THE INVESTORS GUIDE 2013/14

serbian potentials

The investors guide 2013/14

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contents serbian potentials

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13 14 15 16

18 19 20 21 22 23

ew Concept for N a Better Life VERICA KALANOVIĆ Minister of Regional Development and Local Self-Government R eliability and Vision POLONA KRPAČ General Manager of Zastava Tapacirnica A.D., Kragujevac Awaiting €2 billion

in Investments BOŽIDAR LAGANIN Director of siepa

the Right Place In Aleksinac

A leksandrovac, Aranđelovac, Arilje B abušnica, Bajina Bašta, Blace

One Acre per Employee Batočina

24 25 26 27 28 30 32 33 34 35 36 37

ining and Forest Wealth M Despotovac Golubac, Gornji Milanovac, Ivanjica Jagodina, Knić, Knjaževac Koceljeva, Kosjerić, Kraljevo

ergy of the Danube En Kladovo

Fiat Draws in Investors Kragujevac

Former Factory as

Industrial Zone Krupanj

unicipality with Three Spas M Kuršumlija atural Wealth N Kučevo

Bogatić, Bojnik, Boljevac B osilegrad, Bor, Brus B ujanovac, Crna Trava, Čačak Č ajetina Ćićevac, Ćuprija D imitrovgrad, Doljevac, Gadžin Han

F ruit Growing Area Požega A gricultural Resources, Prijepolje Prokuplje, Raška, Rača Ražanj, Rekovac, Sjenica

The investors guide 2013/14 EDITOR Saša Marić assistant EDITOR Mirjana Zec, m.zec@aim.rs ART DIRECTOR Ilija Petrović, i.petrovic@aim.rs

S mederevo, Sokobanja, Surdulica Svilajnac, Svrljig, Šabac

The Home To Two Scientific

Institutes

Smederevska Palanka

Lebane, Ljig, Ljubovija

lecture Christen Bradley Farmer, c.farmer@aim.rs PROJECT MANAGERS Biljana Dević, b.devic@aim.rs Svetlana Okanović, s.okanovic@aim.rs Sandra Bandović, s.bandovic@aim.rs Irena Lalić, i.lalic@aim.rs

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Ruža Ristanović, r.ristanovic@aim.rs

' Green Zone' for Investors Leskovac

58 59 60 61

Loznica, Lučani, Majdanpek Malo Crniće, Mali Zvornik, Medveđa

62 63 64 65 66

Mionica, Merošina, Negotin Niška Banja, Nova Varoš, Osečina

L ong Industrial Tradition Niš Serbian “San Francisco”, Novi Pazar

Serbian Potentials |

serbian potentials

TRANSLATORS Snežana Bjelotomić

Bela Palanka

38 39 40 41 42 44

Požarevac, Preševo, Priboj

Kruševac, Lajkovac, Lapovo

South Serbia

Belgrade

Paraćin, Petrovac Na Mlavi, Pirot

PHOTOS Zoran Petrović

Lavander from

All Incentives for Investors

46 48 49 50 52 53 54 55 56

3

Topola, Trgovište, Trstenik

F amous Food from Pešter Tutin Užice, Ub, Varvarin

GENERAL MANAGER Ivan Novčić, i.novcic@cma.rs FINANCIAL DIRECTOR Ana Besedić, a.besedic@aim.rs EDITORIAL MANAGER Tanja Banković, t.bankovic@aim.rs office manager Nataša Nešić, n.nesic@aim.rs

Eager to Come

PRINTING Rotografika d.o.o. Segedinski put 72, Subotica

Velika Plana, Veliko Gradište, Vlasotince

"The Investors Guide - Vojvodina in Focus 2013/2014" published by: alliance international media

Investors are Valjevo

evelopment of Livestock D Vladimirci Vladičin Han, Vrnjačka Banja, Vranje Zaječar, Žabari, Žagubica

Žitortađa

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Makenzijeva 67, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia Phone: +(381 11) 2450 508 Fascimile: +(381 11) 2450 122 E-mail: office@aim.rs www.allianceinternationalmedia.com ISSN no: 1451-7833 All rights reserved alliance international media 2013 This issue is audited by ABC Serbia

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Interview Verica Kalanović Minister of Regional Development and Local Self-Government

New Concept for a Better Life The country’s overall development depends on the wealthiest and the poorest segments of its population, so we need to invest in both in order to bolster the country’s development

T

he state government

thing that Serbia absolutely needs to do in order to advance. The

needs to create an

Decentralization Strategy, which is planned to be finished this

environment and a

year, will help the state government with implementing this de-

framework for citizens’ be-

centralization in a planned and coordinated manner with the aim

ing able to use their con-

of increasing the efficiency and quality of civil services, boosting

stitutionally guaranteed rights in respect to local governments to

the capacity of local governments and creating the conditions

the fullest. The democratic principle entails direct civil participa-

for sustainable development at local level.”

tion in making decisions about their everyday lives and certain

• The decentralization of Serbia and delegating power to towns and municipalities started two years ago when a decision was made for local governments to retain more local Verica Kalanović at the beginning of the interview. She also adds income tax. They were given more leeway in decision-makthat the National Decentralization Council has been set up and ing and development planning. How has this process been that this Council will play an increasingly important role in builddeveloping thus far? ing the capacity of the institutions involved in the process. "Serbia needs proactive people, local initiatives and responsible “The Commission for Local Self-Government Funding has local government which sincerely takes care of civil needs. The been formed too. The Commission’s task is to develop and adfact is that some local authorities are capable of carrying out their duties, solving problems and ensuring Decentralization is an unstoppable process and sustainability. Further decentralization in such local delegating decision-making process to local government authorities which already have the required capaciis an imperative in order for Serbia to advance. The ty is absolutely needed. However, there are those loDecentralization Strategy, which is planned to be finished cal governments which don’t possess the capacity to this year, will help the state government with implementing do that, and they need to be built up and included decentralization in a planned and coordinated manner in the further decentralization process. This is important not only for continuation of decentralization but also for the European integration process, as well as vance a transparent funding system in municipalities and towns. for the better utilization of the EU’s pre-accession and structural Serbia took the most important step in the process of decentralfunds for balanced regional development." ization by changing and supplementing the Law on Local Self• Serbia doesn’t have balanced regional development and Government Funding which now stipulates that towns and muthere are a number of undeveloped municipalities which nicipalities can keep 80% of the collected local income tax indon’t have capacities for development planning. What kind stead of the previous 40%. This is the core of the process and an of assistance do you offer them and what is your plan for indicator of a sincere intention to decentralize the government.” having a more balanced kind of regional development? says Minister Kalanović. “The National Plan for Regional Development 2014-2020, on “Decentralization is an unstoppable process and delegating the decision-making process to local government is somewhich we have been working, envisages a new regional policy steps in that direction have already been made – says Serbian

Minister of Regional Development and Local Self-Government

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devised to support all regions and areas in Serbia. The existing

of this new regional development concept are improving human

traditional concept of mitigating regional differences was based

resources in education, increasing employment and revenue, de-

on interventions and was orientated towards balancing out de-

veloping infrastructure, assisting companies and investments and

velopment levels and redistributing existing wealth. Our inten-

building institutional capacity at local, regional and national levels.

tions in the past were good but they cancelled each other out

The country’s overall development depends on the wealthi-

because they were not synchronized; so invested money did not

est and the poorest segments of its population, so we need to in-

produce the desired effects. Regional development requires the

vest in both in order to bolster the country’s development. We have a difficult and demanding job to do but our aim

involvement of several sectors since it covers an area where sector policies intersect, and

is to have a strong and de-

these policies need to be

veloped Serbia."

synchronized in order to be fully effective,” Minister Kalanović underlines. “The new regional policy focuses on utilizing the potential and advantages that regions have, and,

Income tax has been reduced from 12% to 10%, but the goal of this measure is to unburden businesses by increasing the non-taxable portion of income. Those local governments which are willing to work on improving their business environment, and increasing employment and investments, haven't complained

where required, secure funds for overcoming huge regional differences. This means that we will have to add a regional note to sector strategies that are devised at a national level and have their own course of actions. We would have to tie them to the places in which they are implemented in order to fully utilize natural and human potential, and the regional advantages. The aim of this new concept is stopping migration, facilitating economic development and creating a better future for the people all over our country. The four key priorities

Serbian Potentials |

• What is the aim of the draft Law on Employees in Autonomous Provinces and Local Self-Government Units and what does this document regulate? "The Law regulates a matter that has been completely unregulated in the last twenty plus years, that is a matter that has been neglected and dealt with half-heartedly since 1991. The Law on Employees in Autonomous Provinces and Local Self-Government Units can be rightly viewed as bringing order into civil servant sector both at the provincial and local levels,” the minister underlines, and adds that “on one hand, the law will build up the administration system and enable each civil servant to develop and advance, and, on the other, it

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stipulates the principle of responsibility and sanctions for misuse.

es that will help us to use the funds to which our country will be

“In this way we have devised employment criteria, as well

entitled. Programmes like Exchange 4 lead to changing the habits

as job rules, employee assessment, employee training, promo-

and awareness of local civil servants. The training and preparation

tion and demotion, their rights and the disciplinary code of pro-

of local civil servants has to continue, since 80% of the EU regu-

fessional responsibility. Also, the goal of this law is to raise the

lation that Serbia needs to apply pertains to local authorities. We

quality of life of our citizens an d improve the business environ-

need to be stronger in order to continue with decentralization, to

ment in towns and municipalities with the help of more efficient

establish a dialogue with the EU, and to use the EU pre-accession

administration,” said Kalanović.

and structural funds for balanced regional development to the best of our abilities. We have to be ready for the future."

• You have been known as being very prudent with allocating money to projects. Does your Ministry control local spending or do project teams always stick to the stated financial plan? "I have several hundred implemented infrastructural projects under my belt. Every project was realized in a transparent way, with utter adherence to procedures and laws. In today’s economy, we need to be financially prudent.

• One of the projects financed from the IPA funds is the Morava water supply project, then the waste water collection project in Leskovac, the regional water supply project in Kolubara area and several others. Do you think that we are good at using all EU funds available to us or are we still short of good projects? "My reply to the first part of your question would be that the funds that we have been allocated for environmental projects are the best ex• Have you heard of any objecamples of how such funds should be tions about the funds allocated used. More to the point, the result to municipalities and towns unof the Kolubara project will be good We still have a lot to learn to be dergoing decentralization not beable to say that Serbia is efficiently quality drinking water for many muing wisely spent? Were these obnicipalities. However, money is not using EU funds. It is a good thing jections justified? Do you think important in this project, but the benthat we have friends in Europe that the latest tax regulation will efits it brings. We still have a lot to who are willing to share their somehow affect local governlearn to be able to say that Serbia is experiences and knowledge with us efficiently using EU funds. It is a good ments’ revenue? "Yes, income tax has been reduced thing that we have friends in Europe from 12% to 10%, but the goal of this measure is to unburwho are willing to share their experiences and knowledge with us." den businesses by increasing the non-taxable portion of income. • You have attended recently the Balkan Infrastructure and Those local governments which are willing to work on improving Construction Summit in Vienna. You were quoted as saying their business environment, and increasing employment and inthat Serbia had an opportunity to build its own motorways vestments, haven't complained." and get connected to the pan-European motorway grid by 2020. What warrants your optimism? • Your Ministry has been engaged in several programmes together with the EU, or rather thanks to EU funds. One of "My optimism is based on the firm resolve of the Serbian governthem is Exchange 4 whose objective is enhancing adminisment to make Serbia a developed country, good for everyday livtrative capacities. How can local governments benefit from ing and doing business. Without good infrastructure, Serbia will this programme, and can any local government get involved? be a missing link between Eastern and Southern Europe. Serbia "Our Ministry wants to see local governments as efficient civil and has the central place in the Balkans and we have to use our geobusiness servants. The Exchange 4 project contributes to enhancstrategic position to the maximum. Serbia has an opportunity ing administrative capacities, and the help that the EU has been to become a country with a developed road network in all of its giving to Serbia throughout this Programme represents the EU’s parts by 2020 providing that we step up our efforts. By doing so, concrete support to our country on its way to EU membership. we are going to have good transport links between Serbia and This is the most direct investment in the European future of our neighbouring countries, and we are going to be connected to the country since we have been given the know-how and experiencpan-European motorway system." ■ Serbian Potentials |

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Interview Polona Krpač General Manager of ZASTAVA TAPACIRNICA a.d., Kragujevac

Reliability and Vision Our mission is to become a role model and the driving force behind the city and the region’s development while providing jobs for people who are the most important resource

I

n a relatively short amount of time, Zastava Tapacirnica has

- As a member of FORI Group (Flexible Organization of Development

managed to become the leading supplier to global vehicle man-

Ideas), we are able to use business synergy at all levels of our op-

ufacturers like Opel, Peugeot, Renault, SEAT, and BMW. “We are

erations. We are a part of FORI’s common vision and mission which

successful because our team is wholeheartedly dedicated to mak-

stipulates that we need to be a reliable manufacturer and supplier

ing our vision, mission and our company’s quality policy come to

of textile, plastic and metal components to the automotive indus-

life,” says Zastava Tapacirnica General Manager Polona Krpač. “Our

try and the domestic appliance industry. Corporate management at

basic values are collegiality, teamwork, responsibility, discipline,

FORI level means that Zastava Tapacirnica is given an opportunity to

self-initiative and constantly advancing all of our organization’s as-

pursue global development and joint market appearances, as well as

pects. Our mission is to become a role model and the driving force

vertical diversification of the product range.

behind the city and the region’s development while providing jobs

Both the Group and Zastava Tapacirnica’s strategic plans for

for people who are the most important resource and whose indi-

2013 and 2014 call for expanding production capacities and the

vidual vision will elevate our common vision: to become and re-

product range (plastic components for the auto-industry), €1.4 mil-

main one of the best and most reliable

lion worth of investments and the crea-

suppliers in the supply chain of global

tion of 60 new jobs.

automotive companies.”

All of our products have been manufactured in line with the latest technology and by utilizing the best tested and certified materials in the world – textile, leather and vinyl

• You have built an 8,000 square metre production facility. How did that affect the quality of your products and the working conditions in the company? - Our new production facility allows us to apply the latest approach to production organization. By implementing the ‘lean production principle’, we are advancing our production process, since we can now have an optimal layout and plan for optimal permeation of value in the production process. By doing so, we are cutting back on losses and additional manipulative operations which reduce the value. All of our products have been manufactured in line with the latest technology and by utilizing the best tested and certified materials in the world – textile, leather and vinyl.

Tapacirnica will give its contribution towards re-industrialization and development of automobile industry in the Republic of Serbia.

• You are known as an environmentally conscious company and mindful of your environment. Do you comply with all required environmental standards and certificates or are you in the process of obtaining them? - For six years now, Zastava Tapacirnica has been complying with the most demanding standards in the automobile industry. We have the ISO 9001:2008 and ISO/TS 16949:2009 certificates which specially apply to car and car parts manufacturers. Apart from that, our plan is to implement an environmental management system ISO 14001:2004 in 2013. We listen and respect our clients and work to meet their additional and special requests, along with operating in accordance with all environmental standards. ■

• You operate under FORI Group. How much security does that give you in term of your development?

Serbian Potentials |

As a member of FORI Group, Zastava

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Interview Božidar Laganin Director of SIEPA

Awaiting €2 billion in Investments We currently have 254 pending projects, which will bring a cumulative amount of a €1.5 billion in investments to Serbia and create 47,412 jobs. Over €277 million from the state budget has been allocated to these projects, which means that each euro from the budget brings €5.5 euros worth of investments

L

Serbian

motion

Agency

ate last year, the

Investment

and Export Pro(SIEPA) projected that the 2012 trend of declining foreign investments would continue this year

too. SIEPA’s director Božidar Laganin comments on the matter: “It was more of a warning than a projection. We wanted to draw

• What FDI trends have other regional countries been experiencing compared to Serbia? - Simply put, the situation is not rosy in any of them. Serbia is at the very top in the region when it comes to the implementation of investments and one of the very few countries in Southeast Europe where global brands like Bosch, Swarovski, Continental, Gucci and alike have been setting up their businesses. If we look at other regional countries, all of us are in the same position, fighting for the same or similar investments, with the Macedonians becoming our very agile competitors. Still, if we compare the investment amount, only Romania is ahead of us. Of course, Romania is much larger than Serbia and an EU member.

the attention of the relevant institutions which were involved in realizing investments to the fact that the election year was over and that they needed to compensate for the time lost both in the pre- and post-election periods when, traditionally, Serbia experiences a drop in investments. In terms of concrete figures, we had €300 million in foreign investments in Q1 of this year, while the

Each euro of incentives from the budget brings €5.5 euros worth of investments and that money will make its way to the budget through taxes and contributions in 17 months, once the company becomes operational

• Are you still sticking by your projection of this year’s FDI influx reaching a €2 billion figure? - Yes I am, but we think that it is still early days to revise this projection. Following the final decision from Brussels and the Q2 results, we will be able to analyze the investment trends in Serbia more in-depth.

FDI influx in the same period last year was €180 million which is almost half of that amount. Although we do think that the current figure is not enough, we certainly can’t say that the downward investment trend in Serbia is continuing," said Laganin.

• What are your latest projections in term of the FDI level? - We expect it to grow and for the implementation of projects that are currently in the negotiating stage to be expedited. We also expect a positive signal from Brussels. The experiences of other countries that are in the accession negotiation stage show that starting the negotiations was a good sign followed by investment growth in those countries. Serbian Potentials |

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• What economic sectors look most promising for foreign investment? - In the following period, it is the energy sector that looks most promising mainly because of the beginning of construction of the South Stream gas pipeline which is the biggest regional energy project. Apart from that, we can expect concrete results in agriculture where investors from the United Arab Emirates will implement their agreed projects. For years, the automobile industry has been appealing to investors, and we expect this trend to continue. We have entered the final stage of negotiations with new investors in this sector, and I do hope that we will be able to release more information publicly soon. On top of that, certain car parts’ companies like Cooper

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Standard and Bosch have begun implementing their projects.

an undeveloped area if we don’t have a credible partner willing to en-

Also, we expect 2013 to be a year of information and communi-

gage efficiently in the process at the local level.

cation technology, since the results in this sector are really encour-

• How profitable are the incentives that investors get for their investments and hiring people in Serbia, since such grants have been often criticized? Belgrade and hired 300 people. Recently, the company’s representatives have signed a contract on additional investments and, as a re- We have been implementing a financial assistance for new invessult, 300 young educated people will be hired. Also, there are severtors programme since 2006 and we are quite happy with the accomal other ICT companies planning to re-invest plished results. and expand their operations. We currently have 254 pending projects, Serbia is at the very top in the which will bring a cumulative amount of a €1.5 region when it comes to the • How much can local governments do by billion in investments to Serbia and create implementation of investments 47,412 jobs. Over €277 million from the state themselves to attract foreign investors? - They need to be proactive and attend varbudget has been allocated to these projects, ious investment events abroad or they can which means that each euro from the budget analyze their own comparative advantages brings €5.5 euros worth of investments. and contact potential investors. Above all, Also, we should bear in mind that the said they need to stay informed and be ready to euro will make its way to the budget through react to a company’s announcement of extaxes and contributions in 17 months, once pansion to a certain region. the company becomes operational. For instance, the incentives given to the Yura Before that, they need to bring order into Company, which has a facility in Rača, was retheir administrations, have both the people turned to the state budget in only 11 months. and the answers ready, and, of course, they Also, this euro is usually spent on the works need to have locations to offer to investors. that need to be done in order for an investment These locations have to be covered by relevant documents, not under any dispute or to be earned (developing land, constructing a any other problems. Only by having such a hall, acquiring equipment, and the like) which, wide range of measures and making approagain, is entrusted to Serbian companies which, priate moves can they sway investors to inin turn, hire domestic workers. Serbian compavest in their municipalities. nies make 60% of all companies to which incentives have been allocated, and the financing criteria are devised in a way that they favour unde• Serbia has always had a problem with excessive administraveloped parts of the country, investments that will facilitate export, value tion, one of the biggest hurdles for foreign investors. This is aladded products and technologically advanced work operations. so something that local authorities can sort out by themselves. In the end, when the programme is publicly criticized, they always What local self-governments are the best examples of having mention a €10,000 subsidy per new job, but, in reality, the average lean administration? subsidy allocated to the 254 projects is €4,533. ■ - Those that have accomplished good results in attracting investors. I don’t want to single out any of them since it usually happens that you forget to mention someone and the ones we do mention appear as having preferential treatment. There is a small rivalry going on between municipalities and that’s also good since that’s how the country’s overall investment appeal is enhanced. aging. So far, we had renowned companies like NCR and Sitel setting up their operations here. Last year, NCR opened its first facility in

Preduzeæe za razvoj i proizvodnju

• How can the success achieved by local governments in attracting investments reflect on the country’s economy as a whole? - I always like to say that every investment has a town or a municipality, that is to say a local government, as its final destination. In that sense, the willingness of local governments to change and adapt to investors’ requirements and resolve their local problems is of crucial importance for the whole country. We in Belgrade cannot convince investors to spend their money in Serbian Potentials |

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Ul. Marka Oreškoviæa b.b., 16210 Vlasotince, Tel.: +381(0)16-230-800; Fax: +381(0)16-230-801;

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Aleksinac

In the Right Place Due to well preserved natural resources, Aleksinac is an ideal place for the development of all agricultural branches

T Nenad Stanković Municipal President

“The Aleksinac basin has the most proven underground coal and coal shale reserves”

he municipality of Aleksinac lies on the inter-

uisites for development of organic food that are yet

section of European roads – an internation-

unutilized.

al motorway and railway run through the mu-

The research conducted by the Mining Institute

nicipality, connecting Europe to Asia. An exception-

and the Coal Project from Belgrade shows that the

al geographical and strategic position on the pan-Eu-

Aleksinac basin, as a mineral deposit site, has the

ropean Corridor X and the close proximity to inter-

most proven underground coal and coal shale re-

national airports in Niš and Belgrade make Aleksinac

serves which are the biggest energy resources in

a very attractive investment location. On top of that,

Serbia, after Kosovo and Metohija. Aleksinac has

Aleksinac has over 45,000 hectares of arable land,

quality human resources so the workforce here are

close to 4 million cubic me-

able meet investors’ needs

tres of mineable gravel and

in areas like engineering,

sand deposits, 28.3 million

technical science, the tex-

tons of brown coal depos-

tile industry, agriculture,

its and around 1.8 billion

and the non-profit and ser-

tons of coal shale deposits.

vice sector.

The rivers Južna Morava and Moravica flow through the

• What kind of infrastruc-

municipality, while, apart

ture can you offer to inves-

from being a tourist attrac-

tors?

tion, the Bovan artificial

- Aleksinac has functional

lake is also a drinking water

and infrastructure equipped

reservoir.

industrial and work zones

“If you are looking for a location to launch your business, look no further. You are in the right place,”

Aleksinac has functional and infrastructure equipped industrial and work zones

with water supply, sewage, gas supply, electricity and fast and easy access to all major roads.

says Nenad Stanković, the • Is the municipal adminis-

president of the Aleksinac

tration adequately equipped to issue required permits

municipality.

to future investors in the shortest time possible? contact:

Nenad Stankovic Municipal president Knjaza Miloša 169 18220 Aleksinac Tel. +381 (0) 18 809 001 Mobile: +381 (0) 60 21 82 235 Fax +381 (0) 18 804 107 E-mail: predsednik@aleksinac.org Website: www.aleksinac.org

• What economic branches in the municipality would

- Municipal administration is currently being reformed

be best for investing?

and modernized. All civil servants recognize the im-

- Due to well preserved natural resources, Aleksinac

portance of investors launching their businesses in

is an ideal place for the development of all agricul-

Aleksinac. Our civil servants are here to enable effi-

tural branches. Aleksinac has the most livestock in Niš

cient handling of problems and requests as much as

County, while natural and agro-meteorological condi-

the state regulation allows them. We are usually try-

tions are perfect for vegetable growing. The agricul-

ing to stay ahead of requests from potential and exist-

tural land, which is located in the hilly area of the mu-

ing investors, and we treat both domestic and foreign

nicipality, is suitable for fruit growing, viticulture and

investors the same which is why we have been recog-

fodder production. There are also exceptional prereq-

nized as good hosts and valued partners. ■

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aleksandrovac

aranđelovac

arilje

Wine-making Municipality

Wellspring of Famous Water

Raspberries for the Entire World

Aleksandrovac is the administrative, economic, educational and cultural centre of the eponymous municipality

The municipality of Aranđelovac has an abundance of mineral water and non-metals

The Arilje raspberry is famous all over the world and has a protected designation of origin

The municipality of Aleksandrovac is in Central Serbia, Rasinski County. Aleksandrovac is the administrative, economic, educational and cultural centre of the municipality which spans across 387 km2. The municipality’s geographical position and its climate are ideal for

growing all sorts of vine, which is why winemaking and tourism are the two main development areas. The municipality has an exceptional tourism potential thanks to the Kopaonik Mountain and Vrnjačka Spa being nearby. The most famous tourist event here is ’Župa Harvest’ which has been taking place for 46 years during which the tourists can visit many of the town’s wine cellars. Local tourist office provides more information about the tourist offer here. The main characteristics of municipal villages, the structure of the local population and urban infrastructure provide good enough foundation for the municipality’s development. Around 65.4% of the municipal territory is covered in arable land with agriculture being the main economic branch. Viticulture, fruit and vegetable growing and animal husbandry are the main agricultural activities here. Contact Dragan Blagojević Municipal president Trg Oslobođenja 7, 37230 Aleksandrovac Tel. +381-37-3552-275 Fax +381-37-3751-297 E-mail: soaleks@ptt.rs

Aranđelovac lies in the northeastern foothill of the woody Mountain Bukulja, near the mouth of the river Kubršnica. It takes up 375.89 km2, has the population of 48,000 and 16,573 households. Following the modernization of roads that run through the Aranđelovac municipality, the town of Aranđelovac became a transit centre. The M-4 main road links the Ibar motorway to the E-75 motorway. Aranđelovac is 55 km from Kragujevac, 74 km from Belgrade and 105 km from Nikola Tesla Airport. Metalliferous rocks of the Venčac and the Bukulja mountains are the foundation of the local mining and industry. The marble, refractory clay and calcite from the Venčac Mountain are very important for the local economy. The kaolin (Vrbička) clay also holds special significance. The Venčac Mountain has huge deposits of high quality marble. The underground waters in this area have

always received special attention since they are the source of many springs. The water springs are predominantly located in the higher parts of the municipality and most of them are capped. The Kubršnica industrial zone spans across 197 hectares of land and there are several large industrial companies here – Knjaz Miloš, Kubršnica-Univerzum, Pobeda, Venčac, Karbon and others. Contact Bojan Radović Municipal president Venac Slobode br. 10 34300 Aranđelovac Tel. ++381 34 711 311; Fax ++381 34 724 935 E-mail: kabinet@arandjelovac.rs

Serbian Potentials |

13

The municipality of Arilje is located in West Serbia and it covers an area of 349 square kilometres. In terms of the municipal transport capacities, there is the M21/1 main road and M21 regional road, while the Belgrade-Bar railroad passes through the municipality.

The predominant economic branches here are agriculture and food production, as well as textile industry, metal and wood processing. The Arilje raspberry is famous all over the world and has a protected designation of origin. Arilje has over 5,000 small raspberry production facilities which can produce over 20 million kilograms of raspberry and generate significant annual revenue. The ownership transformation of the state-owned companies in the municipality is finished. According to the spatial planning documents, there are two industrial zones. The land that the zones are built on is privately owned and both zones have adequate infrastructure. The permit issuing process is conducted in three stages. The first stage is obtaining the spatial planning act which can last from 15 to 30 days. The second stage is obtaining a building permit which takes up to 15 days the most and the third step is registering construction work which takes up to three days. Contact Zoran Todorović, Municipal president Milan Petrović, Coordinator at the Local Economic Development Office Svetog Ahilija 53, 31230 Arilje Tel. +381 31 891 255; Fax +381 31 891 287 E-mail: arilje@arilje.org.rs

| The Investors Guide

babušnica

bajina bašta

blace

Mountainous Paradise

Town as Nature Park

Plum Brings Fame to Town

There are several locations suitable for brownfield investments and two industrial zones in Babušnica

The most profitable investments in this area could be made in tourism

Plum is planted on over 5,000 hectares of land, sour cherry on 700 hectares, and apples and pears on 500 hectares

The municipality of Babušnica is located in Pirot County and it is 311 km from Belgrade. The climate here is temperate continental, and the vegetation blooms 15-20 days later than in Central Serbia. The municipality spans across 529 km2 and it is mostly mountainous.

The most important natural resources are water, ore (coal), and pastures. The area is suitable for production of organic food due to the clean environment. There are no pollutants here. There are several locations suitable for brownfield investments and two industrial zones in Babušnica. The Babušnica industrial zone is situated right next to the road to Leskovac and it covers 25.7 hectares of land. The second industrial zone is called Rašina Bara and is right next to the M9 road. Both locations are suitable for the so-called dirty industries. Textile industry, chemical industry, construction materials industry (clay products), production of organic food and agribusiness are the foundation of the municipality’s economic potential. Investors can obtain required permits and documents with the support of local authorities. There are no major regional roads near the municipality of Babušnica. The nearest access to a regional road and Corridor X is via Pirot which is 25 km away and further onto the Niš-Sofia route. Contact Saša Stamenković Municipal president Ratka Pavlovića 1 18330 Babušnica Tel. ++381 10 385 112 and 385 191 E-mail: sobabusnica@ptt.rs

Bajina Bašta lies on the river Drina in Western Serbia, an area dominated by the magnificent Tara Mountain. The municipality covers 673 square km, and its population stands at close to 30,000. The region is the centre of forestry, hydropower plants and adventure tourism. The economy of Bajina Bašta is closely tied to its namesake hydro-power plant. Apart from the plant, the IKL metal processing company and Razvoj Construction Company, the municipality is also known for its textile industry and is home to many wood processing micro-facilities. The area around Bajina Bašta is famous for fruit and vegetable growing. The most profitable investments in this area could be made in tourism. Tara National Park starts in Bajina Bašta and spans across 19,175 hectares of land. The park is home to over a thousand plant species, with many endemic species growing near the Drina and Tara rivers.

Lake Perućac on the Drina River and Lake Zaovine in the valley of the Beli Rzav River are ideal for water sports, the mountain slopes are perfect for winter sports and there are many great opportunities for the development of hunting tourism. There are three tourist accommodations in the park itself – two hotels and a children’s camp in Mitrovac on Tara. Contact Zlatan Jovanović Municipal President Dušana Višića 28, 31250 Bajina Bašta Tel: +381 31 865 280; Fax: +381 31 865 282 E-mal: sobb@open.telekom.rs Website: www.bajinabasta.rs

Serbian Potentials |

14

The municipality of Blace lies on the east slopes of the Kopaonik Mountain and the south slopes of the Jastrebac Mountain. Although the municipality is at the very edge of main transport routes in the country, it is still in the middle of local and regional roads which

makes it a transit town. Agriculture is the primary economic activity here and the municipality is known for production and processing of agricultural produce. Blace has a qualified workforce, good local transport grid (each village has a paved road that leads to the municipality’s centre), good working relation with large consumer centres, and over 6,500 hectares of orchards out of which plum is planted on over 5,000 hectares of land, sour cherry on 700 hectares, and apples and pears on 500 hectares. There are many ancient apple and pear sorts here. Also, berries are grown on 100 hectares of land. There is no industrial production as such. Blace is proud of its privately owned companies and the local business community which have been upholding high volume and quality of work. Their enterpeneurial spirit and business friendly environment help with providing a solid basis for more successful economic performance in the future. The municipality of Blace is one of the few municipalities in Serbia that has no socially owned companies, but does have state-owned companies and an advanced private sector. Contact Radoje Krstović Municipal president Karađorđeva 4, 18420 Blace Tel. +381 (0) 27 / 371-110 Fax +381 (0) 27 / 371-138 E-mail: blace@blace.org.rs

| The Investors Guide

Batočina

One Acre per Employee The industrial zone is located in the vicinity of the most important roads in SE Europe. Corridor X (exit to highway E-75) is located 300 m away from the zone

Radiša Milošević Municipal President

“investor gets as many acres of land as he employs workers (1 acre – one work place)”

B

atočina is a municipality in the Šumadija and

and 40 years old. Batočina and its environment (up

Pomoravlje region, whose area is located in the

to 30 km) has almost 40,000 residents, which offers

bottom part of the Lepenica River basin, in the

the chance for employment of workers in scarce oc-

middle reaches of the Great Morava River. It is locat-

cupations.

ed on very important major railways: Belgrade-Niš-

The investor gets as many acres of land as he em-

Skopje and Lapovo-Kragujevac-Kraljevo, as well as

ploys workers (1 acre – one work place), and 80% of

roads: Corridor X and the Batočina-Kragujevac-Knić-

the workers have to have a place of residence on the

Čačak trunk road. The municipality includes 11 set-

territory of Batočina Municipality.

tlements where 12,696 residents live on a surface of

Aside from its strategically very favourable position, a water pipeline,

136 square km. industrial

as well as the major

zone is located in the

gas pipeline with an

vicinity of the most

option for connec-

important roads in SE

tion through the con-

Europe. Corridor 10

struction of a gas and

(exit to highway E-75)

measuring regula-

is located 300 m

tion station, all pass-

away from the zone.

es through the indus-

The railway that con-

trial zone.

The

nects Western Europe

All roads are in

to the Far East and

good condition, roads

trunk roads M-1.11

are of high order re-

and P-214, which connect big corporate centres in Serbia, are passing through the industrial zone. All contracts with poten-

The railway that connects Western Europe to the Far East and trunk roads M-1.11 and P-214, which connect big corporate centres in Serbia, are passing through the industrial zone

tial investors will be

contact:

Radiša Milošević Municipal President Kralja Petra I br.37 34227 Batočina Tel. +381- 34 - 6842-118 Fax +381- 34 - 6842-314 E-mail: radisa.milosevic@ sobatocina.org.rs

garding their significance, so safe and comfortable access to the land plots has been provided. A high voltage grid passes right next

carried out under the principle of greenfield invest-

to the industrial zone, while a low voltage grid is lo-

ment. The total surface of the industrial zone is 17

cated at the north entrance to the zone.

hectares.

This part of Šumadija County, to which Batočina

Batočina Municipality has 12% unemployment

Municipality belongs, is mainly an agricultural region,

(or 1,900 people) with 65% of people looking for

so agricultural land spreads over 10,487 ha. Aside

the job for the first time. This record points to exist-

from farmers, there are 53 enterprises doing busi-

ence of significant human resources. With adequate

ness on our territory. 48 of them are small enterpris-

training, it is possible to accept new technologies and

es, 3 are medium-size and 2 are big companies, with

standards of production very fast. 85% of those who

2049 workers. The municipality’s 2003 gross domes-

are looking for a job for the first time are between 18

tic product was RSD 1.14 billion. ■

Serbian Potentials |

15

| The Investors Guide

Bela Palanka

Lavander from South Serbia The municipality of Bela Palanka lies on the pan-European Corridor X, between Niš and Sofia

Goran Miljković Municipal President

“The municipality has reduced the land development fee to 400 dinars/m2 for the first zone, 220 dinars/m2 for the second zone and 100 dinars/ m2 for the third zone”

he municipality belongs to Pirot County, and it

T

airport (115 km). The Ljuberađa-Niš regional wa-

spans an area of 517 square km. It is linked to

ter system runs nearby and companies in the zone

large regional centres like Belgrade (280 km),

can get connected to this water system. Serbian

Sofia (108 km), Thessaloniki (450 km), Niš (42 km) and

Railways plans to build a 110 power substation in

Pirot (27 km) via a network of roads.

the zone's centre.

Investors will benefit from the fact that the mu-

The Murica industrial zone lies next to the Niš-

nicipality is close to Corridor X, the cities of Niš and

Sofia road, at the entrance to Bela Palanka from the

Sofia, the Budapest-Belgrade-Sofia-Istanbul rail-

direction of Niš. It is only 200 metres from the main

road, and the future main gas pipeline. The munici-

intersection on the new Corridor X route. The zone

pality also has available and qualified workforce, in-

stretches over 8 hectares of land.

dustrial zones near the intersection of Corridor X, and

The former production hall of Vesna Company in

zones designated for wind farms, small hydro-pow-

Crvena Reka is now privately owned. The hall is cur-

er plants and solar plants. A number of investment

rently vacant and available to potential investors. It

projects already have technical documentation while

is only 20 metres from the Niš-Sofia motorway, on a

the municipality has

2 hectare plot, 60 km

drafted a spatial plan

from the border with

and detailed zoning plans. The drafting of the spatial plan for the Suva Planina nature reserve is nearly finished. The municipality belongs to the Nišava Euroregion and the Regional

There are several pending investments like a small hydro-power plant, a wind farm, solar plants, and the Suva Planina eco-ethno tourist complex. Thermal springs are not utilized at all as a resource. The Balopalanačka Banjica is the biggest thermal and mineral spring in Central Ponišavlje

Bulgaria. The hall has a 2,200 square metre office building, made of solid materials, with a reconstructed steel roof. It is currently under renovation. Apart from the office building, there are big and sever-

Tourism Organization of Southeast Serbia. It has a professional and efficient

al smaller halls with individual entrances, access to

contact:

administration, swift licensing procedures, tax breaks,

the loading area, several offices, a canteen, a boiler

Goran Miljković Municipal president Karađorđeva 28 18310 Bela Palanka Tel. +381 18 855 023 Fax +381 18 855 188; E-mail: predsednik@belapalanka.org.rs Spoken languages: English and Russian

lower utility fees compared to the municipalities in

room, several bathrooms and a number general pur-

the region, and a flexible approach to meeting the in-

pose rooms.

vestors’ needs.

The local administration has a flexible ap-

The Balvan industrial zone is situated at the en-

proach to investors' needs and supplies request-

trance to Bela Palanka, from the direction of Niš, 2 km

ed information in a very short amount of time. The

from the new Corridor X route, right next to the Niš-

municipality has reduced the land development

Sofia motorway and railway Corridor X.

fee to 400 dinars/m2 for the first zone, 220 dinars/

The municipality has an extraordinary industrial zone which is close to Niš airport (40 km) and Sofia Serbian Potentials |

16

m2 for the second zone and 100 dinars/m2 for the third zone.

| The Investors Guide

The local administration will provide in-

a 2,300-year old settlement, is best reflected

Serbian phoenix flower, Natalie's Ramonda,

vestors with the permits and documents

in the Divljana and Vrelo complex and Sićevo

sage, Dyer's Greenweed, common lilac, Turkish

needed to implement their investments in up

Gorge nature park.

hazel, Jerusalem thorn, Smoketree, Montpelier

The Nišava River carved the Sićevo Gorge,

Maple and others). The Gorge is the natural

The C branch of Corridor X (a 32-km long

a 17-km calcareous formation which links the

habitat of sage which typically grows in the

Niš-Sofia motorway stretch) passes through

Niš and Bela Palanka basins. After Đerdap,

Mediterranean. This is the northernmost sage

the municipality. The whole municipality has

this is the second longest gorge in Serbia. The

habitat in the world. The thermal springs are

WiFi and ADSL Internet access. The only rail

Gorge has the status of a nature park. This is

an interesting hydrological phenomenon.

link to Bulgaria runs through the municipality

a protected area of exceptional biological di-

Serbian scientist Jovan Cvijić called Suva

of Bela Palanka.

versity and a perfect example of the interac-

Planina (the Dry Mountain) ‘The South Serbian

tion between geological, geo-morphological

Alps’ because of its several hundred metre high

to 10 days.

There are several pending investments

cliffs on the north side of the mountain. With

Bela Palanka has two protected areas suitable for development eco- and ethno-tourism, adrenalin sports, hiking, climbing, paragliding and mountain biking. Serbian scientist Jovan Cvijić called Suva Planina (the Dry Mountain) ‘the South Serbian Alps’ because of its several hundred metre high cliffs on the north side of the mountain

its peaks and colossal precipices, the mountain dominates the relief in Southeast Serbia. The mountain is home to 1,260 plant species, which is almost half of all plant species in Serbia. 128 species are endemic. Some of the plants here also grow in the Mediterranean, the Alps and Siberia. The Suva Planina Mountain is an area of exceptional morphological phenom-

like a small hydro-power plant, a wind farm, solar plants, and eco-ethno tourist complex Suva Planina. Thermal springs are not utilized at all as a resource. The Balopalanačka Banjica is the biggest thermal and mineral spring in Central Ponišavlje. The water from this spring can be used for drinking and for therapeutic purposes right at the spring or it can be bottled and shipped to consumers. The spring's flow is 15 litres per second. There are also remnants of the Banjica thermal and mineral water spring which lies at the foot of the Malo Kurilo Hill. You can taste this water at a fountain near the road. Agricultural land in the municipality is suitable for growing fruit and medicinal herbs, the meadows are ideal for sheep, cattle and goat farming, while the clean environment is best for growing organic food. The municipality has the biggest lavender ena and karst topography.

fields in the Balkans, organically grown near

and hydrological phenomena and the beauty

the Tamnjanica village on 30 hectares of land.

of natural landscape. The most attractive part

The intersection of the 'S' branch of

Bela Palanka has two protected areas suit-

of the Gorge is the grandiose Gradištanski

Corridor H, which lies at the foot of the

able for development eco- and ethno-tourism,

Canyon, with tight, almost vertical, step-cut

Mountain, will certainly contribute to the fast-

adrenalin sports, hiking, climbing, paragliding

stone cliffs which are the nesting-grounds of

er development of tourism in this area. Also,

and mountain biking. The municipal territo-

the last Golden Eagles in Serbia. This is a place

the closest airport is only 40 km away. The

ry is considered a high-quality environment.

where nature has created an exhibition of nat-

draft Spatial Plan of the Republic of Serbia

The cultural and historical heritage of Bela

ural sculptures. The Gorge is the shared hab-

categorizes Suva Planina as a highland area of

Palanka, which was built on the remnants of

itat of many endemic species of plants (the

national importance. ■

Serbian Potentials |

17

| The Investors Guide

Belgrade

All Incentives for Investors The strategic determination of the City of Belgrade is to facilitate approach to land and to construction permits for investors

T

he City of Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, is locat-

Following the passing of the Law on Public

ed in the very center of Southeast Europe, at the

Property, the City of Belgrade was given an opportu-

confluence of Sava and Danube rivers and at the

nity to register ownership over land and real estate

intersection of European Corridors VII and X. Because

Dragan Djilas Mayor

“Belgrade needs big strategic investments”

that only the City had used until then.

of its favourable geographic position, Belgrade is con-

The plan is to create an environment conducive to

sidered one of the more attractive cities for investors.

investment– land equipped with basic infrastructure

The City of Belgrade’s strategic determination is to fa-

and resolved property and legal relations. The city is

cilitate access to land and construction permits for in-

willing to form Public-Private Partnerships. Belgrade

vestors. By adopting strategic planning documents

needs big strategic investments.

and with the development of road infrastructure, the

The possibility to grow and process organic food

City of Belgrade will be able to offer business zone

in fruit and vegetable zones of suburban municipali-

complexes to investors.

ties is our comparative advantage.

