Issuu

SERBIAN POTENTIALS

THE INVESTORS GUIDE 2015

contents 4 REFORM TOWARDS QUALITY

KORI UDOVIČKI Deputy PM and Minister of Public Administration and Local SelfGovernment

7 A leksandrovac,

Aleksinac, Aranđelovac

8 A rilje, Babušnica, Bajina Bašta

9 B atočina, Blace, Bojnik

10 CEMENT FACTORY ANNOUNCED Bela Palanka

SERBIAN POTENTIALS 21 K raljevo, Krupanj,

35 P ožega, Preševo,

22 THE MUNICIPALITY OF KURŠUMLIJA AWAITING INVESTORS

36 BAMBI IS OUR BRAND

Kruševac

Kuršumlija

23 K učevo, Lajkovac, Lapovo

24 L ebane, Leskovac, Loznica

25 L učani, Ljig, Ljubovija

26 NATURAL RESOURCE POTENTIAL Majdanpek

12 B oljevac, Bor,

27 M ali Zvornik, Malo

13 GENEROUS NATURE

28 M erošina, Mionica,

Bosilegrad

Bogatić

14 B rus, Bujanovac, Crna Trava

15 Č ačak, Čajetina, Ćićevac

16 Ć uprija, Dimitrovgrad, Doljevac

17 D espotovac, Gadžin Han, Golubac

18 G ornji Milanovac,

Ivanjica, Jagodina

19 K ladovo, Knić, Knjaževac

20 K oceljeva, Kosjerić, Kragujevac

Crniće, Medveđa

Negotin

29 N iška Banja, Nova Varoš, Novi Pazar

30 NEW INDUSTRY DEVELOPING Niš

32 O sečina, Paraćin, Pirot

33 INVESTMENT DESTINATION Free Zone Pirot

34 SMALL BUSINESS FACILITIES REQUIRED Petrovac Na Mlavi

THE INVESTORS GUIDE

Priboj

2015

Požarevac

EDITOR

Saša Marić

38 M ARKET OF 12.5 MILLION CONSUMERS

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Mirjana Zec m.zec@aim.rs

Prijepolje

ART DIRECTOR

Ilija Petrović

i.petrovic@aim.rs

40 FOREIGNERS FEELING AT HOME

COPY EDITOR / PROOFREADER

Mark Pullen TRANSLATION

Snežana Bjelotomić

Rača

SALES DIRECTOR

Melita Andrejević

42 P rokuplje, Raška,

m.andrejevic@aim.rs

Ražanj

PROJECT MANAGERS

Biljana Dević b.devic@aim.rs

43 R ekovac, Sjenica,

Suzana Mak

Smederevo

s.mak@aim.rs

44 BROAD RANGE OF OPPORTUNITIES Smederevska Palanka

Ivan Novčić

i.novcic@cma.rs

Ana Besedić

EDITORIAL MANAGER

Tanja Banković

t.bankovic@aim.rs

Tutin

OFFICE MANAGER

Nataša Nešić

49 U žice, Ub, Valjevo

n.nesic@aim.rs PRINTING

Rotografika d.o.o.

50 V arvarin,

Segedinski put 72, Subotica

Velika Plana, Veliko Gradište

"THE INVESTORS GUIDE SERBIAN POTENTIALS / VOJVODINA IN FOCUS 2015"

Vladimirci, Vlasotince

Žitorađa

GENERAL MANAGER

a.besedic@aim.rs

48 T rgovište, Trstenik,

53 Ž abari, Žagubica,

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

FINANCIAL DIRECTOR

47 S vrljig, Šabac, Topola

Banja, Zaječar

i.krsmanovic@aim.rs

r.ristanovic@aim.rs

Svilajnac

52 V ranje, Vrnjačka

i.fidler@aim.rs

Ivana Krsmanović

Ruža Ristanović

46 S okobanja, Surdulica,

51 V ladičin Han,

Ivana Fidler

published by: alliance international media Makenzijeva 67, 11111 Belgrade 17, PAK 126909, Serbia Tel: +(381 11) 2450 508 Fax: +(381 11) 2450 122 E-mail: office@aim.rs www.allianceinternationalmedia.com ISSN no: 1451-7833 All rights reserved alliance international media 2015 This issue is audited by ABC Serbia

SERBIAN POTENTIALS | THE INVESTORS GUIDE

INTERVIEW KORI UDOVIČKI Deputy PM and Minister of Public Administration and Local Self-Government

Reform towards

Quality Photo: Slobodan MIljević

Public administration needs to provide quality services to its citizens and businesses, because they are the very reason for its existence. In order to attain that, we need to additionally motivate our professional staff members to continue working hard, which in turn means setting up a system with a clear allocation of responsibilities, a fair payment system and creating an opportunity for the best workers to receive additional training Cutting back on salaries and rational-

For the first time ever, and while austerity

phasis on quality as possible. My team and

ising costs are unavoidable, but they

measures are devised for each level of the

I have been working hard to prepare and

are also a necessary introduction to large-

system, we are dealing with the issue of how

improve the state & civil servant system,

scale reforms that should result in a more

to function in the best way possible, in order

in order for the best workers to under-

regulated and more efficient state – says

to protect the system's capacity. Secondly,

stand that their work will be recognised

Serbian Minister of Public Administration

we are also working on the Law on Salaries

and awarded, unlike those workers who

and Local Self-Government, Deputy PM Kori

that concerns the entire public sector, after

don’t feel accountable for the work they

Udovički. This is a huge task that requires a

which the Ministry of Finance will be able to

do. State administration needs to provide

careful and well-thought plan for reforming

manage salaries much better.

quality services to its citizens and business people, because they are the very reason

For the first time ever, and while austerity measures are devised for each level of the system, we are dealing with the issue of how to function in the best way possible, in order to protect the system's capacity

for its existence. Salary cutbacks are only temporary and other measures, like cost rationalisation, are only an introduction to the optimisation of administration, better allocation of work duties, clear accountability among our employees and improved workplace motivation.

this sector, she continues. The end goal is for citizens and businesspeople to receive a high quality professional service and for civil servants to believe that their work is appreciated and awarded appropriately.

ANY 2012

• How deeply is your sector affected by the provisions of the criteria for the expected arrangement with the IMF? Actually, it is affected less than everybody thinks. The IMF arrangement is about money and austerity and that is something dealt with by the Ministry of Finance. They have the knife and the bread, so to speak. We, on the other hand, are doing two things. THE INVESTORS GUIDE | SERBIAN POTENTIALS

• How much damage can be caused by one-off cutbacks to salaries in the public sector, which we are obliged to implement, in terms of the quality of services – as evidenced by the recent teachers’ strike – and what is the government's response to that? Our goal is to make sure our state is as regulated and efficient as possible, which is a huge task that needs to be performed in stages. Salary cutbacks and cost rationalisation are unavoidable. I agree that they are unpopular measures, but their goal is to stabilise public finances and create enough room so we can put as much em-

• You have said that the plan for the rationalisation of public administration will be finished by March and will serve as the basis for determining the number of surplus civil servants. Could you tell us which parts of the administration will witness the biggest staff regrouping or layoffs? I have to admit that, when I announced this, I and the public alike had a simplified notion of the situation, but the more we study and analyse this issue, the harder it becomes to provide unambiguous answers. A lot has been said about employing family members or overstaffing in certain institutions,

such as public enterprises and cultural

civil servants can sometimes earn several

centres. Hiring people in this way has had a

times more than in the private sector. Still,

negative impact on the number and quality

the motivation for the best civil servants

of workers. However, such apparent sur-

is often completely different. The admin-

plus of workers in the state sector (exclud-

istration's personnel work for the state

ing public enterprises) is not that frequent.

because they believe in it, they believe

The bigger problem lies in the fact that the

in change and want to be part of this re-

structure of the warranted services provid-

formed and functional state apparatus.

ed by courts, health clinics and schools are

Our intent is to additionally motivate our

a warning of sorts that they won't agree to downsizing, or are they just stating the obvious? When I talked to the heads of local governments during our tours of the districts, which we have been doing since the beginning of my term in office, they said that the biggest problem they had was with the ordinance prohibiting hiring, which prevented

adapted to a Serbia that no longer exists and most of them are located where, back in the day, the population was the densest and there was a lot of industry. There is also a huge problem in the state administration, with one person holding more than one po-

Public administration needs to provide quality services to its citizens and businesses, because they are the very reason for its existence

sition, as well as with a lack of quality procedures. There is also a surplus that cannot

professional staff members to continue

them from employing people who were

be accurately estimated or reduced with-

working this hard, while having a clear allo-

essential for their basic operations (nurs-

out deep-rooted reorganisation.

cation of work duties, a fair wage system, a

es for the elderly, nursery teachers etc.).

stimulating award system and an opportu-

They agreed that there is enough room for

nity for additional training.

rationalisation in certain areas and they

• Is it safe to say that the fact there is massive insecurity regarding employment in the private sector is actually doing the government a favour by keeping quality workers to itself? Well, that certainly helps, since the best

are mostly supportive of the process and

• Could you interpret for us the statements made by heads of certain local governments who have already said that they didn't have surplus workers? Is this

understand why the process is necessary. I am confident we are going to enjoy the support of local governments during the further rationalisation process, since their

SERBIAN POTENTIALS | THE INVESTORS GUIDE

goal is also to provide the best quality ser-

ers who are not actually good workers, but

vices to their citizens.

rather we retain the quality ones.

• To what extent are government policies harmonised with the downsizing requirements, considering that local governments are being asked to take on more professional activities (with the end goal of a more efficient tax collection, raising the municipality's appeal to foreign investors and more efficient issuance of various documents)? Our analyses showed that the best municipalities and towns, i.e. those which have done the most for their development, have the lowest number of civil servants per capita.

• Can you cite a government example of refusing to employ people from political parties, in contrast to the seemingly very frequent examples like the appointing of an air-conditioning and heating specialist to chair the Supervisory Board of the Kragujevac Pharmacies (Apoteke Kragujevac)? I'll give you an example: improving the aspects of publicly advertising vacancies as a mandatory employment process for top

• You said that certain workers considered surplus in certain departments could

Photo: Slobodan MIljević

• To what extent are local government representatives aware and ready to follow in the government's footsteps, in terms of EU integration? Local governments are required to implement 2/3 of EU regulations, yet they were not given a legal opportunity to set up sectors/units/departments to work on the European integration process. Communication with local governments, both direct and via the Standing Conference of Towns and Municipalities, has been improved and we have been working on enabling them to further develop their capacities.

Our analyses showed that the best municipalities and towns, i.e. those which have done the most for their development, have the lowest number of civil servants per capita be transferred to different departments where they are more needed. How realistic is this transfer, considering the rather unfavourable employment structure? If, for instance, a lawyer is considered surplus in one department, while another department is seeking a lawyer, why shouldn't we enable this transfer and make sure that both departments function without problems? In order to do this, we need to improve the evaluation system so that we can have a realistic picture about civil servants. Only in this way will we ensure that we don't transfer those surplus work-

THE INVESTORS GUIDE | SERBIAN POTENTIALS

• There has been a lot of talk lately about the role NGOs play in supervising the implementation of public policies. What will that look like in practice? The government has already recognised the importance of consulting the NGO sector and its monitoring role, as well as its role in raising the transparency and accountability of the public sector. They are important partners in creating a modern and efficient state administration that will concentrate on the needs of citizens. NGOs are an important channel of communication with citizens. They often represent and give voice to vulnerable and neglected groups. The Ministry of Public Administration and Local Self-Government will continue engaging in an active dialogue with representatives of the civil sector when it comes to creating public policies. • How much can you rely on existing research and economic studies when it comes to resolving the problems your ministry is facing? A lot less than I would like and expect before this government's term ends. The problem is that the data is bad and, since the demand for analytical data has been poor, the analytical capacity has also been poor. We have started to improve the statistical data and in the next few days the government will be presented with an e-government strategy that will result in much better data registries. We have been investing a lot of effort in creating facilities with analytical capacity, such as the Public Policies Secretariat in the Ministry of Economy and the Serbian Chamber of Commerce, as well as within our ministry. We have increased demand and are going to build on capacities.

positions. According to the new amendments to the Law on Civil Servants, it is mandatory to launch a vacancy competition within six months for those who are no longer officials, but civil servants. In this way, key decision making positions within ministries have been handed over to civil servants, not political officials, as was the case previously. This will also eliminate the politicisation of state administration positions. Anybody can apply for the job, which implies that the position they are applying for is not political to start with.

• Could you tell us how cooperation between ministries and the scientific community will be solidified, in terms of a better definition of public policies? We need to improve our communication with the scientific and academic community which to date has failed to provide us with sufficiently good solutions to our amassed problems. I am confident the Ministry of Education will work on linking funds for scientific and technical research with the know-how we most require in order to improve our economic environment. •

ALEKSANDROVAC

ALEKSINAC

ARANĐELOVAC

Winemaking

Ready for

Wellspring of

municipality

development

famous water

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

A strategic position on Corridor 10 and close proximity to Niš airport make Aleksinac an attractive investment location

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

The municipality of Aleksinac lies on the intersection of European roads – an international motorway and railway run through the municipality, connecting Europe to Asia. On top of that, Aleksinac has over 45,000 hectares of arable land, close to 4 million cubic metres of mineable gravel and sand deposits, 28.3 million tons of brown coal deposits and around 1.8 billion tons of coal shale deposits. Due to well preserved natural resources, Aleksinac is an ideal place for the development of all agricultural branches. The agricultural land, which is located in the hilly area of the municipality, is suitable for fruit growing, viticulture and fodder production. There are also exceptional prerequisites for development of organic food. The research conducted by the Mining Institute and the Coal Project from Belgrade shows that the Aleksinac basin, as a mineral deposit site, has the most proven

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. 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.

The municipality of Aleksandrovac is in Central Serbia, Rasina District. 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 wine-making 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.

underground coal and coal shale reserves which are the biggest energy resources in Serbia, after Kosovo and Metohija. 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. This municipality lacks work zones.

Aranđelovac is 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 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. Aranđelovac has developed infrastructure – road network, energy grid (gas), water supply and sewer system, construction plots and preserved industrial buildings. Benefits for investors include low rental fees and low property tax.

CONTACT:

DR JUGOSLAV STAJKOVAC

NENAD STANKOVIĆ

BOJAN RADOVIĆ

Municipal president Trg Oslobođenja 7, 37230 Aleksandrovac Tel: +381 37 3552 275; Fax +381-37-3751-297 E-mail: saoleks@ptt.rs

Municipal president Knjaza Miloša169, 18220 Aleksinac Tel: +381 18 809-001; Fax: +381 18 804 107 E-mail: sekretar@aleksinac.org

Municipal president Venac Slobode br. 10; 34300 Aranđelovac Tel: +381 34 711 722; Fax: +381 34 724 935 E-mail: kabinet@arandjelovac.rs SERBIAN POTENTIALS | THE INVESTORS GUIDE

ARILJE

BABUŠNICA

BAJINA BAŠTA

Raspberries

Mountainous

paradise

TOWN AS

NATURE PARK

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

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

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

for the world

Businesses in Arilje are predominantly privately owned. The key economic branches include the textiles industry, agriculture, the food industry, metal processing, wood processing and construction. The region is known for its raspberries and blueberries, as well as for textile products bearing the

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, hydro-power plants and adventure tourism. Agriculture is one of the most important and leading industries in the municipality of Bajina Bašta, in terms of realised

ness 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 10 is via Pirot which is 25 km away and further onto the Niš-Sofia route.

national production. 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. 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 The Bajina Bašta hydroelectric power plant represents the pillar of the municipality’s economy. This HPP has an output of 1,000 megawatts and close to €77 million has been spent on its revitalisation. The municipality has great potential for organic food production. The former Laminat Company, now MK Catering, employs around 50 workers. A newly founded wood processing company, Goma-Pelem, has provided around 60 jobs within this period.

CONTACT:

ZORAN TODOROVIĆ

SAŠA STAMENKOVIĆ

RADOMIR FILIPOVIĆ

President Svetog Ahilija 53, 31230 Arilje Tel: +381 31 891 255; Fax: +381 31 891 287 E-mail: arilje@arilje.org.rs

President Ratka Pavlovića 1, 1833 Babušnica Tel: +381 10 385 112 and 385 191 E-mail: sobabusnica@ptt.rs

President Dušana Višića 28, 31250 Bajina Bašta Tel: +381 31 865 280; Fax: +381 31 865 282 E-mail: sobb@open.telekom.rs

famous “Arilje Textile” trademark. 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 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. 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. development, LED, Office, as well as the Municipal Service Centre and the Innovation Centre for Agricultural Development.

The municipality of Babušnica is located in Pirot County and it is 311 km from Belgrade. The municipality spans across 529 km2 and it is mostly mountainous. The most important natural resources are water, ore, and pastures. The area is suitable for production of organic food due to the clean environment. There are several locations suitable for brownfield investments and two industrial zones. 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. Bulgarian investors Novamarte are interested in constructing a modern factory for cardboard production and processing, worth €3 million. Textile industry, chemical industry, construction materials industry, production of organic food and agribusi-

THE INVESTORS GUIDE | SERBIAN POTENTIALS

BATOČINA

BLACE

BOJNIK

Agricultural

Plum

Egg

region

in the city

production

The Batočina industrial zone is located in close proximity to the SEE region’s most important roads

Plum is planted on over 5,000 hectares of land, sour cherry on 700 hectares

The overall development level is close to 40% of the national average

Batočina is a municipality located in the Šumadija and Pomoravlje regions and covers an area in the midsection of the Great Morava River. It is situated along very important major railways (Belgrade-Niš-Skopje and Lapovo-Kragujevac-Kraljevo) and roadways (Pan-European Corridor 10). The Batočina industrial zone is located in close proximity to the SEE region’s most

important roads, with Corridor 10 located just 300 metres away from the zone. Also nearby is the rail route that connects Western Europe to the Far East, as well as the national roads M1.11 and P214, which connect major population centres in Serbia. The industrial zone covers a total surface area of 17 hectares. An investor is entitled to receive as many hectares of land as he employs workers (1 hectare per work place), and 80% of workers must reside on the territory of Batočina Municipality. The part of Šumadija where Batočina is located is mainly an agricultural region, thus agricultural land sprawls over a large area of 10,487 ha. Italian company Moreto Ltd. is set to build a factory in the Batočina village of Brzan for the production of sheet metal plates and castings for the needs of the automotive industry worth €4 million.

The municipality of Blace lies on the east slopes of the Kopaonik Mountain and the south slopes of the Jastrebac Mountain. 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, 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. Apart from agriculture and small businesses, the municipality is also known for cattle breeding. The biggest company here is the privately-owned Lazar Dairy, which has 120 employees. Blace is proud of its privately owned companies and the local business community which have been upholding high

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. 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

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.

link between the northwestern part of the Leskovac valley, Lebane and Medveđa. This municipality has great potential for the production of high quality construction materials, thanks to available deposits of brick and bentonite clay, as well as ornamental stone. 20.7% of the municipal territory is covered be woodland which produces close to 10,000 cubic metres of lumber annually. 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. The privately-owned Lapotnica Farm has 50,000 laying hens, while Krmivo Produkt Kosančić has 20,000 hens. Another substantial greenfield investment is the construction of a 70KW hydroelectric power plant worth €250,000, which was established last year on the River Pusta near Bojnik.

CONTACT:

RADIŠA MILOŠEVIĆ

RADOJE KRSTOVIĆ

IVAN STOJANOVIĆ

Municipal President Kralja Petra I br.37, 34227 Batočina Tel: +381- 34 6842118; Fax +381- 34 6842314 E-mail: radisa.milosevic@sobatocina.org.rs

President Karađorđeva 4; 18420 Blace Tel: +381 27 / 371-110; Fax: +381 27 / 371-138 E-mail: blace@blace.org.rs

President Trg Slobode 1 Tel: +381 16 821 214 E-mail: predsednik@bojnik.rs SERBIAN POTENTIALS | THE INVESTORS GUIDE

BELA PALANKA

Cement Factory Goran Miljković Municipal President

Crop farming is an important agricultural branch, primarily due to livestock production, with sheep, goats and cattle all reared here

Announced

The spatial plan of the Municipality of Bela Palanka defines three industrial zones – located beside the Corridor 10 highway exit - Industrial zone Murica 1, Industrial zone Murica 2 and Industrial zone Bavlan

Industrial zone Murica 1 is located next to the

lation, principally to increase the employment of un-

Niš-Sofia international highway at the very en-

employed citizens in the municipality of Bela Palanka.

trance to Bela Palanka from the direction of Niš, along-

Future priorities of development, first locally and

side the M 1.12 road and railway Corridor 10, which ulti-

then regionally, will be based on improving existing

mately links Western Europe to the Far East. It covers a

and developing new business infrastructure, in order

total area of 8.5 hectares. It is situated just 200 metres

to achieve economic growth and prompt the revival of

from the main junction of the new Corridor 10 route.

the region.

Testifying to the exceptional strategic position of

According to plans, a cement factory is due to be

these industrial zones is the proximity to airports in Niš

built on the KO Čiflik site in the municipality of Bela

(40km) and Sofia (100km). A wastewater sewer collec-

Palanka.

tor was built in 2001 for the purposes of the Murica 1 industrial zone.

The Municipality of Bela Palanka has carried out extensive preparations for the construction of a cement

The municipal team stress that the installing of

factory. The Spatial Plan of the municipality defined the

infrastructure equipment at the Murica 1 site is now

location, while the technical documentation has been

being implemented, on the very edge of the Niš-Dim-

prepared. Testing has confirmed limestone reserves of

itrovgrad regional road, with the fitting of water and

6,973,790 tonnes and marlstone deposits of 3,127,771

sewerage networks. The success of the industrial zone depends greatly on its comparative advantages as a strategic location and access to utility requirements. -We know that it is very important to motivate investors in a way that they accept, in terms of standard parameters for determining the conditions provided by our industrial zone, and that is the price of land, procedures for obtaining permits and legal protection. The

Land in our industrial zone can be leased without charge, while required utilities connections may also be free and there is an effective permit issuing system

incentive measures in the process of attracting foreign

Goran Miljković Municipal President Karadjordjeva 28 Bela Palanka 18310 Tel: +381 18 855023; 855111; 855550 Fax: +381 18 855188 Mob: +381 69 4085900 E-mail: miljkovicbp@gmail.com

public and the region, and especially at the local level. For example, in our industrial zone land can be leased without charge, required utilities connections may be free and the system of issuing permits is effective. In return, an investor should hire a specific number of local workers from our municipality. This can start with the assigning of land to investors - say our interlocutors. The local government is obliged to work primarily in the interests and for the benefit of the local popu-

THE INVESTORS GUIDE | SERBIAN POTENTIALS

Photos: Municipality of Bela Palanka

direct investment are significant at the level of the re-

CONTACT:

tonnes, which is enough to cover 30 years

which ensures uniquely high quality fruits.

of exploitation at a production rate of

Areas available for investment in or-

Municipality and the Plan of Detailed Reg-

800,000 tonnes of cement annually. This

chards cover about 469 hectares, including

ulation of the area of the Vrelo sports and

location has an extremely advantageous

around 315 hectares suitable for invest-

recreation centre, has prepared a prelimi-

geographical position and is located on the

ments in plum cultivation.

nary project for the construction of the ho-

accordance with the Spatial Plan of the

territory of the municipality of Bela Palan-

Around 100 hectares of the municipali-

tel "Vrelo", in an attractive location within

ka. The Cadastral municipality of Čiflik is

ty’s agricultural land is suitable for the cul-

the auspices of the Vrelo sports and recre-

in close proximity to the new route of Cor-

tivation of vineyards.

ation complex, located a distance of just

ridor 10, the Niš-Sofia international railway

The climate is extremely favourable

and the Niš-Pirot class 1 national road first,

for the cultivation of medicinal herbs as or-

According to the preliminary design,

while the town of Bela Palanka is 8km away.

ganic production, favouring the cultivation

slightly in excess of €900,000 is required

When it comes to agriculture, it is im-

of lavender, immortelle, sage, lemon balm,

for the construction and equipping of

150m from the city centre.

portant to point out for future investors that agricultural production in the municipality of Bela Palanka is conditioned by geographic location, elevation and the climatic characteristics of the area. Environmental conditions in the municipality of Bela Palanka are very favourable for the development of all branches of agricultural production, taking into account natural conditions, the morphology of the terrain and climatic features, as well as the structure of agricultural land. -Crop farming is an important agricultural branch, primarily due to livestock production, because sheep, goats and cattle are reared here. Investments are available in livestock production, with pastureland and meadows covering an area of around 5,309 ha – note our interlocutors. The most important vegetable product is a autochthonous bell pepper vari-

The Municipality of Bela Palanka has carried out extensive preparations for the construction of a cement factory. The Spatial Plan of the municipality defined the location, while the technical documentation has been prepared

ety which has a long tradition in the Bela Palanka area. Known by the name “Vrtke”, the Municipality offers an area of 44 hectares for its production. The most common cereal crops in the area are wheat and corn, with arable land

on an area of about 35 hectares.

this facility.

Thanks to its rich flora, this hilly and

The hotel would carry the name “Vre-

mountainous area produces superior qual-

lo”, like the entire complex, after the fa-

ity honey with the characteristics of organ-

mous Bela Palanka karst springs. The

ic production.

tourist complex comprises just the source,

Along with agriculture, tourism rep-

the stream headwaters of the Mokranjska

Organic farming is at an early stage

resent the “golden card” that the munici-

river and walkway alongside it, as well as a

of development here, though it has great

pality of Bela Palanka can and must play

restaurant, summer theatre and beautiful

potential thanks to the preserved local

today. A rich cultural and historical heritage

conifer forests.

environment. The proximity to the River

(archaeological sites, monasteries, the old-

Construction of a hotel at Vrelo would

Nišava provides the possibility of intensive

est oak tree in the Balkans etc.), a pleasant

allow the local government to work more

crop and vegetable production. Particular

climate and proximity to two major nature

on the commercialisation of the cultural

attention is paid to improving greenhouse

parks, provide tremendous opportunities

events taking place during the summer,

production in the municipality.

for the development of different forms of

as well as the promotion of the area’s

The climate and soil are ideal for the

tourism. Bela Palanka has conditions for

unusual historical heritage. The complex

establishment of orchards, especially nuts,

hunting and fishing, paragliding, hiking,

was actually built on the foundations of

cherries and plums, which justifies the con-

kayaking and horseback riding, but also en-

the ancient Remisiana and is one of the

struction of fruit processing facilities. The

tertainment for youngsters and backpack-

oldest inhabited sites in the Balkans. Ac-

Municipality of Bela Palanka is among the

ers. What is most lacking is investing in the

cording to some sources, the urban cen-

municipalities in Serbia with the highest

construction of accommodation capacities.

tre on the site of today's Bela Palanka is

number of sunny days throughout the year,

The Municipality of Bela Palanka, in

covering about 2,411 hectares.

about 2,300 years old. • SERBIAN POTENTIALS | THE INVESTORS GUIDE

BOLJEVAC

BOR

BOSILEGRAD

Benefits for

Copper

Phosphate,

investors

and gold

Lead and Zinc

Forests, waterways, agriculture, minerals and tourism are the resources that investors can utilise

Over 480 companies and 850 micro-enterprises make a versatile local economy

The municipality spans across 571 km², and has 36 villages

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 Belgrade-Niš motorway. The natural resources conducive to developing local business include vast forests, water potential (irrigation and water bottling), construction of small hydroe-

lectric power plants, a favourable climate and agricultural potential, construction of wind power generators and mineral raw materials. There are also opportunities for the development of the metal processing industry, textiles industry, mining and energy, wood processing industry and tourism. The Mirovo industrial zone is four kilometres from Boljevac, stretching along the M5 Paraćin-Zaječar main road. One of the zone's occupants is BTR EXP d.o.o. Boljevac which produces industrial charcoal. Investors who create over 10 new jobs over a period of at least two years from the founding of their company are eligible for benefits and subsidies. The most important investors in Boljevac are: Milenium Grup d.o.o.; Euroaqua d.o.o; EastPoint d.o.o; BTR – EXP d.o.o. and Unimer - Boljevac. New investors: Tersa Balkan d.o.o. (the company is engaged in bio-energy) and Eksplozivi Rudex d.o.o.

