GERMANY 2014

GERMANY & SERBIA

Reliable Partner of Serbia Towards EU Membership 2014

CONTENTS

8

GERMANY & SERBIA

K EY COUNTRY IN THE REGION

24

H.E. HEINZ WILHELM German Ambassador to Serbia

Reliable Partner of Serbia Towards EU Membership

26

COPY EDITOR Mark Pullen

11

ART DIRECTOR Ilija Petrović i.petrovic@aim.rs

O PTIMISM WITH REASON

ROLF – JURGEN SEYERLE Managing Director, Star Import d.o.o. Serbia

SALES DIRECTOR Melita Andrejević m. andrejevic@aim.rs

12

PROJECT MANAGERS Biljana Dević b.devic@aim.rs Ivana Krsmanović i.krsmanovic@aim.rs

M UCH NEEDED HAND

39

A MAGNET FOR INVESTORS

German-Serbian Business Association (DSW)

28

16

C OME TO IVANJICA! REINER BAUMBACH CEO of Atair GmbH

German economy

40

HE BALL IS T IN OUR COURT

L ESS BUREAUCRACY, MORE FDI

RONALD SEELIGER Chairman of the DSW Board of Directors

TRANSLATORS Snežana Bjelotomić OFFICE MANAGER Nataša Nešić n.nesis@aim.rs

29

E MPLOYEE LEASING STILL UNDEFINED

GORDANA STEVIĆ DULIĆ, Lawyer

A GOOD REPUTATION GOES A LONG WAY EMILIJA STEFANOVIĆ, Director of Vojvodina Investment Promotion

EDITORIAL MANAGER Tanja Banković t.bankovic@aim.rs

32 19

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Ruža Ristanović r.ristanovic@aim.rs

I NNOVATIVE AND AVAILABLE

20

PRINTING Rotografika d.o.o.

Makenzijeva 67, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia Phone: +(381 11) 2450 508 Fascimile: +(381 11) 2450 122 E-mail: office@aim.rs www.cordmagazine.com ISSN no: 1451-7833 All rights reserved alliance international media 2014

E ACH STEP IS MORE AMBITIOUS JÜRGEN WELSCHOF Director of KfW Bank in Serbia

44

R ISE OF INDEPENDENT PUBLISHERS German culture

46

M ARDI GRAS'S GERMAN COUSIN People and tradition - Carnivals

48

I NVESTMENT&YOUTH PLANNING THE SECRET OF GERMAN SUCCESS German football

49

U NPREDICTABLE LEGAL SYSTEM JEOPARDISES INVESTMENTS

MARTIN KNAPP Director of The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Serbia

22

F LEXIBLE AND RESPONSIBLE

JOSO BIJELIĆ CEO of Intese GmbH & Co. KG - Industrial Technical Services

INA BULAT General Director of Merck Serono and Executive Director of Merck Serbia

GENERAL MANAGER Ivan Novčić i.novcic@cma.rs

G ROWING INTEREST IN GERMAN LANGUAGE AND CULTURE MATTHIAS MÜLLERWIEFERIG Director Goethe-Institut Belgrade

30

FINANCIAL DIRECTOR Ana Besedić a.besedic@aim.rs

KLAUS MOCK Regional Coordinator, Help – Hilfe Zur Selbsthilfe E.V., Serbia

S TRONG BUSINESS NETWORK

ŽELJKO SERTIĆ Serbian Economy Minister

PHOTOS Zoran Petrović

4 |

37

MARKO ČADEŽ President and Founder of Forum Serbia Germany and Director at the Serbian Chamber of Commerce Representative Offices in Germany and Austria

2014 EDITOR Tanja Jakobi

S ERIOUS OPPORTUNITIES FOR COOPERATION

N ATIONAL PRIDE OF GERMANS Sport in Germany

33

Q UALITY AND KNOW-HOW

NEBOJŠA GRBUŠIĆ Executive Director of Energotehnika Južna Bačka

34

RELIABLE PARTNER OF SERBIA TOWARDS EU MEMBERSHIP

L EADING PARTNER AND DONOR TO SERBIA Economic cooperation

50

E UROPEANS ADORE GERMAN CITY BREAKS Tourism in Germany

For more information, please contact us by phone 011 310 55 00 or visit www.dhl.rs

EXCELLENCE. SIMPLY DELIVERED. RELIABLE PARTNER OF SERBIA TOWARDS EU MEMBERSHIP

| 5

COMMENT

Friendly Calculation In the past year the German-Serbian friendship went through several tests to delineate the boundaries of real and potential in this unequal relationship: on one side stands German intransigence when it comes to respecting the Brussels agreement, while on the other side is the readiness of Germany to support Serbia on its path towards the European Union and to encourage its companies to invest here

T

here is no doubt that German-Serbian relations have never been better, at least in recent history. The number of visits of Serbian representatives to Germany, and vice versa, the volume of German assistance to Serbia’s EU accession and the tone with which the German business community comments on reforms in Serbia - with obvious patience and confidence that the things promised will also be implemented, says enough about that.

There is also no doubt that in the last year or two there has been a clear defining of the lower limit of the real potential of this unequal partnership. A condition that obviously must be met, which was learned painfully through a one-year delay on the opening of negotiations on the chapters, is the normalisation of relations with Kosovo, which the government, not too courteously, was warned about last summer by a German delegation. In the last two weeks of September, it seems that the technical part of the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina has made considerable progress, as also witnessed by the (expected) recommendations of the current European Commissioner for Enlargement, Štefan Füle, that negotations with Serbia on chapters 23 and 24 finally be opened.

In contrast to the clearly defined lower limit, it appears that the upper limit of this

friendship has not been tested, and that there are significant opportunities in this area.

The first and most tangible interest in strengthening relationships, especially with the rise of the crisis in Ukraine, undoubtedly lies in Serbia and the region becoming important factors of stability in Europe. The lesson that political stability is of great importance was obviously well understood by the local political elite during the recent turmoil in neighbouring Bosnia-Herzegovina, and was even overemphasised by some. Despite constant sparks within the government and the opposition, it seems that another

German investors already present (through the provision of stable macroeconomic conditions, which should be brought by the announced fiscal stabilisation and comprehensive reform programme).

The possibility that “only the sky” is the limit of economic cooperation between the two countries is opened by the implied interest of German companies in relocating their factories from Asia to Europe, and locating its facilities in the new EU member states (where the workforce has become more expensive in the meantime), in the less developed countries of the region (including two EU member states, in Romania and Bulgaria).

Despite the relative size of its economy, in this regard Serbia has strong competition from other countries in the region and major efforts ahead in building an attractive business environment for investment.

One way to do that may be a “race to the bottom” with its neighbours in the devaluation of wages and employment rights, while the other harder and smarter way would be to thoroughly organise its legal system, reform public administration and invest money in the education of the workforce. In the latter, Serbia has financial and technical assistance from Germany and other EU countries, but it is up to the country alone to test its own (political) limits. ■

It appears that the upper limit of the German-Serbian friendship has not been tested, and that there are significant opportunities in this area

6 |

condition of good Serbian-German cooperation (predictability of the political process) is relatively well understood.

Another interest is related to economic cooperation. In its “narrower form” this concerns increasing trade, which is constantly on the rise (though here a qualitative analysis would show that the net effect of this cooperation on Serbia is somewhat modest, considering that it is mainly reflected in employment of the workforce), and the creation of better conditions of doing business for the

RELIABLE PARTNER OF SERBIA TOWARDS EU MEMBERSHIP

The world runs on energy. We make sure our solutions lead the way.

We deliver answers for the core challenges of today’s energy market. siemens.com/energy Energy suppliers and consumers may have different needs, but all of us face the same core challenges: Scarce resources and growing demand for energy call for increased resource and economic efficiency. Climate change means we need a healthier energy mix, while both societies and economies depend more than ever on a reliable power supply.

Our in-depth understanding of these challenges helps us find the best ways to address them. Guided by our values responsibility, excellence and innovation, we provide leading technology solutions for clean, efficient, and reliable power supply within the growing complexity of the Power Matrix.

Answers for energy.

H.E. HEINZ WILHELM

INTERVIEW

GERMAN AMBASSADOR TO SERBIA

Key Country

IN THE REGION

The Western Balkan Conference in Berlin on 28th August 2014 represented a clear message that Germany and the EU want Serbia and all Western Balkan countries in the European Union, but it is up to them to choose the pace of their accession

8 |

P

Political relations between Germany and Serbia are excellent. I need only remind you that Prime Minister Vučić has met with Chancellor Angela Merkel on different occasions during this summer. Trade between our two countries is growing fast and Germany continues to be Serbia’s largest bilateral cooperation partner.

H.E. Heinz Wilhelm, German Ambassador to Serbia, has hopes that early next year Serbia will open the first chapters in its accession negotiations with the EU, in line with a challenging timetable set by the Serbian government to finish the process by 2018 and, after ratification, join the EU in 2020. However, Ambassador Wilhelm underlines that in the case of Serbia there is the specificity that the EU process is closely interlinked with the Kosovo dialogue.

■ What is the greatest significance of the planned series of summits on the Western Balkans and what are the main messages for the leaders of these countries?

- The main message of the Western Balkan Conference initiative is that Germany and the EU want all Western Balkan countries to become members of the EU. The Western Balkan countries are part of Europe and have a clear EU perspective. The second message of the conference is that the Western Balkan countries should cooperate better among themselves and support each other on their EU path. That’s very important – to work together, to have joint infrastructure projects, to reduce red tape in trade, to consult each other and to encourage each other in the difficult EU accession process.

The idea is to organise a conference every year from 2014 to 2018, in parallel with the hundredth anniversary of the beginning and end of World War I.

The German position is that we need full implementation of the Brussels agreement on Kosovo before chapter 35 should be opened. We hope some chapters will be opened soon

RELIABLE PARTNER OF SERBIA TOWARDS EU MEMBERSHIP

■ To what extent is the pace of the accession process of the Western Balkan countries conditioned by their mutual cooperation and how much is it based on the progress of each individual country?

- Each and every country will be judged individually by its progress and its achievements during negotiations. The question of if and when a country will become an EU member is determined for each country individually.

■ Germany has again provided hope of EU membership to the countries of the Western Balkans. How much are these efforts accepted by other EU members, some of which have reservations regarding the Union’s further enlargement?

- It’s not because of the conference in Berlin that we are talking about Western Balkan countries joining the EU - the door has always been open. The Berlin conference has only highlighted the EU perspective of all Western Balkan countries expressed already at the 2003 European Council in Thessaloniki. The EU Treaty says that each European country has the right to join the EU if this country wants to, and provided it meets the conditions required for entering the EU.

without opening any chapters in the negotiations. What is the main cause of this delay?

- It’s a very complex process. It has been decided that chapters 23 and 24, which cover the rule of law and human rights, have to be opened first, along with chapter 35, which covers the Kosovo issue. The German position is that full implementation of the Brussels agreement of 19th April 2013 is needed before chapter 35 should be opened. So the situation is quite complex.

However, the screening processes on many chapters, including chapter 35, are well underway and there is hope that chapters can be opened soon.

■ The conflict in Ukraine has tested the EU’s relationship with Russia and, thus, also the views of candidates regarding sanctions against Russia. How much understanding does the EU have regarding Serbia’s stances regarding Russia?

- There is no legal obligation for a candidate country to align itself with all EU foreign policy decisions, but it is expected that countries wanting to join the EU gradually adhere to EU positions. The Serbian government has, on numerous occasions, made it clear that it defends the principle of the territorial integrity of Ukraine and it is very important that the secession of Crimea from Ukraine is not recognised by Serbia. We understand that Serbia is in a difficult position when it comes to sanctions against Russia, considering the close political, economic and emotional ties which historically link Serbia and Russia.

■ One of the EU’s messages is that the countries of the Western Balkans should not expect their accession process to last as long as previous members and that this journey will be long and difficult.

How realistic is it for some Western Balkan countries to become full EU members by 2020?

- It’s very difficult to talk about timeframes, because it depends on individual progress and each country’s will to join. As I understand, Serbia wants to become an EU member as soon as possible. The Serbian government would like to finish the negotiation process by 2018 and join in 2020. I think that 2018 is an ambitious but realistic target. In the case of Serbia, one has to take into consideration the Kosovo issue. So, there are two processes that are closely interlinked: on the one hand the on-going Kosovo dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina and, on the other, EU accession negotiations. These two processes are closely connected, because without a final solution to the Kosovo issue it’s very hard to imagine Serbia becoming an EU member.

Unfortunately, at present there is a standstill in the high-level dialogue due to the continuing institutional crisis in Kosovo after the elections there last June. Recent meetings on the level of working groups took place and have also produced results, but political dialogue at the highest level has been stopped.

It’s important that a government in Kosovo is formed without further delay, so that the dialogue between the two prime ministers can be taken up again.

■ How will the conflict in Ukraine and Russian sanctions impact on the ability of German and EU companies to invest in the region?

- First of all, the German economy has not been hit too hard by the Russian sanctions, since they relate only to the agriculture sector. In a way, if the Russian market becomes more difficult, German and European companies could invest even more in some other parts of the world. Serbia is an attractive business location, close to Europe, to Germany. Therefore, I don’t see that the Ukraine conflict or Russian sanctions will negatively influence German and European investments in the Western Balkans. Quite the opposite, Serbia could become an even more attractive place for investment.

■ Serbia mainly receives praise from Germany and the

■ Germany provides important advisory assistance to

EU, though it seems that nevertheless this year will pass

Serbia in the areas of legislative reform, energy efficien-

It's not because of the conference in Berlin that people are talking about Western Balkan countries becoming members of the EU, the door has always been open

RELIABLE PARTNER OF SERBIA TOWARDS EU MEMBERSHIP

| 9

cy, professional orientation and many other areas. How would you rate the quality of cooperation between the Serbian government and Germany in this field and will such assistance be continued?

