s European Integration Office, Milica Delević (www.seio.gov.rs (www.seio.gov.rs) www.seio.gov.rs says that we should not forget how much Serbia has accomplished in the European integration process, and adds that, despite there being a lot more work still to do, she remains optimistic about the European Commission (EC) (www.ec.europa.eu) giving a positive opinion on Serbia’s candidacy for EU membership on the 12th October. ■ How are the messages which German Chancellor Angela Merkel relayed to Belgrade’s officials going to reflect on the work carried out by the European Integration Office? - The work that the European Integration Office has been doing in coordinating the reform process in Serbia continues. We can say that positive results are already visible. Primarily, I am referring to the fact that we have managed to fulfil 73% of the Government of Serbia’s Action Plan for Accession to the EU, which is evident from the second quarter report. Also, we can see that the laws, which were supposed to be enacted in Q2 or Q3, are undergoing the adoption procedure whether in the Serbian Parliament or Government. Through joint efforts, we are going to succeed in making the majority of the reform steps by midSeptember, just as we agreed with the EC. ■ Merkel’s visit has sparked different reactions and interpretations both in the media and amongst state officials, which is evident from their statements. What is your understanding of her messages to Serbia? - This is not the first time that kosovo has been mentioned in the context of the european integration of serbia. We keep hearing that individual eu member states differ in their opinions about kosovo’s statehood and 10 |

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Action Plan

Communication & Explanation

Judicial reform

We have managed to fulfil 73% of the Government of Serbia’s Action Plan for Accession to the European Union, which is evident from the second quarter report.

We need to press on, constantly communicate and explain that all the reform and political processes should not end on the 12th October or in December.

The judicial reform is a comprehensive reform endeavour and the fact is that the EC had quite a few objections to the way in which it was executed.

independence, but there is one thing that they agree on – the necessity for the whole region to participate in regional cooperation and european integration, as well as the necessity to make headway in what the eu calls ‘the copenhagen criteria’, which entails the rule of law and development of market economy, adopting european standards and, of course, essentially for the ec to monitor all of that. I would interpret the messages from the german chancellor as a tougher version of that, which can be explained by the different attitude due to regionizing kosovo’s soveregnty. ■ You said recently that the core of Serbia’s work regarding European integration is not only in obtaining a positive opinion from the EC, but also for Serbia to have a political climate in which it can capitalize on that opinion. What does a political climate such as that entail? - What we are waiting for now is for the EC to give its official opinion about our application, which is due to happen on the 12th October. In the period up until then we still have the time to meet the conditions which are still pending. We don’t have much of it, but the deadline by which the European Commission is supposed to monitor events in Serbia still hasn’t expired. I believe that a lot has been done in order for us to obtain a positive opinion. Once this opinion is given, the representatives of member states will discuss it at the European Council’s meeting in December. The aforementioned political climate is the understanding of each EU member state that will be voting on Serbia’s progress, and that it is a natural and an indisputable thing, also that the voting needs to bring EU countries together, not split them apart. ■ Does that mean that it is up to Serbia to secure this political climate? - This climate entails working on improving the situation both in reforms and in a political sense, as well as in the continuous communication with our European partners, providing explanations, getting engaged in finding modalities that will enable the accomplishment of the mutual goal and, of course, the understandable need for Serbia to protect its own interests. But, I would like to reiterate that we need to press on, constantly communicate and explain that all the reform and political processes should not end on the 12th October or in December. Based on what has been completed, and the way in which it was done, member states will then assess what remains to be done. ■ The messages that the EU has been sending are interpreted by the public as Serbia being expected to recognize Kosovo’s independence. It was explicitly said that we need-

ed to make progress in talks with Priština and to abolish parallel institutions. What then does this ‘progress in talks’ mean and what constitutes this progress? - Several issues have been opened during the talks and i believe that, just like in the case of any other reform process in the country, not only does the eu expect us to launch the process, but they want to see results. The same applies to the dialogue with priština – the topics have been opened, and now results should be achieved and progress made to-

I would interpret the messages from the german chancellor as a tougher version of a position eu member states agree on. Being tougher comes from having a different view of the status issue wards successfully closing these issues. Recognizing kosovo’s independence is not on the agenda - what we are talking about here is regulating relations. It is in the common interest that there is a flow of goods and people, that there should be no unilateral moves, no crimes. Having this common interest in mind, we should be looking for modalities that would protect serbia’s interest and the interest of the serbian minority living in kosovo. But i think that having a common goal should be a starting point. ■ President Tadić reiterated recently that Serbia was committed to both Kosovo and the EU. How confusing is this particularly in the context of Serbia’s understanding of Angela Merkel’s messages? - When it comes to the messages she brought, it is very important to have a clear understanding of each other and to continue communicating. President Tadić and Chancellor Merkel agreed to continue communicating, which is extremely important. I see President Tadić’s statement as defending Serbia’s legitimate right to try and find a way to protect its own interests while not deviating from common interests. cordeditorial@cma.rs

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■ How much does the Kosovo issue impede the European integration process in Serbia, i.e. why is the atmosphere surrounding European integration in Serbia somewhat grim after Angela Merkel’s departure? - Since the very beginning, the european integration process in serbia has been developing in the shadow of big political issues. Essentially, the integration process is an internal reform process. The fact remains that kosovo is now more in focus than at the time when cooperation with the hague tribunal was the burning question. However, i would not like for our european partners or our citizens to forget about the huge volume of reform work that we have done during the

There should be no unilateral moves, no crime, and yet free movement of goods and people. I believe that both the region and the european union share that interest course of the european integration process, including the things we have done this year alone. That, however, does not mean that the work is over since there is still a lot left to do. But what we’ve done so far is a guarantee that the process will continue. ■ You keep on repeating that the reforms should not stop once we get a positive opinion from the European Commission. - The commission and eu members, who are due to give their opinion in december, will continue monitoring developments in serbia. They will do it awaiting the meeting of the eu council in december. In addition, serbian citizens will be making their judgement on the reform process and they, i believe, are going to be even more interested than the commission that the benefits of the reforms are felt in their daily lives. All of the problems serbia is faced with, be they maintaining support for the reform process or regional relations, should be dealt with not because the eu has given us a deadline but because it is in our best interest to resolve problems. Of course, it is only logical that we will fight for our own interests in this process. The eu is our biggest trade partner, the biggest donor and we are surrounded by 12 |

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countries which are either eu members or on their way to becoming so. Bearing in mind there will be voices saying that the direction needs to be changed, it should be borne in mind that all of these problems would remain irrespective of whether or not we are in the enlargement process and that the european countries that we interact with will still be in our immediate neighbourhood. Even more importantly, the problems that we are tackling now should be dealt with because of the european integration process and because we owe that to our citizens. ■ It seems that Serbia`s political elite didn’t do much to make a positive opinion the likely outcome. There is still no awareness that certain laws are being enacted for the betterment of our society, not because the EU wants us to do so. There were even instances when Parliament’s Speaker and MPs who voted for a particular law, said: “Well, the law is not going to be actually implemented, but enacting it will improve our image in the EU.” - In every country, the european integration process requires a certain level of expertise. We have seen that with examples like the european constitution or the lisbon treaty – sometimes eu citizens don’t possess enough know-how or the needed expertise to see a process through. So, even in the states that are already in the eu, the citizens don’t have enough awareness about the fact that reforms are carried out because of them and that they should be thanking the eu, and not their politicians for say having a lower price of roaming mobile telephone calls, which is something that the european parliament made possible. It is important to have a public and a parliamentary debate before a law is adopted. It is not enough to say that that is our obligation or that is in line with european standards. We need to explain how it affects the citizens, tell them about the benefits they will enjoy and the obligations they will have to fulfil. There might be several different european modalities and that is important to emphasize. It is always possible to have a solution that is different and adapted to us, whilst still being in accordance with a certain european standard. In order to advocate something, it is not enough to say to the citizens “that is a european standard”. You need to explain how long it will take for these changes to yield results, and even tell them on occasion that certain positive things will not take place if they don’t change. ■ Apart from that, there is also no awareness of the fact that the EU and member states are our biggest trading partners and donors, as well as to the extent of which the EU helps Serbia in various ways. - That is the consequence of what i mentioned earlier – the european integration process sometimes comes to be dominated by political issues. Regardless of the citizens noticing that the help is there, these political issues start dominating their understanding of the process and they usually correlate the two. I suspect that they are calculating what

conditions we had to fulfil in order to get this assistance and then they somehow turn the non-material aid into an expectation of material assistance. It seems that they have difficulty grasping that help means help, as receiving help is always overshadowed by the big political issues. Indeed, serbia would look much different now if it weren’t for the help from the eu from 2000 onward. Let’s remind ourselves that, in 2000, having a regular electricity supply was very difficult, and today we talk about many projects in which the eu has participated. Of course, many eu experts were involved in their implementation, and during the process we used somebody else’s technical know-how and experience, just like new eu members are doing now. That means that, one day, we will be in a position to help someone. To relay our recent experiences in establishing market competition, control over the state assistance and so on.

Criminal and Civil Procedure has arrived at our office and we are due to give our opinion about it. The government adopted the Law on Railways in August; while the Energy Community Secretariat is due to give its comments on the Law on Energy Conservation. So, the ministries were serious about their jobs and having ministries consult each other is the only normal way in which the government can work. Following them harmonizing their activities on this legislation, we get the final drafts which are then forwarded to the Serbian Parliament. ■ Adoption of the reform laws and other regulations is pending, the EU and the EC have given their objections, but it seems that enacting these laws in not that much of a problem, as opposed to their implementation. For example, judicial reform, this is one of the important prerequisites for the Commission’s positive opinion, and has been a serious social and political problem for quite some time. Why does that happen?

■ A survey emerged in June according to which fewer Serbian citizens supported the country’s accession to the EU. What are the main reasons for this decline in In order to advocate something, it is not enough to say to the support? - This is the cumulative result of citizens “that is a European standard”. You need to explain several factors. Firstly, the integra- how long it will take for these changes to yield results tion process has been going on for a very long time, and the citizens keep on hearing different - Judicial reform is a comprehensive reform endeavour and sides giving different opinions so they began to value promthe fact is that the EC had quite a few objections to the way ises less and concrete results more. Secondly, they have bein which it was executed. However, both the government come more rational and have less idealistic views of the EU. and judiciary are now working together with the EC on They don’t necessarily like what comes from the EU, but eliminating irregularities. I expect that the Commission’s are still quite rational about evaluating the direction that opinion will also give us a review of how much headway we need to take. Thirdly, they have become aware of the difhas been made in removing those irregularities. Laws are ficult economic challenges that the Union has been facing not the gist of reforms, but their implementation is. Howand they often wonder how will that affect the EU enlargeever, we cannot implement them if they are not enacted. ment process and how much it is going to change the very Since 2008, legislative activities have been expedited and organization that Serbia wants to become a member of. this has opened up the possibility for the EC to give its opinion and assessment of these activities in its annual report ■ Close to 73% of the Action Plan for Accession to the EU and, now, in our membership request. This evaluation will has been fulfilled. Recently, a list of ministries that still show progress made in some areas and point to the areas haven’t submitted their drafts of the required reform laws where more effort needs to be invested, but without enactappeared in the media. These ministries were marked ing laws there is no way you can exert pressure for them to as culprits for the accession process stalling. At the same be implemented. Enacting a law is not an event – its impletime, the ministries shifted blame between one and other. mentation is implied and it is a part of the process. Who is the actual culprit and is it correct to say that the process has been stalled? ■ Are you still optimistic about the opinion that the EC is - I have to say that the laws that remained from July, and due to give in October? by that I mean the most important laws that regulate the I am hoping for, and expecting a positive evaluation, but, at ownership issues like the Law on Restitution and Comthe same time, I am aware of the need to constantly work pensation and the Law on Public Assets, are currently on getting a positive evaluation and creating a positive pobeing adopted by the Serbian Government. The Law on litical climate. ■ cordeditorial@cma.rs

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interview JasNa MaTiĆ, THE STATE SECRETARY FOR DIGITAL AGENDA OF THE SERBIAN GOVERNMENT

the face of

DiGital serBia The European Union places a great deal of emphasis on the Digital Agenda, i.e. development of information technology and telecommunications, as well as on economy segments that essentially rely on information technology. The number of such business formats is growing all over the world and in Europe. I would really like to see the same happening in our country, as well as for our Internet community to have an appropriate legal framework and development incentives in order for Serbia to move forward By Milan KoVAčeVIĆ Photos Marijana šAPonJIĆ

he Digital Agenda Directorate (www.digitalnaagenda. gov.rs), which operates under the Ministry of Culture, Information and Information Society, is engaged in activities that are aligned with the EU economic development strategy which core is the utilization of information and communication technologies. By closely following global trends, the Directorate is working on a comprehensive digitalization of the key segments of the Serbian society – education, state administration, economy, communication, culture. The State Secretary for the Digital Agenda, Ms. Jasna Matić is overseeing all of those projects, while also being engaged in the implementation of the projects started by the former Ministry of Telecommunications and Information Society.

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■ How satisfied are you with the development of the Digital Agenda programme since the establishment of the Directorate? - I am relatively satisfied particularly because we have finished a large-scale project, which was for me the biggest project I’ve done in the last few years, called ‘The Digital School’. Now, all elementary schools in Serbia have computers, which was my main goal. Apart from that, there have been several other campaigns that are either successfully launched or already completed. ■ What are your core preferences and priorities when it comes to the Agenda? - They are written in two of our strategic documents – the Strategy for the Development of the Electronic Communications and the Strategy for the Development of the Information Society which primarily focuses on keeping up pace with Europe, just like in many other areas. The European Union places a great deal of emphasis on the Digital Agenda, i.e. development of information technology and telecommunications, as well as on economy segments that essentially rely on information technology. The number of such business formats is growing all over the world and in Europe. I would really like to see the same happening in our country, as well as for our Internet community to have an appropriate legal framework and development incentives in order for Serbia to move forward. ■ In which areas could the Digital Agenda contribute the most in terms of development of the Serbian economy? - I have been dealing with the issues pertaining to the competitiveness of our economy, foreign investments and export promotion for quite some time now. My opinion is that Serbia’s future needs to be based on rendering highquality services and producing high-quality products, primarily for the European market. Our niche needs to be manufacturing sophisticated products, in small series and with fast delivery. Everything that is mass produced is done so in China or the Far East. European clients expect you to be able to exchange blueprints and documentation with them, to participate in managing their procedures, to make sure that you have enough stock and to inform them when the next shipment is coming so that they don’t have to think much about those things. For that, our companies need to have a high-quality IT infrastructure and services, and, in that way, communicate with their clients. There are no ‘ifs’ and ‘buts’ here.

euroPean clients European clients expect you to be able to exchange blueprints and documentation with them.

■ Do you think that Serbian companies are aware of just how important it is to invest in cutting-edge IT technology? - If we are talking about foreign investors that operate in Serbia, we mean the type of production with expeditious delivery and with Serbian goods reaching remote parts of Europe within 24 hours. It is very important to have such dynamics. Domestic investors are conquering this area slowly but surely. ‘Slowly’ being the operative word. The reason for this slowness is that IT ‘exploded’ all over the world back in the 1990s and that’s when we could really feel just how IT changed the way we lived and worked. We also realized that, until the boom happened, we were a country engrossed in our own problems that, unfortunately, had nothing to do with economy, let alone with technology. We missed the chance to see for ourselves what an impact that had on the world, but we are now slow-

My opinion is that Serbia’s future needs to be based on rendering high-quality services and producing high-quality products, primarily for the European market ly broadening our horizons. Just as we were at the brink of realizing that, the global economic crisis happened, this set us back yet again. These are the hurdles that we are trying to overcome now, whether we are talking about the political, scientific or business elite. ■ April 2012 is the deadline for switching off the analogue signal in Serbia and moving over to digital broadcasting. What has been done about this so far and what are the next steps? - Moving to digital TV broadcasting is a serious task for our country, just like any other country in the world. Developed countries have already gone digital. The deadline – April 2012 – was set with the view of adjusting to deadlines in other regional countries. In the meantime, we did several things – the EU approved a project for which implementa-

fast DeliverY Our niche needs to be manufacturing sophisticated products, in small series and with fast delivery.

DiGital tv Moving to digital TV broadcasting is a serious task for our country, just like any other country in the world. cordeditorial@cma.rs

85 September 2011 | 15

tion began in February, and we have a group of consultants from a consortium led by the BBC, who all have substantial experience in TV digitalization. Also, the digital broadcasting equipment has arrived and the public enterprise ‘Emisiona Tehnika i Veze’ (Broadcasting Equipment and Communications) became operational based on a system that is widespread in Europe, which means that public service television – in our case RTS – is producing programmes, while the company in charge of broadcasting the signal (Emisiona Tehnika i Veze) is offering these services to commercial broadcasters and to the public service television. The next step is to launch a tender for the reconstruction of transmitter locations, i.e. transmitter towers and ancillary infrastructure, so that we can try to start broadcasting the digital television signal by the end of this year.

state provides to citizens through the use of IT, primarily through the E-Government portal. We are also working on pupils using computers more, which is at the core of competitiveness and progress made by certain countries. TV digitalization will also bring new competition and new quality in that segment. Through various laws and bylaws, we have been trying to improve the Internet business. The state needs to devise instruments that will enable people who own an IT company with five employees to grow to have 15 and subsequently 50 employees. It is also of crucial importance to have available loans. Other countries have already been

■ What are the key problems about television digitalization in neighbouring countries and how can we avoid the same mistakes in Serbia? - Informing the public is the key issue here. Having digital broadcast is a technical issue that is easily dealt with. The biggest problem is how to reach every single household. We should not forget that there are many households with different problems, whether emotional or intellectual, and they should be the focus of our attention.

The TV digitalization process will be accompanied by a widespread campaign that needs to be comprehensive and indepth. Our target group will be mainly rural households, with mostly older people The TV digitalization process will be accompanied by a widespread campaign that needs to be comprehensive and in-depth. Our target group will be mainly rural households, with mostly older people, so our campaign really needs to be very thorough, very efficient, long-lasting and explain in detail what citizens should do in order to continue receiving their TV programmes. ■ To what extent does the application of IT technologies in Serbia lag behind developed countries and what needs to be done in order for that gap to be bridged? - We lag behind quite a lot in almost all segments of utilization of information and communication technologies. The area where we are actually quite good is mobile telephony, which is a perfect example of how having stiff competition leads to higher quality and better availability of services rendered to citizens. What we have been working on is improving and facilitating access to different services that the 16 |

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through this process, so there is no reason for us not to do the same. This will certainly be our development guideline in years to come. Whether the process will be faster or slower than in other countries depends on how focused the state will be on this sector. ■ Could you tell us what effect did the implementation of the online appointment booking for submission of documents for ID cards and passports have and how did citizens react to this novelty? - The citizens’ reactions were great, as were the reactions we got from counter clerks. People are no longer edgy, they come at the scheduled time and this has really raised the quality of life for all of us, as well as of the clerks who, up till now, had to deal with nervous clients who had to start queuing at 3 or 4 am which basically spoiled their entire day. The interest is huge. We have reached an agreement with the Ministry of Interior that citizens can book their appointments up to 14 days in advance. The 14th day starts at midnight, and, in matter of few hours, all appointment slots are usually booked. Once more police stations obtain this system, the ‘siege’ of the five stations, that already have the system in place, will subside. This is a pilot programme that became operational

in summer. By September, we are going to start inviting not only police stations, but also state institutions to join the appointment booking system and this is what our EGovernment portal is for.

citizens are already using other payment systems, PayPal is one of the most globally recognizable companies in that sector and their becoming operational in Serbia would certainly be a step forward.

■ One of the most prominent Directorate’s activities was the implementation of the ICT Project Support Programme. Could you tells us more about this programme and the interest generated from the two public calls launched so far? - Thus far, we have had two public calls – one pertaining to organizing conferences and one related to educational activities and seminars. The interest was really huge – in the first round we received 65 applications and, in the second, even more. We are really keen on supporting NGOs, as well as companies and individuals who are engaged in IT. We are helping ‘the scene’ to liven up a little bit, especially considering that the economic crisis has had a negative impact on our sector. There is a varied community here that has something to say. By getting on board with the programme, we want to popularize E-communication and information society which are hot topics in the world today.

■ You are viewed as one of the officials that is very active in social networking. Why do you pay such a lot of attention to that communication medium? - My job entails closely monitoring how social networks affect Serbia and vice versa, how is the situation in Serbia affecting IT development and how much influence do social networks exert in general. What prevented me earlier from getting more engaged in social networks was the fact that it was no small feat to be a politician in Serbia – you simply cannot blurt out what you think at any given moment or comment on everything, and that is not easy.

■ What does ‘The Digital School’ project entail and how important is the project for the development of the Serbian education system? - This project has historical importance for Serbia and is one of the biggest of its kind in the world. Through this unique project, all elemen- The Digital School project has historical importance for tary schools, i.e. 3,000 of them received Serbia and is one of the biggest of its kind in the world. IT equipment, including the smallest of Through this unique project, all elementary schools, i.e. schools in rural areas that only have a 3,000 of them received IT equipment handful of pupils. Now, they have laptops and projectors as teaching aids. They also have IT cabiHowever, I do love the interaction. nets with 5 to 30 computers depending on how many pupils I have nothing against being criticized and people sugthey have and cabinet size. gesting to me what I should do or me having to explain This project, which includes 30,000 computers all over why I did or failed to do something. I think that the public Serbia, has given children equal opportunities to get achaving control is a really good thing, it should exist and quainted with and use information technologies in learnpeople should be involved in making decisions that are ing and this goes for all children regardless of where they important to the state. live – in Belgrade’s quarter of Terazije or in a small town in South Serbia. ■ The Directorate, which you manage, has been focusing a lot on gender equality in the ICT sector. Could you ■ The development of E-business in Serbia is inextricaelaborate? bly tied to the existence of global E-payment systems like - A portion of our activities is related to women in techPayPal. Are there any indications that such systems will nology, primarily young girls, so, for the first time ever, become available to our citizens? we marked the International Girls in ICT Day which took - We have been talking to PayPal a lot in the last few years. place on the fourth Thursday of the fourth month, i.e. 28th PayPal is a big corporation and it is very difficult to influApril this year. ence their decision-making process. We have fulfilled cerWe made it possible for 300 girls from all over Serbia tain prerequisites, while some are yet to be fulfilled. Regardto come to Belgrade and visit telecommunications operaless, that should not stop them from coming to our country. tors, IT companies, our Ministry and RATEL. The girls We really do hope that the whole matter will be rewere thrilled with everything they saw, the careers that solved this autumn and that Serbia, just like any other people can have in the ICT sector, and many of them are country in the world, will have access to PayPal. Although, contemplating choosing that path in life. ■ cordeditorial@cma.rs

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interview vUK DraŠKOviĆ, WRITER AND THE LEADER OF SPO

JoininG the eu

an immense inner transformation He was beaten more, and spent more time in prison than all of the former opposition leaders, now in power, put together. He wrote more thought provoking books than all of his contemporaries and journalists. He spent more time in squares and streets protesting against Slobodan Miloševic’s regime than he spent enjoying the beneﬁts of being a foreign minister. He lost more than he gained By Radmila StAnKoVIĆ

oday, at 65 years of age, he is a writer first and a charismatic leader of what used to be the strongest opposition party – the Serbian Renewal Movement second.