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 focusing 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

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 most important transport corridor that runs through the municipality is pan-European corridor 10 (Highway E-75). The municipality spans across 571 km², it has 36 villages and one town with the

economies since industry dominates the economic sector. An initiative has been launched to construct a 326,100m2 industrial zone which would have its own water supply, sewer system and road network. The biggest investors in the mining sector here are Canadian company Dundee Precious Metals d.o.o. and U.S.-based Rakita Exploration d.o.o.

population of 7,979 of mostly Bulgarian nationality. The border crossing on the state border with Bulgaria is 10 km away. The leading companies here are Inak d.o.o., Hrast, Kobos, Aniteks, Iber and Ana. The municipality has one of the largest phosphate deposits in Europe, while deposits of lead and zinc will last well into the next century. Bosilegrad has an industrial zone spanning 18.4 hectares, with 2.2 hectares currently available in the existing zone. The new greenfield investment programme envisages significant expansion of the current industrial zone. 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.

CONTACT:

DR. NEBOJŠA MARJANOVIĆ

ŽIVORAD PETROVIĆ

VLADIMIR ZAHARIJEV

President Ul. Kralja Aleksandra 24, 19370 Boljevac Tel: / fax: +381 30 463 728 E-mail: kabinet@opstinaboljevac.rs

President Moše Pijade 3, 19210 Bor Tel: +381 30 423 980; Fax: +381 30 427 310 E-mail: predsednik@opstinabor.rs

President G. Dimitrova 82; 17540 Bosilegrad Tel: +381 17 877 006 and 877 237; Fax: +381 17 877 167 E-mail opstina@bosilegrad.rs

THE INVESTORS GUIDE | SERBIAN POTENTIALS

BOGATIĆ

GENEROUS Nenad Beserovac Municipal President

Local reserves of geothermal waters are inexhaustible, and there are great exploitation possibilities

NATURE

Thanks to its natural potential, this is a very suitable area for investors The Municipality of Bogatić is situated in north-

ing these waters special importance from the point of

west Serbia and covers an area of 384km² in the

abstraction and exploitation for multipurpose use.

northern and northwest Mačva District. It borders Bos-

The aim of the detailed hydrogeological research

nia-Herzegovina’s Republika Srpska (Bijeljina munici-

project is to use the process of hydrogeological and

pality), while the municipal borders are with Sremska

other dedicated research to verify existing reserves of

Mitrovica and Šabac.

thermal waters from the BB-1 research-exploitation

Within the municipality there are 14 settlements,

wells and the conditions of its rational exploitation.

while the municipal centre is the village of Bogatić. The

Bogatić also has significant potential in solar energy.

territory of the municipality of Bogatić is home to 28,879

The municipality is covered by a moderate continental

inhabitants. The location of settlements in terms of

climate, with annual sunshine of 1,800-1,900 hours. The

transport and geography are very convenient, because

use of solar energy has numerous advantages, while the

they are connected by a network of roads 218km long, including 163km of dual carriageways. Though Bogatić municipality belongs to the group of underdeveloped municipalities, it is a very fertile area for investors, thanks to the natural resources it possesses. One of the most important resources is fertile agricultural land, which covers an area of 30,724 hectares. In the field of agricultural production, livestock farming is the most represented, followed by field and vegetable crops. With agricultural land accounting for 80% of the municipality, with these areas there remains about 100,000 tonnes of crop wastage that can be used for

Agriculture, but also hydrothermal water and the ability to produce solar energy, are the biggest potentials for the municipality of Bogatić. The municipality has a large area of land that it leases out for up to 90 years

energy purposes. The Municipality of Bogatić has a cross-border cooperation project between Serbia & Bosnia: Bijeljina and Bogatić, together on the path of energy sustainability through increased energy efficiency and the promoting of renewable energy sources.” Alongside this, another important natural potential is represented by geothermal water. Local reserves of geothermal waters are inexhaustible, and there are

CONTACT: Nenad Beserovac Municipal President Tel: +381 15 7786126 +381 15 7786119 Fax: +381 15 7786174 E-mail: opstina@bogatic.rs www.bogatic.rs

in industry, processing plants for grains, fruits, vegeta-

Municipality of Bogatić has also conducted a feasibility

bles, spa tourism and therapy. This was also the reason

study on the possibility of using solar energy for the pur-

for the project of detailed hydrogeological research into

pose of obtaining heat and electricity in the town of Bi-

the thermal waters from the research-exploitation BB-1

jeljina and the municipality of Bogatić. The municipality

wells in Bogatić. Borehole drilling of the Bogatić area was

also has sites suitable for brownfield and greenfield in-

carried out in 1986, within the framework of dedicated

vestments, as well as the work zone. In the municipality

hydrogeological studies, and yielded significant amounts

of Bogatić there is agricultural land owned by the state

of geothermal waters. The water is ejected at a very pow-

and operated by the local government, which potential

erful rate (about 20 l/s) and high temperature (70°C), giv-

investors can lease for a term up to 90 years. • SERBIAN POTENTIALS | THE INVESTORS GUIDE

Photos: Municipality of Bogatić

great exploitation possibilities: for heating settlements,

BRUS

BUJANOVAC

CRNA TRAVA

Kopaonik: driving

force in tourism

Thermal

springs

Great Environmental

The main economic branches here are tourism and agriculture

The town is close to three international airports

Crna Trava has human resources and unspoiled nature

Brus is a town and a municipality in Rasina District. It covers an area of 606 square kilometres. The municipality is 234 km from Belgrade. The biggest advantage offered by this municipality lies in its exceptional yearround tourism potential and potential for the development of agriculture and cattle breeding. 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 municipality doesn’t have an industrial zone or business parks. In 2015 the Vizzion-Vrhovi Srbije luxury tourist complex will be built on Mount Kopaonik, representing an €800,000 investment by company Vizzion Europe. There are also companies like Jean Mari Leemans, which owns two hotels in Brzić, Greek company Otvai and Italian company Modital. Mineco Group and its partners have so far invested over €30 million in mining and other sectors in Serbia. The company currently employs 850 workers and in 2014 it completed the technical documentation for the construction three small hydroelectric power plants (of 2.2MW output) on the River Rasina in the municipality of Brus.

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 kilometres. 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.

Potential

The municipality and the town of Crna Trava are in Jablanički County. The municipality covers an area of 312 square kilometres 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 the municipality of Vlasotinice, Leskovac in the west, Surduli-

ca 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 international community and Serbian government, Crna Trava has failed to join the category of developed municipalities. The municipality’s economic development is based on an exceptionally clean environment ideal for the production of organic food, the construction of small hydroelectric power plants, environmentally friendly renewable energy sources and the development of rural and sports tourism. Acidic yet fertile land is at 1,380 metres altitude and is suitable for growing blueberries.

CONTACT:

SLOBODAN VIDOJEVIĆ

FAZILA AZEMOVIĆ

SLAVOLJUB BLAGOJEVIĆ

President Kralja Petra I/120; 37220 Brus Tel: +381 37 826 840; Fax: +381 37 826 966 E-mail: vidojevicslobodan@gmail.com

Head of the Local Economic Development Office Karađorđa Petrovića 115, 17520 Bujanovac Tel: +381 17 651103; E-mail: kler.bujanovac@gmail.com

President Tel: +381 16 811 118 and 811 182 Fax: +381 16 811 118 E-mail: officeledctrava@neobee.net

THE INVESTORS GUIDE | SERBIAN POTENTIALS

ČAČAK

ČAJETINA

ĆIĆEVAC

Zone in

waiting

Favourite

Mountain

Emerging

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

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

A makeshift industrial zone exists in Pojate and is the location for dozens of small companies to operate

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 so-called Ibar motorway), and the M-5 road leading to Sarajevo, Podgorica and

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. The Municipality of Čajetina is crisscrossed by a total of 407km of roads, 258km of them built recently. This year will see a 3km-long power, water and public lighting grid built in several local communities. Main economic branches are tourism, agriculture, textile, metal and wood processing. 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. There are also several opportunities to invest in processing industry, namely meat and milk processing

The central Serbian municipality of Ćićevac is situated in northeast Rasina District on the right bank of the Velika Morava. It covers an area of 124km2 and includes 10 towns and villages. The municipality’s population stands at 9,871. Ćićevac is the municipality’s biggest town, as well as its administrative, economic and cultural centre.

Zone

which have a long tradition here. Potential investors are entitled to incentives like discounts on utility fees and expedited issuing of required permits. An industrial zone is currently being formed in Braneško Polje. A panoramic ski lift, worth €12.5 million, is also being built. This ski lift will connect Zlatibor Mountain to the Tornik Ski Slopes.

An exceptional geographical location and close proximity to Pan-European Corridor 10 highway E-75 mean that there are plenty of opportunities to develop small business here. There is a makeshift industrial zone in Pojate, which provides the location for dozens of small companies to operate. The dominant economic branches here are the wood processing industry, production of construction materials, commerce, the hospitality industry and transport services. Nevertheless, some 70% of the population is still engaged in agriculture, usually as a way of supplementing their basic earnings. The municipality has an industrial facility of 15,000m2, which houses facilities for processing forest fruits, other fruits and vegetables. The largest company operating in the municipality is Trasing, which deals with issues related to the domestic transport of materials.

CONTACT:

VOJISLAV ILIĆ

MILAN STAMATOVIĆ

ZLATAN KRKIĆ

Mayor Župana Stracimira 2, 32000 Čačak Tel: +381 32 309 010; Fax: 381 32 309 044 E-mail: socacak@eunet.rs

President Zlatiborska, 28, 31310 Čajetina Tel: +381 31 831 250; Fax: +381 31 831 447 E-mail: predsednik@cajetina.org.rs

Municipal President Karađorđeva 106, 37210 Ćićevac Tel: +381 37 811 260; Fax +381 37 811 260 E-mail: kabinetcicevac@gmail.com

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. This year the municipality has adopted a general regulatory plan for an industrial zone spanning 461.36 hectares. 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.

SERBIAN POTENTIALS | THE INVESTORS GUIDE

ĆUPRIJA

DESPOTOVAC

DIMITROVGRAD

Forest

Work Zone Awaits

Developing Sport and

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

The branches with the potential for the most effective investments are mining and the wood industry

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

Ćuprija is situated at the very heart of Pomoravlje District, 150 km from Belgrade. The municipality spans across 278 square kilometres and its population stands at 40,000. It is very near the Corridor 10 motorway which connects Ćuprija to Austria, Hungary, Greece and Bulgaria. The municipality is known for its processing industry, transport segment, ware-

The Despotovac municipality is located in eastern Serbia, on the east side of Great Morava River. In its east part, the Municipality is of mountainous character, surrounded by the Kučaj mountain ranges. Despotovac is well connected with eight municipalities that surround it, as well as with the Belgrade-Niš highway. There is also a railway of 42 km which is connected to the Belgrade-Niš-Skopje trunk railway. Mining, exploitation of high quality brown coal, exploitation of rock – are the most important. There is also the wood industry, great forest wealth, the developed infrastructure needed for efficient exploitation of wood mass. We have good quality agricultural land for the development of different cultures. Tourist potentials include the Manasija Monastery, Resavska Cave is located 20 km away from Despotovac. Although the cave is 4.5 kilometres

Dimitrovgrad lies on the Serbian / Bulgarian border. The municipality’s population is 11,748 and it spans across 481 km2. Corridor 10 , 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 production. The land, water and

Potential

houses 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 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. The biggest company in this municipality is Porr - Werner & Weber d.o.o. - Ćuprija branch, which is engaged in waste and regional landfill management, transfer stations and recycling facilities.

Investors

long, 2,830 metres have been explored in detail and around 800 metres have been made accessible to visitors. The work zone is situated along both sides of the regional road in the direction of Svilajnac. A zone of craft production and small businesses is planned within the auspices of the existing work zone.

Tourism

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. Great opportunities also exist in the area of cultivating and gathering medicinal herbs and forest fruits throughout the municipality. The municipality can lease out arable land for long periods of time, while investors can use the services of the Gradina Logistics Centre. 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:

NINOSLAV ERIĆ

DEJAN NENADOVIĆ

NEBOJŠA IVANOV

President Ul. 13. Oktobar 7, 35230 Ćuprija Tel: +381 35 8470 248 (extension 102) E-mail: predsednik@cuprija.rs

Municipal President Milosava Zdravkovića Resavca 4, 35213 Despotovac, Serbia; Tel: +381 35 611006 Fax: +381 35 613606; E-mail: sodespotovac@ptt.rs

Municipal president Balkanska 2, 18320 Dimitrovgrad Tel: +381 10 361 100; Fax: +381 10 361 100 E-mail: milevdejan@yahoo.com

THE INVESTORS GUIDE | SERBIAN POTENTIALS

DOLJEVAC

GADŽIN HAN

GOLUBAC

Tax Free for

Calcite and

Danube’s

10 Years

Bentonite

Broad Smile

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

The municipality has substantial mineral ore deposits, with the greatest deposits of Calcite and Bentonite

Golubac lies on the widest section of the River Danube

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 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

The municipality of Gadžin Han belongs to Niš County. It has access to the Niš-Skopje motorway and Corridor 10. This area is known for its vineyards, seed, tobacco and berry production. There are also Calcite deposits, a total of 1,600,000 tonnes, 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.

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 stateowned land plots free of charge or at very low cost and mediation services in the process of purchasing privately owned land. There are several “greenfield” investments in the municipality. Investors are mostly businessmen from Serbia, while a newly erected factory deals with the processing of biomass and the manufacturing of wooden products. 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.

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 kilometres. Golubac is 130 km from Belgrade via the M25.1 regional road (Belgrade-Kladovo) which is also the most important transport route in the municipality (the so-called Đerdap highway). The River Danube is the main channel here and the town itself lies on the widest section of the river. In order

This municipality has no business zones or foreign investors, though there are plans to build three industrial zones. Three companies currently operate in the municipality: the Resor Company, which manufactures and overhauls utility machinery; the Elid Company, which is engaged in electrical industry; and the AGH Gadžin Han Company, which produces machinery.

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. As of recently there exists here a new international border crossing with Romania: Golubac – Nova Moldova. 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. The Municipality of Golubac offers good opportunities as a film shooting location, thanks to the existing fortress providing an excellent “scene” for filmmaking in different eras.

CONTACT:

GORAN LJUBIĆ

SАŠА ĐОRĐЕVIĆ

ZORAN PAJKIĆ

president Nikole Tesle 121, 18410 Doljevac Tel: +381 18 810 054; Fax: +381 18 810 055 E-mail: opstina@opstinsdoljevac.rs

Municipal president Miloša Obilića b.b., 18240 Gadžin Han Tel: +381 18 860 112; Fax: +381 18 861 100 E-mail: sasa.djordjevic@gadzinhan.rs

Municipal president Cara Lazara 15; 12223 Golubac Tel: +381 64 85 89 323; Fax: +381 12 678 128 E-mail: office@golubac.org.rs SERBIAN POTENTIALS | THE INVESTORS GUIDE

GORNJI MILANOVAC

IVANJICA

JAGODINA

Healthy

Raspberries, Potatoes

Town of the

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

Jagodina has experienced extremely fast economic and structural development

Economy Owing to its good geographical position, Gornji Milanovac has been methodically developing from a small borough to a modern municipality with exceptional economic potential. 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. The local authorities are ready to pro-

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 processing, 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. Besides raspberries, Ivanjica is also known for textile production, particularly in terms of clothes and carpets. Ivanjica is known as a tourist destination because of its air spa. There is also the Go-

future

Jagodina is situated in the central part of Pomoravlje District. 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 valley surrounding Belica. Rivers Velika Morava and Lugomir flow through the

lija Mountain which is a protected nature reserve. 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.

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. The biggest investors in the municipality are Andrea Confezioni, Aunde SRB d.o.o. and Mobill Turri d.o.o. 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:

MILISAV MIRKOVIĆ

MILOMIR ZORIĆ

RATKO STEVANOVIĆ

President Takovska 2, 32300 Gornji Milanovac Tel: +381 32 720 280; Fax: +381 32 720 282 E-mail: predsednik@gornjimilanovac.rs

Municipal president Venjamina Marinkovića 1, 32250 Ivanjica Tel: +381 32 664 760, Mob: +381 64 88 99 450 E-mail: soivanjica@hotmail.com

Mayor Kralja Petra I br 6, 35000 Jagodina Tel: +381 35 224 636 E-mail: sojagodina@gmail.com

vide expert and technical assistance to potential investors while required permits and documents are issued within the legally stipulated deadlines. Gornji Milanovac municipality is known for its low operational costs and high investment incentives for potential investors. There are close to 2,000 companies and small businesses operating in Gornji Milanovac. The local economy is considered one of the healthiest in the country. Companies from this area top the list of the biggest exporters in the Moravica District. The most successful companies, with internationally recognized brands, are Tetra Pak Production d.o.o, Metalac a.d, Swisslion-Takovo a.d, Zvezda-Helios a.d, Flint Group Balkan d.o.o, A.D Rudnik, Fad a.d, and Spektar d.o.o Foreign investors have acquired shares in quite a few local companies, and they come from Slovenia, Sweden, Norway, Luxembourg and Italy.

and Textiles

THE INVESTORS GUIDE | SERBIAN POTENTIALS

KLADOVO

KNIĆ

KNJAŽEVAC

Energy, Food,

Organic

Food

Italian

Footwear

Great potentials lie in the improvement of river traffic

Knić has virtually ideal conditions for organic food production

Knjaževac is connected to other towns by roads and railways

The municipality of Knić is situated in Šumadija County and it covers an area of 413 square kilometres. 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 development 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

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 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

Forest…

The Kladovo Municipality is a border area on whose territory is the border crossing with Romania and, 50 km away, the border crossing with Bulgaria. The Danube passes through the municipality for 92 km. Great potentials lie in the improvement of river traffic and the construction of a pier for international passenger traffic with the

currently occupied. On the territory of the municipality there are processing facilities for the production of animal feed, as well as nearly 6,000m2 of warehouse space and livestock buildings. All this enables the development of livestock farming in the municipality. There is a 7-day-deadline for the local administration to issue zoning permits.

19,705 is urban population. The municipal roads cover a total length of 484km and a high quality water supply system covers almost the entire territory of the municipality. 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. Knjaževac has an industrial zone equipped with complete infrastructure, which stretches all the way to the Niš-Kladovo main road. The biggest investor to date is Italian company Falc East d.o.o., which produces footwear.

CONTACT:

RADOVAN AREŽINA

LJUBOMIR DJURDJEVIĆ

MILAN DJOKIĆ KRAKA

President 19320 Kladovo, Kralja Aleksandra 35 Tel: +381 19 801 450 E-mail: opstina@kladovo.com

Municipal president 34240 Knić Tel: +381 34 511 999; Fax: +381 34 510 113 E-mail: office@knic.rs

Municipal president Milosa Obilica 1, 19350 Knjaževac Tel: +381 19 732 730; Fax: +381 19 732 730 E-mail: soknjazevac@open.telekom.rs

intention to take maximal advantage of Corridor 7, one of the most important European roads. The territory of this municipality represents a suitable area for development of agriculture because of the good quality of land, favourable climate and vicinity of water. The municipality has around 29,000 ha of arable land where most represented agricultural branches are present: crop farming, viticulture, orcharding, vegetable gardening and beekeeping. The territory is covered by around 28,000 ha of forests. Tourism and fishing are well developed, while the close proximity of Romania enables the development of numerous smaller cross-border cooperation projects. The municipal administration is equipped to issue all the necessary conditions and permits when it comes to local public enterprises within the shorted period possible.

SERBIAN POTENTIALS | THE INVESTORS GUIDE

KOCELJEVA

KOSJERIĆ

KRAGUJEVAC

Industrial

Tourism and

Fiat – Motor of

Zone Ready

Agriculture

Development

Municipal authorities guarantee that required permits and approvals will be issued in the shortest possible time

Agricultural production dominates the municipality’s economy

In terms of the development and investment criteria, Kragujevac jumped from the 137th place to the 3rd place in Serbia

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

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 tonnes annually) and plums. The municipality would also like to develop snail and fish farming, as well as strawberry 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

Foreign companies which open their offices in Kragujevac covering the territory of Serbia and beyond, are entitled to a reduced and guaranteed rent of €10,000 per hectare of land providing they hire at least 20 people per hectare of land they rent. Kragujevac is 140 km from Belgrade, and in close proximity to the pan-European route, Corridor 10 . The town will be linked to Corridor

local tourist accommodation. Through local efforts, and with the help that arrived after the floods, tourism facilities have been repaired and are again being used for tourists and visitors. 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.

10 by a 26-km first class main road. Apart from the car industry, the best branches for investing are in catering and tourism. Kragujevac needs more hotels since the town keeps getting more and more tourists, as well as people who are moving here. Thanks to FIAT, dozens of small and medium-sized enterprises have opened in and around the city, producing parts for FIAT, but also other vehicle factories in Europe. Several industrial zones have either partial or full infrastructure and these are: Skladište, Servis I, Servis II, Denino Brdo, Tankosićeva, Petrovac, Metino brdo, Cvetojevac, and the zone stretching along the M11 motorway. There are 1,440 companies operating in Kragujevac. The predominant economic branches are commerce, followed by the processing industry, research & development, technical innovation industry, transport industry, storage and logistics.

CONTACT:

VEROLJUB MATIĆ

MILJAN STOJANIĆ

RADOMIR NIKOLIĆ

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

Municipal president Olge Grbić 10, 31260 Kosjerić Tel: +381 31 783 582; Fax: +381 31 781 441 E-mail: predsednik@kosjeric.rs

Muncipal president Tel: +381 34 506 103 E-mail: gradonacelnik@kg.org.rs

and non-metal processing. The municipality has an industrial zone spanning 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. A factory for home fireworks is just being completed and the zone awaits new investors . 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.

20 THE INVESTORS GUIDE | SERBIAN POTENTIALS

KRALJEVO

KRUPANJ

KRUŠEVAC

Airport – chance

for tourism

Krupanjka as an

Industrial Zone

Chemicals and

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

The municipality of Krupanj has a number of available production facilities with complete infrastructure

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

In terms of territory, Kraljevo is the biggest municipality in Serbia covering an area of 1,530 square kilometres. 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

The climate of the Rađevina area and the micro-climate of Krupanj are the two important components for tourism development in the municipality. Many waterways and the river network density of 962 m/km offer the possibility of investing in renewable energy resources. Most of the population in Krupanj is engaged in agriculture. Crops here are not treated with pesticides and can be considered organic food. The municipality has a number of available production halls with complete infrastructure which are suitable investment locations. Local administration is technologically trained. The municipal authorities have stated their development goals and priorities in a strategic plan. Opportunities have been created in the town for the finishing of textile products, such as dying, accessorising and printing of all kinds of fabrics. Apart from its natural potential, agricul-

The town of Kruševac is in Central Serbia, only 23 km from the pan-European Corridor 10 . Kruševac spans across 854 square kilometres. 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 River Rasina has been built,

Textiles

ture, mining, and tourism, Krupanj also plans to work on developing industry since there are a number of available production halls that used to belong to Krupanjka Company. 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.

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 privatised. The City approves incentives in the amount of city construction land for the hiring of new workers, ranging from five per cent up to 100 per cent in the case of more than 200 workers being hired. The woody mountain of Jastrebac is only 20 km away, while the biggest ski centre in Serbia – Kopaonik – is 90 km from Kruševac.

CONTACT:

TOMISLAV ILIĆ

RADE GRUJIĆ

DRAGI NESTOROVIĆ

Municipality Mayor Trg Jovana Sarića broj 1, 36000 Kraljevo Tel: +381 36 312 838; Fax +381 36 306 015 E-mail: gradonacelnik@kraljevo.org

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

Municipality Mayor Gazimestanska BB, 37000 Kruševac Tel: +381 37 414 739; Fax: +381 37 438 208 E-mail: protokol@krusevac.rs

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. 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. The development of tourism and livestock farming is increasingly encouraged. The Stari Aerodrom industrial zone covers an area of 9.58 hectares. The zone has land plots suitable for construction has utility infrastructure.

SERBIAN POTENTIALS | THE INVESTORS GUIDE

KURŠUMLIJA

The municipality of Kuršumlija Radoljub Vidić Municipal President

Investors are issued with all municipal permits within the shortest legally-defined deadlines

awaiting investors

The Municipality of Kuršumlija exempts investors from paying local taxes, depending on the number of new jobs they create The municipality of Kuršumlija is located in Southern Serbia’s Toplica District and mostly

For more information, please visit: kursumlijskabanja.org, www.tokursumlija.rs/kursumlijska_banja.html.

covers the headwaters of the River Toplica. The munic-

When it comes to infrastructure investments, the

ipality spans 952km2 and comprises of a total of 90

main priorities are surfacing the roads that connect

settlements. The latest census shows there are 21,608

the municipality to neighbouring towns (Medveđa, Lep-

people living here, 15,000 in the town of Kuršumlija.

osavić and Prokuplje), and resurfacing the streets of the

Kuršumlija lies on the strategically important

town itself, building village roads, completing construc-

Niš-Priština-Peć road, while its southwestern border

tion of the Selovo Dam, reconstructing the water supply

covers the natural and administrative border between

and sewer systems and renovating the town centre.

the Toplica District and Kosovo. There are two main

The municipal administration is efficient, knowl-

mountain passes here – Merdare and Prepolac. An im-

edgeable and technically equipped. Investors are is-

portant stretch of railroad and highway (Niš - Prokuplje

sued with all municipal permits within the shortest

- Kuršumlija - Kosovo Polje) runs through the valleys of

legally-defined deadlines. There are opportunities

the rivers Toplica and Kosanica. The municipality is also

to create many new jobs in labour-intensive indus-

connected to Brus, Kopaonik, Kruševac and, further on,

trial branches, as well as in those branches that

to Belgrade via the Blace road.

utilise the municipality’s natural resources. Most of

The municipality’s advantages lie in its natural resources, cheap workforce and the status of an

Kuršumlija’s unemployed residents have graduated secondary school.

“economically devastated municipality”, which makes Kuršumlija eligible for grants under favourable financial arrangements from financial institutions like the Development Fund and SIEPA. The Municipality of Kuršumlija also exempts investors from paying local taxes, depending on the number of new jobs they create, and several locations in the municipality are suitable for brownfield investments. The most developed branches of industry here

The municipality’s advantages lie in its natural resources, cheap workforce and the status of an “economically devastated municipality”

CONTACT: Radoljub Vidić, Municipal President Proleterskih brigada bb 18430 Kuršumlija Tel: +381 27 381402; 381374 Economic Section: +381 27 381584 E-mail: info@kursumlija.org E-mail: predsednik@kursumlija.org

as labour-intensive industrial branches (like textiles

The biggest foreign investor here is the GASCOM

and automobiles) and energy. In terms of investments

Company from Modena (Italy), which constructed a

in tourism, the priority here is the Kuršumlijska Spa,

2mW-solar station in the village of Matarova. Our ad-

which has remained closed for several years.

vice to investors is to use the plentiful natural resourc-

The ŽUBOR Institute at the spa, located 11km from

es and many other opportunities offered by the Munic-

Kuršumlija, is owned by the Pension and Disability In-

ipality of Kuršumlija. Both investors and tourists are

surance Fund. The institute has a 158-room hotel with

more than welcome to visit the Prolom and Lukovska

240 beds and both indoor and outdoor Olympic-size

spas, the natural phenomenon known as ‘Devil’s Town’

swimming pools.