Through the mapping, equipping and marketing

Advancing our primary agricultural production,

of zones intended for the corporate sector, the City

and the processing and marketing of agricultural prod-

wants to provide investors with legal security in re-

ucts is expected in suburban areas, with the aim of

spect to the matter of land and property relations.

manufacturing as many highly processed products as

Belgrade’s General Plan,

Investing in development of

spatial plans of seven peripher-

local attractions and spa resorts

al municipalities are a basis for

– Selters outside Mladenovac,

the creation of available prem-

Koraćička Spa outside Mladenovac

ises for the business sector.

and Obrenovac Spa – is of extraor-

Drafting of the planning docu-

dinary importance. The Belgrade

mentation is in its final stage.

authorities have formed a health

In Belgrade, planning docu-

tourism sector was formed with

ments call for locations for 20

the intention of presenting its po-

business zones and technology parks. They are located on the city's outskirts, meaning that they are on or very close to the most important roads, airport, railway, and ports. The

Belgrade

Land

Development Agency has put contact:

Marija Leković Member of the Belgrade City Council Dragoslava Jovanovića 2 11000 Beograde Tel: +381 - 11- 3229 - 678 Fax: +381 -11 - 3231-092 E mail: marija.lekovic@beograd.gov.rs

possible in local communities.

General Regulation Plan and

together a catalogue of investment projects which contains zones suitable for greenfield in-

In Belgrade, planning documents call for locations for 20 business zones and technology parks. They are located on the city's outskirts, meaning that they are on or very close to the most important roads, airport, railway, and ports

vestments. The catalogue also

tentials to investors. The City of Belgrade will also provide support to companies whose value is derived from knowledge, know-how, skills and experienced staff. A science and technological park, a modern open space, strives to become the epicentre of development of new economy in the city. Once these 16,000 square meters are completely occupied,

contains records about construction opportunities, lo-

we will have 80 companies with over 1000 employees,

cation infrastructure, and ownership structure.

mainly university graduates, doing business here. The

The investor will know right away where and what

goal of this complex, located in a Belgrade quarter of

he has at disposal, whether he is starting from scratch

Zvezdara, is to commercialize innovations, transfer knowl-

– greenfield, or plans to revive old production facili-

edge and technologies, strengthen capacities of the sci-

ties - brownfield.

entific community, and create new start-up companies. ■

Serbian Potentials |

18

| The Investors Guide

bogatić

boljevac

bojnik

Greenhouse Vegetables Bogatić is a small town and municipality in Mačva County, Serbia The town of Bogatić has close to 7,500 inhabitants, while the municipality’s population is around 33,000. The municipality spans across 384 square kilometres. The main economic branches here are agriculture, livestock breeding and vegetable growing, while the municipality is also developing tourism, particularly the rural tourism. A number of companies have announced that they will

participate in the construction of a leisure and

Permits Issued in Over 1,650 Three Months Registered Forests, waterways, agriculture, Farming Estates The municipality of Bojnik is one of the 24 undeveloped municipalities in Serbia. Territory and population wise, it is also one of the 27 smallest municipalities in the country. It spans across 264 km2 and its overall development level is close to 40% of the state's average. This is the result of relatively uniform levels of economic development and the development of economic infrastructure, a significantly lower living standard and pronounced structural, demographic and other problems. The geographical position and natural configuration of the municipal territory are very particular. The municipality is not near major roads, but it is considered a natural link between the northwestern part of the Leskovac valley, Lebane and Medveđa. Close to 2/3 of its territory is covered by hills and mountains. The municipality is 21 km from Leskovac, 45 km from Niš and it is linked to the E-75 mo-

recreation complex based on local geo-thermal springs. Apart from that, the construction of greenhouses is in full swing which will increase the production of quality vegetables. The municipality has an industrial zone called Dublje. The state owns the land plots in the zone, while the municipality is allowed to use them. The zone has a so-called work area which is actually a facility for the demonstration of the geo-thermal springs’ exploitation. You can conduct all sort of research about the utilization of geo-thermal energy for commercial use here. The municipal authorities have very low land and location fees while the available locations in the industrial zone have a complete utility infrastructure. Investors will be issued with building permits within the legally prescribed time limits. Contact Slobodan Savić Municipal president M. Vitomirovića 1, 15350 Bogatić Tel: +381-15-7786-126; Fax: +381-15-7786-216 E-mail: opstina@bogatic.rs; Website: www.bogatic.rs Spoken languages: English

minerals and tourism are the resources that investors can utilize

The overall development level is close to 40% of the state's average

torway / Corridor X via Brestovac, which is 20 km away. Agricultural land takes up 74% of the municipal territory. There are 1,650 registered farming estates here. The production of eggs and raising laying hens is on the rise. Privatelyowned Lapotnica farm has 30,000 laying hens, while Krmivo Produkt Kosančić has 20,000 hens. Contact Ivan Stojanović Municipal president Trg Slobode 1, 16205 Bojnik Tel. +381 16 821 214 Email: predsednik@bojnik.rs

Serbian Potentials |

19

The municipality of Boljevac spans across 827 km2 and is located in Southeast Serbia. The main M5 Paraćin-Zaječar corridor connects the valley of the Crni Timok River with the BelgradeNiš motorway. The municipality’s natural resources are forests, waterways, agricultural land, mineral rawmaterials and opportunities for development of

tourism, in particular eco-tourism. The Mirovo industrial zone is four kilometres from Boljevac, stretching along the M5 ParaćinZaječar main road. One of the zone's occupants is BTR EXP d.o.o. Boljevac which produces industrial charcoal. Depending on the project documents prepared by an investor, the deadline for issuing required permits ranges from 50 to 100 days. The most important investors in Boljevac are: Milenium Grup d.o.o.; Euroaqua d.o.o. (water factory); EastPoint d.o.o. (pellet factory); BTR – EXP d.o.o. and Unimer - Boljevac (decorative stone, dolomite and similar). New investors: Tersa Balkan d.o.o. (the company is engaged in bio-energy) and Eksplozivi Rudex d.o.o. More information on investments opportunities: www.boljevac.org.rs/KTabla/Editori/spaw2. Contact Zorica Maslovarić Assistant to municipal president Tel. / fax: +381 30 463 412; E-mail: kabinet@opstinaboljevac.rs Ljiljana Nikolić, Tel: +381 30 463 41 E-mail: kler@opstinaboljevac.rs; www.boljevac.org.rs

| The Investors Guide

bosilegrad

bor

brus

Premises of Zdravlje Mining and Metal Company Vacant Processing The municipality spans across 571 km2, it has 36 villages and one town with the population of 7,979 of mostly Bulgarian nationality The municipality of Bosilegrade lies in the very southeast of Serbia. The municipality is a highland area with the altitude here ranging from 600 to 1,922 metres. The municipality spans across 571 km², it has 36 villages and one town with the population of

7,979 of mostly Bulgarian nationality. Municipality’s natural resources are ores, forests (which cover close to 28% of the municipal territory), waterways (rivers, clean springs), wind and sun, medicinal herbs, mushrooms, blueberries, hunting and fishing tourism, Lake Lisinsko and transit tourism. The former fruit and vegetable drying factory, which operated under Leskovac-based Zdravlje Company, is now owned by the municipality and is currently vacant. The facillity has infrastructure (paved roads, electricity, telephone lines, water supply and sewage). Also, the Zdravlje Company has available premises here. Municipal administration issues required permits in the shortest possible time. Electricity and telephone grids are in a good condition throughout municipality, but roads need to be repaired. The second grade road Bosilegrad-Vlasina-Vladičin Han runs through the municipality. There is also a railroad that leads to Vladičin Han. The border crossing on the state border with Bulgaria is 10 km away. Contact Vladimir Zaharijev Municipal president G. Dimitrova 82, 17540 Bosilegrad Tel. +381 17 877 006 and 877 237 Fax +381 17 877 167 E-mail opstina@bosilegrad.rs

Over 480 companies and 850 micro-eneterprises make a versatile local economy The municipality of Bor is made of the town of Bor and 12 villages which population stands at 55,817. The municipality covers an area of 856 km2. The most developed economic branches here are processing industry (a 27% share in local economy), commerce (25%), agriculture (14%), transport and communications (14%) and miscellneous branches (20%). Regardless of a diverse economic structure, the predominant industries in Bor are mining and metal (primarily copper, gold and silver) processing. The mining basin RTB Bor contributes greately to the municipality’s GDP and employment since over 25% of the local workforce is employed in the basin. The municipality of Bor has been focus-

Kopaonik - Driving Force Behind Tourism The main economic branches here are tourism (Kopaonik resorts) and agriculture with arable land making 70% of the municipality’s territory Brus is a town and a municipality in Rasinski County. It covers an area of 606 square kilometers. The municipality is 234 km from Belgrade.

ing on developing an environment conducive to industry and business and has set up industrial zones and created favourable conditions for development of SMEs. Bor has one of the most developed local economies since industry dominates the economic sector, and the infrastructure and other development factors are present.

The main economic branches here are tourism and agriculture. Ski slopes and tourist facilities are located on the Kopaonik Mountain while a tourist information centre is in Brus. The Kopaonik is very close to the main transport routes in Serbia with the nearest airport being the one in Niš. The municipality is very proud of its Jug Industrial Zone which is occupied by six production companies with close to 1,500 workers. The zone has adequate infrastructure and utility facilities. The municipal authorities are completely at investors’ disposal when it comes to obtaining relevant documents. They are willing to help the potential investors in getting required permits in the shortest possible time. Belgian company Vision Europe is the leading investor in Brus thanks to its €150 million investment. Also, there are companies like Jean Mari Leemans, which owns two hotels in Brzić and a Greek company Otvai.

Contact Nebojša Videnović Municipal president Moše Pijade 3, 19210 Bor Tel. +381 (0) 30 423 980 Fax +381 (0) 30 427 310 E-mail: sobor@opstinabor.rs

Contact Zoran Obradović Municipal president Kralja Petra I/120, 37220 Brus Tel : +381 37 826 840 Fax : +381 37 826 966 E-mail: office@brusonline.com

Serbian Potentials |

20

| The Investors Guide

bujanovac

crna trava

čačak

Thermal Springs

Blueberry Heaven

Institutions Assisting Investors

The town is close to three international airports

Crna Trava has human resources and unspoiled nature

The city of Čačak lies in Central Serbia, in Moravički County. The municipality's population stands at 114,809

The municipality and the town of Crna Trava are in Jablanički County. The municipality covers an area of 312 square kilometers and has 25 towns and villages with the population of 2,569. Unfortunately, the municipality is known for mass migration of its population, and only 20 years ago it had close to 20,000 inhabitants. Crna Trava borders with the municipality of Vlasotinice, Leskovac in the west, Surdulica and Babušnica. This is one of the poorest municipalities in Serbia and there are no successful companies operating here which causes labour migration. The most important company here is municipally-funded construction company Crnotravac which relocated from Belgrade to Crna Trava. Despite the assistance from the interna-

The advantages of Čačak lie in its good position, developed infrastructure and the SME sector, and adopted strategic and spatial planning documents. Čačak lies on the intersection of major transport routes which lead to Belgrade, Priština and Skopje, namely the M-22 road

The town of Bujanovac is located right next to the main road and the railway on the international corridor E-10. Three international airports and the border crossing with Macedonia are nearby. The territory of Bujanovac municipality covers 461 square kilometers.

The area is known for beautiful nature, mineral deposits and tourist attractions. The Pčinjski Dolina is a nature park of exceptional importance that enjoys the second degree of state protection. The municipality has many mineral and thermal springs which provide numerous opportunities for development of spa tourism. Bujanovac has one industrial zone and one business zone. They cover 60 and 72 hectares of land respectively, and the latter has electricity supply. If an investor wants to invest in construction and infrastructure projects, he will be granted tax incentives, as well as other benefits. The municipality of Bujanovac is the recipient of the certificate issued by the National Alliance for Local Economic Development as a business friendly municipality. Contact The Coordination Body for Municipalities of Bujanovac, Preševo and Medveđa Karađorđa Petrovića 115, 17520 Bujanovac Tel. ++381 17 654 517 Fax ++381 17 654 517 E-mail : kabinet@kt.gov.rs

tional community and Serbian government, Crna Trava has failed to join the category of developed municipalities. The municipality’s has two main resources – human and unspoiled nature. Acidic yet fertile land is at 1,380 metres altitude and is suitable for growing blueberries.

Contact Slavoljub Blagojević Municipal president Trg M. Popovića BB, 16215 Crna Trava Tel. +381 (0) 16 811 118 and 811 182 Fax +381 (0 ) 16 811 118 E-mail : officeledctrava@neobee.net

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21

(the so-called Ibar motorway), and the M-5 road leading to Sarajevo, Podgorica and Bar. The Niš-Čačak-Požega railroad and a segment of the Belgrade-Bar railroad also pass through the municipalilty. Lađevci airport is 35 km from Čačak. Institutions in Čačak (City Council for Local Economic Development, Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Institute of Fruit Growing, Chamber of Commerce, business associations, SME Info-Centre, banks / insurance companies) all provide support to investors. The city of Čačak has employment incentives for investors as well as reduced land development fees. The prevalent economic branches in Čačak are metal processing, chemical, food, textile, cellulose and defence industry. Spas, picturesque villages, monasteries, cultural and historical monuments are only a few kilometres from Čačak. Contact Vojislav Ilić Mayor Župana Stracimira 2, 32000 Čačak Tel. +381 32 309 010 Fax 381 32 309 044 E-mail: socacak@eunet.rs

| The Investors Guide

čajetina

ćićevac

ćuprija

Zlatibor as a Tourist Centre

Emerging Zone

Great Potential in Forestry

Main economic branches are tourism, agriculture, textile, metal and wood processing

There is a sort of industrial zone in Pojate where dozens of small companies are operating

Ćuprija is known for its processing industry, transport segment, warehouses and real estate

The municipality of Čajetina is in southwest Serbia and it spans an area of 647 km2. It has a good geographical position and is situated right next to regional roads leading to Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Main economic branches are tourism, agriculture, textile, metal and wood process-

The municipality of Ćićevac is in Central Serbia, in the northeast part of Rasinski County, on the right bank of the river Velika Morava. It covers an area of 124 km2 and has 10 towns and villages. The municipality’s population stands at 9,871. Ćićevac is the biggest town in the municipality, as well as its administrative, economic and cultural centre. An exceptionally good geographical location and the proximity to the E-75 motorway mean that there are many opportunities for development of small business here. There is a sort of industrial zone in Pojate where dozens of small companies are operating. The dominant economic branches here are wood processing industry, construction materials production, commerce, hospitality industry and transport services. Still, 70% of the population is engaged in agri-

Ćuprija is situated at the very heart of Pomoravlje County, 150 km from Belgrade. The municipality spans across 278 square kilometres and its population stands at 40,000. The municipality comprises of 17 towns and villages. It is very near the Corridor X motorway which connects Ćuprija to Austria, Hungary, Greece and Bulgaria. The international railroad Budapest-Thessaloniki-Sofia is also close.

ing. Zlatibor is the municipality’s tourist centre. Other tourist attractions here are the Staro Selo outdoor museum in Sirogojno, the waterfall in Gostilje, the Uvac Monastery, the Dubrava Gallery, the Tornik ski-centre and ski slopes on Obudovica. Close to 56% of the municipal territory is agricultural land. The most profitable investments are those in tourism. There are also several opportunities to invest in processing industry, namely meat and milk processing which have a long tradition here. Potential investors are entitled to incentives like discounts on utility fees and expedited issuing of required permits. Municipal authorities are completely at investors’ disposal and have been trying to secure the best possible conditions for investments depending on how complex investments and business activities are, as well as on investors’ willingness to implement their projects as soon as possible. Contact Milan Stamatović Municipal president 28 , Zlatiborska, 31310 Čajetina Tel. +381-31-831-250 Fax +381-31-831- 447 E - mail: predsednik@cajetina.org.rs

culture, usually as an additional line of work. Two major transport routes pass through the municipality: the Belgrade-Niš railroad and the Belgrade-Niš motorway. The municipality is 180 km from Belgrade and 80 km from Niš. The existing network of local and uncategorized roads sufficiently connects the municipal towns and villages. Contact Zlatan Krkić Municipal president Karađorđeva 106, 37210 Ćićevac Tel. +381 37 811 260 and 811 178 Fax +381 37 811 260 E-mail: kabinetcicevac@gmail.com

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22

The municipality is known for its processing industry, transport segment, warehouses and real estate, while forestry has a great development potential. Arable land covers 29,000 hectares, and the remaining land is covered in orchards and vineyards. The municipality’s tourism potential is still untapped. The two industrial zones (1 and 2) here don’t have adequate infrastructure. Industrial zone 1 covers an area of 80 hectares and is very near the E-75 motorway, while industrial zone 2 spans across 165 hectares of land. Ćuprija is known for sports, especially athletics. This is the hometown of the famous athletics club from which the renowned athletes like Vera Nikolić, Snežana Pajkić and Dragan Zdravković have emerged. Sports facilities are an excellent investment opportunity – local authorities underline. Contact Radoslav Djordjević Municipal president 13. Oktobra, 35230 Ćuprija Tel : +381 35 8470 248 (extension 102) E-mail: info@cuprija.rs

| The Investors Guide

dimitrovgrad

doljevac

gadžin han

Tourism Brings Development

Municipal Incentives

Calcite and Bentonite

Tourism is our chance for development thanks to the Stara Planina Nature Park

The predominant economic branch here is agriculture, followed by industry, handcrafts and commerce

The municipality has substantial mineral ore deposits, with the biggest deposits being that of Calcite and Bentonite

Dimitrovgrad lies on the Serbian / Bulgarian border. The municipality’s population is 11,748 and it spans across 481 km2. Corridor X, the E-80 motorway and the E-70 railroad all pass through the municipality. Construction of a hotel at Babin Zub was the driving force behind the municipality’s development, especially in terms of organic food produc-

tion. The land, water and air here are very clean, hence suitable for growing organic food. Livestock breeding is also developing here thanks to the advances made in the genetic potential of dairy cows and sheep. The area is known for its dairy products. Sport tourism is also developing since the municipality has a large well-equipped sports centre. The nearby lakes Sawat 1 and Sawat 2 in the Zabrđe valley are rich in carp, crucian carp and other fish. The lakes are ideal for competitive and recreational sailing. The municipality can lease out arable land for long periods of time, while investors can use the services of the Gradina Logistics Centre. The municipality and investors usually discuss construction details and required documentation beforehand. Location permit is issued in 15 days the most, while building permit is issued in eight days. The Beleš industrial zone covers an area of 5.95 hectares and is located right next to the regional road. The zone has good infrastructure. Contact Nebojša Ivanov Municipal president Balkanska 2, 18320 Dimitrovgrad Tel: +381 10 361 100; Fax: ++381 10 361 100 E-mail: milevdejan@yahoo.com Spoken languages: English, Bulgarian

Doljevac is a municipality in Central Serbia, located in the fertile valley of the Južna Morava River in a very convenient transport and geographical position. The municipality is a location for many warehouses, produce collecting points, storages, business units and commercial companies. The spatial plan of the Municipality of Doljevac (covering the period from 2007 to 2011) envisages three industrial zones here – the industrial zone in Pukovac (100 hectares), the business zone Petlja Doljevac (20 hectares) and the industrial zone in Belotinac (40 hectares). The price of utility services here is quite low, as is the construction of the required infrastructure. The municipality offers to investors up to 10 years of exemption from paying local taxes, leasing out the state-owned land plots free of charge or at very low cost and me-

diation services in the process of purchasing privately owned land. The area is ideal for development of construction material production, wood processing, chemical industry, food production and tourism (sightseeing tourism, transit tourism, fishing and hunting, cultural tourism, event tourism, rural tourism). The municipality doesn’t own any business parks.

Contact Goran Ljubić Municipal president Nikole Tesle 121, 18410 Doljevac Tel: ++381 18 810 054; Fax: ++381 18 810 055 E-mail: opstina@opstinsdoljevac.rs ; www.opstinadoljevac.rs Spoken languages: English

Serbian Potentials |

23

The municipality of Gadžin Han belongs to Niš County. It has access to the Niš-Skopje motorway and Corridor X. This area is known for its vineyards, seed, tobacco and berry production. There are also Calcite deposits, a total of 1,600,000 tons, enough for up to 36 years of exploitation and the Bentonite deposits,

which would take 30 years to extract all. The municipality of Gadžin Han is an excellent loaction for construction of small hydro-power plants, wind farms and solar parks. It is also suitable for brownfield investments since all vacant locations have infrastructure. The industries that could be developed here are machine, textile, electrical, as well as agri-industry. Agriculture is practiced in rural areas of municipality.Municipal authorities issue required permits and documents in the legally stipulated deadline. Gadžin Han lies between two transport corridors – Corridor X (Ljubljana-ZagrebBelgrade-Niš-Leskovac-Skopje-Thessaloniki) and its Xc segment (Niš-DimitrovgradGradina-Sofia). Contact Saša Đorđević Municipal president Miloša Obilića b.b., 18240 Gadžin Han Tel. +381 18 860 112; Fax +381 18 861 100 Mobile phone: +381 (0)63 406 775 E-mail: sasa.djordjevic@gadzinhan.rs

| The Investors Guide

Despotovac

Mining and Forest Wealth Business branches into which it would be most efficient to invest are mining (brown coal exploitation), the wood industry, agriculture and tourism

T Dejan Nenadović Municipal President

“The spatial plan of Despotovac Municipality calls for three industrial zones”

he Despotovac municipality is located in eastern

ment of Despot Stefan Lazarević, which was built in

Serbia, on the east side of Great Morava River. In

the period between 1406 and 1418. Resavska Cave is

its east part, the Municipality is of mountainous

located 20 km away from Despotovac, and it is one of

character, surrounded by the Kučaj mountain rang-

the most beautiful caves in our country. Although the

es, while the western part is of a lowland character

cave is 4.5 kilometres long, 2,830 metres have been

and suitable for agricultural production. The Resava

explored in detail and around 800 metres have been

River is flowing almost along the entire length of

made accessible to visitors. Veliko vrelo (Great Spring)

this municipality. Despotovac is well connected with

and the Veliki Buk (Great Buk) waterfall are located

eight municipalities that surround it, as well as with

at the foot of Beljanica Mountain. They are protected

the Belgrade-Niš highway. The total length of region-

by the Stipulation of the Government of Republic of

al roads on the territory of Despotovac municipality

Serbia from 1995 as a Lisine Nature Monument, which

is 112.5 km, and the local road network is 87.5 km

represents a special landmark in the fund of geo-heritage of Serbia.

long. There is also a railway of 42 km which is connected to the Belgrade-Niš-Skopje trunk

• In your opinion, investments

railway. Potentials and oppor-

in which economic branches are

tunities for foreign investors in

the most efficient?

this municipality are present-

- Business branches into which

ed by Despotovac Municipality

it would be most efficient to in-

President Dejan Nenadović.

vest are mining (brown coal exploitation), the wood industry,

• Which potentials and advan-

agriculture and tourism.

tages would you particularly • What kind of infrastructure can

point out to potential investors? - Mining, exploitation of high quality brown coal, exploitation of rock – are the most important. There is also the wood industry, great forest wealth, the

Mining, exploitation of high quality brown coal, exploitation of rock – are the most important

developed infrastructure need-

you offer to investors? - The spatial plan of Despotovac calls for three industrial zones whose development level is still not on a satisfactory level, but maximum efforts are being in-

ed for efficient exploitation of

vested in the improvement of

wood mass, a favourable possibility for the develop-

complete infrastructure. Despotovac owns significant

ment of wood processing capacities with an already

road infrastructure, and a network for railway traffic.

contact:

existing infrastructure. We have good quality agricul-

Milosava Zdravkovića Resavca 4 35213 Despotovac, Srbija Phone: +381-35-611-006 Fax: +381-35-613-606 E-Mail: sodespotovac@ptt.rs www.despotovac.rs

tural land for the development of different cultures,

• Is administration equipped to issue the necessary per-

developed road infrastructure in rural environments,

mits to future investors in the shortest possible period?

favourable conditions for development of raising cat-

- The municipal administration is staffed and tech-

tle, an unpolluted environment which contributes to

nically equipped to provide all the necessary docu-

the development healthy food production. Tourist po-

mentation for potential investors in the shorted pe-

tentials include the Manasija Monastery, the endow-

riod possible. ■

Serbian Potentials |

24

| The Investors Guide

golubac

gornji milanovac

ivanjica

The Biggest National Park in Serbia

Modern Urban Town

Healthy Environment

Culturally, historically and economically, Gornji Milanovac is an important part of Serbia

The most important foreign trading partners of the municipality are Spain, Syria and Italy

Owing to its good geographical position, Gornji Milanovac has been methodically developing from a small borough to a modern municipality with exceptional economic potential. The municipality covers an area of 836 km2 and has the population of 44,438. Industrial zones are located near the M-22 main road and they are mostly occupied by production plants. The General Zoning Plan envisages the zone extending around Gornji Milanovac. A new industrial zone is supposed to be formed along the route of the future BelgradeSouth Adriatic motorway. The local authorities are ready to provide expert and technical assistance to potential investors while required permits and documents are issued within the legally stipulated deadlines. Foreign investors have acquired shares in quite a few local companies, and they come

Ivanjica is situated in southwestern part of Serbia known as the Starovlaški-Raški Plateau. It covers an area of 1,090 km2 which is covered in dense forests and arable land. This is the sixth biggest municipality in Serbia. It is 224 km from Belgrade. The most important economic branches here are processing industry, wood process-

Golubac lies on the widest section of the Danube River The town and municipality of Golubac is in East Serbia, on the right bank of the River Danube. It covers an area of 368 square kilometers. Golubac is 130 km from Belgrade if you take the M25.1 regional road (Belgrade-

Kladovo) which is also the most important transport route in the municipality (the socalled Đerdap highway). The River Danube is the main channel here and the town itself lies on the widest section of the river. In order for river tourism to develop, investments are needed in the river banks and ports. There is a plan to construct a marina that will comply with the European standards. Also, this is the home to the biggest national park in Serbia, where hunting and fishing are very popular. Agriculture and industry are the two biggest economic branches in Golubac. The municipality has allocated a land plot near the regional road that will be used as an industrial zone. Water, electricity and sewage are all nearby, and optical cable has been installed. Local authorities advise investing in quarrying, wood processing, and fruit and vegetable growing. Contact Zoran Pajkić, Municipal president Saša Bogićević The Local Economic Development Office Cara Lazara 15, 12223 Golubac Tel. +381 (0) 64 85 89 323; Fax +381 (0) 12 678 128 E-mail: office@golubac.org.rs

from Slovenia, Sweden, Norway, Luxembourg and Italy. Gornji Milanovac is a modern urban town that has full infrastructure. All towns and villages in the municipality are linked to regional roads and the Ibar motorway via local paved roads. Tetra Pak factory in Gornji Milanovac has been declared the best plant in Tetra Pak Group on two occasions.

ing, textile production, and growing raspberries and potatoes. The municipality’s export to import ratio is 92% and its most important foreign trading partners are Spain, Syria, Italy, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Germany. The municipality mostly imports from Hungary, Austria, Italy and the Czech Republic. Ivanjica is known as a tourist destination because of its air spa. There is also the Golija Mountain which is a protected nature reserve. There are many tourism projects to be implemented here. The industrial zone is regulated by the General Spatial Plan and is located between Senjak and Bukovica. Ownership of several land plots is still not properly defined. Investors can acquire a building permit in five days providing they have submitted complete documentation.

Contact Milisav Mirković Municipal president Takovska 2, 32300 Gornji Milanovac Tel. +381 32 720 280 Fax +381 32 720 282 E-mail: predsednik@gornjimilanovac.rs

Contact Milomir Zorić Municipal president Venjamina Marinkovića 1, 32250 Ivanjica Tel: +381 32 661 444, Mobile phone : +381 64 88 99 450 E-mail : soivanjica@sezampro.iu; Website: www.ivanjica.rs Spoken languages: Serbian and English

Serbian Potentials |

25

| The Investors Guide

jagodina

knić

knjaževac

Town of the Future

Rural Tourism

At the Foothill of Stara Planina

Jagodina has experienced an extremely fast economic and structural development

Knić has almost ideal conditions for production of organic food

Knjaževac is connected to other towns by roads and railways

Jagodina is situated in the central part of Pomoravlje County. It is only 136 km south of Belgrade and 130 km north of Niš. The town lies on the A-10 corridor of the international motorway E-75. Jagodina is at the very heart of Pomoravlje. Jagodina spans across 470 km2, and it rests at the foot of the Đurđevo Hill, in the val-

The municipality of Knić is situated in Šumadija County and it covers an area of 413 square kilometers. The municipality also stretches along the railway corridor Belgrade-Kraljevo-Skopje. It is linked to the E-75 motorway, the Ibar motorway, and the M-23 and M-23.1 roads. The municipality has the following natural resources: arable land, mineral raw materials, waterways and favourable conditions for development of tourism. Investors are advised to invest in agricultural processing of meat and plants, dairy, fruit and vegetable production, dryers, cheese production, meat production, production of baking goods and confectionery. Knić has almost ideal conditions for production of organic food in a clean environment which, again, is a prerequisite for develop-

The municipality of Knjaževac is situated in east Serbia, along the border with the Republic of Bulgaria, in Timok region. It spans an area of 1,202 km2 and is the fourth largest municipality in Serbia. Most of the municipality lies in a mountainous area. The highest point in the municipality is

ley surrounding Belica. Rivers Velika Morava and Lugomir flow through the town. Mountains Juhor and Crni Vrh stretch west of the Velika Morava River. Jagodina has a total of 248 km of roads - 5 regional and 32 local roads. A 30-km segment of the international motorway E-75 is nearby. Investing in tourism is one of the priorities of the local government. Since 2004, Jagodina has been experiencing an extremely fast economic and structural development. A 150-hectare-industrial zone is only 500 metres from the motorway. In line with the programme for attracting foreign investments, the land with complete infrastructure is leased out to investors for free providing they hire certain number of workers. A tourist & sport complex, which contains a water park, the Zoo, the Wax Museum, and the stadium of FC Jagodina all complement the economic development of Jagodina. Contact Ratko Stevanović Mayor Kralja Petra I br 6 35000 Jagodina Tel: ++381 35 224 636 E-mail: sojagodina@gmail.com

ment of rural, agricultural and eco-tourism. Industrial zone spans across 40 hectares of land and has complete infrastructure. The land here is not owned by the municipality, while only 10% of the zone is currently occupied. There is a 7-day-deadline for the local administration to issue zoning permits. Contact Borislav Busarac Municipal president 34 240 Knić Tel. +381-34-511-999 Fax: +381-34-510-113 E-mail: office@knic.rs

Serbian Potentials |

Midžor on Stara Planina (The Old Mountain) standing at 2,169 metres. The municipality has 85 villages and one town. Its population stands at 37,172, out of which 19,705 is urban population. Knjaževac is connected to other towns by roads and railways. It is 280 km from Belgrade, 40 km from Zaječar, 60 km from Niš, 41 km from Sovia and 110 km from Prahovo on the Danube River. The municipality has been investing in development of agriculture and tourism. Stara Planina has great resources for development of winter tourism, while the forests here are full of game which is ideal for development of hunting tourism. Stara Planina is an environmentally clean area. Babin Zub, Draganište and Golema Reka have been declared exceptionally important nature reserves, while the Bigreni Creek waterfall has the status of natural hydrological monument. Contact Milan Djokić Kraka Municipal president Milosa Obilica 1, 19350 Knjaževac Tel. +381 19 732 730 Fax +381 19 732 730 E-mail: soknjazevac@open.telekom.rs

26

| The Investors Guide

koceljeva

kosjerić

kraljevo

Flora and Fauna

Rural Tourism

Future Lies in Machine Industry

Agricultural production dominates the municipality’s economy

The town of Kraljevo lies on important roads and railroads thus having a favourable geo-strategic position

Municipal authorities guarantee that required permits and approvals will be issued in the shortest possible time The municipality of Koceljeva is located in Mačvanski County and its covers an area of 25.72 hectares. The town of Koceljeva is 80 km west of Belgrade and Belgrade Airport, while the nearest port on the Sava River is only 30 km away. The main economic branches here are agriculture, production and non-metal processing. The municipality has an industrial zone span-

ning across 30 hectares of land. The zone has water supply, electricity, ground telephone lines, sewage etc. If an investor decides to open a production facility in Koceljeva, he will have to pay only 20% of its utility bills. Investors are also entitled to many other benefits if they invest in other parts of the municipality. The municipality is almost ideal for development of rural tourism. We have clean nature, mild climate, clean air, unpolluted rivers and abundant flora and fauna. Beautiful nature and rich cultural heritage are coupled by the hospitality of the local population who treat each guest as a friend. The food here is versatile and healthy.

Contact Veroljub Matić Municipal president Nemanjina 74 15220 Koceljeva Tel: +381-15-556-322; Fax: +381-15-556-355 E-mail : predsednik@koceljeva.gov.rs

The town and municipality of Kosjerić are situated in a mountainous area of Zlatibor County, West Serbia. The municipality covers an area of 358 km2 with 19,682 hectares being arable land. The Belgrade-Bar railroad passes through Kosjerić and links local industrial railway to Kosjerić cement plant. Kosjerić is also one of the towns on the Novi Sad-Šabac - Valjevo - Kosjerić - Požega Užice - Prijepolje - Bijelo Polje road. The municipality is also linked to the Ibar motorway. The companies here are mostly privately owned and they are usually engaged in service industry, production of metal constructions and chemical industry. Agricultural production is quite extensive and widespread. The area is known for its raspberries (yield of 4,000 tons annually) and plums. The municipality would also like to develop snail and fish farming, as well as straw-

berry and mushroom growing. Tourism in Kosjerić is mostly rural while the number of tourists who visit this area keeps growing year-on-year, as does the local tourist accommodation. Local government thinks that rural development in Kosjerić should be based on organic food production due to the good quality of land, clean environment and availability of renewable energy resources. Contact Miljan Stojanić Municipal president Olge Grbić 10, 31260 Kosjerić Tel. +381 31 783 582 Fax +381 31 781 441 E-mail : predsednik@kosjeric.rs

Serbian Potentials |

27

Territory wise, Kraljevo is the biggest municipality in Serbia since it covers an area of 1,530 square kilometers. The municipality has a good geo-strategic position since important road and railways intersect here. Kraljevo is an economic, commercial and industrial centre in southwest Serbia.

Rich cultural and historical heritage and natural resources carry a significant tourist potential. The town has a long machine building and machining tradition. The most important industrial branches here are machine industry, metal processing, food industry and wood processing. In terms of industrial zones, there is a location suitable for brownfield investments in the Medijapan production area. The zone has production halls that cover a total of 6,000 m2 while the total surface of the concomitant land plots is close to 6 hectares. This location has the required utility infrastructure. The Šeovac industrial zone is suitable for greenfield investments. It covers an area of 153.29 hectares. Lađevci Military Airport is only 8 km away. This zone also has the relevant utility infrastructure. The Stari Aerodrom industrial zone covers an area of 9.58 hectares. The zone has land plots suitable for construction, and, just like other zones, has utility infrastructure. Contact Dragan Jovanović Municipal president Trg Jovana Sarića broj 1 36000 Kraljevo Tel. +381-36-312-838č Fax +381-36-306-015 E-mail: gradonacelnik@kraljevo.org

| The Investors Guide

Kladovo

Energy of the Danube Great potentials lie in the improvement of river traffic and the construction of a pier for international passenger traffic. Kladovo Municipality made technical documentation for the construction of an international passenger pier, with the intention to take maximal advantage of Corridor VII

T Radovan Arezina Municipal President

“The main business is production of electric energy”

he Kladovo Municipality is a border area on

left side of the Belgrade-Kladovo trunk road, on the

whose territory is the border crossing with

bank of Danube, at the northwest entrance to the

Romania and, 50 km away, the border crossing

city. Funded by the IPA Program of Cross-Border

with Bulgaria. “The extraordinary geographic position

Cooperation between Romania and Serbia, Kladovo

of Kladovo Municipality has conditioned the great

Municipality drafted project and technical documen-

natural and cultural and historical potentials we have

tation, which includes 12 projects and covers the re-

at our disposal,” stated Radovan Arezina, President of

construction and conservation of the entire complex

Kladovo Municipality.

on 16.37 ha. The estimated value of these works is €8.5 million.

• Which potentials and advantages would you particu-

The territory of this municipality represents a suit-

larly point out to potential investors?

able area for development of agriculture because of

- The Danube passes through our municipality for

the good quality of land, favourable climate and vi-

92 km. Great potentials lie in

cinity of water. The municipality

the improvement of river traffic

has around 29,000 ha of arable

and the construction of a pier

land where most represented

for international passenger traf-

agricultural branches are pre-

fic (Kladovo Municipality made

sent: crop farming, viticulture,

technical documentation for the

orcharding, vegetable garden-

construction of an international

ing and beekeeping. Kladovo

passenger pier, and we have to

Municipality has drafted a

make project documentation in

Feasibility Study for the Ključ

the future period as well), with

irrigation system, which would

the intention to take maximal advantage of Corridor VII, one of the most important European roads, and also in development of nautical tourism and recreational water sports activities. The rich cultural and historic heritage that the Roman Empire left during and in the

The territory of this municipality represents a suitable area for the development of agriculture because of the good quality of land, favourable climate and vicinity of water

beginning of 2nd century B.C.

enable greater yields, maximum usability of lots by changing cultures during the year, and it would improve the market supply of agricultural products. The territory is covered by around 28,000 ha of forests. 30% of Đerdap National Park’s surface spreads on the western part of this municipality, which

on today’s territory of Kladovo Municipality starts

offers potentials for development of different types

contact:

with Trajan’s Board, continues on the Via Traian road

of nature tourism (hiking, speleological, hunting, bird

Danijela Barać Kostadinović Assistant Municipal President for Information Tel: +381-19-808-066 Mob. +381-64-875-4035 E-mail: opstina@kladovonet.com

to Diana – Roman castrum (fortress), and ends with

watching, collecting of medicinal herbs and forest

the place where Trajan built a beautiful bridge on the

fruits).

Danube (Kladovo Municipality made a Trajan’s Bridge

A favourable position of the business zone, its

Rehabilitation Program, a program for the rehabilita-

good traffic connectivity and the vicinity of the

tion of the entire Pontes site).

Danube River will enable the construction of new pro-

The Fetislam medieval fortress is located on the Serbian Potentials |

28

duction plants, storage and cargo handling facilities,

| The Investors Guide

as well as the creation of new business facili-

Davidovac-Kladušnica business zone would

tric energy – water energy and the fairway

ties on around 16 ha with 24 lots and the op-

create good conditions for foreign and do-

system of the Đerdap Water Power Plant, and

tion for further expansion up to 60 ha. Kladovo

mestic investments, and for investments in

there is also a shareholding company for offer-

Municipality made a Detailed Regulation Plan,

SMEs via national and municipal development

ing services, Đerdap Usluge, industrial produc-

Main Project for Traffic Infrastructure, Water

funds.

tion within privatized and newly opened private enterprises – Brodogradilište (Shipyard) with a

Pipeline and Sewage. It is necessary to make the main project for the electric grid and to

• What kind of infrastructure can you offer to

slipway for the largest river-sea vessels, and

start communal equipping and further invest-

investors?

Almag doo, an enterprise for the production and

ments in the Business Zone.

- We are connected to Belgrade and Niš via

repair of metal products and services, and pro-

trunk roads. A good road network exists be-

duction of metal constructions and construction

• In your opinion, investments in which corpo-

tween all the settlements in this municipali-

parts, Delta Petrol d.o.o – company that deals in

rate branches are the most efficient?

ty, as well as the possibility to connect to util-

export-import, storage, trade and road and riv-

- In comparison to potentials and develop-

ity infrastructure. All the settlements have a

er transport of petroleum products, the Đerdap

ment possibilities, it would be most efficient

controlled water pipeline network, and around

and Aquastar Danube hotels, and the Karataš

to invest in agriculture and tourism. When it

70% of settlements have a sewage network.

Youth and Sports Centre, KMD Company doo

comes to primary agricultural production and

The town of Kladovo itself is almost entirely

construction company, agricultural coop Ključ,

its supporting industry, the best chances lie in

covered with sewage network.

Miroč AD and Tekijanka doo trading enterprises.

orcharding, viticulture, and then in crop farming, vegetable gardening and raising cattle, as well as in the primary processing of these

We have a counter for filing documentation in the municipal administration and a guide for construction permits, which greatly facilitates the investors’ job

products. Great surfaces

• Is administration equipped to issue the necessary permits to future investors in the shortest possible period? - The municipal adminis-

of agricultural land, favourable climate con-

• What was built in comparison to last year,

tration is equipped to issue all the neces-

ditions and a trained work force represent a

when it comes to infrastructural facilities, in-

sary conditions and permits when it comes

great basis for the development of agricultur-

dustrial zones… and which projects are cur-

to local public enterprises within the short-

al production.

rently in progress?

ed period possible. We have a counter for

The biggest, and the most diverse area for

- Over the past period we worked on the

filing documentation in municipal admin-

potential investing, regarding the content, is

construction of the Davidovac-Kladušnica

istration and a guide for construction per-

tourism. The municipality has abundant natural

Business Zone, where we prepared the pro-

mits, which greatly facilitates the investors’

resources – the Đerdap Gorge with a section of

ject and technical documentation. Kladovo

job, and they can also address the respon-

the Veliki kazan (Large Cauldron) and Mali ka-

Municipality made a Detailed Regulation Plan,

sible service with all the questions they

zan (Small Cauldron), the banks and beaches

Main Project for Traffic Infrastructure, Water

might have.

of the Danube, the flora and fauna of Đerdap

Pipeline and Sewage. Over the next period, we

Nature Park, the cultural and architectural her-

will work on the Main project for the electric

• What else would you especially like to point

itage and historical monuments and tourist ca-

grid and communal equipping of the location.

out?

pacities in hotels, motels and private housing, with a number of events during the summer. Development of the corporate sector through construction and equipping of the

- Aside from all potentials and possibilities • Which companies are already doing busi-

that Kladovo Municipality offers, I would es-

ness-manufacturing in Kladovo?

pecially like to point out hospitality and open-

- The main business is the production of elec-

ness of our citizens. ■

Serbian Potentials |

29

| The Investors Guide

Kragujevac

Fiat Draws in Investors Kragujevac is the industrial, higher education, healthcare, cultural and sport centre of Šumadija and Central Serbia

“O Veroljub Stevanović Mayor of Kragujevac

“We provide the full logistics support both to foreign and domestic investors”

ur investment potential and incentives

(also used by Fiat to transport its latest model Fiat

for investors are reflected in that an in-

500L). River transport is carried out via the Danube

vestor is given the right to have the auc-

port of Smederevo.

tioned amount of the land rent reduced depending

Kragujevac University has 12 faculties with over

on the number of his employees and the costs of the

19,100 students. The town also has a number of el-

workplace. Namely: if an investor has from 5 to 19 em-

ementary and high schools, with educational institu-

ployees, the incentive is €2,000 per workplace, from

tions enjoying the unconditional support of local au-

20 to 50 employees - €2,500 per workplace, from 51

thorities. Apart from having a health clinic, the Public

to 200 employees - €5,000 per workplace, and over

Pharmacies of Kragujevac, the Dentistry Institute and

200 employees - €7,000 per workplace. If an inves-

the Emergency Room, Kragujevac is a town to which

tor opens an IT or software engineering company, the

two million people gravitate. The town also has a sports

incentive, for companies with more than 20 employ-

stadium, the Jezero Sport Hall, the Park Hall, an indoor

ees, is €15,000 per employee.” – says the Mayor of

swimming pool, the Milorad Čavić Swimming Academy,

Kragujevac Veroljub Stevanović.

and the most modern bowling alley and shooting range

He underlines that fo re i g n

in the Balkans.

co m p a n i e s

which open their offic-

When asked what would

es in Kragujevac cover-

be the most profitable in-

ing the territory of Serbia

vestment in Kragujevac,

and beyond, are entitled

the town’s Mayor replies:

to a reduced and guar-

- Apart from the car in-

anteed rent of €10,000

dustry, the best branch-

per hectare of land pro-

es for investing are in

viding they hire at least

catering and tourism.