■ In the last few years, your public appearances were mostly about promoting your novel “Doctor Aron.” - The novel Doctor Aron has had several editions so far and it sold, I think, 2000 copies, which, in today’s day and age, is a quite notable figure. There were many book promotions, but only the people that actually lived in the towns where my book was promoted knew about them. On the public stage, the novel followed the author. ■ What does that mean? Silence, reticence? - Reticence and disregard, to say the least. ■ But that wasn’t the case all along. - What do you mean “it wasn’t the case all along!” My novel The Knife had the highest ever circulation figure, with over half a million copies sold in the former Yugoslavia. I was

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never allowed to promote the novel at the premises of the Association of Writers of Serbia, of which I was a member. That year alone, when the novel had fantastic circulation figures, the National Library of Serbia did not give out its prize for the highest circulation book. It seemed that everbody, from the guild to the National Library, conspired against me and ignored me which happened anywhere I and my future novels showed up. It seems that I am being punished for everything that I have been doing and lived through in the politics from 1990 to late 2000. ■ We are not talking here only about the attitude toward your books. - I am also not talking about this book alone. This book is just a pebble in a mosaic of blows at close range and into my back which came from my friends. I was unfortunate to lead the entire opposition movement against Slobodan Milošević from 1990 to 2000. I had many enemies and there was never any doubt that they were my enemies. That is a clear situation. In regard to my allies, in the aforementioned ten years, they usually treated me like a stranger and an enemy for various reasons. They trampled over me just to get to ’the throne’ out of pure vanity.

The truth is also that, in the period from 1990 until today, the Serbian Renewal Movement and myself have been attracting the attention for never forsaking what is considered ’national’. We have been affirmative about things that are democratic and European, but only those democratic and European things that are also national, while trying to prove and demonstrate to Serbia and the world that we can stand tall in front of Europe when it comes to our national history, tradition and culture. Unfortunately, many of these “friends” of mine equated national with chauvinistic and they fell ill to a disease of renouncing what is national in order to be hip. To be European.

become European very quickly. The European determination is already a tradition, a part of our history. In 1944 and 1945, a rather sharp and forceful U-turn happened. In the last twenty years, we have begun to rapidly move away from Europe.

■ This indoctrination about the bad West emerged in Yugoslavia right after WWII when everybody believed in a bright future under the USSR patronage. - That’s right. And, in the following few decades, we had been brainwashed into believing that the West was an ideological enemy and an enemy per se, despite occassionally looking up to that same West, particularly in an economic ■ As a foreign minister, were you allowed to take the road sense. The ideological determinant toward the West as our you had chosen, to fight for the national? Do you think enemy, unfortunately, went hand in hand with similar that is possible today? teachings of the Serbian Orthodox Church, many writers - It is possible and the only thing that can help us to stand and academics who revealed themselves from behind the on our two feet again, since we have fallen on our knees in clergy or communist overcoats. The Chruch sermonized every way. There isn’t a single nation in the European Unthat heretics, Catholics, Protestants and the enemies of ion that has relinquished what makes it a nation. The signSerbia lived in the West and that the only true religion posts leading to our future in Europe can be found back at is ours which has turned into a special variety of Christithe time of World War I, in our pre-communist past, in the anity – svetosavlje. Svetosavlje cannot exist as a religion period between the two world wars. To some people this alone. I deeply respect St. Sava, but everything that St. Sava may sound very anachronistic, since they believe that Serdid was in his capacity of Christ’s follower. Today, we find bian history actually doesn’t, and should not exist. I believe ourselves replacing the Sun for a lantern, and when you there isn’t a Balkan nahave the Sun, the lantern “We have managed to become European tion that has managed is no longer needed. to quickly and successvery quickly. The European determination fully transition from ■ You once said that Jeis already a tradition. In 1944 and 1945, a being a Turkish provsus Christ is your bigince, having an Asian rather sharp and forceful U-turn happened. gest hope. Do you still mentality and then think that today? going on to become In the last twenty years, we have begun to - If Jesus Christ were to European like our nare-appear in Jerusalim, rapidly move away from Europe” tion. A huge number Moscow, Belgrade, New of people, who used to call themselves the national elite, York, London, Paris or somewhere in Latin America or now have a strong resistance to the fast ‘Europeanization Africa, he would point his finger to the sins committed of Serbia’. However, the number of the individuals, who in Christian churches which actually insult and renounce made up this national elite, and who were determined to Christ on a daily basis. They renounce him every single lead, educate and take risks, overpowered those that acted time they preach hate, when they preach against people differently and these people should be credited for the fast of other religions, against other nations, when they offer Europeanization of Serbia. Just look at the names given themselves “to take the speck out of your eye, while failing to the streets and hotels in this Turkish kasaba called Belto see the plank in their own eye.” I think that Christianity grade, following Serbia’s independence – Paris, London, is in a deep crisis because it has deviated from its source Excelsior, Majestic, the Greek Queen, and the Russian Emand its role model – Christ. Additionally, we are no excepperor. Let us look at the street names and let us see where tion to that rule. It is very dangerous and irresponsible to the children from rural Serbia went to schools – in Berlin, push such a small nation, as we are, into religious conflicts Vienna, Paris, London, and Trieste. We have managed to with other bigger Christian nations.

milosevic I was unfortunate to lead the entire opposition movement against Slobodan Milošević from 1990 to 2000.

the church The ideological determinant toward the West as our enemy, went hand in hand with similar teaching of the Serbian Orthodox Church.

sPo The assassination of the Serbian Renewal Movement has been strategically planned and executed. cordeditorial@cma.rs

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■ Despite the crisis, which you said is still pending, you believe in a better future for the European community. - The economic downturn is drawing its last breath, as is the unlimited economic autonomy of some countries, and wasteful behaviour of certain EU members which were counting on European funds being a bottomless barrel when, in reality, it was overflowing with water. Eight hundred million people live off a single market, while all nations and states in Europe benefit from it. Of course, the biggest nations and the strongest states benefit the most. The world turned into a global village a long time ago, with new players springing up on the world stage. The economic domination of the U.S.A. is nearing its end, and this global village is now dominated by Russia,

the country will undergo an immense inner transformation. Agriculture will be at the heart of Serbia’s development. It will give us an opportunity to have a more balanced development, to close this huge gap between our capital city and Vojvodina, on one side, and central Serbia, south of Bubanj Potok, on the other, which is giving up its soul and is slowly dying. What I am about to say will disappoint many, but we are going to have to work more, and spin doctors will be out of a job, since most of these enthusiasts who talk about Europe all the time, without knowing what Europe really is, are everywhere today. On the other hand, whoever is against Europe can cite a myriad of reasons for being an euro-sceptic and use Greece, Portugal and Ireland and maybe even Italy and Spain as fitting examples. But what they don’t see or don’t want to see is what awaits us in case we remain at the margins of European.

■ What is your view of the Kosovo problem? - At the time when I was a foreign minister, I used to say, and everybody in Europe understood what I was saying, that Serbs deeply believed that Kosovo was a part of Serbia even when the Serbian state did not exist for many centuries. But nobody is saying this aloud. You cannot use the Kosovo Epic Poem as a negotiation argument, nor do you have any power or right to change it. As I child, I was told that on the day of the Battle of Kosovo, Miloš Obilić killed 12,000 Turks and, believe me, I was very unhappy because I thought that wasn’t enough. But the epic poem said that 12,000 were killed and that was it. We cannot make mountains out of molehills. Europe remembers, Europe knows, Europe is Christian. Europe knows all too well that Albanians live in Kosovo, not Christians and that churches and monasteries have never “The economic domination of the U.S.A. been Muslim cultural heris nearing its end, and this global village itage, but Christian.

China, India and Brazil. Every individual European is now dominated by Russia, China, India nation, as well as ■ Your solution for the and Brazil. I pesonally believe that Europe one of the leading Kosovo problem is rather nations, Germany, interesting. will move towards a joint federation or a will be tossing and - In my capacity as a forconfederation that will resemble the USA” eign minister, I was conturning like a straw in the wind if there is no united Europe. A disciplined and templating the option of Kosovo becoming independent organized European Union is number two or even the in line with the formula ’more than autonomy, less than number one business player on that global stage and that independence’, i.e. having one Serbia that would have two is the key to the European Union becoming even stronger political systems just like China and Taiwan. I don’t mean in the future. I pesonally believe that Europe will move China and Hong Kong, but China and Taiwan. I believe towards a joint federation or a confederation that will rethat such a project could have been implemented, but it semble the United States of America. was rejected on the grounds of the UN Security Council’s Resolution 1244 which I find rather irrational. Why ir■ In your opinion, what will change in Serbia once the rational? Because we never told ourselves, not now nor country joins the EU? back then, that Serbia was stripped of the sovereignty - When I was a foreign minister, I was told in Brussels over Kosovo in 1999, following Milošević’s war against many times that healthy food, water and energy were the NATO. Everything that bore Serbian symbols – the army, three treasures of the 21st century. If Serbia joins the EU, police, judiciary, administration, every single state institu20 |

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tion with official state insignia – had to withdraw from Kosovo. Instead of having real sovereignty over Kosovo, Serbia was given the Resolution 1244 which did mention the word ’sovereignty’. But what kind of sovereignty? First you snatch a loaf of bread from a hungry man, and then, instead of a new loaf, you throw him a picture of it. Every single international law textbook says that a state is not just territory, but the governance over the territory. Serbian state authorities no longer govern the territory in question after Milošević’s war against NATO. I think that it is quite patriotic to accept reality, rather than to negate it. I think that it is patriotic to say that the Emperor has no clothes instead of admiring his non-existent suit. ■ You have said recently that, currently, there are six million people that are publicly claiming that Turkey is their motherland or they at least perceive it as a motherland. Where do these six million people live? - Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Kosovo. These are territories where six million people, who have strong historical and emotional bonds with Turkey, live. They would welcome Turkey’s return to this part of the world, as well as its capital, companies and culture, with open arms. ■ What is your comment on that? - I have nothing against (Turkey’s) return, if that return will be in line with the rules set by the modern world. I said before that they “The point is that Russia sees the return wouldn’t come here on horses or tanks, but that is of Turkey to the Balkan area as its not the point.

■ You know all too well that the Serbian notion of patriotism is often an obstacle strategic chance, since there are seven in making rational ■ What is the point then? or eight million people here who also view political choices, so, - The point is that Russia in the end, we always Russia as their motherland” sees the return of Turkey succumb to pressure to the Balkan area as its strategic chance since there are and settle for less. What is your explanation? seven or eight million people here who also view Russia - Let’s first see what do we mean by Serbian patriotism as their motherland. today! Regrettably, in the last twenty years, projects that are far removed from time and reality, i.e. the projects that ■ And what we are going see, in that case, are children push Serbian people to hate, into conflicts and bring only going to be arguing whose mother is better... misery and deterioration to the state, are imposed and de- Of course. We are going to fight among ourselves, give clared as patriotic. Our attitude towards the reality in Koeach other nasty looks, cheer for one of the mothers and sovo just proves what I have just said about the Serbian practically regress to the 19th century. I am very emopatriotism which is still going strong. tional about Russia, which is normal, but we need to It is our bad luck that the core of this national elite understand that our country’s strategic interest is to beis made of the same people that were considered elite in come a part of Europe where nobody is our mother, unTito’s time. So, what Tito’s elite or its successors don’t see cle or brother, figuratively speaking. Every single adult, or don’t want to admit to themselves is that Tito has passed who wants to have a family and become independaway and that Yugoslavia has lost its footing? ent, needs to stop hanging onto his mother’s coattails. I felt as if I was speaking to deaf people when, during a In politics, emotions should not get the better of you. certain debate, I said that the 1945 socialist Yugoslavia had The Head of a state and the leader of a nation needs to burried two mines with delayed ignition into its foundagive its contribution to the unity of mind and heart. He tion and that those very mines would blow to pieces the should follow his mind, not heart. understructure that the country was built on. The pillars cordeditorial@cma.rs

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that the country stood on were Tito’s charisma and the unlimited power of the Communist Party. When Tito died, Yugoslavia lost a leg. When communism fell in Moscow, the other leg was gone. The Serbian national elite refused to accept or admit that and we missed a great historical opportunity, in the late 1980s, to assume the responsibility for saving Yugoslavia by using its pre-communist foundation and turning to Europe and NATO.

about, since the claims that the Serbian Renewal Movement left the DOS were simply not true. SPO was literally thrown away from theDOS.

■ Is there something you wished you had done and regret not doing it? - I have regrets, and will never stop having regrets, like the 1999 Rambouillet agreement falling through. The agreement was drafted and was quite favourable for us. All we ■ You do realize just how heretihad to do was sign it. I invested cal that sounded back then... my credibility into this agree- Yes, but that is where all our ment being signed since I felt mistakes originate from. Back in obligated to prevent bombing 1990, as the leader of the Serbian and misery from happening. Renewal Movement, I gambled away my “In my capacity as a foreign minister, I was I worked toward reputation as the opremoving a regime contemplating the option of Kosovo becoming position leader and that existed contrary Milošević’s victim independent in line with the formula ’more to time and reality, by becoming a memwhich fed on a dead ber of Milošević’s than autonomy, less than independence’. I ideology and a dead federal government think that it is patriotic to say that the Emperor religion. This ’reliand, after everything has no clothes instead of admiring his gion’, for lack of betthat had happened, ter word, was abanMilošević refused to non-existent suit! donded by the whole sign the agreement. of Europe, yet, in our country, it was defended even if that I will never forget that day. I gave an ultimatum to him meant that a whole country would disappear and tens or that he had to contact Milan Milutinović, who was in even hundreds of thousands of people would die. Rambouillet at that time, and make him sign the agreement which stipulated Serbia having sovereignty over ■ How is it possible that your party – SPO – which used Kosovo, Kosovo being given substantial autonomy and to be the biggest and most powerful opposition party, is Serbia keep its police and armed forces on condition that, now marginalized? What happened? together with foreign armed forces, we had do disarm eve- The assassination of the Serbian Renewal Movement has rybody in Kosovo from the KLA to our forces. been strategically planned and executed. It all started with the Ibar motorway case i.e. when I miraculously survived ■ So, why did Milošević refuse to accept it? a car crash, and it finished when certain ’friends’ from the - Milošević claimed that it was in our strategic interest to Democratic Opposition of Serbia (DOS) reached a strateprovoke bombing. He said that we couldn’t keep Kosovo, gic agreement with Milošević’s secret police and the peothat Kosovo was a huge burden for Serbia, that we needed ple who were, at the time, willing to betray Milošević, me to say goodbye to it and that, being bombed, would be a being eliminated and the Serbian Renewal Movement great excuse to blame the West for us loosing Kosovo, as destroyed. On Milošević’s orders, state security came to well as to use the bombing as an excuse to propagate antiBudva to kill me, but accidentally failed again. But it was Western feelings and turn the people toward Russia and no accident that none of the DOS leaders, absolutely none, Belarus. If you remember, at the very beginning of the didn’t call me, let alone visited me. And it is no accident NATO air raids, the Serbian Federal Parliament enacted a that they gave statements that what happened to me (in declaration on establishing confederation with Russia and Budva) was personal misfortune and that I didn’t have the Belarus. That was the time when a certain strategy began right to capitalize on that for political purposes, i.e. to raise to be implemented, and that strategy is alive to this day. political ratings and get a bigger slice of the DOS cake. That Milošević is dead, but his strategy isn’t. The hate toward was preposterous. There are things that we cannot talk the West is huge, much bigger than during that time. ■ 22 |

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Support

quotes Communication

Croatian Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor visitited Kosovo together with a group of Croatian businessmen, where both sides expressed commitment to deepening cooperation in the economy and other sectors. Ms Kosor said that Zagreb supports of the continuation of the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue - Tanjug

“The dialogue between the business and political elite has never been so scarce. There is virtually no communication,“ Branislav Grujić, Chairman of the Privrednik Club.

Police

“What does an organizer do? He generates profit and is guarded by the police? We are going to assess whether the police should be held responsible in a sense of not pointing out that some measures should have been put in place. Should we question the British and Norwegian police, which are far better equipped than ours, and had to deal with much bigger incidents than the one that happened at Beer Fest?! Are we supposed to guard every single family celebration or gathering?!” – Ivica Dačić, Deputy PM and Serbian Interior Minister (Beta)

Atheism

"A very retrograde church dominates over Serbia and that is the Serbian Orthodox Church. In 600 years, the Church hasn’t said a single new word. We need to promote atheism in our society, because the dominant church is so conservative that it won’t let us breathe.” – Vesna Pešić, independent MP (Blic)

Partocracy

“The whole partocracy system has its roots in Milošević’s time where members of certain political parties held every single public function – from government to public enterprises, hospitals and all the way down. The Socialist Party of Serbia has been in power for over ten years thanks to such a system being place and they view it as the core of their party’s strength. I think they are mistaken.” Mlađan Dinkić, leader of the URS (Blic)

Citizens

"In the last four months alone, 32 Serbian citizens were arrested in Europe. They committed 18 murders and attempted murders, seven bloody robberies, dozens of muggings - several involving weapons, stole and re-sold hundreds of luxury vehicles, and participated in seven organized drug trafficking operations." – Večernje Novosti

Negotiation

“It is vital for negotiations to be reinstated and to accomplish results, to let Eulex do its job on the entire Kosovo territory, to abolish parallel structures and not to create new ones. We want to see the results of the dialogue. The summer was not that great and the events, that we thought were a thing of the past, took place.” – German Chancellor Angela Merkel (Beta)

Policy

"We have to remain collected. We have our own policy which entails continuation of reforms that will lead us to the EU. We will resolve the problems as they occur.” – Vuk Jeremić, Serbian Foreign Minister(Blic)

Committment

“Serbian communities in Kosovo and Metohija need Serbian institutions and we cannot renounce those institutions or abolish them, because, if we did that, our effort in preserving Kosovo in Serbia would die down. We are fully committed to meeting every single criteria of the European Union, but this is about our sovereignty, the constitution and laws.” – Goran Bogdanović, Kosovo and Metohija Minister (Beta)

Dialogue

“We ought to initiate a comprehensive international dialogue about the status of northern Kosovo as soon as possible, while being mindful of the Resolution 1244, as well as to normalize the relations with Priština as much as possible so that we can continue cooperating and trading. This shouldn’t be a hurdle in the negotiations about our EU accession,” Dragoljub Mićunović, Chairman of the Serbian Parliament Foreign Affairs Committee (Politika)

Business

“Our rough estimates show that Kosovo’s ban on Serbian imports will result in Serbian businesses loosing around $450 million per annum. Consumers in Kosovo are used to buying products like Jaffa, Plasma biscuits or Smoki. If these products are not available, consumers will find replacements from Croatia, Macedonia, Albania, Turkey or Montenegro.” – Zoran Bojović, an advisor at the Regional Cooperation Bureau of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce. cordeditorial@cma.rs

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in focus Austria

ÖBB Passengers Criticise Toilet Cleanliness The Austrian Traffic Club (VCÖ) questioned more than 12,700 Federal Railways (ÖBB) customers to find that many were unhappy with trains’ washrooms The quality of information in case of delays was also criticised by a large number of passengers. A majority of 55 per cent of regular ÖBB customers said the company’s punctuality had improved, while only one in 10 complained about a general decrease of the overall quality of ÖBB’s services. ÖBB boss Christian Kern announced

they will try to improve the cleanliness of train restrooms. Asked for comment on the other results of VCÖ’s poll, the businessman claimed the figures confirmed ÖBB was on track regarding satisfying more of its customers. “Our engagement apparently bears fruit,” he said. Referring to calls for more easy-to-use ticket dispensers, Kern stressed a decision to buy modern machines would mean an “immense investment.”

Montenegro

New Gaming Law The Montenegrin Ministry of Finance has extended the time for public input on the new “Law of the Games of Chances” until September 12th The Ministry invites all interested parties to participate in the decision making process. Interested parties can review the draft law online and submit input to the Ministry of Finance by email to mf@mif.gov.me. The Ministry is requesting public input in defining the specific wording of the law to best regulate this type of business. The draft law addresses most forms of gambling, including: Lottery: Express and instant lottery, Bingo, TV tombola and tombola organized in premises, Lotto, Keno, sport spools, Toto, similar games based on lotto and toto, video lottery, Fonto and other similar games of chance based on draws. The draft law is already 34 pages long

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and goes into great detail regarding proposed regulations on each type of game, upon businesses and business procedures supporting the allowed games. Albania

Influx of Tourists

Tourists are flocking to Albania for their summer holidays. Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha said in the middle of August that his country has witnessed a tourist boom this holiday season. This makes tourism one of the most important sectors in the economy. Berisha said that as of August 8th, Albania had been visited by 2.15 million tourists, which is over 400,000 more than last year.

www.cordmagazine.com

Romania

Ceausescu Tour in Romania Romania will have a touristic tour on dictator Nicolae Ceausescu’s life and achievements, Tourism Minister Elena Udrea said

The “red tour” will include tracing of the communist dictatorship, from places where the Ceausescu couple have stayed to the place where they were executed, on Christmas Eve in 1989, following a quick trial. Udrea said foreign tourists may be interested in the legacies of the communist dictatorship in Romania, while for Romanians, “the fury has passed” against communism. A recent survey showed 84 per cent of Romanians do not support the execution of communist leader Nicolae Ceausescu, and 41 per cent say they would vote for him as president if elections were held now. Nevertheless, 52 per cent said they would not vote for him to be head of state. Seventy per cent said the people who condemned Ceausescu to death should pay for it. A total of 1460 people responded to the poll.

Slovenia

Profitable Hobbies National Party (SNS) president Zmago Jelincic will have his assets thoroughly checked by the Corruption Commission after his wife bought a beachfront lot near Koper The Commission said the burden of proof was on the office holder in cases where it is suspected that the assets of an office holder have “increased disproportionately”. Jelincic said the check was designed to “remove” him from politics, since he is “the only one who demands a crack-down on organised crime.” The news comes after Jelincic’s wife Monika bought a 2,211 m2 vacant lot near Koper for EUR 552,000. Jelincic has said he was planning on building a house and retiring there despite the fact that he already own of a big and recently renovated house in the centre of Ljubljana which is estimated to be valued at well over a million euros.

Monika and Zmago Jeličić

The media started questioning where Jelincic and his wife got the money considering that he makes just over EUR 3,000 per month as MP and is barred by law from engaging in other gainful activity, whereas his wife is employed at the Ljubljana city administration. He has told the media he borrowed some of the money from friends and has assets worth ten million euros on account of his passion for numismatic.