(Đavolja Varoš), the St. Nikola and St. Petka monas-

The ŽUBOR Institute also owns approximately 10

teries, and other historical monuments, as well as to

hectares of land near the hotel, which is also suitable

experience for themselves the generous hospitality of

for investments.

the people of Kuršumlija. •

22 THE INVESTORS GUIDE | SERBIAN POTENTIALS

Photos: Municipality of Kuršumlija

are agriculture, tourism and wood processing, as well

KUČEVO

LAJKOVAC

LAPOVO

Rich Natural

Cargo

City – Gateway

Resources

centre

to the Region

Clean and unpolluted land represents a good place for investors

Municipal authorities provide building permit incentives

Lapovo is a small town and municipality in Central Serbia's Šumadija District, covering just 55 square kilometres

The Municipality of Kučevo belongs to the Braničevo District. It lies at the foot of Homolje Mountains and is intersected by two important transport routes: the M-24 regional road and the Belgrade-Požarevac-Kučevo-Majdanpek-Prahovo Port railroad. It is also well connected to the municipalities of Veliko Gradište and Golubovac, which lie on the River Danube and in turn connect the municipality to pan-European

River Corridor 7. The municipality is situated 70km from the Belgrade-Niš highway (Corridor 10), which enables swift and simple distribution of goods and materials. The municipality’s main advantages are its wealth of natural resources, forests, mineral resources, a clean environment and a good geographical position in relation to main roads. The municipality of Kučevo is rich in mineral resources and has a long tradition of exploiting limestone and stone. Quartz exploitation was also established recently. The entire municipal area is rich in mineral deposits, particularly coal. The municipal industrial zone has a water supply system, sewer system and low voltage power grid. Excellent land plots are also available on the banks of the River Pek and are suitable for the construction of a sports and recreation centre. An ethno tourist centre can also be built near the River Potajnica.

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. 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 Valjevo. 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

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-Thessa-

many new workers the investor is going to hire. The Municipality plans to complete construction of infrastructure in the industrial zone, namely to build a railroad linked to the Belgrade-Bar route. The industrial zone here is suitable both for production and commercial activities. There are no business parks on the territory of the municipality.

loniki-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 investors particularly attractive incentives for all newly hired employees.

CONTACT:

NOVICA JANOŠEVIĆ

ŽIVORAD BOJIČIĆ

JASNA JOVANOVIĆ

Municipal president Svetog Save 76, 12240 Kučevo Tel: +381 12 852178; Fax: +381 12 852684 E-mail: predsednik@kucevo.rs

Municipal president Omladinski trg 1, 14224 Lajkovac Tel: +381 14 3433-329; Fax: +381 14 3433-196 E-mail: opstinalajkovac@lajkovac.org.rs

Municipal president Njegoševa 18, 34220 Lapovo Tel: +381 34 853 516; Fax: +381 34 853 105 E-mail: office@lapovo.org; www.lapovo.org SERBIAN POTENTIALS | THE INVESTORS GUIDE

LEBANE

LESKOVAC

LOZNICA

Tourism and

'Green Zone'

The centre of

Forestry

for Investors

west Serbia

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

One-stop-shop for business support and building permits

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

The municipality of Lebane is in the southwest part of Central Serbia, in the Jablanica basin. Pan-European Corridor 10 is only 20 km southwest of Lebane, while the city of Niš is 65 km away. The Municipality of Lebane’s development strategy is based on agriculture, industry, tourism and forestry. Rural areas are very attractive and, con-

sidering the clean local environment, they have extraordinary potential for development and both ethno- and eco-tourism. 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 municipality’s new Jablanica industrial zone is suitable for greenfield investments. 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. There are no business parks in the municipality.

Corridor 10 is the main transport artery that runs through the entire region and includes the E-75 motorway which links the Hungarian and Macedonian border. The city of Leskovac is the administrative centre of JJablanica District. It covers 1,025 square km with 57% of the land being agricultural. Leskovac has designated agriculture as its strategic development branch so investments made in agriculture and food industry could be the most profitable. There are a total of 12,518 registered farms in Jablanički County which can provide both quantity and quality of produce in order to satisfy the demands of an ever growing market. This can be done through networking with large-scale producers in the Green Zone. Leskovac has a new industrial zone (also called the Green Zone), which is owned by the municipal authorities and spans an area of 971,500m2. The zone has been built with the aim of attracting new investments in the food and processing sectors and improving sales of agricultural produce. The western

The municipality and the town of Loznica lie in western Serbia. The town borders Bosnia-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 main industrial branches here are textiles, wood processing, construction, the paper and packaging industry, metal pro-

part of the zone (427,736m2) has complete infrastructure. Investors will be given an opportunity to use the land in the Green Zone free of charge over a 99-year period. Leskovac also has a technological-food processing business park, occupied by a consortium of seven companies. The biggest foreign investors here are Yura, Jeanci, Falke and Autoshop Interiors.

cessing and mining. Health tourism is also developed, with the Banja Koviljača Spa representing a traditional natural health resort. 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. The following companies have already invested in Loznica: Golden Lady-Valy (Italy), DIV Chabros (Lebanon), Rio Tinto (UK, Australia), Delhaize Group (Belgium), Lukoil (Russia), OMV (Austria), Idea (Croatia), and S-biom (Netherlands). In proportion to the number of new jobs they create, investors can acquire land here at a price of just €1/ m². The local authorities are more than willing to cooperate and nurture partnership relations with companies, NGOs and state authorities.

CONTACT:

GORAN JANJIĆ

DR GORAN CVETANOVIĆ

VIDOJE PETROVIĆ

Municipal president Cara Dušana 116; 16230 Lebane Tel: +381 64 852 98 24; Fax: +381 16 843 083 E-mail: predsednik@lebane.org.rs

Mayor Pana Djukića 9-11, 16000 Leskovac Tel: +381 16 200 804; Fax: +381 16 252 522 E-mail: gradonačelnik@gradleskovac.org

Mayor Karađorđeva 2, 15300 Loznica Tel: +381 15 879 200; Fax: +381 15 882 921 and 879 206 E-mail: office@loznica.rs

24 THE INVESTORS GUIDE | SERBIAN POTENTIALS

LUČANI

LJIG

LJUBOVIJA

Chemicals

Good transport

Tobacco and

industry

accessibility

raspberries

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

The municipality has a number of industrial companies

Agriculture remains the most important economic branch in the municipality

The predominant economic branches here are agriculture, processing and chemical industry. The municipality has diversely qualified workforce. There are plans to build an industrial park here. Permits are issued in the shortest possible timeframe. 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.

Ljig is a town and a municipality in Kolubara County, spanning across 279 square kilometres 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. The municipality has a number of industrial companies like construction material manufacturers, metal processing companies, food companies and tourism companies. 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.

Ljubovija is located in western Serbia, Mačvanski County, and it lies on the right bank of the river Drina. The municipality is rather small territorially 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 share in the municipal gross domestic product. Although, the number of farmers has

The existing industrial zone is partially equipped in terms of infrastructure. At the moment there are no land plots available to potential investors that are served in terms of utilities. The plan is to write and adopt a detailed regulatory plan for the industrial zone in order to resolve this issue. There are no foreign investors or business parks in the municipality of Ljig.

been constantly declining, the agriculture is still the predominant branch, particularly fruit and vegetable growing. Almost all households in the municipality are engaged in raspberry and tobacco production. 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. The municipality of Ljubovija has the Stara Ljubovija industrial zone, which is completely equipped in terms of infrastructure. The local authorities have been working on improving the utility infrastructure, namely extending and modernising the town’s water supply grid and sewer system, as well as building a new power grid that would ensure a constant and more stable power supply. There are no business parks in this municipality.

CONTACT:

MLADOMIR SRETENOVIĆ

MIODRAG STARČEVIĆ

MIROSLAV MIĆIĆ

Municipal president Tel: +381 32 817 333 Fax: +381 32 817 347 E-mail: led.solucani@sezampro.rs

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

Municipal president Vojvode Mišića 45, 15320 Ljubovija Tel: +381 15 561 960; Fax: +381 15 562 870 E-mail: predsednik@ljubovija.rs

Roads and railroads here are functional and serve as links between the municipality, Belgrade and Montenegro. The municipality's population 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 of Lučani is known for the Milan Blagojević-Namenska Company, which is one of four defence contractor companies in Serbia. The municipaliy also has a small industrial zone equipped with utility infrastructure, roads and rail links. The Municipal authorities provide incentives for investors depending on the amount of jobs to be created. Lučani and Guča's general regulatory plan envisages the construction of more industrial zones and business parks. There are no foreign investors in the municipality.

SERBIAN POTENTIALS | THE INVESTORS GUIDE

MAJDANPEK

Natural Resource Dejan Vagner

Potential

Municipal President

Investors hiring at least 25 workers are exempt from paying local taxes and fees for up to three years

The municipality’s advantages lie in its resources and geographical position, which facilitate fast and profitable development

The municipality of Majdanpek lies along the

National Park.

Danube and is linked to Belgrade via the Bel-

The park, located on the right bank of the Danube,

grade-Kladovo main road. Majdanpek is just 190km

covers most of the municipal territory. It covers the

from Belgrade and is also linked to Pan-European Cor-

100km stretch of the great river from Golubac For-

ridor 10 via the towns of Požarevac and Paraćin.

tress to the ancient fortress of Diana. The park spans

Majdanpek is a modern municipality and has a

636km2, making it the biggest national park in Serbia.

strong community, with attractive tourism, culture and

In terms to its beauty and cultural heritage, this park is

historical resources, as well as developed industry and

significant in European terms.

agricultural production. It is also appealing to investors

The municipality grants incentives to investors

and creates conditions for a healthy, high-quality life of

hiring at least 25 workers, while significant investors

its citizens, while simultaneously creating new jobs for

are also exempt from local taxes and fees for a three-

them, properly regulating municipal affairs and main-

year period.

taining a clean environment.

The best investment locations in the municipality

The main advantages of the municipality of Ma-

are in the Majdanpek Industrial Zone, which has the

jdanpek lie in its natural resources, geographical posi-

required infrastructure (water and power supply, sew-

tion and workforce.

age). There are greenfield and brownfield locations

The municipality’s economic potential is evident

available on 124,711.00m² of land belonging to the IPM

in mining, quarrying, the service sector, tourism and a

Company, which is currently undergoing restructuring,

wide range of tourist attractions, agriculture, hunting, forestry and the processing industry. Thanks to its resource rich base (72% of the municipal territory is covered in forests), the wood processing industry has huge potential. Some 65% of forestland is state-owned, with the remaining 35% in private hands. The dominant forest type here is beech. Company Poreč AD Mosna is engaged in final processing and the production of semi-finished wood products widely applicable in the production sector.

Majdanpek has been rapidly developing thanks to Đerdap National Park, the River Danube, Lepenski Vir archaeological site, Rajko’s Cave, nearby lakes and the wood processing industry

CONTACT: Dejan Vagner Municipal President Tel: +381 30 581-240 Fax: +381 30 581-510 Email: majdanpekso@ptt.rs Svetog Save bb 19250 Majdanpek

in the Majdanpek Gold Factory and its facilities, as well

monuments. It is also known for its beautiful nature.

as in several other production facilities and land plots.

Excursion tourism is rapidly developing, including cy-

Another good investment location is the area sur-

cling, Danube cruises, hiking, trips and visits to natural

rounding the Danube jetties in Donji Milanovac, situ-

attractions and cultural monuments such as the Đer-

ated in the town centre and able to take advantage of

dap National Park, the Lepenski Vir archaeological site,

urban infrastructure.

Rajko’s Cave, Valja Prerast and Beli Izvorac.

There are also investment locations in the vicinity

The municipal territory also has extremely good

of Rajko’s Cave and Rajko’s Meadows, near Veliki Zaton

biodiversity, with many plants and mushrooms grow-

Lake, the Rajkovo Ski Centre and folk architecture site

ing here. There is also abundant wildlife in the Đerdap

Stara Porečka Čaršija. •

26 THE INVESTORS GUIDE | SERBIAN POTENTIALS

Photos: Municipality of Majdanpek

Tourism is also another important segment here and the municipality has many cultural and historical

MALI ZVORNIK

MALO CRNIĆE

MEDVEĐA

Municipality in

Crop Farming

New

Two Countries

Most Developed

Luxury Hotel

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

The biggest natural resources in the municipality are arable land, waterways and unspoiled nature

The Medveđa local administration is ready to assist investors at any time

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 Mačva District, as well as one of the smallest municipalities in Sr-

The municipality of Malo Crniće is one of the smaller municipalities in Serbia and it lies in Braničevo District. 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 until 2015. The Municipality particularly promotes

bija. 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 adequately utilized. Local industry generates the most revenue in the local economy, 48%, and it employs 52% of the entire workforce. The municipality bases its development on the development of small and medium-sized enterprises. 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.

the development of livestock farming, especially larger cattle, because it has good conditions for that. Agricultural production is already developed, especially crop farming on the fertile Stiška plain. Malo Crniće has resources, namely healthy unspoiled nature, to develop tourism (rural tourism, recreational tourism, hunting tourism).

The municipality of Medveđa is situated in South Serbia, in Jablanica District, 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 located 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:

DRAGAN BOGIĆEVIĆ

DRAGAN MITIĆ

DEJAN SIMIĆ

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

Municipal president Maršala Tita 80, 12311 Malo Crniće Tel: +381 12 280 016; Fax: +381 12 280 009 E-mail: predsednik@opstinamalocrnice.org

The head of the Local Economic Development Office; Jablanička 48, 16240 Medveđa Tel: +381 16 891 197; Fax: +381 16 891 106 E-mail: somedvedja@yahoo.com SERBIAN POTENTIALS | THE INVESTORS GUIDE

MEROŠINA

MIONICA

NEGOTIN

Most

Investing in

Danube:

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

The municipality has a wellpreserved environment which is ideal for tourism development

The Negotin area is suitable for the construction of wind farms

Famous Cherry Industrial Zone Great Advantage The municipality of Merošina is located in Central Serbia and spans an area of 193 km2. The population is 14,314. Merošina is linked to Corridor 10 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

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

The municipality of Negotin is in the Bor District and spans an area of 1,089 square kilometres. It lies in the three-way border area, close to both Romania and Bulgaria. Small businesses are at the core of economic activity in the municipality. There are close to 1,000 small businesses and over 200 companies operating here. The municipality’s potential lies in the

tension and high blood pressure. Thermal springs are 2 km away in Lepenica where a sports and recreation centre is being built. The municipality has a partially functional industrial zone, thought the flooding of May 2014 had an adverse effect on the municipality’s infrastructure. There are no business parks in this municipality.

Danube and its favourable geographical position, which makes it suitable for wind farms and agriculture. The municipality of Negotin has an industrial zone spanning 46.5 hectares and intended for production, construction of warehouses and storage facilities and other business related facilities. A bigger part of the zone (29.5 hectares) has roads, water and power supply, while sewage, extension of the existing water supply grid, power grid, public lighting, roads and telecommunications infrastructure will be built on the remaining 17 hectares. The biggest advantage of this industrial zone lies in the fact that it is very close to the main road, the local railway station and the Prahovo Port on the Danube. The industrial zone is 136km from Corridor 10 and 150km from Niš Airport. The biggest investor here is Neochimiki LV Lavrentiadis S.A.

CONTACT:

BOJAN NEŠIĆ

DRAGAN GAVRILOVIĆ

MILAN URUKOVIĆ

Municipal president Cara Lazara 17, 18252 Merošina Tel: +381 18 489 2023; Fax:+381 18 489 2035 www.merosina.org

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

Municipal President Trg Stevana Mokranjca 1 Tel: +381 19 542042; Fax: +381 19 541386 E-mail: info@negotin.rs

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). By year’s end work will be completed on repairing and resurfacing local roads, followed by the electrical and telephone network, as well as other infrastructure facilities. Lake Oblačina (23-hectare surface area) 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.

28 THE INVESTORS GUIDE | SERBIAN POTENTIALS

NIŠKA BANJA

NOVA VAROŠ

NOVI PAZAR

Health

Healthy

Famous

First

Mountain Food

Jeans

This municipality lacks a bespoke industrial zone, with most business facilities located in residential areas

The municipality has good hydropotential and high quality lumber

A profitable investment could be investing in the manufacturing of products which are in demand in Arabic and Asian countries

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 following industrial branches are suitable for investments – wood process-

The town of Novi Pazar spreads over 742 square km of mountainous area. Around 36,300 ha are agricultural land, meadows cover 10,717 ha, pastures 14,981 ha, arable land 8,620 ha and orchards take up 1,952 ha. The municipality offers excellent conditions for the development of animal husbandry. Since this region is on the border with Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina, it would

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 water here is used for drinking and bathing, and there are five dif-

ing, 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. The municipality strives to promote the development of companies with clean technologies, as well as small hydropower plants and renewable energy sources.

be wise to invest in fattening herds and the production of milk and dairy products. Another profitable investment could be investing in the manufacturing of products which are in demand in Arabic and Asian countries. Around Novi Pazar there are areas of untouched nature where blueberries, juniper, mushrooms (chanterelles, porcini and truffles) grow. There is a huge potential for the gathering and processing (drying, packaging and export to third countries) of medicinal herbs. The applied textile technology for readymade denim fabric, which produces up to 22.8 million running metres, or 19 million pieces of clothing annually, a trained work force and a number of engineering and design staff – these are some of the great advantages of Novi Pazar when it comes to investments. In addition to its famous ‘San Francisko’ Jeans, Novi Pazar is increasingly renowned for its furniture production.

CONTACT:

ZORAN VIDANOVIĆ

DIMITRIJE PAUNOVIĆ

MEHO MAHMUTOVIĆ

Municipal president Sinđelićeva 3, 18205 Niška Banja Tel: +381 18 4548 108 Fax: +381 18 4548 629

President Karađorđeva 32, 31320 Nova Varoš Tel: +381 33 62 140; Fax +381 33 62 140 E-mail: ounvaros@gmail.com

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

ferent 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 10 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 10 . 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. All investors in hotels and other tourist facilities are able to quickly complete permitting procedures.

SERBIAN POTENTIALS | THE INVESTORS GUIDE

NIŠ

NEW INDUSTRY Zoran Perišić Mayor

The cluster of NI CAT advanced technology brings together companies and scientific institutions in the fields of electronics, mechanical engineering and IT technologies

DEVELOPING Considering the city’s industrial tradition, it would be best to invest in the electronics industry, mechanical engineering, IT, processing, textiles, the automotive industry and logistics Niš is located at the crossroads of the most im-

Water supply infrastructure is good, while the tele-

portant Balkan and European road and rail

phone and power systems are satisfactory and gasifi-

transport routes. Another distinct advantage of the

cation has been developed in recent years. The heating

city is the fact that air traffic is developed via Constan-

system covers only the urban metropolitan area. The

tine the Great (Konstantin Veliki) international airport,

least favourable situation to date has been in waste

the country’s second largest passenger and cargo air-

water treatment, while in 2014 major investments were

port. Niš also has the country’s second biggest univer-

initiated in a new working zone beyond the city area.

sity, with 13 faculties, as well as a large number of secondary and vocational schools – says Niš Mayor Zoran Perišić Ph.D., highlighting the city’s advantages. With 260,000 inhabitants, Niš is the regional, administrative, economic, educational, health and cultural centre of the region. A factor that is also important to investors is certainly local government support, which is reflected in investment incentives, such as leasing land designated for construction at no charge or under reduced

• What are the priorities of the City of Niš in terms of infrastructure? — A development plan of the City has been adopted covering the areas of infrastructure, primarily equipping new work zones with sewer collectors for wastewater and rainwater, water supply networks and local roads. Plans and permits will enable infrastructure to be equipped in the fields of electricity, gas and telephone. Acquiring land for industrial and commercial zones

costs, then reduced fees for the use of urban constructerms of infrastructure.

CONTACT: Mayor Zoran Perišić 7. Juli 2 18000 Niš Fax: +381 18 504545 Tel: +381 18 504511 E-mail: info@ni.rs

• Which branches of industry would you nominate for investment? — Considering the industrial tradition, existing local economy and available human resources, as well as the strategic development of the city, it would be best to invest in the electronics industry, mechanical engineering and IT, followed by the automotive industry and logistics, manufacturing and the textiles industry. Suppliers are well organized and there are successful clusters in several fields, such as the NI CAT advanced technology cluster, which brings together companies and scientific institutions in the field of electronics, mechanical engineering and information and communication technologies. • How would you evaluate the infrastructure in your municipality? — The City of Niš has developed infrastructure, primarily in the inner city area and in work zones. In recent years infrastructure has been built mainly in new work zones.

30 THE INVESTORS GUIDE | SERBIAN POTENTIALS

Many technical colleges have research and innovation centres within their teaching units, providing vocational training and professional, technical and scientific support to the work of companies is a priority, as well as equipping infrastructure in the Zapad (West) zones – Ivana Milutinovića location, Industrial Zone Istok (East) - locations of the Centre for viticulture and fruit production and the Sever (North) industrial zone - Niš Logistical Development Zone at Constantine the Great Airport.

• How efficient is your administration? — The City of Niš was declared “Champion of local development” at the competition conducted by the National Alliance for Local Economic Development (NALED). This confirmed that we have reformed the

Photos: Municipality of Niš

tion land and constant progress and construction in

local administration and implemented

of industrial tradition and skills.

to progress from initial idea to the com-

new models and approaches to work, in

According to the data of the National

pletion of a greenfield project, with the

order to improve quality of life in the local

Employment Service, the largest section of

support of construction operations. The

community, raise the level of services, at-

unemployed workers in Niš, according to the

best examples of this are the construc-

tract new investment, assist the economy

age structure, are young people aged from

tion of the Yura Corporation and Johnson

and encourage entrepreneurship. In order

25 to 34 (27.6%). Of the total number of un-

Electric factories.

to ensure efficiency in the work of the city

employed, 62.2% have completed third and

administration and assist SMEs, the City

fourth levels of education, while 13.82% of

formed the Centre for issuing building per-

Niš’s unemployed are university graduates.

mits, which aims to accelerate the process

Prevalent occupations among available

of obtaining essential documentation dur-

workers include electrical, mechanical, eco-

ing the investment process.

nomic and trade professionals. The available

Support in the implementation of new

workforce increasingly includes those who

investments is provided during the invest-

are young, educated and motivated to work.

• What would you specifically propose to future investors? — The City of Niš is certainly a major location in terms of world history, as well as being a must-see tourist destination, as it is home to a number of cultural institutions, archaeological and historical sites,

ment process by the Local Economic Development (LED) Office, which coordinates all communication with the administration and public enterprises through the allocation of a personal assistant to each investor, providing support to the business community and promoting entrepreneurship.

• How long can investors expect to wait to obtain permits? — Investors can expect permits to be issued within the legally defined period, and with location conditions, within five working days, while building permits are issued within five working days of the date of the request, provided all documentation has been submitted regarding the Law on Planning and Construction. “Bottlenecks” include conditions and approvals from ministries, national institutions (Serbian water, Serbian Forestry department, Roads of Serbia, Serbian Railways, etc.), while environmental impact assessment studies can take too long to complete (in excess of 200 days). • What can you say about the profile, areas of expertise and quality of the local workforce? — Niš University has 13 faculties with 28,000 students studying annually and a large number of secondary and vocational schools. Many colleges, especially technical schools, have research and innovation centres within their teaching units, providing vocational training and professional, technical and scientific support to the work of companies. Niš represented an important centre for the electronics and machine industries, which testifies to the fact that workers in this city cultivate the spirit

DR. PATRICK WANG, Chairman and Chief Executive, Johnson Electric and ZORAN PERIŠIĆ, Mayor

The success of cooperation with investors to date is best reflected in the 4,500 new jobs created since 2011, as well as the maximum shortening of the time required for the implementation of greenfield and brownfield investments There is scope for the development of

as well as important cultural events. It was

both light and labour-intensive industries,

the birthplace of Flavius Valerius Aurelius

as well as for industries that expect intel-

Constantinus, the Roman Emperor Con-

lectually demanding work processes for

stantine the Great, the protector of Chris-

workers. In short, there is room for work-

tianity and also a warrior and a statesman.

places of light manufacturing industries,

The rich nature of the area surrounding

all the way to jobs in the field of informa-

Niš provides exceptional opportunities for

tion technology.

extreme sports, while the Spa and sources of healing water represent unique oases of

• Do you already have foreign investors? — The biggest investitors in Nis are Phillip Moris International, YURA Corporation, SHINWON – YURA Eltech, BENETTON Group, HARDER DIGITAL, LMB Soft, JOHNSON ELECTRIC and MIKKELSEN ELECTRONICS. The success of cooperation with investors to date is best reflected in the 4,500 new jobs created since 2011, as well as the maximum shortening of the time required for the implementation of greenfield and brownfield investments. A year is required

health. Of course, we should also not forget the area’s world-famous cuisine and, finally, the welcoming and friendly locals. All of this awaits tourists and guests of the city, but also investors who opt to do business in the City of Niš. We can tell them that we believe investing in sports and recreation facilities, a waterpark, hotels, as well as trade show, fair/expo space and ancillary facilities at existing world-renowned archaeological sites is a smart investment in a city that cares about its future.• SERBIAN POTENTIALS | THE INVESTORS GUIDE

OSEČINA

PARAĆIN

PIROT

Plum Orchard

Great Opportunities

for Investors

Well-known

Free Zone

Osečina is known for its agriculture, food production, chemicals industry and arts and crafts

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

The most dominant industries here are rubber processing, textiles, food and chemicals

The Municipality of Osečina is located in western Serbia, stretched along the left and right side of the main Valjevo – Loznica road and rail links. Osečina borders the municipality of Koceljeva to the north, Valjevo to the east, Ljubovija to the south and the municipalities of Krupanj and Loznica to the west. The municipal centre – the Town of

The main economic branches in the Municipality of Paraćin are the chemicals, nonmetal, food and construction industries. Other important economic branches include trade, hospitality and catering, production of paper packaging, telecommunication services and agriculture. The Zmič Industrial Zone is located between Corridor 10, the R-214 regional road and an international railroad that links the north and south of Europe to the Middle East. The municipal authorities have devised a detailed regulatory plan and drafted all required technical documents. Relevant infrastructure has also been built on the entire territory of the zone. There is a power substation of TS 2x630 KVA output and roads that service the first phase of the industrial zone. Local administration offers various incentives to investors willing to build production or business facilities here and they

Settlement

Osečina – is home to nearly 3,500 residents and is located 32km northwest of Valjevo towards Loznica and 130km southwest of Belgrade towards Bosnia’s Republika Srpska. Osečina is known for its agriculture, food and chemical industries, as well as arts and crafts. The private sector is very well developed and mainly comprises small and medium-sized enterprises, artists, craftsmen and retail facilities. This area is most famous for the production, processing and export of plums. Investors who hire more than 10 workers are granted exemption from water and sanitation connection charges, as well as municipal taxes for a period of two years. Those who employ more than 10 workers are exempt from paying taxes for a year. The industrial branches suitable for investment here are food and plastics production and processing.