- Germany actively supports Serbian reform efforts. We do that in the context of Serbia’s EU integration. For many years Germany has been the largest bilateral donor to Serbia, having provided more than 1.5 billion euros since 2000.

Our assistance is focused on infrastructure projects in the energy and water sectors, sustainable economic development and good governance. Serbia is a key partner for Germany. The Western Balkans conference has confirmed this at the highest political level. Germany is committed to continuing its support for Serbia. In November we will hold the next round of government negotiations for cooperation covering the coming years.

■ Serbia recently adopted a package of reformist laws, which was welcomed by the business community, including German investors. How do you present Serbia to German investors when you need to highlight the pros and cons of investing here?

- Serbia is a very good place to invest. It’s not only about hard power, like the level of salaries, the new labour law or the new privatisation law. It’s equally important how an investor feels in a country, and I think Serbia is a very hospitable country and that people, not just business people, feel comfortable and happy here. The friendliness and openness of the Serbian people is an important soft factor.

■ The conference in Berlin saw West-

■ According to the survey conducted prior to the conference in Berlin, 92% of German investors said they would re-invest here, although there are still problems. What are Serbia’s advantages in terms of attracting German investment; and what criticisms do you most often hear when it comes to the business environment?

- Every year the German-Serbian Business Association conducts a poll, and in the last poll, taken in spring this year, indeed 92% of German companies said they would invest in Serbia again if they had to make a decision today. This is a very good result and it proves that the business climate in Serbia is already good. The number of German companies investing here is increasing constantly. German businesses mainly have problems with a slow administration, a sometimes unpredictable judiciary, long court procedures and cumbersome access to land ownership. I think the government knows what it has to do to further improve the business climate.

■ Still, we are not seeing major German companies penetrating the Serbian market?

- Many of the German companies producing in Serbia are actually quite big; their brands are just not known to a wider public, since they do not sell their products to the end-user.

An example is Dräxlmeier, producing car cables that it sells to BMW and other car manufacturers. There are also well-known major German companies like Siemens and Bosch in Serbia. I hope the big German food retailer Lidl – who has around 100 shops in both Bulgaria and Croatia – will soon open food shops all over Serbia.

As I said before, Serbia is an attractive business location and it may benefit from the fact that some other European countries, such as Poland or the Czech Republic, have become rather expensive in recent years. As such, some European and German companies may think about relocating their production to Serbia, where the salary level is still quite low. The beginning of EU negotiations in January 2014 also generates trust in the further development of Serbia.

One thing that will also help is the fact that we are in the process of setting up a German-Serbian chamber of commerce in Belgrade.

The German economy minister is scheduled to come to Serbia in November. These are all positive developments that might have an impact on the decisions of some other large German companies to invest in Serbia, something I very much hope for! ■

Serbia is a very hospitable country and people, not just business people, feel comfortable and happy here.

It is an important soft factor for attracting investment to Serbia

ern Balkan countries propose several regional infrastructure projects that might interest the EU. One of the mega projects is the modernisation of existing rail lines and the construction of new ones that would link regional centres. Does Germany see its interest in the realisation of these projects and, if so, in what format?

- We would like to see as many regional projects being implemented as quickly as possible, since they would contribute to economic progress in the region. We appreciate that in Berlin several Western Balkan countries presented interesting regional projects. Prime Minister Vučić proposed three large infrastructure projects that were very well received. At the same time, it is obvious that Germany cannot finance these projects. The Berlin Conference was not about the German government financing projects, it was about encouraging the Western Balkan countries to define and implement joint projects together, in their own mutual interest. For instance, it is clear that better transportation links and a functioning customs union are a

10 |

prerequisite for a better economy in the whole region. The Serbian Prime Minister mentioned long queues of trucks at the borders between the countries in the region. Perhaps one way of financing expensive projects is to use Public Private Partnerships, which involve the private sector in public infrastructure projects like highways.

RELIABLE PARTNER OF SERBIA TOWARDS EU MEMBERSHIP

INTERVIEW

ROLF – JURGEN SEYERLE

MANAGING DIRECTOR, STAR IMPORT D.O.O. SERBIA

Optimism

WITH REASON D

Star Import, as part of the Emil Frey Group, is expecting to continue its successful work from the past and also increase the presence and awareness of its products in the region by being more effective, faster and customer orientated

ue to its balanced portfolio of products, Star Import d.o.o, general distributor of Mercedes-Benz, is satisfied with its results achieved this year, says Rolf – Jurgen Seyerle, Managing Director of Star Import d.o.o. Serbia.

The greatest demand is in long distance transport of goods, but also improvement signs can be seen in fleet sales of vans. In general these two segments will have the highest growth in the future.

Also, on the other side, we are the only manufacturer to change its product portfolio in the truck segment and now we have the New Atego, New Actros, Antos and Arocs, all with the latest Mercedes-Benz technology and achieving Euro 6 standards.

■ What are Mercedes-Benz’s operating results like during this year and how much has the Emil Frey Group led to an expansion of the range you are offering in Serbia and Montenegro?

- Our company offers the entire Mercedes-Benz range in all segments of our portfolio, as it did before. We have here in Serbia all premieres right after the big International Shows and we can offer them to our customers. In terms of passenger cars, we have very attractive models this year thanks to our new S-Class, CClass, GLA and CLA. These vehicles seem to be very popular and there is high demand. This is one of the reasons why our sales results are at a stable and expected level.

Also, in all the other commercial vehicles segments Mercedes-Benz plays a major role on the regional markets and much is expected of the new Vito in the mid-sized vehicle segment.

■ When do you expect to sign the agreement with Ikarbus and what results do you expect from this cooperation?

- This is a very complex process and sometimes people don’t see the amount of effort that stands behind it. Now Ikarbus is the only manufacturer in Southeast Europe to be approved by Daimler, and for the first time in 15 years Serbia has a bus that has homologation.

In Serbia every year, no matter the trend, the SUV segment is traditionally good

■ In which segments is the greatest demand for your products in Serbia and Montenegro?

- In the passenger cars division we can notice that our Compact Cars have higher demand than expected all over the world. In Serbia every year, no matter the trend, the SUV sgement is traditionally good.

■ There

were different opinions in the Serbian public about the nature of that deal, in terms of the transfer of technology, cooperation and the nature of relations between Mercedes and Ikarbus...

- I don’t think it makes a difference whether Daimler is investing in Ikarbus or whether they are transferring technology. It was the best solution for Ikarbus - they got access to the latest technology, Euro 5 and Euro 6, and applied their own expertise in fitting our chasses to the body.

This cooperation will be good for Ikarbus and for Serbia. It will create jobs not just at Ikarbus, but also among suppliers. Such effort takes time, but we are positive and have been fully committed to the project from the very beginning. ■

RELIABLE PARTNER OF SERBIA TOWARDS EU MEMBERSHIP

| 11

INTERVIEW

ŽELJKO SERTIĆ

SERBIAN ECONOMY MINISTER

The Ball is

IN OUR COURT tect its assets, increasing the value of stateowned companies and making them more attractive for strategic partners and investors. “We expect that, once all the presented measures for improving the economic environment are applied, Serbia will create favourable conditions for attracting foreign investments in the region,” says Serbian Economy Minister Željko Sertić.

■ How important are good political re-

Serbia is determined to create the best possible conditions in the region for attracting foreign investments. This is something that Prime Minister Vučić has been insisting on and something that the government has been working hard on. Investors will come only if they have a clear interest, good conditions for doing business and a stable political situation, and these are the things we intend to offer them 12 |

T

he most important message Serbia is sending German investors, and investors in general, is that this government honours the promises it gives. Proving this claim is the fact that everything presented by the government, led by PM Aleksandar Vučić, to decision-makers and partners from various German institutions and businesses in Berlin in June this year has become an integral part of the reform agenda, which has been implemented continuously. The announced fiscal consolidation measures are part of the set of reforms that imply rounding off the legal framework conducive to doing business and investing, reforming the public sector both at the local and state levels, including administration and inspection services, and reforming the economic sector. Sound corporate management would help the state better pro-

RELIABLE PARTNER OF SERBIA TOWARDS EU MEMBERSHIP

lations between Serbia and Germany, in terms of German investors having more trust in the Serbian government’s reform intentions?

- Political stability, predictability of political processes and clear and visible efforts on the state’s part are of utmost importance in creating good conditions for doing business, particularly when it comes to winning over the trust of Germans and other foreign investors. Things are moving in the right direction and we can see that from that fact that an increasing number of German companies are willing to invest in Serbia, while existing German investors are expanding their operations here.

If you look at the results of the regular annual survey conducted by the German Business Association in Serbia, almost 92% of the German companies surveyed said they would pick Serbia again as their investment destination, while every other company expects to create more jobs in Serbia. We should bear in mind that this survey was conducted before the adoption of reformist laws like the Labour Law, and before the government announced its financial consolidation measures, which put Serbia at the very top in the region in terms of implementing measures for advancing the economic environment.

■ At the Berlin conference Serbia presented several large-scale infrastructure projects. How important are these projects for the development of the Western Balkans and what financing modalities will be required?

- All the countries that participated in the Berlin Summit agree that cooperation in developing joint infrastructure projects is of utmost importance for the economic development of the region’s countries, advancing mutual economic relations and improving logistical links with strong European markets, which are known for being highly demanding. Apart from transport infrastructure, this agreement also pertains to further development of the ICT structure.

In Berlin Serbia submitted several large-scale infrastructure projects, like construction of the Belgrade-Podgorica and Niš-Priština motorways, reconstruction of the Belgrade-Bar-Podgorica-Skadar-Tirana railroad and construction of the Belgrade-Sarajevo railway.

The regional states and our European partners will continue discussing these projects in order to come up with the best implementation formats. Apart from infrastructure projects, Serbia also proposed several initiatives for advancing regional economies, like improving collaboration between the CEFTA countries and opportunities for establishing a customs union.

■ Which messages from the panel discussion “Serbia’s New Beginning towards Brussels – its European Pathway“, held by Forum Serbia Germany and the German Foreign Policy Council in Berlin, would you single out as the most important?

- In late June this year our prime minister and cabinet ministers were given an opportunity to present Serbia’s reform agenda to various decision-makers in Berlin and, together with partners from German institutions and businesses, discuss the plans for fundamental reforms that are currently being implemented in Serbia. Back then in Berlin we announced the implementation of very important reform laws, as well as the state’s fiscal consolidation measures. We also heard concrete suggestions on improving cooperation between the countries of the region. It is very important to mention that all the plans and announcements we presented in Berlin began to be implemented soon afterwards and Serbia thus demonstrated that it is a reliable partner that implements responsible policies, which wasn’t always the case in the past. In my opinion that’s the most important message.

Of the many formats of German assistance to Serbia, I would like to single out the support given in organising and preparing Serbia’s EU accession negotiations

■ German investors are not the only ones who want the same conditions for the private and the state sectors to do business.

What will the corporatisation of management in public and

RELIABLE PARTNER OF SERBIA TOWARDS EU MEMBERSHIP

| 13

state-owned companies bring in this respect?

- According to analyses carried out to date, inadequate business results achieved by these companies are often a consequence of management problems. Managing state-owned enterprises, regardless of their peculiarities, is basically no different to managing privatelyowned companies. Although public, these companies should adhere to the same economic legalities as other companies. Sound corporate management would help the state to better protect its assets, increasing the value of state-owned companies and making them more attractive for strategic partners and investors. Establishing a healthy management and responsibility system is important, in order for the state to be able to clearly define its ownership goals and set priorities.

Good corporate management is the basis for increasing the business efficiency of these companies and eliminating many irrational segments and internal loss generators.

Just as practice has shown, good corporate management brings tangible benefits to companies, improves their performance and efficiency, and enables them to identify and manage risks and changes, instead of being caught off-guard by them. It is especially important to mention that investors recognise good corporate management practices and consider them as valuable parameters in assessing investment risks. We should not forget this in trying to facilitate easy access to capital and the favourable financing conditions necessary for further development of any company and economy generally.

■ Which economic sectors in Serbia are most interesting to German investors and what is your strategy for attracting these investors?

- Serbia is determined to create the best possible conditions in the region for attracting foreign investments. This is something that Prime Minister Vučić has been insisting on and something that the government has been working hard on. Investors will come only if they have a clear interest, good conditions for doing business and a stable political situation. Agriculture and the food industry have huge potential. In the livestock breeding sector we have already been cooperating with German partners on a large-scale project which could influence the development of this area in Serbia substantially. Of course, we should also mention energy, logistics, IT, the automobile and textile industries, in which German companies have been expressing a lot of interest.

It is very important to use various measures to support those investments that create new jobs, contribute to export and have a positive effect on the development of overall industry in Serbia. We already have 370 companies in Serbia that are majority owned by Ger-

mans and which employ almost 25,000 workers. German companies are mostly present in export-orientated sectors and thus contribute to reducing the country’s trade deficit, as well as having a positive influence on the Serbian economy through the transfer of technology and implementation of EU standards.

■ Which reform processes are at the top of your agenda?

- I have been advocating for the implementation of a comprehensive set of reforms which, in addition to the consolidation of public finances, austerity measures and increasing state revenue, also includes rounding off the legal framework to be conducive to doing business and investing, reforming the public sector, both at the local and state levels, including administrative and inspection services, and reforming the public economic sector (public enterprises), the results of which are crucial to the health rating of the whole economy.

The activities of the Economy Ministry, which participates in joint activities and policies exercised by the Serbian Government, will be based on three pillars – creating better conditions for existing companies, stimulating startups of new companies and completing the privatisation process.

■ Germany has been providing Serbia with expertise in regulating the country’s economic environment. Which areas most need this expertise?