Croatia

Bad Loans Grow to €4.6 Billion

Croatian banks are getting nervous over 34 billion kunas (4.6 billion Euros) of loans considered to be in arrears or with repayments late three or more months, the daily Jutarnji List writes

That is three times more than in 2008 (last pre-crisis year) and two times more than in September 2009. Two thirds of these so-called bad loans are held by companies, and one third by individuals. The total number of loans has grown 7.2 per cent since July 2010, with the share of bad credits rising to 34.2 per cent. HNB estimates that bad credits could grow to 37 billion kunas (close to 5 billion Euros) by the end of the year. KOSOVO

Elusive Mosque

Every Friday they gather in the streets in front of the Stone Mosque near parliament in Pristina, their public prayers a form of protest

Muslims are demanding the construction of a larger mosque in the city centre, close to the Catholic cathedral and Orthodox church. The cathedral was built in the five years from when Muslims first made their request, while the Orthodox church went up during Milosevic’s rule in the 1990’s. Nexhmije Hasani-Gashi, head of the Inter-Faith Dialogue Initiative in Kosovo, is sympathetic. “Kosovo Albanian Muslims have always been recognised as people who co-exist with different religions… Since 2006, they have requested a new mosque, something which has been ignored by UNMIK and the mayors,” he tells SETimes. The Bashkohu Movement, led by Fuad Ramiqi, has been organising the protests, which in February escalated into clashes with the police. Bashkohu explains

there are simply not enough places where Muslims, the overwhelming majority in Pristina, can pray. “For 12 years we’ve prayed outside in extreme temperatures, in the cold, in rain and snow waiting for the politicians at both the central and local level to realise our demands,” Ramiqi told Deutsche Welle. The Islamic Community of Kosovo has issued a statement distancing itself from the protests by Bashkohu and other groups, announcing instead that it is working with the mayor to find a possible location. They appealed for patience on the matter. The issue has been highlighted recently amid concerns it may damage Kosovo’s orientation towards the West. But HasaniGashi disagrees. “Such an initiative will not harm relations with the US or EU as some argue, because Prime Minister Thaci, who considers himself the most pro-European politician in Kosovo, promised last year during the elections to build the mosque.” She says it would be “absurd” to think the initiative would harm relations with the US, given a drive under way to build a mosque near Ground Zero in New York, where the Twin Towers stood before the September 11th terror attacks.

cordeditorial@cma.rs

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interview DUŠaN BaJaTOviĆ, DIRECTOR GENERAL OF SRBIJAGAS

eu recoGnizes the importance of the

south stream

The European Commission Directorate General for Energy recognizes the importance of the South Stream project for Europe’s energy safety and is willing to act as a partner. The integrated joint feasibility study for the South Stream project is supposed to be drafted by the end of September 2011 which would also mark the ofﬁcial beginning of the project works

he construction of the South Stream gas pipeline was announced in June 2006, and, in December of the same year, Gazprom and Srbijagas signed a contract stipulating drafting the documentation for the pipeline that will run from Bulgaria to Croatia, Slovenia, Austria and Italy via Serbia. In January 2008, Russia and Serbia signed a contract, set-

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ting up a joint venture company that would build the Serbian section of the pipeline, as well as large gas storage in Banatski Dvor. The input capacity of the pipeline’s section in Serbia will be 41 billion cubic metres of gas and several thousand people will be engaged in implementing the project. This is, certainly, one of the biggest projects in Serbia in the last few decades and the reason for us talking to Director General of Srbijagas, Dušan Bajatović who is managing the project in Serbia.

dealt with along with the preparation of project documents this and next year. ■ Russian Energy Minister Sergei Shmatko expects all dilemmas to be dealt with in autumn. Otherwise, Russia could treat this pipeline as a segment of its own gas transport system. Would that change the role that Srbijagas plays as the project leader in the region? - The position of the public utility company Srbijagas has been regulated by an agreement and subsequently by a contract with Gazprom, following the Serbian and Russian Federations concluding an intergovernmental

■ Mr. Bajatović, preparing the foundation for the beginning of works on the South Stream project has been a frequently discussed marcel kramer, Chief Executive Officer of the South topic in Europe of late. You have recently Stream project: been to Moscow. What news do you bring? “Our estimates indicate that the South Stream gas - In June, our partners in Gazprom collected all the individual feasibility studies. pipeline construction in Serbia will allow the creation Currently, these studies are being integratof some 2.5 thousand new jobs in the country, ed into a single document for the entire attracting up to EUR 1.5 billion of direct investments South Stream project. We expect this integrated version of the study to be ready by and ensuring gas transmission revenues of EUR 4 late September this year. Once the study is billion throughout the 25 years of its operation.” finished, it will be a step forward in mak-

The position of the public utility company Srbijagas has been regulated by an agreement and subsequently by contract with Gazprom, following the Serbian and Russian Federations concluding an intergovernmental agreement ing a final investment decision and in starting work on the pipeline’s construction. For now, deadlines are being met, so construction could start in early 2013. ■ The EU Energy Commissioner Günther Oettinger said recently that there was no valid reason for South Stream to be delayed, adding that the European Commission would support this “enormous” project. What still needs to be done is to determine the pipeline’s priority status within the 3rd Energy Package. When do you expect this problem to be solved? - I wouldn’t call it a problem. Even now, the EU is in complete agreement that the project is necessary. I would like to remind you that Germany, France and Italy, along with several other countries, are participating in the project and these countries are the core EU states. If there are certain dilemmas, they will be euroPe The core European countries Germany, France and Italy, are participating in the project.

agreement. Our company feels absolutely safe in this project and eagerly awaits for construction to begin. Regardless of various scenarios, Serbia does take an important place in the project. ■ The South Stream is indeed an enormous project which exceeds Serbian and regional boundaries. How prepared are Srbijagas and the Serbian Government to take on the responsibilities that stem from the implementation of the South Stream project? - We have proved just how ready we are when we were the first to complete the study covering the Serbian leg of the pipeline, as well as the first country to draft a master project. We were especially pleased to hear our partner – Gazprom – saying that the quality of our study, prepared by our experts, was very high indeed.

stuDY Once the study is finished, it will be a step forward in making a final investment decision.

imPlementation By implementing the South Stream project, Srbijagas is becoming one of the biggest gas transit companies in Europe. cordeditorial@cma.rs

85 September 2011 | 27

■ To what extent is the Serbian Government, as well as Vojvodina’s Government, involved in activities on South Stream bearing in mind that the project is a great opportunity not only for the Serbian energy sector, but also for engaging the entire Serbian economy and a substantial number of people? - I am sure that the state institutions, ministries and local self-governments are going to be involved in the

■ Once built, what will be the pipeline’s transit capacity at the entry to Serbia and which countries will the pipeline supply? - The entry capacity in Serbia will be up to 41 billion cubic metres. From Serbia, gas will be transported to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, France, Austria and Germany. ■ What kind of operational and technological changes will take place in supplying gas to Serbia? - In regard to the changes, I would like to mention three things. The first is that we are getting a new source and are increasing the supply safety. The second, transport costs will be reduced compared to what we pay now for gas transit via Hungary and, thirdly, the pressure in the gas system will be increased. Aside from charging gas transport fees, what other benefits will Serbia have from South Stream? By enabling storage capacity for South Stream’s needs, Serbia is becoming a regional hub, which, in turn, improves the country’s geo-strategic position.

I am sure that the state institutions, ministries and local self-governments are going to be involved in the project. Still, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy and the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning will carry most of the burden

■ How do you see Srbijagas in the future once South Stream becomes operational? - By implementing the South Stream project and building the pipeline, Srbijagas is becoming one of the biggest gas transit companies in Europe and one of the biggest owners of gas storages in Southeast Europe. ■ In your capacity as general manager, you have devised several original solutions when it comes to managing a public enterprise, which are quite unorthodox for Serbia. You have donated your salary to charity, you have settled liabilities through merging the companies that were not paying for the services rendered by Srbijagas, you have established several development projects etc. If we consider the traditional Serbian criteria, does it pay off to get engaged to that extent? What kind of project. Still, the Ministry of The pipeline recently received a major boost when it Infrastructure and Energy and the Ministry of Environment Wintershall, the oil and gas arm of German chemicals and Spatial Planning will carry giant BASF, said it would join the consortium, most of the burden. In terms of acquiring a 15 percent stake. France's EDF had creating new jobs, we have estimated that the South Stream announced last year that it would take 10 percent. Company will have around The shares are expected to come from Eni's stake 500 employees, while the number of construction workers will run into the thou- people usually ‘attack’ you and what people praise you? sands, if not tens of thousands, subcontractors included. - Speaking from my position as the general manager of We have reached a gentleman’s agreement to engage a state-owned public enterprise, introducing novelties Serbian companies in construction, which will provide is very difficult. The state administration, which we dithe operatives and logistical support. rectly depend on, is very complicated and conservative. 28 |

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In July Grundfos celebrated the production of the company's first pump in Nova Pazova

Well Mannered Giant In 2010 Grundfos invested approximately EUR 137 million in research and development alone

State companies need to morph into corporations and become devoid of politics, i.e. we need to run them as you would run a well-organized privately owned company The legal and status framework that we operate under is bad. State companies need to morph into corporations and become devoid of politics, i.e. we need to run them as you would run a well-organized privately owned company. At the time when public enterprises are used as social policy vehicles for the partocracy structures to demonstrate their social power, accomplishing results is no small feat. However, we do enjoy some support from the government, businesses and banks. I will be happy if I accomplish the goals that I have set. I don’t need anything else. The people who ‘attack’ often don’t understand these issues or have special personal or lobbyist interests. ■

rundfos Group as the world’s largest manufacturers of circulators, and amongst the world leaders in pump manufacturing, is continually innovating and creating groundbreaking solutions keeping it at the forefront of the manufacturing industry. Grundfos, founded in 1945, carries out the majority of its activities in Bjerringbro, Denmark, although the company is recognised globally being represented in over 45 countries by more than 80 companies.

also reaffirmed its commitment in the local market detailing plans that its new 25000m2 factory in Indjija is due to be completed at the start of 2013. The vision of Grundfos Manufacturing Serbia is to offer the highest quality services to its clients, to provide good working conditions for its employees

Grundfos realises the importance of investment in research and development

Increased gas demand

ritics have accused Russia of launching South Stream to torpedo Nabucco, a project backed by the European Union and the United States that would transport up to 31 billion cubic meters of Caspian and Middle Eastern gas per year to Europe, bypassing Russia to diversify Europe's energy import structure. The South Stream consortium members deny trying to undermine Nabucco, arguing their pipeline makes economic sense. Experts have questioned whether there is room for both projects as they vie for similar sources and customers, with analysts speaking of a "pipeline war." A possible demise of nuclear power in Japan and at least parts of Europe could boost the gas demand significantly and increase chances for both Nabucco and South Stream to co-exist, analysts have said.

Grundfos realises the importance of investment in research and development, in 2010 the company invested app.137 million euro’s in this area alone. In keeping with the principles that the company was built upon, Grundfos has invested heavily in Serbia. At a ceremony in July Grundfos celebrated a major turning point, the production of the company’s first pump in Nova Pazova. The company

making sure it contributes to their development both personally and professionally, to continue its respect in relation to the laws, principles and environment of Serbia and to maintain open relationships with its partners in order to ensure good cooperation and the sharing of a common approach in the quality, ethics and environmental behaviour that the Grundfos Group always adheres to. ■

info: www.grundfos.rs cordeditorial@cma.rs

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feature ECHOES FROM THE MErKEl – sarKOZY MEETING

Strong Signal

ble, and that weaker economies needed to get their finances in order first. On the other hand, European markets fell before the crisis talks had finished as data showed that Germany’s economy had almost stalled. Second quarter growth figures showed that the powerhouse of Europe grew 0.1pc In the middle of August, the French and far below expectations. The national statistics agency said German leaders unveiled far-reaching that the “dynamism in the German economy has cooled significantly.” plans for closer eurozone integration The two leaders proposed that each member state and tighter debt rules, as well as reviving write into their constitutions by mid-2012 laws requiring governments to present balanced budgets. the idea of a ﬁnancial transaction tax The French media and the political opposition generally welcomed the leaders’ proposals for an “economic government” for the eurozone, with twice-yearly meethe reactions that immediately followed, ranged ings of leaders of the 17 countries with the common curfrom support to restraint and disappointments. rency and a fixed president, in the person of EU Council Many analysts -- and governments including Italy, President Herman Van Rompuy. Greece, Belgium and Luxembourg -- say the only Sarkozy’s conservative way to stop the escalation of The two leaders proposed that Union for a Popular Majority the eurozone debt crisis is to issue a common governeach member state write into their party hailed the “joint commitment” shown by France ment bond with a single inconstitutions by mid-2012 laws and Germany on reforming terest rate for all members -the eurozone. requiring governments to present weak and strong. Francois Hollande, a However, before the balanced budgets leading contender as presimeeting, Germany had dential nominee of the opposition Socialist Party ahead of made known its opposition to eurobonds, which would the 2012 election, said Sarkozy’s position was a “great leap nudge up Germany’s borrowing costs. France’s position backwards”, since eurobonds would help end speculation had been less clear. But Sarkozy made clear he was on in bond markets. board with Germany, saying eurobonds should be the cul“This mini Franco-German summit was of a minimum mination of a process of deeper integration, not the pream-

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level, without any vigorous decisions,” commented daily L’Est Republicain. Martine Aubry, another frontrunner for the Socialist presidential nomination, blasted the “very disappointing” proposals as doing nothing to stimulate growth and employment. There was also widespread scepticism around Merkel and Sarkozy’s insistence on increased fiscal discipline in the eurozone. The conservative Daily Figaro, which is close to Sarkozy’s ruling party, approved of the proposal, saying it was time for countries “to take their responsibilities.” For l’Humanite, a Communist newspaper, the resulting budget cuts would affect spending on services “that improve the living conditions of ordinary citizens.” In France, the Socialists have said they will oppose an attempt by Sarkozy to push through a constitutional amendment on balanced budgets before next year’s election. The German media are mostly in favor of plans by the French and German leaders for closer eurozone integra-

"The call to enshrine the principle of a debt brake in national constitutional law is a further strong political commitment to the long-term sustainability of public finances.”, Jose Manuel Barroso European Commission President tion, calling them “a step in the right direction.” Cautiously optimistic, the Westdeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung writes that the proposals agreed to by Sarkozy and Merkel do not solve the gigantic euro crisis - but they point in the right direction. The paper concludes that Europe’s engine - France plus Germany - is up and running. But: “While that’s good news, a plan is just that: a plan. It remains to be seen whether the two leading eurozone states can convince the other members.” The Rheinische Post calls the outcome of FrancoGerman talks “a mix of declarations of intent, goodwill and a pledge of closer cooperation.” The paper concluded that for the time being, “the crisis has at best been postponed.”

Van Rompuy’s quick reaction “If the Swiss franc becomes a safe haven currency, it’s because something fundamentally disproportionate is going on in the world’s markets”

U Council President Herman Van Rompuy’s reaction comes just days after the possibility of issuing joint eurobonds was rejected by Nicolas Sarkozy and Angela Merkel at a FrenchGerman summit on the economy. Although he generally welcomed the leaders’ proposals, Van Rompuy has warned investors against overreacting to the European debt crisis and US credit rating downgrade, and ruled out issuing eurobonds. In interview for Belgian radio he addressad investors saying that “markets aren’t always right, we could have eurobonds on the day... when everyone is in balance or virtually in balance.” Mr Van Rompuy cited the overvalued Swiss franc, which has soared by 14pc in value since the start of the year, as an example of investors’ insecurity. He said unwarrented panic had sparked the mass selloff of Italian and Spanish Government bonds, which prompted the intervention of the European Central Bank earlier this month. “If the Swiss franc becomes a safe haven currency, it’s because something fundamentally disproportionate is going on in the world’s markets,” he said. “I will propose some ideas to improve both communications and crisis management.” The former Belgian prime minister said a system of eurobonds, was a premature solution to the European crisis. With Italy, Greece and Portugal already drawing in financial aid, and mounting levels of sovereign debt across the eurozone, he said joint borrowing should wait until budgets are better aligned. The EU president said a better solution could be found in last month’s plan to give more flexibility to the eurozone’s €440bn rescue fund, which he urged governments to ratify as quickly as possible. While European growth slowed during the first half of this year, the region still shows signs of a healthy recovery and is likely to avoid recession, the EU president added. He said the risk of economic break-up within Belgium or the eurozone was “fiction”. Mr Van Rompuy said a six-part package of laws to strengthen European rules on national deficits is expected to be passed in September, with emphasis on an improved communications policy to boost investor confidence and dampen disagreements between governments. “We have to try to give the same message. It’s inevitable that there will be several voices. But everyone has to convey the same message,” he urged. cordeditorial@cma.rs

85 September 2011 | 31

discussed -- the potential for a eurobond and the size of the stabilization/bailout fund. At €450bn [the European Financial Stability Facility] could easily be wiped out if one of the larger countries gets into trouble.” Phil Flyn from PFG Best in Chicago said: “The market was holding out hope that we would be closer to a eurobond... What we’re moving towards is more uncertainty.”

“The financial transaction tax is an important way to ensure more fairness on the European level. I have devoted myself to this continuously and vehemently since the crisis began,” Werner Faymann, Austrian Chancellor

Eurozne Officials Reactions eurozone countries officials, were mostly in line with the expectations of their countries from a possible future application of Meckel - Sarkozy proposals. Jyrki Katainen. Finnish Finance Minister”On debt, I’m not too excited about writing anything into constitutions. Rarely do such targets, carvedin stone, work” George Osborne, UK Chancellor: “The UK government has not yet responded to the latest proposals, but Mr. Osborne has made clear that hefavours closer integration in the euro zone.” Mark Rutte, Dutch Prime Minister: “The Netherlands has been pleading for automatic sanctions for countries who do not comply with the rules.” Jose Manuel Barroso European Commission President: “The call to enshrine the principle of a debt brake in national constitutional law is a further strong political commitment to the long-term sustainability of public finances.” Petr Necas. Czech Prime Minister: “Things have been integrated over recent years, but whether it eliminates

The eurozone nations have tended their national egos for far too long, the Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung writes, and thus have needlessly given speculators opportunities. “A common currency for 17 very different nations requires close cooperation and even closer controls. Otherwise, individual problematic states endanger the entire currency union.” The Ostsee-Zeitung agrees that the Franco-German plan is a strong signal telling the world that the eurozone’s two leading nations are serious about saving their currency. But are their pledges enough to defuse the debt crisis? “Only putting the plan into action will show whether it can succeed,” the paper comments, adding that Merkel in particular faces rough times, managing the crisis and calming markets without giving up German interests. At the same time, the paper writes, Merkel has to placate the euroskeptics within her own party and throughout Germany. Time is of the essence in the current euro and state debt crisis, the Südwest Presse comments. “What is important now is to regain political credibility. The proposal in Paris to introduce a debt ceiling in the eurozone “Things have been integrated over recent nations’ constitutions can only be a first step. “ years, but whether it eliminates problems, Meanwhile, Die Welt ponders a related issue: “As long as the eurozone states don’t have a I rather have the feelingthat it is creating grip on their debt crisis, it will hang over their them,” Petr Necas. Czech Prime Minister further economic development like the proproblems, I rather have the feeling that it is creating them.” verbial sword of Damocles,” the paper said, warning that Werner Faymann, Austrian Chancellor: “The financial the turbulences on the financial markets these past weeks transaction tax is an important way to ensure more fairhave shown how strong reaction can be to crisis news and ness on the European level. I have devoted myself to this how quickly the ensuing decline can get out of hand. continuously and vehemently since the crisis began.” American analysts are not enthusiastic about the proMichael Noonan, Irish Finance Minister: “A proposal posed policy. to set a united corporate tax rate for France and Germany Edward Meir from MF Global in New York said: “It would not affect Ireland’s ultra-low corporate tax rate.” ■ doesn’t look like the two biggest items were seriously 32 |

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region Croatia

Montenegro

Battling Over Poll Numbers Agreement Reached on Croatia’s two major parties - Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) and Social Election Law Democratic Party (SDP) - are battling over poll numbers as parliamentary elections near

Research conducted for HDZ SDP leader Zoran Milanovic by Prizma shows that 34% of voters would under no circumstances give their vote to SDP. On the other hand, Ipsos agency research (commissioned by SDP) shows that 59% of those sure to vote in the upcoming election would not do so for SDP. HDZ’s situation is even worse – the same poll found out that 74% of voters are "inaccessible" to them. Translated into projections, this means that SDP alone (without the rest of Kukuriku coalition or Croatian People's Party, IDS and Croatian Party of Pensioners (HSU)) can only get 41% of the

votes. Out of that percentage, 22% would surely do it, while they would have to fight for the rest. A high-ranking member of SDP said that the party was happy as they never had such positive projections before. HDZ can count on 16% of "hardcore" followers, while they can look for additional votes amongst the 9% of "potential" supporters. A third of those surveyed blamed HDZ exclusively for the proliferation of corruption and bad economic situation in the country. On the other hand, only 1% of voters have such an attitude towards SDP. At the same time, only 2% believe HDZ is an "honest" party, whilst 23% think the same of SDP.

EU Commissioner for Enlargement Stefan Füle welcomed information from Podgorica that parliamentary parties have reached a preliminary political agreement on the adoption of the Election Law

Slovenia

Airport Operator Reports Growth The operator of the Ljubljana airport made an operating profit of €2.1m in the first half of the year, which is up 77.8% on the same period last year. Net profit rose by 53.3% to €2.3m, an unaudited report shows Aerodrom Ljubljana's revenue only rose by 5.1% to EUR 15.5m in the period, show the results released after Wednesday's session of the supervisory board, which endorsed Chairman Zmago Skobir for another term. The quite positive results came as a result of growth in the foreign carriers segment and cargo as well as cost managing measures. Passenger numbers were up by 8.8% year-on-year and meet 43.2% of the annual plan, while aircraft movements remained at the level of the first half of 2010, meeting 44.8% of the target figure for the year.

The bulk of passengers were carried by the domestic airline Adria Airways (74.9% or 452,513 passengers). Its passenger numbers were up by 3% and aircraft movements by 5.5%. Still, the share of the Slovenian flag carrier's passengers dropped by 4.2 percentage points compared with the first half of last year due to an increase in the passengers of foreign carriers. In the foreign carriers segment, passenger numbers rose by 30.8% and aircraft movements by 11%.