Pirot is a small town in southeastern Serbia that has a great cultural tradition. It is located on Corridor 10 which links Europe to Asia. Pirot is the administrative centre of the biggest county in Serbia. The municipality of Pirot covers an area of 1,232 km2 and is the third biggest municipality in the Republic of Serbia. The main roads that run through the municipality are the E-70 motorway, the

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. There are no business parks in this municipality.

M-1-12 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's advantages lie in its favourable geographical location, as well as the fact that it has been certified as a municipality with a favourable business environment, it has both greenfield and brownfield investment locations and the Stara Planina nature's park. The municipality has a free zone and the ZIP Centar Mladih business incubator. Three companies occupy the second industrial zone here called Beg Bašča. Investors, who decide to invest in the Industrial Zone or the Free Zone, are eligible for incentives. The biggest companies here are A.D. Tigar, manufacturer or rubber products which has 4,650 employees.

CONTACT:

NENAD STEVANOVIĆ

SAŠA PAUNOVIĆ

VLADAN VASIĆ

Karađorđeva 78, 14253 Osečina Tel: +381 14 451031 Fax +381 14 451-158 E-mail: soosecina@open.telekom.rs

Municipal president Tome Živanovića 10, 35250 Paraćin Tel: +381 35 573 064; Fax:+381 35 563 165 E-mail: sasa_paunovic@paracin.rs

Municipal president Srpskih vladara 82, 18300 Pirot Tel: +381 10 305 532; Fax: +381 10 313 901 E-mail: ledo@pirot.rs

32 THE INVESTORS GUIDE | SERBIAN POTENTIALS

2012

CORPORATE

FREE ZONE PIROT

Investment

Destination Ph.D. Dragan Kostić CEO

Free Zone Pirot is among the 32 best free zones in the world, according to the prestigious FDI Magazine division of the The Financial Times

A substantial number of investors

able business climate. Municipality Pirot

Center Pirot, which would be an inter-

who arrived in Serbia in the last few

is an excellent example of this. The local

modal terminal and a warehouse that will

years built their production facilities in free

government in Pirot has exempted inves-

enable the trans-shipment of goods from

zones. Today there are a total of 12 free

tors from paying all local taxes and fees for

trucks to freight trains and vice versa. In

zones in Serbia, occupied by over 250 for-

construction and utilisation of production

terms of industrial operations, we are

eign and domestic companies and gener-

facilities located in the free zone. At the

planning to gradually make available an

ating revenue of close to €5 billion in 2013

same time, the procedure for issuing per-

additional 450 hectares of land to those

– says Ph.D Dragan Kostić, Director of the

mits for the construction of production fa-

occupants whose requirements surpass

Free Zone Pirot.

cilities, warehouses and other facilities has

the existing capacities.

Between 2009 and 2013 the direct in-

been expedited and simplified. There are

Ph.D. Kostić also underlines that the

vestments made in the Serbian free zones

also land plots with infrastructure suitable

free zones in Serbia are also export-orien-

amounted to approximately €2 billion. This

for greenfield investments and modern fa-

tated production zones, which gives them

positive trend continued into 2014. We

cilities for brownfield investments.

a great advantage over competitors. With

should mention a €215 million investment

The Free Zone Pirot is the recipient

the state’s help and the granting of local government tax exemptions, the free zones

Serbian Free Zone Pirot is an export processing zone, with national investment incentives and local government tax exemptions

here are handling the competition well. “The Serbian Chamber of Commerce‘s Free Zone Group, which I chair, has asked the government to implement additional meas-

made by Tigar Tyres in Pirot and Swarovski’s investment in the Subotica Free Zone. Ph.D. Kostić outlines that the two Serbian free zones – Pirot and Zrenjanin - are among the 32 best free zones in the world, according to the prestigious FDI Magazine published by The Financial Times. “We know that foreign investors are very detailed in their analysis of potential investment locations and the general investment environment in a certain

of the prestigious FEMOZA Award, which

ures with the aim of increasing the competi-

country, particularly in this part of Europe.

prompted foreign investors to realize just

tiveness of our free zones, primarily through

Hence, and with the aim of increasing the

how dedicated the municipal administra-

the abolition of the corporate income tax for

competitiveness of free zones in Serbia, we

tion and how hard we work on developing

companies occupying these zones.” •

organized a conference of the Southeast

free zones. This is also an acknowledgment

European free zones, which took place in

for the people who have worked on devel-

Belgrade in 2014.”

oping the production concept of free zones

Speaking about the benefits outlined

in Serbia for years.

in the Law on Free Zones, Ph.D. Kostić un-

We are working on increasing infra-

derlines that local authorities need to par-

structure capacities in the Free Zone

ticipate in the creation of a more favour-

Pirot. There is a plan to build the Logistic

CONTACT: Ph.D Dragan Kostić, CEO Free Zone Pirot JSC; Tel: +381 10 304070 E-mail: dragan.kostic@freezonepirot.com Aleksandar Simonović, Head of marketing department; Tel: +381 10 304090 E-mail: aleksandar.simonovic@freezonepirot.com SERBIAN POTENTIALS | THE INVESTORS GUIDE

PETROVAC NA MLAVI

Small Business Radiša Dragojević Municipal President

Tourism is developing increasingly and we have been recording growth yearon-year

Facilities Required Electricity generation, telecommunications and other infrastructure are well developed The comparative advantages that should serve

maintaining local roads, constructing a bypass on the

as the foundation for the development of the

outskirts of the town of Petrovac na Mlavi and building

municipality of Petrovac na Mlavi include high quality

a waste water treatment facility.

agricultural land, a clean environment, tourism potential (spa, religious, hunting, rural and excursion tourism), renewable energy resources, unused production facilities in former factories, military facilities and schools – says President of the Municipality of Petrovac na Mlavi, Radiša Dragojević, adding that economic development here should be based on the existing potential, using clean technology, supporting entrepreneurship and creating a favourable business environment conducive to new investments, primarily in

• How capable and professional is the local administration? — The municipal building has a service centre where both individuals and companies can gather information about the required documentation. As one of the ways of supporting the local economy, we have opened a local economic development office with the aim of providing information and assistance to businesses and potential investors, as well as cooperating with the diaspora.

agriculture, tourism and energy.

CONTACT: Radiša Dragojević Municipal President Srpskih vladara 165 12300 Petrovac na Mlavi Tel: +381 12 332722 and 331280 Fax: +381 12 331283 E-mail: info@petrovacnamlavi.rs

• Could you describe the infrastructure in your municipality? — Our municipality has a developed network of regional and local roads. Communal infrastructure is most advanced in terms of the water supply system, while substantial investments are required in developing the sewer system and central heating facilities. • What are the municipality’s priorities? — We need to work primarily on making the municipality more accessible in terms of transport, improving the municipality’s links to the motorway, regularly

34 THE INVESTORS GUIDE | SERBIAN POTENTIALS

• How long do investors have to wait to obtain permits? — Provided they submit complete documentation, investors will be issued with building permits in a maximum of five working days. The municipal authorities have been cooperating successfully with all public enterprises here. The only public enterprise where the waiting period can last several months is Elektromorava.

Investors will be issued with building permits in a maximum of five working days • Could you tell us something about the quality of the local workforce? — Unlike other municipalities, we have the highest number of very qualified workers. However, we are working continuously to improve the job qualification structure by providing scholarships for students and additional training. Faster economic development would result in the creation of new jobs and would stop young people from leaving the municipality, which is particularly pronounced in rural areas. •

Photos: Municipality of Petrovac Na Mlavi

• Which economic branches have been developing the most and the fastest in your municipality? — In the last few years the service sector and certain segments of agricultural production (bee keeping, cattle farming and fisheries) have been developing the fastest. There are opportunities for growing organic produce and we also have the raw materials and the workforce required for the development of small agricultural processing facilities. Moreover, renewable energy sources also have significant potential. Opportunities for the development of tourism are numerous and we have already been recording growth in this area.

POŽEGA

PREŠEVO

PRIBOJ

Best Investments in

Tobacco - leading

production

City on

Three Borders

Economic infrastructure shows that the most profitable investments here are those made in the metal processing industry

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

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

metal Processing

The municipality of Požega is located in southwest Serbia’s Zlatibor District. It lies in a fertile valley surrounded by the mountains of Maljen, Ovčar, Kablar, Blagaja and Trešnjevica. The main roads here are the Belgrade-South Adriatic (E-763) and the West Morava Corridor, which corresponds to the European E-761 road. After Belgrade, Požega is considered the biggest railway

intersection on the Belgrade-Bar route, with a railroad segment heading to Stalać. Požega is only 50km from Lađevci Airport. According to the municipal spatial plan, 85 hectares of land is available in the industrial zone and 210 hectares in the future free zone. The municipality is also known for its dairy industry and related products (trapist cheese, sour cream, soft cheeses, yogurt). There is also a fish processing company here (fish fillets, fish pâté) and a fruit and vegetable canning company. There are no business parks in the municipality, but there are two locations suitable for greenfield investments. The infrastructure here is satisfactory and the municipality is well connected to its immediate and more distant surroundings via a network of main and regional roads and railroads. The municipal administration issues relevant permits to future investors in the shortest possible timeframes.

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 10 and the Belgrade-Niš-Skopje-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-

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

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. The municipal services are willing to assist foreign investors and prepare the necessary documentation to issue permits as quickly as possible.

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. In Priboj there are several major investors, while expectations are high that the former factory for trucks and other vehicles will soon start operating at full capacity again. Several investors are in negotiations.

CONTACT:

MILOVAN MIĆOVIĆ

The Coordination Body of the Serbian Government Maršala Tita 36, 17523 Preševo Tel: +381 17 654 600 and 654 601; Fax: + 381 17 660 320 E-mail: Kanc.ler-Presevo@hotmail.com

LАZАR RVОVIĆ

Municipal president Trg slobode 9; 31210 Požega Tel: +381 31 3816401 E-mail: opstina@pozega.org.rs

Municipal president 12. Januara 108; Priboj 1330 Tel: +381 33 2445 648; Fax: +381 33 2445 698 E-mail: predsednik@priboj.rs SERBIAN POTENTIALS | THE INVESTORS GUIDE

POŽAREVAC

Bambi is Miomir Ilić Mayor

Construction of a new thermo power plant in Kostolac is exceptionally important, not only for Požarevac, but for Serbia as a whole

our brand The municipality’s greatest advantages are its close proximity to Belgrade, Nikola Tesla Airport, the country's most important roads and the Danube waterway Every municipality is different when it comes to

is one of the leading economic branches in Požarevac

economic potential. In terms of attracting po-

and profitable investments in this industry are possi-

tential investors, the greatest advantage of the Munic-

ble. Another reason we recommend the food industry

ipality of Požarevac is its favourable location, due to

is our highly qualified workforce.

the close proximity to the most important national and

Other important companies operating in our town

international roads – says Požarevac Mayor Miomir Ilić,

include Arriva transport (the former LITAS), Union MZ

at the beginning of this interview.

and PD TEKO Kostolac.

Požarevac is only 17km from pan-European trans-

Investments in tourism can also be very profitable.

port Corridor 10 and the Corridor 4 rail route is also near-

One of the biggest tourist attractions in the country –

by. The municipality is also not far from Belgrade (82km),

the Viminacium archaeological site – is located in the

the River Danube (Corridor 7), Nikola Tesla Airport (95km)

municipality.

etc. Požarevac is only 30 or so kilometres from the national border with EU Member State Romania, which represents a significant advantage for cooperation on joint projects with Romanian cities and municipalities. We can offer potential investors our new industrial zone, with complete infrastructure, spanning just over

• Which economic branches are developing the fastest? — Agriculture and agricultural production. Our municipality has over 4,000 hectares of arable land and there are in excess of 2,200 farms on the territory of Požare-

four hectares of land and located at the entrance to several brownfield locations available. Apart from infrastructure, we are also aware that investors want certain incentives. Hence, we are willing to reduce or waive certain local taxes and fees, with reductions dependent on the number of new jobs created by an investor. There are no land or legal issues to be resolved in the industrial zone, thus we can guarantee that investments and investors’ operations will be legally secure.

CONTACT: Miomir Ilić Mayor 12000 Požarevac Drinska 2 Tel: +381 12 223 344 / 539 601 E-mail: momir.ilic@pozarevac.rs

• Which economic branches do you recommend for investment? — Our aim is to entice investors in order for them to create new jobs and employment opportunities. First and foremost, we would like to see investors interested in launching production. Požarevac was previously one of the centres of the food industry, with reputable companies like MIP, Voćeprodukt and Žitostig, which have all since closed down. The only food company that has been operating successfully for a number of years is Bambi, which has always been one of our biggest and most recognisable brands. The food industry

36 THE INVESTORS GUIDE | SERBIAN POTENTIALS

We can offer potential investors our new industrial zone, with complete infrastructure, spanning just over four hectares of land and located at the entrance to Požarevac from the direction of Belgrade

Photos: Municipality of Požarevac

Požarevac from the direction of Belgrade. We also have

vac. The municipal authorities set aside a

lage roads is also among the priorities. We

suing process. Investors can obtain permits

substantial sum of money annually for agri-

are currently preparing to supply gas to the

issued by the City of Požarevac within eight

cultural development, via the Agrarian Fund

municipality’s outlying settlements.

days of submitting complete documentation, although the legally defined deadline

for Agricultural Development. In 2015 we will spend close to 57 million dinars in this area. Apart from agriculture, the energy sector is also incredibly important for the municipality’s development and some capital investments have already been made in this sector. Here I am referring specifically to the Chinese investment in PD TEKO Kostolac, i.e. the construction of a new thermo power plant in Kostolac, scheduled to commence this year. This project is not

• What priorities does the town of Požarevac have in terms of investing in infrastructure? — Our priority is to extend the heating, water supply and sewage grid. The Budget Fund for Environmental Protection and the Programme of Measures for the Improvement of Living Conditions have earmarked approximately 800 million dinars for this purpose. Another 150 million dinars was

is up to 30 days. The biggest problem actually proved to be acquiring all the documentation necessary to apply for a permit, as well as the length of time required to perform technical checks of projects and to determine whether they meet all the legal requirements. However, once the documents are completed there are no barriers to obtaining a permit and construction activities can commence within a few days.

• What can you tell us about the profile, expertise and quality of the local workforce? — Based on the statistics of the 2011 census, 2.39% of Požarevac’s population did not complete primary school, while 60.02% of the population aged 15 and older has completed high school or obtained a college diploma or university degree, which is 1.5% higher than the Serbian average. Thus, we have more people who have graduated only exceptionally important for Požarevac, but also for Serbia as a whole. When it comes to tourism, with the exception of Viminacium, there are also the Požarevac Peace Park and the Milena Pav-

The Budget Fund for Environmental Protection and the Programme of Measures for the Improvement of Living Conditions have earmarked approximately 800 million dinars to extend the heating, water supply and sewage grid

lović Barilli Gallery. Pavlović-Barilli is one of Serbia’s most eminent artists and, I am

set aside for paving and maintaining roads,

high school or higher education institu-

proud to say, she was also born in Požarevac.

primarily in rural areas. These amounts

tions than the national average. Most of

prove just how seriously our local govern-

Požarevac’s unemployed are workers for-

ment is when it comes to raising our citi-

merly employed by large companies in the

zens’ quality of life and living conditions.

municipality that are now closed. These

• How would you rate the infrastructure in your municipality? — Požarevac has well-developed infrastructure. The water supply and sewage grid have been extended. Close to 70% of the territory of Požarevac is covered by municipal heating, which marks huge progress compared to the situation of just a few years ago. One of the biggest problems and priorities in Požarevac is finding a site to locate a regional landfill site. I also have to admit that infrastructure is insufficiently developed in the municipality’s rural areas. We are going to do everything in our power, considering the financial means at our disposal, to further extend our water supply and sewage network to encompass even more settlements. The construction of vil-

people are well qualified and trained.

• Could you tell us something about the efficiency of the municipal administration? — We have a good administration that is both technically and professionally equipped to deal with the needs of citizens, companies and potential investors. However, a lot has to be done in order to improve the administration’s efficiency. • How long do investors have to wait in order to obtain the necessary permits? — In collaboration with Germany‘s GIZ, Požarevac participated in implementation of the “Good governance, funding and service provision” project, which aimed at improving and streamlining the permit is-

• Do you already have foreign investors? — Apart from several large foreign hypermarket chains opening their retail outlets here (Metro, IDEA), we do not have any FDIs. I am quite optimistic when it comes to this issue, since we have finally become, after many years of work, a city that is absolutely ready to receive investors. • What would you advise investors, tourists and visitors considering a trip to Požarevac? —- I would invite all of them to come to Požarevac, get to know our town and its landmarks better, and stay as long as possible. • SERBIAN POTENTIALS | THE INVESTORS GUIDE

PRIJEPOLJE

MARKET OF 12.5 Emir Hašimbegović Municipal President

Institutional support for investors is evidenced through the Department for local economic development within the municipal administration

MILLION CONSUMERS The greatest and fastest developing area is raspberry and berry growing, so the municipality supports the construction of cold storage units for fruit

Prijepolje distinguishes itself from similar local

• Institutional support for investors is evidenced

governments in terms of natural specificities, as

through the Department for local economic devel-

well as those that are a result of hard work from peo-

opment within the municipal administration, then

ple dedicated to the development of the municipality

through continuing to support from the Zlatibor Re-

and its continuous improvement.

gional Development Agency, personified through the

A favourable location on the three-way border of the

opening of a local office in this municipality, as the

Republic of Serbia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and the Re-

only one of its type in the Zlatibor area.

public of Montenegro, enables the quick logistic treat-

• Potential for energy production from renewable sourc-

ment of goods, passengers and services.

es, mainly biomass, with an estimated capacity of 27

• Access to the common market of these three coun-

million kw/h; followed by wood, with 48.35% of the mu-

tries, of 12.5 million consumers, represents an excep-

nicipal territory covered by forest. There is also hydro

tional opportunity for marketing goods and services

potential, which is reflected in the multitude of small-

among customers with similar consumer character-

er waterways suitable for building small hydro-power

istics and habits.

plants, in which this municipality is ranked 5th in the

• The main national roads M21 (Subotica-Podgori-

country in terms of potential, and 2nd in terms of the

ca) and M8 (Novi Pazar-Pljevlja), as well as the Belgrade-Bar railway, pass through the municipality of Prijepolje, enabling excellent transport links for all businesses in the region. • The mineral wealth of proven resources, but insufficiently exploited ore, lead, copper and zinc, represents an alternative field of development that has so far been neglected by this municipality. • The possibility of “greenfield” investments is provided by 13 land plots fully equipped with infrastructure at the Kolovrat Industrial Zone, covering a total area of

The local tourism potential is embodied in a diverse and preserved natural environment, rich cultural and historical heritage and active rural tourism and special interests, representing the advantages of Prijepolje

2.5 hectares. These locations are immediately ready for investment. • Brownfield investments are possible in various differ-

Emir Hašimbegović, Municipal president 31300 Prijepolje Trg bratsva i jedinstva 1 Tel: +381 33 714073 LED Office: Svetlana Slović Tel: +381 33 712297 Fax: +381 33 712297 E-mail: predsednik@prijepolje.rs

ent locations within abandoned industrial complexes, including TK "Ljubiša Miodragović", AD "Elan" chemicals, "FAP foundry" Ltd. and "New Limka" Ltd. • Availability of manpower and its relative affordability compared to the Serbian average. • Experience and training of the workforce in the textiles, footwear and machinery industries, among those formerly employed by large industrial systems now defunct.

38 THE INVESTORS GUIDE | SERBIAN POTENTIALS

Photos: Municipality of Prijepolje

CONTACT:

number of HPPs planned for construction.

fact that much has been done in recent

excess of €3 million and has resulted in the

Agriculture is also ripe for investments

years, in the context of the reform of mu-

hiring of over 100 local workers.

here, as a very important strategic devel-

nicipal administration, to enhance institu-

Two more companies operating suc-

opment branch. Strategic municipal docu-

tional and logistical support and improve

cessfully locally are Star Jela Ltd. and

ments treat it as a sector with great poten-

communication with entrepreneurs at the

Trendtex, which formed a consortium to

tial for development, given the geographical

local level, with the establishment of the

buy TK Ljubiša Miodragović.

position of Prijepolje, as well as the type and

Local Centre of the Zlatibor Regional De-

Star Jela’s primary business is second-

structure of the soil in this area.

velopment Agency and the Department for

ary wood processing and the production of

Local economic Development.

biomass fuel (chips), which is increasingly

Every year sees a significant increase in the area of agricultural land planted with

In response to the issue of extend-

replacing coal and fuel oil. The transport

raspberries. Interest in planting raspberries

ed deadlines for the issuance of required

and primary processing of wood is well de-

and entering this agricultural segment is

permits for investors and the existence of

veloped here.

constantly on the rise. There are more bulk

possible institutional “bottlenecks”, the

Trendtex was founded in 1966 and has

buyers of this berry from cold storage units for freezing and storing raspberries. In Prijepolje we have five industrial cold storage units with a total storage capacity of about 1,400 tonnes. Due to the huge existing market demand for this fruit, which we call "red gold", as well as increasing production capacities in Prijepolje, these storage capacities will soon be insufficient for the amount of raspberries produced in the municipality. When it comes to infrastructure, i.e., what is the most and least developed, the municipal authorities highlight the geographical position of the municipality, halfway between the Adriatic Sea and the Pannonian Plain in the south-north direction, along vital road and rail links in these directions, as a factor placing Prijepolje among the most well-positioned local administrations in Serbia. When we add to this the proximity of the three-way

Hydro potential is reflected in the multitude of smaller waterways suitable for building small hydro-power plants, in which this municipality is ranked 5th in the country in terms of potential and 2nd in terms of the number of HPPs planned for construction

international borders (Serbia – Bosnia-Herzegovina – Montenegro), the potential of

Municipality of Prijepolje has shortened

been one of the most successful manu-

the location becomes clear. The Lim is the

the time required to issue a construction

facturers of protective work clothing in

largest river to traverse the municipality,

permit to 60 days, thereby greatly accel-

Serbia for several decades. Through con-

flowing southeast-northwest and linking a

erating and stimulating investment cycles.

stant investment in the business and im-

The presence of foreign investors in

proving product quality, Trendtex is today

Cultivation of raspberries, blackberries,

the municipality of Prijepolje indicates

a leading exporter of medical, industrial

strawberries and blueberries is increasing in

that there are successful investment ex-

and clothing for kitchens and hospitali-

the municipality every year. And, despite the

periences in the municipality. One of those

ty businesses in the region of Serbia and

growing number of cold storage units, there

is Emilio Stecher, founded back in 1944 in

Bosnia-Herzegovina. The company’s main

is a need for even greater capacity. The mu-

Switzerland, where, during many decades

export markets are Germany, Sweden,

nicipality has compiled technical and pro-

of successful operations in the stone pro-

Denmark, Austria and Poland.

ject documentation for the construction of

cessing sector, it acquired a large number

The Municipality of Prijepolje assures

cold storage facilities in the industrial zone.

of reliable suppliers and customers. The

prospective investors that the local ad-

Under favourable conditions or through pri-

company brought this tradition of success-

ministration is working actively on promo-

vate-public partnerships, the Municipality is

ful business to Prijepolje and has been op-

tion and development, seeking to become

ready to implement this investment.

erating here successfully for three years.

attractive for living and a well-organised

In terms of the importance of the de-

The initiative to invest in this undeveloped

community, with conditions for balanced

velopment of the administration, its effi-

area came from company co-owner and

socio-economic progress, while respecting

ciency, expertise and equipment, the Pri-

Prijepolje native Meša Podbićanin. The val-

the natural environment and principles of

jeplolje local government highlights the

ue of these investments in Prijepolje is in

multi-ethnicity and citizens' rights. •

number of smaller rivers.

SERBIAN POTENTIALS | THE INVESTORS GUIDE

RAČA

Foreigners Dragana Živanović Municipal President

Investors can obtain all required permits within a maximum of two months

Feeling at Home Rača is the first municipality in Serbia to receive a South Korean investment. Today the municipality is home to 68 business entities

The Municipality of Rača is located in central

vourable geo-strategic position, a developed road and

Serbia, spanning 216km2 and comprising 16 local

utility infrastructure, competitive operational costs, a

communities, with the town of Rača representing the

qualified and competitive workforce, work and service

municipality’s administrative centre. The municipality

zones and good living standards.

has a great geographical position, located just 10km from Corridor 10 and the Lapovo railway junction. - One of the reasons why the municipality of Rača is considered as having a good geographical position is its modern roads. The category II national road (#150), which connects the Belgrade-Niš highway to the Ibar main road, runs through the municipality. The existing roads connect Rača to Kragujevac, Smederevska Palanka, Topola, Aranđelovac, Mladenovac, Markovac,

• Which economic branches and social segments are most suitable for investments here? — Natural resources have the greatest potential in the municipality of Rača, and are suitable to the development of agriculture and tourism on the territory of the municipality. Apart from these resources, the municipality also has a qualified workforce, mainly in branches like the electrical industry, textiles industry and agriculture.

Belgrade and the Nikola Tesla (Belgrade) and Tsar Konstantin (Niš) airports. Rača municipality has the necessary infrastructure, while the town itself and the majority of the municipality are covered by a gas supply system. A water filtering facility, waste water collection system, modern roads, power grids and telecommunication networks have also been built. – says municipal president Dragana Živanović. It is also important to note that the Municipality of Rača has two work zones – the West Work Zone and the East Work Zone, as well as the Service Zone.

Dragana Živanović Municipal president Karađorđeva 48, 34210 Rača Tel: + 381 34 751001 Fax: + 381 34 751175 E-mail: predsednik.opstine@raca.rs Rača Local Economic Development Office Tel: +381 34 751012 Fax: +381 34 751175 E-mail: ler@raca.rs

The first zone spans 62 hectares and is located on the outskirts of Rača in the direction of Topola. According to the municipal president, this zone is equipped with complete infrastructure. The East Work Zone is situated at the exit from Rača in the direction of Markovac. It covers 39 hectares of undeveloped land, with infrastructure currently under construction. Alongside natural resources, a qualified workforce and work zones, the municipality also has locations suitable for brownfield investments (Primdex, Benos, Tehnorad, Servis). According to the 2011 census, the municipality’s population stands at 11,503. Its advantages are a fa-

40 THE INVESTORS GUIDE | SERBIAN POTENTIALS

• Which economic branches have been developing the fastest in your municipality? — The municipality has a moderate continental climate suitable for growing all major field crops and vegetables. Over 70% of the population is rural and engaged in agriculture. Hence, agriculture and rural development are very important factors in the economic development of the municipality. Several agricultural associations have been formed within the various projects. In Rača today we have the Crop Farmers Cluster,

Photos: Municipality of Rača

CONTACT:

Rača has two work zones – the West Work Zone and the East Work Zone, as well as the Service Zone. The first zone spans 62 hectares and is equipped with complete infrastructure. The East Work Zone covers 39 hectares

the Fruit Growers Cluster and the Flower Growers Cluster.