20 people per each hec-

Kragujevac needs more

tare of land they rent. The town has good quality utility and transport infrastructures and is well-connected to nearby towns. Kragujevac is 140 km from Belgrade, and in close proximity to the pan-European route,

Our approach to investors is very dedicated, and, in matter of only a few years, Kragujevac went from being in "the valley of the hungry" to "the city of the future". In terms of the development and investment criteria, we jumped from the 137th place to the 3rd place in Serbia

Corridor X. The town will

hotels since we keep getting more and more tourists, as well as people who are moving here. Our approach to investors is very dedicated, and, in matter of only a few years, Kragujevac went from being in “the valley of the hungry” to

be linked to Corridor X by a 26-km first class main

“the city of the future”. In terms of the development

contact:

road (the remaining 10-km segment is currently be-

and investment criteria, we jumped from the 137th

Nebojša Vasiljević Member of the City Council for Investments and Development of City Resources Telephone: +381 34 506 103 E-mail: n.vasiljevic@gmail.com

ing built). Apart from the extensive road network, the

place to the 3rd place in Serbia. Our formula is to in-

railways here will take you in four different directions:

vest as much as we can, even during the economic cri-

Belgrade and Budapest, Niš and Sofia, Podgorica and

sis, obtain the cheapest possible loans, keep the in-

Bar (seaport) and Skopje and Thessaloniki (seaport).

vestments going, create an investment-conducive en-

Maritime transport is carried out via the Port of Bar

vironment, be quick on our toes once the investors

which can be reached by the Kragujevac-Bar railroad

come and promote ourselves.

Serbian Potentials |

30

| The Investors Guide

Kragujevac has several industrial zones with

the first class Kragujevac-Lapovo road by the

process, i.e., thanks to the acquisition of com-

the required infrastructure. Mr. Stevanović adds:

year’s end. This road will connect Kragujevac

panies formerly owned by the state and green-

- Several industrial zones have either partial

to Corridor X. Also, there is a plan to construct

field investments, we now have companies

or full infrastructure and these are: Skladište,

a northbound bypass, four lanes of the road in

like Meggle (Germany), NTUP, TPV and Viator

Servis I, Servis II, Denino Brdo, Tankosićeva,

Knez Miloš Street in the town’s centre and the

& Vector (Slovenia), Intertras (Bulgaria), Rap

Petrovac, Metino brdo, Cvetojevac, and

Mala Vaga roundabout. The construction of a

Marine (Norway), and Hödlmayr (Austria) doing

the zone stretching along the M11 motor-

new building that will house the Emergency

business here. Other significant investors are

way. There are 1,440 companies operating

Room will start in a few days, while, following

large supermarket chains like Metro, Mercator

in Kragujevac with most of them being small

the signing of an agreement with the Ministry

(Roda Center), Delta, DIS, Idea and the big-

enterprises (94%). Four percent are medium

of Education and Kragujevac University,

gest among them, Israeli company Plaza which

companies and 2% are large en-

opened a huge shopping mall in

terprises. The predominant eco-

March last year. Also, Supernova

nomic branches are commerce,

has announced its arrival.

followed by the processing indus-

In terms of the processing in-

try, research & development, tech-

dustry, the most important inves-

nical innovation industry, trans-

tors are Forma Ideale (furniture pro-

port industry, storage and logistics.

duction), Meggle and Kuč Company

The average salary in Kragujevac in

(dairies), Flores (beverage produc-

December 2012 was 38,547 dinars.

tion), Prizma (production of medi-

The water supply and sewage

cal equipment) and Swisslion (confectionary).

grid cover 93% and 73% of the town's territory respectively, while 78% of households (46,471) have

Local administration is also do-

gas supply.

ing its part in issuing the required

The town is rapidly developing which can be seen in the newly built facilities, new companies and projects that have been implemented in the last year or so.

The most important investor is certainly the Italian carmaker Fiat which formed a joint venture company called Fiat Automobili Srbija with the Serbian government. The value of this investment is over a billion euros

The mayor notes that:

permits. - “We provide the full logistics support both to foreign and domestic investors in terms of helping them with obtaining the required documents. Location permits are usually issued in sev-

- All four suppliers of Fiat in Grošnica - Johnson

we are going to start building a Centre for

en days at the most, providing that investors

Controls, Sigit, PMC and HTL - launched their

Regenerative Medicine with a Stem Cell Bank.

don’t have additional requirements. Building

production in March. A new model of Fiat, the

This institute will be managed by the Faculty

permits are issued in two days at the most

500 L, is produced in Kragujevac, and it had its

of Medicine and will be the first of its kind in

from the moment an investor submits the

premiere at the Geneva Car Show. 80% of the

the Balkans. The town authorities provided a

completed, technically correct and approved

parts for this particular model are produced in

1.7 hectare land plot for free. The retail value

main project design.”

Serbia. Fiat’s suppliers in Grošnica produce

of this land plot is €2.5 million.

Mayor Stevanović points out that Kragujevac is way ahead of other towns in re-

over 60 different parts for the Fiat 500L and close to €60 million was spent on their pro-

Kragujevac is definitely very appealing to for-

gard to investments and development poten-

duction equipment.

eign investors and the list of the foreign com-

tial. “I have to mention the great results ac-

panies which operate here just proves that. Mr.

complished by the water polo players from

VIP Mobile has spent €3.2 million on the open-

Stevanović talks about the biggest foreign in-

Kragujevac, as well as by BC Radnički, the in-

ing of a regional telecommunications centre in

vestors:

door soccer team Ekonomac, the American

Kragujevac.

- The most important investor is certain-

football team Wild Boars, as well as our vol-

- Local authorities provided 104 million dinars

ly Italian carmaker Fiat which formed a joint

leyball and handball players. To that end, we

for construction and the latest equipment for

venture company called Fiat Automobili Srbija

would like to invite investors to come here

the Health Station and School Dispensary in

with the Serbian government. The value of this

since if there was enough room for Fiat, there

downtown Kragujevac, where 18,000 adults

investment is over a billion euros. The four

will be enough room for them too. Our motto

and 15,000 children can receive treatment.

biggest suppliers of Fiat are situated in the

is: ‘Choose to be in the company of success-

Grošnica Free Zone. Through the privatization

ful people!’” •

The plan is also to finish constructing

Serbian Potentials |

31

| The Investors Guide

Krupanj

Former Factory as Industrial Zone The municipality of Krupanj has a number of available production halls with complete infrastructure which are suitable investment locations

T Rade Grujić Municipal President

“Hydro-potential provides opportunities for investing in renewable energy resources”

he climate of the Rađevina area and the micro-

vite investors from all over the world to come and see

climate of Krupanj are the two important com-

what we have to offer and invest their money wisely.

ponents for tourism development in the munic-

Apart from its natural potential, agriculture, min-

ipality. Many waterways (mountain springs) and the

ing, and tourism, Krupanj also plans to work on de-

river network density of 962 m/km offer the possibil-

veloping industry since there are a number of

ity of investing in renewable energy resources. Most

available production halls that used to belong to

of the population in Krupanj is engaged in agriculture.

Krupanjka Company. Following many failed attempts

Crops here are not treated with pesticides and can

to privatize the company, the municipal authorities

be considered organic food. Agricultural production is

acquired the factory and the intention is to use it as

the basis for the development of a processing indus-

an industrial zone.

try. The municipality has abundant mineral deposits

ered space, namely production

and smelting tradition. Excellent

halls, warehouses, workshops,

tourism potential and the tradi-

offices and laboratories. The fac-

tion in sports and recreational

tory complex has its own heating

tourism are good starting points

plant, power substation, waste-

for development.

water treatment plant, com-

The municipality has a num-

pressed air facility, private water

ber of available production halls

supply, air-conditioning and dis-

with complete infrastructure

trict heating system. The produc-

which are suitable investment

tion halls and warehouses are

locations. Local administration

between three and six metres

is technologically trained, and there is a good ground and mobile telephone coverage. The municipality has a land registry, and the permit issuing procedure is fast. The municipal authorities have stated their development goals and priorities in a stratecontact:

Rade Grujić Municipal president Maršala Tita 2 15314 Krupanj Tel. +381 15 581 101 Fax +381 15 581 103 E mail: krupanjso1@open.telekom.rs

The factory has over 30,000 square metres of cov-

and is known for a long mining

Krupanj has a large qualified workforce and a raw-material base namely fruits, vegetables, medicinal herbs, milk, meat, wood, stone, various ores, hydropotential and others

gic plan. They are: improving the

high, while the factory grounds cover four hectares. Krupanj has a large qualified workforce and a raw-material base namely fruits, vegetables, medicinal herbs, milk, meat, wood, stone, various ores, hydro-potential and others. Processing capacities are absolutely needed here. Investors are provided with complete in-

way local administration works, developing infrastruc-

frastructure and a very favourable business climate.

ture, bolstering primary agricultural production, intro-

The municipal authorities have drafted a gener-

ducing modern technology and standards, raising pro-

al zoning plan, a spatial plan, detailed zoning plans,

cessing capacities, and creating the prerequisites for

studies and projects which regulate the terms, condi-

the development of wood and metal processing in-

tions and procedures for issuing various permits and

dustries and crafts.

approvals. The local administration is well-trained and

Investing in these branches would be to mutual satisfaction and benefit, therefore we would like to inSerbian Potentials |

32

prepared to act swiftly and efficiently to any request from an investor. ■

| The Investors Guide

Kuršumlija

Municipality with Three Spas An important railway and road route – Niš-Prokuplje-Kuršumlija-Kosovo Polje – passes through the valley of the rivers Toplica and Kosanica

K

Rodoljub Vidić Municipal President

“There are three spas in the municipality – Lukovska, Prolom and Kuršumlijska – and they all have many mineral water springs”

uršumlija is in South Serbia, in Toplički County,

bottled and packaged in the Prolom Spa, and then

and, for the most part, lies on the upper reach-

distributed all over the country and abroad. Judging

es of the River Toplica. The municipality covers

by the completed studies about geo-thermal water,

an area of 952 square km and has 21,608 inhabitants

the Kuršumlijska spa is one of the spas that have the

living in 90 towns and villages.

highest number of different mineral water springs.

The municipality was built on the remnants of an

The municipality is also known for an extremely rare

ancient Roman town, and it lies on the strategical-

geo-morphological phenomenon called Đavolja Varoš

ly important Niš-Priština-Peć road. For the most part,

(The Devil’s Town). The Toplica Forest Husbandry man-

the 105-km long southwest border of the municipal-

ages the big game farm called Miloševa Voda on the

ity coincides with the natural and administrative bor-

Sokolovica Mountain.

der between Toplica and Kosovo, with two main bends

The municipal authorities advise investing in

– Merdare and Prepolac. An important railway and

the wood processing industry, tourism, fruit growing,

road route – Niš-Prokuplje-Kuršumlija-Kosovo Polje

livestock breeding and dynamic industrial branches

– passes through the valley of the rivers Toplica and

like textile and energy (construction of solar power

Kosanica.

plants, small hydro-power plants and biomass ther-

With regard to its potential and benefits for future investors, Kuršumlija has a cheap and good qual-

Depending on individual investor needs, there

ity workforce and natural resources. Since the munici-

is an opportunity to make brownfield investments in

pality is considered one of the most undeveloped mu-

the MK 7th July.The second facility in the village of

nicipalities in Serbia, the state authorities will grant

Kosanička Rača, has complete infrastructure, as well.

incentives for investors who

The building which used to

decide to invest here (SIEPA

house MK 7th July Company in

grants from €4,000 to €10,000 per each new employee, the Development

Fund

grants

long-term loans with an annual interest rate of 2%, while the National Employment Service provides subsidies for new jobs contact:

Radoljub Vidić Municipal President Tel: +381 27 381 374 Snežana Radović Head of the Local Economic Development Office Tel: ++381 27 381 584 Proleterskih brigada bb 18430 Kuršumlija E-mail: privredakursumlija@gmail.com

mal plants).

up to the amount of 300,000 di-

With regard to its potential and benefits for future investors, Kuršumlija has a cheap and good quality workforce and natural resources

nars). Potential investors could

Kuršumlija has 6,403 square metres and is located in the centre of Kuršumlija (Kosovska Street). The building is three storeys high. The ground floor has a restaurant and business premises. The textile company 7th July occupied this building in the 1980s. The company had close to 800 employees. The building is 200 metres

be exempt from paying local taxes depending on the size of their investment and

from the railway station, 50 km from the Niš-Belgrade

the number of new workers they hire.

motorway and 60 km from the nearest airport.

The only local company that is relatively financial-

Depending on the size of an investment and the

ly sound is Planinka Tourist Company which bottles

number of workers that an investor plans to hire, the

the famous Prolom Water from the Prolom Spa.

municipality of Kuršumlija can co-finance the con-

There are three spas in the municipality –

struction of infrastructure on available land plots. The

Lukovska, Prolom and Kuršumlijska – and they all

money for this could come either from the municipal

have many mineral water springs. Prolom water is

or the state budget. ■

Serbian Potentials |

33

| The Investors Guide

Kučevo

Natural Wealth The clean and unpolluted land on the territory of this municipality is a good place for potential investors who are interested in the production and processing of food, especially organic food

K Zoran Milekić Municipal President

“The Municipality has brownfield locations for different uses at its disposal”

učevo Municipality is located in southeast ar-

- Kučevo is rich in thermal mineral waters, which was

ea of Braničevo County and spreads over the

reaffirmed by all previous analyses and a project of

outer slopes of the Homolje Mountains with a

hydro-geological exploration of thermal waters on

gradual transfer to Stig Valley, and it includes a sur-

the territory of Kučevo Municipality, conducted at

face of 721 square km. The Municipality is intersect-

the Faculty of Mining and Geology of the Belgrade

ed by two significant roads: the M-24 trunk road and

University. Aside from this, locations for wind parks at

the Belgrade-Požarevac-Kučevo-Majdanpek-Prahovo

the Kučevo-Golubac-Đerdap National Park triangle al-

Port railway. The Kučevo Municipality is very well

so present a significant potential.

connected to the municipalities of Veliko Gradište

The clean and unpolluted land on the territo-

and Golubac, through which the River Danube pass-

ry of this municipality is a good place for potential

es, which connects this municipality to Corridor VII.

investors who are interested in the production and

The distance from the E-75 Belgrade-Niš highway is

processing of food, especially organic food, as well

70 km, so the geographic po-

as in use of tourist and hunt-

sition itself enables a rather

ing potential. This region is

simple distribution of goods

also rich in medicinal herbs

and materials, in the country

and is suitable for the com-

and in the region.

mercial growing of medicinal herbs.

“Natural wealth: forests, rock and quartz quarries, determined the structure of

• Is Municipal administration

corporate sector in Kučevo

equipped to issue necessary

Municipality in the past, but

permits to future investors in

there are investments in this

the shortest period possible?

sector today as well,” stated

- The municipal adminis-

Zoran Milekić, President of Kučevo Municipality. • What kind of infrastructure can you offer to investors? - The industrial zone is infrastructurally equipped with contact:

Zoran Milekić Municipal President Address: Svetog Save 76 12240 Kučevo Tel: +381-12-852-178 Fax: +381-12-852-684 E-mail: sokucevo@kucevo.rs Website: www.kucevo.rs; Spoken languages: Serbian and English

Kučevo is rich in thermal mineral waters, which was reaffirmed by all previous analyses and a project of hydro-geological exploration of thermal waters

a water pipeline and sew-

tration is constantly working on the improvement of its own capacities so it can issue construction permits to future investors in the shortest time possible. If the investor has all the necessary permits, he can

age network, and with low-voltage electrical grid. The

get a construction permit within a maximum pe-

zone itself also has an industrial rail track with an ex-

riod of 30 days because the municipality has an

tension option foreseen by the plan. The Municipality

adopted the General Regulation Plan for parts of

also has interesting brownfield locations for different

the Voluja and Neresnica settlements with indus-

uses at its disposal. Plans of Kučevo Municipality de-

trial zones and the Plan of Detailed Regulation, en-

fined locations for construction of solar parks, which

titled “Protection of the Pek River basin with mul-

have been made available to future investors.

ti-purpose accumulations and construction of small water power plants”, which we hope to be a great

• What separates Kučevo from other municipalities, and

incentive in the procedure for issuing appropriate

why should foreign investors choose precisely this town?

permits to future investors. ■

Serbian Potentials |

34

| The Investors Guide

kruševac

lajkovac

lapovo

Town Surrounded by Spas

Cargo Centre

Promising Town

Henkel-Merima and Trayal Corporation are just some of the local companies that have been successfully privatized

Municipal authorities provide building permit incentives

The town of Kruševac is in Central Serbia, only 23 km from the pan-European Corridor X. Kruševac spans across 854 square kilometers. The nearest airport is the one in Niš, 80 km away, while the Port of Belgrade is 200 kilometres. The town lies on two rivers: Zapadna Morava and Rasina. A water reservoir on the

Lapovo is a small municipality and town in Central Serbia, Šumadija County, which covers only 55 square kilometers

Lajkovac is a small municipality and town in west Serbia, near Lazarevac. It lies in the valley of the Kolubara River, near the Ibar motorway which is the main transit route from Serbia to Montenegro. The municipality covers an area of 186 km2. It is 69 km from Belgrade and 27 km from Valjevo. The industrial zone spans across 104.5 hectares of land and is suitable for SMEs. The benefits that this business and commercial zone provides are the close proximity to main roads and cargo transport (the Belgrade-Bar railway and the Ibar motorway are nearby). Belgrade is only 70 km away if you take the Niš-Belgrade motorway via Aranđelovac. The Adriatic motorway is 4 km from the zone. The zone is also close to the Danube and the Sava rivers and centres of business activity like Čačak, Aranđelovac, Obrenovac, Ub and

River Rasina has been built, some 20 km from Krušeavac. This is also the location of a water factory. In terms of infrastructure, 85% of the municipal territory has water supply and sewage. There is also the Pojate-Kruševac gas pipeline, a well-developed road and railway transport, Rosulje Airport, mobile and ground telephony grids and the Internet connection. Machining, chemical / textile industry and service sector dominates Kruševac’s economy. Henkel-Merima and Trayal Corporation are just some of the local companies that have been successfully privatized. Other companies, like IMK 14. Oktobar and Župa Chemical Industry are undergoing privatization. There are several spas in the area, including the Vrnjačka and Ribarska spa with health and tourist attractions. The woody mountain of Jastrebac is only 20 km away, while the biggest ski centre in Serbia – Kopaonik – is 90 km from Kruševac. Contact Bratislav Gasić Mayor Gazimestanska BB 37000 Kruševac Tel. ++381 37 414 739; Fax ++381 37 438 208 E-mail : protokol@krusevac.rs

Valjevo. The price of land here is lower than in Belgrade and neighbouring municipalities. The land in the industrial zone is privately owned and has a partial infrastructure. The municipality provides incentives for building permits. The cost of a permit can be reduced by up to 50% depending on how many new workers the investor is going to hire. Contact Živorad Bojičić Municipal president Omladinski trg 1, 14224 Lajkovac Tel: +381 (0) 14 3433-329 Fax: +381 (0) 14 3433-196 E-mail: opstinalajkovac@lajkovac.org.rs

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35

The municipality comprises of the town of Lapovo and the namesake village. Lapovo is one of the most promising towns in the area thanks to its geographical location. It is situated on the intersection of

the Belgrade-Niš road and the main regional railroad Belgrade-Skopje-Thessaloniki-Athens. The main economic branches here are construction, printing industry, chemical industry and commerce. With the development of road network, utility services and primary healthcare combined with natural resources the municipality has met the main prerequisites for further development. Lapovo wants to have a stable and safe economy that will be important for Serbia too. The Lapovo Free Zone is located between the E-75 international motorway and international railroads. It covers an area of around 80 hectares and can be extended. There are two 250 m2 halls and one 1,000 m2 hall here, while electrical and gas outlets are nearby. The municipality of Lapovo offers significant benefits for companies which hire new workers. Contact Nebojša Miletić Municipal president Njegoševa 18, 34220 Lapovo Tel: +381 (0) 34 853 516; Fax : +381 (0) 34 853 105 E-mail : office@lapovo.org Website: www.lapovo.org

| The Investors Guide

lebane

ljig

ljubovija

Forests Full of Game

Good Transport Accessibility

Tobacco and Raspberries

The climate and the land in the municipality of Lebane are ideal for keeping and breeding of all sorts of farm animals and game

The municipality has a number of industrial companies

Agriculture remains the most important economic branch in the municipality

Ljig is a town and a municipality in Kolubara County, spanning across 279 square kilometers and surrounded by mountains Rajac and Rudnik. The municipality has an excellent geographical position and good transport links. It is 80 km from Belgrade and 70 km from Čačak (via the Ibar motorway) and 38 km from Valjevo (via regional roads). The Rajac Mountain is only 10 km away, while Vrujci Span is 9 km away. Ljig’s geographical position is also suitable for agriculture. The municipality has over 300 registered orchards and 80% of them are plum orchards. The municipality has a number of industrial companies like construction material manufacturers, metal processing companies, food companies and tourism companies.

Ljubovija is located in western Serbia, Mačvanski County, and it lies on the right bank of the river Drina. The municipality is rather small territory-wise and it spans across 356 km2. It has a good geographical location. Agriculture is the most important economic branch here since it has the biggest

The municipality of Lebane is in the southwest part of Central Serbia, in the Jablanica basin. The municipality covers an area of 337 square kilometers and has 25,000 inhabitants. The pan-European Corridor X is only 20

km southwest from Lebane, while the city of Niš is 65 km away. Agricultural land in the municipality takes up 18,517 hectares, while 7,987 hectares are under forests. The climate and the land in the municipality of Lebane are ideal for keeping and breeding of all sorts of farm animals and game. Fruit is grown on 1,500 hectares, with 1,350 hectares of orchards privately owned. Apple, pear and cherry are grown on 150 hectares. The industrial zone is in the town’s centre and it spans across 12 hectares. The municipality’s advantages are cheap workforce, low land development fees and high quality agricultural produce. Permits can be obtained within the statutory time limits. The process of drilling of artesian wells has begun in Lebane. The flow rate of each well will be 7 litres of water per second which will improve the drinking water supply in the municipality. Contact Zoran Ilić Municipal president Cara Dušana 116, 16230 Lebane Tel. ++381 (0) 64 852 98 24 Fax: ++381 (0) 16 843 083 E-mail : info@lebane.org.rs

Tourism projects could be quite profitable for investing. The municipality has adopted a regulation plan for Ljig Spa and the Mountain Rajac, as well as for constructing a 175-hectare-industrial zone. Also, there is a plan is to build a road to the Adriatic coast via Užice which is significantly going to increase the area’s investment potential.

Contact Miodrag Starčević Municipal president Luke Spasojevića 7, 14240 Ljig Tel : +381 85 3445 030; Fax : +381 85 3446 044 E-mail : predsednikopstine@ljig.rs Website: www.ljig.rs

Serbian Potentials |

36

share in the municipal gross domestic product. Although, the number of farmers has been constantly declining, the agriculture is still the predominant branch, particularly fruit and vegetable growing. Yields have been increasing thanks to utilization of new varieties of fruits and vegetables, modern technology and latest machinery. Almost all households in the municipality are engaged in raspberry and tobacco production. Local authorities have allocated land plots for potential investors. The municipality’s industrial zone, which is occupied by many companies, is a perfect location for implementation of various projects and the local government is constantly on the lookout for serious investors. Industrial zones are located near the M-19 main road and the border with the Republic of Srpska. They have warehouses, production halls and office space. Contact Miroslav Mićić Municipal president Vojvode Mišića 45, 15320 Ljubovija Tel: +381 ( 0 ) 15 561 960; Fax : +381 ( 0 ) 15 562 870 Tel. / fax : +381 ( 0 ) 15 661 411 E-mail: predsednik@ljubovija.rs

| The Investors Guide

Leskovac

'Green Zone' for Investors One-stop-shop for business support and building permits

T Goran Cvetanović Municipality Mayor

he city of Leskovac is the administrative centre

ities in Macedonia stipulating joint activities on de-

of Jablanica County. It covers 1,025 square km

veloping the Green Zone. The municipal authorities

with 57% of the land being agricultural.

have adopted Detailed Regulation Plan no. 16 which

The Green Zone is an area of 98 hectares, owned

regulates the area that is the Green Zone. Also, the

by the local authorities, located in the north, 8 km

authorities have adopted the Development Plan for

from Corridor 10 and designated for investments in

the Green Zone which covers a 10-year-period. On

the processing industry (processing agricultural prod-

top of that, a document called ‘The Branding Plan –

ucts). The Green Zone has a strategic position since

Leskovac – Green Region” has been drafted in collab-

it is situated in South Serbia which borders with

oration with the EU Progress Programme. The study

Macedonia, the Autonomous Province of Kosovo and

on supply and demand of agricultural production in

Metohija in the west, Bulgaria in the east and Nis,

the region is pending. Investors will be given an opportunity to use the

Toplica and Pirot Counties in the north.

“Leskovac has designated agriculture as its strategic development branch so investments made in agriculture and food industry could be the most profitable”

Corridor 10 is the main transport artery that runs through the entire region and includes the E-75 mo-

With an adequate management format, the staff

border. The region lies on the transport corridor

in the Zone will be able to provide a wide range of

which is intersected by trains travelling from Europe

services to investors.

to Skopje, Thessaloniki and Athens.

Leskovac has designated agriculture as its strate-

Leskovac is 45 km from the Niš Airport, 150

gic development branch so investments made in ag-

km from Sofia Airport, 160 km from Skopje Airport,

riculture and food industry could be the most prof-

288 km from Belgrade Airport

itable. There are a total of 12,518

and 320 km from Thessaloniki

registered farms in Jablanica

Airport. All of these airports are

County which can provide both

international. The M1 main road

quantity and quality of products

passes through the Green Zone,

in order to satisfy the demands

splitting it in two segments.

of an ever growing market. This

The western part of the Zone

can be done through networking

stretches across 42 hectares

with large-scale producers in the

and has a full infrastructure (a

Green Zone.

total of €350,000 from the EU

Leskovac’s agricultural budg-

Progress Programme was spent

et for 2013 is 150 million dinars.

for the processing industry. The eastern part of the Zone doesn’t have infrastructure. It covers 56 hectares of land and is intended

Dr Goran Cvetanović Mayor Pana Djukića 9-11 16000 Leskovac Tel: +381 16 200 804 Fax: +381 16 252 522 E-mail: gradonacelnik@gradleskovac.org

period.

torway which links the Hungarian and Macedonian

on it). This segment is suitable

contact:

land in the Green Zone free of charge over a 99-year-

for distribution facilities and ag-

Investors will be given an opportunity to use the land in the Green Zone free of charge over a 99-year-period

ricultural product exchange.

By building infrastructure in the Green Zone, the municipality has met all the technical requirements needed for construction of business facilities in the Zone and installation of the secondary infrastructural grid which

The two segments are linked by a modern roundabout which will have a sign in the middle stating the names of all investor companies that are operating in the Zone.

will be built on individual land plots in line with investor needs. Last month, the city of Leskovac opened a onestop-shop for business support and building per-

The city of Leskovac has initiated and signed co-

mits which means that our administration is now ful-

operation agreements with the municipalities from

ly equipped and trained to issue permits to potential

Jablanica and Pcinja Counties, and the two municipal-

investors in the shortest time possible. ■

Serbian Potentials |

37

| The Investors Guide

loznica

lučani

majdanpek

The Centre of West Serbia

Trumpeters Brought Fame

Gold and Copper

Loznica is a desirable location both for living and working and the place with many ongoing projects

The municipality is known for fruit growing, as well as the Brass Bands Music Festival

The municipality and the town of Loznica lie in west Serbia. The town borders with Bosnia and Herzegovina, covers 612 km2 and has the population of 86,413. Nearly 60% of the land here is arable, 32% are forests and 9% of land is of remaining categories. The E-70 road is 80 km from Loznica, while the town is 80 km from Corridor X.

The municipality of Lučani is in western part of Serbia, it lies on the Moravica river, in the Dragačevo region. The municipality covers an area of 454 square kilometres. Roads and railroads here are functional and serve as links between the municipality, Belgrade and Montenegro. The municipality's popula-

The industry in Majdanpek is yet to be developed inside the industrial zone with the copper mine becoming the driving force behind the local economy

The M-19 road, which links the town to Belgrade, Bosnia & Herzegovina and the E-70 road, is 80 km away, Belgrade and Sarajevo airports are 110 and 130 km away respectively, while the BelgradeRuma-Loznica railroad connects the municipality to Bosnia and Central Serbia. The municipal terrain can be divided into three distinct categories; mountains Cer and Iverak to the north, the Jadar basin with alluvial valley of the river Drina in the middle, and the mountain range of Gučevo to the south. The town’s vision is to become the economic, tourist and cultural centre of west Serbia. Loznica is a desirable location both for living and working and the place with many ongoing projects which is a prerequisite for the arrival of large investments. The industrial zone, on 85 hectares of land, and the business & residential zone Lagator, which covers 20 hectares of land, both have an investment potential. The town of Loznica is one of the first three local communities in Serbia to have received the business friendly certificate. Contact Vidoje Petrović Mayor Karađorđeva 2, 15300 Loznica Tel. +381 15 879 200 Fax +381 15 882 921 and 879 206 E-mail: office@loznica.rs

tion stands at 25,000, with almost half of the workforce engaged in agricultural activities. A quarter of the workforce works in industry, while another quarter works in other economic branches. The municipality is famous for fruit and vegetable growing, namely raspberries, plums, apples and potatoes. The legendary Brass Bands Music Festival in Guča made Lučani and the surrounding area famous all over the world. The predominant economic branches here are agriculture, processing and chemical industry. The municipality has diversely qual-

ified workforce. A large industrial zone with complete infrastructure is nearby. Municipal authorities provide incentives for investors depending how many new jobs they create. There are plans to build an industrial park here. Permits are issued in the shortest possible timeframe.

Contact Mladomir Sretenović Municipal president, JNA 5, 32240 Lučani Tel. +381 (0) 32 817 333 Fax +381 (0) 32 817 347 E-mail: led.solucani@sezampro.rs

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38

The municipality of Majdanpek lies on the slopes of the South Carpathian Mountains in east Serbia, near the rivers Danube and Pek. It is situated in a predominantly highland area, on 932 square kilometers, and has the continental climate. The municipality has two towns

(Majdanpek, which is the administrative centre, and Donji Milanovac) and 12 villages. The area is known for its abundant copper and precious metal deposits. Mining tradition here is longer than anywhere else in Europe. The gold-bearing river of Pek has always been attracting gold hunters. The traditional gold panning techniques are still used in certain villages. The municipality of Majdanpek lies in the biggest forest and mining complex of east Serbia. The industry in Majdanpek is yet to be developed inside the industrial zone with the copper mine becoming the driving force behind the local economy and the production based on copper, gold, silver and other natural resources, like forests (wood). Permits are issued between 15 and 30 days, and there are many companies operating in the municipality. The Danube River and the Lepenski Vir Mesolithic archaeological site are important for tourism development. Contact Dragan Popović Municipal president 19250 Majdanpek Tel. +381 30 581 240 Fax +381 30 581 510 E-mail: predsednik@opstinamajdanpek.rs

| The Investors Guide

malo crniće

mali zvornik

medveđa

Healthy Relaxation

Power Plant at the Centre of Economy

Available Locations for Two Factories

Mali Zvornik is located in the western part of the Republic of Serbia, in an area called Srednje Podrinje

Local administration in Medveđa is at investors' back and call

The biggest natural resources in the municipality are arable land, waterways and unspoiled nature The municipality of Malo Crniće is one of the smaller municipalities in Serbia and it lies in Braničevski County. It covers an area of 279 km2 and has the population of 18,610 who live in 18 villages and one town. Malo Crniće lies in a wide fertile valley of

the river Mlava. The entrance to the valley is surrounded by low hills, while the peak of the Homolje Mountain can been seen at the very end of the valley. The biggest natural resources in the municipality are arable land, waterways and unspoiled nature. Local authorities have adopted a zoning plan and a development plan. The zoning plan development programme, which is in accordance with the Zoning and Construction Law, is an integral part of the aforementioned plan. Also, the municipal authorities have adopted local strategies for sustainable development of Malo Crniće by the year 2015. This document sums up the municipality and the population’s needs in the following years. Malo Crniće has resources, namely healthy unspoiled nature, to develop tourism (rural tourism, recreational tourism, hunting tourism). Contact Dragan Mitić Municipal president Maršala Tita 80, 12311 Malo Crniće Tel. +381 (0) 12 280 016 Fax +381 (0) 12 280 009 E-mail : predsednik@opstinamalocrnice.org

The River Drina constitutes the westernmost border of the municipality. The crossing on the border with the Republic of Srpska is located in the town itself. The town of Zvornik lies on the opposite bank of the River Drina. The municipality spans across 184 square kilometres and is the smallest municipality in Mačvanski County, as well as one of the smallest municipalities in Srbija. Its population stands at 14,076. The Mali Zvornik municipality lies on the Belgrade-Bajina Bašta main road which is also the main transport artery in Western Serbia. This road connects to the Adriatic motorway in Užice, while the town itself is connected with all major towns in Serbia. Several smaller industrial companies make the economic foundation of Mali Zvornik, with the municipality’s resources being far from ad-

The municipality of Medveđa is situated in South Serbia, in Jablanički County, and it spans across an area of 524 km2. The municipality has so-called economic zones with industrial facilities which have a complete infrastructure. The Banja Zone is lo-

equately utilized. Local industry generates the most revenue in the local economy, 48%, and it employs 52% of the entire workforce. Mali Zvornik’s economy relies on production of electricity, stone and wood processing, agriculture and tourism. The Zvornik hydro-power plant, with 96 MW of installed capacity, is the driving force behind Mali Zvornik’s economy.

cated in Sijarinska Spa and is suitable for construction of a mineral water factory and a liquid gas factory. This land plot has both water and electricity supply. Local administration is at investors’ back and call and permits are usually issued within a 60-day-period. If an investment exceeds €7.5 million and if it leads to creation of at least 100 new jobs, the investor is exempt from paying taxes over the next 10-year-period. Also, investors are exempt from paying excise on equipment and raw-materials. The Lece Mine in Medveđa was re-opened following the acquisition by Farmakom MB from Šabac. This was a bio-brownfield investment worth €9 million. Russian investor Adriatic Stroinvest has begun building a five-star-luxury hotel in the Sijarinska Spa.

Contact Milorad Lazić Municipal president Kralja Petra I 38 15318 Mali Zvornik Tel: ++381 15 471 300 E-mail: opštinamalizvornik@gmail.com

Contact Dejan Simić, The head of the Local Economic Development Office Jablanička 48; 16240 Medveđa Tel: +381 (0) 16 891 197; Fak : +381 (0) 16 891 106 E-mail : somedvedja@yahoo.com; Website: www.medvedja.org.rs Spoken languages: Serbian, English, French, Russian and German

Serbian Potentials |

39

| The Investors Guide

mionica

merošina

negotin

Healing Water

Oblačinska Sour Cherry

Wind Farms and Agriculture

The municipality has a well-preserved environment which is ideal for tourism development

The municipality's population is mostly engaged in agriculture and fruit growing

The area is suitable for construction of wind farms

The municipality of Mionica is 80 km south of Belgrade, in west Serbia. It covers an area of 329 km2 and has the population of 16,785. Over 60% of the population is engaged in agriculture. There are several regional roads nearby,

including the Ibar motorway which is only 20 km from Mionica. Also, the Belgrade-Bar railroad is quite close, while the small airport in Divci is 7 km away. The municipality has a well-preserved environment which is ideal for tourism development and organic food production. Mionica is known for its tourist facilities and, lately, has been a popular rural tourism resort with several ethno-accommodation facilities. There are several construction projects to be implemented in the nearby spa, known for its healing water that is used for the treatment of rheumatism, nervous tension and high blood pressure. Thermal springs are 2 km away in Lepenica where a sports and recreation centre is being built. Mionica doesn’t have an industrial zone, but local administration prides itself in being efficient in issuing required permits.

Contact Dragan Gavrilović Municipal president Vojvode Mišića 30; 14242 Mionica Tel: +381-14-62-020 and 62-666 Fax: +381-14-62-241 E-mail : predsednik@mionica.rs

The municipality of Merošina is located in Central Serbia and it spans an area of 193 km2. The population is 14,314. Merošina is linked to Corridor X and is 17 km from Niš and Prokuplje. The municipality’s population is mostly engaged in agriculture and fruit growing. The area is known for a special sort of sour cherry called Oblačinska which is grown on 1,500 hectares. Other fruit and vegetables that are grown here are Stanley prune plums, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and other vegetables which are mostly grown in greenhouses. Most of the companies in the municipality are located in the Mramorsko Brdo industrial zone which has the necessary infrastructure (electricity, water and sewage). All villages in the municipalities are linked by regional roads, they have electricity and telephone

lines, while few of them are yet to be covered by a water and sewage grid. Lake Oblačina (23 hectares of surface) is the main tourist attraction and it is abundant in fish, mostly carp. The Mali Jastrebac Mountain is suitable for winter tourism and hiking in summer. Arable land here provides opportunity for growing diverse crops while local taxes and fees are quite low. Contact Dr Sanja Savić Municipal president Cara Lazara 17, 18252 Merošina Tel: +381 18 489 2023; Fax:+381 18 489 2035 Website: www.merosina.org Spoken languages: English

Serbian Potentials |

40

The municipality of Negotin is situated in the namesake county and it spans across 1,089 square kilometers. The municipality is located in the tristate area, i.e. on the border between Serbia, Romania and Bulgaria. Small companies are the driving force behind the local economy. There are close to

1,000 privately owned small businesses and over 200 companies here. The municipality’s advantage lies in the Danube River and due to its favourable geographical location, the municipality is suitable for wind farms and agricultural activities. Negotin has an industrial zone which covers 46.5 hectares of land and is suitable for production companies, storage, warehouses and other business facilities. A 29.5-hectarepart of the zone has roads, water supply and electricity, while the remaining 17 hectares are yet to get sewage, additional water pipes, electricity, lighting, roads and telephone lines. The advantage of the local industrial zone is in its proximity to the main road, the local railway station and the Danube port of Prahovo. The zone is 136 km from Corridor X and 150 km from Niš airport. Neochimiki LV Lavrentiadis S.A. is the biggest investor in the municipality. Contact Milan Uruković Municipal president Trg Stevana Mokranjca 1 19300 Negotin Tel. +381 19 542 042; Fax: +381 19 541386 E-mail: info@negotin.rs

| The Investors Guide

niška banja

nova varoš

osečina

Healing Water

Sports and Healthy Food

Famous for Fruit Growing

Municipality doesn’t have an industrial zone as such, and most business facilities are located in residential areas

The municipality has good hydropotential and high quality lumber

Osečina is famous for agriculture, food industry, chemical industry and arts & crafts

The municipality of Nova Varoš lies in southwest Serbia, in the very centre of Zlatibor County. It spans an area of 581.47 m2 and its population stands at 19,982. It is connected to the nearby municipalities via regional roads, while the Belgrade-Bar railroad passes 15 km from Nova Varoš. Nova Varoš has an exceptional tourist potential with its quiet villages, ideal for rural tourism, and many lakes and creeks. The Zlatar Mountain is best suited for health, sports and recreational tourism. The municipality has good hydro-potential and high quality lumber. Since Nova Varoš lies in an environmentally clean mountainous region, it is suitable for organic food production (meat, milk and dairy products, potatoes, carrots, raspberries, forest and medicinal herbs).

The municipality of Osečina is located in western Serbia, and it lies on both sides of the Valjevo-Loznica main road and railroad. In the north, Osečina borders with the municipality of Koceljeva, in the east with the municipality of Valjevo, in the south with Ljubovija and in the west with the municipalities of Krupanj

Niška Banja is one of the most renowned natural health resorts in Serbia. With its temperate continental climate, thermal and mineral waters, mineral mud and wonderful nature, Niška Banja has been attracting visitors from all over Serbia and abroad. Medicinal wa-

ter here is used for drinking and bathing, and there are five different springs in the town. The main bath with two swimming pools is located in the town centre and the water comes from the main spring. Niška Banja is situated on a Corridor X branch that leads to Sofia and Istanbul with a regional road branching off in the direction of Gadžin Han. There are a total of 60 km roads in the municipality, while the Niška Banja railway station lies on the east segment of the railway Corridor X. Municipality doesn’t have an industrial zone as such, an most business facilities are located in residential areas. A warehouse and service zone has been set up near the main road. The town of Niška Banja has 70 hectares of parks. The municipality has based its development on tourism and has several projects in this area. Contact Zoran Vidanović Municipal president Sinđelićeva 3, 18205 Niška Banja Tel. +381 18 4548 108 Fax +381 18 4548 629

The following industrial branches are suitable for investments – wood processing, growing and processing of medicinal herbs, meat, milk and dairy production, fish ponds, bottling natural water, tourism, growing and processing potatoes and carrots, and animal husbandry.