On the 21st August, commissioner Füle underlined the importance for the parliament to adopt this law as soon as possible, and said that the European Commission carefully follows developments in Montenegro including the country's continuing efforts to implement the seven key priorities set out in the Commission Opinion. "Election Law is part of the key priorities and therefore one of the conditions to be met by Montenegro in view of opening EU accession negotiations," stated commissioner Füle, and also called it a key test of parties' readiness to put their commitment to EU integration into practice. "The consensus among political parties and within the Montenegrin society on EU integration is a huge asset for Montenegro's EU course. We encourage all sides to continue demonstrating statesmanship and responsibility on all issues related to Montenegro's efforts to fulfil the key priorities," added commissioner Füle.

cordeditorial@cma.rs

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Greece

Cyprus

Prime Minister Secret Talks on Gas Research Rules out Snap Elections Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou recently ruled out the possibility of snap elections because of the country’s economic and financial crisis amid growing pressure “We are a democratically elected government and we will honour to the fullest the mandate given to us by the Greek citizens. The citizens want changes, not elections,” Papandreou said in an interview to Real News newspaper. If everyone continues working hard, “it will start showing at the level of the real economy,” he said. “If we all do our job, implementing a programme of great reforms… Not only will new measures not be necessary, but we will quickly be able to restore whatever injustices were created by the urgency of our decisions,” he added.

Papandreou categorically denied scenarios of the country returning to the drachma saying “not only is there not an issue of the country exiting the euro; on the contrary, through this adventure we entered first because of the previous government, the euro will strengthen.” Main opposition New Democracy spokesman Yiannis Mihelakis said in response to the interview: “Such childish fireworks cannot hide the nakedness of the government whose own deputies … call for elections. “Precisely because they as well see the deadlock to which the country was led by Mr. Papandreou.” (Source: AFP)

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The magazine 'Epikaira' brings to light secret communications of the Greek Prime Minister with Israel and USA regarding the exploitation of oil and gas resources as a possible solution to the economic crisis Albania

The Exclusive Economic Zones with Cyprus will contribute to searches and exploitation of any possible natural resources in the area. The cooperation of Cyprus and Israel in the energy sector will be completed with the participation of Greece. The USA and Russia have given permission to Cyprus to begin with drilling after the rejection of Turkish proposals regarding such initiatives. The next step is the creation of a tube which will transfer Cypriot, Israeli and possibly Greek gas to the European markets. The Israeli company Delek and the American company Noble agreed to drilling in the Cypriot Exclusive Economic Zone. The Republic of Cyprus will have until August 1st 2013 to decide if the country will give permission to the companies Delek and Avner to participate in the project. Until then the companies will be able to transfer their rights to another company accepted by Noble.

Converting Part of Debt to Italy Albania’s Minister of Finances Ridvan Bode A part of the debt Albania owes to Italy will be used for some development projects in priority sectors

The agreement for the conversion of a part of this debt was signed in late August in Tirana by Albania’s Minister of Finances Ridvan Bode and the Italian Ambassador in Tirana Saba D’Elia, the Ministry of Finances said in a press release. According to this conversion scheme, the debt (principal & interest) of up to Euro 20 million resulting from loans from the Italian Government, will not be repaid to the latter, but instead will be deposited in a special account. The fund will be used to finance development projects evidenced by both parties and will focus on education, healthcare and the generation of employment. The deadline for the use of the fund is two years from the depositing of the last instalment and all funds used on projects will be considered as repaid debt to the Italian Government. Unused funds after this time limit will be returned to Italy. Romania

Many Romanians live on the dole 1.8 million Romanians get social assistance pay without deserving it, Labour Minister Sebastian Lazaroiu has said.

www.cordmagazine.com

Lazaroiu said 1.8 million Romanians (of a population of around 20 million) do not work, do not go to school and have no handicap. "Why would 1.2 million people work, if they get half of their income from the state?" Romania spends over €3.3 billion annually on social assistance. Labour Ministry checkups show at least €500 million is paid out in fraudulent claims.

Business Dialogue Sep 2011 - buSineSS leAder'S meeting point

pAge 40

Mr. FraNcOis XaviEr MaHOT, Managing Director of United Serbian Breweries a Member of the HEINEKEN Group

Brewing a Better Future pAge 44

MlaDEN siMOviĆ, Director of Energoprojekt ENTEL a.d.

Always offering More! pAge 45

BraNislav vEsEliNOviĆ, Deputy CFO and Head of Procurement of Vojvodjanska bank

Fantastic Service pAge 48

MilJaNa viDOviĆ, Managing Director of REV Serbia and President & CEO Reservoir Capital Corp

noticeable State Attentiveness

decision makers

Business Dialogue 01

"It seems to me that centralised decision making further slowed down the implementation and disbursement. It’s clear that if a high government official has to confirm each decision, even the smallest, that person is overwhelmed." - Loup Brefort, Head of the World Bank in Serbia.

eleCtroniC invoiCeS

merCedeS-benZ tHree AwArdS in tHe Automotive brAnd ConteSt 2011

Huge Economic Benefits

The Mercedes-Benz Design Team is "Team of the Year"

If you buy goods or services in Serbia, you can receive an electronic invoice which is as valid as the paper one

It’s official: Mercedes-Benz design is outstanding. As confirmed by three 1st places in the Automotive Brand Contest 2011

According to the opinion given by the Ministry of Finance, which was posted on the Digital Agenda Directorate’s website, an invoice, confirming that goods have been sold or services rendered, “is a document which can be also sent electronically (E-document) in line with the E-documents legislation and which contains the information as stipulated in the relevant law and bylaw”. In line with the Ministry’s opinion, E-invoices need to contain the same information as the paper ones – the name, address and VAT number of the tax payer / the invoice issuer, the place and the date of issue, the invoice number, type and quantity of delivered goods or type and volume of rendered services, the date when goods were sold and services rendered, advance payment conditions, the tax base, the applied tax rate, the VAT that is calculated based on the tax base, and the note on tax exemption. The economic benefits are huge. Both small and medium enterprises will be able to save the money because there will no longer have to issue paper invoices. Also, this facilitates internet sales since many companies will send you an invoice in a PDF format when you order their products – Zoran Torbica, from the Internet Development Centre explains.

The competition’s top-flight expert jury voted the Mercedes-Benz design team "Team of the year". They additionally awarded the ultimate "Best of Best" plaudit to the Mercedes-Benz CLS in the Exterior category. The Concept A-Class interior was also deemed "Best of Best", taking first place in the interior area of the Concept & Study category. The Automotive Brand Contest is the first international brand and design competition for the automotive industry. It was launched by the German Design Council, which was established as a foundation by decree of the German Bundestag back in 1953. The independent institution organises this competition dedicated exclusively to the automotive sector in order to acknowledge outstanding achievements in brand management, brand communication and design. In this way, the internationally reputed German Design Council highlights the great importance of design and brand image to the success of an automotive company. Mercedes-Benz design director professor H.C. Gorden Wagener and his staff of around 500 based in Sindelfingen, and at four studios abroad, were found to be in a league of their own. The expert jury of the Automotive Brand Contest 2011 awarded them the title of "Team of the year". The "Best of Best" title in the exterior category saw the new generation of the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class following in the footsteps of its predecessor, which has long enjoyed international renown as a design icon. The new CLS combines an elegant coupé silhouette with an expressive front. Its dynamic, athletic body features a beguiling composition of lines and surfaces and a dropping line, drawing on the uniquely rich fund of design treasures to be found in historical Mercedes sports cars to embody a contemporary aesthetic statement.

Subsidies

“Subsidies should not be included in the set of measures that the state uses to attract investors. They ought to be the option that is considered at the very end. First, we need to create a good quality business environment, secure macroeconomic stability, speed up reforms and tackle corruption. If we work on those problems, we won’t need the subsidies.” Goran Pitić, FIC Vice President and President of Societe Generale Bank

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trAde fAir

The Serbian Economy in Thessaloniki Representatives of more than 40 companies institutes and regional chambers from Serbia will participate in the 76th General International Trade Fair in Thessaloniki, from the 10th to the 18th September The business part of the delegation is led by Milos Bugarin, President of the Chamber of Commerce, while the state delegation will be lead by Dusan Petrovic, Minister of Agriculture, Trade and Forestry The companies will present their products and services in about 500 sq/m of exhibition space at the national stand under the slogan "Serbia in Thessaloniki 2011: always together." At the international fair in Thessaloniki, which is one of the most important fair exhibitions of Southeast Europe, 12 companies in agriculture and food industry, 7 from the metal and electrical industry, 3 from the chemical field and textile, leather and shoe industries, 4 companies in the production of furniture and equipment and finally 10 in the field of technological innovation and entrepreneurs will participate.

85 85September September2011 2011 | | www.cordmagazine.com business dialogue

niS

Profit Rise to 21.5 billion Dinar In the first half of this year, NIS posted a profit of 21.5 billion dinars. The achieved profit is a result of improved efficiency, cost management, advancement and expansion of derivatives assortment, as well as of an increase in oil and gas production The company’s efficiency grew 15% over the business plan thanks to efficient operations of research, production and processing sectors. This also includes positive foreign currency exchange rate bid-ask spread amounting to 6.4 billion dinars, so the pre-bid-ask spread profit was close to 15.1 billion dinars which is a 144% jump compared to the first half of 2010,” says NIS’ Financial Director, Alexei Urusov. – NIS has paid 40 billion dinars in taxes and other fiscal claims, which is a billion more than last year. The total bank debt was reduced by $146 million and now stands at $574 million – Urusov added. Domestic oil & gas production grew by 30% compared to the same period last year and it stood at 730,000 tons of provisional tons.

External risks

Placements & Postings

“The economic situation is still difficult and external risks for Serbia have recently intensified.” - Bogdan Lissovolik IMF Resident Representative Belgrade

appointments@cma.rs

www.cordmagazine.com/corporate/appointments.html

Ruža Ristanović, new Executive Director

Piraeus Bank Group

Successfully Passed Stress Test Simulation from EBA Piraeus Bank Group has successfully passed 2011 EU-wide stress test conducted by the EU Banking Authority (EBA), in cooperation with the Bank of Greece, the European Central Bank (ECB), the EU Commission (EC) and the EU Systemic Risk Board (ESRB)

The EU-wide stress test, carried out across 91 banks covering over 65% of the EU banking system total assets, seeks to assess the resilience of European banks to severe shocks and their specific solvency to hypothetical stress events under certain restrictive conditions. Piraeus Bank meets the capital benchmark set out for the purpose of the stress test. The Bank will continue to ensure that the appropriate capital level is maintained and in addition has taken certain business decisions and is planning to undertake additional actions aiming to mitigate the risks and increase its capital. Those actions include the issue of a convertible bond loan of up to €250 million, that the general shareholders meeting has already decided, and the preliminary agreement for the sale of its subsidiary Piraeus Bank Egypt which will futher increase Core Tier 1 capital ratio of Piraeus Bank to 6.3% under the adverse scenario in 2012. Piraeus Bank will work with the Bank of Greece to determine an execution plan of other mitigating measures, taking into consideration the Memorandum of Economic and Financial Policy.

Hypo Alpe Adria Bank

Good Half-year Results With its credit portfolio exceeding €1 billion, almost 200,000 clients and total deposits of €545 million, Hypo Alpe Adria Bank posted profit of €13 million in the first half of this year which is significant growth compared to the same period in 2010. Hypo Alpe Adria Bank continues to develop, while maintaining stable operations, enjoying the loyalty of existing clients and having almost 8,000 new clients. “The generated profit is the result of our conservative policy in risk assessment in the last three years, deep understanding of market tendencies and client needs, as well as adjusting our business policy in an effort to provide the best offer possible,” says Vladimir Čupić, Chairman of Hypo Alpe Adria Bank a.d. Beograd’s Executive Board. correction

Ruma - Industrial Zone

In a special edition from alliance intenational media “The Investment Guide Vojvodina in Focus 2011/2012,” in the text “The Ruma Interchange,” on page 26, there is a mistake related to the size of the industrial zone. The Ruma Interchange industrial zone is located on the crossroads of the E-70 highway and the M-21 motorway (Novi sad - Šabac, future highway Timisoara - Dubrovnik). The industrial zone covers 238 hectares and is owned by the Municipality of Ruma in its entirety. We apologise to the Municipality of Ruma and our readers.

of alliance international media (aim)

New Executive Director of alliance international media (aim), Ruza Ristanović (33), came to the position after four years spent at Ringier Axel Springer, Publishing Company Ltd. in the position of Marketing and PR Director, responsible for market research, PR and promotional activities of all print and online products in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro. Ruža Ristanović graduated in Economics Marketing from Belgrade University. Miss Ristanović who joined aim on the 1st August is expected to further develop aim’s corporate businesses.

Siniša Isakov, new Managing Director of Radio and Television of Vojvodina (RTV)

Siniša Isakov is the new Managing Director of Radio and Television of Vojvodina, following a decision made by the station’s managing board. Isakov is an electronics and IT engineer. Before this engagement, he worked as an assistant to the Provincial Secretary of Economy and also held a position at RTV. He worked as technical staff in RTV from 1980 to 2003, and is one of the most prominent members of the League of Social-Democrats of Vojvodina (LSV).

Predrag Jovanović, re-appointed Director of the Public Procurement Office

Predrag Jovanović has been re-appointed to the position of Managing Director for the Public Procurement Office, after a decision made by the Serbian Government. The government decided to pick Jovanović out of several candidates for the job due to the fact that he has been working in the Procurement Office since its establishment. The first time he came to this position was in 2002 and the Office became operational in January 2003.

Aleksandar Antić, re-elected President of the Belgrade branch of the Socialist Party of Serbia The President of the Belgrade Branch of the Socialist Party of Serbia (SPS) has been reelected to the same position. This was decided at the party election conference in Belgrade. Aleksandar Antić was the first ever member of SPS in eleven years to be appointed Speaker of the Belgrade City Assembly which also marks the return of SPS to the capital city’s political scene. He was born in Belgrade on 7th of May 1969. Antić is an agronomy engineer. As an SPS member, he was an MP in the local assembly in Zvezdara for a duration of two terms. Since 2004 he has been the Head of the SPS’ caucus in the Belgrade City Assembly. Antić is also a member of the Executive Board of the Belgrade branch of SPS. correction

In the July issue of CorD there was an inadvertent error in a report on the electoral Assembly of Serbian Chamber of Commerce held on the 21st July 2011. The following is the correct information. The new President of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce is Dr. Mark Culibrk, Managing Director of the Belgrade ATEX. Deputy Chairman is Mr. Dragan Kostic, Mnaging Director of Free Zone Pirot. New Chairman of the Supervisory Board is Mr. Mirko Stojović, General Manager of FAP Corporation Priboj. Deputy to the President is Mr. Slobodan Lukic, General Manager Prokupac, Belgrade. The new President of the Commission for Financial Affairs is Mr.Milos Nenezic, Advisor to the Director General of PRC Engineering, Belgrade. Deputy President is Mr.Vladimir Malbasic, Managing Director of Metal Tehnik, Sremska Mitrovica. We apologize to our readers, the Serbian Chamber of Commerce and elected officials. cordeditorial@cma.rs business dialogue | |

85September September2011 2011 || 39 85

Export

Business Dialogue interview

Serbia's major export partner in the first half of 2011 was Italy, with 701.5 million dollars worth of goods. The main import partner was Russia, with 1,26 billion dollars worth of goods. Source: Federal Bureau of Statistics

Mr. Francois Xavier Mahot, Managing Director of United Serbian Breweries a Member of the HEINEKEN Group

Brewing a Better Future Focusing on the key areas of their business operations, United Serbian Breweries’ 2010 Sustainability Report presents a part of their global initiative called “Brewing a Better Future” and outlines the company’s performance against the targets and commitments defined last year

n this occasion we are talking to the Managing Director of United Serbian Breweries a Member of the HEINEKEN Group, Mr. Francois Xavier Mahot. ■ United Serbian Breweries works towards increased sustainability. Why is this aspect important? - United Serbian Breweries is trying to present the right example of a socially responsible company. We believe that we should take responsibility for our actions and be clear on what others can expect from us. For us, sustainability is a journey. A journey with both global, as well as local initiatives. Our whole performance is integrated in Heineken’s global strategy, called Brewing a Better Future. This is a new Heineken sustainability agenda comprising of a total of 23 separate strategic programmes. Each programme has its own ambition, targets and actions and, over the coming 10 years, each will be implemented across our business. All the actions we take as a result of these programmes and delivery of the targets are helping to make us a better, stronger, and more competitive company, therefore the impact of our business, brands and the role of beer in society will have a positive environmental effect.

Future programme in Serbia? - Brewing a Better Future puts renewed focus on our determination to create value at all levels of society and for all our stakeholders. We are committed to playing our part and contributing to the global Heineken sustainability efforts. On the local level, United Serbian Breweries has formulated the strategic plan for the years 2011-2013, in which the main drivers for environmental impact have been identified in every step of our brewing process. We address them in dedicated programmes on, for instance, packaging, cooling and distribution. In addition to the reduction of direct and indirect CO2 emissions in both our breweries and water consumption, we have also put in place the initiatives that will reduce the carbon footprint in the whole value chain. As the first step, starting from 2010, all replaced and issued fridges given to our customers are based on ‘green’ technology. All our products are of the highest quality raw materials and packaging. We respect and maintain the highest international standards in production and prioritize local sourcing. Simultaneously, we will strengthen our positive approach to responsible consumption by expanding all our programmes to HoReCa and retail and by establishing a

■ What activities form an image of a socially responsible company? What is the main focus of the Brewing a Better

All our products are of the highest quality raw materials and packaging. We respect and maintain the highest international standards in production and prioritize local sourcing 40 |

85 September 2011

www.cordmagazine.com business dialogue

Brewery with the long tradition and heritage United Serbian Breweries' brewery in Zajecar

China China exported nearly 700,000 bicycles and related products worth about 430 million euros to the EU in 2009, despite the EU anti-dumping duty.

We believe that we should take responsibility for our actions and be clear on what others can expect from us. For us, sustainability is a journey partnership that help us play our part in reducing alcohol abuse. We will broaden our brand-related responsibility messaging and increase our efforts working with the industry on this key issue. To realise our vision of a more sustainable world, we are constantly making positive and long-term investment in the environment, community, people and partnerships. ■ This year, United Serbian Breweries issued its first sustainability report for 2010. What is the background of this?

- As a part of our Brewing a Better Future strategy, we published our first annual sustainability report in August this year. The report covers the complete business operations of our company in both our breweries, Novi Sad and Zaječar, during the year 2010. Starting from this year, the report will be published annually. Our ambition is to be transparent in all our sustainability activities as well as on our targets and performance. By publishing this report, we confirm that our actions are in compliance with our priorities and declarations. ■

Management Team of United Serbian Breweries

The most technologically advanced brewery in the region United Serbian Breweries' brewery in Novi Sad

Corporate

United Serbian Breweries is a part of the Heineken group, one of the world’s leading international brewers. The company was founded in 2008, when Heineken entered the Serbian market. The majority owner is Central Europe Beverages B.V. (CEB), based in the Netherlands and established by the joint venture of two major world beer producers, Heineken N.V. and Efes Breweries International N.V. In Serbia, United Serbian Breweries owns two breweries, in Novi Sad and Zaječar. United Serbian Breweries’ brand portfolio comprises of the international brands: Heineken, Efes and Amstel; national brands: PilsPlus, Master and MB Pils; regional brand: Zaječarsko, and a specialty beer: Weifert Dark.

For all the additional information about the report and a copy of it in English and Serbian language, you may contact info. serbia@heineken.com business cordeditorial@cma.rs dialogue

85 September 2011 | 41

Business Dialogue 01

Politics “In football it is much easier (than in politics), there everything is known in advance.” — Goran Jesic, Mayor of Indjija Municipality, member of the Democratic Party and Serbian football official.

Croatia

Increase in Salaries

Deal Reached with Austria on Karavanke

According to the Croatian Central Bureau of Statistics, the average monthly paid net earnings per person employed in the Croatian public sector in June of this year was 5498 kuna (€758)

Comparing the figure to May 2011 the average net salary for June increased by 1.34% – 73 kuna (€10). On an annual level, compared to the average net salary in six months of 2010, the average net salary for six months in 2011 was higher by an average of 83 kuna (€11.5) or 1.53%. The growth of the average net salary for June is most likely attributable to changes in the income tax system which abolished the lower rate 2% contingency tax on all incomes from 3000-6000 kuna (€415 - €930). As of the 1st July 2010 amendments to the Income Tax Act which reduced the number and amount of tax rates and abolished the lower rate of excise tax, pensions and other benefits came into effect.

ALBANIA

Trade Gap Narrows as Exports Rise Albania’s trade deficit fell 0.4 per cent in July compared to the previous month, according to data published by Albanian’s Institute of Statistics, INSTAT

INSTAT estimated that the trade deficit for the month of July was €215 million. Meanwhile, exports were valued at €128 million, registering a growth of 7.7 per cent compared to the previous month of June and a 32.4 per cent increase compared to the same period of 2010. Imports were valued at €342 million, registering a growth of 2.4 per cent compared to the previous month of June and a 7.4 per cent increase compared to the same period of 2010. According to INSTAT, trade with countries in the euro zone accounted for 69.1 per cent of exchanges, with Italy and Greece emerging as the country's main trading partners. Minerals, electricity and fuels boosted exports in July with an increase of 30.3 per cent, compared to the previous month. Albania’s trade deficit was registered as nearly €2.15 billion in 2010.

85 September 2011

Slovenia

Slovenia and Austria have reached an agreement to end the stand-off at the border tunnel of Karavanke over Austria's unilateral decision to ban heavy lorrys during weekends Under the deal, Slovenian lorries will be allowed to go through the tunnel in special “night convoys”. Convoys of lorries heavier than 7.5 tonnes, are not allowed to go to the tunnel from 10 pm on Fridays until 3 pm on Saturdays between the 29th July and 3rd September, will be let through at 1 am, 3 am and 5 am, the Slovenian Transport Ministry said. Austria recently adopted a regulation extending the ban on cargo vehicles by ten hours every weekend, as heavy lorries are already prohibited from using Slovenia's motorways on Saturdays from 8 am to 1 pm during the tourist season and on Sundays from 8 am to 9 pm throughout the year. The move faced opposition from Slovenian haulers, who have threatened on several occasions to block the tunnel for all traffic. The head of the transport section of the Chamber of Trade Crafts and Small Business (OZS), Andrej Klobasa, is not satisfied with the deal - "But any agreement is better than no agreement."

Republic of Srpska

Seeking to Help Farmers The Republic of Srpska Government will seek to help farmers, through a reallocation of budget funds, in overcoming the consequences of the summer drought, which will affect the yields of corn, said the Prime Minister Aleksandar Džombić During the visit to the farm of the President of the Republic of Srpska Farmers Association, Vladimir Usorac, in the village of Šereg Ilova, in the municipality of Prnjavor, Prime Minister Džombić said that, within the activities on the adoption of economic policy, the government had established correct relations of co-operation with this Association whereby the government accepted most of the association’s proposals. “This time, too, we are ready, within the limits of the Republic of Srpska Budget, to apply some practical benefits. However, this does not mean that we will write off claims from farmers, because, by this, we would be abolishing the RS Commodities Reserves,” said Prime Minister Džombić.