- Germany is the biggest bilateral donor of Serbia and many programmes implemented by the German Organisation for International Cooperation have (GIZ) for years had a substantial influence on improving the capacity of our institutions for implementing reform processes and improving the economic environment.

The legal reform project is one example of that. I would also like to single out support in organising and preparing Serbia’s EU accession negotiations on the most important chapters, funded by the German Federal Government.

The activities of the Ministry of Economy will be based on three pillars – creating better conditions for existing companies, stimulating start-ups of new companies and completing the privatisation process

14 |

RELIABLE PARTNER OF SERBIA TOWARDS EU MEMBERSHIP

■ What can Serbia do to further cooperation with Germany regarding the temporary outsourcing of Serbian workers to Germany?

- During the next accounting period, from October 2014 to the end of September 2015, Germany will have at its disposal the same contingent of 2,770 workers available for outsourcing. In early August this year we organised a conference for Serbian construction companies in the Serbian Chamber of Commerce about the most efficient ways of utilising business opportunities in Germany. I do believe the Serbian Chamber of Commerce will continue its engagement in this field. ■

BE DRESSED! LEGWEAR BY ATAIR

W W W.ATAIR.DE

GROUP

RELIABLE PARTNER OF SERBIA TOWARDS EU MEMBERSHIP

| 15

INTERVIEW

RONALD SEELIGER

CHAIRMAN OF THE DSW BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Less Bureaucracy,

MORE FDI

German managers believe that if Serbia reduces its cumbersome administration and bureaucracy, and increases the transparency and stability of business conditions, it will become more competitive in attracting FDI compared to other countries in the region 16 |

W

hen existing domestic and foreign investors are satisfied, new companies will come to Serbia even without large international marketing promotions, according to Dr. Ronald Seeliger, Chairman of the DSW Board of Directors. “The current government has the goodwill to make Serbia a more competitive destination than is currently the case, but now it needs to take a series of concrete steps. One of them is to enable investors to gain all the necessary information, certificates and documents required for doing business in one centralised place.”

■ DSW is one of the largest business associations in Serbia, and among the most active when it comes to organising conferences and visits of German business leaders. How successful has this policy proved and how satisfied are German companies with the work undertaken?

- DSW is currently the largest bilateral business association in Serbia, with over 270 members. In co-

RELIABLE PARTNER OF SERBIA TOWARDS EU MEMBERSHIP

operation with the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Serbia (AHK), several times a year we organise the visits of business delegations from Germany. These are mostly representatives of companies that have not yet arrived on the Serbian market. Likewise, in cooperation with the German Federal Ministry of Economy and Energy, we work on projects related to specific industrial branches.

Last year, for example, we organised the arrival of two large delegations from Germany in the field of transport and logistics and water management, who were very satisfied with the results. On the other hand, we organized a visit of entrepreneurs from here to Bavaria. We will continue with this practice as early as October, when we need to organise the arrival of a German economic delegation in the field of energy efficiency, followed by the arrival of representatives of the metal industry in November.

■ According to a recent survey, 92% of German investors said they would re-invest in Serbia, but you believe that’s more a result of their adaptation than the result of a significant improvement in the business climate. In which areas is Serbia competitive and in which areas is it most lagging behind similar investment destinations?

- I base such a stance on two facts. First, one of the key factors is the satisfaction, commitment, motivation, and qualifications of the personnel employed by the companies present. The significant volume to date of German investments and payments for new production facilities, and thus the creation of new jobs, testifies to the fact that the Serbian market meets certain criteria for investment. Second, representatives of these same companies are simultaneously critical in the extent to which they highlight that Serbia can and must greatly improve its business environment for all investors. These managers reasonably believe that if Serbia reduces its cumbersome administration and bureaucracy, and increase the transparency and stability of conditions for doing business, they will

be more successful in business and the country will become more competitive in attracting FDI compared to other countries in the region. All together, this would contribute to the qualitative development of a healthy economy, and not the grey economy, in which individuals here, unfortunately, are obviously good at handling.

I know that Serbia can be competitive on the international market in all areas, because it has very good companies. But in order for that to be possible these companies must first learn healthy competition, primarily on the domestic market, and not build their success on being “well-connected” and digging in to certain local or national structures. That harms the state itself, which in turn is trying to do useful things for its economy.

■ How does DSW view the formation of economic policy in Serbia when it comes to a balanced approach in attracting new investors and retaining existing ones?

- I believe the current government is really trying to make Serbia more competitive than has been to date.

I think everyone is aware that the mere existence of goodwill is not enough and that concrete steps need to be taken. Bearing in mind the great competition in the region, perhaps alongside the creation of a better business climate they should consider the introduction of certain tax reliefs for investors. In that way the state will encourage those who annually invest significant resources not only to expand their own capacities, but also on hiring new staff, training personnel and on technical and technological modernisation. Likewise, existing bureaucratic procedures are very complex and timeconsuming, so investors should be enabled to gain all the necessary information, permits and documents required for doing business in one centralised place. When current domestic and foreign investors are satisfied, new companies will come to Serbia even without large international marketing promotions.

- Every investor, and in particular major investment, is a positive thing. From 2000 until today German investors have so far invested €1.6 billion.

The significance of this certainly cannot be diminished by the fact that many people do not think these are important investors just because they personally have not heard of a company.

Secondly – there are many who do not know the German system of criteria and classification of companies. In this regard it should be noted that in Germany the term “Mittelstand” represents the quantitative criterion and the label for small and medium-sized enterprises that represent a synonym for German exports. These companies in Germany account for 99.7% of all companies. It is therefore logical that it is precisely these companies that have invested 90% of total investments in Serbia.

Some of these companies may be unknown to local conditions, but at the global level they are leaders or at the top of their industries.

Therefore, it would be a great thing if German “Mittelstand” become the dominant investors in Serbia in the future. This capital will, believe me, also be a very important driver. Such companies are more flexible and make decisions to relocate production or make new investments much faster than “large systems”. Serbia, for that matter, should follow the German logic: every invested euro is essential.

Our plan is for bilateral economic cooperation to reach its highest level to date by spring next year at the latest

■ What profile of German companies are most interested in the possibilities of investing in Serbia, and is the fact that the mostly German SME investors come to Serbia cause for concern or is it a positive factor?

Conducting electricity.

Routing data.

Cotrolling energy.

The complete product range with perfect support OBO systems make the connection. In an abstract and literal sense.

They create mechanical or electrical connections. Reliable, safe and of the highest quality. Product features such as installation speed, load capacity, functionality, availability and safety are at the forefront of every innovation. Discover the world of OBO systems, on the internet or directly from us.

OBO BETTERMANN D.O.O. STARA PAZOVA 22300 Stara Pazova, Evropska 2 Tel: +381(0)22 21 50 346 e-mail: info@obo.rs www.obo.rs

■ Do you think Serbia is too quick to adopt laws, even if they are good? In this sense, do you consider that a large number of amendments to laws are not implemented due to a lack of bylaws?

- The Serbian government endeavored to spend this summer working on the adoption of some key legislation that it needs in order to significantly improve its business environment and economy. Of course, it is equally important that these laws have appropriate bylaws in order to be complete, and it is most important that they all experience their full implementation in practice. That’s why I think it is very important that representatives of the companies whose work will be affected by these laws are included in dialogue during their preparation. Moreover, I always say that everyone, including the government of the Republic of Serbia, deserves time to RELIABLE PARTNER OF SERBIA TOWARDS EU MEMBERSHIP

| 17

implement their plans. In that sense, I think we will only be able to see the direction in which the Serbian economy is really moving at the end of this year.

■ Following adoption of the Labour Law, what has DSW now recognised as the main problem the government should address?

- There is so much work and so many tasks ahead of the Government that if they really devote themselves to that with their full capacity they will not even have time to breathe. When it comes to the business of lawmaking, as far as we are aware, there will be upcoming public debates and the addressing of the law on strike action by key stakeholders. I think that only three other countries in Europe have such a law. Most countries make decisions about that in the scope of labour laws.

For society as a whole, and for the economy, education and health are also important. I think the local education system must be significantly reformed with a view to the model of the German dual system, where the emphasis is placed on craft and practice, not theory, which meets the needs of the economy.

In the health field it is necessary to equalise the rights of patients in the private and public healthcare systems, as well as the existence of solid financial foundations for the health system.

And, finally, the economy must be relaxed through tax breaks, not burdened by new taxes. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what happened to small businesses this year.

the growing problem of insolvency?

- The pharmaceutical industry is not an island and it is natural that our work and our success is a reflection of the overall economic situation in the country. At the same time, I believe the Serbian government is aware of two important facts. The first is that pharmaceutical companies and their suppliers in Serbia have so far invested more than €800 million. The second is that the pharmaceutical industry is one of the five most important sectors in the EU, which is estimated to be the key to re-launching the European and world economy.

Financial consolidation of Serbia’s health budget, which would provide security and encourage further investment in the pharmaceutical sector, is a really big challenge for the Serbian Government.

Alongside a reduction in purchasing power and increased illiquidity, the May and September floods have further aggravated the process of revitalising the health sector.

Additionally, on several occasions we have also witnessed unfair efforts of individuals who manage major institutions who, through media campaigns and without any dialogue with the industry, impose conditions that could have doubly negative consequences. Firstly by adversely affecting the market’s supply of high quality and available medications, and secodnly by causing a reduction in the number of employees in the pharmaceutical industry.

I believe that by launching an intensive dialogue with all stakeholders in the healthcare system, we can not only avoid a bad scenario, but also achieve long-term positive effects that will mean savings for the RFZO and the Government of Serbia, on the one hand, and, most importantly, benefit the welfare of the patients on the other. The symbiosis of the international experience of the STADA Group and local practices of Hemofarm have proven to be a winning combination. We are ready to give constructive suggestions that are already used in other countries, in order for us to make joint efforts to improve the healthcare system.

There is so much work and so many tasks ahead of the Government that if they really devote themselves to that with their full capacity they will not even have time to breathe

■ How realistic is it for Serbia to have German investments in the automobile industry, and how does the logic of investing in Serbia differ from that which motivated German investors when they invest in Slovakia, Hungary or Romania?

- The German automotive industry is already very present in Serbia. If you are thinking only of the production of cars, then at this time it is not particularly realistic. However, if you are thinking of suppliers in the auto industry world, then there are no limits, the possibilities are unimaginable. In this area alone German companies have invested over €50 million in Serbia from the year 2000 until today, and each year this investment volume increases through the expansion of production capacities in companies such as Leoni, Dräxlmaier group, Continental, Grammar System, Norma Group, IGB Bauerhin and others.

■ You work in the pharmaceutical industry, which recorded fairly poor results in the first half of the year and is expected to be in an even more difficult situation next year. How much is this related to the decline in purchasing power and savings in the state health sector, and to what extent is this a result of

18 |

RELIABLE PARTNER OF SERBIA TOWARDS EU MEMBERSHIP

■ What are DSW’s plans for the future when it comes to German-Serbian business relations in general?

- Our plan is for bilateral economic cooperation to reach its highest level to date by spring next year at the latest. This year the GermanSerbian trade exchanges will reach €3 billion euros, and bilateral economic cooperation should follow this very positive trend. If Serbia really significantly improves its business environment, I believe economic cooperation between our two countries will achieve significant and long-lasting success. In this situation, DSW will certainly be one of the screws in the link that will contribute to the Serbian rotor being installed in the EU machine. ■

INTERVIEW

INA BULAT

GENERAL DIRECTOR OF MERCK SERONO AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF MERCK SERBIA

Innovative and

AVAILABLE

Merck wants to make new and innovative medicines available to as many patients in Serbia as possible and has been regularly donating medications to patients that need them most

M

erck invests over a billion U.S. dollars in product development annually, which makes the company the epitome of innovativeness and the manufacturer that sets golden standards in the pharmaceutical industry.

Since 2006 Merck has been recognised in Serbia for its range of products for patients suffering from many serious diseases.

■ What does MERCK represent on the global level?

- As the oldest pharmaceutical company in the world, which was established 350 years ago, Merck is a symbol for innovation and corporate responsibility. The company was founded in 1668 and today has over 38,000 employees in 66 countries, all working towards improving the quality of lives of patients and, in collaboration with numerous partners, responding to global challenges. The Merck Company has the global rights to the name Merck, apart from in North America, where the company operates as EMD.

Healthcare division. The company is renowned for treatments of multiple sclerosis, oncology, fertility, cardiology, diabetes and thyroid gland. Femibion prenatal vitamins are also popular in Serbia.

■ Merck invests a good portion of its funds in researching medicinal substances, developing new medicines and biotechnology. To what extent are these innovative medical solutions available to patients in Serbia?

- Innovation is responsible for Merck’s success, which is why the company invests over a billion Euros in development annually.

in Serbia through an individual approach and being mindful of their particular needs.

As a socially responsible company globally, and in Serbia, Merck provides numerous patients with continuous long-term free supply of medicines to treat multiple sclerosis, has been donating medication to people living in the flooded areas and equipment for health clinics, as well as providing training for health workers and the like.

■ In which way can patients enjoy quality medical treatments when the health budget is severely limited?

- Often innovative solutions can help in reaching both goals – improving healthcare for patients and saving money.

However, in order for this to be done, the total treatment costs need to be taken into account, not only the cost of medication. Transparency and predictability of the system are prerequisites for further advancement in every respect, even if resources are limited.

As a socially responsible company, both globally and in Serbia, this year Merck has donated the most needed medications to the people in flooded areas

■ You have been doing business in Serbia since 2006. Which medical areas is Merck most present in?

- Merck has been operating in Serbia since 2006, with pharmaceutical products produced by the Merck Serono and Consumer

Merck is responsible not only for innovation, but also for setting golden standards in treating many diseases, both worldwide and in Serbia alike, for example, neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis, cancer and rheumatic diseases, and improving artificial insemination techniques.