Contact Dimitrije Paunović Municipal president Karađorđeva 32, 31320 Nova Varoš Tel. +381 (0) 33 62 140 and 62 142 Fax +381 (0) 33 62 140 and 62 142 E-mail : ounvaros@gmail.com

Serbian Potentials |

41

and Loznica. The municipal centre – the town of Osečina – has close to 3,500 inhabitants and is 32 km northwest from Valjevo (in the direction of Loznica) and 130 km southwest from Belgrade (in the direction of the Republic of Srpska). Osečina is famous for agriculture, food industry, chemical industry and arts & crafts. Private sector is quite developed with SMEs, arts & crafts and retail facilities dominating. If an investor hires up to 10 new workers, he is exempt from paying water and utility bill and utility fees for the period of two years. Investors who employ more than 10 new workers are exempt from paying the said bills and fees for the period of one year. Economic branches suitable for investments are food industry and plastic processing.

Contact Nenad Stevanović Karađorđeva 78 14253 Osečina Tel . ++381 14 451 031 Fax :++381 14 451 158 E-mail : soosecina@open.telekom.rs

| The Investors Guide

Niš

Long Industrial Tradition Niš got the status of a business friendly local government and one of the best ranked local governments in the certification procedure

N Zoran Perišić Mayor of Niš

iš is third largest city in Serbia with 260,237

corporate sector and available human resources, and

residents, and it represents a regional, admin-

strategic development of the city, it would be most fa-

istrative, corporate, educational, health and

vourable to invest in industry of electronics, machine

cultural centre of the region. Niš is located on the in-

engineering, IT, as well as in the car industry and lo-

tersection of the most important Balkan and European

gistics, the processing and textile industry. The City of

roads, Corridors X and VII. The main transport ax-

Niš got the status of a business friendly local govern-

is, highway and railway, are coming from the direc-

ment and one of the best ranked local governments

tion of Belgrade to Niš, where they branch out to-

in the certification procedure, by the National Alliance

wards the south, heading to Thessaloniki and Athens

for Local Economic Development.

(E 75) and towards the east, to Sofia, Istanbul and fur-

“We are constantly working on improvement of greenfield locations”

ther towards the Middle East (E 80). Air traffic is con-

• What kind of infrastructure can you offer to investors?

ducted via Constantine the Great international air-

- The City of Niš has entirely infrastructurally equipped

port, the second largest passenger and cargo airport

industrial zones (electricity, water, sewage, gas, optics,

in Serbia. “As a former industrial centre of the elec-

access roads). For greenfield investments we have

tronic and machine industry, the City of Niš prides it-

the North Industrial Zone and the Constantine the

self on workers who nurture the

Great Airport, the East Industrial

spirit of industrial tradition and

Zone with the Vineyard Centre,

skills,” stated Mayor of Niš Zoran

the West Industrial Zone and

Perišić: “Also, the existence of a

the Donje Međurovo Industrial

university with 13 faculties and

Zone.

a number of vocational high

tials include the complexes of

schools speaks of the quality

Electronic (around 77.4 ha, and

of work force and its availabili-

101,000 square metres availa-

ty, and with it of the competitive

ble for brownfield investments)

price of work.”

and the machine industry.

Brownfield

poten-

A special advantage of do• Which potentials and advantages would you particularly point out to potential investors? - Favourable geographic position and available logistics potentials, international recognisability and quality of life, work-

A special advantage of doing business in the City of Niš is the existence of the South Free Zone, which was established in December 2011

force – availability, quality and

ing business in the City of Niš is the existence of the South Free Zone, which was established in 2011. Incentives for doing business in the free zone are fiscal: investors are exempt from paying customs on the import of equipment, raw materials for

competitive of labour price, numerous privileges for

production intended for export, construction material

investors, subsidies for training of workers, lowering

intended for construction of infrastructure in the free

contact:

of the price of land, possible lowering of certain fees,

zone; financial incentives (free flow of capital, prof-

+381 18 504 411 +381 18 209 239 info@ni.rs kler@ni.rs www.ni.rs www.kler.ni.rs

available, infrastructurally equipped greenfield and

it and dividends); efficient administration in the free

brownfield locations…

zone (one-stop-shop); simple and fast customs procedure (offices of Customs Administration are locat-

• In your opinion, investments in which economic

ed in free zones); local subsidies for use of infrastruc-

branches are the most efficient?

ture (low prices and cheap services); offering a set of

- Bearing in mind the industrial tradition, the existing

services to users under privileged prices (transport or-

Serbian Potentials |

42

| The Investors Guide

ganization, handling, shipping, forwarding ser-

Investments for administrative incentives in

vestment process and coordinates all commu-

vices, agency services, insurance and reinsur-

the investing process, and a Centre for issuing

nication with administration and public enter-

ance services, banking operations etc.).

of construction permits, with the goal to accel-

prises by assigning a personal assistant to the

erate the procedure of getting the necessary

investor. This Office also provides support to

• What was built in comparison to last year,

documents in the investment process. This

local business community and promotes en-

when it comes to infrastructural facilities, indus-

means that investors get information and re-

trepreneurship.

trial zones… and which projects are in progress?

solve their requests all in one place, in a fast-

- The City of Niš is working on several major

er and simpler way.

• What else would you especially like to point out?

projects at the same time. Feasibility studies

Deadlines for issuing of necessary doc-

were prepared or we are working on their cre-

uments for implementation of investment, if

- A location that is extremely attractive to in-

ation for projects like the construction of a

the submitted documentation is complete, in

vestors in sector of tourism, sports and recre-

waste water processing plant, the establish-

appropriate institutions of the City of Niš are:

ational contents or commercial and business

ment of a regional solid waste sanitary land-

1. Location information – 3 days

facilities is Lozni Kalem, located 1 km away

fill, the relocation of the railway station from

2. Location permit – 7 days

from Niška Banja and 8 km away from center

the City, the establishment of an intermod-

3. Construction permit – 5 days

of Niš. The location has extraordinary access to all types of transport; it is 10 km away from

It is most favourable to invest in industry of electronics, machine engineering, IT, as well as in car industry and logistics, processing and textile industry

the Constantine the Great Airport and 5 km away from Corridor X. The size of the location is 27.44 ha, and it is owned by the city of Niš. Ever since ancient times, Niška Banja (The Nis Spa) was an oasis of health because of its

al logistics centre of the Free Zone South, improvement of passenger transport at the Constantine the Great Airport and the optimization of the former plant of Electronic Industry of Niš. Also, we are constantly working on the improvement of greenfield locations, so the creation of a plan for general regulation for the East Industrial Zone, for the location of the Vineyard Centre, is in progress. • Which companies are already doing business or manufacturing in Niš? - Some of the big companies with foreign capital that are doing business in Niš are Phillip Morris International (tobacco industry, USA), YURA Corporation (car industry, South Korea), SHINWON – YURA Eltech, (car industry, South Korea), DYTECH Dynamic Fluid Technologies

4. Decision that allows construction of facil-

thermal mineral springs, natural mineral mud

(car industry, Italy), BENETTON Group (textile

ities and conducting of works which don’t

and radon gas. Medicinal water from five ac-

industry, Italy), METRO CASH & CARRY (whole-

require a construction permit – 5 days

tive springs in Niška Banja, with temperature

sale trade, Germany), LMB Soft (Electronics/

5. Technical inspection of facility – 1 day

between 28 and 39ºC and with average 50 li-

health sector, Germany), HARDER DIGITAL

6. Use permit – 3 days

tres in second, contains more than 10 active

(Electronics / optics, Germany).

The

Office

for

Local

Economic

Development, one of the services for may-

substances, it is used for drinking, bathing and medicinal treatments.

• Is administration equipped to issue the nec-

or’s operations, whose goal is to improve local

Aside from the traditional offer in sector

essary permits to future investors in the short-

economic development, has a mission to pro-

of health tourism, Niška Banja is also an ide-

est possible period?

vide assistance in attracting new investments.

al place for extreme sports, recreation and ac-

- The City of Niš formed a Section for Capital

It offers support to investors during the in-

tive stay outdoors. ■

Serbian Potentials |

43

| The Investors Guide

Novi Pazar

Serbian “San Francisco” A profitable investment could be investing in the manufacturing of products which are in demand in Arabic and Asian countries

T Meho Mahmutović Mayor

he town of Novi Pazar spreads over 742 square

tions with Russia, where a 1.5% customs duty is ap-

km of mountainous area. Around 36,300 ha are

plied on goods made in Serbia and exported to Russia.

agricultural land, meadows cover 10,717 ha,

Capacities for leather processing and for produc-

pastures 14,981 ha, arable land 8,620 ha and orchards

tion of 3 million pairs of men’s, women’s and chil-

take up 1,952 ha. The municipality offers excellent

dren’s shoes on the annual level are also available.

conditions for the development of animal husband-

Only 20% of the industrial capacities are engaged,

ry. Since this region is on the border with Montenegro

and they make 600,000 pairs of shoes. The trained

and Bosnia and Herzegovina, it would be wise to in-

work force is a great potential for partnership rela-

vest in fattening herds and the production of milk and

tions and for joint production – cooperation, copro-

dairy products. Another profitable investment could

duction and export to the Russian market.

be investing in the manufacturing of products which

“The town of Novi Pazar was classified as one of the most successful local governments in the Republic of Serbia”

When it comes to furniture, there is a capacity amounting to 500,000 production units of uphol-

are in demand in Arabic and Asian countries. Around Novi Pazar there are areas of untouched

stered furniture and 80,000 pieces of panel furniture.

nature where blueberries, juniper, mushrooms (chan-

Successful presentations at furniture fairs and place-

terelles, porcini and truffles) grow. There is a huge

ment of products all over Serbia and in the region are

potential for the gathering and

the best indicators that the mar-

processing (drying, packaging

ket has accepted products from

and export to third countries)

Novi Pazar’s manufacturers.

of medicinal herbs. Medicinal herbs from this region have a

The wood processing indus-

special importance, because

try has 800 workers, and around

there are no polluters in the ra-

50% of capacities are free.

dius of 100 km.

Around 80% of wood for pro-

Two clusters for produc-

duction is used from local for-

tion of healthy food were

ests. There is a possibility for

formed: Pešter Agro Cluster and Guardians of Tradition – Pešter, Golija, Kopaonik. wThe applied textile technology for ready-made denim fabric, which produces up to 22.8 million running metres, or 19 million pieces of clothing an-

The applied textile technology for readymade denim fabric produces up to 22.8 million running meters, or 19 million pieces of clothing annually

nually, a trained work force and contact:

Meho Mahmutović Mayor Stevana Nemanje 2 36300 Novi Pazar Tel: +381 20 331 040 Fax: +381 20 320 760 E mail: kabinet@novipazar.org.rs

joint investments. Novi Pazar is a multi-ethnic town with a specific geographical position, and it has witnessed a rather turbulent history. The town is surrounded by the Golija and Rogozna mountains and the slopes of the Pešter plateau. This makes

a number of engineering and design staff – these are

it suitable for the development of mountain, sport,

some of the great advantages of Novi Pazar when it

recreational, spa, religious, rural, hunting and fishing

comes to investments.

tourism.

45% of the installed capacities in the municipal-

When it comes to investments, textile, shoe-

ity are in use. The total number of the engaged work-

making, wood processing and the metal industry are

force here is 1,800. Free capacities are a great poten-

most desirable. Another profitable investment could

tial for joint investments in the sale and placement

be in the insufficiently engaged production capaci-

of denim products on the Russian market, bearing in

ties for men’s, women’s and children’s ready-made

mind that Serbia has special intergovernmental rela-

products. Novi Pazar is a town where good, hospita-

Serbian Potentials |

44

| The Investors Guide

ble, and hardworking people live. This is also

eral water are also partially impounded. Its ca-

a very young town, in terms of demographics.

pacity is estimated to amount 3,500 litres/24

More than 50% of the residents are under 29

hours. Only 2.5 km northeast from Novi Pazar,

sive by European standards, but it is of very

around 280 km south of Belgrade, 2 km away

high quality and expertise.

from Raška and 100 km away from Kraljevo,

ners in the shoemaking industry, as well as new markets with solvent buyers of leather

Novi Pazar has an exhibition hall that is adapted for fairs, and the Turkish Balkan

years of age. The work force is rather inexpen-

It is necessary to find new business part-

opening the Novi Pazar Customs House.

Textile Show is held here every year. Also, there will be a waste water treatment plant that will be used by the polluters. Construction on the highway via Boljare to

at 504 m above sea level lies Novopazarska

Montenegro is being prepared, so Novi Pazar

Banja (Novi Pazar Spa). In the agricultural sector, it is preferable

will have a highway just 20 km away from its

and leather products.

centre. The Novi Pazar bypass is in

Novi Pazar has six companies

its final construction stage.

that make upholstered and panel

The municipality has the fol-

furniture. The product quality is at

lowing clusters: ASSTEX, NP

a European level.

SHOES, Pešter Agricultural Cluster,

The most important metal

Čuvari tradicije, Tourist Cluster

processing companies here are

of Sandžak. Significant compa-

Minel, Zastava Namenska and PPT

nies in the textile company: Conto

Delovi. There are many educated

Bene, Nesal, Denistar, Elit, Menus,

young people and engineers who

Kasaba, Stig, Join, Bros, Utip, 3-B.

have been unemployed for years.

Footwear clusters: Ceco, Cenex,

There are also production halls

Antilop, Boša, Extra Beso, Tadži,

and facilities with partially usable

Euro Scarpa. Furniture clusters: Numanović, Tahirović, Dasa,

technology in which one can invest. Tourism has a great development potential here. The Rogozna Mountain is some 10 km away from centre of Novi

Construction on the highway via Boljare to Montenegro is being prepared, so Novi Pazar will have a highway just 20 km away from its centre. The Novi Pazar bypass is in its final construction stage

Pazar and there is also the

Hersa, Inko… Construction clusters: Elmir, Prenča, Ikan, Radostan, Ukras, Sloga, and BF gradnja. Agricultural clusters: Ademović, Alivo, Simlek, Sidro, and Farmers’ Union.

Golija Mountain, and it is pos-

Novi Pazar has a One-

sible to expand the existing ski

Stop-Shop for business support

runs and build new ones. The ar-

and issuance of building permits.

ea is known for medicinal herbs,

The mayor of Novi Pazar, Dr.

mushrooms, drinking water, clean

Meho Mahmutović, is the winner

air, and extensive blueberry pro-

of this year’s Miša Anastasijević

duction. The area is also rich in

Award at the state level for ad-

wildlife (wolf, fox, boar, and hare).

vocating for the development

There are two lakes in the vi-

of local government. The offi-

cinity: Gazivode and Uvačko lakes.

cial press release said that this

They are rich in fish (perch, trout,

award was presented to “a prom-

huchen, carp, catfish). It would be

inent social and public workto invest in the production of fattening cattle

er, for the biggest contribution to progress

Novi Pazar also has two spas. In Rajčinovića

and high-yield dairy cows. This is an unpollut-

of a community, bearing in mind the objec-

Banja, hot springs produce up to 1.9 litres of

ed area ideal for production of environmental-

tive conditions of its functioning.” The town

water per second. The water temperature in

ly healthy food.

of Novi Pazar was classified as one of the

good to invest in fishing tourism.

the thermal springs ranges from 30° do 42°C.

The municipality is located on both main

Exploitation capacities for all three hot springs

and regional roads: M-22 Raška – Novi Pazar

amount to around 146,000 litres in 24 hours.

road, M-8 Novi Pazar - Sjenica-Aljinovići road,

The unused thermal water resources are huge.

R-118a Novi Pazar-Tutin road. A customs office was built in the industri-

of hyper-thermal water. Springs of cold min-

al zone last year, and authorities are working 45

Republic of Serbia. Novi Pazar is a university centre with more than 5,500 students who are trained to be

These are acid-alkaline waters with features

Serbian Potentials |

most successful local governments in the

good and knowledgeable workers, worthy of employment. ■

| The Investors Guide

paraćin

petrovac na mlavi

pirot

Opportunities for Business Park in Builders the Town Centre

Cheese as the Town's Promoter

Municipal authorities provide incentives for investors depending on the number of new jobs they create

Industrial zone is located at the entrance to Petrovac na Mlavi

Pirot is known for sheep milk cheese, the Pirot rug and Tigar MH tires

The municipality of Paraćin lies 15 km south of Belgrade, on the international E-75 motorway (Corridor X). The most developed branches here are chemical, non-metal, food and construction materials industry. Paraćin has the Zmič industri-

The municipality of Petrovac na Mlavi is made of 34 towns and villages and covers an area of 655 km2. The population stands at 30,325 with 10,282 citizens working abroad. The predominant economic branch here is agriculture, while quarrying, manufacturing of medical supplies and processing of dairy prod-

Pirot is a small town in southeastern Serbia that has a great cultural tradition. It is located on Corridor X which links Europe to Asia. Pirot is the administrative centre of the biggest county in Serbia. Municipalities of Dimitrovgrad, Babušnica and Bela Palanka also

al zone, which spans across 39 hectares of land.

36.5 hectares are still available to investors whether for an 80-year-lease or purchase. Roads for the Phase 1 of the industrial zone have been built. Local administration offers various incentives to investors willing to build production or business facilities here and they depend on the number of new jobs created by an investor. The incentives range from reduction of local land development fee, and payment of taxes to setting up new companies. The most profitable branches to invest in are construction, food, textile and retail industries, services (logistics centres) and tourism. Many major roads intersect Paraćin. The municipality has a direct access to Corridor X, it lies on the E-761 international road (ZaječarBulgaria), and the E-760 main road leading to Kruševac and Montenegro. It also has a direct access to the E-85 railroad which links north and south Europe to the Middle East, while Konstantin the Great Airport is only 80 km away. Contact Saša Paunović Municipal president Tome Živanovića 10, 35250 Paraćin Tel. +381 35 573 064 Fax +381 35 563 165 E-mail: sasa_paunovic@paracin.rs

ucts also have an important share. Also, there are several facilities that produce aluminum and PVC joinery and furniture. Industrial zone is located at the entrance to Petrovac na Mlavi, close to the regional road, and it spans across 88.9 hectares of land. The zone is regulated by the Petrovac 2026 General Plan and the Industrial Zone Detailed Regulation Plan which means that obtaining required permits is easy and doesn't take up much time. The municipality is currently drafting planning and project documents for a contemporary business park that will be located in the town centre.

Important roads, leading to the Morava and Mlava river valley and further on to the Danube, intersect each other in the municipality. One of the most important regional roads that links Bor, Žagubica and Petrovac na Mlavi on one side, and Požarevac and Corridor X, on the other, also runs through the municipality.

Contact Radiša Dragojević Municipal president Srpskih vladara 165, 12300 Petrovac na Mlavi Tel: ++381 12 332 722; 331 280 and 333 533 Fax ++ 381 12 331 283 E-mail: info@petrovacnamlavi.rs

Serbian Potentials |

46

belong to the same county. The municipality of Pirot covers an area of 1,232 km2 and is the third biggest municipality in the Republic of Serbia. Back in the day, the municipality was the centre of dairy industry, leather, wool and wood processing, as well as clothing industry. Pirot is famous for its sheep milk cheese, the Pirot rug and, today, by Tigar MH tires. The main roads that run through the municipality are the E-70 motorway, the M-112 road (Niš-Dimitrovgrad), and the M-9 road (Pirot-Babušnica). There is also an intercontinental railway (Turkey – the Balkans) passing through here. Pirot is 330 km from Belgrade, 35 km from the state border with Bulgaria, and 70 km from Sofia. The municipality has 70 towns and villages, population 63,791. The biggest companies here are A.D. Tigar, manufacturer or rubber products which has 4,650 employees, and textile company Prvi Maj which employs close to 2,000 people. Contact Vladan Vasić Municipal president Srpskih vladara 82, 18300 Pirot Tel. +381 10 305 532 Fax +381 10 313 901 E-mail: ledo@pirot.rs

| The Investors Guide

auction see auction south east europe Belgrade Office

Makenzijeva 67, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia Tel: +381 11 2450 508; Fax: +381 11 2450 122 office@auction-see.com

Podgorica Office

Bul. Sv. Petra Cetinjskog 1A, 81000 Podgorica Tel. +382 20 246 166; Fax. +382 20 246 167 Mobile: +382-69-246-999 office@auction-see.com

& t s a F ! e l a S r i a F

m o c . e e s n o i t c u a . w ww

Serbian Potentials |

47

| The Investors Guide

požarevac

preševo

priboj

Fertile Stig Valley

Great Opportunities

Supporting Investors

Investors are given assistance and incentives, while permits are issued in the shortest possible period

Long agricultural tradition equals great opportunities for further development of this area

The Belgrade-Bar main railroad passes through the town of Priboj

The municipality of Požarevac is situated in Central Serbia, Braničevski County. It covers an area of 482 km2, with 35,313 hectares being agricultural land and 2,179 hectares forests. The city of Požarevac is the municipality’s centre. The municipality is comprised of 27 towns and villages, population 74,902. The population growth is

-0.9%. Close to 20,000 people in the municipality have jobs. There are 32 elementary schools and 7 high schools here. Požarevac has three investment locations – Lion, Prim d.o.o. in Kostolac and Poultry Centre. The municipality is well connected since it has access to Corridor X. Also, it has a railroad that links it to Belgrade, Sofia, Niš and Thessaloniki. Požarevac’s advantage lies in fertile plains of Stig and very developed agricultural production. Processing industry is also developed both in the town and the municipality, while many foreign investors have invested here. The best branches to invest in are machine and equipment production, food and beverage industry and construction industry. Coal strip mines are in nearby Kostolac and the area is suitable for development of wind parks. There are plans in place for construction of small hydro-power plants on smaller rivers and the Morava which flows near Požarevac. Investors are given assistance and incentives, while permits are issued in the shortest possible period. Contact Momir Ilić Mayor Drinska 2, 12000 Požarevac Tel. +381 12 539 601 Fax +38112 539 678 E mail: ler@pozarevac.rs

The municipality of Preševo is located in the very south of Serbia, in Pčinje County. The main transport routes pass through the municipality including the pan-European route Corridor X and the Belgrade-NišSkopje-Thessaloniki-Athens railroad. Preševo covers an area of 264 km2 and has close to 36,000 inhabitants. Its advantages lie in agriculture, a long tradition in livestock breeding and great diaspora who is closely connected to Preševo. Industrial development rests on metal-processing, food production, construction and production of construction materials, and tobacco growing and processing. Privately owned companies are prevalent here. Preševo welcomes investments in irriga-

tion since there is quite a lot of arable land here, as well as investments in production of glass and crystal production, and in cigarette and rolling tobacco production facilities. Industrial zones have a required infrastructure. Preševo has around 3,500 strong workforce. The municipal services are glad to help investors in order to shorten the time needed to obtain relevant permits. Contact Branko Delibašić The Coordination Body of the Serbian Government Maršala Tita 36; 17523 Preševo Tel . +381 17 654 600; Fax: + 381 17 660 320 E-mail : Kanc.ler-Presevo@hotmail.com Spoken languages: Serbian, Albanian, English, German

Serbian Potentials |

48

The municipality and the town of Priboj is located in southwestern Serbia, in the valley of the River Lim, and in the tristate area between Serbia, Montenegro and Bosnia & Herzegovina (Republic of Srpska). The main transport artery here is the Belgrade-Bar railroad which passes through

the town of Priboj and connects Belgrade to Podgorica and further to the Adriatic coast. The municipality’s economic potential lies in development of the SME sector, agriculture and tourism, as well as in development of various technologies for transport vehicles, heavy industry and chemical industry. Priboj is also suitable for spa tourism since it is famous for its mineral springs dating back to Roman times. The municipality has an educated workforce; it is easily accessible and has an excellent geographical position. Local government offers full support to investors and facilitates the most efficient and cheapest procedures for obtaining required permits and approvals. Depending on the size and the type of investment, investors can reach an agreement directly with the local government about paying local taxes and fees. The most important investors in the municipality of Priboj are Swisslion, Delta Holding and a number of wellness facilities. Contact Lazar Rvović Municipal president 12. Januara 108, Priboj 31300 Tel: +381 (0) 33 2445 648; Fax: +381 (0) 33 2445 698 E-mail: predsednik@priboj.rs; www.priboj.org.rs Spoken languages: Serbian and English

| The Investors Guide

Požega

Fruit Growing Area The outskirts of the municipality in this mountainous and highland area are suitable for the development of horticulture, animal husbandry and tourism

T

he municipality of Požega belongs to Zlatibor

tile and knitwear production, and the food industry.

County which is situated in the southwest of

The municipality is home to Budimka Company (which

Serbia. The municipality lies in between the riv-

produces a wide range of fruits, vegetables and meat

ers Moravica, Skrapež and Đetinja, in a fertile valley

products). Also, there is a dairy industry (production of

surrounded by mountains Maljen, Ovčar and Kablar,

cheese, cream, yogurt), fish processing industry (fish

Blagaja and Trešnjevica.

fillets, fish pate) and the production of canned fruits

The municipality has 42 towns and villages with

Milovan Mićović Municipal President

“The municipal administration is trained in issuing permits to future investors in the shortest possible time”

and vegetables.

the population of 29,488. Most of the population

The municipality has a lot of cold storage units

originates from Herzegovina, Montenegro and Raška

which are engaged in processing and freezing of ag-

where their ancestors settled in the 18th and 19th

ricultural produce (raspberry, blackberry, plum, apple,

centuries.

rosehip, etc.). Also, there is a meat processing industry

The mountainous areas of our municipality are

famous for its delicatessen.

characterized by cold, snowy winters and moderate-

The development of agricultural production lies

ly warm summers, while, in the lower regions, the win-

mainly in the hands of rural farms which produce a

ters are milder and the summers are hotter.

variety of agricultural products (fruits, vegetables, an-

In terms of Požega's economic potential and ad-

imal husbandry, and milk production). This, in turn, fa-

vantages, an industri-

cilitates the development

al zone can be built near

of tourism with Divičibar-

main roads. There is also

Tometino Bolje being the

an opportunity for devel-

best tourist attraction.

oping tourism in Tometino

Most of the town has

Polje and the Roge Spa.

gas supply. The town also

The altitude and geo-

has its own radio and TV

graphic position of the

station. For the most part,

Požeška Valley are suita-

Požega and the municipal

ble for the cultivation of

villages have clean drink-

vegetables, while the out-

ing water.

skirts of the municipality

The local infrastruc-

in this mountainous and

ture in Požega is satisfac-

highland area facilitate the development of horticulture, animal husbandry and tourism. Considering the economic structure of the mu-

In terms of Požega's economic potential and advantages, an industrial zone can be built near main roads, while DivčibareTometino Polje is the best location for development of tourism

nicipality, the most profit-

tory. The municipality’s advantages lie in its good links to nearby and more distant areas, main and regional roads and railways, its good quality of drinking water, satisfying water

able investments would be those in metal process-

reservoir capacity and a water factory.

contact:

ing complex like foundries (production of brake ped-

The municipal administration is trained in issu-

Milovan Mićović Municipal president Trg slobode 9 31210 Požega Tel. ++381-31-3816-401 E-mail: opstina@pozega.org.rs

als), perforated products, the wood industry (several

ing permits to future investors in the shortest possi-

production facilities), furniture (solid wood and board

ble time. The municipality has adopted strategic doc-

materials), the construction industry (several produc-

uments such as the Development Programme, the

tion facilities), lime production, building blocks pro-

Municipality of Požega Spatial Plan, the Master Plan

duction, stone processing/fractions, marble blocks,

and the Detailed Zoning Plans for 65% of its territory,

concrete blocks, roofing sheets for construction, tex-

which facilitates swift issuing of required permits. ■

Serbian Potentials |

49

| The Investors Guide

Prijepolje

Agricultural Resources What sets the municipality of Prijepolje apart from similar municipalities are its distinctive features which, on one hand, are God-given, and on the other, are the result of hard work by the people who are dedicated to constantly developing and improving our municipality

M Emir Hašimbegović Mayor of Prijepolje

“So far, we have established successful contacts with business people from Turkey and Italy”

ost of the companies which operate in the

- We have many resources for developing the wood

municipality of Prijepolje are textile and

processing industry. Agriculture, the food indus-

wood processing companies. There are plen-

try, and the textile industry are economic branch-

ty of successful investment examples in Prijepolje.

es which have long traditions here. The municipali-

“The Emilio Stecher Company was founded in

ty has funded the drafting of a Biomass Study which

Switzerland in 1944 where, during many decades

will indirectly increase employment. Considering

of successful stone processing operations, has man-

the agricultural resources in our municipality, we

aged to acquire a number of reliable suppliers and

plan to draft project documents for construction

clients,” says Prijepolje Municipality President Emir

of a cold storage unit. By doing so, we are creating

Hašimbegović. “The company brought its successful

an environment for new investments and bolster-

business to Prijepolje three years ago. The company’s

ing local economic development. The municipality

co-owner Meša Podbićanin, originally from Prijepolje,

has written a study and the technical documenta-

was the one who prompted Emilion Stecher to invest

tion for the construction of a town parking lot. This

in this undeveloped area. The investment was val-

project will be implemented preferably through a

ued at over €3 million and cre-

public-private partnership.

ated over 30 new jobs.” Emilion Stecher is involved in stone pro-

• What kind of infrastructure can

cessing by combining the tradi-

you offer to investors?

tional ways of the old masters

- The municipality of Prijepolje

with the latest technology.”

has

an

infrastructurally

equipped industrial zone in • What municipal resources and

Kolovrat which is available to

advantages would you like to

potential investors. The mu-

point out to potential investors?

nicipality has defined the cri-

- We provide continuous institu-

teria for the reduction of mar-

tional and municipal support to potential investors. Several vacant industrial facilities are ideal contact:

Svetlana Slović Manager of the Local Economic Development Office Selma Serdarević Coordinator at the Local Economic Development Office Municipal Administration of Prijepolje Trg bratstva i jedinstva 1 31 300 Prijepolje Tel +381 (33) 712 733 Fax + 381 (33) 712 297 Mobile phone: +381 (0) 64 856 0427 E-mail: kler@prijepolje.rs

for brownfield investments. The labour costs here are lower than the Serbian average. The Kolovrat

We have been working hard on bringing investors to Prijepolje with the goal of expediting the overall development of our area

ket value of the available lots, as well as the criteria according to which any offers for the available lots within this industrial zone are assessed: - The initial price per square metre for the lease of other devel-

industrial zone has 13 infrastructurally equipped plots ready for investing. We have

oped plots is RSD 2,000

been working hard on brining investors to Prijepolje

- The total lease period is 50 years

with the goal of expediting the overall development of

- The future leaseholder is obliged to employ a min-

our area. So far, we have established successful con-

imum of one worker per one acre of adapted land,

tacts with business people from Turkey and Italy, and

and to register an enterprise/open a store on the ter-

Turkish businessmen are currently in the process of es-

ritory of the municipality

tablishing new businesses here.

- An investor who is building business or production facilities is entitled to lower rent established in the

• What economic branches in the municipality would

public bidding procedure. The rent is reduced by 3%

be best for investing?

per every newly employed worker.

Serbian Potentials |

50

| The Investors Guide

• What infrastructural facilities in industrial

fast logistics treatment of goods, passengers

face of 2.5 ha. These locations are ready for

zones have you recently built, and could you

and services.

immediate investments which is what sets

tell us something about ongoing projects?

• Access to a joint market of the three coun-

them apart from other similar locations.

- Industrial Zone (3) is a part of the Kolovrat

tries with 12.5 million consumers offers ex-

• Brownfield investments are possible on sev-

Business Zone. The industrial zone has 13 lots,

traordinary potential for placement of goods

eral different locations, in vacant industrial

and a total surface of 2.5 ha. The size of plots

and services focused mainly on a coherent

complexes, which are the remnants of for-

here ranges from 7 to 33 acres. Locations are

market of similar consumer qualities and

mer corporate giants that did business in

not developed and are fit for greenfield in-

habits that originate from a joint social and

these regions. The locations that should be

vestments.

economic heritage.

mentioned are TK Ljubiša Miodragović, AD

This separate sub-group is completely in-

• Main roads M21 (Subotica-Podgorica) and M8

Elan chemical industry, FAP Livnica d.o.o.

frastructurally equipped (access road, substa-

(Novi Pazar-Pljevlja), as well as the Belgrade-

foundry, and Nova Limka d.o.o.

tion, sanitary and storm sewage, water pipe-

Bar railway pass through the Prijepolje mu-

• Availability of work force and its low cost in com-

line), and available to interested investors.

nicipality, enabling extraordinary traffic links

parison to the average labour costs in Serbia.

to all business areas in the region.

• Experienced workforce in textile, shoe-mak-

• Mining deposits of proven potential, but in-

ing and machine industry which is a result

sufficiently exploited, and this primarily re-

of having major industrial systems that did

In the next period, we plan to implement energy efficiency and agricultural projects. • Is the municipal administration equipped to issue the necessary permits to future investors in the shortest possible period? - The municipal administration is equipped to meet investors’ needs and issue building permits in the shortest possible time. If the investor manages to obtain all required permits from public enterprises for the lot in question, the municipality will issue him with a building permit within a period of 7 days. • What else would you especially like to point out about your municipality? - What sets the municipality of Prijepolje apart from similar municipalities are distinctive features which, on one hand, are God-given, and

In the next period, we plan to implement energy efficiency and agricultural projects

business in these three sectors in the municipality over the past decades. • Time needed to obtain building permits was reduced to 60 days, which greatly accelerates and stimulates investment cycles. • Institutional support to investors through the Department for Local Economic Development in the local government, continuous support from Regional Development Agency of Zlatibor which opened a local office in the municipality. This office is the only such office in Zlatibor County. • Availability of renewable energy resources, primarily biomass (estimated powergenerated capacity 27 million kw/h), wood

on the other, the result of hard work by the

fers to lead, copper and zinc ores. Mining is

people who are dedicated to constantly de-

an alternative area of this municipality’s de-

forests), and waterways.

veloping and improving our municipality.

velopment, which has been neglected up

• Tourist potential is based on diverse and

These are some of them:

(48.35% of municipal territory is covered in

until now.

preserved natural environment, supported

• A favourable position on the border between

• Opportunities for greenfield investments,

by rich cultural and historical heritage, with

the Republic of Serbia, the BiH Federation

there are 13 fully equipped lots in the

a special emphasis on activity, rural and spe-

and the Republic of Montenegro enables

Kolovrat Industrial Zone, with a total sur-

cial interest tourism. ■

Serbian Potentials |

51

| The Investors Guide

prokuplje

raška

rača

Metal and Textile Industries

Mountain and Mines

Privately owned companies were subsidized with 2,093,000 dinars last year

The Ibar coal mines in Baljevac, the Lokve dolomite mine, and lead and zinc mine are the most important natural resources

Yura Company Drives Development

The municipality of Prokuplje spans across 759 km2, and its population stands at 43,631. Having a favourable geographical position and land configuration made Prokuplje the ideal location for the most important central Balkan road which passes throught the municipality.

The municipality of Raška is situated in the southwestern part of Serbia, and it takes up the central part of the Ibar Valley, as well as branches of the Kopaonik and Golije mountains. The municipality covers an area of 670 km2 and has 61 towns and villages with the population of 25,000. The M-22 main road links Raška to Montenegro (via Novi Pazar), Kosovska Mitrovica and further to Macedonia. Apart from the main road, there is also the Kraljevo-RaškaKosovska Mitrovica railroad. The Ibar coal mines in Baljevac, the Lokve dolomite mine, IGM Megalit-Šumnik quarry, and the Suva Ruda led and zinc mine are the most important natural resources here. The municipality’s main development priority is tourism since the two most beautiful mountains in Serbia are here - the Kopaonik, which is also a tourist and sports centre, and the

The most developed branches here are food and processing industry. Apart from metal, nonmetal and textile industries, the municipality is known for its agricultural / food sector (especially agri-industry sector). Also, private sector has been gradually developing. Greenfield and brownfield investments can be made in the Berilje, Solunska and Stara industrial zones. An investor can obtain required permits and documents in matter of just one month. 40% of water supply in Prokuplje comes from subterranean waters and 60% from the artificial lake. However, this ratio will change once the Selova Lake is completed. The municipality has 359.50 km of roads, out which 220 km are urban roads. The Niš Customs Free Zone and the municipality of Prokuplje have been planning to form the Jug Free Zone which will have individual work / industrial zones. Business Incubator Centre Ltd. Prokuplje was officially opened in mid-June 2007. Contact Ljubiša Djurković Municipal president Tatkova 2, 18400 Prokuplje Tel. +381 27 321 071 Fax +381 27 324 009 E-mail: kabinet@prokuplje.org.rs

Golija which could be turned into a tourist resort. The municipality has designated business zones in its urban parts. These zones are located on privately owned land and they have required infrastructure. Potential investors are advised to invest in tourism, wood processing, renewable energy resources, thermal springs, hospitality industry and agriculture.

Contact Jovan Čorbić Municipal president Predraga Velimirovića br 1 36350 Raška Tel: +381-36-736-281; Fax: +381-36-736-204 E- mail: info@raska.org.rs

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52

Production of electrical components is the predominant industrial branch The municipality of Rača belongs to Šumadija County. It spans an area of 216 km2 and its geographical position is good since Rača is only 10 km from Corridor X and the Lapovo railway intersection. The municipality lies on the intersection of the M-4 road (the second class road no. 150)

and the R-109 regional road. According to the 2012 census, the municipality of Rača has 11,475 inhabitants. Production of electrical components for car industry is the predominant industrial branch in the municipality which was bolstered following the arrival of Yura Corporation to Serbia. Half of the unemployed people in Rača are qualified workers who have completed high school education (mostly electricians). The municipality has a functional work zone called Zapad which covers 62 hectares of land and is located at the exit from Rača, in the direction of Topola. The zone has the required infrastructure and has had several brownfield investments. The Istok work zone is situated at the town's exit, in the direction of Markovac, and it spans across an area of 39 hectares. The infrastructure in this zone is currently under construction. Several brownfield investments have been made in the municipality. Primdex d.o.o. (the former 11th October Company) is one of the investors. The company produces wooden coils for electrical cables. Contact Dragana Živanović Municipal president Karađorđeva 48, 34210 Rača Tel. ++381 34 751 001; Fax: ++381 34 751 175 Mobile phone: ++381 (0) 69 808 40 00 E-mail: predsednik.opstine@raca.rs

| The Investors Guide

ražanj

rekovac

sjenica

Metalworking for Development

Agriculture Dominates

Ražanj has population of 1,000 and only 96 employees which is an indication of just how much Ražanj is lagging behind

Car parts company Blagotin from Belušić is on the road to recovery

Livestock Breeding and Tourism

The municipality of Ražanj has a good geographical position. It lies in the basin of the Velika Morava and Južna Morava rivers. It belongs to Niš County and spans across 289 square kilometers. The pan-European Corridor X (Belgrade-NIšThessaloniki-Athens) runs through Ražanj. The mu-

nicipality is made of the town of Ražanj and 23 villages. It is 55 km from Niš, in the direction of Belgrade. Most companies that do business in the municipality are micro-enterprises (from 1 to 5 employees) and there are only several companies that have between 5 and 50 employees. There are no medium-size or large enterprises here. Municipal authorities have been doing everything in their power to facilitate the development of SMEs and private sector. The companies that successfully operate in Ražanj are 14. October Smelting Plant, Metaloprerada (manufactures metal constructions) and Gerber (an export company). Ražanj has population of 1,000 and only 96 employees which is an indication of just how much Ražanj is lagging behind other municipalities in Central Serbia and Niš County. Ražanj has 16,926 hectares of agricultural land which is 59% of the municipal territory. In terms of structure of agricultural land, arable land is prevalent. Contact Dobrica Stojković Municipal president 37215 Ražanj Tel. +381-37-841-217 Fax: +381-37-841-225 E-mail : opstinarazanj@gmail.com

The municipality of Rekovac is located in Central Serbia, southeast Šumadija, between the Gledićke Mountain in the west and the Juhor Mountain in the east. The town of Rekovac is in Pomoravski County, 30 km southwest of Jagodina. The town lies on the river Dulenka, in a hilly area known under historical name of Levač. The municipal territory covers an area of 366 km2 and there are 32 towns and villages with the population of 13,500. Arable land covers 58.85% (or 21,540 hectares) of the municipality’s territory with ploughland covering 14,800 hectares, orchards 3,600 hectares, vineyards 1,115 hectares and meadows 2,030 hectares. The roads here are public and uncategorized. They are mainly regional and local (there are no main roads), while uncategorized roads are farm, field and forest roads. The total length of the roads in the munic-

ipality is 179 km, out of which 120 km are the roads with asphalt surface. The former business giants companies Polet and Levač are currently in a bad financial situation, while car parts company Blagotin from Belušić (produces seat foam and panels) is on the road to recovery.

Contact Predrag Djordjević Municipal president Svetozara Markovića br. 2 35260 Rekovac Tel. +381 35 84 11 004; Fax +381 35 84 11 196 Website: www.rekovac.co.rs

Serbian Potentials |

53

Huge potential for development of livestock breeding The municipality of Sjenica is located in Zlatibor County, Serbia. It covers an area of 1,059 km2 which makes it the biggest municipality in the county. The most important municipal roads here are Raška-Novi Pazar-Sjenica-Nova Varoš and the main road that links the Ibar motorway to

the main road to Zlatibor. The predominant economic branches here are processing industry (textile and textile products, meat and meat products, milk and dairy) and agriculture. The municipality has a huge potential in terms of livestock breeding which could be the basis for development of meat processing and dairy industry. However, this potential is underutilized. Products like cheese and prosciutto are in a great demand all over Serbia but the capacity for production of these products is not developed enough. The Sjeničko-Pešterska Plateau, with its many rivers, mountains, lakes, caves, meadows and pastures, is one of many top tourist destinations in Serbia. The municipality has a great potential for development of rural tourism because of its unspoiled nature. Sjenica has the cleanest rivers in Serbia. Huge forests with abundant game offer many opportunities for the development of hunting tourism. Contact Hazbo Mujović Municipal president Kralja Petra I, 36310 Sjenica Tel : +381-20-741-278; Fax : +381-20-741-288 E-mail : sosjenic@verat.net Website : www.opstinasjenica.co.rs

| The Investors Guide

smederevo

sokobanja

surdulica

Town With Three Industrial Zones

Hit With Tourists

Fully Equiped Industrial Zone

Smederevo lies in northeast Serbia, in the Danube District, on the banks of the river Danube

Sokobanja is one of the oldest spas in Serbia which has abundant natural resources

The existing industrial zone in Surdulica is located at the entrance to the municipal centre

The town's main potential rests in its exceptionally good geographical position and in the fact that the town lies on two European transport routes – Corridor X and Corridor VII, which is actually the river Danube. The industrial zone is seven kilometres

south-east from the town. The zone is very important for the economic development of the town since this is where the Smederevo Ironworks produces its pig iron. The zone spans across 300 hectares of land and has an exceptional technological and economic importance. The second industrial zone, located west of the town’s centre, has been traditionally occupied by iron producers. It covers an area of 21 hectares and has multifaceted structural features. The zone also has excellent infrastructure. The Godominsko Polje industiral zone is located north-east from the town and is split in several sub-zones. The zone covers an area of 101.3 hectares of land. There is another zone (84 hecatares) that is being worked on. The Detailed Regulation Plan for this zone has been devised and the municipal authorities have reached an agreement with the owners of land and facilities here. Contact Prvoslav Nedeljković Head of the Local Development Office Omladinska 1, 11300 Smederevo Tel: +381 26 231-115; Fax: +381 26 223 354 E-mail: kabinet@smederevo.org.rs; Website: www.smederevo.org.rs Spoken languages: English

Surdulica is situated in southeastern Serbia, in Pčinj County. The municipality’s eastern border (45 km long) is also the state border with Bulgaria. The territory of the municipality of Surdulica covers an area of 628 km2 and its population stands at 22,000.