Italy

$505 million in Libyan Assets to be Returned Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi said that Italy plans to release €350 million ($505 million) in frozen Libyan assets, as Britain pressed South Africa to drop its opposition to UN Security Council moves to unfreeze $1.5 billion. Berlusconi made the announcement following a meeting in Milan with the leader of Libya's rebel Cabinet, on the second stop of a European diplomatic tour to push for the urgent release of billions of dollars in frozen Libyan assets.

business dialogue

Greece

Greek Bond Yields at New Record Highs Greece's finance minister Evangelos Venizelos has called on the EU to implement "fully and immediately" the agreement reached last month overhauling the eurozone's rescue fund and extending Greece a Euros109 billion bailout. Interest rates on Greek 10-year bonds climbed to new records amid concerns that demands for collateral in return for rescue loans could undermine the country's latest rescue package. The bond yield climbed to above 18 per cent, with the difference between the interest rates on Greek and German ten-year bonds, known as the spread, stretching to more than 16 percentage points.

Umbrella

Turkey

“A banker is a fellow who lends you his umbrella when the sun is shining and wants it back the minute it begins to rain,” claimed Mark Twain a long time ago.

10 bln liras for “Hard Days” Instead of broadening infrastructure projects, the Turkish government may choose to save some of the funds generated from a recent tax amnesty for ‘hard days‘

The Turkish government has put aside 10 billion Turkish Liras (€3.8 billion) for hard times in the economy, following unrest in the global financial markets. Setting aside some 10 billion liras is on the government’s agenda and it is expected to be collected from the latest fiscal amnesty for any hard times the country might face in the wake of a possible second dip in the global economy, according to officials who preferred not to reveal their identity. They also said in the case that the Turkish Government saves this amount; a part of its budget gap will be closed by the yearend. Apart from such a measure, the government is also preparing other alternative scenarios, officials said. While addressing the current account gap was the priority in previous medium-term economic programs, this time growth expectations and measures on how to sustain the economy’s growth rate will be the major focus of the program, which is planned to be released in September. There are no current austerity plans for the state budget, according to officials. Approximately 8 billion liras have already been collected from the fiscal amnesty until now. Part of this money was planned to be used for paying back debts with the remaining amount going towards investments in infrastructure. However, officials said the unease in global markets might shift the government’s priorities on how to use this revenue.

Bulgaria

Guaranteed Supply Miroslav Naydenov

Kosovo and Bulgaria have agreed a new deal over wheat imports which helps shift Pristina's dependence on Serbian goods

According to a report from the Bulgarian news agency Novinite, Thaci thanked the Bulgarian Minister of Agriculture and Foods, Miroslav Naydenov, for his country's "Readiness to provide Kosovo with food in the event of a shortage, and even to open a State Reserve for that." Kosovo’s Agriculture Minister, Blerand Stavileci, said that Kosovo and Bulgaria will immediately start to work on removing administrative and custom barriers to the trade in food. Until recently, around half of all wheat used in Kosovo came from Serbia, a source which has now been cut off since Pristina imposed its controversial embargo last month. “Bulgaria, one of the first countries that recognised Kosovo’s independence, expressed readiness to work more closely with us and we are aiming to do so with other regional countries as well,” Stavileci told Balkan Insight. He said that the aim of the meeting with Bulgarian officials was to expand agro-business so that Kosovo does not depend on too few markets. “There should not be a dependency on one market, and particularly not Serbia,” he said. "We aim to look wider."

do you have a clear

overview?

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www.tmf-group.com business dialogue

85 September 2011 | 43

Environment

Business Dialogue

“India and China should not grow the American way and must pay adequate attention to the environment with proper policy to guide future action by both policymakers and stake-holders” Jeffrey Sachs director of the Earth Institute at Columbia University.

Always Offering More! One of the more important subsidiaries of Energoprojekt Holding is certainly Energoprojekt ENTEL a.d.

Mladen Simović, Director of Energoprojekt ENTEL a.d.

he company is engaged in providing design, consulting and engineering services related to thermo-energy, electric energy and telecommunications facilities and systems in our country and, even more so, in the rest of the world.

amount of respect for both the domestic and foreign markets. In Serbia, Electric Power Industry of Serbia (EPS) is our most important client, but our clients in Qatar, Oman and the UAE, where we have been working for the past twenty years and where we have set up our own branches, are equally highly valued. The Middle East is our backbone today, and it is a well known fact that it is the most demanding market in the world. If you don’t perform flawlessly, adhere to deadlines, provide high quality at good prices, and you cannot outperform the top 10 companies in the world, you will not survive there. In Qatar, for instance, where we are currently considered the best consultancy service, we have been participating in developing their electricity and energy system since 1991, with over $7 billion invested in the sys-

a substantial number of enquiries from British companies to work in the UK, which is certainly a reflection of our high quality. ■ You often talk about the domestic market. What stops you from using your references and know-how in Serbia? - Energoprojekt’s know-how and experience can make the Serbian economy, and its electric-machine building sector, more integrated. This is the area where we can help the most and we have been trying to present that as our concept in Serbia. We are offering the Serbian machinebuilding industry to become globally renowned by using our references. We are expanding to Bahrain and Jordan, and continuing to work in Iraq. All of these markets provide excellent opportunities for other Serbian companies too.

■ Energoprojekt is a company with a long tradition and good reputation both in Serbia and around the world. What does ENTEL do in Energoprojekt Holding? - We have our own diverse Energoprojekt’s know-how and experience ■ As the crisis grows, so does group of experts with a standing in the world. wealth of experience who can make the Serbian economy, i.e. its electric- your - The key is to offer quality can oversee the implemenbeyond client’s expectations. tation of an energy project machine building sector, more integrated Unlike most of the other forfrom the beginning to the tem so far. In Dubai, we have been doing eign companies, we are completely open end. Our experts devise concepts, draft a lot of work in the last eight years, and to the idea of transferring our knowstudies, prepare different levels of necthere are 80 people from our team at the how to our clients. The crucial thing is essary project documents, choose the moment. In late July, we concluded an that we already have a reputation for doappropriate equipment, draft tender $8 million consultancy contract in the ing our job properly, within deadlines papers, and monitor and supervise the Emirates, which is a very notable deal in and at competitive prices. These are the launch of a facility’s operations. In other the consultancy world. qualities that make us sought after in the words, we offer a full service while helpworld. We have close to 480 employees ing our clients to get a complete product ■ Where will you expand to next? of eleven different nationalities in Ser– from the beginning to the end - at opti- We want to use the experiences we bia and abroad, so we are always ready mal deadlines, price and quality. have accumulated abroad, in Serbia. to adapt to different standards in differWe are frequently approached by forent countries. This is the great advantage ■ It has been reported recently that eign companies to share our know-how we have over western engineers. They you have very good references in Midwith them. They want to work with are taught to work to the highest standdle East countries. What are you doing us in countries where we are not even ards, but they don’t possess the openness there exactly? present. For example we have received and flexibility that we do. ■ - We are committed to having an equal

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85 September 2011

business dialogue

Partners

701

Serbia’s major export partner in the first half of 2011 was Italy, with 701.5 million dollars worth of goods. The main import partner was Russia, with 1,26 billion dollars worth of goods. Source: Federal Bureau of Statistics.

Fantastic Service Vip mobile is growing and it comes as no surprise. Revenues are up, debt is down and most importantly, customers are happy

info: www.vipmobile.rs

Vip: Notable growth

ip mobile grew its subscriber base by 19%, to over 1.5 million customers, at the end of June 2011 compared to 1.3 million from the same period last year. Vip mobile has a market share of 14.7% compared to 13% at the end of Q2 10. During Q2 of 2011 Vip mobile increased its revenues by 37% to EUR 35.5 million compared to EUR 25.9 million in Q2 2010. The increase is a direct result of acquiring more subscribers, particularly residential and business postpaid customers, and more usage and traffic. In the first six months of 2011 revenues increased by 34% to EUR 65.6 million. In Q2 Vip further reduced its EBIT loss to EUR 6.7 million compared to a loss of EUR 13.3 million from the same period last year. EBITDA continues to grow and is EUR 7.6 million, compared to a loss of EUR 2.2 million in Q2 2010. In the first six months of 2011 operating loss was almost halved to EUR 15.5 million from EUR 29.5 million in 2010, and EBITDA improved to EUR 11.9 million from EUR 7.1 million. “We are very satisfied with the progress of the company and the excellent feedback from our customers. Vip remains the biggest Greenfield investor and has invested, since 2007, EUR 669 million, including the license fee. In the first half of 2011 alone we have invested EUR 22.9 million mainly in our HSPA+ network and roll-out of new shops. Our business plan foresees continuous company growth for this and the upcoming years to come. As one of the preconditions for growth in all business segments we will continue to invest in our top quality network and promotion of innovative products and services for our customers.” - Roland Haidner, Vip mobile CFO.

ojvodjanska banka is one of the most successful domestic banks. It is a part of the National Bank of Greece, with a developed network of 122 branches across Serbia. The bank’s Branislav Veselinovic, Deputy CFO and management is connected through the Head of Procurement of Vojvodjanska bank company’s private network (Virtual Priteam. It also offers the possibility to vate Network a.k.a. VPN) consisting of customize and manage cost control around 70 numbers. This enables them for each employee, depending on their combined usage of various Vip business needs. Thanks to the unique Self Adpackage services, but only paying a fixed min application, each firm can manmonthly amount for the chosen package age the internal VPN through their per active subscriber number. computers. This Branislav Vesallows easy and elinovic, Deputy fast activation of CFO and Head of new users on the Procurement of Vospot, replacement jvodjanska bank, cards, and addisays that Vip have tional control of made a great comcommunication bination of busibetween the conness packages and nected numbers. VPN services, for “Thanks to every manager and our cooperation the company as a whole. “Since 2009, We became one of the first with Vip, managers and employees when we became clients of the youngest of Vojvodjanska one of the first clibanka use the latents of the youngest mobile operator in Serbia, est mobile phones mobile operator in accordance Serbia, we received we received quality service, in with their job requality service, relireliability and proactive quirements. Smart ability and proactive support for all support for all our needs in phones advanced functions offer our needs in momobile communications comfort in our bile communicawork and make tions. Not only do communication, decision making and we communicate more efficiently and management far easier. This is crucial conduct our business on the go, we also in the demanding banking sector where managed to cut down on our telephone availability of information and timely expenses,” emphasized Veselinovic. decision making is the key to success” Vip`s VPN is the most up to date concludes Branislav Veselinovic, Depplatform for comfort and efficient uty CFO and Head of Procurement of business communication, which enaVojvodjanska Bank. ■ bles free communication between the business dialogue |

85 September 2011 | 45

Business Dialogue 01

Right direction “The problem for Serbia is that the EU has so many issues on it's agenda now that there will not be very much maneuvering space for countries that are not proving they are going in the right direction.” - Kjell-Morten Johnsen, Foreign Investors Council President, CEO of Telenor

Cathay Pacific

Cockpit Photo Scandal

PanAm Brand Recapturing

This Is Not What McCann Erickson Meant By 'Makes You Feel Special'. The oral sex photos taken from the Cathay’s cockpit threatens to delay Cathay's global ad campaign

Two decades after it left the scene as a national player, iconic airline aims to recapture romance of the jet age

Raunchy cockpit photos involving a flight attendant in uniform and a pilot are expected to delay the launch of the next part of Cathay Pacific’s global ad campaign by the Asian airline’s long time ad agency, McCann Erickson. The photos came to light in recent days as the Hong Kongbased airline was preparing to unveil the next phase of its “People and Service” ad campaign. Featuring shots of employees in both uniform and casual clothing, the ads share personal stories like that of a photogenic flight attendant who previously taught arts and crafts to elementary school students. That advertising story now appears unfortunate in light of the photos, published in Chinese language newspapers and then widely circulated online last week. They included a close-up of the woman, wearing the airline’s eye-catching red flight attendant uniform, performing oral sex on a man dressed in street clothes. According to media reports, the pilot has reportedly said the images were stolen from his laptop and distributed illegally.

Wieden & Kennedy

Agencies Help Clean up London As ad agencies pitch in to help clean up riot hit London, Neil Christie, MD of Wieden & Kennedy, was spotted toting bricks

Wieden’s London office is located in Hackney, an edgy, artsy but still rough London neighbourhood, and it could have spelled trouble when too many bricks were left stacked on the street for a nearby construction project. “So as not to provide handy ammo for possible looters right next to our big glass windows, W & K pitched in to shift the bricks,” noted a post on the agency’s blog. Below the post was a picture of Mr. Christie, casually dressed in jeans and sneakers, lugging a load of bricks indoors. The caption read: “Neil struggles with his first real work in a long time. Some members of staff found this display of raw strength surprising, but as he pointed out, ‘I’ve been carrying this place for years.”

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85 September 2011

Pan American

It’s tough enough to revive an existing brand. So imagine trying to breathe life into one that largely disappeared 20 years ago. Pan Am, the once iconic airline of the skies, is set for a brand revival as it’s feaChristina Riccie, Actor tured on an upcoming autumn TV show. Come September, ABC will air ‘Pan Am’ centred on Pan American World Airways, circa 1963. The main characters will be pilots and flight attendants played by a cast that includes Christina Ricci. Pan Am Systems of Dover New Hampshire is the business backer behind Pan Am’s involvement in the new show. The company, which operates railways based in New England (known as Pan Am Railways), used to be known as Guilford Transportation Industries before buying Pan Am out of bankruptcy in 1998. “The intention was always to start the airline up again,” said Stacy Beck, Director of Marketing and Corporate Development of Pan Am Brands,” but tough times forced the company to abandon those plans in 2008.” The new Pan Am hopes to offer passenger service throughout Latin American cities in 2012.

appointment

Alison Lewis, new CocaCola North America Head of Marketing

Rolls-Royce

Rolls-Royce seeks agency for DM task

Alison Lewis took on the title of Senior VP of CocaCola North America Marketing, replacing Beatriz Perez, who was named Chief Sustainability Officer

The luxury car manufacturer is in talks with a number of agencies about its marketing division, which is held by Partners Andrews Aldridge. The review is understood to be statutory

Ms. Lewis will oversee areas including integrated marketing communications, multicultural marketing, consumer and shopper insights, and marketing productivity and capability. Since 2009, Ms. Lewis held the position of Senior VP-General Manager for Odwalla, a subsidiary of Coca-Cola. In that role, she managed some 800 employees. Ms. Lewis joined the company 15 years ago and has served in a variety of roles, including Senior VP-Commercial and Franchise Operations, Head of Integrated Marketing, VP-Marketing of Canada and Senior Brand Manager for Diet Coke. Prior to joining Coca-Cola, Ms. Lewis spent six years in brand management roles at Kraft Foods in Canada.

Jolyon Nash, the Director of Sales and Marketing at Rolls-Royce, is thought to be handling the review. The chosen agency is expected to work across CRM, trade events and direct marketing. The BMW-owned luxury car brand has worked with PAA since 2008. The agency pitched against Rapier in a two-way shoot-out. Rolls-Royce unveiled its latest major direct marketing campaign, created by PAA, in 2009 for the launch of the Rolls-Royce Ghost. The global campaign launched across mail and e-mail, aimed to drive customers to Rolls-Royce Motor Cars dealer networks, where they could view the Ghost and collect a brochure.

business dialogue

Taxes

€1,700 06

The UK households will be left €1,700 year worse off for the next five years due to a combination of higher taxes and lower — the International Monetary Fund.

General Motors

GM Set to Review Its $3 Billion Budget General Motors is launching a huge global media review. In March 2011 GM reported worldwide advertising costs of $4.26 billion for 2010 “As part of its normal review of business processes, General Motors will request proposals on ways to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of its global operations for purchased media. The ‘Request for Proposal’ (RFP) will be issued to several global media companies and will include all consumer-facing planning and buying operations in support of all media channels including print, digital, broadcast, SEO and social media,” said the company in a statement. The review is believed to only apply to paid media. GM said it currently uses more than 20 media-buying companies globally and that the review doesn’t include creative agencies. Amongst the companies that have GM media duties is Starcom, which has handled media-buying and -planning duties for GM in the U.S. since 2005, and Carat, which handles GM in Europe. The majority of the Latin American business is run by Universal McCann, however India and China are not included in the review. While that $4.26 billion figure also represents creative work, the bulk of it is media spending. “We’re looking for an innovative model that helps us become more effective in leveraging global marketing opportunities more efficiently,” said Joel Ewanick, GM VP Global Chief Marketing Officer. “We will make a comprehensive assessment of all our options before reaching a decision and in fact, may end up validating our current approach.” GM spent about 67% of its 2010 worldwide advertising and sales promotion funds in North America. The media review follows a period of dramatic shifts in GM advertising since the company emerged from bankruptcy in 2009. Last year, GM moved Chevrolet to Omnicom Group’s Goodby, Silverstein & Partners and awarded Cadillac to Publicis Groupe’s Fallon. The Goodby Silverstein win put Omnicom squarely onto the roster at GM, which long had concentrated its advertising work among agencies owned by Publicis and Interpublic Group of Cos.

Teo Vujcic, New Director of Operations

Imlek, Serbia

Teo Vujcic joined Imlek in 2008 from the company, “Dukat,” Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, where he served as a management consultant. He was promoted to Director of Operations in June 2011. He started his work experience as the senior consultant at “AT Kearney,” following that he was a member of the Executive Board of “Dukat” (“Lactalis”) and General manager of “Dukat” covering the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Mr.Vujcic specialized in management and has a Ph.D. in agriculture from Harvard Business School and a Master’s degree from the University of Zagreb. He is married and has three children.

Cesare Antonio Ferrara,

the new Director of Fiat Automobili Serbia

Cesare Antonio Ferrara has been appointed as the new CEO of Fiat Automobili Serbia. Former CEO Giovanni De Filippis was appointed regional manager for Russia. Both Ferrara and Filippis will be reporting directly to Lorenzo Sistino, who is in charge of international operations for the company. Antonio Cesare Ferrara (54) graduated in Industrial Management from the University of Naples. He began his career in 1983 in Alpha Romeo, where he worked until 1994, he then moved to Fiat and held numerous management positions, including the position of director at the factories in Melfi, Mirafiori and Casino. The new Commercial Director of Fiat Automobili Serbia is Gerry Clarke.

Placements & Postings appointments@cma.rs

www.cordmagazine.com/corporate/appointments.html

Franz Satzinger, New CEO Knauf Zemun d.o.o. (www.knauf.rs)

Franz Satzinger (53) was born in Austria. He has worked for seventeen years in the export sector of Austrian based Knauf. Mr.Satzinger is also currently responsible for the southern sector of the Eastern Europe region. On the 1st June 2011, immediately after opening Knauf powder materials factory based on cement in Zemun, Mr.Satzinger was appointed as the CEO of Knauf doo Zemun based in Belgrade.

Graham MacMillan, New Director and

Coordinator of CEE Valuation, CB Richard Ellis CEE

CB Richard Ellis announced in late June the promotion of Graham MacMillan to Director and also to the position of Coordinator of CEE Valuation. Graham will continue in his role as Head of Valuation in Hungary but with the additional responsibility of coordinating CBRE’s valuation departments throughout the region. He will mainly focus on cross border valuation activity, including large portfolios and regional banking clients. Graham MacMillan, originally from Scotland, joined CB Richard Ellis Hungary as a Senior Valuer in June 2008 and was promoted to Head of Valuation in June 2009. Prior to joining CBRE, Graham was an Associate Director of Allied Surveyors, Scotland Plc .

Brigitte Streller, L’Oréal General Manager Balkan, now new General Manager L’Oréal Adria (Croatia) and Slovenia After 6 successful years in the position of L’Oréal Balkans General Manager, from July this year Ms. Streller was also appointed as GM of L’Oréal Adria (Croatia) and Slovenia, remaining in the position of GM of the Balkans. Responsible for the Serbian and Bulgarian markets. Brigitte Streller, born in Austria has been a part of the L’Oréal group for her entire professional career, more than 22 years. Following L’Oréal Austria, she moved to Paris and in 1995 she moved back to Austria to take the position of division general manager in 1999. Since 2004 she has been country manager for L’Oréal in Serbia and Bulgaria.

André Jacques, New Marketing Director, Carlsberg Serbia

New marketing director of Carlsberg Serbia, which operates within the Carlsberg Group, is André Jacques (36). The leadership skills this Portuguese business showed whilst working for the Portuguese company 'Unicer Bebidas SA', owned by Carlsberg Group, earned him the position. André Jacques graduated from the University of Porto, in the field of management. He worked for 'Unicer Bebidas SA' company for 10 years. Since 2008 he was marketing director of water and juices. André Jacques has extensive experience in different areas of company operations, including marketing, sponsorship, event management and sales.

Zlatko Brzic, New Executive Director

Imlek Serbia

After many years of working for the “Dukat” company in Croatia and Serbia, Zlatko Brzić, joined Imlek in August 2008 to the post of management consultant. He has now been promoted to CEO of Imlek Serbia. Mr.Brzic’s previous business engagements include the position of sales director at “Dukat,” Zagreb, General Manager of the company “Zagrebčan,” Zagreb and CEO of “Dukat” in Serbia. He graduated in economics from the University of Zagreb. He is married and has two children. business dialogue

85 September 2011

Stress tests

Business Dialogue

“Our banks are liquid, they passed the stress tests and Italian families are less indebted than others among the major economies.” — Silvio Berlusconi, Italy’s prime minister.

Corporate Miljana VidoviĆ, Managing Director of REV Serbia and President & CEO Reservoir Capital Corp

Noticeable State Attentiveness The procedures regarding foreign investments have been simplified in Serbia, albeit insufficiently. We have been paying close attention to the adoption of the new Energy Law, but the work on attracting foreign investments should not stop there

nternational company REV is currently implementing the single biggest private investment in Serbia – construction of the Brodarevo 1 and 2 hydroelectric power plants worth 140 million euros. The two power plants, with a combined output of 58 megawatts, to be built by REV, are scheduled to start delivering electricity to close to 60,000 households in four years’ time. Managing Director of REV d.o.o. and President & CEO of Reservoir Capital Corp., Miljana Vidović speaks to CorD magazine. ■ How big are the investments you have made in Serbia so far, and how much do you plan to invest in total in order to fulfil your plan of constructing two medium-size hydroelectric power plants on the River Lim? - REV d.o.o. is building two hydroelectric power plants in Serbia. This investment, valued at 140 million euro’s, is the single biggest investment in renewable energy sources in Serbia. So far, based on obtained permits and approvals, close to 7.5 million has been invested in the project (mostly in research, drafting studies and administration costs), while the value of the contracts that were concluded in 2011 has reached 2.4 million euro’s.