The Merck Company supplies the Serbian market with top quality, innovative pharmaceutical products and is focused on improving the treatment conditions of patients

■ Could you tell us something about Merck’s plans for the future?

- Primarily, we would like to make new and innovative medicines available to as many patients in Serbia as possible. We would also like to introduce new medical devices that would facilitate patient treatment and improve their quality of life. ■

RELIABLE PARTNER OF SERBIA TOWARDS EU MEMBERSHIP

| 19

INTERVIEW

MARTIN KNAPP

DIRECTOR OF THE DELEGATION OF GERMAN INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE IN SERBIA

Unpredictable Legal System

JEOPARDISES INVESTMENTS

M

In the last ten years, red tape in Serbia has become even more pronounced. Hence, it is of paramount importance for Serbia's development that the country win the fight against the tradional formats of bureaucracy.

This is a pressing matter, because an unpredictable legal system can jeopardise investments 20 |

artin Knapp, Director of the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Serbia, came back to Serbia after being out of the country for ten years and is in a much better position than many foreign investors to spot current problems in the Serbian economy compared to those from a decade ago. His observations about the business environment and investment climate are very indicative. Although improved, the latter is still not immune to old problems such as a huge bureaucracy which has become even more pronounced in the last ten years. This instils fear in investors who are now very mindful of the unpredictability of the business environment which, in turn, jeopardises Serbia’s reputation as a good investment destination.

Although Serbia has missed out on its opportunity in the 1990s when many German companies decided to relocate to countries with cheaper labour, this does not mean that the country cannot become a viable destination for German companies which are still evaluating countries to which to relocate their production. During the Berlin Summit, both the region and Serbia were discussed in good light

in the German press and this could indirectly influence investors that have yet to discover Serbia and what the country has to offer. In that context, Mr. Knapp says, Serbia has never been more “present in Germany,” with the Serbian prime minister visiting the country on three separate occasions this year alone. The Director of the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Serbia sees this as a sign that the Serbian Government has learned its lesson about constantly reminding investors of Serbia as a place where they can relocate their production.

“Even today, many companies are not even thinking about Serbia when searching for an investment location. We have been trying to change this with the help of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce, which has an office in Frankfurt, and the local chamber of commerce,” says Mr. Knapp, illustrating the bond between Germany and Serbia through the work done by these two chambers.

The main reason why Germany invested much more in other countries than in Serbia lies in the fact that, back in the 1990s, when numerous German companies were relocating to countries with cheaper labour, it was impossible to invest in Serbia

RELIABLE PARTNER OF SERBIA TOWARDS EU MEMBERSHIP

■ You have returned to the position of DSW director after almost 10 years. What has changed during that time?

- A lot has changed. If you had lived in one place, and then moved away for a number of years, you have a much clearer picture of the changes that took place in the meantime than people who have lived in one place all their lives. The first

thing I noticed when I came back was that everyday life had become more normal. This process started long before 2005 and it is now completed. From an economic perspective, during these last ten years, there were periods when the circumstances were much more favourable than today’s. Another big difference between the present and the past is the fact that state policy, especially foreign policy, is no longer as important to ordinary people as it was ten years ago. Today, economic issues take precedence.

■ Investment in Serbia often carries the stigma of bureau-

the region and, if so, to what extent?

- Such events primarily have an indirect influence. There are regions and individual countries which are now being portrayed in positive light in the media after many years. That is very important. It is not so much about the people at the summit, but it is more about the news that such an event generates. However, many things still have to be done in order to make people start thinking about Serbia again. It looks to me that the government understands that. We had never seen that much Serbian presence in Germany as we did this year. The Serbian prime minister visited Germany on three separate occasions this year alone.

cracy and a lack of legal certainty among its key issues. What are your experiences in the past year since your return?

- In the last ten years, red tape has unfortunately become even more pronounced. Hence, it is of paramount importance for Serbia’s development that the country win the fight against the traditional forms of bureaucracy.

You shouldn’t have any illusions about this.

The European Union is anything but a bureaucracy-free system, and when a country becomes an EU member it automatically develops a new form of bureaucracy. In the worst

Events like the Berlin Summit primarily have an indirect influence on the heightened interest of German investors, since there are many regions and individual countries which are now being portrayed in a positive light in the media after many years. That is very important

■ Of the 40 or so major com-

■ German capital is much lower in the Serbian economy

panies that came to Serbia in 2013, only five were from Germany. Why do German SMEs seem more interested in investing here than large companies?

- When you browse through the catalogue of the biggest global companies, you will be surprised by how very few of them are German. This is due to the structure of the German economy which is primarily based on medium-sized companies. Among such companies, you are going to find hundreds and hundreds of companies which are called “hidden champions,” i.e. companies that are global leaders in their special market segments. Because of this focus on medium-sized companies in the German economy, it is these companies that mostly invest abroad.

than in some other countries in the region. What do you think is the main reason for that?

- The main reason for this is that, back in the 1990s, when numerous German companies were relocating to the countries with cheaper labour, it was impossible to invest in Serbia. Today, many companies still don’t even consider Serbia when searching for an investment location. We have been trying to change this in cooperation with the Serbian Chamber of Commerce which has an office in Frankfurt. As you can see, our two countries’ chambers of commerce are closely linked.

■ A recent summit in Berlin saw Western Balkan countries present their potential infrastructure projects. Will that stimulate the interest of German investors in Serbia and

■ Are German companies interested in the privatisations of some of the 502 companies that have been announced by the Privatisation Agency? Does the documentation offered provide sufficient information for potential investors to make investment decisions?

- Unfortunately, the interested companies were given only one month to register, which is too short. Nevertheless, there are 72 Letters of Intent coming from Germany, the second largest number after Serbia itself. The 502 companies, however, are very heterogeneous in terms of sectors, company and current state of repair. Now the Government has to consider the cases one by one. ■

case scenario, you would have two parallel bureaucratic systems, the traditional one and the new European bureaucracy, and that would be really tragic. In the meantime, legal security plays an even more important role than reducing bureaucracy. Companies can fight bureaucracy by hiring additional workers or lawyers. On the other hand, the decisions of an unpredictable legal system can essentially jeopardize an investment.

RELIABLE PARTNER OF SERBIA TOWARDS EU MEMBERSHIP

| 21

INTERVIEW

JÜRGEN WELSCHOF

DIRECTOR OF KFW BANK IN SERBIA

Each Step is

MORE AMBITIOUS T Since the year 2000, KfW has to date realised projects in Serbia worth €800 million and many more are in the works.

Energy efficiency, the promotion of renewable energy, water supply, wastewater and waste management are at the core of our cooperation today, as are a number of successful credit lines for municipal infrastructure financing and the promotion of agriculture and agribusiness

22 |

he primary focus at the start of cooperation between KfW and the Serbian authorities was on restoring a functioning supply of electricity, water and heat.

Over the past years, Germany and Serbia identified three main focal areas for their financial cooperation and the objectives have become more ambitious. In this interview Dr Jürgen Welschof, Director of KfW Bank in Serbia, identifies just a few of many successful projects the bank has been, or is presently, involved in.

organisational strengthening. Now they are in a position to absorb a significant amount of funds, even loans, for substantial investments. Last but not least, I would like to mention our successful credit line programmes. In the past five years our Serbian partner banks have disbursed €90 million for almost 350 small infrastructure projects in 80 municipalities, and €80 million for more than 12,000 small loans to the private sector for manifold energy efficiency investments, with average energy savings of more than 33%.

■ Which projects that were promoted in Serbia by German Financial Cooperation through KfW would you highlight as being the most important in the previous period?

- It is really difficult to select specific examples from a long series of successful projects.

If I refer to the projects I’ve encountered during my time in Serbia since 2010, I would like to mention four or five excellent cases. For example, I had the honour of inaugurating a number of new district heating installations in six municipalities. These investments proved to be extremely reliable, especially during the extreme winter of 2012, and very energy efficient. Another excellent example is the Hydro Power Plant in Bajina Bašta, which was completely revitalised. KfW supported this project with a highly concessional loan of €30 million. That hydropower plant is now state-ofthe-art and will continue to produce clean energy for another three decades. We have also seen impressive progress in our water supply programmes. The 13 participating municipalities and their PUCs underwent long, difficult, competitive, but very successful, institutional and

■ As the Director of KfW in Serbia, how would

RELIABLE PARTNER OF SERBIA TOWARDS EU MEMBERSHIP

you assess your cooperation with Serbian state authorities and local governments?

- Overall, I am very satisfied with our cooperation at all levels. Our partners are usually very dedicated; they pursue clear goals and have a lot of experience. We enjoy a lot of mutual respect and trust in our work. On some occasions we have suffered from a certain lack of coordination within or between central institutions, or between the central and local level. Delays have occurred due to frequent political changes, land ownership issues or cumbersome permitting processes. Managerial and financial skills also need to be improved sometimes. These topics are not new and we are glad the government tries to address them in their programme.

Our partners in the Serbian government and at the local level are usually very dedicated, they pursue clear goals and have a lot of experience

■ How has KfW contributed to the rehabilitation and modernisation of the Serbian energy sector?

- Given the acute state of emergency in winter 2000/2001 and the subsequent years, KfW initially financed a number of aid programmes

on behalf of the German Federal Government: electricity imports to ensure the supply, or delivery of spare parts for urgent maintenance works in power plants. The projects have become more sophisticated over time. The programmes have been expanded and now reach smaller towns as well; efficiency gains and environmental impact are becoming more and more important. Promoting renewable energy has also come into focus. A new project to improve the energy efficiency of schools will contribute to reducing energy demand. The same can be said for our credit lines, which enable many SMEs and communities to invest in energy efficiency via the Serbian banking sector.

■ How satisfied are you with progress in the areas of energy efficiency and green energy, which Serbia developed with the help of KfW and other agencies and donors?

- In my view, there has been substantial improvement of the regulatory environment and also a change of attitudes, but there is still a lot to do. Energy consumption per person or per unit of economic output is still among the highest in Europe. One of the major causes is the low price of electricity that does not encourage energy savings and renders long-term energy efficiency investments unattractive. Another important factor is that the switch to consumption based billing has been successfully implemented only in a few pioneering district heating companies.

The more general factors include a lack of awareness, knowledge, supply, or the current difficult socio-economic situation, which leads to short planning horizons of many market actors.

ing their district heating systems. At present we are active in more than 30 Serbian municipalities! Municipalities and their PUCs play a crucial role: they decide on their investment priorities or the scope of funding they want to use to realise them. It is also they who tender, procure and supervise the services and supplies. However, some PUCs require substantial institutional and financial reforms before major investments can be justified and sustainable. In our performance-based approach, which also implies a lot of technical and institutional support, many of them have developed into modern and efficient utilities.

■ To what extent is the problem of waste water taken seriously in Serbia and what are Serbia’s needs in this area?

- Only 28 cities in Serbia have waste water treatment plants and less than 10% of wastewater is treated appropriately.

The National Environmental EU Approximation Strategy has identified investment needs that amount to roughly 3.3 billion euros. This amount is immense and Serbia should be investing more than 250 million euros annually. In reality, the country is a long way from reaching this level. Furthermore, in the present socioeconomic situation, the Serbian population could not bear the costs of such investments. Still, in my opinion this subsector needs much more political attention. The Serbian authorities should develop an action plan in this area and, together with this, design a realistic financing strategy. Serbia should in my view continue to build up its weak track record with a number of good projects. The EU and Germany have committed funds for exactly this purpose (more than 60 million euros) and KfW helps to prepare and implement comprehensive wastewater projects in a number of selected municipalities, for example Užice, Vranje or Kruševac. Another programme for eight cities is under preparation. I hope that these projects will attract the political support they deserve. ■

Some PUCs require substantial institutional and financial reforms before major investments can be justified and sustainable

■ How does KfW cooperate with local governments on the rehabilitation of water supplies, sewage systems and the advancement of municipal utilities infrastructure?

- Today KfW mainly supports medium-sized and smaller cities in building up efficient water and waste water networks, or rehabilitat-

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chemnitz represents 82.000 member companies. Our business segments are Economic Policy, Business Start-up, Training, Innovation/Environment and International Affairs. In Cooperation with Geological Competence Centre (GKZ) in Freiberg we are working in different fields of raw material economics – from geological consulting and exploration, mining, environmental and resource management, processing and recycling. We have experiences in different countries, also in Serbia. We support the establishing of Mining and Commodities administration structures, modern databases and information systems, the implementation of international health and safety standards in mining, assist business cooperation within the EU and provide advanced training and qualification in the fields of mining and environment protection.

Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chemnitz Straße der Nationen 25, 09111 Chemnitz Contact person: Barbara Hofmann • Hofmann@chemnitz.ihk.de

www.chemnitz.ihk24.de RELIABLE PARTNER OF SERBIA TOWARDS EU MEMBERSHIP

| 23

INTERVIEW

MARKO ČADEŽ

PRESIDENT AND FOUNDER OF FORUM SERBIA GERMANY AND DIRECTOR AT THE SERBIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE REPRESENTATIVE OFFICES IN GERMANY AND AUSTRIA

Serious Opportunities

FOR COOPERATION

There are several factors, from internal to external, which could bring about a drastic increase in economic cooperation between Serbia and Germany. Later this year Serbia will hold a series of presentations in German federal states, to enhance the interest shown by German companies to relocate their production from Asia to Europe

G

ermany has made it clear to Western Balkan countries that in order to join the European Union they need to have political stability, nurture cooperation among themselves, through existing and new forms of collaboration, including collaboration on projects presented at the Berlin conference, and, above all, conduct serious reforms that will move their economies closer to the market economy models of the European Union.