• Could you tell us something about municipal infrastructure? — In terms of the economic structure of our municipality, agriculture plays the main role due primarily to natural factors, namely good land composition. Apart

• How long do investors have to wait for their permits? — Two months at the most. They can obtain all the information they need at the Rača Municipal Administration’s Spatial Planning Department. • Could you tell us about the workforce in the municipality and which economic

• Do you already have foreign investors? — Rača is the first municipality in Serbia to have received a South Korean investment, made by YURA Company, which produces wires, cables and electrical installations for the automobile industry. YURA is the main supplier of HYUNDAI and KIA. YURA has excellent cooperation with local companies and the local government. The Municipality of Rača provided this Korean investor with the necessary support, helped with organizing job fairs, found building plots for the construction of housing for both Korean executives and people from Rača, and has provided contacts with municipal institutions. Following a successfully implemented project in Rača, YURA Corporation decided to implement more investment projects in the towns of Niš and Leskovac. • What would you advise future investors, tourists and visitors? — I am confident that this Guide will be of assistance to all interested and

from agriculture, production of electrical installations, the textiles industry and the processing industry are also developed in Rača. According to the Business Registry Agency, there are 68 business entities and 267 entrepreneurs in Rača. The most

Natural resources in the municipality of Rača are suitable for the development of agriculture and tourism. The municipality also has a qualified workforce, mainly in branches like the electronics and textiles industries

important companies here are Agrojevtić d.o.o., Interkomerc d.o.o., Saratex d.o.o. and YURA Corporation, which has 1,222 workers. Only YURA is considered a large company, while the rest of those mentioned are either small or medium-sized.

• What are the municipality’s priorities? — In the following period the Municipality of Rača plans to increase investments in mainly transport and utility infrastructure, which will in turn contribute to the development of business infrastructure. • Could you describe the work of the municipal administration? — It is at a satisfactory level, but following a national freeze on hiring civil servants, we need more staff in certain departments. However, this does not affect efficiency and the municipal administration is always ready and able to satisfy the needs of both citizens and investors.

branches have the biggest potential to create new jobs? — We have a high quality, educated workforce. There are currently 1,101 unemployed inhabitants of the municipality and most of them are mechanical engineers, agricultural engineers, lawyers and economists.

responsible investors, institutions, organisations and individuals who will recognise Rača as an investment location that should also be visited. We have already proven that we are a favourable destination for both domestic and foreign investors. • SERBIAN POTENTIALS | THE INVESTORS GUIDE

PROKUPLJE

RAŠKA

RAŽANJ

Food and Processing

Mountain and

Paradise for Smaller

The municipality of Prokuplje spans across 759 km2, and its population stands at 43,631

The Ibar coal mines in Baljevac, the Lokve dolomite mine, and lead and zinc mine

Ražanj is lagging behind other municipalities in Central Serbia

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 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

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 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 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. Potential investors are advised to invest in tourism, wood processing, renewable energy resources, thermal springs, hospitality industry and agriculture. The plan is to build

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 kilometres. Pan-European Corridor 10 (Belgrade NIš - Thessaloniki - Athens) runs through Ražanj. The municipality is made of the town of Ražanj and 23 villages. It is 55 km from Niš, in the direction of Belgrade.

Industry

work / industrial zones. The most developed branches here are food and processing industry. Apart from metal, non-metal and textile industries, the municipality is known for its agricultural / food sector (especially agri-industry sector). Also, private sector has been gradually developing. The municipality of Prokuplje has an industrial zone that is completely occupied by various companies. There is a plan to build another zone behind the Hissar Factory in an area called Plehane Kuće. An investor can obtain required permits and documents in a period of just one month. The biggest foreign investors here are Leoni from Germany, Konuks-Koneks from Slovenia and Hellenic Petroleum from Greece. The biggest domestic investor in the municipality is the Pionir Company, which acquired fruit product and confectionary company Hissar.

mines

two industrial zones – one in Raška and one in Baljevac. None of the zones are equipped in terms of infrastructure. The production facilities of former companies, Lola Progres and Zastava Auto-Delovi, are suitable for brownfield investments. The biggest foreign investors here are MG Serbien, former magnesium factory Bela Stena and ILR.

Investors

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. 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). Investors are granted 10-year tax exemptions for large investments, tax breaks for hiring new workers, tax credit of up to 40% of investment value in fixed assets and accelerated amortization of fixed assets. 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:

MIROLJUB PAUNOVIĆ

IGNJAT RAKITIĆ

DOBRICA STOJKOVIĆ

Municipal president Tatkova 2; 18400 Prokuplje Tel: +381 27 321 071; Fax: +381 27 324 009 E-mail: kabinet@prokuplje.org.rs

Municipal president Predraga Velimirovića br 1, 36350 Raška Tel: +381 36 736 281; Fax: +381 36 736 204 E-mail: ignjat.rakitic@raska.org.rs

Municipal president Tel: +381 37 841 217 Fax: +381 37 841 225 E-mail: opstinarazanj@gmail.com

42 THE INVESTORS GUIDE | SERBIAN POTENTIALS

REKOVAC

SJENICA

SMEDEREVO

Agriculture

Animal husbandry is

Five Industrial

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

Huge potential for development of livestock breeding

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

dominates 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. Most of the fertile land here is used

the priority

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. There are great possibilities for cross-border cooperation, while these projects are supported by the EU, which provides financing via IPA funds. Products like cheese and prosciutto are

Zones

The Town of Smederevo has 107,528 inhabitants and covers an area of 484 square kilometres. The E-75 motorway is 7km from the centre of the town, which has three motorway exits. The Danube Bridge, which provides a direct link to the M-24 road and Vojvodina, is just 6km away. The town has two ports, one located in the town centre. The most important branches here are general purpose indus-

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.

try (metal processing, electrical and similar), agriculture and tourism. 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 10 and Corridor 7, which is actually the river Danube. Smederevo has five industrial zones, one of which is also an industrial park in the “free zone”, providing all the associated benefits. The infrastructure here is satisfactory, particularly in those parts of the town designated for the construction of new production facilities. There is a plan to turn industrial parks into business parks. The foreign companies that operate here are: PKC Wiring Systems d.o.o. from Finland, which is engaged in cable production, METECH from Germany, which is engaged in metal processing and production of electrical parts, and Laurence Walter Serbia, the renowned aeroplane parts manufacturer.

CONTACT:

PREDRAG DJORDJEVIĆ

HAZBO MUJOVIĆ

JASNA AVRAMOVIĆ

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

Municipal president Kralja Petra I, 36310 Sjenica Tel: +381 20 741 278; Fax : +381 20 741 288 E-mail: sosjenic@verat.net

Head of the Local Development Office Omladinska 1, 11300 Smederevo Tel: +381 26 231115; Fax: +381 26 223354 E-mail: kabinet@smederevo.org.rs

for growing wheat, which is the most important cereal in the municipality, fodder crops and fruit. The roads here are public and uncategorized. They are mainly regional and local while uncategorized roads are farm, field and forest roads. There are two industrial zones here, regulated according to the Municipality of Rekovac’s Spatial Plan – the Drenjak Zone and the Rekovac Zone, which are located very close to the town centre. They both have access roads, sewer systems, water, power and gas supply, telephone lines and internet connections. 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. There are no business parks or foreign investors in this municipality.

SERBIAN POTENTIALS | THE INVESTORS GUIDE

SMEDEREVSKA PALANKA

BROAD RANGE OF Radoslav Milojičić Kena Municipal President

We are currently negotiating with several major investors who could create between 500 and 600 new jobs

OPPORTUNITIES This municipality offers investment opportunities in agriculture, various industrial branches and tourism, primarily spa tourism

Smederevska Palanka has great economic po-

— Agricultural production is among those branches

tential. A municipality whose richest natural

that are developing rather quickly. The municipality

resource is geothermal mineral water that can be

has acknowledged the development potential of this

used to develop spa tourism, we also have plenty of

branch on time and we now have departments of the

production and land capacities suitable for brown-

University of Belgrade engaged in educating future

field investments. There are two research and devel-

agriculture professionals here. We also have environ-

opment institutions in Smederevska Palanka – the

mental studies. Considering that we have substantial

Goša Institute and the Institute for Vegetable Crops.

opportunities for industrial development, two indus-

Another advantage we should also mention is con-

trial zones and the available facilities of the former

solidated and ameliorated agricultural land. Com-

Goša Holding Company, it is very clear that industrial

merce and banking are also developed, while the mu-

branches can develop significantly here. Investors are

nicipality is close to the Serbian capital of Belgrade,

very interested in launching production in the afore-

Pan-European Corridor 10 and river Corridor E-7 (Port

mentioned zones and we are absolutely confident that

of Smederevo). We have the Rudine airport for light

fast development is possible in this area.

aircraft, which has a grass runway that can be used for commercial purposes – says President of the Municipality of Smederevska Palanka, Radoslav Milojčić,

• How would you rate the infrastructure in your municipality? Which areas are the most developed and

outlining the advantages and economic potential of

CONTACT: Radoslav Milojičić Kena, Municipal President Vuka Karadžića 25 11420 Smederevska Palanka Tel: +381 26 310122 Presidency: +381 26 316001 and 310525 E-mail: predsednistvo@ smederevskapalanka.rs

• Which economic branches and social segments are suitable for investments here? — This area is suitable for agricultural investments (particularly investments in field and vegetable crops), as well as investments in industry and tourism. Apart from the Kiseljak mineral water well and spa, which provides thermal mineral water (rich in Selenium) health treatments, just two kilometres from the town centre are the man-made Kudreč 1 and Kudreč 2 lakes. There are already several hotels and catering facilities on the shores of these lakes. The Mikulja Forest also has tourist potential. It spans 150 hectares at an altitude of 170-200 metres above sea-level, four kilometres from the centre of Smederevska Palanka. At present this forest is only partly open to tourists. • Which economic branches are developing most rapidly in the municipality and which have development potential?

44 THE INVESTORS GUIDE | SERBIAN POTENTIALS

A gas network was built several years ago and covers the entire municipal territory. Our municipality is known for having a stable power grid and telecommunications resources Photos: Municipality of Smederevska Palanka

the municipality he heads.

which are undeveloped? — A gas network was built several years ago and covers the entire municipal territory. Our municipality is known for having a stable power grid and telecommunications resources. We are currently working on improving our water supply system and have received a substantial investment from abroad, which we are using to build a second water supply network worth around €11.5 million. • What are the priorities of the Municipality of Smederevska Palanka in terms of infrastructure investments in the following period? — Our most important priority at the moment is extending the sewer system. In the future we will work on improving and extending our road infrastructure. Although the municipality is situated very close to Corridor 10 and has four exits to this corridor, we are planning on building another exit that will be located just 2.5km from the town centre. • How efficient, professional and equipped is your administration? — The municipal administration is capable of issuing all required permits to investors under very short deadlines. The administration employs very professional and qualified people whose priority is to deal swiftly with all municipal issues. • How long do investors need to wait for permits and are there any ‘bottleneck situations’ that can cause investors to wait a year for their permits? — Investors can obtain their permits within the period that is much shorter than that required by law. There are no ‘bottleneck situations’ in the municipal administration per se, so delays are not possible in the areas that are under the sole jurisdiction of the municipal administration. We are willing to help investors in any way we can. • Could you tell us something about the level of expertise and the quality of the people working in the municipal administration, and which economic branches in your municipality are the most conducive to the creation of new jobs? — We have plenty of qualified industrial

workers. These are those who used to work

— We had companies like Atlantic Group,

for the Goša Holding Company and they in-

Agrocor, ZOS Trnava and the Delhaize Group

clude machine operators, electricians, fit-

investing here, and we are currently negoti-

ters, builders, welders, engineers and other

ating with several major investors who could

production staff. Many of them are cur-

create between 500 and 600 new jobs.

rently jobless following the shutdown of Goša’s factories. I think this branch desper-

• What is your advice to future investors, but also tourists and visitors? — My advice to investors is for them to acquaint themselves with the benefits offered by our two industrial zones. Both of them have the required infrastructure. The industrial zone situated in the north-western part of the town, in the Kolonija quarter to be precise, is suitable for building new production facilities. The Goša 1 and Goša 2 industrial complexes, which span 38 hectares, have various production facilities. We already have foreign investors interested in them and

We have two industrial zones with the required infrastructure that are suitable for the construction of new production facilities, while the Goša 1 and Goša 2 industrial complexes, which span 38 hectares, already have various production facilities

ately needs new jobs, so that these people

we are currently negotiating. My advice to

can utilise their expertise, knowledge and

tourists and visitors alike would be to see

experience on new projects. Smederevska

the Kiseljak thermo-mineral water well

Palanka used to be known for its textile in-

and spa, Mikulja Forest, Kudreč Lakes and

dustry and we do have professional textile

many cultural and historic monuments

workers and designers who used to work

in our town. It is a little known fact that

for the Olga Textile Company.

the National Museum in Smederevska Palanka exhibits a wonderful collection

• Have any foreign companies already invested in your municipality and what has that collaboration been like?

of famous Serbian paintings from the mid-19th century and the first half of the 20th century. • SERBIAN POTENTIALS | THE INVESTORS GUIDE

SOKOBANJA

SURDULICA

SVILAJNAC

One of the Oldest

Undeveloped

Foreigners

Spa Centres

Infrastructure

Have Arrived

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

Home of Rosa water

A new 23-ha industrial zone has opened next to the existing zone

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). 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. Surdulica is 10 km from Corridor 10 (the E-75 motorway, railway) to which it is linked by the M.1.13 road (Vladičin Han-Surdulica-Vlasina-Strezimirovci). The municipality of Surdulica has several different categories of roads and also boasts the Belo Polje Industrial Zone, while a new zone surrounds the town of Surdulica. The facilities located in the southern part of the

Svilajnac is located in Pomoravlje County. Seven-kilometre-long regional road connects Svilajnac to Corridor 10, which is an extremely good position. Svilajnac has always been known as the center of trade and craftsmanship. Svilajnac has two industrial zones – Veliko Polje and Nova Zona Privređivanja – both with complete technical infrastructure. The municipal administration provides and issues the required permits for the con-

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

industrial zone a very profitable, though the infrastructure in the zone is not satisfactory – much like the infrastructure in the municipality itself, especially in terms of transport and utility infrastructure. Major companies operating in this municipality include Knauf Insulation Surdulica and Vlasinka d.o.o. which produces Rosa water.

struction of production facilities within 30 days. Svilajnac has appropriate infrastructure that is being extended every year. Svilajnac is close to the most important transport route – Corridor 10, which also links the municipality to nearby regions in Serbia and further on to Europe via an extensive network of European roads. A class 2 state road also runs through the municipality and connects Svilajnac to nearby municipalities and cities. Several world renowned companies operate successfully in Sviljanac, with Panasonic from Japan being the most prominent. There are also companies like Koeleman (Switzerland) and Tri Stan (Netherlands), which are engaged in the processing and canning of fresh fruit. Italian company Conti 3 is engaged in machining operations, French company Kultin Moda is engaged in textiles, while Porr Austria produces concrete railway sleepers.

CONTACT:

DIMITRIJE LUKIĆ

ALEKSANDRA POPOVIĆ

PREDRAG MILANOVIĆ

President Svetog Save 23, 18230 Sokobanja Tel: +381 18 830 173; Fax: +381 18 830 253 E-mail: marija.zikic@opstinasokobanja.com

Municipal president Kralja Petra I 1, 17530 Surdulica Tel: +381 17 815041 (ext. 109); Fax: +381 17 815270 Web: www.surdulica.com

Municipal president Svetog Save 102, 35210 Svilajnac Tel: +381 35 312 010 E-mail: predsednik@svilajnac.rs

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. Building permits are issued in 15 days, and all assistance can be received at the Office for Local Economic Development - in order for all required permits to be secured as quickly as possible. The greatest investment opportunities are in tourism. 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.

46 THE INVESTORS GUIDE | SERBIAN POTENTIALS

SVRLJIG

ŠABAC

TOPOLA

Developed

Fully

Capital of

Hunting Tourism

Equipped Zone

Wine and Grapes

Agriculture is the most important economic branch in Svrljig

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

Agriculture and tourism are the dominant economic branches here

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

The Town and Municipality and town of Šabac are located in northwest 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 a population of 122,320. Šabac is surrounded by the Sava and Drina rivers. A number of canals were built in the region. It has several mineral and healing springs. Its mining wealth includes quartz sand, clay and other raw materials used the construction sector. The northwest 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

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. Agriculture and tourism are the dominant economic branches here, including

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 on the Sava is planned. This will make the existing zone more attractive, as transport costs will be significantly lower for many companies.

fruit and wine growing. 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. Because of its developments and plans, Topola pays great attention to the natural environment. An SOS telephone hotline has been introduced for all those reporting on environmental pollution and penalties are high for both citizens and enterprises.

CONTACT:

JELENA TRIFUNOVIĆ

NEBOJŠA ZELENOVIĆ

ZОRА NЕDОVIĆ

President Radetova 31, 18360 Svrljig Tel: +381 63 416 996; Fax: +381 18 821 178 E-mail: predsednik@svrljig.rs

Mayor Gospodar Jevremova 6, 15000 Šabac Tel: +381 15 346 711 E mail: opstina@sabac.rs

Coordinator at the LER Bulevar Kralja Aleksandra I br. 9; 34310 Topola Tel: +381 34 811 273; Fax: +381 34 811 771 E-mail: ler@topola.com

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. Svrljig is also counting on developing rural and hunting tourism, since the muncipality is surrounded by wonderful nature and many forests. The municipality has a large capacity of natural resources, high unemployment rates, low labour costs and a fairly well-educated workforce.

SERBIAN POTENTIALS | THE INVESTORS GUIDE

TRGOVIŠTE

TRSTENIK

TUTIN

Highest

Hydraulics

Famous

Quality Trout

and vine

Pešter Food

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

Agricultural land is the most important natural resource in this municipality

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. The municipality plans on completing an industrial zone on 3.5 hectares near the R-125 regional road. 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. Reserves of 120 million tonnes of cement lime for the production of Portland cement have been confirmed. The River Pčinja provides great opportunities to build mini hydro power plants, while in the agriculture domain there are great opportunities for potato cultivation. 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. Lamb is quite in demand and the local farmers usually export all of their available quantities of lamb.

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 Tutin is one of the “highest” Serbian municipalities, situated as it is at an altitude of 1,000 metres. Most of the municipality’s territory – some 463 square kilometres – is represented by the Pešter Plateau and mountain foothills. The municipality doesn’t have enough waterways, though Lake Gazivode has a volume of 370 million cubic metres of water. This manmade reservoir also provides water to

The Zapadna Morava Industrial Zone is owned by the state and has relevant infrastructure. The municipal authorities provide certain benefits for potential investors and small business owners, such as reduced land development charges dependent on the number of new jobs investors create. The municipality doesn't have business parks.

the municipality of Zubin Potok in Kosovo. Agricultural land, mainly pastures, meadows, is the municipality’s most important natural resource. Tutin offers opportunities for the production of healthy food based on milk, meat, honey, forest fruits and medicinal herbs, as well as the development of mountain, rural, hunting and fishing tourism. Waterways, wells and Lake Gazivode are instrumental in the development of tourism and sport fishing. The municipal authorities plan to build an industrial free zone spanning 150 hectares in the local settlement of Ljeskova on the Pešter Plateau. Spatial planning and technical documentation has been completed, while every single location has been issued with a building permit, meaning that potential investors can register a chosen land plot in local land registers. The Pešter Plateau is home to the first wind power generator in Serbia.

CONTACT:

NENAD KRSTIĆ

MIROSLAV ALEKSIĆ

ŠEMSUDIN KUČEVIĆ

Municipal president Krallja Petra br. 4, 17525 Trgovište Tel: +381 17 452 210 E-mail: kabinetpredsednika@trgoviste.rs

Municipal president Knjeginje Milice 66, 37240 Trstenik Tel: +381 37 711 040; Fax +381 37 712 530 E-mail: predsednistvots@sbb.rs

Municipal president Husein-bega Gradaščevića 7, 36320 Tutin Tel: +381 20 812025; Fax: +381 20 811035 E-mail: kabinet@tutin.rs

48 THE INVESTORS GUIDE | SERBIAN POTENTIALS

UŽICE

VALJEVO

Exporter

New

Investors are

Town

Opencast Mines

Eager to Come

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

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

The City of Valjevo is located in western Serbia and represents the administrative, cultural and economic centre of the Kolubara District

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 rail-

way link to the port of Bar on the Adriatic coast and the port of Belgrade on the Danube River. 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. The City of Užice has two industrial zones on its territory: Sevojno D (covering 32 hectares, without infrastructure) and Sevojno L (3.1 hectares, with infrastructure). The Užice Industrial Free Zone has complete infrastructure at a satisfactory level. Most of the zone has the required utility and transport infrastructure. The City of Užice doesn’t have business parks.

The municipality of Ub is the second biggest municipality in Kolubara County, spanning across 456 square kilometres. 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. Coal mining can and should contribute significantly more to the development of the Municipality of Ub. The development plan for opencast mines plans to further exploitation of coal and envisages the opening of new mines after 2020 Apart from natural resources and business potential, tourism offers plenty of development opportunities providing it re-

The town is 96 km from Belgrade, 134 km from Novi Sad, 77 km from Užice, and 72 km from Loznica. The Belgrade-Bar railroad also passes through the municipality. Valjevo’s economy rests on an agri-industry complex, construction and the printing industry. The Private sector is also developed. There are 1,039 privately owned companies operating in the municipality,

ceives 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.

with seven companies considered large, 30 medium and 1,002 small. The Strefil Industrial Zone, good utility infrastructure and proximity to roads, coupled with the willingness of the local administration to help future investors in every way possible, make this town very appealing to investors. And the proof of this can be found in the major European companies who are bringing their business to Valjevo. The value of the implemented investments so far is over €70 million. Valjevo’s economy comprises the agricultural & food sector, construction, metal processing, the print industry and other sectors. There is also substantial potential for the development of tourism. The private sector is especially well developed and mostly comprises SMEs, independent artisan companies and retailers. There are 1,067 companies operating in Valjevo.

CONTACT:

SAŠA MILOŠEVIĆ

DARKO GLIŠIĆ

STANKO TERZIĆ

Mayor Dimitrija Tucovića 52, 31000 Užice Tel: +381 31 590 142 E-mail: uprava@uzice.rs

president 3. oktobar br. 4; 14210 Ub Tel: +381 14 411 622 E-mail: predsednik@opstinaub.org.rs

Mayor Karadjordjeva 64, 14000 Valjevo Tel: +381 14 294 882; Fax: +381 14 226 112 E-mail: gradonacelnik@valjevo.org.rs SERBIAN POTENTIALS | THE INVESTORS GUIDE

VARVARIN

VELIKA PLANA

VELIKO GRADIŠTE

Great Tourist

SITTING ON

Pearl of

Potential

TWO CORRIDORS

Danube

Varvarin is a small town and municipality in the Rasina District of Central Serbia's Šumadija region

The municipality of Velika Plana lies on two corridors – both road and rail

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

Velika Plana lies in the fertile valley of the Velika Morava River, surrounded by the Šumadija’s hills. The town also lies on the Corridor 10 . The main Belgrade-Niš railroad 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. It has a fully functional industrial zone located close to pan-European Corridor 10. Every corner of the municipality is covered by gas and water supply and they are all connected with good transport infra-

Veliko Gradište has a port to cater for all foreign ships traversing the Danube between the Black Sea ports and Vienna. The town also has a customs facility. There are great opportunities for investments in tourism here, thanks to Silver Lake. Another benefit is that the municipal authorities are owners of land plots on the banks of the Danube and the shores of Sil-

The municipality spans across 249 square kilometres 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.

structure. The municipal authorities are currently implementing a regional project that entails construction of a drinking water facility. Velika Plana also has a waste water filtering system. The municipality doesn’t have business parks, but there are several foreign companies operating here – P.E.I. East, Promek and ASA Ibelik.

ver Lake, which can be offered to foreign investors with the aim of developing tourism (on Silver Lake) or developing the processing industry near the Danube, considering that river transport is the cheapest transport available. The Belgrade-Đerdap road is the main transport link between Veliko Gradište and other towns and villages. The municipality of Veliko Gradište doesn’t have an industrial zone as such, though the administration is currently gathering all required documents to form a new industrial zone. However, there are industrial facilities with complete infrastructure at the very entrance to Veliko Gradište. The municipality doesn’t have business parks. There are no foreign investors here, while the domestic companies operating in the municipality include NIS (with its oil river base on the Danube), Silver Lake Investment and cake factory Eskom.

CONTACT:

ZORAN MILENKOVIĆ

DEJAN ŠULKIĆ

DRAGAN MILIĆ

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

Municipal president Miloša Velikog 30, 11320 Velika Plana Tel: +381 26 521 318 E-mail: sovplana@verat.net

Municipal president Ul: Žitni trg 1 Tel: +381 12 662-120; Fax: +381 12 661 128 E-mail: sovgradiste@ptt.rs

The most important transport links in the municipality of Varvarin are pan-European Corridor 10 and the new E-761 motorway (Pojate – Preljina section), with a 10-km segment to run through the municipality. Thezmunicipal spatial plan envisages construction of a 16-hectare industrial zone in the village of Gornji Katun. This new zone will be easy to access, as it lies on the R-217 regional road, which connects it to higher category transport routes. In terms of infrastructure, the zone has a water supply grid, sewer connections and power supply. The plan is also to build several smaller industrial zones in the municipality’s other villages. The municipality doesn’t have main roads and transport links here are mostly class II state roads. The only foreign company operating here is Iprona AG, which is engaged in fruit processing.

50 THE INVESTORS GUIDE | SERBIAN POTENTIALS

VLADIČIN HAN

VLADIMIRCI

VLASOTINCE

Zones Improve

Employment Rate

Tourism

Potential

Field Crop

A feasibility study has been completed for the construction of the Suva Morava Industrial Zone

Agricultural land in the municipality of Vladimirci covers 27,298 hectares

Forests are a vast natural resource and carry signficant potential

Vladičin Han lies in the Vranje Valley and covers both banks of the River Južna (Southern) Morava. The town is 67km north of the national border with Macedonia and 52 km west of the border with Bulgaria. Vladičin Han has access to important transport routes – the Belgrade-Niš-Skopje highway and rail route. The municipality is 333km from Belgrade, 91km from Niš and 112km from Skopje. The municipality comes

Vladimirci is located right next to the Sava River, between Šabac, Valjevo and Belgrade. Two main transport routes – Belgrade-Šabac and Šabac-Valjevo – pass through the municipality. The municipality is 35 km from the airport and it lies on Corridor 10 . Agricultural land covers 27,298 hectares. The area produces much of the product. The biggest companies are located in the northeast part of Vladimirci, near the Šabac-Obrenovac road and the river Sava. The municipality has 300 hectares of land that is state-owned. Apart from the industrial zone, the municipal spatial plan also defines a 5-hectare-business zone for SMEs. Investors are advised to look into tourism since the municipality has abundant natural resources which have great tourism potential. The oldest and the most renowned monastery in northwest Serbia – Kaona – is nearby. The territory of the municipality has many geo-thermal sources that can be utilised

Haven

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

for sporting, recreational, medicinal and spa purposes, as well as for the irrigation of greenhouses. There is a plan to build a spa facility on the basis of geo-thermal sources in the town centre. With regard to telecommunications, the ground and mobile telephony coverage in the municipality of Vladimirci is excellent. All villages have electricity, telephone, internet and road connections…

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. The focus in the coming period will be on the development of the production of vegetables, fruit and particularly winegrowing. Livestock farming is well-developed, but the municipality would benefit particularly from the development of sheep farming, because this part of Serbia has good conditions for the production of cheese and lamb. 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:

GORAN MLADENOVIĆ

VLADICA MARKOVIĆ

ZORAN TODOROVIĆ

Municipal president Svetosavska 1, 17510 Vladičin Han Tel: +381 17 472 260 E-mail: predsednikopstine@vladicinhan.org.rs

Ulica Svetog Save 34, 15225 Vladimirci Tel: +381 15 513 141 and +381 15 513137 Fax: +381 15 513 146 E-mail: predsednik@vladimirci.org.rs

Municipal president Trg oslobođenja 12, 16210 Vlasotince Tel: +381 16 875 122 (extension 105) E-mail: predsednik@vlasotince.org.rs

under the category of severely undeveloped (so-called devastated areas), with a development rate 60% below the state average. The municipal authorities are willing to help with the opening of new work zones for production, storage and service provision purposes. It is expected that the development of the JUG Industrial Zone will have a positive impact on employment here. The infrastructure in the municipality is satisfactory, but is still being improved year-on-year, primarily thanks to the construction of a new motorway on Corridor 10 that traverses Vladičin Han, as well as daily efforts to improve the transport infrastructure in the town itself, such as the reconstructing of the town’s main street or the resurfacing of a 5-km stretch of road leading to the village of Manjak, possibly be the most vital community in the municipality. This municipality doesn’t have business parks.