The municipality of Sokobanja spans across 525 square km, it is located in Eastern Serbia and connected via the E-75 motorway Belgrade-Niš. The nearest airport is Konstantin Veliki in Niš, 60 km away. The predominant economic branches here are agriculture, tourism, forestry, waterpower engineering, commerce and industry. Sokobanja is one of the oldest spas in Serbia which has abundant natural resources (thermal and mineral springs and attractive geological formations), a healthy environment, rich cultural and historical heritage and favourable climate. The municipality’s General Zoning Plan has set out three individual zones – a work zone, an industrial zone and an arts and crafts zone. The following land plots are available to investors – 15.1 hectares of land in Podina (ideal for sports and recreational facilities), around 9.3 hectares suitable for residential and business facilities and 18.8 hectares of land, very near the forest, ideal for tourist facilities.

Contact Dimitrije Lukić, Municipal President Svetog Save 23, 18230 Sokobanja Tel.: +381-18-830-173; Fax: +381-18-830-253 E-mail: marija.zikic@opstinasokobanja.com Website: www.opstinasokobanja.com Spoken languages: English

Serbian Potentials |

54

Surdulica is 10 km from Corridor X (the E-75 motorway, railway) to which it is linked by the M.1.13 road (Vladičin Han-SurdulicaVlasina-Strezimirovci). The existing industrial zone in Surdulica has full infrastructure. Investors can make greenfield and brownfield investments in metallurgy, metal processing, wood processing, footwear and textile, and food industry. The municipal authorities provide incentives for investors in the shape of exemption from paying all municipal fees for one or several years. Lake Vlasina and the surrounding area are certainly one of the municipality’s advantages. The lake is a protected natural area of the first category and is considered one of the best tourist destinations in Serbia. Also, a great potential lies in production of green energy (small hydro-power plants, wind generators, biomass).

Contact Novica Tončev Municipal president Kralja Petra I br. 1, 17530 Surdulica Tel. ++ 381 17 815 041 (extension 109) Fax: ++381 17 815 270 Website: www.surdulica.com

| The Investors Guide

svilajnac

svrljig

šabac

The Place of Trade and Craftsmanship

Hunting Area

Town on Two Rivers

Agriculture is the most important economic branch in Svrljig

North-west work zone represents the backbone of Šabac’s business development

Svrljig is situated in Central Serbia, 25 km northeast from the regional centre of Niš. It spans across 497 square kilometres and it is made up of 38 villages. Svrljig is also 250 km from Belgrade. It lies in the valley between the Svrljig Mountains, on the main road leading to Zaječar, Negotin and Bor. The municipality’s population is 17,284, while Svrljig itself has 6,705 inhabitants. Municipal authorities have adopted a detailed zoning plan according to which Svrljig will get an industrial zone, warehouses and service stations located on the stretch between the Progres warehouse and the Herbogal Company. This marks the beginning of preparations for the arrival of investment capital. Agriculture is the most important economic branch in Svrljig, as is livestock breeding, crop farming, fruit growing, bee keeping and gathering of medicinal herbs.

Municipality and town of Šabac lie in north-west Serbia. The municipality is located on important road, railway and river transport routes, and it is in the vicinity of big cities of Belgrade and Novi Sad. Šabac Municipality spans an area of 795 km² and has the population of 122,320.

Bearing in mind the undiminished interest of investors, a similar industrial zone of 23 ha was opened next to the existing zone Svilajnac is located in Pomoravlje County. Seven-kilometre-long regional road connects Svilajnac to Corridor 10, which is an extremely good position. The municipality has around

25,511 residents. The land here is suitable for growing crops. Svilajnac has always been known as the center of trade and craftsmanship. Bearing in mind the undiminished interest of investors, a similar industrial zone of 23 ha was opened next to the existing zone. The new industrial zone is fully infrastructurally equipped. The municipal administration will provide and issue required permits for construction of production facilities within 30 days. Svilajnac is the first town in Serbia that is going to have a nature centre, with eight dinosaur replicas being the main display pieces. Aside from workshops and scientific exploration area, there will also be an exhibit facility with original fossils, and a 3D cinema for scientific and documentary films. The Nature Centre will span across 3,000 square metres. The municipality expects the Nature Centre to have around 120,000 visitors annually, because it is on the Corridor 10, while the Resavska Cave and Manasija Monastery are nearby. Contact Predrag Milanović Municipal president Svetog Save 102 35210 Svilajnac Tel: +381-35-312-010 E-mail: predsednik@svilajnac.rs

Svrljig is also counting on developing rural and hunting tourism, since the muncipality is surrounded by wonderful nature and many forests. The municipality also has abundant natural resources. The unemployment rate here is quite high due to the lack of production facilities.

Contact Milija Miletić Municipal president Radetova 31, 18360 Svrljig Tel: +381 (0) 63 416 996; Fax: +381 (0) 18 821 178 E-mail: predsednik@svrljig.rs; Website: www.svrljig.rs Spoken languages: English

Serbian Potentials |

55

Šabac is surrounded by the Sava and Drina rivers. A number of channels were built in the region. It has several mineral and healing springs. Its mining wealth includes quartz sand, clay and other raw materials used in construction sector. The north-west work zone represents the backbone of Šabac’s business development. It has 921 ha, where 600 ha are owned by the city. It is located along the M-19 main road, next to the Sava River, and it is 24 km away from Corridor 10, and 3 km from the town centre. The east industrial zone lies on the 98th kilometre of the Sava River, in the direction of main roads M-19 and M-21. There is the A.D. Robno transportni Centar"(Goods Transport Centre), which covers an area of 46 ha, with 31 ha of land available for leasing. The Šabac Free Zone is located here, and it spans an area of 4 hectares. The free zone is completely infrastructurally equipped. Construction of a new international port is also planned. Contact Miloš Milošević Mayor Gospodar Jevremova 6 15000 Šabac Tel: +381 15 346 711 E mail: opstina@sabac.rs

| The Investors Guide

Smederevska Palanka

The Home to Two Scientific Institutes Mineral water with selenium, which originates from the Kiseljak spa, is one of the best mineral waters in Europe

T

he municipality of Smederevska Palanka is sit-

adapted Mikulja Forest resort and Rudine airport for

uated in the northeast part of Šumadija. It is 80

small planes).

km from Belgrade, and only 8 km from Corridor X

Radoslav Milojičić Kena President of the Municipality of Smederevska Palanka

“The Goša industrial complex is the oldest industrial zone in the town dating back to 1923”

Considering the fact that the municipality has an

by air. The municipality covers 422 sqaure km and its

adequate industrial infrastructure (production facili-

population stands at just over 56,000.

ties of the Goša Corporation and an industrial zone in

The municipality of Smederevska Palanka has

the town quarter of Kolonija), it would be wise to in-

natural resources, namely geo-thermal mineral wa-

vest in industrial branches too. Bearing in mind that

ter, which provides a great opportunity for develop-

the area is known for its fruit and vegetables, invest-

ment of spa tourism, and two artificial lakes. The min-

ing in agriculture could be of interest.

eral water with selenium, which originates from the

Smederevska Palanka has an industrial zone in the

Kiseljak spa, which is only 2.5 km from the town cen-

northwest part of the town, in the town quarter called

tre, is one of the best mineral waters in Europe. Apart

Kolonija. The total surface of this zone is 40.5 hec-

from drinking, the water is used for medical purposes,

tares and the zone is only 2.5 km from the town, as

particularly for treating rheumatic diseases. Its heal-

well as 500 metres from the Smederevska Palanka-

ing properties have been scientifically proven. There is a spa resort on Kiseljak. However, its capacity is insufficient considering the huge potential for development of spa tourism here. Smederevska Palanka is also an industrial town and has several production locations suitable for brownfield investments. The municipality has two science and research institutes – the Goša Institute and the

contact:

Radoslav Milojičić Kena Municipal President Vladimir Djurdjević Chief of Staff Vuka Karadžića 25 11420 Smederevska Palanka Tel: +381 26 321 001 E-mail: Vladimir.djurdjevic@gmail.com

Smederevo regional road. The

Apart from the works on regional roads and the widening of the water supply grid to include the villages in the municipality, funds have been secured for the biggest investment in Serbia in 2013 – a water factory and a new water supply grid

zone is covered by a detailed regulation plan. In terms of infrastructure; there is a paved road, electricity, water and gas supply. The Goša industrial complex is the oldest industrial zone in the town dating back to 1923. It consists of two work zones – Goša 1 and Goša 2 – with a total surface of 38 hectares. Goša 1 is located between the railway

Institute of Vegetable Crops.

station and the Kubršnica River,

Improved and consolidated ag-

while Goša 2 lies on the oppo-

ricultural land in the municipal-

site bank of the river, in Rudine.

ity also has economic potential.

Goša 1 is suitable only for

The fact that the municipal-

brownfield investments since it

ity is in the close proximity to

has empty production facilities.

Corridor X and Corridor VII (the

The zone also has complete in-

Smederevo Port) should also be

frastructure, including a paved

underlined as a benefit.

road, electricity, water and gas

Municipal authorities advise

supply and sewage, on top of an

investing in spa and recreation-

industrial railway track which is

al tourism (the Kiseljak Spa, the

linked to the Belgrade-Niš rail-

beautiful Lake Kudreč, partially

road. Goša 2 is suitable for both

Serbian Potentials |

56

| The Investors Guide

brownfield and greenfield investments. This zone also has a paved

Land development fee can be paid all at once or in instalments (up to 36). For one-time payments, the fee is reduced by 30% and the in-

road, electricity, water and gas supply and sewage. We should also mention the Guberaš location, which lies on the

vestor should submit the proof of payment when concluding a contract.

R-107 regional road (Smederevska Palanka-Velika Plana), on 30 hec-

Companies and small businesses which hire at least 50 new work-

tares of land. This location is only 4

ers in the scope of one year are enti-

km from the town centre and the rail-

tled to a 50% discount.

way station. The entire municipality

Smederevska Palanka is home to

has gas and electricity supply, with an

two scientific institutes – the Institute

electrical grid suitable for large con-

for Vegetable Crops and the Goša

sumers too.

Institute. The Institute for Vegetable

The roads in the municipality have

Crops has top experts in the vegeta-

been repaired recently, including the

ble growing field, and there are a num-

roads leading out of town, near the

ber of young scientists preparing their

Kolonija industrial zone. Apart from

doctorates here. The Institute’s re-

the works on regional roads and the

search programme is focused on ge-

widening of the water supply grid to

netics and breeding of vegetable

include the villages in the municipal-

crops.

ity, funds have been secured for the

The Goša Institute has 74 employ-

biggest investment in Serbia in 2013

ees, 12 PhD holders and 10 PhD can-

– a water factory and a new water supply grid. This project, which will alleviate problems with water supply in the municipality (both in the town and the villages), as well as in the nearby town of Velika Plana, has

The municipality has two science and research institutes – the Goša Institute and the Institute of Vegetable Crops. Meliorated and consolidated agricultural land in the municipality also has economic potential

Group from Croatia (production of non-alcoholic beverages), Agrokor

technological sciences. The aforementioned science institutions could be considered an impetus for investments in the areas in

We have already mentioned the

total project value is €11.5 million. operating in the municipality – Atlantis

is the development of technical and

which they specialize.

been financed by the World Bank. The

There are several large companies

didates. The Institute’s core activity

The municipal administration can issue the permits required for investments in a very short time

Mikulja Forest. The forest stretches on 150 hectares of land, right above the town, at the altitude of between 170 and 200 metres. It is four km from the centre of Smederevska Palanka. The

(Idea supermarkets) from Croatia, Zos, Trnava from Slovakia (production of train cars), DIS from Serbia (super-

forest is partially adapted for recreational activities, and it has a great

market chain), Metal Product d.o.o. from Serbia (production of alumin-

potential for the development of tourism. There is a plan to implement

ium and steel profiling machines), Delhaize Europe, Goša Equipment

a project called ‘European Village’ on 30 hectares of the forest. The idea

and Machine Factory and PORR-Werner & Weber.

is for each embassy in Serbia to have its own holiday spot in the Village

The municipal administration can issue the permits required for in-

and for the ambassadors to be better acquainted with the investment advantages of Smederevska Palanka. ■

vestments in a very short time. Serbian Potentials |

57

| The Investors Guide

topola

trgovište

trstenik

Famous for Grapevines

Agriculture Natural Resources

Hydraulics and Vine

The municipal authorities can provide infrastructure at locations chosen by investors within the shortest possible period

The Trgovište General Spatial Plan envisages an industrial zone on 3.5 hectares of land

The municipality is known for vegetable growing, production of fruit and grape seedlings and the Mivela mineral water

Topola is located at the heart of Šumadija County, at the junction of the Belgrade-Kragujevac and Belgrade-Gornji Milanovac-Kragujevac roads, near the town of Aranđelovac, 80 km south of Belgrade and 40 km west of Kragujevac. The municipality is only 35 km away from the Belgrade-

Niš motorway and 100 km from Nikola Tesla Airport. The nearest railway station is 30 km away, in Mladenovac. The municipality spans across 356 square km and its population stands at 25,292. Agriculture and tourism are the dominant economic branches here, including fruit and wine growing. In the last ten years, the area has been known for high quality home-grown grape varieties. Topola is also a popular tourist destination thanks to the vineyards on Oplenac, historical events and a mausoleum. The area is also known for its textile, building, and metal and stone processing industries. There are four industrial zones at present and unoccupied plots. The municipal authorities can provide infrastructure at locations chosen by investors, as well as tax incentives and issue required permits within the shortest possible period. Topola is also known for its agricultural activities, fruit processing, organic food production and production of raw-materials used in food and pharmaceutical industries. Contact Zora Nedović, Coordinator at the Local Economic Development Office Bulevar Kralja Aleksandra I br. 9, 34310 Topola Tel: ++381 34 811 273; Fax: ++381 34 811 771 E-mail: ler@topola.com; Website: www.topola.com Spoken languages: English

The municipality of Trgovište is located at the very southeast of Serbia and it covers an area of 370 km2. The altitude here ranges from 480 metres all the way to 1,800 metres. Trgovište is the administrative, cultural and business centre of the municipality. A total of 5,145 people live here, divided into five local communities. The municipality plans on completing an industrial zone on 3.5 hectares near the R-125 regional road, at the entrance to Trgovište. The industrial zone currently doesn’t have infrastructure, and the drafting of the detailed regulation plan is pending. The town of Trgovište has a coffee processing facility, which is unfortunately closed, and the California trout pond of 50 ton capacity in one breeding cycle. Investors can obtain required documents with a 30-day-period.

Trgovište has the infrastructure required for regular business operations. Also, there are plenty of natural resources for development of agriculture, primarily livestock breeding, and fruit and vegetable growing. Sheep are also bred here, mainly for their cheese and milk. Lamb is quite in demand and the local farmers usually export all of their available quantities of lamb.

Contact Nenad Krstić Municipal president Kralja Petra br. 4 17525 Trgovište Tel. +381 17 452 210 E-mail: kabinetpredsednika@trgoviste.rs

Serbian Potentials |

58

The municipality of Trstenik lies in the fertile valley of the Zapadna Morava River, on the slopes of the Glediće and Goč mountains. It covers an area of 448 km2 and has the population of close to 50,000. The municipality is comprised of one town and 50 villages. The town of Trstenik lies on

the right bank of the Zapadna Morava River. Trstenik is home to Prva Petoletka Company, which used to be a giant in the world of hydraulics and pneumatics, recognized world-wide. Today, the company is slowly but surely regaining its position. The municipality is known for extensive vegetable growing, production of fruit and grape seedlings and the Mivela mineral water. The total length of municipal roads is 260 kilometres. The municipality has a primary regional gas pipeline and most of its territory has phone lines. The town of Trstenik has cable television and fast Internet connection. The municipality of Trstenik lies in Central Serbia. It is 205 km from Belgrade (the PojateKraljevo main road), and 52 km from the E-75 motorway. The Stalać-Požega railroad runs through the municipality. Small tourist airport Trstenik is nearby, while the centre of continental tourism of Serbia – Vrnjačka Banja – is 10 km away. Contact Miroslav Aleksić Municipal president Knjeginje Milice 66, 37240 Trstenik Tel. +381 37 711 040 Fax +381 37 712 530 E-mail: predsednistvots@sbb.rs

| The Investors Guide

Tutin

Famous Food from Pešter The Tutin municipality covers an area of 741 square km and has a population of 40,000

Šemsudin Kučević Municipal President

“The Agricultural Expert Advisory Service has put together a registry of agricultural estates and helped with the reconstruction of 3,500 of them”

he Tutin municipality is one of the highest locat-

T

Tutin drafted a detailed zoning plan, as well as

ed municipalities in Serbia, with the average al-

the project and technical documentation to help in-

titude here being over 1,000 meters. The big-

vestors in deciding where to invest.

gest area here (463 square km) is the Pešter plateau

The main production sectors here are the con-

and lower mountains. The Municipality lacks in stag-

struction sector, food production and processing,

nant waters. Lake Gazivode is an exception, with a

wood processing, furniture production and the ser-

volume of 370 million cubic metres. Water accumu-

vice sector.

lation supplies Kosovo’s municipality of Zubin Potok

Agriculture has been developing through insti-

with water, and it is important to Tutin municipality

tutional support. An agricultural advisory expert ser-

when it comes to tourism and fishing.

vice was formed at the Business and Local Economic

The municipality’s most important resource is its

Development Department. The Agricultural Expert

agricultural land which makes up 53% of its total ter-

Advisory Service put together a registry of agricultur-

ritory. This includes pastures, meadows, arable land

al estates and helped with the reconstructing 3,500 of

and gardens, orchards.

them. The municipal brands are dairy products, meat

Good climate, unpolluted nature, and long agri-

and meat products, grain and products made of flour,

cultural and animal husbandry traditions, represent

fresh fruits and vegetables and dried fruit, forest and

an extraordinary foundation for

meadow honey, different types

the construction of appropri-

of tea, and forest fruits.

ate processing capacities. Tutin

The most important branch-

offers great opportunities for

es in the service sector are re-

the production of healthy food

tail, catering, traffic and trans-

based on milk, meat, honey, for-

port, financial services, crafts-

est fruits and medicinal herbs,

manship, health sector, postal

and the development of moun-

services, energy and others.

tain, rural, hunting and fishing

The service sector is made

tourism.

of many SMEs, shops and small

Vast forests also represent an important resource. The forests here are mostly spruce, beech and firewood, as well as rare types of pine called Molika (Macedonian pine) and Krivulja (mountain pine). Another important resource here is turf, which is already being exploited and processed. Mineral raw

Tutin offers great possibilities for the production of healthy food based on milk, meat, honey, forest fruits and medicinal herbs, and the development of mountain, rural, hunting and fishing tourism

business which employ a substantial number of people. A number of catering and tourist facilities also contribute to the business development of municipality.

Reisen Bus

Enterprise provides passenger transport services and is funding the construction of a big business and catering facility covering around 7,000 square me-

materials are marbled limecontact:

stone, decorative stone, white chalk deposits and

tres. The facility will be just outside the town centre,

Šemsudin Kučević Municipal president Husein-bega Gradaščevića 7 36320 Tutin Tel: +381-20-811-111 E-mail: kabinet@tutin.rs

huge amounts of limestone mass. Waterways with

and this is currently one of the biggest investments in

unique springs and Lake Gazivode have extraordi-

the municipality. Freight transport is also developed.

nary opportunities for the development of tourism,

Four banks offer financial services. Road networks and

sport fishing and the construction of fish ponds and

infrastructure are very good and developed. There is

fish farming. Water, solar and wind power plants can

both fixed and mobile telephony here, while energy,

be built on 63 locations.

tourism and craftsmanship are also developed. ■

Serbian Potentials |

59

| The Investors Guide

užice

ub

varvarin

Exporter Town

Stone Mining Treasure

Tourism of Development

Užice is located on the border between Serbia, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina

The industrial railway, which runs through the municipality, is suitable only for cargo transport

Varvarin is a small town and municipality in Rasinski County, Šumadija region in Central Serbia

The proximity of these three countries is an excellent foundation for business. There are close to five million consumers in the 200-km radius around Užice. The locations that are available to investors and have the required infrastructure are mostly located in the Customs Fee Zone, but there are other locations as well. The town

has an excellent railway link to the port of Bar on the Adriatic coast and the port of Belgrade on the Danube River. Užice is currently working on obtaining NALED’s business friendly certification. The town of Užice is the business centre of Western Serbia and is one of the most economically developed towns in the country. It is also one of the few towns that has been constantly recording a surplus in trading with foreign countries. There are 11 economic branches here, with companies in the processing industry, construction, tourism and commerce being the most successful. The leading economic branches are metal processing industry, non-ferrous metal processing, textile and wood processing industry. Užice’s revenue makes 36% of the county’s revenue and close to 1% of state revenue. There are a total of 780 companies and 3,248 small businesses in Užice. Tourism is also developed on the mountains of Zlatibor, Tara, Mokra Gora, Zlatar, Golija and Lake Perućac. Contact Saša Milošević Mayor Dimitrija Tucovića 52 31000 Užice Tel: ++381 31 590 142 E-mail: uprava@uzice.rs

The municipality of Ub is the second biggest municipality in Kolubara County, spanning across 456 square kilometers. It is 50 km from Belgrade. The industrial railway, which runs through the municipality, is suitable only for cargo transport. Agriculture and mining are the two most important economic branches in the municipality. There are 33 hectares of arable land (72.16% of the total available land). The second most important economic branch is construction since the municipality has abundance of raw-materials used in construction like stone, quartz and white clay. Apart from natural resources and business potential, tourism offers plenty of development opportunities providing it receives more investments.

The incentives that municipal authorities offer to investors are reduction or exemption from paying property tax, local utility fees, land development fees, environmental protection fees, general administrative expenses and land rent. Local authorities also have incentives for investors who create a certain number of new jobs. Contact Darko Glišić Municipal president 3. oktobar br. 4, 14210 Ub E-mail: predsednik@opstinaub.org.rs Tel. +381 14 411 622 Website: www.opstinaub.org.rs

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60

The municipality spans across 249 square kilometers and is comprised of the town of Varvarin and 21 villages. Varvarin is the administrative, economic, educational, cultural, health and transport centre of the municipality.

There are close to 70 companies here which produce various goods, secondary rawmaterials, food and construction materials and provide commercial services. The privatization process was supposed to increase production in the municipality. The municipality of Ćićevac, the municipality of Varvarin and the US-based company LA International have formed a joint venture for construction, distribution and maintenance of the gas supply grid. The Varvarin municipality is suitable for development of tourism because of the beautiful areas around Velika Morava and Zapadna Morava rivers. Apart from that, hospitality facilities can be opened here since the area has many tourist resorts and historical / cultural monuments.

Contact Zoran Milenković Municipal president Trg Marina Marinović 37260 Varvarin Tel. / fax +381 37 789 263 E-mail : sovarvarin@ptt.rs

| The Investors Guide

Valjevo

Investors are Eager to Come Valjevo has been certified by NALED as a business friendly municipality, as well as established a credit rating from the international agency Moody’s Investors Service

T Stanko Terzić Mayor

“Valjevo is also the town of knowledge where people have been acquiring and using new knowledge and new technology”

contact:

Stanko Terzić Mayor Karadjordjeva 64 14000 Valjevo Tel. +381 (0) 14 294 882 Fax +381 (0) 14 226 112 E mail: gradonacelnik@valjevo.org.rs

he town and municipality of Valjevo is a community al agency Moody’s Investors Service. The municipaliopen to all kinds people, ideas and different opinty’s advantage lies in its extensive experience in workions. It is a community of active citizens who are ining with foreign investors, efficient local administration, a network of business support organizations, good involved in the municipal life. Valjevo is an important and dynamic industrial, transport, tourist and cultural centre frastructural connections, many investment locations, in this part of Serbia. incentives for investors, an airport, Corridor X, and Valjevo is also the town of knowledge where peoCorridor VII 100 km away. The municipality has several industrial zones like ple have been acquiring and using new knowledge and the STEFIL zone, spanning across 14 hectares of land, 3 new technology. It is also an entrepreneurial town, and km from the town centre. The zone stretches along the a town known for clean technology and renewable enM4 main road (Valjevo-Belgrade) and the Belgrade-Bar ergy resources. railroad. It is 9 km from a local airport and 17 km from Local administration has been modernized and prothe Belgrade-Požega motorway (which is currently under vides high quality services. It is also the driving force beconstruction). The infrastructure here is good and comhind the municipality’s economic and social development. Valjevo lies on an intersection of many roads, and pleted. Permits are issued fast. The zone has production you can arrive to it from many different directions, while halls and a Gorenje distribution centre which was a €20 passing through some really beautiful scenery. million investment. The Austrotherm styrofoam factory is The town is 96 km from Belgrade, 134 km from Novi one of the zone’s occupants. The Gradac nuts and bolts Sad, 77 km from Užice, and 72 km from Loznica. It covfactory offers 10 hectares of land suitable for construcers an area of 905 square km. The tion in Valjevo and 2 hectares in Loznica-Valjevo-Lajkovac M-4 Zubin Potok. The available facilimain road is the town’s link to the ties are 9,000 square metres in Ibar motorway, while the Šabacsurface and 1.5 km from the town Valjevo-Užice M-21 road concentre. Nova Srbijanka Company nects Valjevo to Montenegro. The (which is undergoing bankruptBelgrade-Bar railroad also passes through the municipality. cy) has 13 hectares of land and The town of Valjevo has popu13,000 square metre facilities on offer. They are located near the lation of close to 100,000. You can Belgrade-Valjevo road. reach Valjevo by rail which starts The globally renowned manin Belgrade and goes all the way The STEFIL industrial to a big Adriatic port of Bar. The ufacturer of fine lingerie – the zone spans across 14 closest civil airport is the one in Italian company Golden Lady – hectares of land, and Belgrade while a small plane airhas opened the VaLy production hall in the Beloševac industrial port in Divci is 12 km away. is 3 km from the town Valjevo’s economy rests on centre. The zone stretches zone in Valjevo as a greenfield inan agri-industry complex, convestment. along the M4 main road For decades, Valjevo has struction and the printing indus(Valjevo-Belgrade) and been known for its entrepreneurtry. The Private sector is also dethe Belgrade-Bar railroad ial spirit which is validated by reveloped. There are 1,039 privately owned companies operating in tail facilities like Europrom, and the municipality, with seven companies considered large, the Serbian supermarket chain Domaći Trgovinski Lanac 30 medium and 1,002 small. The municipality also has (DTL). Also, regional supermarket chain Mercator S has 4,635 small businesses. been operating in Valjevo. Mercator has made a €6 milIn terms of investments, Valjevo has drafted the lion greenfield investment here by building Roda MegaSustainable Local Development Strategy and the Local Market which spans across 3,600 square metres. Economic Development Strategy. Valjevo has been cerIn 2012, French retail chain Intermarche opened a large-scale retail facility Interex in Valjevo which covers tified by NALED as a business friendly municipality, as 2,600 square metres and offers over 12,000 articles. ■ well as established a credit rating from the internationSerbian Potentials |

61

| The Investors Guide

velika plana

veliko gradište

vlasotince

Sitting on Two Corridors

Marked by the Danube

Revival of Livestock Breeding

Velika Plana is a moderately developed municipality and the route that connects Western and Central Europe to Greece and the Middle East

The municipality of Veliko Gradište is located in northeast Serbia, and it belongs to the Danube region

Forests are a vast natural resource and carry a signficant potential

Velika Plana lies in the fertile valley of the Velika Morava River, surrounded by the Šumadija’s hills. It spans across 345 square km and has a population of 46,000. The town also lies on the Corridor X. The main Belgrade-Niš rail-

road is nearby and intersects both in Velika Plana and Markovac. Based on the spatial plan and the traffic plans of the European Union, Velika Plana will remain the route that connects Western and Central Europe to Greece and the Middle East in the future too. Velika Plana is a moderately developed municipality. Its spatial plan defines 12 work zones, all in attractive locations near transport and railway corridors. Arable land here is suitable for healthy food production. An investor is not obliged to pay the land development fee which ranges between 15% and 20% of the estimated value of an investment. Investors are also exempt from paying municipal rent. The municipal authorities in Velika Plana will provide the necessary logistics. Velika Plana has a well-developed traffic infrastructure with the instalation of gas and water supply pipelines on the entire municipal territory nearly finished. Contact Dejan Šulkić Municipal president Miloša Velikog 30, 11320 Velika Plana Tel: ++381 26 521 318 E-mail: sovplana@verat.net www.velikaplana.org.rs

The municipality has around 27,000 inhabitants who live in 26 towns and villages. The municipality spans across 344 square kilometres. Close to 5,000 of its inhabitants work abroad (mostly in Western Europe). In the north, the municipality borders with Romania with the 20-km segment of the Danube River representing the natural border. The Belgrade-Kladovo main road and a railroad both pass through the municipality which is 110 km from Belgrade, or an hour’s drive. The Belgrade-Đerdap road represents the main transport link to other towns. The roads in the municipality are of good quality and they are all paved. Veliko Gradište also has a port for foreign ships that sail the Danube from the Black Sea ports on their way to Vienna and vice versa. Gradište also has a customs office which is one of the reasons why all ships have to make

shorter or longer stops. Agriculture, tourism and the plant oil processing industry are the foundation of the economy here. Agriculture is the most important economic branch with maize, wheat, industrial plants, fruit and vegetable mostly grown. The municipality is currently implementing a number of projects. The conditions for investing are good and there are several locations suitable for investing.

Contact Dragan Milić Municipal president Žitni Trg 1, 12220 Veliko Gradište Tel: +381 12 662-120 E-mail: sovgradiste@ptt.rs

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62

The municipality of Vlasotince lies in a highland area, with hills and mountains making 80% of its territory. The lowest altitude here is 230 metres (at the estuary of the Vlasina and Južna Morava rivers), while its higest point is the Raskrsje stretch (1,433 metres). Morphologically wise, the municipality is

made of two segments - valleys and depressions (the most fertile parts of the muncipality) and the highland area. The most important resources in the municipality are arable land, forests and waterways which are all conducive to development of tourism. Arable land is the biggest and the important resource. It covers 16,853 hectares of land, or 54.7% of the municipal territory. In the following period, the focus will be on developing vegetable & fruit growing, and viticulture and reviving livestock breeding. Local forests are a vast natural resource and carry a signficant potential. They span across 12,873 hectares of municipal land. Vlasotince has a free zone covering an area of 82 hectares. Infrastructure has been built on 57 hectares and these plots are prepared for investors. The zone is 6 km from the motorway, near the main road, and 10 km from the railroad. Relevant permits can be issued in a very short amount of time. Contact Nebojša Stojanović Municipal president Trg oslobođenja 12 16210 Vlasotince Tel: +381 16 875 122 (extension 105) E-mail: predsednik@vlasotince.org.rs

| The Investors Guide

Vladimirci

Development of Livestock Agricultural land in the municipality of Vladimirci covers 27,298 hectares or 81% of the total municipal territory. Pig, sheep and cattle breeding are very developed here

V

ladimirci is located right next to the Sava

ers 60 hectares, which is suitable for construction of

River, between Šabac, Valjevo and Belgrade.

a fish pond and a sports and recreation facility which

Two main transport routes – Belgrade-Šabac

would transform this area into the most popular resort

and Šabac-Valjevo – pass through the municipali-

Vladica Marković Municipal President

The municipal territory has many geo-thermal

lies on Corridor X. There are 18,785 people living in

springs which can be used for sports, recreational, me-

the municipality.

dicinal and spa purposes, as well as for greenhouse ir-

Agricultural land covers 27,298 hectares. The area produces 30,000 tons of wheat, 80,000 tons of maize,

“The municipal authorities are at full disposal to investors in terms of issuing permits”

for the people living in Šabac and Vladimirci.

ty. The municipality is 35 km from the airport and it

rigation. The plan is to build a spa facility based on geo-thermal springs at the town’s centre.

5,000 tons of barley, 2,000 tons of soy, 250,000 tons

Mineral water resources are fully utilized in the vil-

of plums, 1,000 tons of sour cherries, 500 tons of ap-

lage of Provo where a 220-metre deep mineral water

ples, 200 tons of strawberries, and 200 tons of rasp-

well with balneological properties has been built. The

berries and blackberries each year. In terms of live-

water temperature is 20.1°C and the well’s capacity is 5

stock breeding, the farmers in the municipality have

litres per second. The total mineralization value stands

50,000 pigs, 15,000 head of cattle, and 10,000 dairy

at 1.300 mg/l (of mineral water). A spa or a sports and

cows, while the number of

recreation centre can be built here.

sheep went up to 15,000.

authori-

located in the northeast part

tors in terms of issuing permits.

of Vladimirci, near the Šabac-

Providing that a municipal ar-

Obrenovac road and the river

ea that is of interest to a poten-

Sava. The municipality has 300

tial investor has the relevant plan-

hectares of land that is state-

ning documents, permits can be

owned (with no infrastructure).

issued in the shortest possible

This land is only 40 km from

time. It is worth mentioning that

Belgrade and is designated to

the drafting of planning docu-

be an industrial zone.

ments for the parts of municipali-

zone, the municipal spatial plan also defines a 5-hectare-business zone for SMEs, in the centre of Vladimirci. Investors are advised to

Slobodan Pavlović Ulica Svetog Save 34 15225 Vladimirci Tel: 015 513141, 514481 Fax: 015 513146 E-mail: office@vladimirci.org.rs www.vladimirci.org.rs Foreign langusges: English

municipal

ties are at full disposal to inves-

Apart from the industrial

contact:

The

The biggest companies are

look into tourism since the mu-

The municipality has 300 hectares of land that is state-owned which is only 40 km from Belgrade and is designated to be an industrial zone

nicipality has abundant natural

ty that still don't have such documents is nearly completed. There are no foreign investors or business parks in our municipality. With regard to telecommunications, the ground and mobile telephony coverage in the municipality of Vladimirci is excellent.

resources (thermal springs, mineral water, the River

All villages and towns here have electricity.

Sava) which have great tourism potential. The old-

The municipality has a well-developed road net-

est and the most renowned monastery in northwest

work and is connected to the neighbouring areas by

Serbia – Kaona – is nearby. This is an exceptional-

roads only. Two main roads – M-19 and M-21 (to-

ly valuable cultural and historical monument which

tal length: 13 km) – pass through the municipality.

dates back to the 14th century.

Regional roads R-206 and R-210 (total length: 35 km)

There is also the Vukosačka Swamp, which covSerbian Potentials |

63

also pass through the municipal territory. ■

| The Investors Guide

vladičin han

vrnjačka banja

vranje

Youth Unemployment

Parks and Thermal Springs

Surrounded by Zones

The feasibility study for the construction of the Suva Morava industrial zone is ready

Tourism is the most important economic branch in Vrnjačka Banja which is famous for its spas

Local government provides a number of incentives for investors planning to launch production

Vladičin Han lies in the Vranje Valley, on both banks of the Južna Morava River. The town is 67 km from the state border with Macedonia in the south and 52 km from the state border with Bulgaria in the east. Vladičin Han has access to important transport routes – a railway and the Belgrade-

The municipality of Vrnjačka Banja is located in Central Serbia. It is 200 km from Belgrade, and it lies between the Goč Mountain and the Zapadna Morava River. Vrnjačka Banja has six thermal springs, two of which being homeo-thermo-mineral springs. The town is also known for its wonderful parks which cover 60 hectares of land and period villas from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The construction of a wellness and spa centre, four and five star hotels and a children’s amusement park are just some of the municipality’s plans. There is also a plan to build industrial and production zones on plots which cover between 5 and 30 hectares of land. Investors can make greenfield investments on the Goč Mountain, which has sports and recreational facilities, tourist resorts, children’s playgrounds, mini-hotels, and ethno- and eco-

Vranje is the economic, administrative, health, industrial, educational and cultural centre of Pčinjski County. It spans an area of 860 km2 and has the population of 85,802. It has access to Corridor X and is well-connected to Belgrade, Skopje, Thessaloniki and Sofia. The Vranje Spa is nearby. The temperature of

Niš-Skopje motorway. The municipality is 333 km from Belgrade, 112 km from Priština, 409 km from Novi Sad, 91 km from Niš and 112 km from Skopje. It spans across an area of 366 square kilometers, and it comprises 51 villages with a total population of 24,676. Vladičin Han doesn’t have motorways, but it does have 36.5 km of main roads leading to Skopje, Macedonia and Thessaloniki, Greece. The municipality has electricity and water supply on the entire territory it covers, and there are five automatic telephone exchanges. Several paper processing, wood processing and construction companies operate in the municipality. There is also the Delišes agricultural combine. The European Union has provided funds for drafting a feasibility study for the construction of the Suva Morava industrial zone in the municipality of Vladičin Han. Unfortunately, the youth unemployment is quite high here. Contact Goran Mladenović Municipal president Svetosavska 1, 17510 Vladičin Han Tel: +381 (0)17 472 260 E-mail: predsednikopstine@vladicinhan.org.rs ww.vladicinhan.org.rs

villages. Investors can invest in wood processing industry and organic food production. The spatial plan of the Republic of Srbija and spatial plan of the municipality of Vrnjačka Banja both envisage the construction of small hydro-power plants on the Zapadna Morava River which is also a great investment opportunity.

Contact Boban Đurović,Municipal president Kruševačka 17, 36210 Vrnjačka Banja Tel. +381 36 612 627; E-mail: predsednik@vrnjačkabanja.org.rs www.vrnjackabanja.co.rs Spoken languages: English and French

Serbian Potentials |

64

the mountain spring water in the Spa ranges from 98.7°C to 125°C. The Besna Kobila Mountain is 30 km from the Vranje Spa and is ideal for development of winter tourism. The economic branches that are developed here are wood processing, textile, tobacco, machine, metalworking, food and footwear industry. Vranje has several industrial zones with concomitant infrastructure like the industrial zone in Bunuševac, the zone in Radnička Street and Suvi Do, the zone near the Neradovački Road and the industrial zone in the Vranje Spa. Local government has created a special ’investment package’ with incentives for newly-established production companies. It also grants exemptions or discounts on payment of land development fee. Building permits, as well as other required permits, are issued in the shortest time possible. Vranje is among the top ten small towns in Europe because of low investment costs. Contact Zoran Antić Mayor Kralja Milana 1, 17500 Vranje Tel. +381 17 402 334 Fax +381 17 421 576 E-mail kabinet@vranje.org.rs

| The Investors Guide

zaječar

žabari

žagubica

New Jobs

Land Consolidation and Melioration

Eco-food From the Hills

Zaječar has been declared an area of special developmental importance Zaječar is located in the very east of Serbia, only 11 km away from the Bulgarian border. The town is built on the Paraćin-Zaječar-Kula (Bulgaria) road. It spans across 1,096 km2 and has population of close to 65,000. Metal-processing and food industry are

developed here, while, in the past, the town

Agriculture is a dominant branch, and is carrier of municipality’s corporate development Žabari Municipality is located in the east region, on the right bank of the Velika Morava River. Administratively, it belongs to Braničevo County, it spreads on 264 km2 and has 15,965 residents in 15 settlements. This municipality is connected to all parts of Serbia and to all roads with international environment – the BelgradeNiš highway, Belgrade-Bar railway, and it is 50 km away from Port of Smederevo, 30 km away from Požarevac and 100 km away from Belgrade. The industrial zone is connected by roads, there is a substation, water and phone connection. Investors are offered with empty industrial facilities, processing capacities, land, exemption from local taxes and possibility to get a building permit within a shorter period than the legally stipulated one. An agri-business zone can be opened within the industrial zone.

was known for raw hide, textile, glass and porcelain processing. Zaječar doesn’t have an industrial zone per se, but a number of land plots stretching along the main road M-25. These land plots have a required infrastructure. The river Timok and a railroad are also nearby. Serbian government has declared Zaječar an area of special development importance which means that the government has been allocating substantial incentives for each new job which range from €4,000 to €10,000. The most important investors in Zaječar are Gorenje from Slovenia, Moraviaenergo from the Czech Republic, Tele-fonika Cable from Poland, United Serbian Breweries (Haineken) Zaječarsko and Strabag.

Contact Boško Ničić Mayor Trg oslobođenja 1; 19000 Zaječar Tel : +381 19 444 600; Fax : +381 19 421 712 E - mail : nadezda.radenkovic@zajecar.info Website: www.zajecar.info

Land consolidation and melioration was carried out on over 8,500 ha in this municipality, and all the conditions were created for introduction of an irrigation system, and a healthy and preserved environment gives advantage to organic food. Development of rural tourism is incited by two artificial lakes, Aleksandrovačko and Polatnjansko lakes, as well as the Četereže forest with its ecclesial sites. Contact Filipović Miodrag Kneza Miloša 103 12374 Žabari Tel. +381 12 / 250-130 Fax +381 12 /250-232 E mail: sozabari@ptt.rs

Serbian Potentials |

As an economic branch, tourism has started to develop only recently The municipality of Žagubica is in east Serbia, around 170 km southeast of Belgrade and 83 km from Požarevac. The R-105 regional road (Požarevac-Petrovac-Žagubica-Bar) is the main transport route here. Maize and wheat are the two predominant

grain plants grown in the plains of Žagubica and the valley of Krepoljin and Krupaja. Animal husbandry, fruit growing and agriculture are developed on the nearby hills. All of these economic activities are intertwined. Meat and dairy production is also developed here. Žagubica is the region known for its crops, meadows and fruit. The leading companies in the Homolje region are drip molding company Fos, IGM Mermer and Nova Osanica, which are all privatized, and a brown coal mine Jasenovac Krepoljin. As an economic branch, tourism has started to develop only recently. Since the municipality is economically undeveloped, it doesn’t have sufficient financial means to develop tourism, so, in the future, the main focus will be on developing rural tourism in Homolje which is ideal for production of high quality organic food.