“There is no doubt that Germany sees

24 |

RELIABLE PARTNER OF SERBIA TOWARDS EU MEMBERSHIP

Serbia as the key country in the region and that Germany is the single biggest donor to Serbia. Additionally, German assistance accounts for a quarter of the EU’s entire financial assistance to Serbia. In order to be able to absorb this assistance, Serbia needs to continue improving its administrative capacities, be able to compile a list of its priority needs, apply for funds with well-planned projects and have a state administration that is ready to implement them and, in so doing, ready itself for EU membership,” says Marko Čadež, Director of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce’s Office in Frankfurt.

He is also the founder of, and an active participant in, the Forum Serbia Germany, which, in cooperation with the Belgrade Fund for Political Excellence, is organising a series of meetings between German and Serbian decision-makers, called “The Belgrade Dialogues”, to be held in November. Later this year Serbia will also hold a series of presentations in German federal states together with the Ministry of Economy, SIEPA and the Serbian and German chambers of commerce.

■ What concrete steps is Serbia expected to take in exchange for receiving assistance in developing its economy and implementing the regional infrastructure projects the country presented at the Berlin conference together with other participating countries?

- We should bear in mind that we are talking about really large-scale infrastructure projects. The very fact that regional politi-

cal leaders have recognised their mutual interest and have been closely cooperating on implementing these projects is a clear indicator of how much the political environment has changed in this part of Europe over the years. At the Berlin conference Germany was very clear about the expectations it had from those countries – political stability, further development of relations between the countries in the region and serious work on reforms.

■ In Dubrovnik German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that by 2020 the EU would have provided €11.7 billion in assistance to the region. Do you think Serbia has sufficient administrative capacities and projects to receive appropriate funding from this amount?

- Germany is the single biggest donor to Serbia and the German assistance makes a quarter of the EU’s entire financial assistance to Serbia. Serbia has already demonstrated that it has the capacity to plan and implement large-scale projects. It is of utmost importance for Serbia to strengthen its administrative capacities in order for the country to be able to adequately identify its needs, and plan and implement projects aimed at properly preparing us for EU membership.

■ How much is the EU ac-

between Germany and Serbia and how much help do you get from Serbia in realising that goal?

- The idea behind the Forum is for individual members, through their work and contacts, to help existing initiatives and institutions further develop relations between the two countries in all areas. Since its foundation date of 10th April, the Forum has organised several events in Belgrade and Berlin, in conjunction with many Serbian and German institutions. We are currently putting together a series of meetings between German and Serbian decision-makers, called “The Belgrade Dialogues”. We are launching this project in November and it enjoys the support of the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. We are implementing it together with our partner – the Belgrade Fund for Political Excellence. Later this year Serbia will also hold a series of presentations in German federal states, together with the Ministry of Economy, SIEPA and Serbian and German chambers of commerce.

■ It is a common perception that Serbia has imposed itself as the regional leader. Do German investors share this view?

- Personally, I don’t like the “best of” lists, since that brings up the question of what criteria constitute a leader. I am confident that Germany sees Serbia as the key country in the region. If we look at how much regional countries export to Germany, Serbia ranks first, with €1.21 billion in the last year alone, according to official German statistics. Macedonia takes second place, with €1.18 billion, while Croatian exports, for instance, amounted to only €853.6 million.

It is of the utmost importance that Serbia strengthens its administrative capacities in order for the country to be able to adequately identify its needs and to plan and implement projects aimed at properly preparing us for EU membership

cession path of the Western Balkan countries actually dependent on the region’s joint progress and how much does it rely on the individual effort exerted by each country?

- Although the public is increasingly speculating about the scenario for the EU’s further enlargement, or rather of a possibility of another enlargement Big Bang happening in the case of countries in this region, it is rather difficult to imagine that EU members would abandon the idea of enlargement when certain countries finally become ready to join. I think this is negative not only for the EU and its internal architecture, but also for the candidate countries, otherwise what could easily happen is that the EU, which is a complex and demanding system, could accept countries that are not actually prepared to join. We have seen in the past that this is the biggest problem for the joining countries.

■ You are the president and co-founder of Forum Serbia Germany. Although the Forum has been established only recently, how much can it help improve cooperation

■ As the director of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce Representative Office in Germany, what do you think of the opportunities for growth of German – Serbian economic cooperation and German investments in Serbia?

- There are several factors that could bring about a drastic increase in economic cooperation between the two countries.

One of them is the geo-strategic situation on the continent, as well as other aspects including various surveys showing that German companies are becoming increasingly interested in investing in Europe and that a growing number of German companies have been seeking suppliers in geographically closer locations, especially in Southeast Europe, as opposed to Asia. This can be a huge opportunity for Serbian businesses. ■ RELIABLE PARTNER OF SERBIA TOWARDS EU MEMBERSHIP

| 25

GERMAN-SERBIAN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION (DSW)

Strong Business NETWORK In Germany there is a saying that in times of crisis the people go to church and businesses go to the chamber. This, in addition to its distinctive quality, is one of many reasons explaining why the Serbian-German Business Association (DSW) is the largest bilateral business association in Serbia

WORKSHOPS AND SEMINARS

MEMBERS DINNER

T

he Serbian-German Business Association (DSW) is the largest bilateral-business association in Serbia. Part of the German Economic Delegation to Serbia, together with its sister company DE International, which provides commercial services. All together these comprise the future the German-Serbian Chamber of Commerce, which is being prepared for establishment.

DSW, with its more than 270 members that include German, Serbian and international companies, represents an excellent platform for improving business dealings. As a representative of the interests of DSW members, the Association is also actively engaged in the establishment of bilateral economic relations between Serbia and Germany.

The Governing Board of the German-Serbian Business Association consists of representatives of member companies. The DSW President is Ronald Seeliger (Hemofarm Serbia president & CEO), while the DSW Executive Director is Martin Knapp, Director of the German Economic Delegation to Serbia.

In Germany there is a saying that in times of crisis people go to church and businesses go to the chamber. This, in addition to its recognisable quality, is one of many reasons explaining the continuous increase in the number of members of the Association, which was founded 11 years ago in Belgrade.

DSW has a number of aims, the most important of which are the establishing and fostering of business ties between the member companies in the country and abroad, mediating, providing opportunities to establish contacts and encouraging cooperation between inter-

DSW HR WORKING GROUP

26 |

DSW WELCOME

ested business circles, between companies and institutions, as well as many other forms of supporting business. One of them is the wide range of events organised by the German-Serbian Business Association for its members. These activities facilitate more frequent encounters and interaction between member companies in numerous ways.

The building of a broad platform for networking, training, exchanging experiences and ideas, as well as for discussing current topics within the context of many informative events, workshops and seminars, has been carefully devised and built over many years based, among other things, on the model of other German chambers worldwide, of which there are over 130 in 90 countries around the globe, but also based on listening to the needs of its members in the country and adapting to their needs and current issues.

Here we will list and summarise some DSW events: WORKSHOPS AND SEMINARS are organised regularly and always with a member-partner, primarily for the purposes of educating and informing participants, either through lectures or workshops, and covering relevant economic topics. Thus the member of the co-organiser gains an audience and potential clients, while participants receive new knowledge and insight into possible operational incentives.

MEMBERS DINNER is also one of the regular events, in the form of business dinners for representatives of member companies. These evenings are always organised with an honorary speaker from contemporary economic and political life in Serbia covering a current topic, with discussion and a cocktail reception afterwards.

SPEED BUSINESS MEETING

RELIABLE PARTNER OF SERBIA TOWARDS EU MEMBERSHIP

FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT

DSW WELCOME is a full working breakfast for new members of the German-Serbian Business Association, with the aim of familiarising them with the institution itself, the German Economic Delegation in Serbia, as well as the opportunities provided purely on the basis of membership. In addition, the goal is also to get to know each representative of new members in a relaxed atmosphere, over a shared breakfast.

DSW HR WORKING GROUP brings together representatives of interested member companies who meet on a quarterly basis, with organised educational lectures and a variety of topics in the field of human resources, which are related to labour laws, workers’ rights, coordinating employees etc.

SPEED BUSINESS MEETING represents a periodically organised business meeting with another chamber of commerce or similar organisation, with the primary aim being to get to know each other and initiate future cooperation between member companies active in specific sectors or cover a particular theme.

FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT is an entertainment and sporting event that regularly brings together 24 football teams of member companies for an all-day competition in football and supporting. This is a also a great opportunity for families to gather, for team building, as well as for employees from member companies getting to know each other, and getting acquainted with DSW. DSW CHRISTMAS PARTY AND SOMMERFEST. Each year the Association organises for its members the DSW Christmas party, in December, and the DSW Sommerfest, in June. In a festive atmosphere, with an honorary speaker represented by a senior representative of

We make ideas work

political and economic life in Serbia, guests have an opportunity to once again come together before their respective winter and summer breaks, to meet or share their experiences. The Christmas party always includes a humanitarian campaign, with the money raised invested in charitable causes.

DSW OKTOBERFEST is the largest and most authentic event that DSW has organised year after year in mid-October, in the style of Mu-

DSW CHRISTMAS PARTY AND SOMMERFEST

DSW OKTOBERFEST

nich’s famous Oktoberfest. The DSW Oktoberfest is held under the patronage of the German Ambassador to Serbia and with the support of member-partners and other member sponsors. Over two days, more than 1,400 guests celebrate, with members and their guests provided with the opportunity to enjoy traditional Bavarian cuisine and original German beer, with good music and a positive atmosphere in a tent decorated in the Oktoberfest style specially for the occasion. With this DSW provides an opportunity for many members of the German Business Community in Serbia to gather and socialise with their partners and lovers Oktoberfest, and to do so in a different and special way. ■

Tebodin d.o.o. Bul. Zorana Djindjica 73 • 11070 Belgrade • Serbia tel +381 11 313 24 65 • fax +381 11 313 24 22 www.tebodin.com • tebodin@tebodin.rs

Tebodin d.o.o., which was established in 2006 and is located in Belgrade, serves major international and local clients in industry, health & nutrition, oil & gas and property. Tebodin offer services from project inception through completion: consultancy, project management, construction supervision, permitting and basic and detailed engineering.

Sustainability is at the core of all of our activities and we provide services in energy efficiency and green building certification (LEED, BREEAM).

Tebodin d.o.o. is certified to ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 standards.

• Since its establishment in the Netherlands 69 years ago, Tebodin has grown to develop a presence in 24 countries, with 50 offices and over 4,900 employees. Tebodin has been part of international engineering and services company Bilfinger SE since April 2012.

• People are the basis for our success: clients, employees, partners and stakeholders. That is what makes us a people’s business.

RELIABLE PARTNER OF SERBIA TOWARDS EU MEMBERSHIP

| 27

INTERVIEW

REINER BAUMBACH CEO OF ATAIR GMBH

Come to

IVANJICA!

I

Atair is very satisfied with the quality of the workforce in Serbia, but would benefit if young textile industry technicians and well educated managers would be willing to move from Belgrade to Ivanjica

n 2006, Steinfurt-Borghorstbased German stocking company Atair became the majority shareholder of Proleter AD in the Serbian town of Ivanjica.

Eight years later, Atair GmBH CEO Reiner Baumbach says that the company is generally very satisfied with its investment and that almost the entire production is exported.

Atair was established in 1986 and has since grown and expanded its presence beyond Germany. Today Atair is the leading producer of private label brands in all distribution channels, from hypermarkets, supermarkets, chemists, department stores, discount clothing retailers and mail order business, to cash & carry wholesalers. Atair has licenses with some well-known brands and develops its own lines of tights and socks.

■ In which countries is Atair GmbH present and which brands does it have in its portfolio?

- Today we operate in the European Union, Switzerland, Norway and Russia. We are producing under private labels, through license agreements with Tom Tailor, Camel active, Bugatti and NC 56. We also have our own labels, such as Pro vital.

■ How satisfied are you

■ What is your overall experience as an investor in Serbia; what are the pros and cons of investing in smaller communities in Serbia?

- Among the pros I would certainly mention the European mentality, logistics, resources and trade agreements for EU export, the CEFTA agreement and the free trade agreement Serbia has with Russia.

All these facts support export orientated industries.

Among other factors, the return on investment is for sure one of the strong factors favouring investment. There is also a good relationship between quality and price, profit tax is very attractive and agreements enable the avoidance of double taxation with EU countries is also something that every investor would value.

Among the cons, I would mention bureaucracy, which is too complicated, banks which are not following companies and infrastructure that should be improved.

■ How satisfied are you with the quality and availability of the workforce in Serbia?

- The workforce in Serbia is generally of a very

A European mentality, logistics, resources and a number of trade agreements are among factors that attract investors, while overly complicated bureaucracy should be simplified

with your investment in Proleter AD Ivanjica and, in your opinion, what explains the fact that many companies came to Serbia to produce stockings?

- I would say that there are two main reasons explaining why many companies are producing stockings in Serbia. One is certainly the country’s very good knowledge and experience in the production of tights and socks, while the second are very skilful workers. When you add the cost

28 |

of production, which is very competitive, you get the whole picture.

RELIABLE PARTNER OF SERBIA TOWARDS EU MEMBERSHIP

good quality. That said, I would say that we could have more young people with a high level of education who are willing to work outside Belgrade in management positions. The same goes for young people who would decide to become technicians in the textile industry and are willing to work outside Belgrade! ■

INTERVIEW

GORDANA STEVIĆ DULIĆ LAWYER

Employee Leasing Still Undefined

F

ollowing amendments to the Labour Law, lawyer Gordana Stević Dulić now expects legislators to harmonise other laws pertaining to hiring foreigners within labour market practices.

Proper regulation of the “employee leasing” segment would ensure legal security for foreign investors who already use this form of employment in neighbouring countries

■ Which areas of the Labour Law are now harmonised with European legislation?