SERBIAN POTENTIALS | THE INVESTORS GUIDE

VRANJE

VRNJAČKA BANJA

ZAJEČAR

Surrounded by

Zones

Health in

Water and Parks

Wealth ofnatural

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

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

The town of Zaječar is well connected to international and main roads

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 10 and is well-connected to Belgrade, Skopje, Thessaloniki and Sofia. The Vranje Spa is nearby. The temperature of 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

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. This is the most healing Serbian spa. 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-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. Here authorities emphasise that only clean technologies are welcome for investment.

The airports of Niš and Vidin are only 100km away, as are ports in Kladovo and Prahovo. With an industrial zone just 1.2km from the town centre, Zaječar also has natural resources for the development of agriculture and cattle breeding, thermo-mineral springs, rail and road infrastructure and a major waterway, in the form of the Danube, close by. The best investment potential is in the branches of metal processing, food, textiles, glass and porcelain production and electricity generation. Zaječar also has interesting tourist destinations, as well as potential for the further development of tourism. The following foreign investors operate in Zaječar: Gorenje from Slovenia, the Zaječar A.D. Strabag Road Company, Dutch company Heineken and Poland’s TF Kable. The town has interesting locations for investments, most notably the facilities of Timočanka, Paviljon and Nikoličevska Spa.

Romuliana

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 a long history of industrial development and a local policy of providing incentives for new investors. Each company that has launched operations in Vranje and its free zones has generated profits and expanded its business. 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. Vranje is among the top ten small towns in Europe because of low investment costs.

resources

CONTACT:

ZORAN ANTIĆ

BOBAN ĐUROVIĆ

VELIMIR OGNJENOVIĆ

Mayor Kralja Milana 1, 17500 Vranje Te: +381 17 402 334; Fax: +381 17 421 576 E-mail kabinet@vranje.org.rs

Municipal president Krušuvačka 17, 36210 Vrnjačka Banja Tel: +381 36 612 627 E-mail: predsednik@vrnjačkabanja.org.rs

Municipal President Trg oslobođenja br. 1, 19000 Zaječar Tel: +381 19 444 600; Fax: +381 19 421 712 E-mail: suzana.vujic@zajecar.info

52 THE INVESTORS GUIDE | SERBIAN POTENTIALS

ŽABARI

ŽAGUBICA

ŽITORAĐA

Organic Food

Mountain

Incentives for

Agriculture is the dominant branch of industry and leads the municipality development

As an economic branch, tourism has started to develop only recently

This municipality set out to produce organic food for both the domestic and foreign markets

Žabari Municipality is located in eastern Serbia, on the right bank of the River Velika Morava. Administratively part of the Braničevo District, it covers 264km2 and is home to 15,965 residents in 15 settlements. This municipality is connected by road and rail to all parts of Serbia and beyond – it is traversed by the Belgrade-Niš highway and the Belgrade-Bar railway, while it is just

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-Bor) 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 privatised, and a brown coal mine Jasenovac Krepoljin. As an economic branch, tourism has started to develop only recently. Since the municipality is economically undeveloped,

Production

Food

Investors

The Municipality of Žitorađa is located in the Toplica District. It is 10km from Pan-European Corridor 10, Highway E-75, and 35km southwest of Niš. Agriculture is the most developed economic branch here. The municipality set out to produce organic food for both the

it doesn’t have sufficient financial means to develop tourism. The municipality has plans to develop rural tourism. Homolje provides ideal conditions for growing and producing organic food, but also for small game hunting. The municipality has three nature parks – Vrelo Mlave, Krupajsko Vrelo and Homoljska Potajnica – prompting many to opt to develop and work in tourism.

domestic and foreign markets, placing greater emphasis on growing vegetables (especially watermelons), peppers, tomatoes and cucumbers, rather than traditional crops. The municipality has the required cold storage units and fruit & vegetable processing facilities to complete the entire process. Any investor who invests at least RSD600 million and creates at least 100 new jobs is entitled to tax exemptions for a period of 10 years. The P3 Industrial Zone is located on the outskirts of Žitorađa from the direction of Niš. The zone, situated only a kilometre from the town centre, covers an area of eight hectares. The closest railway station is just 300 metres away. The zone has complete utility infrastructure and the land is available for lease free of charge, providing an investor hires more than 50 workers. The municipality has another industrial zone located just 5km from Corridor 10.

CONTACT:

MIODRAG FILIPOVIĆ

SAFET PAVLOVIĆ

GORAN STOJKOVIĆ

Kneza Miloša 103, 12374 Žabari Tel: +381 12 / 250-130 Fax +381 12 /250-232 E-mail: sozabari@ptt.rs

Municipal president Trg Oslobođenja 1, 12320 Žagubica Tel: +381 12 7643 231; Fax: +381 12 7643 237 E-mail: opstinazagubica@beoTel:rs

Municipal President Toplički Heroji 53, 18412 Žitorađa Tel:: +381 27 8362211; Fax: +381 27 8362211 E-mail: opstina@zitoradja.org

50km from the Port of Smederevo, 30km from Požarevac and 100km from Belgrade. Land consolidation and upgrading was carried out on an area of over 8,500 ha in this municipality, with all conditions created for the introduction of an irrigation system, and a healthy and preserved environment, providing an advantage for organic food. The development of rural tourism is incited by two artificial lakes, Aleksandrovačko and Polatnjansko, as well as the Četereže forest, with its ecclesial sites. In according with the general regulation plan, an industrial zone has been determined to the right of 2nd class national road Žabari - Velika Plana, which is not fully equipped. In addition to this, there are transport links and a nearby substation for electric power supply, water connections and telephone. The Municipality of Žabari does not possess business parks.

SERBIAN POTENTIALS | THE INVESTORS GUIDE

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THE INVESTORS GUIDE

VOJVODINA IN FOCUS 2015

contents 58 R EINFORCING ROOTS FOR SUCCESS

BRANISLAV BUGARSKI, Vojvodina Provincial Secretary for Interregional Cooperation and Local SelfGovernment

THE INVESTORS GUIDE

67 K ovin, Kula, Nova Crnja

68 B USINESS PARK INVESTORS Mali Iđoš

74 R uma, Sečanj, Senta 75 S ombor, Srbobran, Sremska Mitrovica

76 E VER INCREASING INVESTMENT Stara Pazova

VOJVODINA IN FOCUS 2015 EDITOR

Saša Marić ASSISTANT EDITOR

Mirjana Zec m.zec@aim.rs

ART DIRECTOR

Ilija Petrović

i.petrovic@aim.rs COPY EDITOR / PROOFREADER

Mark Pullen TRANSLATION

Snežana Bjelotomić SALES DIRECTOR

Melita Andrejević m.andrejevic@aim.rs

PROJECT MANAGERS

69 SUCCESSFUL BRAND

Biljana Dević b.devic@aim.rs

Suzana Mak

Novi Bečej

s.mak@aim.rs

Ivana Fidler

61 A da, Alibunar, Apatin

i.fidler@aim.rs

62 B ač, Bačka Palanka,

77 S remski Karlovci,

Bačka Topola

Subotica, Šid

63 B ački Petrovac, Bečej,

78 T emerin, Titel, Vrbas

Bela Crkva

64 CEMENT PLANT PUSHING DEVELOPMENT Beočin

79 V ršac, Zrenjanin, Žitište

70 N ovi Kneževac, Novi Sad, Odžaci

Pećinci

72 SILOS AND DRYERS Plandište

66 K anjiža, Kikinda, Kovačica

i.krsmanovic@aim.rs

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Ruža Ristanović r.ristanovic@aim.rs

GENERAL MANAGER

Ivan Novčić

i.novcic@cma.rs FINANCIAL DIRECTOR

Ana Besedić

a.besedic@aim.rs

71 O povo, Pančevo,

65 Č oka, Inđija, Irig

Ivana Krsmanović

80 HIGH QUALITY LAND Žabalj

EDITORIAL MANAGER

Tanja Banković

t.bankovic@aim.rs OFFICE MANAGER

Nataša Nešić n.nesic@aim.rs PRINTING

Rotografika d.o.o.

Segedinski put 72, Subotica "THE INVESTORS GUIDE SERBIAN POTENTIALS / VOJVODINA IN FOCUS 2015" published by: alliance international media Makenzijeva 67, 11111 Belgrade 17, PAK 126909, Serbia Phone: +(381 11) 2450 508 Fascimile: +(381 11) 2450 122 E-mail: office@aim.rs www.allianceinternationalmedia.com ISSN no: 1451-7833 All rights reserved alliance international media 2015 This issue is audited by ABC Serbia

VOJVODINA IN FOCUS | THE INVESTORS GUIDE

INTERVIEW BRANISLAV BUGARSKI

Vojvodina Provincial Secretary for Interregional Cooperation and Local Self-Government

Reinforcing Roots

for Success Vojvodina wants to retain its leading position in attracting investors by encouraging the export-orientated sector of the economy and enabling all municipalities to develop their own economic development strategies Despite the lack of foreign invest-

ed to systematise them through four pil-

2020, an office for local economic devel-

ment in the Western Balkans,

lars. These four pillars should contribute

opment, or some “authority” which deals

Vojvodina will again end the year with a

to the creation of infrastructural precon-

with local economic development, and to

solid result of around 4,700 jobs creat-

ditions and conditions for a decent life and

have a way of communicating with citizens

ed through foreign investments totalling

work; we need to raise capacities, to offer

whereby citizens can identify problems in

$237.5 million. This result is a consequence

support for the development of human re-

municipal infrastructure or the operations

of the development strategy and action

sources and we have a competitive work-

of public utility companies. By the end of

plan whose implementation should ensure

force, to build institutions and create sus-

the year we will have development strat-

steady economic growth in Vojvodina.

tainable economic growth. Based on these

egies in 42 of 45 cities and municipalities.

four pillars, we have developed a concrete

Unfortunately, Novi Sad will not have one,

action plan, for now until 2017, which

but we hope the City will understand the

should contribute to achieving these goals.

importance of this document.

• What are the main objectives of Vojvodina’s new 2014-2020 development

Cross-border cooperation programmes are extremely important for Vojvodina, because this is the best way, where formal separation lines exist, to bring people closer again and for them to work together programme, in terms of attracting investors and furthering the economic development of the province? — We want to maintain a dominant position in attracting investors, create conditions for attracting new investors and encourage the export-oriented economy. This is our first and most important goal. Of course, job creation is also one of the priority objectives. As for the strategies, we have attempt-

58 THE INVESTORS GUIDE | VOJVODINA IN FOCUS

ANY 2012

• How many municipalities have so far developed their own local strategy for economic development 2014-2020? — From the very beginning of the term of this government we said that we will implement the policy of building the capacity of municipalities, so that they become public utility services. This means that, by 1st January 2015, all municipalities in Vojvodina should satisfy three components: to have a development strategy for 2014-

• How will the offices for local economic development function and which European models have served to inspire their organisation? — We did not look as much towards European models as to existing models that we had in Vojvodina, and that is precisely why we also insisted on the flexibility of solutions. Offices for local economic development are organised differently in different cities and municipalities. In some places they function as a separate organisational unit within the administration, in some places they are even separate legal entities, while in some places they are within the cabinet of the municipal president or the mayor. Thus, municipalities defined that in different ways. However, what is most important to us is what they do in a high quality way.

It is also important to us to closely

best service for citizens. Currently, offices

that is extremely important to us. This is

communicate with our regional develop-

for local economic development exist in

also illustrated by the fact that, since the

ment agencies of Srem, Banat and Bač-

some form in every city and municipality,

beginning of its mandate, this government

ka, as well as the Regional Development

the 48-hour system is lacked by two mu-

has secured €3.5 million each year in the

Agency of Vojvodina, in order for us to

nicipalities, while a development strategy

provincial budget for pre-financing and

have a direct connection on the ground,

is lacking in three local governments.

co-financing European projects.

but also feedback on the additional pol-

The Vojvodina Standard is aligned with

Likewise, with the European Affairs

icy needs on the territory of Vojvodina,

NALED’s certification relating to investors

Fund we launched the programme of our

enabling the Provincial Government to be

and communications with municipalities.

European Academy, where we will invite

able to react adequately and create the

However, we want to go a step further

all direct and indirect budget users to send

best possible preconditions for economic

and we consider that one of the follow-

one or two of their employees, in order to

and social development.

ing results could be the introduction of

ensure that in all public institutions on the

quality certificates in local governments,

territory of Vojvodina we have people who

• In what ways has the provincial and local authorities responded to the reduced number of foreign investments in the region and, in this context, how do you assess the FDI level in Vojvodina in 2014? — Unfortunately, we are witnessing a reduction in the number of foreign investments. The scope is also insufficient in Vojvodina, but compared to the others we cannot complain, because in 2014 we secured around 4,700 new jobs through foreign investments totalling $237.5 million. This result, if we take into account what is happening in the region, can certainly satisfy us, although we believe it can always function better. That’s why we are continuing to invest in infrastructure, and why we still want to take advantage of the opportunity to present ourselves to potential investors in the best possible way and to expand activities. A more active role in the promotion of exports will be one of the focuses of activity in the future. With a responsible approach and, hopefully, better national policies, we can expect better results. • What is implied by the Vojvodina Standard and how many municipalities satisfy it today and in what way is it aligned with NALED’s programme of certification for municipalities? — The Vojvodina Standard comprises three components that all cities and municipalities in Vojvodina must satisfy by 1st January 2015, namely: development strategy for 2014 to 2020, then every city and municipality must have an office for local economic development and the 48hour system. With that we are striving to offer support for the reconstruction and development of cities and municipalities as service centres, in order to provide the

Through development and raising the competitiveness of our agriculture, we want to create preconditions for a competitive food industry which would enable us to define within the administration of cities and munici-

understand the context of the functioning of the European Union and are able

palities, in this part of the service, who is

to think about how to solve the problems

responsible to whom and in what period

they are facing. I hope that in a relatively

they must do their job.

short period we will be part of the European Union, because everything we do is

• How much do EU programmes aimed at strengthening cross-border cooperation create the possibility for economic development and attracting investors in municipalities along the borders? — Cross-border cooperation (CBC) programmes are extremely important for Vojvodina, because this is the best route to take, where formal separation lines exist, to again bring people closer and for them to work together on specific topics. In Vojvodina, from 2014 to 2020, we expect over €80 million from CBC programmes and

aimed at Serbia becoming an EU member, which will also certainly have a positive impact on cooperation with neighbours and border regions.

• In which way does cooperation with European regions enable the attracting foreign investors to Vojvodina? — The point of cooperation with European regions is not just to attract investors. It is important to establish ourselves as a good partner, for us to use all opportunities to present Vojvodina and, of course, to extend VOJVODINA IN FOCUS | THE INVESTORS GUIDE

support to our entrepreneurs in entering the markets of these regions, on the one hand, but also for us to exchange experiences and learn from the best, in order for Vojvodina to thereby gain a dominant position when we talk about quality of life and level of socio-economic development in this part of Europe. Of course, we want to use the opportunity to be a channel for entrepreneurs and business leaders from friendly regions to enter the market in this part of Europe. So, these are our basic goals and ambitions and I think now we can say that this cooperation is extremely positive.

• In your opinion, what are the greatest achievements of Vojvodina’s guest appearances at the OPEN DAYS event in Brussels? — The greatest achievement was certainly that joint conference we participated in together with the most developed regions of Germany (Baden-Württemberg), Italy (Lombardy), France (Ron Alp) and Spain (Catalonia), where we talked primarily on the subject of the challenges confronting us in the field of rural development. As you are familiar with, over 50 per cent of the population of Vojvodina lives in rural areas, which is why challenges facing the food industry and agriculture are an extremely important topic for us. Moreover, there have been many meetings with representatives of our friendly regions of

the agri-food industry sector to Vojvodina municipalities? — The two branches hit the least during the global economic crisis were the food and pharmaceutical industries. Vojvodina has potential in both of these branches and what we want to do is, through the development and raising of the competitiveness of our agriculture, create preconditions for a competitive food industry. I think that, with 1.6 million hectares of arable land, Vojvodina has exceptional potential to develop agriculture and the food industry, and all activities will continue in that direction in the future. If you consider that over 64% of the

harms the development of villages and that it is neither natural nor normal for an investor to receive, among other things, state land to cultivate that cannot be done by local farmers who live in these areas. We believe this is the totally wrong policy and, as such, we oppose this kind of contract.

• How much are the demographic characteristics of Vojvodina limited when it comes to the offer of skilled labour? — We have a low birth rate in Vojvodina and we have invested great efforts, through the pro-birth policy, to respond to this challenge. Here I am primarily referring to artificial insemination support programmes,

not only for the first child, but for a second

The point of cooperation with European regions is not just to attract investors. It is important to establish ourselves as a good partner, to use all opportunities to present Vojvodina and, of course, to offer support to our entrepreneurs entering those regional markets

and third, and through financial support for those who receive a third child, in order to help people decide to take that step. When it comes to the offer of skilled labour, it is certain that without serious reform of the education system and adaptation of the education system to meet the needs of the economy in the medium term,

Hessen, Baden-Württemberg, Lombardy

gross value of agriculture on the territory

we will continue to have a problem with

and Osijek-Baranja County, and we have

of the Republic of Serbia is created in Vo-

the competitiveness of our economy. In

also met up with our colleagues from

jvodina, then it is clear how important Vo-

addition to that, one of the challenges we

Slovakia, so that was a very successful

jvodina agriculture is – not only for Vojvodi-

face is the fluctuation of our young work-

appearance overall and we took the op-

na, but also for the whole of the Republic

force. Assuming they can gain citizenship

portunity to present our cultural potential

of Serbia. We believe that is an outstanding

of some of the countries that are already

at a reception that is traditionally held in

starting foundation for the further devel-

EU members, the possibility opens for

Brussels, always on Mondays, during the

opment of villages and Vojvodina in gener-

them to offer their labour to some other

Open Days event.

al, and is also one of the reasons why we

markets, which then significantly jeopard-

• On the basis of which principles does Vojvodina want to attract investments in

oppose the arrangement with investors

ises the offer of skilled labour on the terri-

from the UAE, because we believe that

tory of Vojvodina. •

60 THE INVESTORS GUIDE | VOJVODINA IN FOCUS

ADA

ALIBUNAR

APATIN

Metal

Ideal

Beer

Processing

wind farms

production

This municipality has been the regional leader in textiles and metal processing

The municipality of Alibunar has a well-developed road network and is also connected to the regional rail network

The port city of Apatin is a business and commercial centre on the Danube

The municipality of Ada is located in northern Serbia’s Autonomous Province of Vojvodina. Agriculture and the food industry dominate the economic branches in this municipality, which covers an area of 228.6km2 and has a population of 18,998. Ada has a modern road network and a one-way regional railway Bečej-SentaAda. The River Tisza is also used for transportation year-round and has a well-regulated marina.

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 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. There are four industrial zones here – Alibunar 1 (95 hectares), Alibunar 2 (3 hectares), Alibunar 3 (83 hectares) and Banatski Karlovac (2 hectares). Industrial zones are registered as undeveloped land. There is an option of leasing the land. Building permits are issued in 8 days. Continental Wind Serbia is reconstructing kilometres of new roads in the Alibunar

The close proximity to main railways and roads means that Apatin is connected to all major European routes. The municipality of Apatin owns a 160-hectare industrial zone which has internal roads and complete infrastructure. In terms of infrastructure, Apatin has the first ever international marina in Serbia. It has 400 berths with 120 being yacht berths and the rest used for small boats. In 2014 the municipality established the

Municipality, in order to enable the construction of wind farms with a capacity of 300 MW, which will be sufficient to meet the needs of more than 30,000 households. In the first phase, in 2015, CWS plans to erect 57 wind turbines, each with an installed capacity of 2.5 megawatts. The Cibuk 1 wind farm project represents one of the major investments in Serbia.

biggest duty-free zone in Serbia, where investors have favourable business conditions and all services rendered will be exempt from VAT. The biggest industry in Apatin is food processing, primarily beer production. The wood processing, textiles, metal processing and shipbuilding industries are also developed. The Apatin shipyard is located on an international waterway. The municipality of Apatin implements the so-called ’48 Hour System’ and provides other investor-related services. The municipality grants incentives in regard to paying utility and land lease fees, and can exempt investors from paying spatial planning taxes and costs associated with issuing building permits and related documents. The most important upcoming investment in the municipality is the construction of an intermodal centre and a public port, which will create between 2,000 and 3,000 jobs.

CONTACT:

ZOLTAN BILICKI

ĐURICA GLIGORIJEV

DR ŽIVORAD SMILJANIĆ

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

Municipal president Trg Slobode 4; 26310 Alibunar Tel: +381 13 642 105; Fax: +381 13 641 146 E-mail: predsednik@alibunar.org.rs

Srpskih vladara 29, 25260 Apatin, Srbija Tel: +381 25 773131 Fax: +381 25 773212 E-mail: kabinet@soapatin.org

Ada’s industrial zone is just 75km from Novi Sad, 150km from Belgrade, 45km from the Serbian/Hungarian border and 65km from the national border with Romania. The industrial zone is located approximately 1.5km from the centre of Ada and about 2km from the center of the town of Mol. The industrial zone covers a total area of 150 hectares, of which 45.1 ha are owned by Ada and 32.08 has already been leased. The zone has connections for water and gas supply, electricity, sewage, fixed telephone lines, internet access, a railroad and a local link road leading to the nearby R-122 regional road. Plots have been leased in the industrial zone by 10 companies, though construction has yet to commence (MK Commerce, Metal Center Vojka, Tot Isabella, East West Bridge, Grower Seed, Adabai, Koša Sandor, Adafert, Termometal, Panon holding doo Senta).

VOJVODINA IN FOCUS | THE INVESTORS GUIDE

BAČ

BAČKA PALANKA

BAČKA TOPOLA

Organic

food centre

Danube and

Fruška Gora

Industrial

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

A good location and favourable climate ensure there are many opportunities for the development of tourism here

The most important economic branch here is agriculture

Organic food is the symbol of the municipality. The municipality’s main economic potentials are the River Danube, the natural border with Croatia, abundant natural resources (land, forests, waters, tourist potential, hunting and fishing) and a clean environment with a focus on organic production. Other important branches in the municipality are construction, commerce, the

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. The municipality’s population is 60,966 and it spans an area of 577 km2. 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 tex-

food industry and crafts. There are 380 companies operating in the municipality of Bač, mostly representing small businesses. The dominant economic branches here are commerce, hospitality, crafts, construction, agriculture, food production, organic food production, tourism and the metal processing industry. The municipality has an industrial zone, the Bač Work Zone. The price of leasing a plot of land here is €0.9 per square metre, while the land development fee is €3 per square metre. The municipality has no business parks. Bač is a small, border municipality with the longest Central European river – the Danube – being its natural 43-km border with Croatia. Bač also has a canal that is an integral part of the Danube-Tisza-Danube hydro-system. There is only a cargo railroad nearby. The industrial zone in Bač has a complete infrastructure, it is divided into plots and registered in the municipal land books.

park

The municipality of Bačka Topola is in the central part of Bačka County. The town of Bačka Topola is 146 km from Belgrade. The municipality is 45 km from the nearest border crossing Horgoš – Röszke on the Serbian – Hungarian border. Bačka Topola owns 30 hectares of land in its industrial zone which is available to investors for purchase. The strategic goal of municipal authorities is attracting FDIs,

tile production and Sintelon Company, the renowned manufacturer of floor coverings. Other important economic branches here are agriculture, metalworking, electrical industry and beer production. Several large multinational companies are successfully operating in this municipality, including Sintelon a.d. Tarkett, Enia, Maltinex-Sufle and Carlsberg Serbia.

hence the municipality 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. The Topolski Industrial Park is set to be built in an area designated as an industrial zone by the Bačka Topola General Zoning Plan. This zone possesses electricity, water, gas and road infrastructure. The SSA PANA Foamtec Company has launched construction of a factory for processing foam materials used in automobile industry. One of the company’s clients is Swarovski ". The metal-processing complex consists of companies that produce wood cutting tools, metal goods, electrical and machining companies and the production of chains and metal products. The region of Bačka Topola has many tourist attractions.

CONTACT:

DRAGAN STAŠEVIĆ

ALEKSANDAR DJEDOVAC

MELINDA KOKAI-MERNJAK

President Trg dr.Zorana Djindjića 2, 21420 Bač Tel. +381 21 770 075 E-mail: predsednik@bac.rs

Municipal president Tel: +381 21 210 1192 Fax: +381 21 6045 587 E-mail: info@backapalanka.org.rs

Muncipal president Maršala Tita 30; 24300 Bačka Topola Tel: +381 24 715 899, 024/715-899 E-mail: kmmelinda@btopola.org.rs

62 THE INVESTORS GUIDE | VOJVODINA IN FOCUS

BAČKI PETROVAC

BEČEJ

BELA CRKVA

Accelerated

development

Two

waterways

Tourism on

Bački Petrovac has good cooperation with the Republic of Slovakia

Two important waterways pass through the municipality of Bečej

Bela Crkva has many waterways, including the Danube, Nera and Karaš rivers

Bački Petrovac is one of the municipalities in South Bačka County. Slovakian national minority makes the majority of the population. Since this municipality is located on very fertile ground, branch of economy is agriculture, which makes half of the business structure. This municipality is characterized by favourable geostrategic position; it is 25 km away from the City of Novi Sad, 90 km

Bečej lies on the right bank of the river Tisza and is one of the biggest town in the area of Potisje. Also, it is the economic, social and cultural centre of the municipality. 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 Tisza, between Bačko Gradište and Bačko Petrovo Selo. The transport activities are the most important factor in the local economy. The Belgrade-Novi Sad-Subotica-Budapest 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 Tisza and the Danube-Tisza-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. The most developed branches here are agriculture, metal processing, construc-

Water

In terms of investment opportunities, Bela Crkva has natural resources for the development of all sorts of tourist activities. The municipality 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. Also, this is where the Deliblato Sands nature reserve is located.

tion and crafts. Beneath Bečej lies a pocket of six billion square metres of carbon dioxide, which is processed by the Cardbodioksid Factory, a member of Linde Gas Serbia. This company’s main product is dry ice. There are five industrial zones suitable for greenfield investments and seven zones suitable for brownfield investments. Permits are issued from eight to thirty days.

Bela Crkva has several attractive locations on the shores of it lakes that are suitable for building hotels, tourist apartments and hospitality facilities. Each available plot is covered by a detailed regulatory plan and relevant building permits can be issued in just seven days 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. Bela Crkva is also suitable for development of wind farms since wind energy here is abundant, as verified by many studies. There are opportunities for developing light industry and light food technology plants in rural areas, considering the available potential for growing fruits, vegetables, crops and other cultures. Technical and other prerequisites for the construction of a port on the DTD canal and a marina on the Danube have been met.