Contact Safet Pavlović Municipal president Trg Oslobođenja 1, 12320 Žagubica Fal. +381-12-7643-231; Fax +381-12-7643-237 E-mail: opstinazagubica@beotel.rs E-mail: milosevicradisa@gmail.com

65

| The Investors Guide

žitorađa

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Organic Food The municipality undertook to produce organic food both for domestic and foreign market The municipality of Žitorađa is located in Toplički County. It is 10 km from Corridor X, which connects Serbia to Macedonia and Greece, and 35 km southwest from Niš. Agriculture is the most developed economic branch here. The municipality under-

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took to produce organic food both for domestic and foreign market with more emphasis put on growing vegetables (especially watermelons), peppers, tomatoes and cucumbers than on traditional crops. The municipality has cold storage units and fruit & vegetable processing facilities which are needed to round off the entire process. The P3 industrial zone is located at the entrance to Žitorađa from the direction of Niš. The zone is only 1 km from the town's centre and it covers an area of 8 hectares. The closest railway station is only 300 metres away. The zone has a complete utility infrastructure while the land can be leased out for free providing that an investor hires more than 50 workers. The municipality has another industrial zone which is only 5 km from Corridor X.

Contact Goran Stojković Municipal president Toplički Heroji 53, 18412 Žitorađa Tel. ++381 27 8362 211 and 836 2017 Fax ++381 27 8362 211 and 836 2550 E-mail: opstina@zitoradja.org

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in association with

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contents vojvodina in focus

72 76

ur Vision is Vojvodina as O a Modern EU Region BRANISLAV BUGARSKI Provincial Secretary for Interregional Cooperation and Local Self-Government

87

88

78 80

River Port

81

rganic Food Centre O Bač

Inđija

The Future Lies in

Metalworking

F irst Industrial Park, Bačka Topola

84

T ourism On Water, Bela Crkva

vojvodina in focus 2013/14 EDITOR Saša Marić assistant EDITOR Mirjana Zec, m.zec@aim.rs

Optimal Business

ART DIRECTOR Ilija Petrović, i.petrovic@aim.rs

101

Environment Kovačica

Sombor, Sremski Karlovci, Sremska Mitrovica

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Tradition of

Entrepreneurship Stara Pazova

lecture Christen Bradley Farmer, c.farmer@aim.rs PROJECT MANAGERS Biljana Dević, b.devic@aim.rs Svetlana Okanović, s.okanovic@aim.rs Sandra Bandović, s.bandovic@aim.rs Irena Lalić, i.lalic@aim.rs

91 92 93 94

In the Heart of Bačka,

PHOTOS Zoran Petrović

Mali Iđoš

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Kula, Nova Crnja, Novi Bečej

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Novi Kneževac, Novi Sad, Odžaci

Srbobran, Subotica, Temerin

Municipality in the

Tri-state Area

Šid

A Place of

TRANSLATORS Snežana Bjelotomić

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Ruža Ristanović, r.ristanovic@aim.rs GENERAL MANAGER Ivan Novčić, i.novcic@cma.rs FINANCIAL DIRECTOR Ana Besedić, a.besedic@aim.rs

Prosperity, Pećinci

EDITORIAL MANAGER Tanja Banković, t.bankovic@aim.rs

Further Development,

office manager Nataša Nešić, n.nesic@aim.rs

Bački Petrovac

106 96

98

Resembling Central

Europe Zrenjanin

First Wind Farm to

be Launched Plandište

Cement Plant Pushing Development, Beočin Bečej, Čoka, Irig

The investors guide

Senta

A da, Alibunar, Bačka Palanka

Everything Ready for

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Ruma

100

Municipality in Serbia

Apatin

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85

Most Developed

Industrial Centre in the Heart of Srem

entives of up to Inc €100,000 ALEKSANDAR STOJKOV Director of Vojvodina Investment Promotion

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82

99

Kanjiža, Kovin, Kikinda

107 108

Opovo, Pančevo, Sečanj

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Titel, Vršac, Vrbas Žabalj, Žitište

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PRINTING Rotografika d.o.o. Segedinski put 72, Subotica "The Investors Guide - Vojvodina in Focus 2013/2014" published by: alliance international media Makenzijeva 67, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia Phone: +(381 11) 2450 508 Fascimile: +(381 11) 2450 122 E-mail: office@aim.rs www.allianceinternationalmedia.com ISSN no: 1451-7833 All rights reserved alliance international media 2013 This issue is audited by ABC Serbia

Interview Branislav Bugarski Provincial Secretary for Interregional Cooperation and Local Self-Government

Our Vision is Vojvodina as a Modern EU Region The most important thing is that the number of investors has been going up and that we have close to 68,500 people working in 240 foreign companies, on top of being able to continue with projects like Draexlmaier, ContiTech, Siemens and Grundfos despite the economic downturn

“I

think that the situation is much more difficult today than it was in

2006 or 2007. Unfortunately, Serbia missed its golden opportunity to attract foreign investments in the 1990s and early 2000 and has started to regress to 2006/2007, to the time just before the economic crisis which heavily affected competitiveness and, to a greater extent, the number of available projects, as well as the competitiveness of the European market as such,” Provincial Secretary for Interregional Cooperation and Local Self-Government Branislav Bugarski says about the today’s situation with foreign investments. “Opportunities are still there and that can be best seen from the projects we have managed to implement, and from the growing number of foreign investors operating in

• As soon as Vojvodina is mentioned as an investment destination, the first thing that comes to mind is agriculture. You have talked about large investors making investments in other sectors too. What are Vojvodina’s investment priorities in terms of ‘desirable’ industrial branches? - Agriculture and the food industry remain our major priority, but we should not forget the competitiveness of metalprocessing complex, machine industry, or the car parts industry and energy sector. Of course we would like to have the next Silicon Valley, as they also call it, and our plan is to continue developing the IT industry for both Novi Sad and Vojvodina to become the epicentre of the IT industry. This is where great potential lies. Secondly, we would like to continue implementing the project of a science and technological park in Novi Sad, which, in the framework of the Danube Strategy, has been facilitating the development of our society through research, education and information technology (PAC 7). The Rector of Novi Sad University Miroslav Vesković is the head of this project.

Although, many people think that Vojvodina is the most developed part of Serbia, and many economic indicators corroborate that, the province is still under 30% which is the European average. This means that there is still a lot of room to improve and increase our competitiveness Vojvodina. I would like to remind you that, today, close to 68,500 people work in 240 foreign companies. And that is the most important thing, apart from our succeeding to continue with the projects like Draexlmaier, ContiTech, Siemens and Grundfos despite the approaching and the ongoing economic downturn. These companies were determined to start their businesses in Vojvodina.”

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• In early May, the Vojvodina government invited local self-governments to apply for participation in a project entitled ‘improving the development and implementation of effective local and regional policy’. How is this project different to earlier cooperation formats? - The Vojvodina government, and primarily the Provincial Secretariat for Interregional Cooperation and Local SelfGovernment, have been insisting on reforming towns, municipalities and their administration in two segments – external and internal. External means that local governments need to understand that they are civil servants and that they should create the prerequisites for providing the best civil service possible. Internal means that they had to work on their own

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capacity in order to do their job in the best way they can. We

2015. Number one: every town and municipality needs

have devised a very important set of measures. My intention,

to have its 2014-2020 Development Strategy. We have

in the capacity of a provincial secretary, was to consolidate

estimated that, by the year end, we would be half way

the available capacities in order to form a team whose mem-

there and 25 towns and municipalities will have had the

bers would come from the European Affairs Fund, the Agency

said strategy. Also, we are going to have a Development

for Balanced Regional Development of the AP Vojvodina, the

Strategy for the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina which

Regional Development Agency Srem, Banat and Bačka and

is planned to be adopted in November, following six weeks

the Provincial Secretariat for Interregional Cooperation and

of public discussion. The second component is creating

Local Self-Government. By coordinating their engagement,

local economic development offices. Only seven munici-

we are trying to create the prerequisites for a better and fast-

palities have yet to set up these offices. Thirdly, every lo-

er social and economic development of Vojvodina. Although

cal self-government needs to have a system of commu-

many people think that Vojvodina is the most developed part

nication between the local government and the citizens

of Serbia, and many economic indicators corroborate that,

that in format that the citizens can use to report a prob-

the province is still under 30% which is the European aver-

lem in their town or municipality and the local government

age. This means that there is still a lot of room to improve and

having to respond to that problem. We have named these

increase our competitiveness.

accomplished priorities, or components, ‘The Vojvodinian

We have also prepared a document called ‘Vojvodina Manual’, which is, as the name suggests, a manual for towns and municipalities in which they can read what to expect in the European integration process, and which tasks they will have to perform in order to become more competitive in the interregional and cross-border cooperation or more competitive when applying for European funds Standard’ that needs to be fulfilled by January 1, 2015. After this date, the Standard will also become a qualification criterion for applying for Vojvodina budget funds. We

• What are the most important criteria that projects need to meet in order to comply with the standards of the Vojvodina government? - Their concept needs to mirror that of modern European projects. We have a clear and precisely defined methodology for presenting projects. There are three things that we think are absolute priorities and that each and every town and municipality of Vojvodina need to have by January 1,

have also prepared a document called ’Vojvodina Manual’, which is, as the name suggests, a manual for towns and municipalities in which they can read what to expect in the European integration process, and which tasks they will have to perform and accomplish in order to become more competitive in interregional and cross-border cooperation or more competitive when applying for European funds and co-funding from the national and provincial budgets.

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• From May 15 to 18, you participated in the General Assembly of European Regions in Paris. What were the most important results of this meeting and which of them can be applied in Vojvodina? - I was most impressed by the address of the EU Commissioner for Financial Programming and Budget, Mr. Lewandowski, who said that local or national budgets in Europe would serve to cover social or, so to speak, community needs, while the EU budget would cover economic and infrastructural development. The decisive difference between developed and more developed regions will be in the level of their creativity in securing financing for the projects that are considered to be of great importance for social and economic development. I think that that is a very important change that we need to prepare ourselves for. We have to find a way to secure long-term funding of large infrastructure projects in Vojvodina, like the tunnel on Fruška Gora, a project on which we have been working together with the state government, the Vrbas-Sombor road, the Sombor-Odžaci-Bačka Palanka road with a Danube bridge leading to Srem County, a transversal road that is supposed to link Osijek and Timisoara via Vojvodina, and the Banat motorway.

other areas you have been cooperating on, apart from infrastructure? - Our number one priority is to connect people in the social and economic segment, as well as in culture, business, commerce and tourism and to help people with travelling from one country to another without much fuss since we are practically neighbours, particularly if we are talking about the tri-state area. We have the situation where roads lead to that area and stop there. That’s where we want to establish a connection between people. Bearing that in mind, we think that it is extremely important to open two new border crossings on the Serbian/Romanian border since only one of the existing border crossings offers phytosanitary inspection services and this border crossing is the only one used for the transport of goods, primarily food products. We need to work on that. We need to facilitate communication between business people from Vojvodina and Romania. The situation with Hungary is somewhat better, but there is still a lot of room to establish more tourist and cultural links which would benefit greatly all regions that belong to the DKMT. • How important is cross-border cooperation for development of local self-governments in border municipalities? - In my opinion it is very important because, and let me reiterate, of the people living side by side but are actually divided administratively. It is also important for financially and for exchanging experiences. Serbian towns and municipalities have absorbed 93% of the total funds available to Serbia in the cross-border cooperation budget. This best illustrates its importance. Cross-border cooperation is a very good financial resource, and we are willing to build capacities for it via the European Affairs Fund and our office in Brussels which does exactly that – identify additional funding formats that will expedite and improve the social and economic standing of Vojvodina.

Serbian towns and municipalities have absorbed 93% of the total funds available to Serbia in the cross-border cooperation budget. Cross-border cooperation is a very good financial resource, and we are willing to build capacities for it via the European Affairs Fund and our office in Brussels

• How is the cooperation with the members of the Danube–Criș– Mureș–Tisa Euroregion (DKMT) progressing, and could you tell us about the latest developments in plans for joint infrastructure development? - The cooperation was bolstered following the elections while contacts with Romanian and Hungarian counterparts were taken to the next level. We have been preparing the Development Strategy for the Danube– Criș–Mureș–Tisa Euroregion too. Our plan is to use the Strategy and the cross-border cooperation programmes (Serbia-Romania, RomaniaHungary and Hungary-Serbia) to provide finances for infrastructure projects that we deem important, like an industrial zone in the tri-state area between Romania, Hungary and Serbia, a railroad in the direction of Hungary and further onto Romania which would pass through Vojvodina, and promoting the river Tisa as a future transport corridor. All of these are important projects for us. Of course, we would like to increase the number of border crossings in order to develop the relations even further. • We are talking about the cooperation between three Hungarian counties, four Romanian counties and the AP Vojvodina. What Vojvodina in Focus |

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• Which segments of international cooperation are crucial for development of local communities? - There are many – economy, administration, building institutional capacities, culture, tourism, and healthcare. These are all areas with which towns and municipalities in Vojvodina have been dealing and areas in which large-scale infrastructure projects were funded. That’s why we consider cross-border cooperation and the EU funds exceptionally important. ■

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The Best Option for All Your Needs in Serbia Comprehensive, constantly updated news on events and happenings in Belgrade. Features and reviews authored by fellow Expat residents of Serbia. Up-to-date accomondation and entertainment information. Useful links, listing services, offers and the best deals. Vojvodina in Focus | and information | on The Investors Guide 75

Interview Aleksandar Stojkov Director of Vojvodina Investment Promotion

Incentives of up to €100,000 New subsidies are intended solely for export-orientated domestic and foreign companies which are planning to make greenfield investments in the processing industry or IT sector

D

espite the eco-

ple in the three years following the signing of a relevant contract.

nomic downturn,

I would like to use this opportunity to invite both domestic and

the FDI influx in

foreign companies which can fulfil these requirements or want to

Vojvodina has been good.

know more about this invitation, to get in touch with the VIP. The

Is this only due to the

invitation is open until October 1: that is, until the government’s

province’s exceptional ge-

funds for this purpose have been disbursed.

ographical location or has Vojvodina improved its business climate in order to attract more investors? Director of VIP Aleksandar Stojkov replies: - Last year in Vojvodina, 49 companies invested €230 million and created 3,500 new jobs. Some of these companies have continued investing, and we have been told that, in 2013 and later, they will be investing close to €600 million. The geographical position of Vojvodina does make a difference for foreign companies in the investment process, mainly in strategic terms, since the EU is near. We should also mention the fact that Vojvodina’s authorities have stepped up their activities on improving the business climate – Stojkov says.

• How much stronger has your cooperation with municipalities become, and how helpful is that to the municipalities in their efforts to attract foreign investors easily and quickly? - One of the VIP's goals has always been to have independent municipalities which are going to apply as many tools as possible for attracting FDIs. This can be done only through education – Stojkov cautions. – For instance, we have held 26 “With Knowledge to Investments” seminars for local governments. The subject of the last seminar, which took place in Bačka Topola on June 25, was “Reneweable Energy Resources – Investments and the Local Government’s Role”. The aim of this seminar was for representatives of local governments in Vojvodina’s towns and municipalities to find out more about the renewable energy resources, a topic that has been attracting a lot of interest from investors.

- Within its means, Vojvodina’s government continues to invest in infrastructure, balanced regional development and construction of industrial zones in all municipalities. Also, there are incentives provided by the province’s government which are intended solely for export-orientated domestic and foreign companies which are planning to make greenfield investments in the processing

Last year in Vojvodina, 49 companies invested €230 million and created 3,500 new jobs. Some of these companies have continued investing, and we have been told that, in 2013 and later, they will be investing close to €600 million Through collaboration with USAID and their “Sustainable industry or IT sector. Those companies that meet the require-

Local Development Project”, this summer, the VIP will give

ments will be refunded the cost of drafting project documents

lectures and hold presentations for local governments on

or a temporary one-year lease up to the amount of €100,000,

how to demonstrate the most important facts in the best

providing they will invest at least €3 million and hire 100 peo-

possible manner.

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• Has the infrastructure been improved to ensure the quality of the power transmission systems, and has there been any agreement reached with the EPS on using wind generated power? - Several months ago, the government adopted the Act on Subidized Electricity Prices, while the Ministry of Energy has announced recently that the format of the contract on purchasing power generated from renewable energy resources should be adopted by July 10. We, in Vojvodina, have several reputable foreign companies developing wind farms, and we expect the construction of these farms to start in the latter half of this or the beginning of next year. Also, there is quite a lot of interest in biomass or biogas facilities. It is important to mention that foreign companies can use the funds set aside for this purpose by international institutions.

over 20 billion dinars in agriculture. The main goal was to enable production and increase yield, as well as to help small farms. The latest grant competitions, launched by the Provincial Secretariat of Agriculture, are for small farmers. The provincial government will cover up to 60% of their project costs with grants. These grants should be spent on irrigation systems, anti-hail nets, greenhouses and similar projects. The invitation for domestic food producers (individuals, cooperatives and small businesses) to apply for grants is pending. The Vojvodina government will co-fund the reconstruction, upgrading and adaptation of facilities for meat, milk, fruit and vegetable processing, as well as the production of honey. The government will also co-fund the costs of acquiring equipment for these activities, on top of some other activities like processing oil plants, medicinal herbs, condiments, aromatic herbs, and bee products. This is why we and the Enterprise Europe Network Serbia have set up B2B meetings between Vojvodinian

• The EBRD and IFC have been monitoring agribusiness transactions in Vojvodina, and this is an area where sub-

companies and companies that come from the most developed European regions like Baden-Württemberg, Lombardy, Rhône-

In the last five years, the Vojvodina government has invested over 20 billion dinars in agriculture. The main goal was to enable production and increase yield, as well as to help small farms. Even the latest grant competitions, launched by the Provincial Secretariat of Agriculture, are for small farmers Alpes, Catalonia and Flanders that will take place on July 2, at the The "Master" Congress Centre of the Novi Sad Fair. Apart from ITC, renewable energy resources and biomass companies, we have al-

stantial foreign investments are expected to be made. Are you aware of any negotiations going on and what kind of foreign investments are we talking about? - There are close to 50 foreign companies operating in Vojvodina’s agribusiness sector. These companies have made €2 billion worth of investments and have a total of 12,000 employees. They are globally recognizable brands like Coca Cola, Carlsberg, Heineken, PepsiCo, Nestle, Lactalis, Bongrain and other. The VIP is currently working with several foreign companies willing to invest in fodder production, the construction of logistics and distribution facilities for storing wheat, as well as in seed processing facilities. The EBRD and IFC have identified the agribusiness sector as a priority. Having such international support is not only important for domestic, but also for foreign companies. – Stojkov underlines. • The Vojvodina government and VIP have been helping small farms with various incentives. What priorities should we have in the existing economic environment in order to aid the development of small farms? - In the last five years, the Vojvodina government has invested Vojvodina in Focus |

so invited food companies and agricultural machinery companies.

• In the last few years, some municipalities in Vojvodina have been recognized by renowned global financial magazines as “the best FDI destinations in Europe”. Did this affect the number of investors here, and what role did VIP play in this matter? - Yes, last year, FDI Intelligence Magazine, which is published by the Financial Times, gave out an award called ‘European Cities and Regions of the Future’. Vojvodina was ranked 4th in Europe in terms of investment cost-effectiveness, while two other municipalities in Vojvodina – Inđija and Sremska Mitrovica – were ranked second and fourth respectively in the same category. Subotica took the 10th place in category of the best FDI strategy. The magazine recognizes both potential investors and good investment destinations and has a readership of over 15,000 who are corporate decision-makers and cross-border investment experts. This is the best possible advertising for Vojvodina, together with the recommendations from satisfied investors. ■ 77

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Apatin

River Port The most important future investment in the municipality is the construction of an intermodal (goods & transportation) centre and a public port which would create between 2,000 and 3,000 jobs

T

ble land.

The future port of Apatin will be managed by

recreational offer put Apatin at the very top of the

the public sector and will provide logistics services

most developed municipalities in Serbia. This is an

in the west-east direction, towards the North Adriatic

exceptionally attractive area because of the munici-

ports of Trieste, Rijeka, Koper, and the Black Sea port

pality’s position as the leader in hunting, health and

of Constanza, as well as in the north-south direction

sports tourism.

he port city of Apatin is a business and commercial centre on the Danube Main, both geographically and economically.

Živorad Smiljanić Municipal President

“The municipality of Apatin implements the socalled '48 Hour System' and Call center and provides other investorrelated services”

Apatin has 25,000 hectares of high quality araThe municipality’s business, tourist, sport and

by serving as a link between

So far, the biggest invest-

North and Central Europe and

ments have been made in agri-

the South Adriatic port of Bar.

culture, the food industry, for-

The close proximity to main

estry, shipbuilding, manufactur-

railways and roads means that

ing, retail, hospitality, construc-

Apatin is connected to all major

tion and transport. Agriculture,

European routes.

forestry and water manage-

The municipality has begun

ment are all considered natu-

drafting a project for the Apatin-

ral resources and the founda-

Sombor free customs zone

tion of the local economy. Also,

which is supposed to be located

these economic branches offer

at the back of the cargo port and

attractive investment opportu-

its concomitant facilities.

nities and, as such, are beneficial both to the municipality and

In accordance with the relevant public-private partnership regulation, the municipality of Apatin plans to use an appropriate PPP format in order to provide funding, build, develop and utilize the port, a logistics centre and a road terminal in Apatin. The municipality alcontact:

Živorad Smiljanić Municipal President Srpskih vladara 29 25260 Apatin, Srbija Tel. +381 25 773131 Fax. +381 25 773212 E-mail: kler.apatin@gmail.com www.soapatin.org

so has the biggest underground

The municipality of Apatin owns a 160-hectare industrial zone which has internal roads and complete infrastructure on the outskirts (electricity, water, gas, storm and sanitary sewage)

West Bačka County. The local economic development direction is explained in “The Strategy for Sustainable Development of Municipality 2009-2019” with a special emphasis on the development of transport infrastructure. Once the port is built, on the premises of the Logistics and Transport

water intake structure called Plazović which stretches underneath Bogojevo all the

Centre on the Danube, investments in this area will

way to the border with Hungary, at a depth of 60 km

probably grow. The municipality of Apatin owns a 160-hectare in-

and length of 70 km. Geothermal resources are for the most part used

dustrial zone which has internal roads and complete

by the Junaković Spa which is 4 km southeast from

infrastructure on the outskirts (electricity, water, gas,

Apatin. The municipality is also known for the special

storm and sanitary sewage). All prerequisites for the

nature reserve Gornje Podunavlje which spans across

construction of a free customs zone and an industrial

the area of 20,000 hectares.

business park have been met.

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The most important future investment in

Close to €4 million was invested in the con-

The municipality of Apatin implements

the municipality is the construction of an in-

struction of the Apatin marina, which is the

the so-called ’48 Hour System’ and Call center

termodal (goods & transportation) centre and a

most modern marina from the source to the

and provides other investor-related services.

public port which would create between 2,000

estuary of the Danube River. As we have men-

The municipality grants incentives in regard to

and 3,000 jobs. Planning documentation is

tioned earlier, the marina has 400 births, out

paying utility and land lease fees, and can ex-

complete and the project documentation is be-

which 120 are for yachts and the rest for or-

empt investors from paying spatial planning

ing prepared. The port will be the foundation

dinary boats. Each berth has electricity, wa-

taxes and costs associated with issuing build-

for the development of the entire region and an

ter and lighting. The marina also has a modern

ing permits and related documents. The best

important multi-modal transport intersection.

petrol station with equipment, a bridge and

industrial branches for investment would be

pontoon used by yachts and other light ves-

those that an environmental impact study

sels for filling up with petrol.

defines as not being harmful and permitted

In terms of infrastructure, Apatin has the first ever international marina in Serbia. It has 400 berths with 120 being yacht berths and

Following the construction of the mari-

under the Law on Classification of Business

the rest used for small boats. Every berth has

na, the works on the Danube bank continued

Activities. Investors can obtain the required

electricity supply, water and lighting. Also, the

with the construction of the coast fortification,

building permits and documents within the le-

marina has the first petrol station on water in Serbia. The municipality has a port for passenger ships too. The plan is to build the second category roundabout in order to alleviate the traffic and build a link with the future logistics centre and the port. Apatin has an industrial zone on the Danube banks which is undergoing a procedure for obtaining the customs free zone status. The municipality is also working on opening the free zone. By doing business in this zone, investors will enjoy special support from the Serbian Finance Ministry like many benefits for foreign investors, various fiscal incentives (exemption from paying taxes for FDIs, VAT, income tax,

The abundance of fish in the Danube and its branches, and well-known hunting grounds, which are the habitat of the Danube deer and other game, all constitute tourist attractions in this area

gally stipulated deadline, and sometimes even sooner. The municipality of Apatin is located in the northeast part of Vojvodina called West Bačka, on the left bank of the

river Danube. The abundance of fish in the Danube and its branches, and well-known hunting grounds, which are the habitat of Danube deer and other game, all constitute tourist attractions in this area. Unspoiled nature resembling virgin forests, a century-old indigenous forest, swamps and wetlands, and versatile flora and fauna are all features of the Gornje Podunavlje special nature reserve. Good transport infrastructure which and local government tax), exemption from

a project that was funded by the World Bank.

stretches along endless fields, forests and

paying customs duty for importing equipment,

Once the fortification is finished, the whole

wetlands, is ideal for cyclists. There are sev-

raw and construction materials, financial ben-

quay will have been restored.

eral beautiful beaches on the Danube which

efits, free flow of capital, profit and dividends,

The Junaković Spa is estimated to be

are fit for swimming and water sports in sum-

fast and simple customs clearance procedure,

worth around €12 million, with €7 million in-

mer. Sailors have a modern marina at their

and subsidies for using local infrastructure.

vested so far. The investments are expect-

disposal which is also one of the biggest ma-

The municipality has managed to provide

ed to continue since this is one of the lead-

rinas in Serbia. The marina has the required

gas supply on the whole territory of Apatin.

ing health and recreational tourism projects

infrastructure, accommodation and the Rade

Also, a modern water factory has been built.

in Vojvodina.

Svilar sports centre. ■

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The road grid in the municipality of Alibunar is well-developed, and there is also a rail network

Due to its position and favourable climate, the opportunities for development of tourism here are many

The municipality of Ada is located in the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina in north Serbia. Agriculture and food industry are predominant economic branches here. The municipality covers 228.6 square km and its population stands at 18,998. Ada has a modern network of roads and a one-way regional railway Bečej-Senta-Ada. The River Tisa is also used for transportation all year

The municipality of Alibunar is situated in central part of South Banat, although administratively it belongs to South Bačka County. It covers an area of 602 km2 and lies on the intersection of roads which stretch from Belgrade to the state border with Romania. The municipality’s population is close to 23,000. The road grid in the municipality of Alibunar is well-developed, and there is also the Belgrade-Vršac-state border with Romania railroad with the main track. The municipal authorities encourage development of agriculture and tourism, as well as creating a favourable environment for private entrepreneurship and SMEs. The municipality has 44,000 hectares of arable land, with 34,000 hectares privately owned. There are four industrial zones here – Alibunar 1 (95 hectares), Alibunar 2 (3 hec-

Geographically speaking, the Danube River connects the municipality to Europe and the Black Sea, while its road grid links it to Novi Sad, Sombor, Subotica, Šid and Croatia. The total length of main, regional and local roads in the municipality is 300 km and all towns and villages in the municipality are linked by roads.

around. There is a well-regulated marina, suitable for smaller boats, some 800 metres from Ada’s centre. Also, 700 metres from Ada, in the direction of the Tisa River, there is an airport runway for smaller aircrafts. The industrial zone in Ada is only 75 km from Novi Sad, 150 km from Belgrade, 45 km from the Serbian/Hungarian border and 65 km from the Serbian/Romanian border. The zone spans across 105 hectares of land. The municipal authorities own 45 hectares of land here, while the remaining 75 hectares are privately owned. The zone has water and gas supply, electricity, sewage, phone lines, Internet access, a railroad and a local road that leads to the R-122 regional road nearby.

Contact Zoltan Bilicki Municipal president Trg Oslobođenja 1, 24430 Ada Tel: +381 (0) 24/852-106; Fax: +381 (0) 24/853-342 E-mail: soada@ada.org.rs; www.ada.org.rs Spoken languages: Hungarian, English, German

tares), Alibunar 3 (83 hectares) and Banatski Karlovac (2 hectares). Industrial zones are registered as undeveloped land. There is an option of leasing the land. The municipality has a relevant zoning plan and regulation documents. Building permits are issued in 8 days. There are no special incentives for investors. Contact Dušan Jovanović Municipal president Trg Slobode 4 26310 Alibunar Tel. +381 13 642 105; Fax +381 13 641 146 E-mail: predsednik@alibunar.org.rs

Vojvodina in Focus |

80

Due to its position and favourable climate (the Pannonian Plain, the Danube River and the slopes of the Fruška Gora Mountain), the opportunities for development of tourism in the municipality are many. The municipality’s population is 60,966 and it spans an area of 577 km2. This is also the home to 15,000 refugees which escaped the civil war in the former Yugoslavia. The Danube River here is 35 km long. Bačka Palanka borders with eight municipalities and is situated in the tristate area, between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina (the Republic of Srpska). It is 40 km from Novi Sad, 122 km from Belgrade and 107 km from Subotica. Bačka Palanka lies on the intersection of the major regional roads which, undoubtedly, facilitates the development of tourism. The municipality is known for its textile production and Sintelon Company, the renowned manufacturer of floor coverings. Other important economic branches here are agriculture, metalworking, electrical industry and beer production. Contact Aleksandar Djedovac Municipal president Kralja Petra l 16, Bačka Palanka 21400 Tel. +381 21 210 1192 Fax +381 21 6045 587 E-mail: info@backapalanka.org.rs

| The Investors Guide

Bač

Organic Food Centre The River Danube gives the municipality a multitude of development opportunities in economy, tourism and service industry

"T

he municipality of Bač is known for its ge-

Ognjen Marković Municipal President

“The industrial zone in Bač has a complete infrastructure, it is divided into plots and registered in the municipal land books”

vironment with a focus on organic production.

ostrategic position. This is a small, bor-

In terms of investments, Mr. Marković says that ag-

der municipality with the longest Central

riculture is the main economic branch here. Investing

European river – the Danube – being its natural 43-

in all segments of this branch (crop farming, animal

km border with Croatia. The municipality has abun-

husbandry, fruit and vegetable growing, fishing, bee-

dant natural resources. It has close to 25,000 hectares

keeping) is likely to be profitable. Also, there is a food

of arable land and over 7,000 hectares of forests (a

processing industry which uses locally grown agricul-

natural oasis). Bač also has a canal that is an integral

tural produce as raw material. Due to its location, the

part of the Danube-Tisa-Danube hydro-system," says

municipality is also an interesting tourist destination. Other important branches in the municipality are

Municipal President Ognjen Marković. Bač is known as an ancient town on the Mostonga

construction, commerce, the food industry and crafts.

River and a town after which the whole Bačka coun-

Apart from local roads, which have all been ren-

ty was named. It has a rich cultural and histori-

ovated, the municipality has the following infrastruc-

cal heritage. There is

ture: the M-18 main

the Bač Fortress from

road and R-102 re-

the 14th century, the

gional road. It is al-

Franciscan Monastery

so

from the 12th century,

Corridors X and VII –

the Bodjani Monastery

Mr. Marković adds.

to

There is only a car-

ry and the remnants of

go railroad nearby. The

a Turkish bath which

industrial zone in Bač

is the only piece of

has a complete infra-

the old Islamic archi-

structure, it is divid-

tecture in Vojvodina.

ed into plots and reg-

standing value of the town’s cultural and historical heritage, the town of Bač and its surroundings were inscribed onto UNESCO’s Preliminary World Heritage List in 2010.

Ognjen Markovic Municipal president Nikola Banjac The Local Economic Development Office Trg dr.Zorana Djindjića 2 21420 Bač Tel. ++381 21 770 170 E-mail: predsednik@bac.rs

close

from the 15th centu-

istered in the munic-

Considering the out-

contact:

very

Bač is known as an ancient town on the Mostonga River and a town after which the whole Bačka county was named

ipal land books. Each lot has a full utility infrastructure. The gas system installation is nearly finished and all that needs to be done to install measurement and regulation stations in order to complete the gas works.

Organic food is the symbol of the municipality. The village of Selenča has a long

"The municipal administration has a local eco-

tradition in organic food production. The village al-

nomic development office (LED office) which, to-

so has the Organic Food Production Centre. “Our aim

gether with the Town Planning and Housing

is to convert as many farmers as possible to organic

Department, makes up the Municipality of Bač

farming,” says the president of the municipality.

Construction Directorate. Both departments work

The municipality’s main economic potentials are

together on attracting investments. The LED of-

the River Danube, the natural border with Croatia,

fice provides logistics support, reliable informa-

abundant natural resources (land, forests, waters,

tion and quality services to potential investors," Mr.

tourist potential, hunting and fishing) and a clean en-

Marković underlines. ■

Vojvodina in Focus |

81

| The Investors Guide

Bačka Topola

First Industrial Park The most important economic branch here is agriculture which has served as the foundation for food processing, leather processing and fodder production

T

he municipality of Bačka Topola is in Vojvodina,

The metal-processing complex consists of com-

in the central part of Bačka County. It covers an

panies that produce wood cutting tools, metal goods,

area of 596 square km, and has 22 towns and

electrical and machining companies and the produc-

villages with the population of 34,000. The town of Bačka Topola has a population of 16,000 and is 146

Melinda Kokai-Mernjak Municipal President

“The town has thermal springs and several lakes suitable for recreational purposes”

tion of chains and metal products. The region of Bačka Topola has many tourist attractions. The town has thermal springs and several

km from Belgrade. The north-south motorway, other main roads

lakes suitable for recreational purposes.

(Senta-Sombor, Bečej-Bajmok, Bačka Palanka-Horgoš)

The best investment opportunities lie in agricul-

and the Belgrade-Subotica-Budapest railway all inter-

ture and processing industry due to the farming na-

sect the town which is just a validation of its good ge-

ture of the area.

ographic location. The municipality is 45 km from the

VIP-LC d.o.o. has 30 hectares of land to sell for

nearest border crossing Horgoš – Röszke on the Serbian

greenfield investments. The industrial park has partial

– Hungarian border.

infrastructure – there is a road and electricity, the gas

Bačka Topola owns

pipes are very near,

30 hectares of land

while water pipes are

in its industrial zone

only 300 metres from

which is available to

the nearest land plot.

investors for purchase.

Also, there are ground

There are several differ-

telephone lines and

ent sized locations suit-

ADSL Internet access,

able for brownfield in-

while the internation-

vestments.

al railroad is 400 metres and the motorway

The strategic goal

2 km away.

of municipal authorities is attracting FDIs,

The best locations

hence the municipali-

for brownfield invest-

ty is willing to provide investors with certain incentives in order to develop the municipality economically, socially and culturally, as well as to raise the living standard of its population. contact:

Melinda Kokai-Mernjak Muncipal president Maršala Tita 30 24300 Bačka Topola Tel: ++381 24 715 899 E-mail: kmmelinda@btopola.org.rs www.btopola.org.rs www.viplc-backatopola.com

The Topolski Industrial

The region of Bačka Topola has many tourist attractions. The town has thermal springs and several lakes suitable for recreational purposes

ments are the VENUS Sports and Recreation Centre (surface 1.8 hectares, complete infrastructure), IN Umetnost AD Bačka Topola (surface 3.4 hectares, full infrastructure), and HK Inomag AD Bačka Topola (surface 4.500 square metres,

Park (a greenfield territory) is going to be built in an area that is designated to

full infrastructure).

be an industrial zone by the Bačka Topola General

The limited liability company Prvi Vojvođanski

Zoning Plan. This area is an extension of the cur-

Industrijski Park – Logistički Centar is a one-stop-shop

rent brownfield zone which spans across 75 hec-

for all information that domestic and foreign investors,

tares of land.

interested in investing in Bačka Topola, might need.

The most important economic branch here is ag-

The process of obtaining a building permit starts lasts

riculture which has served as the foundation for food

eight days from the date of application, providing the

processing, leather processing and fodder production.

investor submits all required documents. ■

Vojvodina in Focus |

82

| The Investors Guide

Bački Petrovac

Everything Ready for Further Development We are a municipality with probably the highest percentage of highly educated people, who graduated in the EU, so we are favorable for the development of the IT sector and high technology branches of economy

Pavel Marčok Municipal President

“All permits under jurisdiction of local government are issued within 24 hours”

B

ački Petrovac is one of the municipalities in South

are favorable for the development of the IT sector and

Bačka County. It has 13,995 ha of arable land and

high technology branches of economy.

13,302 residents, according to the 2011 census.

Slovakian national minority makes the majority of the

• In your opinion, investments in which economic branch-

population. The municipality is comprised one town and

es are the most efficient?

three villages - Bački Petrovac, Gložan, Maglić and Kulpin

- Potential for the economic development of Bački

- and they are interconnected with a paved road.

Petrovac Municipality is in the agricultural sector, in food

“Since this municipality is located on very fer-

processing and in tourism, as development branches in

tile ground, our main branch of economy is agriculture,

which municipality might have comparative advantage to

which makes half of the business structure,” stated Pavel

other municipalities in the region and wider, and the gen-

Marčok, President of Bački Petrovac Municipality.

eral development of entrepreneurship and SMEs. Among other things, these potentials were recognized in the

• Which potentials and advantag-

Strategic Plan for development

es would you particularly point

of Bački Petrovac Municipality for

out to potential investors?

the period from 2010 - 2014.

- This municipality is character-

The presence of one high-

ized by favourable geostrategic

profile company, Uram Electronic,

position; it is 25 km away from the

in the IT sector, and the existence

City of Novi Sad, and from inter-

of highly educated personnel

national highways E-70 and E-75;

shows potential for the develop-

it is located 20 km away from

ment of high technologies and IT

Croatian border, 90 km away from Nikola Tesla Airport, Corridor X is near, and its southern part rests on the River Danube and the DTD canal network. All forms of transport are available in the radius of 25 km, including water transport, because the municipality is locat-

We have good cooperation with the Republic of Slovakia and Slovakian investors are interested in cooperating with us since there is no language barrier

ed 25 km away from two ports on contact:

Pavel Marčok Municipal President Kolarova 6, 21470 Bački Petrovac Tel: +381 21 780 378 and 780-247 Fax: +381 21 780-571 Email: opstina@backipetrovac.rs Website: www.backipetrovac.rs

sector, which is still insufficiently exploited. • What kind of infrastructure can you offer to investors? - The industrial zone on 71 ha is equipped with medium-pressure gas, electric energy, water pipeline with central traffic network,

the Danube River (Novi Sad and Bačka Palanka). There

and the Business Park Zone has more than 20 ha of land

are industrial zones on 71 ha and the Business Park Zone

ready for greenfield investments, with 30 facilities on a

with more than 20 ha of construction land in the vicinity

total surface of 14,400 square metres ready for brown-

of Novi Sad (second largest city in Serbia).

field investments with complete infrastructure.

We have good cooperation with the Republic of Slovakia and Slovakian investors are interested in coop-

• Is administration equipped to issue the necessary per-

erating with us since there is no language barrier. We are

mits to future investors in the shortest possible period?

a municipality with probably the highest percentage of

- Yes, all permits under jurisdiction of local government

highly educated people, who graduated in the EU, so we

are issued within 24 hours. ■

Vojvodina in Focus |

83

| The Investors Guide

Bela Crkva

Tourism on Water Bela Crkva has many waterways like the rivers Danube, Nera and Karaš, seven lakes which make up the Bela Crkva lake complex and the DTD canal grid

Stanko Petrović Municipal President

“Apart from waterways, the municipality has a nature reserve called the Deliblato Sands”

n terms of investment opportunities, Bela Crkva

I

and processing gravel which is a by-product of tour-

has natural resources for the development of all

ism development.

sorts of tourist activities. The municipality has

The municipal population is knowledgeable and

many waterways like the rivers Danube, Nera and

experienced in agriculture and technology develop-

Karaš, seven lakes which make up the Bela Crkva lake

ment. Bela Crkva is also suitable for development of

complex and the DTD canal grid. Also, this is where

wind farms since wind energy here is abundant, as

the Deliblato Sands nature reserve is located.

verified by many studies.

The municipality is well-connected to neigh-

There are opportunities for developing light in-

bouring municipalities via a network of regional and

dustry and light food technology plants in rural are-

main roads, the Danube,

as, considering the available

the Danube-Tisa-Danube

potential for growing fruits,

(DTD) hydro-system, the

vegetables, crops and other

Kaluđerovo internation-

cultures.

al border crossing on the

Technical and other pre-

Serbian/Romanian border,

requisites for the construc-

the oldest railroad in the

tion of a port on the DTD

Balkans which dates back

canal and a marina on the

to 1856 and a C-category

Danube have been met. In

airport.

planning development pro-

Bela Crkva is recognized

jects, investors can rely on

as a tourist destination since

the EU and Serbia’s strategic

it has a very unique tourist

orientation toward fostering

offer, is able to quickly adapt

sustainable development of

existing tourist potentials to

the Danube municipalities.

latest trends and has a basic tourist infrastructure. The municipality’s territory is suitable for the development of agriculture since it has a lot of arable land, a developed fruit growing sector and viticulture, an experienced population, land capability, opportunities for contact:

Stanko Petrović Municipal president Miletićeva 2 15313 Bela Crkva Tel. +381 13 853 346 Fax +381 13 853 346 E-mail: bc@arenapc.org

macrobiotic and organic food production and prod-

The municipality’s territory is suitable for the development of agriculture since it has a lot of arable land, a developed fruit growing sector and viticulture, an experienced population, land capability, opportunities for macrobiotic and organic food production and products and product varieties ideal for branding

ucts and product varieties

The environment in the municipality is clean since Bela Crkva is considered an air spa, has vast areas under forest vegetation, many clean water springs, an area suitable for construction of a water park and other projects. The most profitable branches for investing are agriculture and tourism, especially in the recreational and water sports segments.

ideal for branding.

The municipality of Bela Crkva has a good infra-

Also, great development opportunities lie in wa-

structure and is willing to meet any investor infra-

ter sports like rowing, sailing, swimming, water polo,

structural requirements if possible. The local adminis-

sport fishing and other.

tration is equipped to deal with any kind of demands

The companies here are engaged in exploiting Vojvodina in Focus |

84

from investors in terms of permits. ■

| The Investors Guide

Beočin

Cement Plant Pushing Development Water transport is available via the international fairway of Danube and via the canal of the Lafarge BFC cement plant and a section of a Danube branch

B

Bogdan Cvejić Municipal President

“The driving force behind the industrial and corporate development of this municipality is Lafarge”

eočin Municipality is located in central part

land depending on the number of employees even up

of AP Vojvodina, in northwest of Serbia.

to 90% and exemption from paying the environmen-

Territorially, it belongs to northern part of

tal protection fee in the first year of doing business,

Srem, but administratively, it is part of the South

through mediation in getting provincial and republic

Bačka County. Novi Sad, which is the administrative

subsidies, loans and incentives.

center of AP Vojvodina, is 17 km away from Beočin.