- The recent changes to the Republic of Serbia’s Labour Law include those articles of the General Conference of the International Labour Organisation (No. 158) which cover termination of employment by an employer (Recommendation No. 166).

I would like to point out the new parts in the section of the Labour Law referring to ‘termination of employment due to performance failure or lack of knowledge and skills of the employee.’

So far, only the courts have recognised the employer’s obligation to notify the employee about their poor perfor-

mance and provide the employee with a deadline to remedy the situation. The changes to the Law stipulate that such termination is unlawful, as long as there was no warning given to the employee to improve his work performance by a certain deadline.

■ Which segments of the Labour Law are still not properly defined or even controversial in terms of good international practice, and how should these segments be regulated?

- The legislator failed to regulate the segment on employee leasing. Considering the informal yet true statistics showing that there are over 60,000 people in Serbia being employed via employee leasing companies or agencies, the legislator should not have overlooked this group.

Proper regulation of the ‘employee leasing’ segment would ensure legal security for foreign investors who already use this form of employment in neighbouring countries.

■ Which laws should companies in Serbia pay most attention to when employing a workforce from Serbia or from foreign countries where they have branches?

- The most important piece of legislation is the Labour Law (The Republic of Serbia Official Gazette No. 24/2005, 61/2005, 54/2009, 32/2013 and 75/2014).

As regards hiring foreigners, we need to change this regulation urgently and harmonise it with labour market practices, meaning that we need to change the Law on Foreigners and the Law on Employing Foreign Nationals.

Foreign investments and foreign experts are welcome in Serbia which is why this legislation needs to be harmonised with the EU regulation so urgently. ■

Advokatska kancelarija Stević-Dulić Kneza Miloša 25, 11000 Beograd, Serbia Tel/Fax: +381 (0)11 3066 550 3066 551, 3613 266 E-mail: gordana.stevic@stevic-dulic.co.rs

RELIABLE PARTNER OF SERBIA TOWARDS EU MEMBERSHIP

| 29

INTERVIEW

EMILIJA STEFANOVIĆ

DIRECTOR OF VOJVODINA INVESTMENT PROMOTION

A Good Reputation

GOES A LONG WAY machine-building sectors (Siemens Loher, ThyssenKrupp, Dunkermotoren, Scholz...), the pharmaceutical industry (Stada and Fresenius Medical Care), and the food industry (Sano GmbH, Esca Food Solution GmbH, Ecoland). Since the very beginning, the VIP Fund has enjoyed the support of the German government and its institutions in attracting German investors.

Foreign companies that are doing well in Vojvodina are the best goodwill ambassadors in attracting new investments. As a result, the VIP agency is very mindful of paying special attention to existing investors

30 |

G

ermany is one of the leading investors in Vojvodina. Since 2001, thirty-four German companies have started 50 investment projects in Vojvodina. They have over 11,000 employees and have invested a total of €920 million, which makes Germany the biggest investor in terms of investment value – says Emilija Stefanović, Director of Vojvodina Investment Promotion (VIP).

■ Will the presence of these companies prompt others to come too?

- Our experience has shown that this is often a decisive factor. If you ask investors, they will tell you that Serbia is competitive due to lower operating costs, financial and tax incentives, export and access to a market of one billion consumers, thanks to free trade agreements with CEFTA and EFTA countries, Turkey, Belarus, Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation, as well as preferential trade agreements with the EU and the US. For Vojvodina, they usually single out the quality of our workforce and the proximity of EU markets. Despite all this, companies that are searching for new locations often ask us to arrange meetings with companies that already operate here, knowing that they will not get sugar-coated marketing information, but rather a realistic picture about the challenges that always exist wherever you go. The better a company does here, the higher the motivation to make it our goodwill ambassador. This comes under one of VIP’s “aftercare” activities.

In terms of investment value, German companies are the biggest investors in Vojvodina and most of them come from the automotive parts and machine-building industries

■ Which sectors pulled in the biggest number of investments?

- Most investments have been made in the automotive parts industry by companies like Bosch GmbH, IGB Automotive (Bauerhin), DAD Draexlmaier, Norma Group, Continental AG and others.

We should also mention the metal-processing and

RELIABLE PARTNER OF SERBIA TOWARDS EU MEMBERSHIP

■ Could you elaborate on services that the VIP agency gives investors and businesses?

- We were established by the Vojvodinian authorities in 2004 with the aim of promoting Vojvodina and assisting foreign companies with their investment processes. Our services include creating tailor-made

solutions and investor reports, organising visits to investment locations, facilitating negotiations with municipalities, private proprietors and local companies, giving advice on tax, customs and administrative matters, and investment incentives. In short, the VIP Fund should be first on the speed dial of foreign companies in Vojvodina. We ranked second at the competition “Best Investment Projects in Eastern Europe in 2013,” which took place at the annual AIM investment conference in Dubai. We were awarded for our Grundfos investment project in Inđija and this is a good indicator of our relations with investors.

■ In what way does VIP promote Vojvodina as a good place to invest, and who is helping you with organizing road shows in different countries?

- At the European Regions of the Future 2014/2015 competition, the fDi Intelligence magazine ranked Vojvodina as first among medium-sized regions in terms of investment effectiveness and fourth place among European regions according to the same criteria. It was also fourth ranked in the group of Southeast European regions in terms of FDI strategies. These rankings merely underscore the fact that our efforts have been recognised, and that we have managed to attract attention while competing with very strong European regions. In regard to promoting Vojvodina, we are trying to secure participation in fairs and conferences, to be active online and to have direct contact with businesses. One of the ways to do this is by having road shows, i.e. presentations for companies from a certain country that operate in the sectors which we know have a lot of potential in Vojvodina. Economic diplomacy is exceptionally important in this respect and we can rely on Serbia’s diplomatic offices abroad, as well as embassies like the German, French, Italian, Danish, Dutch, Slovakian, Austrian, Japanese, Chinese and American embassies in Serbia. We cooperate well with their respective chambers of commerce and professional associations.

companies. The higher the concentration of automotive manufacturers, the higher the potential of a single supplier supplying many such manufacturers. Also, opening a new car production facility entails the opening of “sequential facilities” where automotive systems and modules are produced and assembled (seats, dashboards, bumpers, fuel tanks, wheels and similar). These kinds of products cannot be transported long distances at low costs. Take, for instance, Draexlmaier in Zrenjanin which supplies FIAT and BMW’s production facilities in Europe, or Subotica-based ContiTech (Continental) which supplies Mercedes in the Hungarian town of Győr, or Mecaplast which is a supplier of Renault in Slovenia, Dacia in Romania and Fiat here, in Kragujevac, or Magna Seating from Odžaci, which manufactures parts for automotive companies in Spain and Rus-

sia. On the other hand, the bigger the number of automotive suppliers in the region, the greater the chances are that other vehicle manufacturers will come.

The automotive parts industry is a sizable employer. For one employee in a car factory, you need to have at least three in the supply industries.

The VIP agency will continue attracting investors from this sector since we believe that we have the best chance of finding investors among companies that already have production facilities in Poland, Romania, Hungary and other European countries. Also, we are going to try to attract those investors that have higher qualified and higher educated production workers.

In 2013, VIP assisted in concluding contracts on implementing projects worth €94 million

■ What is the value of investments that the Vojvodina Investment Promotion agency contracted last year, and what results do you expect in 2014?

- In 2013, we managed to assist in concluding contracts on implementing projects worth €94 million which should create a total of 2,200 jobs with 1,700 jobs already created. When we count the projects that have received provincial funding, this amount climbs to approximately €166 million in investments. Once implemented, these projects, according to the companies that are realising them, should create around 4,100 new jobs with 2,000 people already being hired in 2013., Four of our projects were implemented in the first half of this year. We currently have 30 ongoing projects, and we hope that we are going to implement several more by the year end.

■ What are the advantages of having so many automotive manufacturers in the region and which automotive companies would VIP like to attract?

- The advantages lie in the opportunity to attract nearby suppliers and component manufacturers that could work for these automotive

■ Vojvodina has thirteen industrial and work zones. What are the chances of them becoming like the two best industrial zones in the province – the ones in Inđija and Stara Pazova / Nova Pazova?

- You will have to ask that the Provincial Secretariat for Urban Planning, Construction and Environmental Protection who is currently working on drafting a “Study on Allocation of Work Zones on the Territory of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina” or the Urban Planning Institute of Vojvodina which is processing the data for the study.

Apart from the two industrial zones you have mentioned, I would also like to add the zones in Subotica, Zrenjanin, Sremska Mitrovica, Pećinci and Ruma, with Apatin also in the process of becoming one of the best work zones in Vojvodina. ■ RELIABLE PARTNER OF SERBIA TOWARDS EU MEMBERSHIP

| 31

JOSO BIJELIĆ

INTERVIEW

CEO OF INTESE GMBH & CO. KG - INDUSTRIAL TECHNICAL SERVICES

Flexible and

RESPONSIBLE A market that is not regulated, covered or divided is, in fact, the most promising market for those who know how to conquer it, says Joso Bijelić, CEO of InTeSe GmbH & Co. KG, a company whose modern storage solutions have found a place in some of the leading distribution centres in Serbia

T

he company InTeSe GmbH & Co. KG - Industrial Technical Services offers clients a complete service in planning, installing and post-sales support in the field of interior storage, in accordance with the highest standards in the implementation and maintenance of storage equipment, says InTeSe boss Joso Bijelić.

ity, which is a double-edged sword. However, every market has its advantages. Here we’ve progressed rapidly, partly because we know the terrain. I believe that every young company needs to set aside a certain amount of funds for basic market analysis before engaging in business. For us that kind of analysis completed the picture and determined the direction of our strategy.

■ Your company is young, yet in a short period of time you’ve managed to create a respectable client list. What characterises your approach to the market?

- When we agree on a job with a client we are very flexible and ready to go out of our way to meet their requirements, and when we sign a contract we responsibly implement what has been agreed. I’m certain that these characteristics of ours have been recognised by clients and that they recommend us as a team for whom that which has been agreed is a priority.

■ What are all the services your company offers clients?

aged by InTeSe have been equipped in accordance with the highest world standards of implementation and maintenance of storage equipment. This is very important, because clients of warehouses equipped in that way can rely on security, both in physical and legal terms. Moreover, the experience we have gained enables us to organise and schedule warehouse equipment in that way, in order for the owner of the premises to take maximum advantage of every part of the warehouse for their goods. The storage systems we have in our offer follow technological trends which, believe me, are far more advanced in this area than people imagine when they think of warehousing.

All warehouses whose equipping is managed by InTeSe have been equipped in accordance with the highest world standards in the implementation and maintenance of storage equipment

■ How demanding is the market of Southeast Europe and Serbia for companies just starting out in business?

- The markets of Southeast Europe and Serbia are much more enticing than other markets where I’ve worked. Besides administrative problems, which are usually reflected in the fact that a lot of information is not available, there is also the element of the mental-

32 |

- The name of the company is derived from three words: industrial technical support/ services. It is precisely through this name that we would like to define the activities and they are, simply put, reflected in sales, installation and post-sales support. In addition to this, we also provide consulting, design and everything else that is necessary in order for the client to receive the kind of storage that fully meets their requirements.

■ What are the benefits of the storage solutions offered by your company?

- All warehouses whose equipping is man-

RELIABLE PARTNER OF SERBIA TOWARDS EU MEMBERSHIP

■ How do you evaluate the po-

tential of this market in the future and which industries do you think will generate the greatest demand for the solutions offered by your company?

- It may sound paradoxical, but a market that is not regulated, covered or divided is, in fact, the most promising market for those who know how to conquer it. I think we will continue to have the most voluminous cooperation with large distribution centres, but were are also happy that many other producers, both domestic and foreign, are slowly but surely investing in this area. In addition to these major clients, we have paid special attention to small clients, who are also important to us. ■

INTERVIEW

NEBOJŠA GRBUŠIĆ

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ENERGOTEHNIKA JUŽNA BAČKA

Quality and

KNOW-HOW

T

he Energotehnika Južna Bačka – R+S Solutions joint venture is currently hiring 30 fitters and 10 engineers from Serbia. Next year this number should jump to 150 electrical fitters and 30 engineers – says Nebojša Grbušić, Executive Director of Energotehnika Južna Bačka.

Energotehnika Južna Bačka and German company R+S Solutions, based in Fulda, have formed a joint venture in Fulda with the aim of drumming up more business in Germany and facilitating direct access to equipment manufacturers and large retailers, thus additionally reducing overheads

■ Based on your experience, could you tell us what characteristics Serbian companies would need to possess if they want to be present on foreign markets, especially those as demanding as Germany’s?

- Serbian companies that wish to operate abroad have to primarily possess the quality and specialist knowledge demanded by the market they wish to operate on. A company’s quality is derived from the quality of its employees and the owner/management’s adeptness in recognising the potential of the market they are entering. This is very important, since at the initial stage of developing a new market they need to be able to comply with all the requirements of that particular market. In latter development stages they will need experience, in order to find an appropriate strategic partner and establish the company’s development direction.

equipment manufacturers and major retailers. Energotehnika’s employees, who are working for our German partner, will be able to acquire new skills and later apply them in Serbia.

■ What is the share of projects involving classic energy sources in your company’s portfolio, compared to the share of renewable energy projects?

- Renewable energy resources, and projects involving them, are still being developed in Serbia. Energotehnika Južna Bačka has been actively participating in implementation of the first wind power projects in Serbia. In 2015 we expect to be involved in the implementation of large-scale projects and, by doing so, increase our business revenue thanks to these renewable energy projects.

■ What does the “turnkey principle” imply in terms of the staff you employ and in which way does your company contribute to training electrical fitters and other similar vocations?