CONTACT:

PAVEL MARČOK

VUK RADOJEVIĆ

STANKO PETROVIĆ

President Tel: +381 21 780 378 and 780-247 Fax: +381 21 780-571 E-mail: opstina@backipetrovac.rs

President Trg Oslobođenja 2, 21220 Bečej Tel. +381 21 6811 888; Fax +381 21 6811 758 E-mail:vuk.radojevic@becej.rs

President Miletićeva 2, 15313 Bela Crkva Tel: +381 13 853 346; Fax: +381 13 853 346 E-mail: bc@arenapc.org

away from Nikola Tesla Airport, Corridor 10 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 located 25 km away from two ports on the Danube River. There are industrial zones on 71 ha and the Business Park Zone with more than 20 ha of construction land in the vicinity of Novi Sad. Backi Petrovac has good cooperation with the Republic of Slovakia and Slovakian investors are interested in cooperating with us since there is no language barrier. The main industrial branches here are food processing, metal processing and the chemicals sector. The biggest foreign investment was made by Belgian company Louis Block, which currently employs 120 workers. The municipality has great potential for rural tourism and also boasts ‘The Danubian Dream’ ethno-park.

VOJVODINA IN FOCUS | THE INVESTORS GUIDE

BEOČIN

Cement Plant milan sodić Municipal president

The driving force behind the industrial and corporate development of this municipality is Lafarge

Pushing Development Marine transport is available via the international Danube waterway and the canal of the Lafarge BFC cement plant, linked to a section of the Danube’s main flow Beočin Municipality is located in the central

in the processing industry, agriculture and trade.

part of AP Vojvodina, in northwest Serbia. It be-

The driving force behind industrial and corporate

longs territorially to northern Srem, but administra-

development in this municipality is Lafarge. That is

tively it is part of South Bačka District. Novi Sad, the

why special emphasis is placed precisely on Lafarge

administrative capital of AP Vojvodina, is just 17 km

when it comes to assessing the corporate sector, as

away. The municipality covers 186 square km and is

well as the environmental protection sector in this

one of the smallest municipalities in South Bačka Dis-

municipality. This industry deals with the production

trict. It is home to a total of 15,726 residents in 5,577

of sanitary products and water pipeline installations,

households.

production of PVC packaging, precise mechanics, rock

The municipality has relatively favourable trans-

exploitation, production of construction materials,

port routes and a strategic position, and is also well

wood treatment and processing and, finally, the pro-

connected to other settlements. Beočin has a transit

duction of concrete and metal accessories.

and partial border position (Croatia), while good road

The Beočin Business Park, part of Lafarge BFC, is

links to its immediate neighbours and further afield

fully equipped in terms of infrastructure. It covers an

are noteworthy – primarily in terms of road links to

area of 18 ha – four investors have already utilised

Novi Sad, Sremska Mitrovica, Belgrade and neighbour-

the advantages provided by the Beočin Business Park

ing Croatia. Considering the position of this munici-

in order to conquer the markets of SE Europe: Mars

pality beside the Danube, navigable river routes rep-

(Sweden-Serbia), J & J (Serbia), Pro Wood (Serbia) and

resent a significant advantage for freight and tourist transport. Water traffic in the municipality of Beočin is present via the international Danube waterway and the canal of Lafarge BFC cement plant, covering a length of 1,800m, and a Danube sub-section with a length of 3,000m. On the periphery of the cement plant is a cargo pier for unit cargo and bulk cargo.

The dominant corporate activities in Beočin are in the processing industry, agriculture and trade

The international Danube waterway (Pan-European Corridor 7), as well as its access canal and port within Lafarge BFC, are of great importance to Beočin.

Agro grnja DOO (Serbia). The new industrial zone, cov-

The municipality encompasses a total surface area of

ering an area of 25 ha, is not equipped in terms of in-

over 18,587ha, with 8,342ha representing agricultural

frastructure, but the local government plans to start

land and 6,799ha covered by forests and forestland.

investment in 2015 and install required infrastructure

CONTACT: Milan Sodić Municipal president Svetosavska 25 Tel: +381 21 870 260 Fax: +381 21 870 268 E-mail: milan.sodic@beocin.rs

on an area of at least five hectares.

lower fees for the adaptation of construction land,

The process of issuing location and construction

depending on the number of employees, by as much

permits has been reduced to just a few days. Our task

as 90%, and exemptions from paying environmental

is to maximally assist investors, to facilitate their

protection charges for the first year of doing business,

needs and act as a guide for investors through the in-

through mediation in obtaining provincial and repub-

vestment procedure. All employees of Beočin Munici-

lic subsidies, loans and incentives.

pality’s public enterprises take pride in their integrity,

The dominant corporate activities in Beočin are

64 THE INVESTORS GUIDE | VOJVODINA IN FOCUS

great experience and knowledge. •

Photo: Municipality of Beočin

Beočin Municipality offers incentives for investors:

ČOKA

INĐIJA

IRIG

Zone Preparation

Most Developed

Vineyards and

Underway

Municipality

Famous Wines

Čoka has an industrial zone registered as undeveloped land

Inđija is a town known for its artisan and industrial expertise and good work habits

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 Tisza in northern Vojvodina. An area of human inhabitation for millennia, the most valuable archaeological site here is called Kremenjak. Due to their rarity, the archaeological artefacts found in the municipality have been dubbed relics of “The Čoka Culture”. The municipality is located 180km from Belgrade and 100km from Novi Sad. It cov-

The municipality of Inđija has an excellent strategic position that is conducive to business development. It lies at the intersection of international motorways and railroads which connect Belgrade and Zagreb, on one side, and Sofia, Belgrade, Subotica and Budapest on the other, ultimately linking the area to all major destinations in Europe and Eurasia. The strongest economic branches here are agriculture, light industry, small businesses, commerce and tourism. Inđija is also one of the most successful towns in Serbia when it comes to attracting investment. In early 2008 the Financial Times rated Inđija among the top 25 investment destinations in Europe. It has two industrial zones equipped with utility infrastructure and a good geographical/transport position spanning 735 hectares. In early March 2012, the Financial Times’ competition “European Cities and Regions of the Future” saw Inđija ranked as the sec-

ers an area of 321 square kilometres and has a population of 13,832. The main economic branches here are agriculture, metal processing, basic tobacco processing and the plastics industry. Agriculture has a dominant share of the economy, while land (arable and uncultivated) covers an area of 29,000 hectares – almost 90% of the entire municipal territory. State-owned land spans across 12,000 hectares and is mostly used by agricultural companies. Čoka has an industrial zone registered as undeveloped land. The zone stretches between Senta and Čoka and is situated only 50 metres from the M-24 main road and railroad, and 3km from the River Tisza. Infrastructure at the site is under construction. The shortest period for obtaining required building permits and approvals is five months.

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. For centuries Irig has been known for its vineyards and orchards. The famous Irig wines were a regular staple in Vienna, Bra-

ond best destination in Europe, in terms of investment effectiveness. Then, in 2013, the Municipality of Inđija was declared the most transparent local administration. The biggest companies operating here are Thyssenkrupp, Martini Gradnja, Farmina Pet Foods, Henkel, IGB Automotive Comp, Metal Cinkara, Grundfos, Strig Metali, Indo Adriatic Industry and Embassy Group.

tislava 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. Cooperation with surrounding municipalities is very well developed, while construction permits can be issued in one month. There are numerous wineries here that produce highly regarded wines. There are eight monasteries on the municipal territory which are true gems of religion, culture, history and architecture.

CONTACT:

BALAŽ FERENC

PETAR FILIPOVIĆ

VLADIMIR PETROVIĆ

Municipal President Potiska 20, 23320 Čoka Tel. +381 230 71000; Fax +381 230 71175 E-mail: opstina@coka.rs

Municipal President 22320 Inđija, Cara Dušana 1 Tel: +381 22 561311; Fax: +381 22 560304 E-mail: pfilipovic@indjija.net

Municipal president Vojvode Putnika 1, 22406 Irig Tel: +381 22 400 600; Fax: +381 22 462 035 E-mail: opstinairig@neobee.net VOJVODINA IN FOCUS | THE INVESTORS GUIDE

KANJIŽA

KIKINDA

KOVAČICA

Green Energy

Energy and

Food

Centre of

Naïve Art

Kanjiža has a river border crossing for passenger traffic

Kikinda has an exceptional link to all important roadways and corridors

Kovačica is 25 km from Pančevo and the Danube port

Potential The municipality of Kanjiža is a border area in north Vojvodina, on the right bank of the river Tisza, and is comprised of 13 towns and villages. It is located near the Corridor 10 and on the Corridor EGK 4 (the River Tisza). Good transport links with neighbouring areas mean that the municipality has an advantageous geographical position. The Municipality of Kanjiža has a river border crossing, while a cargo port is situat-

ed in the town of Senta, just 25km from the centre of the municipality. The most developed economic branches in the municipality are agriculture, the food processing and construction materials industries, national and international freight and spa tourism. Beneath this area’s fertile land are large deposits of oil, clay, gas and thermal waters. 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 10 (the E-75 motorway) and the R-119 road. The Tisza is nearby while the crossing at the Serbian / Hungarian border is only 4 km away. Apart from the Horgoš Industrial Park and the Kanjiža Industrial Zone, brownfield investments can be made in an industrial complex spanning five hectares, greenhouses, production facilities and through the acquisition of liquidated companies.

Kikinda is the biggest town in North Banat District. 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 services. Kikinda has an access to the Danube-Tisza-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. Kikinda is known as a habitat for owls and attracts a large number of tourists

We are 47 km from Belgrade and 80 km from Novi Sad. We have excellent links with urban centres, while regional roads and the railway connect the municipality to the international transport Corridor 10 and Nikola Tesla Airport. We expect the Danube bridge near Borča to be opened in 2014 which will significantly reduce the distance between the municipality and the airport, international transport corridors, ports and Belgrade which is important for our local economy.

who come to watch these birds. Owls are under special protection and are guarded.. 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. There is also a new border crossing with Romania: Nakovo - Lunga.

The most developed industrial branches here are the processing industry, manufacturing of construction materials and finished products, the footwear industry and other. Agriculture is a predominant branch in Kovačica. Last year, Kovačica was certified by NALED and thus became one of the municipalities in Serbia with the optimal environment for doing business. The town still has 65 hectares of unallocated land in our industrial zone which is located on the outskirts of Kovačica, near the M-24 regional road and international railway corridors. Special attention is paid to the development of tourism and special lines of credit exist for this purpose. The roads in the municipality of Kovačica are paved. Gas system installation is currently being carried out in the village of Crepaja, and installing gas will be continued in other villages, including the industrial zone in Kovačica.

CONTACT:

MIHÁLY NYILAS

PAVLE MARKOV

MIROSLAV KRIŠAN

Municipal president Glavni trg 1, 24420Kanjiža Tel: +381 24 873 442; Fax: +381 24 875 116 E-mail: invest@kanjiza.rs

Municipal president Trg srpskih dobrovoljaca 12, 23300 Kikinda Tel: +381 0230 410-105; Fax: +381 0230 410-203 E-mail: info@kikinda.org.rs

Municipal president Maršala Tita 50, 26210 Kovačica Tel: +381 13 661 122; extention 121 E-mail: zelimir.lenhart@kovacica.org

66 THE INVESTORS GUIDE | VOJVODINA IN FOCUS

KOVIN

KULA

NOVA CRNJA

LAND PLOTS FOR

Industrial Zone With

Three

INVESTORS

Infrastructure

Free Zones

The Block 119 industrial zone will be finished this year and completely available to businesses

Municipality of Kula is located within the fertile flatland of Vojvodina

Over a half of municipality’s population (52.7%) generates income from agriculture and related activities

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 7 and has 44 km of the Danube river bank stretching across its territory. This is one of the biggest municipalities in Serbia, spanning across 730

square km. The Deliblatska Peščara nature reserve covers 27,000 hectares, while 40,000 hectares are arable land. The municipality has the Block 119 industrial zone. The zone is divided into individual land plots which are all project regulated and have valid building permits. 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. The biggest companies in the municipality are West Pharmaceutical Services, Naša Sloga, Silos, Jugoprevoz, Statik, Nova Peščara, Alpis a.d and Champicomp.

It is a multinational and multicultural environment, where differences are nurtured and cherished. Due to its natural characteristics (41,000 ha of arable land), climate and water resources, Kula has a lot of potentials in the field of agriculture and development of spa, country and nautical tourism. The municipality has more than 450 ha of construction land available for industrial zones. The largest and most significant industrial zone is located next to main road M-3, covering the area of 85 ha, 20 ha being fully equipped and ready for investments. Opština obezbeđuje olakšice za potencijalne investitore. The Municipality of Kula is completely ready to accept investors. Following construction of local roads leading to the main national road, the construction of infrastructure in the Kula industrial zone has been completed. There are no business parks on the municipality’s territory. The MPE Balkan Company, owned by Italian company MPE Srl, has launched

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

production of car parts at the production facility of the former Istra Company. Another Italian company – Mateo d.o.o. – is engaged in the production of footwear uppers for renowned global brands. The company currently employs 100 workers and has a plan to start construction of a factory in the Kula work zone, which will bring around another 100 new jobs.

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. Works worth in excess of a hundred million dinars are underway in the municipality, related to municipal infrastructure. Foreign investors are showing interest in the construction of renewable energy sources.

CONTACT:

DUŠAN PETROVIĆ

DRAGAN TRIFUNOVIĆ

PERA MILANKOV

Municipal president Tel: +381 13 742 114; Fax: +381 13 742 322 E-mail: predsednik@kovin.org.rs Website: www.kovin.rs

Municipal president Lenjinova 11 25230 Kula E-mail: kabinetpredsednika@kula.rs

Municipal president 110 JNA, 23218 Nova Crnja Tel: +381 23 815-030; Fax: +381 23 815-722 E-mail: novacrnja@gmail.com VOJVODINA IN FOCUS | THE INVESTORS GUIDE

MALI IĐOŠ

Business Marko Rovčanin Municipal President

The Small Steps Industrial Zone, which initially spans 20ha, has all essential infrastructure

Park Investors The Small Steps Industrial Park, which is occupied by foreign companies, is situated between the motorway, the main regional road and the village of Feketić

In terms of territorial size, the Municipality of Mali

Sub-surface studies have shown presence of ther-

Iđoš is one of the smallest municipalities in the

mal waters which can be used for industrial purposes.

Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, spanning only

Four years ago the so-called European Road was built,

18,100 hectares and comprising three settlements – Mali

which is connected to the main M-22 road and is con-

Iđoš, Lovćenac and Feketić. Located alongside the Bel-

sidered the industrial zone's main service road.

grade-Budapest international motorway, it is 48km and 50km away from Subotica and Novi Sad respectively.

In addition to electrical cables, the required piping for optical cables has also been fitted.

The municipality's settlements are connected by

PTP Julia Mlin d.o.o. is the first investor to occupy

the main M-22 Subotica-Belgrade road, while the new

the industrial zone. The company has invested over €5

international E-75 highway, which connects Serbia to

million to date, since opening its doors in September

Hungary, is only a kilometre away from Feketić. This

2011. PTP Julia Mlin produces high quality flour.

pan-European Corridor 10 motorway is considered one

The second investor to start doing business here is

of the most important links between Southern and

Jana Komerc d.o.o. from Vrbas, while the third investor

Central Europe. Feketić and Mali Iđoš also have direct

– Ravago Premix d.o.o. – is currently in the stage of de-

link roads to the E-75 highway, with the latter currently

signing its future facility here. The construction of the

under construction. The proximity to national borders

company's facility is expected to start in spring this year.

creates favourable conditions for constructing and

The municipal authorities provide certain benefits

developing a business park between the E-75 motorway, the M-22 road and Feketić – says Marko Rovčanin, President of the Municipality of Mali Iđoš. The municipality has good transport links to larger cities and neighbouring areas, with the towns of Vrbas, Srbobran and Bačka Topola located between 12 and 16km away. The Small Steps Industrial Park lies at the very

Investors in the industrial zone are exempt from paying communal fees during their first five years of operating here

CONTACT: Zita Nagy, Project Manager of the Small Steps Industrial Zone Maršala Tita 36 Feketić 24323 Tel: +381 24 4100260 Fax: +381 62 432675 E-mail: zita.nagy@small-steps.com Languages: Serbian, Hungarian, English, German

M-22 regional road and the southern part of Feketić.

for investors in the industrial zone and they are exempt

The limited company that runs Small Steps was found-

from paying communal fees during their first five years

ed in 2004, in collaboration with the municipal author-

of operation.

ities, with the aim of developing the industrial park

The municipality's land is mostly agrarian, with

together with local and foreign partners and investors.

companies and farms growing wheat, maize and sugar

During the inital phase, this industrial zone spans

beet. This is very important for the further develop-

20ha and is equipped with essential infrastructure. A

ment of the food processing industry and is conducive

power substation was established in the middle of the

with the opening of artisan SMEs.

industrial park in 2010, with a water well source hav-

The biggest investors in the municipality are PTP

ing been established the year before. Following that,

Julia Mlin d.o.o., Agrokons, Montel, Montrom, Chik-

a well-based water supply and accompanying infra-

Prom, Big-Chick, Agriromagna, Test New Company

structure were constructed.

d.o.o. and DTD Ribarstvo. •

68 THE INVESTORS GUIDE | VOJVODINA IN FOCUS

Photos: Municipality of Mali Iđoš

heart of Vojvodina, between the E-75 motorway, the

NOVI BEČEJ

Successful Saša šućurović Municipal President

Gospojina, the event which has placed us among the top four municipalities in Serbia in terms of tourism, has helped us brand our municipality successfully

Brand

We expect to be certified as a municipality with a favourable investment environment The municipality of Novi Bečej boasts several industrial zones – some located in the town of Novi Bečej itself, some elsewhere in the municipality. Several

cultural branch. Still, Novi Bečej is best known for its tourism and the Gospojina event.

companies, mainly local, have opened or extended their

- We have been working hard on tourism devel-

production capacities and grain storage facilities here,

opment since 2006. Gospojina, the event which has

while we also have four potential investors from the en-

placed us among the top four municipalities in Ser-

ergy and commercial production sectors.

bia in terms of tourism, has helped us brand our mu-

According to municipal president Saša Šućurović,

nicipality successfully. Realising that we cannot live

in addition to developing tourism with the help of the

off Gospojina alone, we have also begun develop-

Gospojina Festival, which has become a brand in its

ing event tourism. Each year we organise 25 tourist

own right, the municipal industrial zones also provide

events covering 25 weekends during the year. A dif-

opportunities for economic development.

ferent small happening or large-scale event is held

We are currently in the process of gaining NALED

each weekend. I would certainly like to point out the

certification and we expect to be certified as a munici-

event “When the Tisza Flourishes”, which has grown

pality with a favourable investment environment. This

very popular with tourists and locals and practical-

will serve as proof that our public sector is capable of

ly heralds the beginning of the summer season. We

responding quickly and professionally to the needs of

have signed a cooperation agreement with the Asso-

interested investors. Thanks to our prompt implemen-

ciation of Travel Agents of Serbia, which has close to

tation of USAID’s small business incubator project,

30 members. This agreement stipulates that a travel

this agency has now included us in more of the programmes it runs. Novi Bečej Municipality is very conscious of local agriculture and in certain areas it has proved something of an agricultural pioneer. President Šućurović explains: - In terms of being pioneers, I would like to mention three things: we were the first municipality to lease out state-owned land. The municipal authorities medi-

Thanks to our prompt implementation of USAID’s small business incubator project, this agency has now included us in more of the programmes it runs

CONTACT: Saša Šućurović Municipal President 23272 Novi Bečej Žarka Zrenjanina 8 Tel: +381 23 772320 Fax: +381 23 772550 E-mail: sasasucurovic@novibecej.rs

ricultural complex, and this entire area of land – some

agency sends us buses filled with tourists willing to

1,700 hectares – was bought by domestic farmers. We

spend some time in our municipality. We have been

are the first municipality to have signed an agreement

organising tours of our cultural and historical monu-

with the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina’s Guaran-

ments, which ties in nicely with the tours of our win-

tee Fund regarding the subsidising of interest rates in

eries. The local Biserno Ostrvo (Pearl Island) is known

the purchase of machinery and equipment. Although

for its renowned Krokan wine. Many farms here are

we were the first to sign such an agreement, its real-

also engaged in rural tourism and the local author-

isation is only now starting. Lastly, we were the first

ities run two museums, while there is also a private

municipality in Serbia to have founded agri-incubators,

museum – the Tractor Museum – which is unique in

in collaboration with USAID, targeting first time vege-

this part of Europe. We guarantee a good time for an-

table growers and with a view to developing this agri-

yone choosing to visit Novi Bečej. • SERBIAN POTENTIALS | THE INVESTORS GUIDE

Photos: Municipality of Novi Bečej

ated successfully in the sale of land to the BD Agro ag-

NOVI KNEŽEVAC

NOVI SAD

ODŽACI

Developed Food

Development Centre

Border

Production

of the Province

municipality

Municipal authorities can provide substantial incentives 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 Tisza is its natural western border. The Tisza Bridge (between Novi Kneževac and Kanjiža) plays an important role in linking

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 10 transport route passes through Novi Sad. Corridor 10 which stretches from Salzburg to Thessaloniki and connects eight countries (plus six additional countries if we count the Corridor’s branches). Corridor 7 or the Danube Corridor, connects the Western European countries with the Black Sea via river routes. The Novi Sad Customs Free Zone is one of four such zones in Serbia. Companies can carry out their production activities

Odžaci is situated in West Bačka County and the municipality spans across 41.12 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. The municipality is well connected to the whole of Southeast Europe via a network of roads, rail links, waterways and airports which make it a very attractive investment destination. Pan-European Corridor 7 (Danube) is the main waterway in the

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. Specific local financial incentives exist for investors and job creation, while the City seeks to develop all economic sectors.

EU, linking 10 European countries, from the North Sea to the Black Sea. The Bogojevo International Port has a strategic position in the municipality of Odžaci, on the border with the Republic of Croatia. It is suitable for intermodal transport. The Blok 46 zone is equipped in terms of infrastructure and has available land plots suitable for both brownfield and greenfield investments. 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:

DRAGAN BABIĆ

MILOŠ VUČEVIĆ

DUŠAN MARIJAN

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

Mayor Trg Slobode 11, 21000 Novi Sad Tel: +381 21 522-451 E-mail: milos.vucevic@novisad.rs

Knez Mihajlova 24 25250 Odžaci Tel: +381 25 466 086; Fax: +38125 742 396 E-mail: protokol@odzaci.rs

North Banat and Bačka districts. The bridge is also an integral part of the international transit route which leads to the Horgoš-Reske motorway and the border crossing. 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 adopted the Declaration on the prohibition of the cultivation, trade and use of genetically modified organisms – GMOs – on the territory of the Municipality of Novi Kneževac. This means it will not permit the growing and spreading of GMO organisms. 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.

70 THE INVESTORS GUIDE | VOJVODINA IN FOCUS

OPOVO

PANČEVO

PEĆINCI

Healing

Mud

Chemicals

Industry

Haven for

The mud found here can be used in treating rheumatic diseases

Most of the town’s land plots are available and each is regulated by a detailed zoning plan

A lot of attention has been given to developing agriculture

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 7 and Corridor 10 – 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 zon-

One of the things that give the municipality of Pećinci a great advantage over other municipalities is an exceptionally good geographical 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

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 10 . Nikola Tesla Airport is 50 km away. Thanks to the natural resources, the prevalent economic activity here is agriculture. The Tamiš River, medicinal mud

SMEs

ing 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. Pančevo is located just 18km from Belgrade and is not far from Novi Sad and Timisoara, thus it provides swift access to a direct market of three million consumers.

1,800 hectares. The municipal authorities have been constantly upgrading the infrastructure in these zones. In the last ten years, the municipality of Pećinci has become one of the most promising municipalities in Serbia, known as “the place of prosperity.” Between 2004 and 2007, €300 million in investments were made in the Šimanovci industrial zones. Apart from providing various incentives for farmers, the money we collect from leasing out agricultural land, which amounted to 20 million dinars, is re-invested in agriculture. Tourism is our great opportunity for development. The Obedska Swamp is in the Pećinci. This area has the Mother Angelina Church and St. Luke Church as the main historical sites. The Jeremija Bread Museum is a must-see. Famous local tourist events are the annual Gibancijada and Fijakerijada.

CONTACT:

MILORAD SOLDATOVIĆ

PAVLE RADANOV

DUBRAVKA KOVAČEVIĆ

Borisa Kidriča 10, 26204 Opovo Tel. +381 13 681 030 Fax +381 13 6810 202 e-mail: milorad.soldatovic@3dnet.rs

Mayor 2-4 Trg kralja Petra I, 13000 Pančevo Tel. / Fax: +381 13 346 393 and 343 222 E-mail: gradonacelnik@pancevo.rs

Municipal president Slobodana Bajića 5, Pećinci 22410 Tel +381 22 400740 E-mail: opstina@pecinci.org

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. The village of Baranda and its surroundings are rich in medicinal mud, which is composed of many minerals that impact positively in the treatment of rheumatic diseases and sciatica. 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.

VOJVODINA IN FOCUS | THE INVESTORS GUIDE

PLANDIŠTE

Silos Milan Selaković Municipal President

Castles, churches, hunting grounds, parks and thermomineral waters all have great tourist potential

and Dryers Individual private farms cover 15,000 hectares of land here, accounting for 49.3% of the total area covered by arable land

The territory of the municipality of Plandište

Plandište is considered an undeveloped municipal-

covers the southeastern part of the Autono-

ity (Category IV, according to municipal development

mous Province of Vojvodina in the eastern section of

criteria). The municipality’s administrative centre is the

the Banat District. It is situated between the national

town of Plandište, with a population of 4,000.

border with Romania, to the east, the municipality of

The municipality’s economy has been going

Sečanj, to the north, the municipality of Alibunar, to

through transition and restructuring over the last few

the west, and the municipality of Vršac, to the south.

years, which has proved a rather painful transforma-

Plandište is 122km from Novi Sad, 85km from Bel-

tion to an open market economy.

grade, 21km from Vršac and 95km from Timisoara in

Agriculture and textiles companies comprise the

Romania. The municipality is also 100km from Bel-

core of the local economy. The two biggest companies

grade’s Nikola Tesla Airport, 60km from Timisoara

in the municipality used to be agricultural enterprise

international airport and 20km from Vršac Airport

Holding Agrobanat and textiles company Plantex,

(suitable for small passenger and training planes). The

which employed a combined total of over 2,000 work-

Air Serbia Pilot Academy in Vršac is known for its top

ers in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Since then both

quality, highly professional pilot training, with graduates generally going on to work for the world’s most renowned airlines. The municipality of Plandište spans 383km , com2

prising 18% of the territory of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina and 0.386% of Serbia as a whole. According to the last census of 2011, the municipality has a population of 11,336 inhabitants residing in 13 towns and villages. In terms of population, the municipality ranks 126th out of 145 municipalities in the

Food industry in the municipality comprises of crop processing, production of goods for human and animal consumption, processing of poultry and, to a smaller degree, pork

Republic of Serbia. Plandište is a multi-ethnic community that is home to 20 different nationalities. Of the total population here, Serbs account for 51.76%, Hungarians 11.29%, Macedonians 9.19%, Romanians 6.92%, Slovaks 5.43%

CONTACT: Milan Selaković Municipal President 26360 Plandište Vojvode Putnika 38 Tel: +381 13-861-033 Fax: +381 13-861-134 E-mail: office@plndiste-opstina.rs

Considering its multi-ethnic composition, the level of tolerance in the municipality is higher compared to other homogenous areas. The peoples of different nations learned how to coexist here centuries ago. All local institutions, pre-school facilities and schools are multilingual. The Serbian, Hungarian, Romanian, Slovakian and Macedonian languages are all official languages here.