Most represented corporate activities in Beočin

The Municipality is spread over 186 square km, and

Municipality are in the processing industry, agricul-

it is one of the smallest municipalities in South Bačka

ture and trade. The driving force behind the industri-

County. Total number of residents is 15,726, and the

al and corporate development of this municipality is

total number of households amounts to 5,577.

Lafarge. That is why a special accent is placed precise-

The Municipality has relatively favorable traffic

ly on Lafarge when assessing the corporate sector, and

and strategic position and is well connected to other

the environmental protection sector in this municipal-

settlements. Beočin has a transit and partially a bor-

ity. This industry deals in the production of sanitary

der position, and the good traf-

products and water pipeline in-

fic connection to its immediate

stallations, production of PVC

and distant environment is no-

packaging, precise mechanics,

ticeable, primarily by road with

rock exploitation, the produc-

Novi Sad, Sremska Mitrovica,

tion of construction materials,

Belgrade, and via the bor-

wood treatment and process-

der crossing to the Republic of

ing, and finally the production of

Croatia. Considering the posi-

concrete and metal accessories.

tion of this municipality, along

The Beočin Business Park,

the River Danube, water traffic

part of Lafarge, is completely

– navigable river routes of the River Danube represent a significant waterway. Water traffic in Beočin Municipality is present via the international fairway of Danube and via the canal of the

Most represented corporate activities in Beočin Municipality are in the processing industry, agriculture and trade

investors have already used the advantages that Beočin Business Park offers to conquer the markets of SE Europe: Mars (Se/

length of 1,800 m, and a section of a Danube branch

and Pro Wood (SRB). The new industrial zone that

of 3,000 m. Within the plant’s periphery is a cargo

spreads on 25 ha is not infrastructurally equipped; it

pier for unit cargo and bulk cargo.

is currently in the implementation stage of the main

To Beočin, the international Danube fairway (Pan-

Bogdan Cvejić Municipal president Svetosavska 25, 21300 Beočin Tel: +381 21 870 260 Fax: +381 21 870 268 Email: bogdan.cvejic@beocin.rs

covers a surface of 18 ha – three

SRB), Johnson&Johnson (SRB)

Lafarge BFC cement plant with a

contact:

equipped with infrastructure. It

project for infrastructural equipping.

European Corridor VII), its access canal and port with-

The process for the issuing of location and con-

in Lafarge BFC are of great importance. The total sur-

struction permits has been reduced to merely a few

face of the municipality spreads over 18,587 ha,

days. Our task is to help the investor maximally, to fa-

where 8,342 ha are agricultural land and 6,799 ha are

cilitate things for him and to be his guide through the

forests and forest land.

procedure. All employees in the Beočin Municipality

Beočin Municipality offers incentives for investors: lower fees for the adaptation of construction Vojvodina in Focus |

85

and in public enterprises take pride in their integrity, great experience and knowledge. ■

| The Investors Guide

bečej

čoka

irig

Two Waterways

Zone in Preparation

Vineyards and Orchards

Čoka has an industrial zone which is registered as undeveloped land

Business people are welcome to invest their capital in economic and tourist capacities

The municipality of Čoka lies on the left bank of the river Tisa, in north Vojvodina. This is centuries-old area. The most valuable archeological site here is called Kremenjak. Due to their rarity, the archeological artifacts found in the municipality are even given a special name – „The Čoka Culture“. The municipality is 180 km from Belgrade, and 100 km from Novi Sad. It spans across 321 square kilometres and its population stands at 13,832. The main economic branches here are agriculture, metal processing, basic tobacco processing and plastics industry. Agriculture has a dominant share, while land (arable and uncultivated) covers an area of 29,000 hectares which is almost 90% of the entire municipal territory. The state-owned land spans across 12,000 hectares and is mostly used by agricultural companies.

The municipality of Irig lies on the southern slopes of the Fruška Gora, in the scenic county of Srem. Good geographical location and close proximity to main roads have made this area very attractive both for business people and tourists / travelers alike.

Two important waterways pass through the municipality of Bečej – the river Tisa and the Danube-TisaDanube channel Bečej lies on the right bank of the river Tisa and is one of the biggest town in the area of Potisje. Also, it is the economic, social and cultural centre of the municipality. The town has a very favourable geographic position, i.e. it lies on the intersection of roads and railways, on man-made channels and on the river Tisa.

Bečej is situated in the heart of Vojvodina, in the eastermost part of Bačka County, on the middle part of the Serbian segment of the river Tisa, between Bačko Gradište and Bačko Petrovo Selo. Thanks to a well-developed network of roads, the municipality is equally connected to all parts of Vojvodina. The transport activities are the most important factor in the local economy. The municipality is linked to almost all towns and villages in the province of Vojvodina via a paved second-class road. The Belgrade-Novi Sad-SuboticaBudapest motorway has significantly improved the freight and passenger road transport in the north – south direction. Two important waterways pass through the municipality of Bečej – the river Tisa and the Danube-Tisa-Danube channel, which is one of the most important segments of the local hydro-system. Apart from that, the municipality has a lot of arable land. There are five industrial zones suitable for greenfield investments and seven zones suitable for brownfield investments. Permits are issued from eight to thirty days. Contact Vuk Radojević Municipal president Trg Oslobođenja 2, 21220 Bečej Tel. +381 21 6811 888 Fax +381 21 6811 758 E-mail:vuk.radojevic@becej.rs

Čoka has an industrial zone which is registered as undeveloped land. The zone stretches between Senta and Čoka. It is only 50 metres from the M-24 main road and a railroad, and 3 km from the river Tisa. The infrastructure here is under construction. The shortest period for obtaining required building permits and approvals is five months.

Contact Balaz Ferenc Municipal president Potiska 20, 23320 Čoka Tel. +381 (0) 230 71 000 Fax +381 (0) 230 71175 E-mail: opstina@coka.rs

Vojvodina in Focus |

For centuries Irig has been known for its vineyards and orchards. The famous Irig wines were a regular staple in Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest. Huge investments have been made in modern orchards, storage and processing facilities, while the wines from our vineyards are among the best in the region. Business people are welcome to invest their capital in economic and tourist capacities of the municipality. Two industrial zones (next to the M-21 road Novi Sad-Šabac and the future motorway), the proximity to Belgrade and Novi Sad, the raw material deposits, qualified workforce and efficient municipal administration are certainly good references for investors. There are eight monasteries on the municipal territory which are true gems of religion, culture, history and architecture. Permits are issued in 30 days the most and we have a range of projects suitable for investing. Contact Vladimir Petrović Municipal president Vojvode Putnika 1, 22406 Irig Tel. +381 22 400 600 Fax +381 22 462 035 E-mail: opstinairig@neobee.net

86

| The Investors Guide

kanjiža

kovin

kikinda

Detailed Regulation Plan Ready

Land Plots For Investors

Plenty of Sunshine

The Block 119 industrial zone will be finished this year and become completely available to businesses

Kikinda has an exceptional link to all important roadways and corridors

Kanjiža has a river border crossing for passenger traffic The municipality of Kanjiža is a border area in north Vojvodina, on the right bank of the river Tisa, and is comprised of 13 towns and villages. It is located near the Corridor X and on the Corridor EGK 4 (the River Tisa). Good transport links with neighbouring areas mean that the municipality

has an advantageous geographical position. The River Tisa could be used as an international channel. The port for cargo ships is located 25 km from the municipality’s centre. The municipality’s population stands at over 27,000 and it covers a total of 400 km2. The land here is fertile, and the municipality is known for its abundant oil, clay, and gas deposits, as well as thermal springs. The Horgoš industrial park spans across 25 hectares of land, while the Kanjiža industrial zone covers 3 hectares of land. Also, there is an industrial complex on 5 hectares of land. Investors can also buy greenhouses and various agricultural facilities here. The Horgoš industrial park (25 ha) is the municipality’s public property. It is covered by a detailed regulation plan and suitable for clean industries, logistics, and service industry. The park has access to the Corridor X (the E-75 motorway) and the R-119 road. The Tisa is nearby while the crossing at the Serbian / Hungarian border is only 4 km away. Contact Mihály Nyilas Municipal president Glavni trg 1, 24420Kanjiža Tel: + 381 24 873 442; Fax: + 381 24 875 116 Mobile phone: 064 806 2093 E-mail: office@kanjiza.rs

The municipality of Kovin is the southernmost municipality in the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina. It is 50 km from Belgrade, 30 km from Pančevo and only 12 km from Smederevo. The municipality is situated on the Corridor VII and has 44 km of the Danube river bank stretching across its territory. Kovin can be reached even by cruise ships since the Danube here is completely navigable which is also suitable for construction of an international port. This is one of the biggest municipalities in Serbia, spanning across 730 square km. The Deliblatska Peščara (The Deliblato Sands) nature reserve covers 27,000 hectares, while 40,000 hectares are arable land. The municipality has a detailed zoning plan for the Block 119 industrial zone. The zone is divided into individual land plots which are all project regulated and have valid building permits. The zone's infrastructure will have been completed by the end of 2013.

The Zoning Plan of the municipality of Kovin allocates 300 hectares to construction plots, with 120 hectares allocated to construction of a port and related structures. The infrastructure here also encompasses 120 km of roads and an over 90-km long canal grid. Kovin is very close to Belgrade which means that it has access to all kinds of transportation – from road to air - which is very significant both for Kovin and the entire region of South Banat. Contact Dr Gordana Zorić Municipal president JNA 5, 26220 Kovin Tel. +381 13 742 114; Fax: +381 13 742 322 E-mail: predsednik@kovin.org.rs Website: www.kovin.rs

Vojvodina in Focus |

87

Kikinda is the biggest town in North Banat Administrative County. It lies on the border with Romania and is only 80 km from the border between Serbia and Hungary. The Szeged-Kikinda-Jimbolia railroad is nearby, as is the railway station at the border crossing which has phyto-sanitary inspection ser-

vices. Kikinda has an access to the DanubeTisa-Danube Channel and has a port with the reloading capacity of between 300,000 and 500,000 tons of bulk cargo. Kikinda’s population stands at 60,698. The area has abundant crude oil, gas and high quality clay deposits. Arable land covers 70,596 hectares. Solar energy is one of the most interesting natural resources here since the municipality has the highest number of sunny days out of all towns in Serbia. Apart from oil and gas companies, other important industrial companies here are Cimos-Livnica Metal Processing Company, Toza Marković Construction Company, Kikinda Mill, Banini Food Company, Angropromet Kikinda and others. The municipality has a 40-hectare-industrial zone with a partial infrastructure, an agricultural working zone on 18 hectares of land and the zone intended for sporting and tourist activities which covers an area of 43 hectares. Contact Savo Dobranić Municipal president Trg srpskih dobrovoljaca 12 23300 Kikinda Tel: +381 0230 410-105; Fax: +381 0230 410-203 E-mail: info@kikinda.org.rs

| The Investors Guide

Inđija

Most Developed Municipality in Serbia Inđija’s huge advantage lies in the fact that the town is traditionally known for craft and industrial expertise and good work habits

Petar Filipović Municipal President

“Inđija is one of the most successful towns in Serbia in terms of attracting investments”

T

he municipality of Inđija lies in Srem County, on

• What sets Inđija apart from other municipalities, and

the southern slopes of the Fruška Gora. It is sit-

why should foreign investors decide to invest here?

uated halfway between Belgrade and Novi Sad,

- Our messages to foreign investors are – we don’t hes-

in the place where important European transport cor-

itate when making decisions; we are at your beck and

ridors – the E-75 motorway and the river Danube –

call; we are willing to help you and intervene on your

intersect so its geographical position is very good.

behalf with the highest state instances; and we are go-

According to the 2011 census, Inđija had a population

ing to supply you with advice from the most competent

of close to 50,000. In early 2008, the Financial Times

people who work for the most renowned economic,

declared Inđija one of the top 25 most attractive des-

scientific and university institutions in Serbia. Inđija’s

tinations for FDI.

administration is on your side of the table when nego-

In March 2012, Inđija ranked second on the list

tiating with banks, suppliers and distributors, domes-

“European Cities and Regions

tic and international financiers,

of the Future”, compiled by the

potential partners and consum-

same magazine, in the catego-

ers. Our municipality is one of

ry of investment cost effective-

the most developed municipal-

ness. In 2013, the European

ities in Serbia. The biggest eco-

Movement declared the munic-

nomic branches here are agricul-

ipality of Inđija the most trans-

ture, industry, small businesses,

parent local administration.

commerce and tourism. Inđija is

“If you are looking for the

also one of the most successful

place to launch your new busi-

towns in Serbia in terms of at-

ness, choose Inđija, because if

Agriculture, industry and small businesses are the driving force behind local economy

you do, you will find yourself at the very centre of a market with 3 million consumers,” says Municipal President

Municipality of Inđija Address: Cara Dušana 1 22320 Inđija Tel. +381 22 561 311 and 560 304 E-mail: kabinet@indjija.net and pfilipovic@indjija.net Website: www.indjija.net

• What kind of infrastructure can you offer to investors?

- Inđija has two fully functional work zones with utility infra-

Petar Filipović and adds that

contact:

tracting investments.

Inđija’s huge advantage lies in the fact that it is

structure in place. The zones have an exceptional geo-

only a half an hour drive from Belgrade and Novi

graphic and transport location which puts Inđija at the

Sad. “Another advantage is that Inđija is tradition-

very top of the list in Serbia in terms of investment po-

ally known for craft and industrial expertise and

tential and attractiveness. The formation of these work

good work habits. The town spans a wide area in

zones facilitated the development of new capacities

Central Srem where the Danube and the Sava river

and gave us an opportunity to relocate permanently

basins meet. It lies on major railway and road seg-

all production facilities from central and residential ar-

ments of European Corridor X, and is right next to

eas. This, in turn, has had environmental benefits, and

the Nikola Tesla international airport. The munici-

has improved working and production conditions.

pality has an efficient and modern administration

The northeast work zone covers an area of 635

and developed infrastructure,” the president of the

square km and is only 2 km from the centre of Inđija.

municipality says.

It lies between the E-75 motorway (Belgrade-Novi Sad)

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| The Investors Guide

and has complete infrastructure (sanitary and

try which is why Inđija has been declared the

with the development plans for local commu-

storm sewage, and steel gas pipeline). The zone

best municipality in Serbia.

nity. Planning documents and environmental management here comply with the highest

lies along the regional R-109 road (Ruma-Stari

international standards.

Slankamen). The Belgrade-Novi Sad railroad,

• Is the municipal administration adequately

which is on the international Corridor X, is west

equipped to issue required permits to future in-

from the zone. This work zone is easily accessible

vestors in the shortest time possible?

• What else would you like to underline about

due to the close proximity of the E-75 motorway.

- Improving conditions for efficient imple-

your municipality?

The southeast work zone covers an area of

mentation of projects in Inđija entails in-

- By applying IT technology in everyday life of

100 hectares and is 1.5 km from the centre of

creased efficiency of the municipal admin-

the local community, and especially by imple-

Inđija. It stretches along the M22/1 main road,

istration and simplified administrative pro-

mentation of the information system (GIS), po-

in the direction of Belgrade, which connects the zone to neighbouring areas. The M22/1 road is also the main road in the town itself. This work zone has complete infrastructure and the utility infrastructure here is identical to the one in the town of Inđija. • What economic branches in the municipality would be best to invest in?

- Agriculture, industry and small businesses are the driving force behind local economy. tential investors can go online and obtain all

Improving conditions for efficient implementation of projects in Inđija entails increased efficiency of the municipal administration and simplified administrative procedures

sorts of information about the terms and conditions for project implementation. Transparent public work of local administration was achieved through the implementation of the online SYSTEM 48 through

• What companies are already doing business /

cedures. Relevant documents can be issued

which our citizens can get directly involved

manufacturing in your municipality?

within a few minutes, business permits are

with the key issues which are important for

- The biggest Serbian and foreign companies

issued on the same day, while building per-

local community which, in turn, increases

have chosen Inđija for doing business. They

mits are usually issued between 60 and 90

the work efficiency in relevant authorities,

are Henkel, IT Park, ThyssenKrupp, Grundfos,

days. When they get here, investors are pre-

public enterprises and institutions since

Terra Production, Metal Cinkara, Energozelena,

sented with a long-term plan for develop-

they are given 48 hours to resolve the prob-

IGB Automotive, Embassy Group, Fashion Park

ment of the area in which they plan to invest

lem or publicly set the deadline for its res-

Outlet Center Inđija, Izoterm Plama, Gombit,

their money (these plans are general and de-

olution. This project facilitates active com-

Tehnoeksport, Martini Gradnja, Farmina Pet

tail zoning plans) and a modern infrastruc-

munication and involvement of all citizens

Foods, Invej, Tradeunique, GasTeh, and many

ture. Our priority is to constantly raise the

in advancing local community in all aspects

others. Considering that Inđija has received

level of efficiency of the local administration

with the goal of improving living and busi-

nearly half a billion euros of FDI, the FDI per

in project implementation, and provide bal-

ness environment as the key factor in at-

capita ratio here is the highest in the coun-

anced incentives to investors in accordance

tracting new investments. ■

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| The Investors Guide

Kovačica

Optimal Business Environment The municipality of Kovačica lies in the southeast part of Vojvodina on 419 square km, and it consists of eight villages

"O

Miroslav Krišan President of the Municipality of Kovačica

“The Danube bridge near Borča will bring us closer to the airport and international transport corridors”

ur municipality is 25 km from Pančevo

supply, telephone lines, and the Internet at their dis-

and the Danube port. We are 47 km from

posal depending on the location of their investment

Belgrade and 80 km from Novi Sad. We

in the industrial zone and its distance from the basic

have excellent links with urban centres, while region-

infrastructural facilities - President Krišan underlines.

al roads and the railway connect the municipality to the international transport Corridor X and Nikola Tesla

• In 2011, you started to reimburse incentives for new

Airport. We expect the Danube bridge near Borča to be

jobs.

opened in 2014 which will significantly reduce the dis-

- We are developing e-services and currently plan to

tance between the municipality and the airport, inter-

implement GIS. We are in tune with modern technol-

national transport corridors, ports and Belgrade which

ogy and the latest assistance formats in our local self-

is important for our local economy,” says Miroslav

government which facilitates business development.

Krišan, president of the municipality of Kovačica.

Potential investors can obtain all the information they

The average net salary in the municipality is 26,529

need, including ‘step-by-step’ information relative to investments, on our website.

dinars while per capita income is 17,480 dinars which makes Kovačica a moderately devel-

• How many big investors have

oped municipality. The most de-

already invested in your munic-

veloped industrial branches here

ipality?

are the processing industry, man-

- 90% of the roads in the mu-

ufacturing of construction ma-

nicipality of Kovačica are paved.

terials and finished products,

All the villages in the municipal-

the footwear industry and other.

ity have a water supply system,

Most of the workforce has a high school education. Agriculture is a predominant branch in Kovačica, while the municipality’s strategic priorities are developing entrepreneurship and tourism.

Kovačica was certified by the NALED and thus became one of the municipalities in Serbia with the optimal environment for doing business

Last year, Kovačica was certi-

contact:

Želimir Lenhart Municipal investment manager Maršala Tita 50 26210 Kovačica Tel: ++381 13 661 122; extention 121 E-mail: zelimir.lenhart@ kovacica.org and manager@ kovacica.org

while we are building a sewage system in Kovačica itself. Every single village in our municipality has electricity, phone lines, and Internet access. Gas system installation is currently being carried out in the village of Crepaja, and we are going to

fied by NALED and thus became one of the municipalities

continue installing gas in other villages, including the

in Serbia with the optimal environment for doing business.

industrial zone in Kovačica. The zone and three villages have access to the Pančevo-Kikinda railroad.

• Do you still have available land plots in the munic-

The biggest investors in our municipality are

ipality’s industrial zone and could you tell us some-

the Italian companies Gubela S.p.A., Terremerse,

thing about its infrastructure?

and Modo Italia, while the Belgium-based company,

- We still have 65 hectares of unallocated land free for

Electrawinds is due to complete its measurement of

investments. Investors can purchase and form the land

wind potential by year end with the intent to build

plots to their liking. The price of land here is around €3

a wind farm here. Other investors are BRM Spasić,

per square metre which is quite affordable. Investors

Termoplast, Hemos, Matijević, Atako, GranExport, Žito

have sewage (in construction), power substation, water

Medija, Primavera D.O.O. etc. •

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| The Investors Guide

Mali Iđoš

In the Heart of Bačka The vicinity to bigger Vojvodinian centers means a favourable position for investments, and lower transport and logistics costs. Since it is one of the underdeveloped municipalities of Vojvodina and Serbia, the price of labour in Mali Iđoš is lower than its neighbors

Dr Erszébet Celluska-Frindik Municipality President

“Investing in the production of agricultural products has great future in Mali Iđoš”

M

ali Iđoš Municipality lies in the heart of

portant segment for future investors in the municipal-

Bačka, at the foot of Telečka plateau, along

ity. Small Steps d.o.o. that manages the Business Park

the Krivaja River, and falls in the group of

was established on October 8, 2004.

the smallest municipalities in Vojvodina, with 12,031 residents. Its total surface is 181 sqaure km. The

• In your opinion, investments in which economic

Municipality is located 50 km north of Novi Sad, 50

branches are the most efficient?

km south of Subotica, 150 north-west of Belgrade

- The fact that the municipality is located in the heart

and 240 km south of Budapest. The towns of Bačka

of Bačka shows that we are an agricultural region. We

Topola and Vrbas are in a 20-km radius, and Sombor is

have extremely good land with Chernozem (black dirt).

around 50 km to the northwest. “The vicinity to bigger

Farmers mainly grow vegetable crops on smaller sur-

Vojvodinian centers means a favourable position for

faces, as well as fruits. A great number of agricultur-

investments, and lower trans-

al producers deal in raising cattle

port and logistics costs. Since

and milk production. Investing in

it is one of the underdeveloped

the production of agricultural

municipalities of Vojvodina

products has great future in our

and Serbia, the price of labour

municipality, in different branch-

in Mali Iđoš is lower than its

es of the food and meat industry.

neighbours,” stated Dr. Erszébet Celluska-Frindik, President of

• What kind of infrastructure can

the Municipality.

you offer to investors? - Freight railway station, tele-

• Which potentials and advan-

communications and IT network,

tages would you particularly

well developed network of local

point out to potential investors?

roads connected to main and in-

- Thanks to its geographical position, The Mali Iđoš Municipality has all the important road networks to make transport of goods and finished

Thanks to its geographical position, the Mali Iđoš Municipality has all the important road networks

ternational highways, good connection to three big international airports and the vicinity of Belgrade 110 km, Budapest 240 km, and Osijek 120 km.

products easier. The E-75 highcontact:

Dr Erszébet Celuška-Frindik, President of Municipality Glavna 32, 24022 Mali Iđoš Tel: +381 24 730 010 Fax: +381 24 730 003 Email: opstina.maliidos@gmail.com Website: www.maliidos.com

way from Subotica to Belgrade is passing through our

• Is the municipal administration equipped to issue the

territory, and the industrial zone is located just next

necessary permits to future investors in the shortest

to the highway. The international M-22 trunk road and

possible period?

the Budapest-Belgrade railway also pass through all

- It is easy and fast to get all the required permits, and

three settlements in the municipality.

if difficulties appear, they are efficiently resolved. All

The planned Osijek-Apatin-Sombor-Bačka Topola-

this is a basis for successful start of business projects

Mali Iđoš-Ada-Kikinda-Timisoara road, which con-

and investments, within the shortest possible period.

nects three states, Romania, Serbia and Croatia, will

Also, local government is very active when it

also pass through our municipality and it is a very im-

comes to offering incentives for potential investors. ■

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kula

nova crnja

novi bečej

Old Halls for New Companies

Agriculture Dominates

Intersection of Waterways

Great selection of brownfield investment locations

Over a half of municipality’s population (52.7%) generates income from agriculture and related activities

Novi Bečej has two industrial zones

The municipality of Kula is located in West Bačka County in the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, on fertile Vojvodinian plains. The municipality is 132 km from Belgrade, while the state border with Hungary and the river Danube are 66 km and 38 km away respectively.

The municipality covers an area of 481 km2. Agricultural land takes up 91.44% of the total area. The industrial zone in Kula spans across 85 hectares and 12 m2. So far, 80 million dinars has been spent on building the infrastructure here, and the plan is to have craft facilities, warehouses, and storage units developed on the land plots. The municipality of Kula is home to the former big industrial companies like Istra Armature Factory, Eterna Leather Company and Kulski Štofovi Woolen Materials Company. The municipality disposes of over 30,000 m2 of production halls with required infrastructure which are ideal for brownfield investments. Following the construction of the Central Plant for Waste Water Treatment in Vrbas and Kula, Great Bačka Canal will be cleaned from sludge and revitalized. Kula lies on thermal springs and has an extensive network of canals. The municipality’s new strategic goal is developing spa, rural and nautical tourism. Contact Dragan Trifunović Municipal president Lenjinova 11 25230 Kula Tel: ++ 381 25 722 220 Website: www.kula.rs

The municipality of Nova Crnja is situated in northeastern Banat or Central Banat District. It spans an area of 273 square kilometres and its population is 12,294. Over a half of municipality’s population (52.7%) generates income from agriculture and related activities. The municipality has 2,600 hectares of arable land which is usually leased out. It also has four locations suitable for industrial zones. The first location covers 5 hectares and has a complete infrastructure. The second covers 11 hectares and is suitable for processing industry. The third zone spans across 10 hectares, has a full infrastructure and is best suited for tourism due to its thermal springs. A feasibility study about the thermal water here, its composition, quality and temperature has been written.

The fourth location is a former sugar plant which has complete infrastructure and production halls. Affordable prices of land plots are certainly an advantage for investors. Municipal authorities advise investing in agriculture and tourism. Required permits can be obtained with a month. Contact Danica Stričević, Municipal president Vladimir Brakus The Local Economic Development Office 110 JNA, 23218 Nova Crnja Tel: +381 (0) 23 815-030; Fax: +381 (0) 23 815-722 E-mail: novacrnja@gmail.com; Website: www.sonovacrnja.org.rs

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92

The municipality of Novi Bečej lies in the valley of the river Tisa and covers an area of 60,860 hectares. It is 66 km from the estuary of the Tisa and the Danube rivers. Novi Bečej is the only town which centre lies right on the river. The municipality has an elaborate net-

work of roads and railways, electricity grid, utility, telecommuniations and IT facilities. Apart from having an international waterway, Novi Bečej is linked to the Danube via a network of canals. The railway passes through all towns and villages in the municipality and connects them with Belgrade and Timisoara via Pančevo, Zrenjanin, Kikinda, Subotica and Szeged. The most developed industrial branches here are production of construction materials, textile, chemical, metal processing and food industry. The municipality of Novi Bečej has two industrial zones. In order to develop economy and attract investments, municipal authorities can grant certain benefits for investors providing they create a number of new jobs. Benefits can be granted in matters of environmental protection and preservation of cultural heritage.

Contact Saša Šućurović Municipal president Žarka Zrenjanina 8, 23272 Novi Bečej Tel. +381 (0) 23 772 320 Fax +381 (0) 23 772 550 E-mail: Sasa.Sucurovic@novibecej.rs

| The Investors Guide

novi kneževac

novi sad

odžaci

Urban and Rural Opportunities

City that Lies on Corridors

Border Municipality

Municipal authorities can provide substantial investments for potential investors

Novi Sad is an administrative, business, cultural, scientific and tourist centre

Developing agriculture is one of the municipality’s key goals

The municipality of Novi Kneževac is located in the very north of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, with the Serbian/ Hungarian state border also being the municipality’s northern border. In the east, Novi Kneževac borders with Romania, while the River Tisa is its natural western border. The

Novi Sad has a very favourable geographical position – it lies on major transport routes which brings many comparative advantages. The city also has road, railway and river links to neighbouring areas. This the place where all main inland roads in East and Southeast Europe meet, which will take you further on to the Middle and Far East, Central and Northern Europe and Adriatic ports. Novi Sad's population is close to 300,000. The Corridor X transport route passes through Novi Sad. Corridor X which stretches from Salzburg to Thessaloniki and connects eight countries (plus six additional countries if we count the Corridor’s branches). Corridor VII or the Danube Corridor, connects the Western European countries with the Black Sea via river routes. The Corridor is also connected to the Danube-Tisa-Danube canal network. The Novi Sad Customs Free Zone is one of four such zones in Serbia. Companies can

Odžaci is situated in West Bačka County and the municipality spans across 41,115.89 hectares of land with 85.56% of the land being arable and 4.94% covered in forests. The municipality’s population stands at 30.196. Odžaci has an exceptional position due

Tisa Bridge (between Novi Kneževac and Kanjiža) plays an important role in linking North Banat and Bačka counties. The bridge is also an integral part of the international transit route which leads to the Horgoš-Reske motorway and the border crossing. The road between Crna Bara and Novi Kneževac is currently under construction and, once finished, it will be a part of the so-called Banat motorway. Municipal authorities advise investing in food industry, agriculture, and production of compost and biogas from agricultural waste. Due to the municipality’s close proximity to the Hungarian and Romanian border, there is a great potential for development of tourism. The municipality has a 12-hectare-work zone. The industrial zone has partial infrastructure. Municipal authorities can provide substantial investments for potential investors in the shape of the reduced land plot rent fee (depending on how many new workers the investor hires). Contact Dragan Babić Municipal president Kralja Petra I Karađorđevića 1 23330 Novi Kneževac Tel: +381 (0) 230 81 031; Fax: +381 (0) 230 82 076 E-mail: predsednik@noviknezevac.org.rs

carry out their production activities and services here without having to pay customs duty or taxes. The zone has other advantages in accordance with the Law on Free Customs Zones. The City of Novi Sad and the Province of Vojvodina also provide special incentives. Novi Sad has available locations which can be used for variety of purposes. They are usually sold via public auctions.

to the proximity of the international border with the Republic of Croatia (23 km from the Bogojevo-Erdut border crossing) and Hungary (60 km from the Bački Breg border crossing). The municipality has nine commercial zones with the industrial zone being the most attractive for investments. The zone is only 35 km from Corridor X. The predominant economic branches here are chemical, food and textile industry. The Strategy for Local Sustainable Development of Odžaci has singled out agriculture as one of the municipality’s key development goals. Most of the workforce in the municipality are economists, textile, chemical and retail workers. The municipality offers incentives for investors by reducing the land development fees. Investors can obtain required permits and documents in up to 60 days from the date of application.

Contact Miloš Vučević Mayor Trg Slobode 11 21000 Novi Sad Tel. ++381 21 522-451 E-mail: milos.vucevic@novisad.rs

Contact Izabela Šerić Knez Mihajlova 24 25250 Odžaci Tel. +381 25 466 086 Fax +38125 742 396 E-mail: izabelaseric@gmail.com

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Pećinci

A Place of Prosperity There are a number of globally renowned companies operating in the municipality of Pećinci. They have been investing in construction of business and production facilities, and in the food, machine, construction and service industry, particularly in film

Sava Čojčić Municipal President

O

ne of the things that gives the municipality of Pećinci a great ad-

vantage over other municipalities is an exceptionally good ge-

“A lot of attention has been given to developing agriculture”

ographical location – the municipality is only 24 km from Belgrade and 15 km from the Nikola Tesla international airport. It also lies on the E-70 international motorway. The municipality's Zoning Plan envisages two industrial zones with a total of 1,800 hectares. The municipal authorities have been constantly upgrading the infrastructure in these zones. “Our best reference comes from investors that have already invested in the municipality of Pećinci,” says Sava Čojčić, the municipal presi-

In September 2012, we laid the foundation for Bosch's car wiper production plant

dent, and adds: “Our aim is to be

al zones. Renowned companies that invested in our municipality are the best incentive for us to strive to become the number one municipality in attracting investors which, in turn, will

number one both in investment and work efficiency.”

lead to creation of new jobs.

• What economic branches here are the most profita-

agriculture. Apart from providing various incentives

ble for investing?

for farmers, the money we collect from leasing out ag-

- In the last ten years, the municipality of Pećinci has

ricultural land, which amounted to 20 million dinars,

become one of the most promising municipalities in

is re-invested in agriculture. The municipality covers

Serbia, known as “the place of prosperity.” The main

an area of 500 square kilometres and many of the

priority of the new local government is to uphold this

households here live solely or mainly from agricul-

motto which is why are going to focus on three main

ture. That's why we are going to continue developing

directions of development, that is three areas that we

this important economic branch through encouraging

are going to support as much as we can – industry, ag-

healthy cooperatives and assisting farmers.

A lot of attention has been given to developing

contact:

Sava Čojčić Municipal president Slobodana Bajića 5 Pećinci 22410 Tel +381 22 400740 E-mail: opstina@pecinci.org Website: www.pecinci.org

riculture and tourism.

Tourism is our great opportunity for develop-

Between 2004 and 2007, €300 million in in-

ment since it carries a huge investment potential.

vestments were made in the Šimanovci industri-

The Obedska Swamp is in the municipality of Pećinci.

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The swamp is widely known for its geographi-

part of our municipality.

less steel distribution), Peshovic (valve and

cal and biological features. This area, with the

faucet manufacturer), Djurdjevic (meat pro-

remnants of the medieval town of Kupinik, the

• Which companies already operate / manufac-

cessing), Ran Commerce (agricultural coop-

Mother Angelina Church and St. Luke Church

ture in your municipality?

erative), ID Interactive (furniture factory),

as the main historical sites, is the tourism centre of the municipality. • What kind of infrastructure can investors

- There are a number of globally re-

ACF Alfa (printing) and Luki Commerce d.o.o,

nowned companies operating in the munici-

Peri (formwork and scaffolding systems for

pality of Pećinci. They have been investing in

construction industry), Cummins (diesel and

the construction of business and production

fuel engine manufacturer), Doka (prefabri-

use?

cated formwork for construction industry).

- Our priority in 2013 is to develop infrastructure in line with the Public Acquisitions Plan and the municipal budget. Parallel with construction activities and implementation of investments, we have been constantly extending and upgrading the infrastructure in all work zones. We have been also building and

Tourism is our great opportunity for development since it carries a huge investment potential. The Obedska Swamp nature reserve is in our municipality

• Do you think that municipal administration is properly equipped to issue investors with the required permits in the shortest possible time? - Municipal authorities have invested a lot in creating a business friendly environment, and we have expedited the issuing of build-

repairing roads, carrying out gas system installation, have built a sewage grid with filters and developed telecommunications network. • What infrastructure and industrial zones have you built in the last year or so, and what projects are you currently working on? - In September 2012, we laid the foundation for Bosch's car wiper production plant. The plant will start its trial run this month. Over €70 million will have been invested and 620 people hired by the time the investment is completed. Quattro Houses Company plans to construct a precast product factory in the Ašanja work zone which will create 200 new jobs. This investment is valued at between €18 and €20 million. We have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a con-

facilities, and in the food, machine, construc-

ing permits, while our local taxes and land de-

sortium of Russian and Spanish photovolta-

tion and service industry, particularly in film.

velopment and conversion fees are among

ic companies which stipulates the construc-

Apart from Bosch, which is going to open

the lowest in the region. We did make our

tion of a 30 megawatt solar plant on 240 hec-

its first car wiper factory in the Šimanovci

administration more efficient, and we also

tares of land in the Karlovčić work zone, ad-

work zone in June, the following compa-

have the Municipal Service Centre and the

jacent to the Ašanja work zone. This means

nies are also active here: JUB (paint pro-

Development Agency at investors' disposal.

that the south part of the municipality is also

duction and distribution), ITM Group (dis-

becoming open to new investments. The lat-

tribution centre), PFI studio (film indus-

• What else would like to especially single out

ter project is estimated to be worth between

try), Trimo Engineering (panel board manu-

about your municipality?

€75 and €90 million. We have also signed

facturer), Don Cafe (coffee processing and

- Apart from our huge business potential,

a Memorandum of Understanding with the

distribution), Lagermax (wholesale ware-

the municipality of Pećinci has many cultur-

Turkish company Teknotes which plans to in-

house), Naturacoop (warehouse and pri-

al institutions. The Jeremija Bread Museum is

vest €300 million in the construction of a 98.7

mary processing of agricultural products),

a must-see. There is also the Culture Centre

megawatt run-of-river hydroelectric power

Agena Technology (motors and machine

and the library with an interesting programme.

station on the Sava river between Obrež and

tools manufacturer), Lož (skylights and con-

The most popular tourist events here are the

Kupinovo. A group of Austrian investors are

struction fittings), Termomont (heater man-

Mother Angelina Regatta, Gibanicijada (cheese

coming here soon in order to inquire about in-

ufacturer), Doming (heater manufacturer),

pie festival) and Fijakerijada (carriage festival)

vesting in tourist capacities in the southern

Kleemann (lift manufacturer), MGM (stain-

which are very interesting to tourists. ■

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| The Investors Guide

Plandište

First Wind Farm to be Launched The three existing silos - one in Velika Greda with a 10,000-ton capacity, one in Plandište 20,000-ton capacity and one in Banatski Sokolac - are the biggest crop storage units in the municipality

Milan Selaković Municipal President

“Local castles, churches, hunting grounds, parks and thermo-mineral springs have a great tourist potential”

T

he municipality of Plandište is located in south

es like crude oil, gas and thermal springs. A wind

Banat and has a good geographical position

farm, the first of its kind in Serbia, is supposed to

considering it is only 30 km from the border

be launched soon. A southeast wind called “košava”

with Romania and 85 km from Belgrade. The first

usually blows in this area 78 days a year on aver-

class road Zrenjanin-Sečanj-Plandište-Vršac runs

age, during autumn, winter and spring. Other winds

through the municipality thus linking it to Novi Sad

blow here too, mostly the ones from the southern

and Timisoara. The second class road Plandište-

quadrant, which blow 61 days a year on average,

Alibunar (11 km long) joins the international road

during the winter.

Vršac-Pančevo-Belgrade near Alibunar. The munici-

Agriculture is very important in our municipali-

pality has a lot of available workforce of different

ty and is the driving force behind its development.

qualifications – from lowskilled to highly educated. –

cooperatives and agricul-

says Milan Selaković, presi-

tural companies conduct

dent of the municipality of

agricultural activities here.

Plandište, about the munici-

The three existing silos -

pality’s advantages.

one in Velika Greda with a

The river Brzava, and

10,000-ton capacity, one

the Danube-Tisa-Danube

in Plandište 20,000-ton ca-

and Šulhov canals all run

pacity and one in Banatski

through the municipali-

Sokolac - are the biggest

ty which also partly touch-

crop storage units in the

es on the border with

municipality. All three si-

Romania. The municipality

los are privately-owned,

has a lot of arable land, wa-

and silos in Velika Greda

ter canals, abundant game, crude oil deposits, twocenturies’ old parks, and castles dating back to the 18th and the 19th century. Demographically speakcontact:

Milan Selaković Municipal president Vojvode Putnika 38 26360 Plandište Tel. +381 13 861 033 Fax +381 13 861 134 E mail: office@plandiste-opstina.rs

Individual farming estates,

ing, it is one of the medium

A one-stop-shop project is currently being implemented which is going to help with issuing of required permits much faster and thus facilitate investments in the municipality

populated municipalities

and Plandište have dryers. Local castles, churches, hunting grounds, parks and thermo-mineral springs have a great tourist potential. The famous castles are Dunđerski, also known as Kastel, the Kapetanovo

with a population of 13,377. The municipality has 14

Castle, the Jagodić Castle, and the two castles in Stari

towns and villages and 4,844 households. The town

Lec. There are also numerous churches and monas-

of Plandište, which is the municipal centre, has the

teries that are home to exceptionally valuable fres-

population of 4,244 and 1,475 households.

coes and icons.

- The municipality of Plandište has a lot of ag-

We asked Municipal President Selaković to advise

ricultural land, a total of 38,000 hectares, of which

about which branches to invest in, and this is what

35,000 are arable land. It also has energy resourc-

he said:

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96

| The Investors Guide

- Definitely agriculture, since it is the most

can be used for transport throughout the year.

ments have been drafted for two new indus-

important economic branch in our municipal-

There is also a port in the village of Jermenovci

trial zones in the municipality, and the imple-

ity and the driving force behind our devel-

which has a rather small re-loading capacity.

mentation of these projects is supposed to

opment. Also, the food and textile industries

start soon. Also, the municipality is drafting

could be very interesting to potential inves-

In regard to industrial infrastructure, the mu-

projects for two wells in the areas of Barice

tors. The municipality has significant bio-ener-

nicipality has several facilities that used to be-

and Dužine. Apart from that, social protection

gy which can come from using biomass, a by-

long to Agrobanat and Planteks companies. All

projects are being implemented. The munici-

product of crop farming. There is the biomass

of them are now privately owned.

pality also plans to complete the sewage sys-

that is usually ploughed back into the ground

- The lively construction activity is proof that

tem in Plandište and Hajdučica, and is currently repairing local roads in a part of the municipality. What companies are already operational and producing in Plandište? - We have a Croatian food company, Vindija, the textile company Eminent which acquired Planteks and agricultural company AD Agrobanat which is, unfortunately, undergoing a bankruptcy procedure. Is the local administration equipped to issue investors with required permits in the shortest possible time? - So far, we have been issuing permits in a rela-

A wind farm, the first of its kind in Serbia, is supposed to be launched soon, but agriculture remains the most important economic branch in the municipality of Plandište because it is the driving force of the municipality’s economy. Individual farming estates, cooperatives and agricultural companies conduct agricultural activities in the municipality

tive short amount of time. We are currently implementing a one-stop-shop project which is going to help with issuing of required permits much faster and thus facilitate investments in the municipality – Selaković underlines. He also emphasizes that, considering all of this, the municipality of Plandište is a good investment destination, and investments are

or burnt, and the biomass that can be used in generating bio-energy. In terms of infrastructure, Mr. Selaković says that the municipality has a diversified network of transport routes. The first class road Zrenjanin-Sečanj-Plandište-Vršac runs through the municipality thus linking it to Novi Sad and Timisoara. The Bela Crkva-Vršac-Zrenjanin railroad also passes through the municipality and links it to Pančevo and Belgrade, via Vršac, and to Novi Sad, via Zrenjanin. This railroad can take up to 16 tons of pressure. Unfortunately, it is closed because it is unprofitable and is used occasionally only by freight trains. There

Plandište has been constantly developing,

the way for the municipality to develop and

is also the navigable Danube-Tisa-Danube ca-

and, in the last year or so, the Croatian com-

for the living standard of its population to in-

nal which is a waterway of category 4. The ca-

pany Vindija completed construction of a new

crease. ”We have been trying and will contin-

nal is suitable for two-way navigation, with a

meat processing facility which is supposed

ue to try to create as favourable investment

draft of 2.1m along the 45 to 85km segment.

to open sometime in the next two months –

climate as possible. We have the capacity to

Thanks to its hydrological features, the canal

Selaković says and adds that project docu-

do so” – Selaković concludes. ■

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97

| The Investors Guide

opovo

pančevo

sečanj

Medicinal Mud

Exceptional Strategic Position

The Windiest Parts of Vojvodina

The mud found here can be used in treating rheumatic diseases The municipality of Opovo is situated in South Banat. It is 30 km from Belgrade and Pančevo and 40 km from Zrenjanin. It covers an area of 203 km2 and has the population of 11,016. The Belgrade-Zrenjanin main road is only 3 km away from the municipal centre, as

much as Corridor X. Nikola Tesla Airport is 50 km away. Thanks to the natural resources, the prevalent economic activity here is agriculture. The Tamiš River, medicinal mud and ethnic & cultural heritage are excellent prerequisites for development of tourism. The municipality plans to build an industrial zone in local community of Baranda, which is 2 km from Opovo and 1 km from the Baranda centre. The zone will stretch on 15.14 hectares. The dairy farms here produce up to 10,000 milk a day. There are 7,000 pigs in the municipality which give around 700 tons of meat annually. Farmers are also growing white pumpkin, which is a synonym of organic food. Baranda has medicinal mud deposits. The municipality has quality roads, which link the towns and villages here, access to transport routes and the existing industrial zone, as well as the water supply grid, telephone network and Internet access. Contact Milorad Soldatović Borisa Kidriča 10 26204 Opovo Tel. +381 13 681 030 Fax +381 13 6810 202 e-mail: milorad.soldatovic@3dnet.rs

Most of the town’s land plots are available and each is regulated by a detailed zoning plan Pančevo is located in the very south of Vojvodina, at the estuary of the Tamiš and the Danube rivers. The town is the economic, cultural and administrative centre of South Banat and one of the most important industrial centres in Serbia. It spans an area of 755 km2. It is only 15 km from Belgrade and 40 km from international airport Nikola Tesla. Both pan-European transport routes – Corridor VII and Corridor X – pass through this area so Pančevo is thought to have an exceptional strategic position. Crude oil processing, production of plastics, fertilizers, textile and fashion industry are prevalent here. Furthermore, Pančevo is the centre of the Balkan chemical industry. Agriculture is also developed since the town has 60,000 hectares of high quality arable land.