- Our turnkey projects are very demanding in the technical, organisational, personnel and financial sense. They require careful planning and expertise in all segments. They entail construction work, electrical and mechanical work and, in order for the engaged company to do these projects properly, good collaborators are needed in all segments. It is vital to train people not only in terms of technical standards, but also in terms of work health and safety and environmental protection. In order to accomplish this, Energotehnika Južna Bačka has formed a centre in Novi Sad that will train electrical fitters for the work in Germany.

In accordance with that, we are also training people of other vocations in respect to the requirements of concrete projects. ■

The partnership with R+S Solutions is mainly aimed at helping our company secure more work in Germany, particularly on projects relating to the construction of substations of 110kW and higher voltage

■ How much do partnerships like yours with German company R+S Solutions facilitate enhanced competitiveness both nationally and internationally?

- The partnership with R+S Solutions is mainly aimed at helping our company secure more work in Germany, particularly on projects relating to the construction of substations of 110kW and higher voltage, as well as to enable us direct access to

RELIABLE PARTNER OF SERBIA TOWARDS EU MEMBERSHIP

| 33

ECONOMIC COOPERATION

Leading Partner and

DONOR TO SERBIA

fruit and vegetables (8.8%); road vehicles (7%); clothing (6.8%) and non-ferrous metals (4.3%).

Last year, Germany exported mostly the following goods to Serbia: road vehicles (20.9%); power machines and equipment (6.2%); specialized machinery for particular industries (6%); electrical machinery, appliances and devices (5.9%); medical and pharmaceutical products (5.8%) and general purpose industrial machines (5.7%).

LEADING PRODUCTS IN THE 2013 GOODS EXCHANGE

Germany has traditionally been one of the leading economic partners of Serbia. Serbia is also a good economic partner for Germany due to its natural resources, economic structure, geographical location and market absorption capacity

34 |

T

he most used kind of economic cooperation between Germany and Serbia derives from trading. Other cooperation formats include direct investments by German partners, barter arrangements, cooperation in the financial sector, transport and tourism, plant and animal breeding, free trade zone operations, transfer of high technology, training of Serbian experts, donations and humanitarian aid and outsourcing of Serbian workers to German companies.

TRADE The Federal Republic of Germany is the most important foreign trade partner of Serbia in the European Union. Trade between the two countries shows a continuous deficit on the Serbian side.

In terms of both export and import, Germany was the second largest Serbian partner in 2013. The total of goods exchanged between the two countries in 2013 stood at US $4.2 billion which is a 20% hike over 2012.

Last year, exports grew five times faster than imports, and if this trend continues, the Serbian trade deficit with Germany could continue to decline.

Compared to 2012, the Serbian deficit declined by 14% to US $600 million. Serbian exports to Germany went up by 29% to $1.8 billion, while imports grew by 14% to $2.4 billion.

In 2013, Serbia mostly exported the following goods to Germany: electric machinery, appliances and devices (23.3%); power machines and equipment (12.6%);

RELIABLE PARTNER OF SERBIA TOWARDS EU MEMBERSHIP

In late 2012, the spread of Serbian exports to Germany was very uneven (75 products made 77% of the total export to the German market). However, in the first seven months of 2013, 30 products made up approximately 64% of the entire value of Serbian exports to Germany Owing to the implementation of the Interim Trade Agreement with the EU, the structure of the Serbian exports has been gradually moving in good direction, i.e. from relying solely on raw materials and production goods to exporting products with added value (such as medical instruments and equipment, vehicles and vehicle parts, machine parts, road vehicles, stockings, or domestic appliances). With the full implementation of the Free Trade Agreement which went into effect on September 1, 2013, Serbian exports to Germany have been constantly growing.

BILATERAL ECONOMIC COOPERATION The first German investors arrived in Serbia with the onset of the privatisation process primarily due to the country’s favourable geographical location, well educated workforce, relatively low labour costs, legislation harmonized with the EU, and tax and other exemptions.

According to the data on cash FDIs compiled by the National Bank of Serbia, between 2000 and 2013,

TRADE BETWEEN 2005 AND 2013 IN US $ BLN YEAR 2005.

2006.

2007.

2008.

2009.

2010.

2011.

2012.

2013.

2014/6

EXPORT 0,5 0,7 0,9 1,2 0,9 1,0 1,4 1,4 1,8 0,8

IMPORT 1,1 1,5 2,2 2,7 1,9 1,8 2,1 2,1 2,4 1,1

TOTAL 1,6 2,2 3,1 3,8 2,8 2,8 3,5 3,5 4,2 1,9

BALANCE -0,7 -0,8 -1,2 -1,6 -1,1 -0,8 -0,8 -0,7 -0,6 -0,3

Germany invested €1.37 billion in Serbia, making it the fifth biggest investor in the country.

Based on information from the Serbian Investment and Export Promotion Agency (SIEPA), the biggest German investments in Serbia were: STADA’s acquiring Hemofarm (€510 million); METRO Cash & Carry (€165m); Messer Tehnogas (€120m); Henkel (€95m), Nordzuker (€45m), Phiwa Walther Group (€40m), KnaufInsulation (€31m), Siemens (€35 m), Fresenius Medical Care (€25m), Leoni Wiring System (€15 m), VoslohSchwabe/Panasonic (€13m), Dräxelmaier DAD (€12m), Norma Group (€11m), Falke (€10m) and numerous other smaller investments. These investments have been instrumental for increasing exports, creating new jobs and fostering the transfer of know-how.

Around 360 German companies in Serbia employ approximately 25,000 people, while their investments, from 2000 onwards, have been valued at €1.6 billion (Source: The Delegation of the German Economy in Serbia).

The German Chamber of Commerce’s office in Belgrade says that German companies have invested far more in Serbia than the official data shows. It is believed, for instance, that over one third of all Austrian investments have been funded with German capital.

The global financial and economic crisis has not seriously affected the influx of the German investments in Serbia. The interest shown for investing in the Serbian auto parts sector, mining, energy, agriculture, environmental protection, and construction/reconstruction of infrastructure is still strong.

mately €1.5 million. The supermarket will have close to 60 employees.

• In April 2012, the Muehlbauer Technology Centre of Engineering and Production, which employs only Serbian engineers and experts, was opened in Stara Pazova. Muehlbauer Technologies is a daughter company of Muehlbauer Holding, the global leader in production of electronic identification technology.

• In mid-May 2012, Leoni began the construction of a third production hall in Prokuplje. In three years, which is how long Leoni has been operating in Prokuplje, the company hired close to 2,000 workers.

• Siemens will invest €24 million in a wind turbine generator facility in Subotica. The ongoing investment was launched in September 2011. A total of 172 people were hired to work in the Subotica-based wind turbine generator factory.

• German Dunkermotoren (producers of drive technology, including micro-motors) opened a production hall in Subotica on April 2011, worth a €1m. The entire production programme is for export. On October 1, 2012, production was launched in a new facility located in the Mali Bajmok Industrial Zone near Subotica where the company manufactures electrical engines electrical drive technology up to an output power of 500 Watts.

• In late September 2012, Bosch began constructing a car wiper factory in Pećinci. The total investment is worth €71 million. The second construction phase is due to start in 2016, and, by 2019, the company plans to hire 620 people.

• This year, Gruner Serbian has produced over a million relay units in its production facility in Vlasotince. The relays are used in the automobile

GERMAN INVESTMENTS • In March 2011, German Meggle acquired Kragujevac-based dairy Mladost, and, in December 2011, the company opened a new production facility with €2 million spent on a new TetraPak packaging line and another €2 million in revitalizing the existing infrastructure and reconstructing the production facility. The plan is to invest another €2 million.

• On 7th October, 2011, Norma Group opened a car parts production facility in Subotica worth €11.2 million.

• In 2011, Draxelmaier DAD, which has been operating in Zrenjanin since 2007 and has 1,600 employees there, was declared a customs-free zone because the company’s HQ is situated in the Bagljaš Industrial Zone.

The move will help company with expansion plans, both in terms of operations, facilities and number of employees.

• The Serbian-German company LMB Soft is building a medical equipment factory in Niš. During the initial stage, the facility should have 60 workers. Between €500,000 and €1 million will be invested in acquiring equipment and employee training.

• In 2008, Henkel opened a façade plaster production facility in Inđija with investments so far totalling close to €10 million. The company plans to open a production facility in Kruševac by the end of 2014, with an investment value estimated to be between €15 and €20 million.

• In March 2012, Germany sock producer Falke opened a factory in Leskovac in which it had invested €10 million. The factory currently employs 93 workers, and the plan is to hire an additional 500. The construction contract was signed in April 2010.

• German concrete additives manufacturer MC Bauchemie from Essen will invest €8 million in a production facility in Sremska Mitrovica and hire 40 workers. In 2013, the company produced the first additives to be exported from Serbia.

• Zrenjanin is the first town in Serbia with which the German discount supermarket chain Lidl signed a contract to buy land. The chain will build a 2,000-square-meter supermarket on the plot, which will cost approxi-

and energy industries. With the help of employment incentives, the company has managed to hire 300 workers, with an additional 30 to be put on by the end of this year due to an spike in production output.

• Schuster Engineering and Serbian businessmen based in Russia joined forces in July 2013 and opened a wood pellet factory in Brus which will initially employ 50 workers.

• The European leader in production of car parts, Continental-Contitech, has opened a €10-million production facility in the Mali Bajmok industrial zone in Subotica and employed over 150 workers.

DONATIONS Germany is one of the biggest donors in Serbia. Since 2000, Germany has donated to Serbia over €1.2 billion in financial and technical bilateral aid.

The funds have been spent on infrastructure projects like the development of the energy sector, improving utility services, water supply, remote heating, development of private entrepreneurship, supporting tax reforms and legislation reforms. Germany is the single largest bilateral donor to Serbia, especially if the German share of €400 million in EU funds is taken into account.

Immediately following October 5, 2000, the first stage of German donations in Serbia was mainly focused on the most vulnerable population groups. The country provided humanitarian aid, funding for residential construction and infrastructure development.

• In early 2004, Germany underwrote a €30 million loan to Serbia, under very favourable conditions, which was used to revitalize the Bajina Bašta hydroelectric power station.

• The German government was involved in reconstruction of water RELIABLE PARTNER OF SERBIA TOWARDS EU MEMBERSHIP

| 35

supply and sewage systems in Belgrade, Niš, Novi Sad, Kraljevo and south Serbia. The country was especially focused on helping with the development of a utility infrastructure, mainly in the construction of a remote heating grid in Belgrade, Niš and Novi Sad. A similar project is planned in Kragujevac.

• GIZ (the German Federal Enterprise for International Cooperation, also formally known as the GTZ) has funded over 50 local projects in Serbia especially related to environmental protection, waste water filtering and waste disposal. Serbian companies were hired to work on almost all of these projects with significant involvement from Serbian specialists.

• Several projects relating to securing favourable long-term loans for SMEs have been developed in collaboration with GIZ and KfW (the German Development Bank).

• The German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development and GIZ have launched a project aimed at promoting the private sector and employment in Serbia, in cooperation with the Serbian Chamber of Commerce and relevant Serbian government ministries. The programme encompasses a wide variety of activities aimed at increasing competitiveness and advancing business cooperation between Serbian and German companies. The support entails providing consultation, advice and technical assistance for companies from the food sector, textile and leather companies, metal processing companies, electronic companies, software companies and the tourism sector.

• In late April 2012, the Serbian government and GIZ signed a contract stipulating the implementation of a waste and waste water management project worth €5 million, to be implemented in five municipalities in Serbia.

• In 2011, the German Federal Government approved €137 million worth of financial assistance to Serbia. The money was aimed at implementing projects for improving public infrastructure, sustainable economic development, employment incentives and improving the capacity

of state administration. The energy and water supply sectors received the biggest funding.

• In mid-December 2011, Germany granted Serbia a €100 million loan for projects in renewable energy sector (mainly for biomass projects), on top of a €10 million grant.

• In early April 2012, the Serbian Government and German development bank KfW signed a contract stipulating funds for resolving problems with the water supply and sewage problems of six Serbian municipalities, worth a total of €25 million. €7.5 million of that money was donated directly by the German Government.

• In October 2012, the governments of Serbia and Germany signed a Protocol on Development Cooperation which calls for Germany to provide €81 million financial aid to Serbia. The money has been primarily directed towards improving public infrastructure (water supply and energy), economic development and development of democracy and civil society.

ACTIVITIES OF THE SERBIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE The Serbian Chamber of Commerce (PKS) and its Frankfurt office have organized the following business events: • In February 2001, the PKS held an event called Cooperation Ex-

36 |

RELIABLE PARTNER OF SERBIA TOWARDS EU MEMBERSHIP

change for Serbian and German Agribusiness Companies. These B2B meetings were attended by nine German and twenty Serbian companies.

• For the first time ever, the PKS office in Germany, the Regional Agency for Development of East Serbia (RARIS) based in Zaječar and SIEPA have organized a meeting with German companies and potential investors at which they presented the investment potential in East Serbia. The event was held at the PKS offices in Frankfurt on March 25, 2011.

• The PKS held a business forum within the scope of B2Fair Project at the Hannover Technology Fair which took place between April 4 and 8, 2011. In May 2011, a presentation of the Serbian textile industry was held at the Frankfurt Chamber of Industry and Commerce.

• In June 2011, the PKS held a meeting of the Section for Cooperation with Germany. In the event’s opening, there was talk about the economic cooperation between Serbia and Germany, the situation in German economy, exporting goods and services to the German market, and experiences of German companies in Serbia. Over 100 representatives of 85 companies were in attendance.

• In September 2011, the PKS presented a German project design company M+W Germany GmbH, based in Stuttgart.