When somebody wishes you a warm welcome, you automatically feel better and look to advance cooperation in that place 48 |

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■ How did you choose Serbia as the end destination for your investments? - We think that Serbia is a country with huge potential, especially in areas like energy and renewable energy sources. The existing natural resources, as well as assurances we have been given by the state authorities, prove that there is an eagerness to invest even more in Serbia, to bring expertise to the country and adapt its local business conditions to mutually satisfy. ■ Do you think that the country is still politically unstable, just like in the past, in terms of new investments and bearing in mind that elections are just around the corner? - We think that today’s Serbia is more stable than it was in the 1990s, but the country could become an even safer place for investments. By working on harmonizing its legislation with Acquis Communautaire, i.e. the EU legislation, Serbia is already making a step forward towards meeting global standards and implementing good practice – both in administration and in business. It is important for the officials and citizens alike to change their inward attitude when it comes to modifying business culture and treating investments. When the political elite have a sincere wish to create a stable political and economic environment, to please both citizens and investors, then things happen very fast. ■ What are the advantages and flaws of Serbia’s investment framework? - The general attentiveness that Serbian officials have been publicly showing toward the investors has become a standard practice. We, and other investors, really notice this. When somebody wishes you a warm welcome, you auto-

Cyprus “Cyprus has overall sound fundamentals.While the Cypriot banking sector is large in size relative to the economy, Cypriot banks are well-capitalised and supervised.” — Olli Rehn, the European commissioner for economic and monetary affairs.

matically feel better and look to advance the cooperation in that place. However, the work does not stop there. There is a series of concrete steps which a country needs to make in order to turn the investment climate into a favourable one and to make an investor feel good so that he decides to invest his capital in that part of the world. The strength of the state in terms of setting up new investment conditions, creating legal framework and administrative procedures, as well as market criteria and standards are crucial. If the state assesses that the investment climate, the laws and the market are very important for the proper functioning of the economy and if the state continually invests effort in improving these factors, excellent results will quickly follow. The procedures regarding foreign investments have

invest in the potentials here and create benefit for both the country and the market, hire people and use untapped resources to our mutual advantage. We can hire a substantial number of people who are currently unemployed to work on our investment project, and by subcontracting one of the most renowned Serbian companies – Energoprojekt – we have demonstrated that we want to use domestic knowledge and experts. ■ Do you feel flattered to know that you are carrying out one of the biggest private investments in the area of re-

REV d.o.o. is building two hydroelectric power plants in Serbia. This investment, valued at 140 million euro's, is the single biggest investment in renewable energy sources in Serbia

been simplified in Serbia, albeit insufficiently. We have been paying close attention to the adoption of the new Energy Law, but the work on attracting foreign investments should not stop there. Having a law that will regulate the renewable energy sector will be yet another legal framework that will give a clear signal to energy investors that the state authorities are willing to regulate the sector and attract substantial capital that is readily available in the global renewable energy market.

newable energy sources in Serbia? - It is as privilege, as much as it is a commitment. We have a very serious and responsible approach to our project and we are not too taken by the fact that we have the most valuable project in the area of renewable energy sources in Serbia at the moment. We are focused more on how to find common ground with the state and local community in Prijepolje with regard to any open issues. Aside from adhering to the relevant laws, business standards and local dynamics, we are doing everything in our power to find an acceptable way to build a stable foundation for further procedures and processes concerning our company’s operations in Serbia. ■

■ Why did you pick Serbia, out of all Southeast European countries, to invest in? - Bearing in mind that we deemed Serbia as a country with abundant energy, we thought that we should business dialogue

Reservoir Capital Corp.

Reservoir Capital Corp. – is a public of company with activities in mining and energy based in Vancouver, Canada. Reservoir Capital Corporation has been active in Serbia since 2002 and has an experienced international management team with expertise in the field of renewable energy and mineral resources industry. The company Renewable Energy Ventures (REV) Ltd. is a company for Mineral Resources Southern European Exploration (SEE) Ltd. and works in geological exploration and mining. REV has rights to mineral exploration of raw materials and geothermal potential. The two companies, numbering about thirty full-time experts (masters and doctors science) and consultants are experts in their fields. |

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Business Dialogue 01

90 %

According to the statistics, amongst nearly 300 listed Vietnamese firms announcing the fiscal report in the 1st quarter 2011, about over 90 percent posted profit, of which some firms fulfilled the whole year’s business target.

online enCyClopediA

Wikipedia is Losing Contributors

Deutsche Telekom is Cutting the Top

Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia that allows anyone to edit its entries is losing contributors

Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia that allows anyone to edit its entries is losing contributors. Founder Jimmy Wales says administrators are scrambling to simplify what he called "convoluted" editing templates that may be discouraging people from writing and editing Wikipedia’s entries. In another effort to encourage volunteers to stay active, Wales says the site has introduced a new feature called WikiLove that lets users post positive feedback. He was speaking to the Associated Press on from the website’s annual conference, held this year in Haifa, Israel. The non-profit organization that runs Wikipedia announced it is encouraging professors in India, Brazil and Europe to assign the editing and writing of Wikipedia entries to students.

inveStment

DST Global Invests $400 million in Twitter DST, which already owns part of Facebook and Groupon, expands its U.S. social media holdings in the deal

DST Global, the investment fund led by Yuri Milner, has expanded its social media stable with a $400 million investment in Twitter. The deal - in which the U.S. company raised a total of $800 million - values Twitter at $8 billion. The financing round is being used to cash out Twitter investors, as the company looks to monetize its short messaging service ahead of a bid to go public, bringing it into competition with other companies in which DST has an interest. The Russian fund holds stakes in Facebook, online gaming site Zynga, and shopping and services site Groupon, all of which have plans to list at some point in the near future. “We have the opportunity to expand Twitter’s reach, with the participation of several of our existing investors,” Twitter said in a blog. “We will use these resources to aggressively innovate, hire more great people and invest in international expansion.”

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teleCommuniCAtion

Deutsche Telekom reportedly has a glut of upper-level managers. Their jobs are now at risk, in part because the company's mobile phone operations in the United States are being sold to AT&T Deutsche Telekom is planning to significantly reduce the size of its upper management staff by cutting up to 1,600 jobs at its 4,000-person headquarters in Bonn. It is expecting that much of the workforce reduction would take place through early retirement and buyout arrangements, as well as a freeze on open positions. The managers in divisions including human resources and finance would likely be affected, adding that high-level severance packages were expected to cost between 200,000 and 250,000 euros per person. The cuts are part of a Deutsche Telekom austerity program called “Save for Service,” which was introduced in 2007 and has thus far saved the company 8.3 billion euros according to media reports. The program is slated to continue through 2015.

CASH

Apple has More Cash Than the Federal Government According to the company’s financial records the software company Apple has more cash on hand than the United States federal government. Apple’s quarterly financial report shows that the company responsible for the iPad, iPod and the iPhone now has $76.4 billion in reserve cash, while the Treasury Department is sitting on just $73.7 billion. The feds could probably learn a thing or two from Apple’s success. Congress remains embroiled in a debate over spending and whether the federal government, which currently owes trillions in debt, should be allowed to borrow even more. International credit rating agencies have threatened to downgrade the national debt for the first time in the nation’s history if Washington doesn’t come up with a solution to lift the $14.3 trillion debt ceiling while implementing a concrete plan to get the nation’s financial house in order. Meanwhile, Apple’s financial report shows that the company’s profits, even through the last recession, are booming.

reloCAtion

Bayer Threatens to Leave Germany Pharmaceutical and chemical giant Bayer issued a warning that it my leave Germany because of rising electricity prices Bayer employs 35,000 people in Germany, but CEO Marijn Dekkers told the German weekly business magazine Wirtschaftswoche that energy prices posed a genuine threat to the company’s manufacturing operations in the country. “It is important that we remain competitive in comparison with other countries,” Dekkers told the magazine. “Otherwise, a global business such as Bayer would have to consider relocating its production to countries with lower energy costs.” Dutchman Dekker added that the company was already making significant investment in its Chinese manufacturing operations, with expansion also taking place in Brazil and India.

85 85September September2011 2011 | | www.cordmagazine.com business dialogue

CubA

Buying House in Cuba By the end of this year new laws will be in place allowing Cubans to legally buy and sell residential property for the first time in five decades. Homes that haven’t had a market appraisal in 50 years will suddenly be valued as assets. Already property listings on Cuban online classified sites have begun appearing with cash prices — from less than $5,000 for a tiny Havana apartment to well over $120,000 for a large house in one of the city’s more desirable western districts.

bicycle

StAy CAlm

In Tokyo, a bicycle is faster than a car for most trips of less than 50 minutes!

RBS Calls for Calm Big hit on Greek bonds and provision for payment protection insurance compensation sends Royal Bank of Scotland into red

Stephen Hester, chief executive of Royal Bank of Scotland, urged markets to stay calm in the face of turbulence as the bailed-out bank slumped to a £794m first-half loss. RBS moved into the black a year ago, when it reported £1.1bn of pretax profits, but it has now been dented by a £733m hit on Greek bonds and an £850m provision for payment protection insurance compensation. Hester said it was important to stay composed despite the turmoil on the markets. “We should be calm but we need to be purposeful,” he said. “We are at a serious point in the markets and serious point in the growth cycle.” Asked if the markets were heading for a second stage of the credit crunch, that began in 2007, Hester said: “I hope not!”

Don’t even try “You can quickly suspend payments from the EU budget to those countries that break the rules. We don’t have to wait until the child has fallen down the well. But, the eurozone would suffer an irreparable loss of confidence if a single one of its members left the monetary union. I don’t even want to try to imagine what that would do if the markets realized that they can expel a country from the eurozone.” Wolfgang Schäuble, Germany’s Finance Minister

Global financial crisis:

Five key stages 2007-2011 From sub-prime to downgrade, the �ive stages of the most serious crisis to hit the global economy since the Great Depression can be found in those dates

hase one on 9 August 2007 began with the seizure in the banking system precipitated by BNP Paribas announcing that it was ceasing activity in three hedge funds that specialised in US mortgage debt. This was the moment it became clear that there were tens of trillions of dollars worth of dodgy derivatives swilling round which were worth a lot less than the bankers had previously imagined. On 15 September 2008 the US government allowed the investment bank Lehman Brothers to go bankrupt. Up to that point, it had been assumed that governments would always step in to bail out any bank that got into serious trouble: the US had done so by finding a buyer for Bear Stearns while the UK had nationalised Northern Rock. The winter of 2008-09 saw co-ordinated action by the newly formed G20 group of developed and developing nations in an attempt to prevent recession turning into a slump. Interest rates were cut to the bone, fiscal stimulus packages of varying sizes announced, and electronic money created through quantitative easing. At the London G20 summit on 2 April 2009, world leaders committed themselves to a $5 trillion fiscal expansion, an extra $1.1 trillion of resources to help the IMF and other global institutions boost jobs and growth, and to reform of the banks. From this point, when the global economy was on the turn, international co-operation started to disintegrate as individual countries pursued their own agendas. 9 May 2010 marked the point at which the focus of concern switched from the private sector to the public sector. By the time the IMF and the EU announced they would provide financial help to Greece, the issue was no

longer the solvency of banks but the solvency of governments. Budget deficits had ballooned during the recession, mainly as a result of lower tax receipts and higher non-discretionary welfare spending, but also because of the fiscal packages announced in the winter of 2008-09 On Friday, August the 5th, the morphing of a private debt crisis into a sovereign debt crisis was complete when the rating agency, S&P, waited for Wall Street to shut up shop for the weekend before announcing that America’s debt would no longer be classed as top-notch triple A. What we are witnessing is not just the decline of the US but the decline of the West. One response to last week’s meltdown was the announcement of talks between the G7 – the US, the UK, Germany, Italy, France, Canada and Japan – but while this would have been appropriate 20 years ago it is not going to calm markets today. Holding a G7 meeting without China today is like expecting the League of Nations without the US to tackle totalitarianism in the 1930s. There is no happy ending to this story. Because there is no international co-operation. There are plans for austerity but no plans for growth. Even countries that could borrow money for fiscal stimulus packages are reluctant to do so. Europe lacks the political will to force the pace of integration necessary to avoid disintegration of the single currency. Commodity prices are coming down, but that is the only good news. We are less than halfway through the crisis that began on 9 August 2007. That crisis has just entered a dangerous new phase. (Reuters) ■

Even countries that could borrow money for fiscal stimulus packages are reluctant to do so. Europe lacks the political will to force the pace of integration necessary to avoid disintegration of the single currency

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faces

& places

June 30th

U.S. Independence Day, a national holiday, marked the 235th anniversary of the declaration of independence. At the reception H.E. Mary Warlick greeted guests and reminded them that 2011 also marks the 130th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Serbia and the United States. The reception at the U.S. residence was attended by Serbian Prime Minister Mirko Cvetkovic, government members, representatives of political parties, religious communities, NGOs and cultural commentators.

Jim Toft Nielsen, GM of Grundfos Serbia (left), Bojan Pajtic – President of Vojvodina, Verica Kalanovic - Deputy PM of the Serbian Government , Lars Aagaard - GM Grundfos Global Manufacturing and H.E. Mette Kjuel Nielsen - Danish Ambassador. July 6th

On the 6th July in Nova Pazova, Grundfos opened its first manufacturing facility in Serbia. Senior management of Grundfos and Serbian officials’ attended the opening.

July 9th

A French delegation which participated in the 20th Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in Belgrade, next to the Monument of Gratitude to France at the Kalemegdan Fortress, erected in honour of the French-Serbian friendship. In addition to the French Ambassador in Belgrade Mr. François-Xavier Deniau, a delegation consisting of seven members and two senator, led by MP Michel Voisin attended. The delegation - Roland Blum, Jean-Paul Dupré, Jean-Pierre Lecoq, Alain Neri, Henri Plagnol Eric Michel Billout Raoul and Jean-Pierre Plancade. 52 |

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July 11th

Romanian Ambassador to Serbia Jon Makovej hosted a farewell reception at the Romanian embassy in Belgrade. Amongst the guests were representatives of the diplomatic corps in Serbia, as well as members of Romania’s ethnic minorities.

President Boris Tadic, (left) H.E. François-Xavier Deniau and his wife Alexandra. July 14th

On Bastille Day, a reception was held, as it is every year, at the French Embassy. More than a thousand guests were invited including representatives of political, public, cultural and diplomatic life in Serbia, as well as representatives of a growing French community in Serbia. The guests were welcomed by the French Ambassador to Serbia, H.E. François-Xavier Deniau and his wife Alexandra. Prime Minister Mirko Cvetkovic and Goran Pitic, President Societe Generale Bank. July 11th

The Embassy of Italy and Italian Ambassador Armando Varricchio (2nd left) surrendered itself to the University Children's Hospital of Tirsova. Four devices used for artificial respiration were donated by the embassy through the charity event "Art, the first breath of life". The action was organized under the patronage of Mrs. Tatjana Tadic (2nd right), with the support of Unicredit Bank and the National Museum.

July 15th

For the equipping of shelters for the victims of domestic violence, which recently opened in Smederevo, the fund's U.S. Ambassador H.E. Mary Warlick provided, $25,000, will create conditions to accommodate 20 more victims of abuse. Mayor Predrag Umicevic, who visited with his associates and Ambassador Warlick discussed the importance of U.S. assistance to the newly opened City Service Centre. Mrs. Warlick was pleasantly surprised by the organizations quality and speed of services provided. cordeditorial@cma.rs

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faces & places

July 19th

The Embassy of Mexico and Centre Guarnerius were organizers of the concert and exhibition SENTIMIENTOS Mexicanos, which provided a colourful insight into the heart of Mexico, a view that penetrates deep into the emotions, tastes, textures and shapes, through a language understood by everyone – music, by way of the Mexican guitar duo ONIX. Serbian artist Vladimir Ivanovic, who has for many years resided in Mexico, assumed the Mexican spirit.

faces

& places July 22nd

On the National Day of Egypt, Egypt's residence held a reception attended by representatives of Belgrade’s diplomatic, political, and cultural and public life. H.E. Dimosthenes Stoidis (left), Mr. Vuk Jeremic, H.E. Ali Galal Basioni, Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt, H.E. Ronald Petrus Jacobus Maria Van Dartel, former Ambassador of the Netherlands, H.E. Josef Wolfram Maas, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany.

July 30th

July 28th

At the personal invitation of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, Abbot of the Holy Serbian Imperial Lavra Archimandrite Methodius visited Britain at the royal estate of Highgrove, the official family home of HRH Prince of Wales.

For Morocco National Day an event was held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in New Belgrade. The Moroccan Ambassador H.E. Kamal Faqir Benaissa welcomes his U.S. counterpart Ambassador H.E. Mary Warlick to join in the celebrations. July 30th

On Indonesian Independence Day, the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Belgrade organized a ‘national party’, so called Pesta Rakyat in celebration of 66 years of independence and of the Indonesian National Day of Children. The ceremony was opened by the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia Samuel Samson. All embassy staff and members of the Indonesian community in Belgrade carried special red T-shirts with the inscription "LIVING AS ONE" which carries a symbolic message for the country with over 240 million people from over 300 ethnic groups spread over more than 17,000 islands. 54 |

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August 18th

Bishop of Raska - Prizren and Kosovo - Metohija Theodosius received Ambassador and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Philip Reeker and Christopher Dell at the Gracanica monastery during their first visit to Serbia.

August 18th

The Secretary General of the Olympic Committee of Serbia Djordje Visacki received Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt in Serbia, H.E. Ali Galal Basioni at Olympic House. One reason for this meeting was Alexandria's candidacy to host the Mediterranean Games in 2017. H.E. Ali Galal Basioni used the occasion to announce an official delegation to visit Egypt, when the leaders of the Olympic Committee of Serbia will be presented and nominations for MI Alexandria 2017.

August 23rd

During a short visit to Belgrade German Chancellor Angela Merkel met with the President of the Foundation ’Dr Zoran Djindjic’, Ruzica Djindjic, and scholars of the foundation.

August 24th

Secretary of State for Digital Agenda Jasna Matic presented fifteen students with scholarships at VIP. They took the opportunity to get acquainted with the work of the administration in the Republic of Serbia as well as replacing the role of employees in the office and the Digital Agenda ‘Link’ Cabinet for a day. cordeditorial@cma.rs

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faces & places

August 24th

The President of Vojvodina, Bojan Pajtic, visited the info centre of the nature park ‘Jegrička’ in Temerin, where people are residing at an international volunteer camp. Thirteen participants from nine countries, for ten days worked on arranging educational tracks and equipment in the nature park.

feature

neckties are BAcK AGAIn If, as Oscar Wilde observed, “A well-tied tie is the ﬁrst serious step in life,” then a well-tailored necktie collection is an emblem of accomplishment

ew fashion accessories can enhance an outfit like a necktie. And every man should have at least a dozen good ties in the wardrobe. Follow these tips to look your classy. Knotted beneath the collar of a crisp dress shirt, a fine looking tie speaks of confidence, style and maturity. As the most expressive article of the male formal wardrobe, a necktie is one of the few items through which a man can reveal his personality or mood, regardless of whether he purchased it himself or had it thrust upon him as a birthday present. And at its

Patti smith performing at TIM Festival, Rio De Janeiro

most practical level, a tie is the linchpin that pulls the male regalia together, complimenting, strengthening or softening other elements without detracting from the overall look. Despite various attempts to kill them off over the years--by turtleneck-wearing intellec-

Knotted beneath the collar of a crisp dress shirt, a fine looking tie speaks of confidence, style and maturity tuals, laid-back Silicon Valley types, and the recent “corporate casual” movement --neckties have endured. Indeed, after a brief downturn a few years ago ties are coming on strong again amidst a revival of tailored clothing, as well as an upsurge in interest among young consumers whose penchant for pairing non-traditional elements to create distinctly personal looks cries out for captivating neckwear. 56 |

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How to Choose a Tie Ties come in a wide range of fabrics and finishes--from sleek silks to comfortable cottons and linens, typically done up in “plain,” “twill” or “satin” weaves, as well as more complex “jacquard” and closely spaced “repp” weaves. Though the majority of ties are machinemade, you can spot fine handwork in large and irregularly shaped stitches beneath the tie’s seam. The pinnacle of handcrafting is the “seven-fold tie,” which is cut from a single piece of fabric and then folded into itself seven times.

The pinnacle of handcrafting is the “seven-fold tie,” which is cut from a single piece of fabric and then folded into itself seven times

• A tie should not be too loose or too tight; both ends of the spectrum are incredibly uncomfortable, so be sure it fits well around your neck. 3. Remember textures. Wear wool ties with tweed or heavyweight jackets, and silk ties with business suits. For a deeper colour quality on silk ties, make sure they’re woven, rather than screened. 4 Match colours. Select a tie that has the colours of your suit and shirt as well as at least one other colour to provide an accent. For formal occasions, choose a solid coloured tie that’s darker than your shirt. • A solid tie is the most versatile of all neckties because it is appropriate with everything. • A dark tie is appropriate for business wear. Pairing it with a khaki or blue shirt evokes military uniform authority. • A black tie goes with everything and is suitable for all occasions from funerals to work. It’s also ideal for hiding stains. • Younger men, or men living in warmer climates, tend to prefer colourful ties (and shirts).

1. Understand the various parts of the tie. Knowing a quality tie when you spot it, is dependent on knowing what you should look for. The following elements of the tie are things to check: • Look at the lining of the tie. The purpose of the lining is to make tying the tie easier and to prevent it from wrinkling. The lining should be made from 100 percent wool. The more gold bars on the lining, the heavier the lining. • Feel and look at the fabric of the tie. If you’re after silk (the ideal tie fabric), make sure by feeling it. Silk is smooth; other fabrics mimicking silk tend to feel brittle. A quality tie will be made from three pieces of fabric, while a cheaper one will be made from only two. • Check for hand rolling: A hand-rolled and handstitched hem keeps a much better shape than a machine-made one. • Look for the slip stitch. This can be Croat’s Cravat pulled to gather the tie together. This helps to maintain the shape of the he origin of the necktie can be traced back to miltie. itary pomp. Derived from the word “Croat,” the • Note the bar tack. This is the piece first “cravats” were worn by Croatian military men that supplements the slip stitch and who dazzled King Louis XIV with their brightly colkeeps the two ends of the tie from oured neckwear during an honorific visit to Paris in separating. 1660. In the 1780s, English dandy Beau Brummel 2. Size it up. Pick a tie that hits the top was the first to view a neck cloth as a stylish clothof your belt buckle and measures between ing item, while by the early 1800s touching anoth5.5cm - 10cm wide. er man’s neck cloth could be considered grounds for • For a classic look, choose a width a duel. The modern necktie emerged around 1860 that corresponds to the width of when men began knotting their scarves like the reins your jacket’s lapel. of a “four-in-hand” carriage.