Most of the town’s land plots are available and each is regulated by a detailed zoning plan. The available locations are close to the river Danube and a port. In terms of infrastructure, there is water supply, sewage, telecommunications grid, electricity and gas supply. Also, the locations are close to main and regional roads. Contact Dr Svetozar Gavrilović, Mayor E - mail: gradonacelnik@pancevo.rs Marina Kendereski E-mail: marina.kendereski@pancevo.rs 2-4 Trg kralja Petra I, 13000 Pančevo Tel. / Fax: +381 (0) 13 346 393 and 343 222

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98

A dense network of canals is comprised of the DTD canals, the canals on the Brzava River and a series of smaller canals The municipality of Sečanj is in the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina. It spans an area of 532 km2, with 48,995 hectares being arable land and 196 hectares forests. The municipality has one town and 10 villages with the population of 16,377. The most developed economic branches

here are agriculture, commerce and transportation, and the plan is to widen the crude oil and gas exploitation. The river Tamiš and the canal grid are very important for the municipality. The 3-km long segment of the Tamiš River makes the natural border between Serbia and Romania, while 38 km of the river runs through the municipality. A dense network of canals is comprised of the DTD canals, and the canals on the Brzava River. There are five reservoirs / fish ponds here of total surface of 3,000 hectares. The municipality is one of the windiest parts of Vojvodina, with southeastern wind of Košava dominating. Forest vegetation covers a fraction of the municipality’s territory. The close proximity to the EU border and opening of a large border crossing could facilitate development of transit tourism, and would expedite the economic development of the municipality. Hunting is one of the most attractive tourist resources in the municipality. Contact Predrag Milošević Municipal president Vožda Karađorđa 57, 23240 Sečanj Tel. +381 23 841 111 and 841 410 Fax: +381 23 842 011 E-mail: sosecanj@ptt.rs

| The Investors Guide

Ruma

Industrial Centre in the Heart of Srem Traditionally, Ruma has been the industrial centre of Srem County. Industrial giants like Rumaguma, textile factory Fruška Gora, Fabrika Kože (Leather Factory), Rumaplast and small footwear, textile, and wood processing companies are the foundation of the municipality's economic development

Goran Vuković Municipal President

“Close to 74% of the municipality’s territory is agricultural land”

T

he municipality of Ruma is situated in the heart

and small footwear, textile, and wood processing compa-

of Srem County, on 582 square km. The munici-

nies are the foundation of the municipality's economic

pality’s population is close to 55,000. The munic-

development. The investments that we have received in

ipality is comprised of one town and 16 villages. Ruma

2011 and 2012, during the economic crisis, were made

is located between the two biggest cities in Serbia –

in textile, footwear and the car parts industry.

Belgrade and Novi Sad. The E-70 motorway is nearby,

Apart from its good geographical location, the munic-

as is the railway (a part of Corridor X) which links Ruma

ipality of Ruma has a lot of top quality arable land. Close

to West and Southeast Europe. Also, the M-21 main

to 74% of the municipality’s territory is agricultural land.

road (a future motorway) is very close by. “Apart from its strategic position, the municipality

• What kind of infrastructure can you offer to investors?

has another advantage, and that

- The municipality owns one of the

is providing investment incentives

most attractive industrial zones

in the form of substantial dis-

in Serbia which is situated at the

counts on land development fees.

intersection of the E-70 motor-

Depending on how many new

way and the M-21 main road. The

jobs an investor creates, he could

Rumska Petlja (Ruma Intersection)

be totally exempt from paying this

industrial zone spans across 308

fee,” says Goran Vuković, presi-

hectares of land, with 238 hec-

dent of the municipality of Ruma.

tares regulated by zoning docu-

“If we are talking about strategic

mentation. In terms of infrastruc-

investments, which means hiring a large number of unemployed people, apart from being exempt from paying local taxes, investors will be given a reduced price of land or the land can be leased out to them free of charge, providing we get the consent of the Serbian

The municipality owns one of the most attractive industrial zones in Serbia which is situated at the intersection of the E-70 motorway and the M-21 main road

Goran Vuković Municipal president Glavna 155 Ruma 22400 Tel: +381 12 2478 314 Fax + 381 12 2479 588 E-mail: predopruma@ruma.rs Website: www.ruma.rs

water supply, while the gas supply and sewage, as well as additional access road, are planned to be finished in the summer of 2013. • Is the municipal administration sufficiently equipped to issue required permits to future investors

government first. Ruma is considcontact:

ture, the zone has electricity and

ered a ‘municipality of special interest’ where investors

in the shortest possible time?

can receive subsidies ranging from €4,000 to €10,000

- The municipality of Ruma is one of the few munici-

per new job they create.”

palities in Serbia that is certified by NALED (National Alliance for Local Economic Development) as a busi-

• What economic branch do you think would be the most

ness friendly municipality and one of two municipali-

profitable for investment?

ties which possesses the Business Friendly Certification

- Traditionally, Ruma has been the industrial centre of

Southeast Europe. This provides a guarantee to future

Srem. Industrial giants like Rumaguma, textile factory

investors that the municipal administration is capable

Fruška Gora, Fabrika Kože (Leather Factory), Rumaplast

and fast, ready to be at their beck and call. ■

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99

| The Investors Guide

Senta

The Future Lies in Metalworking The advantages of the municipality of Senta lie in its municipal industrial zones suitable for greenfield investments, availability of quality human resources, competitive labour costs, and the close proximity to the borders with Hungary and Romania

T Rudolf Cegledi Municipal President

“The municipality of Senta provides incentives for agricultural development”

he municipality of Senta has an excellent geo-

es from 58°C to 60°C . The well is 200 metres from

strategic position and developed water, road

the Tisa River and from the sports hall, which covers

and rail transport routes. An international riv-

5,500 square metres and is supposed to be complet-

er port has been built in Senta, on the right bank of

ed by the year end. There is over 10 hectares of land

the River Tisa, 121 km away from the river’s source.

suitable for investing around the well.

Local rail network covers the industrial zone. “In line

Another investment locality is an army barrack

with these advantages, potential investors can use in-

which covers an area of 3 hectares and is located in

termodal transport which is conducive to a modern

an urban part of the town.

way of doing business and saves money on transport,” • What economic branches in the municipality would

says Rudolf Ceglédi, the municipal president.

be best for investing? • What municipal resources and advantages would

- An advanced food processing industry offers many

you like to point out to potential investors?

investment opportunities. Also, considering a long

- The advantages of the municipality of Senta lie in its

tradition and experience in industrial production, we

municipal industrial zones suitable for greenfield invest-

think that the most efficient investments would be

ments, the availability of quality human resources, com-

those in metalworking. The municipality of Senta pro-

petitive labour costs, the close

vides incentives for agricultural

proximity to the borders with

development bearing in mind

Hungary (46 km) and Romania

that 91.5% of the municipal

(77 km), and quality registered

territory is agricultural land.

industrial sites and facilities for • What kind of infrastructure

brownfield investments.

can you offer to investors?

The Senta industrial zone is another very favourable lo-

- The total length of municipal

cation for investors. The zone

roads is 198 km. There is also a

spans across an area of 20.31

rail network (15 km in length), a

hectares and has complete infrastructure: access roads, wacontact:

Viktor Varga Member of the Municipal Council in charge of economic and agricultural development and environment Glavni trg 1 24400 Senta Tel. +381 24 655 444 Fax +381 24 812 034 Mobile phone numbers: +381 (0) 65 5520 514 and +381 (0) 64 87 5555 2

ter supply, sewage, electricity, telephone lines, optical ca-

An advanced food processing industry offers many investment opportunities

bles, gas supply and a waste

water supply system (99 km) and sewage system (77 km). The power lines are over 400 km long and they are mostly overhead. A 12-fibre-optical cable has been laid

water filter. Railroad, international port and customs

between Senta and Tornjoš which serves as a telecommuni-

office are all nearby. It is up to the investors to con-

cations link between local communities in the municipality.

nect their zone plots to the general infrastructure • Is the municipal administration adequately equipped

here in line with their particular needs. With the aim of utilizing thermal and mineral wa-

to issue required permits to future investors in the

ter for development of spa and wellness tourism, a

shortest time possible?

1,120-metre-deep geo-thermal well has been built.

- The municipality has an efficient administration

This eruptive well has a water flow of 20 litres per

which is fully equipped to respond to investors’ re-

second, while the temperature of the water rang-

quirements as soon as possible. ■

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| The Investors Guide

sombor

sremski karlovci

sremska mitrovica

On the Corridor Route

Zone on the Beach

Commerce Dominates

Since the nearest airport is only 7km from the town of Sombor, there is a realistic opportunity for developing air traffic

The municipality of Sremski Karlovci is the smallest municipality in the AP Vojvodina

The town has three industrial zones – Sever, Sever 2 and Jezero - which are designated for greenfield investments

The town of Sombor is situated at the very northwest of the Republic of Serbia. The town is connected with the Republic of Croatia via Bezdan and Bogojevo international border crossings and with the Republic of Hungary via Bački Breg border crossing. Sombor is 25 km from Croatia, 28 km from

The municipality of Sremski Karlovci is the smallest municipality in the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, spanning across an area of 5.05 hectares of land. It is situated in the northeast part of Srem County, at the foot of the Fruška Gora, along the Danube shores. Novi Sad is 10 km away, and Belgrade only 65 km. The economy in Sremski Karlovci is diverse and the main branches here are construction material production, metal processing, textile industry and transport. The municipality’s tourism capacities are substantial, and there is a master tourism development plan. The municipality has designated four areas for different purposes. The first area (3.23 hectares) is ideal for tourist and sports activities. The second area (almost 3 hec-

The town of Sremska Mitrovica is in northwest Serbia, in the area where three morphological entities meet – the plains of Srem, the plains of Mačva and the mountain of Fruška Gora. The municipality covers an area of 76,153 hectares and has the population of 85,902. The town lies at the southern edge of the

Hungary, 170 km from Belgrade and 223 km from Budapest. The town lies between pan-European corridors VII and X. The latter is around 60 km from Sombor. The corridors serve as a link between regional roads and railways and an international river port and customs office near Bezdan which lie on the Corridor VII (the Danube River). The town of Sombor has a well-developed network of main roads (M17.1 and M18), which are 89 km long. Also, there is an intersection of cargo and passenger railways. Since a military airport is only 7km from the town of Sombor, there is a realistic opportunity for developing air traffic. Great opportunity also lies in production of fresh and healthy produce which can be shipped to any part of Europe within 24 hours. Sombor’s industrial zone stretches along the southeastern border of the town. It spans across 500 hectares. There are twelve facilities in the town and surrounding area which are suitable for brownfield investments. Contact Nemanja Delić Mayor Trg Cara Uroša 1, 25000 Sombor Tel. +381 25 468 133 Fax +381 25 468 116 E-mail: gradonacelnik@sombor.rs

tares) is suitable for sports and recreation. The third area is best suited for tourist and general activities with 1.5 hectares intended for a beach. The fourth area (5 hectares) is an ideal location for fisherman and weekend houses. The municipality has a work zone that is regulated by a detailed zoning plan. Contact Milenko Filipović Municipal president Trg Branka Radičevića 1 21205 Sremski Karlovci Tel. +381 (0) 21 6853 000; Fax +381 (0) 21 6853 077 E - mail : sremkarl@eunet.rs

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101

Srem loess terrace. Apart from Sremska Mitrovica and Laćarak, which both lie on the left bank of the River Sava, there are also the town of Mačvanska Mitrovica, on the right bank of the same river, and 23 villages. Commercial enterprises, which make up 39.37% of the local economy, are the most prevalent here. Processing industry makes 25% of the local economy. The town has two international roads – the E-70 motorway, which is a part of Corridor X, and the Vienna-Thessaloniki international railroad. The R-103 regional road leads to the border crossing with Bosnia and Herzegovina, as does the R-116 road which links Sremski and Mačvanski County. Sremska Mitrovica is 70 km from Belgrade, 65 km from Novi Sad and 50 km from Nikola Tesla Airport. The town has three industrial zones – Sever, Sever 2 and Jezero - which are designated for greenfield investments. Several production halls, which cover over 6,900 m2 of space, are suitable for brownfield investments. Contact Branislav Nedimović Mayor Svetog Dimitrija 13 22000 Sremska Mitrovica Tel. +381 22 610 566; Fax +381 22 610 562 E-mail: smkler@gmail.com

| The Investors Guide

Stara Pazova

Tradition of Entrepreneurship The key reasons for investing here are the high number of existing investors, an exceptional strategic position for business development, and the close proximity to the two biggest cities and consumer centres in Serbia

T

he municipality of Stara Pazova is situated in

Đorđe Radinović Municipal President

“The Stara Pazova municipality currently has eight industrial zones”

tion, automobile industry, IT and other.

the southeast part of Srem, in the Autonomous

The key reasons to invest would be the high

Province of Vojvodina, in north Serbia. The munic-

number of existing investors, an exceptional stra-

ipality has an exceptionally good geographical location

tegic position for business development, the close

– it lies between the two biggest towns in the coun-

proximity to the two biggest cities and consumer

try, 30 km from the capital city of Belgrade and 40 km

centres in Serbia, and the two most important roads

from Novi Sad. All important regional roads intersect

in the region – the E-70 and the E-75, as well as

the municipality’s territory, including the Belgrade-

M-22 road being nearby. Other advantages are de-

Zagreb motorway (E-70), the Belgrade-Novi Sad mo-

veloped entrepreneurship (many SMEs), industrial

torway (E-75), the M-22 main road and regional roads

zones with infrastructure, the Free Trade Agreement

R-106 and R-121. Also, signif-

with Russia and many subsi-

icant international railroads

dies and incentives.

which extend to Subotica and further to Hungary and

• What kind of infrastructure

Germany up north, and to Niš

can you offer to investors?

and down to Greece in the

- The Stara Pazova municipali-

south, pass through the mu-

ty currently has eight industrial

nicipality. The biggest airport

zones covering a total of 1,500

in Serbia - Nikola Tesla – is 15

hectares. These zones have in-

km from the centre of Stara

frastructure and fully meet the

Pazova, while military air-

needs of some of the world's

port Batajnica is 8 km away. A 24-km long segment of the Danube River makes up the eastern border of the municipality which rounds off the

For decades, the municipality of Stara Pazova has been known for its private entrepreneurship

transport network.

most successful companies that have built their plants here, namely: Mercedes-Benz, Nestle, Volvo, Honda, Gorenje, DHL, Muhlbauer, Alumil, Milšped, Grubin, Greiner and

“For decades, the munic-

JP Packaging, and Artinvest.

ipality of Stara Pazova has been known for its private

contact:

Đorđe Radinović Municipal president Svetosavska 11 22300 Stara Pazova Tel. +381 22 310 170 Fax + 381 22 310 000 E-mail: office@starapazova.rs Website: www.starapazova.eu

entrepreneurship,” says Đorđe Radinović, the munic-

• Is the municipal administration adequately equipped

ipal president. “Over 40 years ago, Stara Pazova had

to issue required permits to future investors in the

many craft shops which made the town one of the

shortest time possible?

first and most successful small business centres in the

- Our local administration is absolutely able to respond to

former Yugoslavia.”

requests by potential investors in an efficient and timely manner. The proof of this are many investors which

• What economic branches are the best for investing?

have recognized the quality of the work done by the lo-

- The municipality has very diverse industry – the

cal administration like Mercedes-Benz, Nestle, Volvo,

metal processing and metal working industries, plas-

Husqvarna, Gorenje, DHL, Muhlbauer, Alumil, Milšped,

tic and rubber industry, wood processing, construc-

Grubin, Greiner and JP Packaging, Artinvest, and Scania. ■

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102

| The Investors Guide

srbobran

subotica

temerin

Access to Each Plot

Crossroad of European Transport Routes

Vegetable Garden

Apart from having a water link via the Great Bačka Canal, the municipality is also connected to the E-75 motorway and M-3 and M-22 main roads The municipality of Srbobran is in the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina and it covers an area of 284 km2. Srbobran has a very good geographical position. Apart from having a water link via the Great Bačka Canal, the municipality is also connected to the E-75 motor-

way and M-3 and M-22 main roads. The prevalent economic branches here are agriculture, furniture production, production of insulation material and food industry. Raw-materials for food industry, good transport network and the close proximity to the town are all prerequisites for construction of industrial facilities here. The municipality has two industrial zones: the first one is the southern part of municipality, on the outskirts of the Srbobran construction zone, next to the M-22 main road. This zone covers an area of around 90 hectares, with 30 hectares being state-owned. It has utility infrastructure and each plot has access. Industrial rail tracks and port facilities can be built here. The second zone is in the western part of the municipality, outside the construction area, right along the motorway and the M-3 main road. This zone covers an area of 60 hectares and construction of utility infrastructure is underway. Contact Zoran Mladenović Municipal president Trg Slobode 2, 21480 Srbobran Tel. +381 21 731 077 Fax +381 21 731 079 E-mail: info@srbobran.rs

Temerin is only 80 km from Belgrade and 7 km from Novi Sad

The city has a number of industrial zones ready to take investors The city of Subotica is the northernmost city in Serbia and in the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina. It lies on the border with the Republic of Hungary and spans across an area of 1,008 m2 including 19 suburbs. Subotica lies on several main European transport routes like the pan-European Corridor X (including its Y segment), the E-85 railroad (Budapest-Subotica-Belgrade-NišSkopje-Athens) and others. The municipality’s advantages lie with two international border crossings – Kelebija and Horgoš – and an interstate crossing Bajmok, the logistics centre that spans on 40 hectares of land, a cargo railway station, an advanced telecommunications and IT network, public and customs warehouses, a well-developed network of roads which are linked to the main and international roads, and good links to three

large international airports – Belgrade (165 km away), Budapest (190 km) and Osijek (120 km). Apart from the food industry, the following branches are also developed: electrical manufacturing, metal processing, chemical industry, textile industry, leather processing, production of footwear and socks, printing business and construction. The city has a number of industrial zones. Contact Modest Dulić, Mayor Simonida Pavićević Head of Local Economic Development Office Trg slobode 1, 24000 Subotica Tel/Fax: +381 24 666 677 E-mail: mayor@subotica.rs

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The municipality of Temerin covers an area of 170 km2 and has the population of close to 20,000. It is located in the southeastern part of Bačka County. Temerin is only 100 km from the border with the EU, 80 km from Belgrade and 7 km from Novi Sad. After Novi Sad, this

is the most economically developed town in Vojvodina, which is due, among other things, to the close proximity of the capital city of Vojvodina. The municipality’s biggest economic potential lies in agriculture, metal processing, commerce and services. Agriculture is a very important and developed branch here. The municipality has 15,748 hectares of arable land which is 92.8% of its entire territory. Most of the land here is ploughland and vegetable gardens. Orchards and vineyards cover 100 hectares of land. Cooperatives manage 27% of the total agricultural land, including the land owned by the municipality (2,746 hectares). There are close to 1,000 companies in the municipality which have over 1,700 employees. It takes up to six months to obtain all required building permits and approvals.

Contact Guszton Andras Municipal president 326, Novosadska, 21235 Temerin Tel: +381 (0) 21 843 888; Fax: +381 (0) 21 842 792 E-mail: predsednik@temerin.rs Website: www.temerin.rs

| The Investors Guide

Šid

Municipality in the Tri-state Area The Šid municipality has industrial zones in very attractive locations

T Nikola Vasić Municipal President

“Carefully planning our development is a testament to our feeling responsible for the future”

he municipality of Šid has an exceptionally fa-

ious types of fish, as well as many natural prerequi-

vourable geographical position. It is well-con-

sites for the development of viticulture, hunting and

nected by roads: the E-70 motorway and oth-

transit tourism.

er main and regional roads. The Belgrade-Zagreb in-

The cultural heritage of the municipality of Šid is

ternational railroad passes through the municipality

the foundation for development of cultural tourism

and there are five state border and two local border

which, in turn, is a prerequisite for initiating many

crossings.

economic branches and activities. The cultural institu-

The municipality is located in the tri-state ar-

tions which are crucial for the realization of this goal

ea and it is 10 km from the border with Croatia and

are the Sava Šumanović Art Gallery and the Ilijanum

13 km from the border with the Republic of Srpska. It

Museum of Naïve Art.

spans across 682 square kilometres and is situated in the southwest part of Vojvodina, Srem County.

Since the municipality has many churches and monasteries, there is an opportunity to develop reli-

Creating an advantageous business environment

gious tourism.

for foreign and domestic investors is the strategic goal of the local administration which will contribute

In terms of investments, Municipal President Nikola

to balanced development of all towns and villages in

Vasić says:

the municipality and create a better life for everybody

- There are many investment and profit generating op-

in our municipality – says the president of the munic-

portunities in the municipality of Šid. However, con-

ipality of Šid, Nikola Vasić.

sidering the natural resources and industrial branches

The municipality has industrial zones in very at-

that have been thriving in the municipality, we can say

tractive locations which cater to every investor need.

with certainty that investments in processing of agri-

It also has 500 hectares of land intended for indus-

cultural produce, tourism, textile industry, wood pro-

trial zones.

cessing industry, chemical industry and meat processing industry are safe investments.

The Adaševci industrial zone covers an area of 123 hectares and is currently being prepared for potential investors. Due to its great location, the zone is considered the most attractive out of all industrial zones in the area. The Adaševci zone stretches along Corridor X (the E-70 motorway), near the interseccontact:

Nikola Vasić Municipal president Karađorđeva 2 22240 Šid Tel: ++381 22 712-544 Fax: ++381 22 712-022 E-mail: predsednik@opstinasid.org

tion, and has a direct exit to the

Agriculture serves as the basis for attracting investment capital and is the primary economic resource for now. We are also focusing on launching industry and advancing tourism

Belgrade-Zagreb roadway.

Speaking about the infrastructure and industrial zones, Mr. Vasić says: - The municipal spatial plan designates over 500 hectares of land for future work zones. The zones are located both in the town of Šid and the villages in the municipality, which is vital for achieving balanced development of all parts

Large agricultural surfaces serve as the basis for

of our municipality. There are a total of 15 work zones.

attracting investment capital and are the primary eco-

Depending on your business activity and desired

nomic resource for now. One of the municipality’s pri-

location, the municipality of Šid can offer potential in-

orities is launching industry and bolstering both ur-

vestors the following industrial zones:

ban and rural tourism. The north part of the munici-

The Adaševci industrial zone - stretching along the

pality is suitable for tourist development since the ar-

Corridor X (the E-70 motorway) and the Šid-Bijeljina

ea has three artificial lakes with an abundance of var-

railroad. It covers 123 hectares of land.

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| The Investors Guide

The Šid-Gibarac industrial zone – locat-

crude and refined oils, biodiesel and protein

ed between the town of Šid and the village of

meal. The company has been growing ever

Valdom d.o.o. is the latest investor in the

Gibarac, on a regional road, covers 44.28 hec-

since and currently has 270 employees here.

municipality of Šid. The company current-

Beocapra d.o.o. is a company that has been

ly has 30 employees but plans to increase its

tares, privately owned.

pany of TIM d.d. Laško.

The Blok 34-Vašarište industrial zone – lo-

producing and processing goat milk since

production volume and number of workers.

cated close to the Šid-Tovarnik border crossing

2009. The company’s HQ, the goat and dairy

and the R-103 regional road. It is 750 metres

farms are located in the village of Kukujevci.

The municipal authorities are quite swift when

from the town centre and 4 km from the border

Hempro-Color d.o.o. from Šid produces paint,

it comes to issuing relevant permits. Our inter-

with the Republic of Croatia, covers 3 hectares.

varnishes, school poster paint, oil painting

locutor says:

The Šid – Adaševci industrial zone – situ-

colours, synthetic adhesives, plastic bottles

- The Urban Planning, Communal Housing and

ated on the first class main road, on the bor-

and other chemical agents. Mlintest Company,

Property Affairs Department provides assis-

der between the cadastral municipalities of

also from Šid, is a shareholding company that

tance with obtaining required permits and ap-

Šid and Vašica. The Šid-Bijeljina railroad is

processes and sells wheat and wheat flour

provals, and completing various procedures in

east of the zone. The zone spans across 59.73

and is one of the most renowned produc-

the shortest possible time. Local government has also formed a local economic development office which provides support to potential investors in the investment process in a flexible and versatile manner with the aim of attracting both domestic and foreign direct investments. Mr. Vasić underlines the following advantages of the municipality of Šid: - Carefully planning our development is a testament to our feeling responsible for the future of the local administration. The close prox-

hectares of land and has the highest occupancy rate (companies like Victoria Oil, TIM Izolirka, Valdom and others). It is also suitable for brownfield investments. Land plots are privately owned. The Šid – Tovarnik industrial zone – located in Šid, on the both sides of the R-103 state

The municipal spatial plan designates over 500 hectares of land for future work zones. The zones are located both in the town of Šid and the villages in the municipality in order to achieve balanced development of all parts of our municipality. There are a total of 15 work zones

road, in close proximity to the Republic of Croatia. The zone’s total surface is 57.31 hec-

imity to the Belgrade-Zagreb motorway gives

tares. It is encircled by the Šid bypass, while

the municipality a very good geographical po-

land plots here are privately owned.

sition. The economic and business develop-

As far as pending projects go, there a sug-

ment of our municipality is the number one

ar refinery project has been implemented in

priority for the municipal authorities. With this

Bačinci, and a cold storage unit with a facili-

in mind, we have created the prerequisites for

ty for drying and processing of fruits and veg-

attracting domestic and foreign investors. Our

etables in Erdevik. Also, several sport facili-

goal is to keep existing investors and attract

ties (spectator stands, tennis courts) are be-

new ones and to jointly contribute to the de-

ing built, in addition to an intermodal facility

ers of wheat-based products and pasta. Meat

velopment of municipal infrastructure, to facili-

in the Adaševci industrial zone.

processing company and abattoir Agropapuk

tate the realistic and rational utilization of pub-

d.o.o. was founded in 2001 by its namesake

lic services (healthcare, welfare, culture, educa-

Mr. Vasić says the following about the compa-

mother company whose primary business was

tion, sport) and to create a quality environment

nies that are doing business or have produc-

livestock breeding and animal feed produc-

for the development of human resources both

tion facilities in the municipality:

tion. The company has close to 200 workers.

in local administration and in business. All of

- The most important investment in the munic-

TIM Izolirka d.o.o. produces hydro- and ther-

this will translate into better life for our 34,188

ipality in the last decade was an investment

mal-insulation materials. It was founded on

citizens which is the municipality’s population

made by Victoria Oil d.o.o. which produces

September 23, 2004 and is a daughter com-

according to the 2011 census. •

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Zrenjanin

Resembling Central Europe In 2007, Zrenjanin was declared the City of Future, and in 2008, the World Bank ranked the city the first in Serbia in respect to business environment

A

mong all the cities in Vojvodina, Zrenjanin re-

Ivan Bošnjak Mayor

“We are planning a great number of investments in rural infrastructure”

the key features of economic development.

sembles the Central Europe the most because

Zrenjanin is also special for the fact that it offers

of the river that runs passes through the city

affordable land to potential investors, as well as al-

and its architecture. The town has access to an 8-kilo-

ready built utility infrastructure and efficient local

metre segment of the Danube River and a 40-kilome-

government. We have a lot of experience with inves-

tre segment of the Tisa River, which is a great river po-

tors. Thanks to the work done by the Local Economic

tential. The airport is located in the vicinity of the city

Development Office and the staff who are respon-

and the Ečka industrial zone.

sible for expediting administration procedures, eve-

“Considering its position, Zrenjanin should be the

rything has been simplified. Zrenjanin has a Quick

epicenter of Banat, as it was 20 years ago,” says the

Response Office, and here you can get locations and

Mayor of Zrenjanin Ivan Bošnjak:

construction permits in only 15

“We will try to regain this posi-

days. This is to be followed

tion and to get the town moving

permits that have to be obtained

as soon as possible.”

by

from state enterprises, so procedures could be carried out with-

• Which potentials and advan-

out hindrance.

tages would you especially point out to potential investors?

• In your opinion, which econom-

- Over the past several years,

ic branches are the best for invest-

Zrenjanin has been known as

ing?

one of the most attractive cities

- I think that agriculture is the

for investing in Serbia. In 2006, following the Invest in Serbia competition, the US Agency for International Development (USAID) rated Zrenjanin as one of the most promising cities in the region in terms of its business environment. In 2007, Zrenjanin was declared the

Zrenjanin is also special for the fact that it offers affordable land to potential investors, as well as adapted utility infrastructure and efficient local government

Zrenjanin City Administration Trg slobode 10 23000 Zrenjanin Tel: +381 23 315 00 80 Email: kabinet@zrenjanin.rs and gradska.uprava@zrenjanin.rs Website: www.zrenjanin.rs

ments. The land here is perfect for agricultural activities. The Fruit and Vegetable Logistics Centre has been recently opened in Mužlja, as a support to developing fruit and vegetable production in Central Banat. Thanks to the Centre, farmers now have the

City of Future, and in 2008, the contact:

branch most suitable for invest-

World Bank ranked the city the first in Serbia in re-

opportunity to store fresh fruit and vegetables in ac-

spect to business environment.

cordance to the relevant regulation and standards un-

Zrenjanin is attractive to investors because of its

til they are delivered to the market. Construction of plastic and glass greenhouses should be intensified.

good strategic position. We are fortunate to have a lot of land near good

The private cooperative Carska Bašta has been doing

roads. We also have rivers and railways. Investments

business in Mužlja for years now, and they have ex-

are needed to make Zrenjanin a big cargo centre.

panded their work over several municipalities. We al-

During World War II, Ečka Airport was the biggest air-

so have a project with the working title “1,000 metres

port outside Germany, so we will try to make it one of

of greenhouses a month”, which is also the goal we

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106

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The French company Mecaplast, which makes

former cooking oil industry, is certainly the

ject should be extended outside the munici-

plastic coating for FAS, will also expand its ca-

most significant. This plant is now owned by

pal borders too. I believe that our greatest po-

pacities, depending on the situation on the

Croatian Agrokor. The second is NIS (Petroleum

tential lies there.

Russian market, and the Slovenian company

Industry of Serbia), which has its own pro-

Kolpa will expand its production. Almex from

duction and a long tradition on the territory

• What kind of infrastructure can you offer to

Pančevo bought the old starch plant and they

of Zrenjanin, and Banat in general, because it

investors?

are expected to launch their business soon.

originates from here. Of course, there is the al-

- Thanks to a favourable business envi-

Victoria Group opened a starch plant in our for-

ready mentioned German investor Draexlmaier,

ronment and completely equipped Ečka-

mer sugar plant, which is now called Victoria

which completed its second hall last autumn

Jugoistok, Bagljaš-Elemir and Aerodrom in-

Starch. Around 150 people will be employed

in cooperation with Fiat Automobiles Serbia

dustrial zones, which cover 150 ha with the

in Almex. A shipyard has been opened, and we

(FAS). They produce cables for the car industry.

potential to grow to 1,000 hectares, Zrenjanin

hope that the problem with Jugoremedija will

The plant employs 800 people per shift, and

represents one of the most attractive invest-

be resolved soon. Also, there is a very serious

there are three shifts in total. So, this is a good

want to achieve in the near future. The pro-

example of an investment that created 2,400 new jobs. Their employees get a very fair treatment. The have organized transportation for 100 of their workers. The chemical industry is also developed in Zrenjanin. The most significant companies in this sector are Beohemija and Kolpasan. We are known for our textile industry, German Meller Protectiv System is located in Zrenjanin, as well as Italian companies Fulgar and Pompea. ment locations n Serbia. 22 greenfield investments have been carried out on Zrenjanin’s

Zrenjanin today represents one of the most attractive investment places in Serbia, with 22 greenfield investments carried out so far

territory so far. One of the advantages comparing to other cities in Serbia, as I said, is the excellent geographical position. Zrenjanin is located in the heart of Banat, at the intersection of major roads and waterways. It is 75 km

• Is municipal administration equipped to is-

far away from the Serbian capital, and 50 km

sue the necessary permits to future investors in

away from the capital of Vojvodina – Novi Sad,

the shortest possible period?

which is also the distance from the EU border

- Thanks to the work done by the Local

with Romania. This is the area with the biggest

Economic Development Office and the staff

number of rivers in the country. We have the

who are responsible for expediting adminis-

Danube, the Tisa, the Begej, and the Tamiš riv-

tration procedures, everything has been sim-

ers, as well as the Danube-Tisa-Danube wa-

plified.

ter system. This position makes Zrenjanin a very important transition centre. The airport in

investor who has yet to decide on the location

• What else would you especially like to point

Zrenjanin is the biggest C-Class airport in the

of his investment in Serbia, and we do hope

out?

Balkans. With a necessary infrastructure and

that they will pick Zrenjanin.

- We are planning a great number of invest-

Three projects should be completed over

ments in rural infrastructure, restoration of

the next four years with the completion of

railway traffic and waterways. We also want

the Zrenjanin bypass being one of them. Then

to network the entire territory of Zrenjanin

• What infrastructural facilities have you built

there is the drinking water treatment plant

with bicycle lanes. This is a €2 million pro-

recently, and what other projects do you have

and the regional landfill.

ject financed by the EU. An international re-

extraordinary location, the airport can be easily extended.

going on?

search centre already exists in Belo Blato,

- Our plans include nine investments, but ne-

• Which companies are already doing busi-

and with minimal investments, it can be-

gotiations are still in progress. The Italian

ness/manufacturing in Zrenjanin?

come a real multidisciplinary science and re-

company Fulgar is expanding its capacities.

- In terms of production volume, Dijamant, the

search centre. ■

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titel

vršac

vrbas

Roads and Waterways

Centre of the Regional Business

The Centre of Bačka County

The Emperor’s Swamp, the unique flora and fauna reserve, is near Titel

The town has been focusing on developing small and medium entrepreneurship in several industrial branches

The municipality lies in the very southeast of Bačka County. It stretches across 270 km2, with 190 km2 being arable land. Titel is the administrative, economic and cultural centre of the municipality. It is 50 km from Belgrade, 40 km from Novi Sad and 30 km from Zrenjanin. Titel is well-connected to large

The favourable geographical position and main transport routes are the reasons why Vrbas is considered the centre of Bačka County

The municipality of Vršac is 83 km from Belgrade and 14 km from the Serbian/ Romanian border. It lies on an international road and is the centre of the regional business activity. The municipality has been rapidly developing small and medium entrepreneurship in chemical, pharmaceutical, food, confection-

urban areas by road, railway and river, while Corridor X and Corridor VII (the Danube) are our link to Europe and the rest of the world. Apart from the rivers Tisa and Danube, which are both navigable and form the municipality’s natural border, two other important transport routes pass through the municipality to connect it to Novi Sad and Zrenjanin. The Danube River is Titel’s natural link to Belgrade. The Emperor’s Swamp (Carska bara), the unique flora and fauna reserve, is near Titel. The municipality is considered undeveloped and agriculture’s share in the municipal domestic product is 67%. The farmers here are mostly engaged in crop farming, and, to a lesser extent, in livestock breeding and vegetable growing. The municipality’s plans to build a cargo port called the Port of Titel on the Tisa River. The specific geographical position of Titel makes it a potential nautical tourism resort. Contact Dragan Božić Glavna 1, 21240 Titel Tel. +381 21 860 186 Fax +381 21 861 553 E-mail: bozic@opstinatitel.rs

ary, construction, and wine & beer industry, as well as in agriculture. Vršac has the North Industrial Zone, which spans across 120.5 hectares of land, the South Industrial Zone which is suitable for SMEs and covers 286.5 hectares of land, the Uljma Industrial Zone (7 hectares), the Vršac Centar Industrial Zone (400 m2), and the Vršac Railway Station Industrial Zone (220m2 + 69 m2) with a storage and a warehouse. The municipality doesn’t have special local incentives for investors. The DTD Canal can be used by ships which draft does not exceed 2 metres and which

transport capacity ranges between 700 and 1,000 tons. Vršac is also known for its air traffic since the town has an airport that has been built over 70 years ago. The Pilot Academy has devised and is conducting its own flying programme for pilots. The municipality is linked to Belgrade, Timisoara and Novi Sad by road and railway. The Vršac Industrial & Technology Park, covering 27 hectares of land, is located right next to the Belgrade-Vršac-Timisoara railroad. Contact Čedomir Živković, Municipal president Dejan Mak The Local Economic Development Office Trg Pobede 1, 26300 Vršac Tel/fax: ++381 13 800 561; Mobile phone: +381 64 844 3017 E-mail: dmak@vrsac.org.rs

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108

The municipality of Vrbas is located in South Bačka, and it spans across 376 square kilometres. Its population stands at 45,755. The municipality lies on the intersection of Sombor-Vrbas-Bečej, Vrbas-Bačka Palanka and

Vrbas-Subotica roads. The Belgrade-Budapest international railroad and local railroads Novi Sad-Sombor and Sombor-Bečej all pass through Vrbas. The municipal territory is intersected by water canals. Vrbas has developed transport and commercial segments and is the administrative centre of the area. Agriculture is the predominant economic branch here while 90% of available land is arable. The municipality has 17 industrial zones suitable for investing. Urban zones are owned by the town government, while the zones in rural areas are of mixed public / private ownership. The zones are covered by relevant planning documents and their occupancy is on commercial basis only. The Spatial Planning Department issues required permits and documents in 8 to 15 days providing investors submit complete documentation.

Contact Milan Stanimirović, Municipal president Mario Mažar The Local Economic Development Office Maršala Tita 89, 21460 Vrbas Tel: +381 (0) 21/7954- 000 E-mail: info@vrbas.rs

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žabalj

žitište

Waterway Links

Sport Fishing

The municipality has good transport links and a developed railroad infrastructure

There are many thermal and mineral water springs which are yet to be fully utilized

The municipality of Žabalj is located in South Bačka and its population stands at 27,513. It spans across 400 square kilometres and is in the very heart of Vojvodina. The municipality’s is situated west of the river Tisa, between the municipalities of Bečej, Srbobran,

The municipality of Žitište is a border municipality since it borders with Romania in its eastern part. It covers an area of 525 km2 and has population of 21,000. The transport infrastructure is pretty developed here. The Timisoara-Kikinda-Zrenjanin-Belgrade railroad is 18 km away, and there is the Begej Channel. Agricultural production is the foundation of local economy. There are several fish ponds, suitable for sport fishing, and a pheasant farm. There are many thermal and mineral water springs which are yet to be fully utilized. The municipal authorities have written the Study on Exploitation and Utilization of Thermal and Mineral Water Springs which shows that

Temerin, Novi Sad and Titel. Žabalj has good transport links and a developed railroad infrastructure which is used only by freight trains. Nikola Tesla international airport is 80 km away. There are many waterways here like the rivers Tisa, Stara Tisa and Jegrička, and a canal grid. The Tisa is suitable both for domestic and international river transport. The most important economic branches in the municipality are agriculture, processing industry, wholesale and retail. Arable land covers 32,255 hectares. The Žabalj Istok work zone is an exceptional location. It lies on the M-7 main road, 20 km from Novi Sad, 25 km from Zrenjanin, and 80 km from Belgrade. The zone is covered by a zoning plan and relevant technical documents. The procedure for issuing permits, including building permits, and other required documents lasts up to 15 days. Contact Čedomir Božić Municipal president Nikole Tesle 45, 21230 Žabalj Tel. +381 (0) 21 831 035 Fax: +381(0) 21 831 094 E-mail: cedomirbozic@gmail.com

the water here has medicinal properties. The springs are scattered all over the municipali-

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ties. Investors can invest in production of bio-

mass and dehydration of agricultural products, as well as in food industry, plastics, construction materials iand textile industry. Local government owns an industrial zone

Belgrade Office

Makenzijeva 67, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia Tel: +381 11 2450 508; Fax: +381 11 2450 122 office@auction-see.com

here which is divided into two segments – the Plastika industrial zone (3 hectares), suitable for construction of industrial facilities, and the Bioferm industrial zone (15 hectares).

Contact Dušan Milićev Municipal president Cara Dušana 15, 23210 Žitište Tel. +381 23 821 050 Fax +381 23 821 308 E - mail : opstina.zitiste@gmail.com

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Podgorica Office

Bul. Sv. Petra Cetinjskog 1A, 81000 Podgorica Tel. +382 20 246 166; Fax. +382 20 246 167 Mobile: +382-69-246-999 office@auction-see.com

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