72 THE INVESTORS GUIDE | VOJVODINA IN FOCUS

Photos: Municipality of Plandište

and Roma 2.48%.

companies have been privatised and today

of poultry production, the Vindija Com-

The plastics industry is currently rep-

they employ a total of 300 workers.

pany from Lajkovac has its own branch in

resented by a recycling facility and the

Arable land in the municipality covers

Plandište, engaged in the production and

small-scale production of plastic packag-

38.313,9 hectares and includes Category II

processing of poultry. Their factory spans

ing. Both companies are privately owned,

land – 16.97%, Category III 27.56%, Category

7,000 square metres, while company’s fa-

while there is also a private company in Ve-

IV 33.58% and Category V 14.96%.

cilities in total cover 55,000 square me-

lika Greda producing cardboard and plastic packaging for a renowned client. Infrastructure is currently under construction in the Zapad Work Zone. The zone is located near a populated area and spans close to 12ha. It is also a suitable location for new investments. The municipal territory also has crude oil and gas deposits, which are being exploited in the Velika Greda Jug and Jermenovci oil fields. Exploitation here started in 1952 and since 1965 the NIS GaspromNeft company has been engaged in oil drilling in this area. There are also thermal waters in Velika Greda, Jermenovci and Plandište, in the area

Agriculture is the most important economic branch in the municipality and the driving force behind economic development. Individual private farms occupy 15,501 hectares of land, accounting for 49.3% of the municipality’s total area of arable land.

The municipal territory does have crude oil and gas deposits which are being exploited in the Velika Greda Jug and Jermenovci oil fields. There are also thermal waters in Velika Greda, Jermenovci and Plandište, i.e. in the area surrounding the Stari Lec village

These are small farms, covering an average of 4.42 hectares. While the average size of land plots here is 1.43 hectares. Co-

surrounding the village of Stari Lec. Ther-

operatives and several other agricultural

mal water wells have been built but are cur-

companies are also engaged in agri-busi-

rently closed and are not being exploited.

ness. Crop storage capacities are signifi-

Castles, churches, hunting grounds,

cant, with a 10,000-tonne silo in Velika Gre-

parks and thermal mineral waters all carry

da and silos in Plandište (capacity: 20,000

great tourist potential. There is available

tonnes) and Banatski Sokolac. All three

accommodation in the Platan Motel in

silos are privately-owned and the silos in

Plandište and at the Kapetanovo Castle

Velika Greda and Plandište also have in-

(1km from Stari Lec), which is situated on

dustrial dryers.

the Vršac-Zrenjanin route.

Industry is the second most important

Plandište also has cultural and his-

sector of the local economy and the prev-

torical monuments like the Kapetanovo,

alent industries are food production, tex-

tres. Vindija has its own farms in Plandište

Dunđerski and Jagodić castles, two cas-

tiles and plastic mass recycling.

and Velika Greda, as well as a modern ab-

tles in Stari Lec, as well as the buildings

Textiles companies here are private-

attoir. The company complies with HACCP

housing the municipal assembly and local

ly-owned and the most important is Jasmil

standards and has a certificate permitting

court. The Kapetanovo Castle, built in 1904,

Arilje d.o.o. (formerly Plantex), which has its

export to the EU. It produces 3,000 tonnes

provides accommodation and has 12 rooms

own brand and production.

of poultry-based products annually. In

and a restaurant.

The food industry in the municipality

2013 some €3 million was invested in the

The Dunđerski Castle in Hajdučica, also

comprises crop processing, production

factory and a new production facility was

called Kaštel, is protected by the state. It

of human food items and animal fodder,

opened, creating 50 new jobs. The plan for

was built by Lazar Dunđerski in 1904. The

poultry processing of poultry and, to a

the following period is to further expand

Jagodić Castle lies on the shores of the

lesser, pork processing at the private-

production facilities and the company it-

River Brzava and is considered a campes-

ly-owned abattoir in Jermenovci. In terms

self, thus creating more new jobs.

tral castle. • VOJVODINA IN FOCUS | THE INVESTORS GUIDE

RUMA

SEČANJ

SENTA

Industry at the

Small processing

Incentives for

Ruma is located between the two biggest cities in Serbia – Belgrade and Novi Sad

Agriculture is the main economic branch in the municipality, with 38,000 hectares of land used for this purpose

The municipality of Senta is situated close to the borders with Hungary (46 km) and Romania (77 km)

Heart of Srem The municipality of Ruma is situated in the heart of Srem District, on 582 square km. The E-70 motorway is nearby, as is the railway which links Ruma to West and Southeast Europe. Also, the M-21 main road is very close by. Apart from its strategic position, the municipality has another advantage, and that is providing investment incentives in the form of substantial discounts on land de-

capacity

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. Apart from crop farming, which is the main agricultural branch here, there are also cattle breeding, fishing and fruit growing. The municipality has five fish farms producing fish for consumption. They span 3,000 hectares. The Massagrar Novi Sad has a pig farm in Sečanj, which has an annual capacity of 22,000 piglets. The Severozapad zone is located in

Investors

The municipality of Senta has an excellent geo-strategic position and developed water, road and rail transport routes. An international river port has been built in Senta, on the right bank of the River Tisza, 121 km away from the river’s source. The advantages of the municipality of Senta lie in its municipal industrial zones suitable for greenfield investments, the availability of quality human resources, competitive labour costs,

Sečanj, while the zone in Jaša Tomić, spanning 43 hectares, is not equipped in terms of infrastructure. The municipal authorities advise investors to invest in small-scale processing capacities (higher processing stages), which are primarily based on the local raw material base. The only foreign investor operating in the municipality of Sečanj is Cimos from Koper, Slovenia.

the close proximity to the borders with Hungary (46 km) and Romania (77 km). The Senta industrial zone is another very favourable location for investors. The zone spans across an area of 20.31 hectares and has complete infrastructure. With the aim of utilizing thermal and mineral water for development of spa and wellness tourism, a 1,120-metre-deep geo-thermal well has been built. There is over 10 hectares of land suitable for investing around the well. An advanced food processing industry offers many investment opportunities. Also, considering a long tradition and experience in industrial production, we think that the most efficient investments would be those in metalworking. Incentives apply for investors in the form of exemption from payment of construction land usage fees and company signage charges for a period of three years in the case that they have hired at least five new permanent workers during the business year.

CONTACT:

SLADJAN MANČIĆ

PREDRAG MILOŠEVIĆ

CEGLEDI RUDOLF

Municipal president Glavna 155, Ruma 22400 Tel: +381 12 2478 314; Fax + 381 12 2479 588 E-mail: predopruma@ruma.rs

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

Glavni trg 1 24400 Senta Tel: +381 24 655 444 Fax: +381 24 812 034

velopment fees. Depending on how many new jobs an investor creates, he could be totally exempt from paying this fee. Traditionally, Ruma has been the industrial centre of Srem. Apart from its good geographical location, the municipality of Ruma has a lot of top quality arable land. Ruma adopted a Local Employment Action Plan in 2014, which yields good results because it encourages the development of entrepreneurship and job creation. 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. The Rumska Petlja industrial zone spans across 308 hectares of land, with 238 hectares regulated by zoning documentation. In terms of infrastructure, the zone has electricity and water supply, while the gas supply and sewage, as well as additional access road, are planned to be finished in the summer of 2013.

74 THE INVESTORS GUIDE | VOJVODINA IN FOCUS

SOMBOR

SRBOBRAN

SREMSKA MITROVICA

Major

Agrarian

City of

Industrial Zone

Municipality

Roman Rulers

The nearest airport is only 7km from the town of Sombor

This municipality is connected to the motorway and the Great Bačka Canal

The town has three industrial zones – Sever, Sever 2 and Jezero - which are designated for greenfield investments

The town of Sombor is situated in 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 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 7 (the Danube River). 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. There are five companies undergoing restructuring in the city and the local government, in cooperation with banks, provides favourable loans for the development of SMEs. The town itself has developed infrastructure, but it is also not bad in the nearby villages and other parts of the municipality.

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. 92.8% of the municipal territory is agrarian. 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. Apart from the Beljanska Bara nature park, there are also the Stara Tisza nature park near Pearl Island, cultural and historical monuments, 18th century churches, old granges and ethno-houses to visit. 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. The municipal authorities lease out land plots in the industrial zone for a period of up to 80 years.

The town of Sremska Mitrovica is a very old town and was one of four capital cities of the Roman Empire. It is located in northwest Serbia, in the area where three morphological entities meet – the plains of Srem, the plains of Mačva and Mount Fruška Gora. Small businesses and entrepreneurs account for almost 40 per cent of the local economy, while industrial production accounts for almost 30 per cent. The town has two international roads – the E-70 motorway, which is a part of Corridor 10 , and the Vienna-Thessaloniki international railroad. The R-103 regional road leads to the border crossing with Bosnia and Herzegovina. 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 facilities, which cover over 6,900 m2 of space, are suitable for brownfield investments.

CONTACT:

SAŠA TODOROVIĆ

ZORAN MLADENOVIĆ

BRANISLAV NEDIMOVIĆ

Mayor Trg Cara Uroša 1, 25000 Sombor Tel: +381 25 468 133; Fax: +381 25 468 116 E-mail: gradonacelnik@sombor.rs

Municipal president Tel: +381 21 731 077; Fax: +381 21 731 079 21480 Srbobran, Ul Trg oslobodjenja 2 E-mail: info@srbobran.rs

Mayor Svetog Dimitrija 13, 22000 Sremska Mitrovica Tel: +381 22 610 566; Fax: +381 22 610 562 E-mail: smkler@gmail.com VOJVODINA IN FOCUS | THE INVESTORS GUIDE

STARA PAZOVA

EVER INCREASING Ðorđe Radinović Municipal President

The stability and strength of the economy is based on the strength of local small businesses entities

INVESTMENT

Rich natural resources and a favourable geographical position have enabled the development of a number of enterprises

The municipality of Stara Pazova is located in the

million, another benefit is the creation of 750 valua-

northern part of Serbia, in the province of Vo-

ble jobs. French company Straight New, following the

jvodina and southeast Srem. It is located at a crossroads

opening of its new facility in February this year, has

and represents an attractive location in many ways.

just announced an additional investment of $18 mil-

Located between the two largest cities in the

lion and 120 new jobs over the next three years. Aus-

country - 30km from Belgrade and 40km from Novi

trian company Imax has already completed the first

Sad - Stara Pazova is connected to all important roads

phase of construction of its logistics centre, which

passing through Serbia: two highways - Belgrade-Za-

plans to employ about 500 workers, and will continue

greb (E-70) and Belgrade-Novi Sad (E-75), the M-22 main

to invest in a few more objects of a similar purpose. In

road and regional roads R-106 and R-121, then interna-

2013 German company Obo Bettermanm also opened

tional rail routes linking the municipality to Subotica,

its representative office in Stara Pazova. Scania has a

Hungary and Germany to the north, and south towards

brand new service and sales centre, as well as its head-

Niš, Macedonia or Greece. Belgrade’s Nikola Tesla Air-

quarters in Krnješevci, while Milšped is completing ad-

port is just 15km from Stara Pazova, while eight kilo-

ditional storage space in the Krnješevci industrial zone

metres away is the future cargo centre at the Batajnica

and currently employs about 1,000 workers. Medijus,

military airport. The Danube flows along the eastern

a local supermarket chain, is achieving remarkable re-

border of the municipality, covering a length of 24km,

sults, while Tehnoplast is one of the largest exporters.

ensuring the municipality is connected to key marine,

“Creating a favourable business environment for

road, rail and air transportation. Of the municipality’s nine settlements, three are urban in type - Stara Pazova, Nova Pazova and Novi Banovci Around 1,000 enterprises and over 2,000 independent retailers operate in the municipality. Various industrial activities are also represented: metal and metal processing, plastics, rubber, wood processing, construction and others. Four industrial zones on 1,500 hectares are currently fully equipped, while there are also plants and representative offices of the world's most successful companies, such as the Delhaize

In the last two years, thanks to the work and efficiency of local government, a total of €123 million of investments has arrived, and this trend is continuing because companies recognise our advantages

CONTACT: Municipal President Ðorđe Radinović Svetosavska 11 22300 Stara Pazova Tel: +381 22 310170, ext. 152 Fax: +381 22 310000 E-mail: djordje.radinovic@ starapazova.rs

DHL, Muehlbauer, Milšped, Grubin, Greiner and JP Pack-

investors and entrepreneurs and job creation; taking

aging, Gorenje, Scania, Volvo and others.

care of citizens and working on completing infrastruc-

In the last two years, thanks to the work and ef-

tural projects in order to raise the standard of living are

ficiency of local government, the territory of the mu-

the three crucial areas of development - says Presi-

nicipality of Stara Pazova has received a total of €123

dent of Stara Pazova Municipality, Ðorđe Radinović.

million of investments and this trend is continuing.

– By bringing investors, we have succeeded in a short

In mid-November 2014, company Delhaize put into

time, with our flexibility and efficiency of procedures,

operation a newly constructed central distribution

to achieve excellent cooperation with a significant

centre of 70,000m2. Alongside an investment of €50

number of successful and renowned companies.” •

76 THE INVESTORS GUIDE | VOJVODINA IN FOCUS

Photos: Municipality of Stara Pazova

Group, Mercedes-Benz, Alumil, Nestle, Husqvarna,

SREMSKI KARLOVCI

SUBOTICA

ŠID

Fish and

Various

CITY OF PAINTERS

Wine

Industries

ŠUMANOVIĆA

The municipality of Sremski Karlovci is the smallest municipality in AP Vojvodina

The city has a number of industrial zones ready to take investors

The Municipality of Šid has industrial zones in very attractive locations

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 di-

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 10 , the E-85 railroad 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, Budapest and Osijek. Subotica’s industry has been diverse for a very long time. Apart from the food, elec-

verse 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. There is increasing development of viticulture and the production of renowned Fruška Gora wines, but also fishing, recreational sport, tourism and fruit cultivation 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 hectares) 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.

The Municipality of Šid is well-connected to the E-70 motorway and other main and regional roads, while the Belgrade-Zagreb international railroad also passes through this municipality, while Šid also boasts five state border crossings and two local border points. The municipality is 10km from the border with Croatia and 13km from the border with Bosnia-Herzegovina (Republika Srpska).

trical, metal processing, chemicals, textiles and leather industries, footwear and sock manufacturing, printing and construction have also been developing rapidly. The Mali Bajmok Industrial Zone is equipped with complete infrastructure (power, water, sewer and gas supplies, optical cables and roads with street lighting). Subotica doesn’t have business parks.

The municipality possesses 500 hectares of land intended for industrial zones. The Adaševci Industrial Zone covers an area of 123 hectares and is currently being prepared for potential investors. Thanks to its excellent location, the zone is considered the most attractive of all industrial zones in the area. These zones are located in both the town of Šid and the municipality’s villages – representing a vital element in achieving balanced development for all parts of our municipality. Large areas of agricultural land provide the basis for attracting investment capital and presently represent Šid’s primary economic resource. Thanks to the EU Exchange 4 programme, municipal teams from Beočin, Šid and Sremski Karlovci successfully completed an audit of all assets under public ownership during 2014.

CONTACT:

MILENKO FILIPOVIĆ

JENE MAGLAI

NIKOLA VASIĆ

Municipal president Trg Branka Radičevića 1, 21205 Sremski Karlovci Tel: +381 21 6853 000; Fax: +381 21 6853 077 E-mail: sremkarl@eunet.rs

Trg slobode 1 24000 Subotica Tel/Fax: +381 24 666 677 E-mail: mayor@subotica.rs

Municipal President Karađorđeva 2, 22240 Šid Tel: +381 22 712544; Fax: +381 22 712022 E-mail: predsednik@opstinasid.org VOJVODINA IN FOCUS | THE INVESTORS GUIDE

TEMERIN

TITEL

VRBAS

Novi Sad

Cross-Border

River Canal

“Suburb”

Cooperation

Network

Temerin is only 80 km from Belgrade and 7 km from Novi Sad

The Emperor’s Swamp, a unique flora and fauna reserve, is near Titel

A favourable geographical position and main transport routes are the reasons why Vrbas is considered the centre of Bačka County

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. Titel is well-connected to large urban areas by road, railway and river, while Corridor 10 and Corridor 7 (the Danube) are our link to Europe and the rest of the world. Apart from the rivers Tisza 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 is Titel’s natural link to Belgrade. The Emperor’s Swamp, 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

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

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

extent, in livestock breeding and vegetable growing. Cross-border cooperation takes place via a number of projects in Titel, the most important of which relate to the Fair of Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Titel’s specific geographic location ensures this place is a potential marine tourism centre. The municipality’s plans to build a cargo port called the Port of Titel on the Tisza River.

through Vrbas. The municipal territory is intersected by water canals Efforts have been launched by several municipalities, together with Vrbas, aimed at completing a central industrial water purifier. The municipality pays great attention to promoting an ecologically clean environment. 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:

DJURO ŽIGA

MILAN NASTASIĆ

DR BRATISLAV KAŽIĆ

President Novosadska 326, 21235 Temerin Tel: +381 21 843 888; Fax: +381 21 842 792 E-mail: predsednik@temerin.rs

Municipal president Tel: +381 21 860 186; Fax: +381 21 861 553 Ul Glavna br 1, 21240 Titel E-mail: opštinatitel@gmail.com

Municipal president Maršala Tita 89, 21460 Vrbas Tel: +381 21 7954 000 E-mail: info@vrbas.rs

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. The Municipality of Temerin provides excellent conditions for the development of sport and recreation. Here there is an Olympic sized pool and two covered swimming pools with geothermal water that springs from a depth of 600m and is rich in iodine and sulphur, which impacts positively on sufferers of rheumatic diseases. Hunting tourism is also developed.

78 THE INVESTORS GUIDE | VOJVODINA IN FOCUS

VRŠAC

ZRENJANIN

ŽITIŠTE

City of Wine, Medicine

Promising

town

Numerous Mineral

Water Sources

The town has been focusing on developing small and mediumsized entrepreneurship in several industrial branches

Zrenjanin lies on an 8km long section of the Danube and a 40km long stretch of the River Tisza

There are many thermal and mineral water springs which are yet to be fully utilised

and Pilots

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, confectionary, construction, and wine & beer industry, as well as in agriculture.

In 2006 USAID declared Zrenjanin one of the most promising towns in the region, while in 2007 the town was declared a “City of the Future” and in 2008 the World Bank ranked it number one in Serbia in terms of overall business environment. This town has access to the greatest number of waterways: the rivers Danube, Tisza, Begej and Tamiš, as well as the DTD canal network. Zrenjanin is an important transition centre, while its airport is the biggest Category C airport in the Balkans. It is located near the Ečka Zone. Zrenjanin is appealing to investors thanks to its favourable strategic position, while the land here is cheap, utility infrastructure is well organised and the local government is efficient. Location and building permits can be issued in just 15 days. The Jugoistok (Southeast) Industrial Zone is located on the outskirts of the town and has properly developed land plots spanning 72 hectares, with a possibility of extension to 1,100 hectares. Land

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 founda-

plots here are fully developed in terms of infrastructure. Apart from the local administration’s support in obtaining the required permits and providing other technical assistance, investors can also take advantage of the services of the Zrenjanin Business Incubator. There are 16 foreign investors in Zrenjanin, coming from Italy, Germany, Sweden, Slovenia, France and Croatia.

tion 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 the water here has medicinal properties. The springs are scattered all over the municipalities. Investors can invest in production of biomass and dehydration of agricultural products, as well as in food industry, plastics, construction materials and textile industry. During the course of this year and next, landscaping around the lake in Žitište is planned, as is the landscaping of areas for recreational fishermen, the developing of a network of walkways, developing platforms and feeders for swans and other waterfowl.

CONTACT:

ČEDOMIR ŽIVKOVIĆ

ČEDOMIR JANJIĆ

MITAR VUČUREVIĆ

Municipal president Trg Pobede 1, 26300 Vršac Tel/fax: +381 13 800 561 E-mail: dmak@vrsac.org.rs

Municipal President Trg slobode 10, 23000 Zrenjanin; Tel: +381 23 3150080 E-mail: kabinet@zrenjanin.rs

Municipal president Cara Dušana 15, 23210 Žitište Tel: +381 23 821 050; Fax; +381 23 821 308 E-mail: opstina.zitiste@gmail.com

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 has had its own airport and famous aviation academy for 70 years, which produces excellent pilots who work for numerous airlines. 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.

VOJVODINA IN FOCUS | THE INVESTORS GUIDE

ŽABALJ

HIGH Čedomir Božić Municipal President

The Municipality has an efficient administration that is fully equipped to respond to the demands of investors under the shortest possible deadlines

QUALITY LAND Žabalj has a favourable geographic position due to the proximity of three major industrial centres - Belgrade, Novi Sad and Zrenjanin, as well as developed road and inland waterway transport

The Municipality of Žabalj is located in South

pality and has hydrological characteristics that enable

Backa District, in Šajkaška County, and consists

the execution of transport operations of all vessels

of four settlements: Žabalj, Čurug, Đurđevo and

(two-way navigation with a draft of 2.5 m). Hydrological

Gospođinci. According to the 2011 census, the munici-

conditions ensure this river is navigable throughout the

pality is home to a population of 26,134. The municipal-

entire year.

ity covers a territory of 400km2 and is located at the very centre of Vojvodina. It extends west from the River Tisza between the municipalities of Bečej, Srbobran, Temerin, Novi Sad and Titel, and to the east, in the Banat region, the neighbouring municipalities are Novi Bečej and Zrenjanin.

CONTACT: Čedomir Božić Municipal President Nikole Tesle 45 21230 Žabalj Tel: +381 21 831068 Tel/ fax: +381 21 831094 E-mail: sozabalj@EUnet.rs Tel: +381 21 831089 Tel/fax: +381 21 831094 E-mail: privreda@opstina.zabalj.com

• Each municipality has its own peculiarities when it comes to economic potential. What are the advantages of the municipality of Žabalj and what would you highlight when it comes to attracting new investors? — Žabalj Has a favourable geographic position thanks to the close proximity of large industrial centres (Novi Sad 25km, Belgrade 80km, Zrenjanin 25 km), the navigable, international waterways of the River Tisza, the close proximity of Corridor 10, the Port of Novi Sad (20km), Nikola Tesla International Airport (80km), and defined area for work zones, then multipurpose use of the Tisza, the existence of the railway line to the Potiska region (Novi Sad - Žabalj - Bečej - (route toward Vrbas) - Senta - Kanjiža - Horgos) – says Žabalj Mayor Čedomir Božić at the beginning of this interview, adding that the municipality of Žabalj boasts three basic types of transport: road, rail and water. Road transport is the main form of transport in the context of this area and its capacities meet most of the needs of passenger and cargo transport, while rail and water transport are used only occasionally for the carriage of passengers or mass goods. Waterway transportation is present in the municipality of Žabalj by way of the navigable River Tisza, which represents the eastern boundary of the munici-

80 THE INVESTORS GUIDE | VOJVODINA IN FOCUS

• Which industrial branches are the biggest and fastest growing in your community, and where is there room for faster growth? — The most important economic activities on the territory of the municipality of Žabalj are agriculture, the processing sector and wholesale and retail. The leading economic activity in the municipality of Žabalj is agriculture, because we have a large area of high quality agricultural land - emphasises Božić. – The processing industry – in terms of the sugar and milling industries –

Through the Spatial Plan, 16 new working zones have been identified. However, there is no projecttechnical documentation and supporting infrastructure for the work zones

are of great importance. The Šajkaška JSC

of exports), manufacture of wood pack-

Žabalj sugar factory is very important for

aging (4% share of exports), trade and ex-

the economy of the municipality, because

port of cereals (4% share of exports) and

it is an exporter to the EU market. We also

the production of cooling and ventilation

have organic production and a special or-

equipment and metal structures (2% share

ganic farm, as well as a specially construct-

of exports). However, there are also great

ed brand in the form of Bello Organic milk.

opportunities in the production of agri-

President Božić notes that the metal

cultural commodity production, as well as

processing industry is being revived in this

raising processing capacities.

municipality. At the same time, he notes, entrepreneurs and registered agricultural holdings – in terms of individuals – are of great importance.

• Administration is important for the development of each municipality, in terms of its efficiency, expertise, equip-

velopment of your municipality and how do you evaluate the infrastructure in your municipality - what is at the highest level and what is least developed? — The economic development of the municipality of Žabalj will be based on: construction of work zones the Eastern work zone of Žabalj and the Đurđevo work zone, with infrastructure, through the utilisation of benefits provided by the local government, in terms of reduced utility taxes, fast and efficient administration, as well as a cheap and high quality workforce, which will enable us to attract new investment and the opening of small and medium-sized enterprises, which will contribute to reducing unemployment and increasing the living standards of citizens and creating preconditions for the municipality of Žabalj to become the economic leader in the region. • What would you specifically propose for future investors, and what for tourists and visitors? — Tourism potential is reflected in the fact

• Everyone’s fighting to lure investors. What economic branches and social areas would you recommend for investment? — The main characteristic of the foreign trade exchange is its steady growth in the period from 2000 to 2008, when it recorded the highest export of nearly $40 million and the largest surplus of $31.2 million. The municipality has also had a constant surplus in foreign trade since the year 2000. The most important export activities in 2013 were: sugar production (77% share in exports), production of vitamin/mineral premixes and finished mixtures (7% share

The economic development of the municipality of Žabalj will be based on: construction of work zones the Eastern work zone of Žabalj and the Đurđevo work zone, with infrastructure, through the utilisation of benefits provided by the local government, in terms of reduced utility taxes, fast and efficient administration, as well as a cheap and high quality workforce ment... How are these factors in your municipality? — The Municipality has an efficient administration that is fully equipped to respond to the demands of investors under the shortest possible deadlines. All investors in our municipality received their permits very quickly, and if there is any kind of delay we have professional people who can help to clear blockages as quickly as possible. They provincial authorities are also very ready to help immediately if I have some unresolved issues. We have no problems with the issuance of permits and that goes very quickly.

that on the banks of the Tisza in Žabalj there is a golf centre, the best equipped in Serbia, with the possibility of providing any requirements demanded by this elite sport. There are also extremely high quality hunting grounds rich in pheasant and rabbit, as well as roe deer and wild boar. Ther are excellent fishing grounds, because the municipality of Žabalj has excellent conditions, considering that the Tisza, Tiha Tisza and Jegrička rivers boast fish stocks sought

Photos: Municipality of Žabalj

• What are the priorities of the Municipality of Žabalj when it comes to infrastructure investments in the coming period? — Through the Spatial Plan, 16 new working zones have been identified. In the municipality of Žabalj there are certain locations designated for the construction of work zones, which are listed in the Spatial Plan of the Municipality of Žabalj. However, there is no project-technical documentation and supporting infrastructure for the work zones.

by avid sports fishermen. Except rest and relaxation, these sites are also suitable for new investments, because they are all linked to nature and its resources, which is very attractive to both domestic and for-

• What will provide the basis for the de-

eign visitors. • VOJVODINA IN FOCUS | THE INVESTORS GUIDE