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• Dots: The smaller the dot on the tie, the more formal • Look for a tie that the tie is. Be wary of large polka-dots because these can goes well with your dress shirt. This tie will be come across as clown-like. kept for best. Make sure it has a nice balance or • Striped: These are known as rep or regimental ties. colour to it so that it looks good. They originated in the need to display the colours 5. Look in the mirror. Frame your face. If you have of British clubs or army regiments. In Britain, the dark hair and a dark complexion, go with a bright tie; if stripes run from high left to low right, while in you’re fair, choose a darker tie. If your hair and skin tone America, the stripes run from high right to low contrast, wear a tie that contrasts with your skin tone. left. Just to be different, of course. 6. Match patterns. Pick a pattern that comple• Woven: A woven tie is usually produced only in ments your outfit. If your shirt’s pattern is pronounced, one colour. The weave texture is the pattern. One choose a subtle tie; if your shirt is muted, your tie can example is silk grenadine. Woven silk ties are be a bit flashier. The following pattern information is considered formal and conservative. helpful to know: • Repeat pattern: This is the most You don’t want to dress it up too much as casual shirts common style of tie and includes paisley, shapes, animals, workplace aren’t supposed to look as if they’re about to go to the logos, rope patterns, and more. office or the annual director’s dinner • Checks: Checked ties make a bold statement. This can be toned down however, with the addition of a checked shirt or tones that match up with the checkers. • Stay classy. When in doubt, stay subtle; while a tie can be the focal point of an outfit, it’s an accessory and shouldn’t pull the focus away from you. • Take care with weekend wear. The addition of a tie to casual weekend wear is something to be done with discretion. You don’t want to dress it up too much as casual shirts aren’t supposed to look as if they’re about to go to the office or the annual director’s dinner. The way around this is to wear a simple, classic tie over casual shirts with a simple but bold pattern. 58 |

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Colours, patterns, meanings

After a brief downturn a few years ago ties are coming on strong again amidst a revival of tailored clothing Yellow and green – good in spring and summer and/or with darker suit-shirt combination. Green ties are a perfect match for a classic white shirt. Brown – considered to be quite casual. Very hard to match with any other color. Best won at the weekend or an informal gathering. Black – Sometimes worn in the evening with a Tuxedo, as an untraditional alternative to the classic black bow tie, or at all times by waiters in restaurants. Considered acceptable with conservative black business suits. Black ties are especially relevant at funerals. In Japan, a solid black tie is worn only at funeral services.

White – worn in court by judges, lawyers and defenders in the judicial system of the United Kingdom. In Japan, white is strictly for attendance at weddings or school graduations, although yakuza members have been seen wearing white ties. In Sweden, a white tie is worn at funerals by male members of the immediate family.

4. 5.

Grey and silver – look neat with a classic white dress shirt. Occasions for such a neck tie include birthday parties, cocktails, various celebrations and other events of the same nature. Multicoloured – distinctive feature of those who want and dare to stand out from the crowd, usually attributed to young professionals. Striped - worn with any suit, the quintessential choice for a man who does not need a tie often. Versatile. ■ cordeditorial@cma.rs

Source: www.menswearhouse.com

All ties can be classified by colour in the following categories Red – accentuates overall outfit, combines well with almost any suit and shirt, especially great match for a darker suit and white, blue or gray dress shirts. Burgundy (dark red) – business classics. Good for almost any occasion. Blue – also among the standard and most popular colors. Lightens a darker suit and particularly at receptions, networking events and similar circumstances. Navy (dark blue) – business classics. Perfectly combines with all other colours. Perfect for business occasions. Orange, pink and lilac – usually worn with white, light blue or other light-colored dress shirts. Good choice for spring and summer or for a commemorative event.

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techno

talk

Top

10 CARS ECO

ith fuel prices increasing the pressure on us all to cut our emissions and with the need to look good whilst doing so, there is not much choice available for those of us with guilt and some money to spend. Luckily, car manufacturers are starting to come around to the idea that they have to offer a more fuel-efficient alternative, across their ranges, and not just in the forms of a box on wheels. The following is a list of the best they have to offer. Some are better than others and some are cheaper than others but the vehicles in this top 10 are for those of us that need the best of both worlds. Style comes at a price. This time, it won't cost the earth.

Chevrolet

10. silverado hybrid Calling all cowboys with a green coloured heart, your 23 mpg pick-up of choice has arrived. The allAmerican company has walked into the future... with half a baby step. The Silverado is doubtful to win any awards, let alone environmental ones but when it looks this tough who cares? You won't be going anywhere in a hurry, 0-62 mph is a painfully slow 9.2 s, and you won't be saving the earth, but it has to better than a horse! You actually get 332 horses under the bonnet from the ridiculously wasteful 6.0 L V8. I want one for no logical reason at all... Yee haw!

From: 造 27,151

Cadillac

9. escalade hybrid The humungous Cadillac Escalade is the definition of the phrase 'token effort'. Fuel consumption is a pitiful 21 mpg and CO2 emissions are at an ozone destroying 264 g/km. No doubt, it needs the 6.0L V8 to haul its huge bulk along, but with power at only 332 bhp the Americans are lagging far behind the best of Europe. Moreover, it's not built for speed, 0-62 is 8.4 s and top speed is 106 mph. Only buy if you are an environmentally concerned hip-hop star or work for the U.S. State Department and need to be seen doing your bit.

From: 造 51,958 60 |

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Mercedes

s400 bluehybrid

Its competition in the nascent luxury green vehicle market is small at best but the silky, smooth, 29.5 mpg S-Class is a winner with or without the competition. This is one of the few cars that justifies its cost. The big Merc will get you to that business meeting in good time, 0-62 is dispatched in 7.1 s and top speed is 155 mph. CO2 levels aren't exactly low at 228 g/ km but you won't worry about that too much as you waft along in supreme, massage seated, comfort. The executive saloon King lives on.

From: 造 102,994

Porsche

7. cayenne s hybrid Not exactly the first choice for the eco conscious amongst us but better than nothing if you have to have a 4x4 Porsche. In fairness with fuel consumption at 34.4 mpg and CO2 193g/km, it could be a lot worse. The Cayenne is no slouch despite its substantial size, 0-62 comes up in 6.5 s and it handles well, as any Porsche should. There is still a question mark in the looks department; however, the range has improved since its first incarnation. Although, not cheap, the Porsche Cayenne is worth, nearly, every penny.

From: 造 88,100

Lexus

6. ct 200h

From: 造 20,500 cordeditorial@cma.rs

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technotalk

The 2011 Lexus CT 200H's fuel economy (42 mpg) rating is not quite as high as those of the Prius (48 mpg), but I know which I would prefer to be driving. As with most small hybrids, the little Lexus is quite slow (0-62 mph 9.8 s, top speed 113 mph) yet it compensates for this with a nice design. Although cheap for a Lexus you can be safe in the knowledge that the car you are buying is built by a company that pride themselves on quality. Carbon emissions are very low at 87 g/km.

techno

talk Fisker

5. karma eVer Despite the petrol-electric engine and great design, Fisker will have to work hard to get people out their Mercedes and Bmw's. Unless those same people like the idea of having a car capable of a 5.9 s 0-62 mph time coupled with 67 mpg, only 83 g/km CO2 and a 125 mph top speed. If you crave a very exclusive and economical vehicle, that will not break the bank, look no further. Deliveries are expected in 2012, and the order books are filling up.

From: ¤ 110,000

Honda

cr-z

Is the Honda CR-Z a sporty coupe (0-62 mph 9.6 s, top speed 124 mph)? Not really. Is it an exceptionally goodlooking hybrid (56 mpg, CO2 117 g/km)? Yes. It may be the cheapest offering here but the design and exceptional fuel economy make it a winner in this class. Honda has never been known as particularly 'cool' manufacturer, but they are known as makers of exceptionally reliable and nice to drive cars. The CR-Z isn't the last word in pretty much anything, but it does have something competitors like Toyota's Prius don't character.

From: ¤ 22,918

Tesla

3. model s (2012) Tesla Motors’ Model S is a stunningly beautiful, not expensive and quick car that that builds upon the cachet of the Roadster, and proves the company is serious about pushing electric vehicles into the mainstream. Top speed is on the low side at 120 mph, however with the Model S's instant electric power on tap, 100 mpg and 0 – yes, 0 - CO2 emissions you won't mind waiting until 2012 to take delivery.

From: ¤ 80,000 62 |

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Porsche

2. panamera s hybrid Another offering from Porsche, and this time its a much better choice and notably faster. 0-62 mph takes only 5.8 s, and the top speed is more than double most national speed limits at 168 mph, clearly having 374 bhp under your right toe helps. 41.5 mpg, and 159 g/km CO2 are decent for any car and along with the prestige and non eco-enraging body shape, the Panamera will definitely attract some admirers. As with all Porsches these days, the fit and quality are exceptionally good, as you would expect them to be.

From: 造 106,185

Mercedes

sls amg e-cell prototype

Propulsion courtesy of liquid-cooled lithium-ion batteries makes the supremely fast gullwingdoored Mercedes SLS AMG E-Cell the supercar of 'tomorrow'. Handy, as its nowhere near production. If future supercars are as fast as the SLS, 0-62 mph 4.0 s, and their CO2 emissions as low, zero, then the V8's and V12's of today are going to have a real problem justifying their existence. What the SLS E-Cell lacks in sound - electric cars being near silent - it more than makes up for in the styling and power departments. The SLS has the equivalent of 525 bhp. Hurry up please Mercedes; I need to own the world's most beautiful electric power station. From: 造xpensive

technotalk

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calendar culture

THEATRE CONCERTS

Choir Canticum Novum Kolarac Foundation Hall 20 September @ 20.00 On the occasion of this year’s Women volleyball European Championship, when Italian and Serbian teams will face eachother in Monza, Italian Embassy in cooperation with Kolarac Foundation will organize concert devoted to Italian music. Canticum Novum Choir from Belgrade will perform on this occasion. The Choir will be lead by conductor Stefan Zekić. Program di Lasso, Monteverdi, Vivaldi etc.

BRIAN FERRY & ROXY MUSIC Belgrade Arena 20 September @ 20.00 Bryan Ferry is considered by many to be a master in arousing passions. He has done this with the come-hither looks of the women who have graced his album covers, as well as with his sophisticated sound, be it applied to blue-eyed soul, avant-garde rock, or popular hits from the 1930s. Irregardless if it is the futuristic sounds of Roxy Music, or the nostalgic excursions into Tin Pan Alley, doo-wop, soul, or jazz – Bryan Ferry’s music creates the right atmosphere and ambience. Last year, this man with the noble aura came out with the critically-acclaimed album “Olympia”, a wonderful mixture of delicate cover versions and sentimental originals.

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I Apologize Terazije Theatre 15 September @ 20.00 France

Cat On a Hot Tin Roof Atelje 212 18 September@ 20.00, Slovenia Untitled (Venue to be confirmed) 19 September, Serbia

BELGRADE FOAM FEST Belgrade Arena, 03 September @ 21.00 Belgrade Foam Fest is one of city’s most spectacular music stage events. It originated in 2009 and more than 35,000 people have visited BFF since. LED screens arranged across Belgrade Arena, with hundreds of light guns, lasers, robo heads and other light and sound

FATBOY SLIM Belgrade Arena 23 September @ 21.00 Not simply a DJ, Norman Cook has surpassed this role as a producer whilst using one of many aliases; the chief one being Fatboy Slim. Many UK DJ’s have managed to crossover to a large extent in the US and beyond, however Norman Cook, under the alias Fatboy Slim, has done much more than this. Rather than being a faceless behind the decks head-down DJ, Norman’s exuberant character whilst performing on the decks simply takes any audience with him regardless of the country or culture he is playing in. CLASSICAL MUSIC Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra Kolarac Foundation Hall 9 September @20.00 Conductor: Darko Butorac Solist: Lara Sen John, violin Program: A. Hinastera – Play from Hacienda Ballet, A.Placola – Four seasons of Buenos Aires, A.Dvorzak – Symphony no.8 Four Seasons and Impressions of Japan The Center of Arts Guarnerius 14 September @ 20:00 Tenor: Takashi Nakamura Piano: Misaki Kato Požarevac City Women’s Choir Barilli Program: Pieces by Kosaku Yamada, Sadao Bekku, Yoshinao Nakada, Kiyoshi Nobutoki, Shunichiro Genda and others

Prometheus Landscape II Sava Center 13 September @ 20.00 Belgium

Damned Be The Traitor Of His Homeland Bitef Theatre 18 September@ 17.00 Slovenia

equipment, numerous foamfalls and foam guns will classify this event as a manifestation that sets new standards in the country. This year the audience will be entertained by 52 DJs on three stages. The party will begin at 20.00 and it will last 12 hours. Some of the DJs performing on the Belgrade Foam Fest 2011 are Antoine Clamaran, Tom Novy, Cristian Varela, DJ Reeplee, Marko Nastić and many more. Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra Kolarac Foundation Hall 22 September @20.00 Conductor: Amos Talmon Solist: Aleksandar Kaganovski, violonchelo Program: M. Lavri – Emek, A.Bruh – Kol Nidrej for violonchelo and orchestra, E.Bloh – Prayer for violonchelo and orchestra, A.Kopland – Bily Kid, Gershwin – American in Paris BALLET Celebration of Love Madlenianum 23, 29 and 30 September @ 19.30 45th BITEF 13-24 September 45th Belgrade International Theatre Festival BITEF will be held 13 – 24 September. Six plays by established international authors will be presented throughout Belgrade’s theatres.

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If We All Hush Down a Little Atelje 212 15 September @ 20.00 Serbia The Store Window (Venue to be confirmed) 16 September @ 18.00 Croatia Rose is a Rose is a Rose is a Rose Bitef Theatre 16 September @ 18.00 Croatia When Father Was Away On Business Atelje 212 16 September @ 20.00 Serbia

Nach Moskau! Nach Moskau! National Theatre 20 & 21 September @ 19.00 Germany Director Frank Castrof combined Tschekhov’s drama Three Sisters and story Peasants. Play will be performed by Volksbuhne Theatre from Berlin in German language with Serbian subtitle. I Went To The House But Did Not Enter Yugoslav Drama Theatre (Soage Ljuba Tadić) 21 & 22 September @ 20.00 Switzerland

Hypermnesia Bitef Theatre 17 September @ 17.00, Serbia

Cries And Whispers Novi Sad (Venue to be confirmed) 22 & 23 September @ 20.00 Romania

Elijah’s Chair Yugoslav Drama Theatre (Stage Bojan Stupica) 17 September @ 20.00, Serbia

Gardenia Terazije Theatre 23 & 24 September @20.00 Belgium

news ART

Instalation Costume from East to West Goethe Institut 21-30 September Installation by Professor Ljiljana Petrovic from Fine Art University in Belgrade combined with video work and photograpy by Aleksandar Kostic. FILM Kiss me Again Italian Cultural Institute 13 September @ 19.30 Directed by Gabriele Muccino, Kiss me Again (Baciami Ancora) is a film about Italy today, about family and more broadly about dynamics of love. The story of Carl and Julia and their friends, started in Last Kiss, continues in this movie on a trail of old and new faults, paths with achieved goals and persuit of unfullfilled desires. Young people in their thirties, who didn’t want to grow up in Last Kiss have now grown into men and women, fathers and mothers who are determined to face their problems. This is a film about meaning of life. Nišville Jazz Festival Niš, 11 - 14 August

From 11 till 14 August 2011 the 28th Nišville Jazz Festival was held inside the ancient walls of Niš Fortress. Having been named as an event of National importance by the Serbian Ministry of Culture, and an international brand, Nišville is the most important event in the city and the most visited jazz festival in Southeastern

The World of Ceramics Belgrade Museum of Applied Arts 1 – 25 August Since the first World of Ceramics symposium in 1974, the collection of contemporary ceramic works from the National Museum in Arandjelovac has ganied international renown as on of the most important collections of its type in the world. The exhibition will display about 70 works of Serbian, Yugoslav and international artists, and is both retrospective and review of the collection of the National Museum of Ceramic Art in Arandjelovac complex as a whole in a clearly defined concept. Selected works will present not only the most representative and most successful examples of the larger collection, but also include

those elements which were an important link in the creative stages of important artists, and solutions from a technical point of view that are particularly interesting and different ways of thinking about expressing the ceramic medium. Exhibition Sentimentos Mexicanos Guarnerius 15 August Pastels by Vladimir Ivanović Sentimientos Mexicanos gave an insight into the heart of Mexico, a glance that goes deep into emotions, tastes, textures and shapes, through a language that is understandable to everyone - art.

Young Serbian painter Vladimir Ivanović accepted the Mexican spirit with his perennial stay in this country, but not forgetting his

BELEF combine audio and visual art and theme dealing with the relationship between technological development, the nature and man as the initiator of these changes. Represented in all types of media (theatrical, musical, visula art), interwoven though the program, as a reflection of the times in which we live in. For the first time this year, to mark the anniversary, BELEF included enviromental

heritage. After a numerous solo and group exhibitions held around the world, “Sentimientos Mexicanos” returned to Belgrade after 15 years. Guča Trumpet Festival Dragačevo 10 – 14 August

Every year in August the sleepy town Guča turns into a big party, the air is filled with the sound of trumpets and smell of grilled meat and streets with people dancing. After the opening song Sa Ovčara i Kablara the brass bands walked through the streets and played their songs inviting people from the whole world to dance and party till sunrise on the brass beats. Miles Davies once famously said about Guča Festival “I haven’t realized until now that it is possible to play trumpet that way.” BELEF 15 July – 07 August This years 20th BELEF was held under the slogan 21st Century Audio Visual – AV21. The focus was on audio-visual program that is part of the most current happenings in the world of the art scene. The concept of this years

Europe. In recent years it has attracted big international names as Donald Byrd, Lenny White, The Brand New Heavies, Billy Cobham, and Grace Kelly Band. This year performers included Tom Harrel, one of today’s biggest jazz trumpet players and composers, French violinist and composer Jean Luc Ponty and Mungo Jerry, one of the most wanted bands of the British pop-rock-blues scene of the 70s.

program, program for children, as well as program for persons with disabilities. In 2010 BELEF became member of the Association of European Festivals (EFA). Summer in Gardoš Zemun July-August Traditional Summer manifestation, Summer in Gardoš, was this year held in Zemun for the 11th time. Throughout July and August visitors enjoyed series of plays, concerts, poetry evenings, cabarets as well as programs aimed for children. Kozart Festival 2011 Aleksandrovac 19 – 22 August

City Aleksandrovac was host of International Festival of Classical Music „Kozart 2011 – music, wine, nature“. Festival Kozart was established with the idea of bringing together two of the high arts – classical music an wine making. Named after the nearby medieval town Kozniku, this years’ Festival was opened with the concert of violonist Nemanja Radulović who performed Tchaikovsky, Tartini, Schubert... Festival is organized by citizen assembly, Wine Museum from Aleksandrovac, Heritage Museum and Serbian Ministry of Culture.

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culture

Valerio Berruti Exhibition Belgrade City Museum 7 – 30 September Exhibition of Valerio Berruti, one of the most foremost Italian artists, will be opened on 7th September in Belgrade City Museum (Resavska 40b). Under the auspices of the Italian Embassy and organizes by the Belgrade and Italian Cultural Centres, the exhibition will display 12 of his works, amongs which are drawings, sculptures, installations, video works of which four were created especially for the Belgrade exhibition. Berruti remains in the area between the deeply intimate and depersonalized pictures from his childhood which we can all recognize.

feature sErBiaN sUMMEr FEsTivals - GUČa

the Sounds of Serbia

This summer saw a wealth of talent from both domestic and international acts that have ﬁrmly put Serbia on the festival goers watch list. The biggest two festivals in August were Belgrade Beer fest and Guca Trumpet Festival, drawing over a million visitors combined. Serbia is alive with the sound of music 66 |

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his year’s festival took place between the 13th until the 22nd of August. If you are into live music, unusual sounds and enjoy partying outdoors, then an adventure in the charming town of Guča, in Lučani municipality, Moravica District, would be right up your street. For almost 50 years, Guča has hosted the biggest trumpet festival in the world. During the festival, tourists can sample the staple local cuisine – sour cabbage, boiled beans, roasted and grilled meat. Rakija is also served by the bucket load together with corn bread, cheese and Serbia’s very own ajvar. The festival reveals the true Serbian spirit through its central element, the trumpet - already a national symbol because of Serbia’s famous trumpeters. Used at births, baptisms, weddings and all other celebrations, the trumpet is also a key symbol in most Serbian

focus on the music Interview: Thomas Ehr, General Manager of MTVAdria

e do a lot to support and promote local and regional music, but of course we want to do much more; sadly, everything costs money, one way or another. We are looking to revive the MTV 'Unplugged' concept for regional bands, however once again, it depends on money.

movies. With parties going on until the break of dawn for the people in Guča sleeping becomes a luxury. In a nutshell, Guča Trumpet Festival is the “wildest, noisiest and probably most popular event you probably have never been to.” Adam Tadic, the festival manager, described Guca Trumpet Festival – as a way of preserving Balkan music in what was an increasingly urbanised Serbia – as a "Woodstock for trumpets". If it is Woodstock, then its Jimi Hendrix is Boban Markovic. He and his son, Marko,

In a nutshell, Guča Trumpet Festival is the “wildest, noisiest and probably most popular event you probably have never been to” now perform at sell out events around the world. He also contributed to the soundtrack for the movie Underground. In 1961, when a group of musicians in Guca decided to determine who was the best trumpet band in the region, it is safe to assume that they were completely unaware of the impact and legacy that they were about to begin. In that first ‘battle of the bands’ there were only four groups who participated. Exactly half a century later, Guca has become synonymous with traditional Balkan style partying and has put Guca firmly on the festival, and world, map. The duration of this year’s festival was doubled from the usual 5 days to 10 in honour of the festivals 50th Anniversary. This year was also the festivals biggest year to date with some 800,000 visitors and 2,000 musicians in attendance. ■

■ What do you attrtribute to the success of festivals like Beef Fest (www.belgradebeerfest.com)? - Let's start with Beer Fest. Its beer, it's free and it's in Belgrade, so hundreds of thousands of people can just walk to it! My first experience was only last year and it was amazing. I didn't realise there was such a varied offering, how many people would be in attendance, bearing in mind that Belgrade is said to be dead in August, and the popularity of the event with foreigners. This year, MTV Adria is sponsoring some of the biggest regional music stars on the main stage every night. ■ As GM of MTV Adria, what are your opinions of the music business environment in Serbia? - At MTV Adria we are not in the traditional music business. We do not stage concerts, and we do not sell CD's - ultimately, we are in the television business, which happens to (despite what some may

That sounds just like life in London, so it looks like Serbia really is maturing as a live music centre! think about MTV these days!) air a lot of music. Having said that I think in the last few years the music business in Serbia has changed. Firstly, what happened was that the market opened not only to artists that had not been here before but also to promoters that had never worked in Serbia. Now you have large international promotion companies, and it's become a real challenge as there is so much competition in concert promotion. Meanwhile, the music business has gone from focusing largely on recorded music sales, which was always tough in Belgrade, to a live music industry. It will remain a tough market for promoters, however for the consumer it will remain an embarrassment of riches - unfortunately, while the choices are great, they are unable to afford it all. Actually, that sounds just like life in London, so it looks like Serbia really is maturing as a live music centre! ■ cordeditorial@cma.rs

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sErBiaN sUMMEr FEsTivals - BElGraDE BEEr FEsT

the Sounds

of Serbia

elgrade Beer Fest is the biggest beer festival in South Eastern Europe with the highest average number of visitors. Within 5 days over 500,000 people visited the festival. The large number of visitors is mostly owing to the festivals basic principles â&#x20AC;&#x201C; entrance free of charge, miscellaneous music program and wide range of foreign and domestic beer brands. The first time the beer flowed freely was in 2003. During the eight years of its existence around 4,000,000 visitors have enjoyed over 400 music performances (free of charge), tasted over 80 beer brands and have taken part in numerous social campaigns.

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The festival has received numerous recognitions. Among these recognitions is a recommendation from the British newspaper â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Independentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; placing Belgrade Beer Fest amongst the 20 world events that have to be seen. Belgrade Beer Fest is established as one of the most important segments in the Serbian tourist offer and as a brand which promotes the country and improves the image of Serbia as a whole. â&#x2013;

restaurant

Full circle dining It is rare for me to fall in love so quickly; however, Square 9 and I have embarked on a romance of food and fulﬁlment

By Max WIllIAMS

f there is one determining factor as to why I would return to a restaurant it is no doubt the food. Some people go to certain restaurants for understated, is chic and a step above any of the way they look, others for great servits neighbouring buildings. Slightly disapice, and a select few because it is simpointing was the lack of greeting on arrivply the place to go. Square 9 caters for al, especially because the lobby had not one everyone. The food is mouth-watering, guest in sight. Nevertheless the welcoming as I write this the keyboard is becombespoke interior with its warm bronze and ing moist, the 1950's inspired decor brown colour scheme more than made up is sumptuous and the service far and for the initial disappointment. The feeling away above anything I The service far and away above of luxury is continued into the restaurant, have yet experienced in any of Belgrade's restauanything I have yet experienced in and I particularly liked the aroma of old leather and lack of cigarette smell, the first rants. All that being said any of Belgrade's restaurants of which is surely an unintended bonus, the it does have one or two second of which is a rarity in Belgrade’s smoke filled atmosphere. creases that need to be ironed out, but they are mere nibbles of After an initial peruse of the coffee table books in the lobby distaste during a rather brilliant six-course meal. we were seated next to the back wall in the restaurant. The wall I was unsure as to what I should expect from Square 9. My is actually an enormous glass wall which looks out onto the terdate had previously dined twice at the restaurant, yet, I made race. As the only other diners in the restaurant, at the normal enher stay tight-lipped. All reports were quick to point out that it tirely normal time of 20.30, we were shown a level of attentivewas by no means a cheap establishment - five star hotel restauness that surpasses one would be lucky to get at a Las Vegas genrants usually aren’t, yet as I was to discover, it was worth every tleman’s club. I highly doubt this was due to the lack of guests, single dinar of the near twelve thousand dinar bill. It is rare for however I will naturally have to go back to confirm this. After me to fall in love so quickly; however, Square 9 and I have emadmiring the decor for quite some time my Norwegian date and barked on a romance of food and fulfilment. I finally began to read the very well put together menu. The Square 9 is discretely located on Studentski Trg. It is actualfood is a mixture of modern European dishes, which are all inly quite easy to miss, which is a rare thing in Belgrade – most ventive, contemporary and very appealing. We both chose the things to do with affluence in Belgrade are touted more than a 'taster menu' which is offered with or without wine... Naturally, tote on the arm of Paris Hilton. The outside of the hotel, although

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whites are of a fine standard and do not over power the food. we chose with the wine. If you do choose the taster option it The highlight of the evening was the final course. My date doesn’t make sense in my mind not to have the wine, it is all opted for the sea bass, I chose the 18 hour cooked pork belly. part of the indulgence experience. This though is where the first Both the dishes were first-rate. The initial slow cooking of the of my nibbles of annoyance comes to the table. If one person in pork belly had rendered off your party orders the taster menu, then everyone else at the tathe majority of the fat leavble is obliged to do the same. I understand that the time it takes ing just a little to add sucto eat the numerous courses maybe the reason as to why - a sixculence as it was crisped-up course meal is rarely eaten quickly. However, surely this should a second time. Alongside be the choice of the patron, particularly at close to 60 euro's a were some haricot beans in head. Also, although, luckily, it presents no problem for me, if a creamy sauce and some you do have children it would be wise to get a baby sitter for the slices of pan-fried chorizo. evening. Square 9 is not a child friendly restaurant. As my date is from a counI would normally at this point go on to list every individual try where fish is eaten as flavour and dish, however that alone would fill these two pages. I commonly as chicken in will therefore only highlight the triumphs of the meal beginning other places I was expecting with one of those things The food is a mixture of modern the worst for the sea bass. that shouldn’t work but To her, and my surprise she does – cold soup. Velvety European dishes, which are all inventive, was thoroughly satisfied, alsmooth and just the right contemporary and very appealing though she did not manage amount, I usually tire of to finish, which was entirely understandable after the equivthe taste after a few spoons, alent of a bottle of wine and five small yet satisfying courses. but Chef Goran Kovacevic Again, presentation was excellent. may want to consider servIn essence Square Nine has achieved exactly what it set out ing his pea and mint soup to do – be considered the crème de la crème. Hotel restaurants in a bucket as it was one of are supposed to bad, Square Nine decries ‘pish' to this notion. the best I have ever tasted. Whether or not it is to your taste is irrelevant, Square Nine is A swift clear up and a five star all the way home...Well hotel. ■ course later came the foie gras. This dish was possibly the most unusual on the menu, combining ginger and peach chutney. I am never normally a big fan of such intense flavours competing for my taste buds attention, and I cannot honestly say that I am now cheering for the team, but I imagine it could have been far worse. One of the things that I very much like at Square Nine is the mix of the simple and the exotic. For example the beautifully prepared scallops and accompanying salad are served on slate. The white scallops and the vivid green of the salad on the matt black slate match perfectly together, as do the Mediterranean flavours of the balsamic vinegar and Jerusalem artichokes. Special efforts have been made to give the servers a short oenology course. Every glass poured was accompanied by a short background of the wine, and also why the nose matched the food. This very small effort is a very big plus. I like to learn about everything to do with dining, and I particularly like to know exactly what is making my vision go double and my laughter louder by the course. Six glasses is rather a lot. Our two hostesses, it may well have only been the one, made the already fantastic meal an experience. The only oddity with regards to the wine is the complete absence of a Serbian offering. I have heard through the grape vine that the proprietors of Square Nine have interests in the wine industry in Slovenia, however I think that one of Belgrade’s best hotels, if not the the best, should promote at least one domestic offering. All of that being said, both the reds and cordeditorial@cma.rs

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travel SUMPTUOUS SPA TOWNS

Rejuvenate & RelAX There tends to be an air of moneyed elegance about spa towns, with sumptuous bathing facilities built over natural springs to cater to their guests. As spa towns fall into fashion again, we have found the 5 best across the globe. Be sure to pack your towel - things are about to get steamy

here are few things more pleasurable than a spa to help you recover, relax and rejuvenate at the end of the sweltering social season. But where are the best spa towns and what is exactly a spa town? The latter part of the question has a very simple answer – the town is mainly visited for health reasons. The best spa towns have natural hot springs, cold baths and other on-site hydrotherapy treatments to reset the body clock in preparation for the cold winter months. The art of therapeutic bathing is nothing new, it’s actually somewhat ancient, with the Persians, Greeks and Romans all enjoying extravagant thermae.

6/6 hot springs, Arkansas The hometown of cigarloving, amongst other things, ex-president Bill Clinton, Hot Springs is America’s renowned spa town, with natural spring water flowing out of its ground at no less than 63.8888889 degrees Celsius. With 47 springs dotted about on the western slope of Hot Springs Mountain, over a million gallons of warm water flows every day, meaning that visitors can bathe to their hearts’ content without the fear of the hot water running out. Head for Buckhouse Bathhouse on Central Avenue, which has separate floors for men and women. The great aspect about this imposing white colonial treasure are the prices -- for just €22 guests will enjoy a soak in a marble tub, a loufah, a sitz bath, a steam box, and a needle shower. Perhaps Bill himself treated Monica to a “business” meeting out here. 72 |

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5/6 Marianske Lazne, Czech Republic Populated with bohemian types and characterized by dramatic architecture, the hippy town of Marianske Lazne is home to 40 natural mineral springs in a relatively small area and hundreds more close by. Set amongst lush forested hills, the Danubius Health Spa Resort Nove Lazne is where those who are serious about spa-ing gather and has a strong medical slant. Featuring colonnaded mineral pools, it is said that the waters can help with ailments such as back pain, kidney function and circulatory disorders. Healing here is so effective, in fact, that King Edward VII slipped into the Roman baths himself.

4/6 Heviz, Hungary Built on the world’s largest warm-water lake, it’s hardly surprising that Heviz is one of central Europe’s most famous spa towns. While its approach to bathing may be largely no-nonsense and somewhat clinical, luxury has been slowly creeping into the fray and can be found at resorts such as the Danubius Thermal Hotel Heviz. It is said that the mud from the bottom of the town’s waters is particularly effective in easing rheumatism, and is used in treatments across the country. cordeditorial@cma.rs

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3/6 Montecatini, Italy As you’d expect of a town in Italy, the nine spas found in Tuscany’s Montecatini are super-stylish with palacelike design features and formal gardens. The oldest is Tettuccio, which was built in the 14th century but was completely renovated in the 18th century. Furnished with ceramic pictures and paintings, visitors swear by the healing properties of the spa’s waters; containing precious elements such as bromine, calcium and chlorine, it is said that the waters help purify the liver, reduce cholesterol levels and rectify bladder disorders.

2/6 Baden-Baden, Germany Although it was given large press exposure when the trashy wives and girlfriends of the English football squad visited during the last World Cup, BadenBaden is actually renowned as being one of Europe’s top spa towns. So good they named it twice, Baden-Baden’s hot springs were first used and abused by the Romans, but it was not until the 19th century when the town was transformed into a ritzy playground for the rich and famous. Enjoying the hot waters at the ornate pump rooms is completely free, while those who want a modern spa complex can enjoy water piped in hot from the source at Caracella-Therme. With hot and cold baths, steam rooms, saunas, and not a trashy footballer’s wife in sight, it’s the ideal way to wind down. 74 |

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1/6 Bath, United Kingdom Appropriately named, Bath was built from the ground up with money made from its thermal waters. It is now considered the quintessential spa town, with age-old Roman bathhouses complete with neoclassical architecture, marbled terraces and twisting columns. By 1978, however, Bath had closed the last of its thermal baths due to health reasons and there was an uproar that the city did not make use of its namesake. Fortunately, the council listened and by the year 2000, the glorious Thermae Bath Spa had opened its doors. Comprising four natural hot spring baths and a L.A.-style rooftop pool, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the epitome of spa chic. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more planned for Bath too, with plans to turn the listed Gainsborough building into a luxury hotel and spa that will harness the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s thermal mineral waters.

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chill

out! Whole US town up for sale

Built at the turn of the 20th century, as a railroad stopping point, it is currently the property of an elderly woman. Scenic has suffered during the economic downturn which has affected the US. On the market for three years, the price has dropped from $3 million (£1.8m) due to a lack of interest from buyers. The town only has nine residents.

The town of Scenic, South Dakota – once a booming ‘wild west’ town – is on the market for an asking price of $799,000 (£486,426). The town comes with 46 acres of land, a post office, a petrol station, a grocery, two empty jails and a pub.

Kitten Survives Washing Machine Cycle Washing machines and tumble dryers are just the type of small, dark and often warm places that cats like to hide. Princess, an eight-week-old kitten, survived an hour-long washing machine cycle in the Scottish city of Aberdeen this week, according to the BBC. Susan Gordon, the kitten’s owner, thought she was playing around elsewhere in her residence when Princess snuck into the machine along with a load of clothes. After the wash cycle was finished, Gordon opened the door to find the frazzled kitten clinging on for dear life to a pair of jeans.

Pen Drives As You Like It

Foxconn to employ a million robots Foxconn, the Chinese, Taiwan based manufacturer behind gadgets like the iPad and PlayStation 3, plans to replace more workers with robots in the next three years, and increase its robotic headcount to a million by 2014. The robots will be used to perform simple tasks like spraying, welding and assembling. The firm already has around 10,000 robots under its helm, but has plans to increase that total to 300,000 next year, and to a million in three years. The plan is for the bots to cut rising labour expenses and improve efficiency. The new plans were announced by founder and chairman Terry Gou during the workers’ dance party. What a night that must have been.

go sets. It’s amazing to think the adaptation of one concept into different applications.

Pen Drives are not the same old, boring data drives anymore. As they say ‘there’s some pen drive for everyone’ in this huge collection of pen drives from ham burgers to le-

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Nautilus Shell House

Amazing military aircraft MAV

Senosiain Arquitectos built this amazing house for a Mexico City couple. Leaving heavy architectural details aside, the house is pieced together using a frame of steel-reinforced chicken wire with a concrete spread over it, resulting in an earthquake proof structure. It looks like a dream house made by people who are not afraid to make every dream come true.

At a laboratory in Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, research team of MAV (Miniature Air Vehicle) was demonstrating the models of miniature military aircraft. The MAV team of Air Force was dedicated to the development of military aircraft to target complex dynamic urban environment.

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NAME TO BE SEEN FROM SPACE

Opening A Can Of Beer With Your iPhone

It’s only a matter of time before the novel idea, sparked by two Australian Sheikh Hamad Bin entrepreneurs, of opening a can of beer Hamdan Al Nahyan, rulwith an iPhone spreads across the ocean er of Abu Dhabi, commisand seeps into America’s beer-drinking, sioned his staff to estabhard texting, net-surfing population. lish the name to an area of The Opena, developed by Chris three kilometres of sand at Peters, an industrial designer, and Rob his private island, opposite the city. The letters have a Ward, a former toolmaker, fits over the height of one kilometre, while the ‘H’ and ‘A’ are filled iPhone. The hard plastic case is prepared for a good time and comes with water. The word “HAMAD” can be seen from equipped with a slide-out bottle opener. space (Google Maps).

Glowing Dog in South Korea Scientists in South Korea announced that they have created a “glowing dog” using cloning techniques that may help to find a cure for human diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. The team from Seoul National University (SNU) said the genetically modified female beagle

Witness galaxies’ birth and decay

named Tegon glows under ultraviolet light if given a doxycycline antibiotic, according to the report. “The creation of Tegon opens new horizons since the gene injected to make the dog glow can be substituted with genes that trigger fatal human diseases,” lead researcher Lee Byeongchun said. Reuters elaborates that, “because there are 268 illnesses that humans and dogs have in common, creating dogs that artificially show such symptoms could aid treatment methods for diseases that afflict humans.”

named the Zenit-3SB the “green” rocket because it uses kerosene and oxygen as its fuel and is environmentally friendly. The rocket developed jointly by Russia and the Ukraine will a new generation space telescope pro-

lution 1,000 times sharper than America’s Hubble. Within a month or two of the launch, the world will start receiving the first images of the universe from space. This mission is expected to last five years.

China’s car design develops a signature style China may be the world’s fastest-growing car manufacturing market, but so far homegrown Chinese car design has proven unimaginative at best. The generic ecoboxes and clones of aging Audis are the result of years of knockdown kits, alliances with Western automakers and an automotive market where few ordinary Chinese could participate until recently. However, China’s automotive design language is slowly evolving. While the majority of the designs for indigenous vehicles are designed by, or at least inspired by, western car manufacturers, events such as the Auto China show in Shanghai have given Chinese designers a chance to explore a signature Chinese style. “Chinese automakers, just like the Korean and Japanese automakers before them, are beginning to develop designs with their own design language,” said Eric Gallina, editor of Car Design News. cordeditorial@cma.rs

85 September 2011 | 77

chill out!

The ambitious telescope, developed by Russian scientists, will allow the galaxies to be seen with amazing clarity. Scientists have already nick-

pel into orbit designed to extend mankind’s understanding of the forming of galaxies. The 10-meter telescope will be capable of registering solar wind, quasars, black holes and neutron stars. This huge eye will be able to provide detailed images of the universe with a reso-

Ciciban footwear company is a family run business, owned by the Petejan family from the village of Miren in Slovenia. Back in 1953, Pavle Petejan made his first pair of childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s orthopaedic shoes under the guidance of an orthopaedist. Today, the Petejan family is the leading producer of anatomical shoes in the region of former Yugoslavia. The company pays close attention to technological developments, and innovation, in order to make top quality footwear. Ciciban is committed to the notion that a skilful pair of shoemakerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hands is crucial in the production of good quality shoes. Hence, the company has never moved its production facilities from Slovenia and, to this day, the factory remains under the watchful eye of the Petejan family.

Ciciban uses the highest quality, natural materials for their products, Each season, the company launches 300 new shoe models, in line with the latest fashions. Today, Ciciban is the synonym for excellent and comfortable children’s shoes. Ciciban’s products have been approved by medical specialists including physiatrists and orthopaedists.

Ciciban has its own retail store network, with easily recognisable shops, in which both parents and children take delight. Accordingly, each shop has a ‘fun corner’ for children and each child receives a present. You will find Ciciban’s shops all over former Yugoslavia. In Belgrade Ciciban’s stores are located in the most prestigious locations such as on Knez Mihailova, and in the Terazije Shopping Centre.

Footwear for all occasions Well known for its traditional quality, Cicibanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s range for this season again is in keeping with current fashion trends with its cheerful patterns which children will delight in. The new models from the autumn winter 2011/12 collection are elegant and stylish, very lightweight and warm. Their comfort will provide real pleasure in all a childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activities.For this season, Ciciban has released about 300 new styles across several ranges. Here is a small taste of what they have in store this season.

MARINES - for the first steps The characteristics of this range are flexible soles with carefully selected leather which enables a complete bending of the feet thanks to their suppleness. Within the shoe is an anatomic insole which provides additional stability and comfort for the feet. Natural leather enables good air circulation and allows the necessary ‘breathing’ of feet. Sizes: 17-21

There are shoes for all occasions – from the everyday to the special – for pre-school children with Ciciban’s ranges of Classic, Softy, Over, Kevin, Rolly, Palos, Linus, Energy, Kiss, Planet, Janet, Seatle, Naik, Brio, Run, Timber, Aspen and ten more production lines. Sizes: 18-40

‘Light, comfortable, anatomically shaped, and made from natural materials, CICIBAN shoes enable the healthy development of children’s feet and comfort with each step’ Mr sc. med. dr Jelena Rakić Milanović Specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation

Ciciban Shops in Belgrade: Knez Mihailova 32, tel: 328 12 23 ● Terazije 35, tel: 303 42 61 ● Ušće Shopping Center, 2. floor, tel: 312 06 99 Prote Mateje 62, tel: 386 36 13 ● Ščerbinova 6, tel: 354 26 22 ● Ciciban corners in Planika stores: Planika - Mercator center, Bulevar umetnosti 4, tel: 313 00 51; Planika - Bulevar Kralja Aleksandra 52, tel: 30 34 724

profile FOLLOWING THE RESIGNATION OF sTEvE JOBs

the Minister of Magic Steps down Can Silicon Valley’s most disruptive company prosper without its talisman?

The econoMISt

down almost all of Apple’s manufacturing operations after he n a commencement speech to students at Stanford arrived at the firm in the late University in 2005, Steve Jobs, the chief executive of Apple, 1990s and outsourced much of advised his audience to avoid being trapped by dogma and these to Asia. Announcing his to have the courage to follow their hearts and their intuition. promotion, Apple’s board said “Stay hungry. Stay foolish,” he said as he signed off. By folthat he had shown “remarkable talent and sound judgment lowing his own advice, Mr. Jobs, who resigned as Apple’s boss in everything he does.” on August 24th, has turned the company from a basket case Talent is something that Apple also has an abundance of on the brink of bankruptcy when he returned to its helm in elsewhere in its ranks. Executives such as Phil Schiller, who 1997 into a world-beater that is reshaping a big chunk of the oversees the company’s marketing, and Jonathan Ive, a Briton technology industry. Earlier this month, Apple even briefly surwhose domain is design, are part of a team that has worked passed Exxon Mobil, an oil giant, to become the world’s most closely together for many years. If Mr. Cook can keep this valuable company. group intact, then Apple’s future should be bright. No other boss in recent history has embodied and deThe firm also benefits from an intensely loyal and motifined a firm as completely as Mr. Jobs. So his decision to revated workforce. Glassdoor, an online jobs and careers comsign as chief executive has inevitably raised the question of munity, carries reviews of the company from almost No other boss in recent history has embodied 1,000 Apple employees. Most are glowing about the and defined a firm as completely as Mr. Jobs firm and in particular about Mr. Jobs’s impact on it. One post even calls Apple’s former boss “the Thomas Edison of this century”. Paul Saffo of Discern Analytics, a finanwhether Apple will remain as hungry and as wildly successcial-analytics company, reckons that this depth of loyalty will ful without its entrepreneurial maestro at the helm. Other mean that even though Mr. Jobs is stepping down, the firm’s giants in the tech industry have seen their fortunes fade afemployees will continue to ask themselves “what would Steve ter iconic leaders have departed. Microsoft has struggled to do?” when making decisions. (Of course, asking the question is regain its mojo since Bill Gates stood down as its chief exeasier than guessing the right answer.) ■ ecutive in January 2000. Could Apple suffer a similar fate? That seems unlikely for several reasons. One is that the company has had plenty of Steven Paul Jobs time to plan for this moment. Mr. Jobs has stepped aside from day-to-day management orn on February 24th 1955, Jobs is co-founder, chairman of the board, at Apple on a couple of occasions before, after and former chief executive officer of Apple Inc. In the late 1970s, Jobs having surgery for a rare form of pancreatic designed, developed, and marketed one of the first commercially successcancer in 2004. Each time, Tim Cook, Apple’s ful lines of personal computers. After losing a power struggle in 1984, Jobs chief operating officer, temporarily assumed resigned from Apple and founded NeXT. Apple’s subsequent 1996 buyout his boss’s responsibilities. of NeXT brought Jobs back to the company and he served as its CEO from 1997 until 2011. He remained CEO and majority shareholder until its acThat allowed Mr. Cook, who is taking quisition by The Walt Disney Company in 2006. Consequently Jobs became over from Mr. Jobs as CEO, to get a taste for Disney’s largest individual shareholder at 7%. the top spot—and it gave Apple’s board a On August 24th, 2011, Jobs announced his resignation from his role as chance to see him in action. On each occaApple’s CEO. In his letter of resignation, Jobs strongly recommended that sion, Mr. Cook kept Apple’s money-making Tim Cook be named as his successor. Per his request, Jobs was appointed machine ticking over smoothly. An expert chairman of Apple’s board of directors. in manufacturing and logistics, he closed

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