• A business delegation from the German federal state of Saarland, comprised of 19 German mining, energy, metal processing, electrical, chemical, wood processing, construction, telecommunication and consulting companies, visited Belgrade and the PKS premises on September 25 and 26, 2011.

• With the aim of helping Serbian companies going international and expanding business cooperation with Germany, the Foreign Economic Relations Committee and PKS office in Frankfurt held an event at which Serbian companies were presented. The event, entitled “International Day of Commercial Representatives,” took place on September 28, 2011.

• A second “International Day of Commercial Representatives” was held at the Dusseldorf Chamber of Industry and Commerce on December 2, 2011.

• Serbian Business Day was held at the renowned Hannover Technology Fair with total of 120 companies participating.

• On June 12, 2012, under the slogan “Together in Germany, Together to New Markets,” four Serbian companies in the production and assembly of steel constructions, electrical installations, insulation works and engineering held a presentation and had bilateral business meetings.

• In honour of the 7th session of the Serbia-Germany Business Council, PKS President Željko Sertić and his associates met with a high institutional and business delegation from Germany, with the State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Economy and Technology Stefan Kapferer at its helm, on June 19, 2013.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR FURTHER ADVANCEMENT OF ECONOMIC COOPERATION The following sectors have the biggest opportunities for the development of economic cooperation with Germany: • The food and agriculture sector: fresh fruits and vegetables in all processing stages (frozen, canned), organic food, fine food and delicacies, wine, canned meat products, spice, soups, dried vegetables.

• Metal-processing: car parts and metal processing activities.

• Wood processing: rustic and regular wood furniture, furniture parts.

• Textile: additional processing, ready-to-wear clothes, leather processing and footwear.

• Construction: construction materials industry, outsourcing Serbian construction workers to German companies.

• Information technology – software and hardware. ■

INTERVIEW

KLAUS MOCK

REGIONAL COORDINATOR, HELP – HILFE ZUR SELBSTHILFE E.V., SERBIA

Much Needed Photo by Knut Grassmann

HAND

T

hrough emergency relief efforts, rebuilding infrastructure and developing economic sustainability projects, Help has been actively supporting the most vulnerable groups for years.

As a humanitarian organisation that responds to the needs of the most vulnerable worldwide, Help responded immediately in the flooded regions of Serbia and BosniaHerzegovina. This is just one of many ways in which this organisation is engaged in the region

■ How do you support the rehabilitation of the local communities and businesses that were devastated by floods in Serbia?

- The worst effected local communities in Serbia were supported through emergency relief consisting of bottled water, disinfectants, hygiene items, canned food, flour etc. Help is engaged through Germany’s Relief Coalition “Aktion Deutschland Hilft”, in order to raise awareness and resources in assistance.

Through the joint action of the German-Serbian Business Association (DSW) and the Delegation of the German Economy in Serbia (AHK), in cooperation with the German Embassy and the Serbia-Germany Forum, donations amounting to €150,000 were used for the renovation of two nursery schools in Obrenovac and the re-equipping of the central laundry facility for preschool institutions in Paraćin.

Since we are fighting unemployment in Serbia, we used funds donated by the Hilfswerk der Deutschen Lions HDL and the Arcanum Stiftung to support 17 small enterprises in Paraćin, with the aim of re-launching business activities through inkind grants and revitalising their livelihoods, employment and personal incomes.

Help is also one of five implementing partner organisations within the project “European Union Assistance for Flood Relief in Serbia” and implements flood relief in six out of the total of 24 tar-

geted municipalities: Kosjerić, Kraljevo, Lazarevac, Svilajnac, Trstenik and Varvarin.

■ Who are the major recipients of your support for self-employment through in-kind grants for equipment for start-ups?

- In 15 years Help has supported 4,860 individuals in Serbia with equipment for micro and small businesses in agriculture, crafts and services, and 24 cooperatives. In addition new homes were provided for 559 families. Beneficiaries supported are from all areas of the country and so far we have worked in 48 Serbian municipalities. The major recipients of the support provided are marginalised, socially vulnerable sections of the population, who do not have possibilities to apply for commercial bank loans or other sources of funding, but who have viable business ideas.

In 15 years Help has supported 4,860 individuals in Serbia with equipment for micro and small businesses in agriculture, crafts and services

■ Which employment op-

portunities created your programme in South Serbia and how has it impacted on poverty levels in this area?

- The focus of our activities is on the most vulnerable: youth, Roma and women. Our projects support the development and promotion of employment and self-employment as a tool for the inclusion of targeted groups.

Every supported beneficiary is able to engage at least one additional seasonal or regular employee.

■ How do you assist in Roma women’s empowerment?

- Our current projects include Roma women in workshops to raise their awareness of education and employment and or self-employment through in-kind grants, exchanging practices, field trips and fair visits to depict practical examples and success stories they can associate with. ■

RELIABLE PARTNER OF SERBIA TOWARDS EU MEMBERSHIP

| 37

GERMAN ECONOMY

A Magnet for

INVESTORS

GERMAN STOCK EXCHANGE - FRANKFURT

While Germany is the leading investor in many countries in the world, it is itself one of the most attractive investment locations on the globe, thanks to it having precisely the conditions business people are seeking everywhere: skilled workers, economic and political stability, good infrastructure and market potential 38 |

E

rnst & Young’s “European Attractiveness Survey 2013” confirmed Germany’s reputation as one of the most attractive business locations in the world. International decision makers ranked Germany first within the EU and sixth worldwide in the category of “most attractive business location”. A substantial 38 per cent of the 800-plus international managers surveyed considered Germany to be Western Europe’s FDI magnet.

According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Germany attracted €558 billion in inward FDI stocks in 2012.

This represents growth of 82 per cent in the last ten years. According to official Bundesbank (German Central Bank) statistics for 2011, 57 per cent of all FDI stocks in Germany originated from within the EU - 27, with a further nine per cent derived from remaining non-EU European countries. North America accounts for 23 per cent of FDI stock, while Asia holds a six per cent share.

Among many reasons Germany is attractive for FDI, some stand out: the German market is open for investment in practically all industrial sectors and business activities; German law makes no distinction between Germans and foreign nationals regarding investment or the establishment of companies; the legal framework for FDI in Germany favours the principle of freedom of foreign trade and payment and there are no restrictions or barriers to capital transactions or currency transfers, real estate purchases, repatriation of profits or access to foreign exchanges; a variety of incentives is available to all investors, regardless of investor country of provenance.

The most important countries as sources for new investment projects in Germany are the U.S. (22 per cent of all investment projects), Switzerland (10 per cent), and the UK (eight per cent). In 2009 China emerged as a major source of investments, with the number of Chinese investment projects in Germany more than tripling within just a year. The high level of Chinese investment has been maintained since then, making Germany the world’s number one location for Chinese greenfield investments.

Between 2008 and 2012 a total of 3,940 investment projects from more than 3,300 foreign companies were recorded. With 857 projects, 2012 proved to be the most successful year on record – with Germany ranking fifth internationally in terms of FDI projects attracted. More than 55,000 foreign companies are already operating

Germany is the world's number one location for Chinese Greenfield investments

RELIABLE PARTNER OF SERBIA TOWARDS EU MEMBERSHIP

in Germany, providing employment to around three million people.

Among the 39 different sectors in which investors are engaged, the most popular are the ICT & software industries (17 per cent of new projects), business and financial services (15 per cent), and manufacturing site locations (seven per cent).

One of the reasons Germany is much sought after is the fact that it is the largest market in Europe. It constitutes 21 per cent of the European GDP and is home to 16 per cent of the EU’s total population. The German economy is both highly industrialised and diversified; with equal focus placed on services and production.

Germany proved to be resilient in times of crisis: while the EU’s 28 Member States experienced a minor dip in real GDP growth, the German economy grew at a positive rate. Between 2008 and 2012 Germany’s average real GDP growth rate was, alongside that of the U.S., the highest of all G8 states. The German government expects an upswing of 1.7 per cent in 2014.

With state-of-the-art transportation networks by road, rail, sea and inland waterways – Germany is a global logistics hub with approximately a one quarter share of the European logistics market (EU-28, plus Norway and Switzerland). Its infrastructure excellence is confirmed by a number of recent studies, including the Swiss IMD’s World Competitiveness Yearbook and various investor surveys conducted by institutions like the World Bank and Ernst & Young. The 2013-2014 Global Competitiveness Report of the World Economic Forum (WEF) ranked Germany first in Europe and third worldwide for infrastructure.

In stark contrast to many countries which have experienced an overall increase in unit labour costs, Germany’s unit labour costs fell by an annual average of 0.3 per cent for the 2002 to 2012 period. This made the economy more competitive – particularly manufacturing. At the same time, the labour cost gap between Germany and its eastern European neighbours has reduced significantly. In fact, Germany has gained the labour-cost edge in recent years. This has been another decisive argument in favour of choosing Germany as a premium business location.

On the top of that, Germany’s excellent workforce (over 41 million people) represents the largest pool of ready labour in the EU. Germany’s worldclass education system ensures that the highest standards are always met. More than 80 per cent of the German workforce has received formal vocational training or possess an academic degree. The quality of the workforce is a result of the dual system in vocational training – combining the benefits of classroom-based and on-the-job training over a period of two to three years. In close cooperation with the German government, the German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (IHKs) and the German Confederation of Skilled Crafts (ZDH) ensure that exacting standards are rigidly adhered to, guaranteeing the quality of training provided across Germany.

According to the German Federal Statistical Office, Germany has excellent higher education standards. In 2012 some 493,000 students embarked on academic study courses at more than 420 universities. Technical fields of study experienced an undergraduate enrolment level increase of more than eight per cent. Germany’s share of university students in the sciences, mathematics, computer sciences and engineering is

the third highest in the EU, with 32 per cent of all students.

With 319 Ph.D. graduates per million inhabitants, it ranks second among all EU countries. Furthermore, Germany is home to the largest population of researchers in Europe (21 per cent of all EU scientists live and work in Germany). The fact that Germany is Europe’s largest research location, annual R&D spending of €75 billion (2011) comes naturally. More and more companies are establishing international research facilities in Germany. A broad base of foreign investors in R&D underlines Germany’s strong position. According to a DIW study, around 85,000 employees work in R&D in foreign-owned German subsidiaries. With an annual R&D budget of €15.2 billion, these companies account for more than 27 per cent of total industry innovation expenditure. While most R&D facilities are still operated by European and U.S. companies, Germany’s innovation landscape is very firmly on China’s radar. According to a 2012 Ernst & Young study of 400 Chinese managers, 72 per

Successful research in Germany is based on efficient cooperation among companies, universities and research organisations cent of respondents identified Germany as Europe’s best location for establishing an R&D centre.

In 2011 companies invested around €12.3 billion in thirdparty (i.e. contract) research, e.g. research activities led by university and non-university research organisations. Today successful research in Germany is based on efficient cooperation among companies, universities and research organisations. A national cluster network combines cooperative research along the value chain with traditionally strong and world-leading industries.

With over 13,300 patents granted from the European Patent Office in 2012, Germany’s share of patents is almost twice that of France and the UK combined. This shows the commercial viability of innovations made in Germany. The country is also one of the leading European nations in triadic patents (patents registered at the three major global patent offices: the European Patent Office, the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the Japan Patent Office). ■ RELIABLE PARTNER OF SERBIA TOWARDS EU MEMBERSHIP

| 39

INTERVIEW

MATTHIAS MÜLLER-WIEFERIG DIRECTOR GOETHE-INSTITUT BELGRADE

Growing Interest in German

LANGUAGE AND CULTURE

T

In just year and a half the number of German language students at the Goethe-Institut in Belgrade has tripled, in response to German investments in Serbia and the strong labour market in Germany.

Young German artists are in high demand too. The approaching autumn promises a touch of German culture at almost all top international events in Serbia 40 |

he new culture season will see highlights from Germany in theatre, film, music and visual art events in Belgrade, Niš, Novi Sad and other Serbian cities, says Dr Matthias Müller-Wieferig, Director of the Goethe-Institut in Belgrade. In this interview he mentions only the most important of the many programmes the Goethe-Institut is involved in.

■ Has the growth of Ger-

we have seen a 300% increase in the number of language students at the Goethe-Institut over the last year and a half. This year we are offering classes at different levels of proficiency and in various forms –including a new online-course – to 1,800 students. We also conduct teachers´ seminars and a new course on “How to Teach German as a Foreign Language” across the country, further strengthening the position of German as a foreign language in the Serbia.

■ The Goethe-Institut supports many urban initiatives throughout Serbia, as well as cooperation between young artists from Germany and the region. Which programmes would you highlight as being the most successful?

- Following up on the Urban Incubator programme in 2013, the Goethe-Institut is actively involved in the cultural development of the Savamala district of Belgrade. In cooperation with the newly founded Urban Incubator Association, we are exploring the culture, traditions, knowledge and participation of Savamala residents and friends in new ways. The Urban Incubator platform – in partnership with universities in Germany, Switzerland and Serbia, and the City of Belgrade and

In co-operation with the newly founded Urban Incubator Association, we are exploring the culture, tradition, knowledge and participation of Savamala residents and friends in new ways

man investments in Serbia also been marked by greater interest in learning the German language and interest in German culture? To what extent is this influenced by the parallels that are sometimes drawn between Berlin and Belgrade?

- Interest from the German business community has been growing and we can see that German investments in Serbia, as well as the strong labour market in Germany, are motivating people to take a greater interest in the German language and contemporary German culture. Due to our new management and marketing efforts,

RELIABLE PARTNER OF SERBIA TOWARDS EU MEMBERSHIP

Savski Venac Municipality – continues to strengthen civic engagement, foster young talent and develop skills.

■ How much interest is there among local bookshops and translators for your programme of supporting translations from German and which type attracts the greatest interest (fiction or professional literature?)

- The Goethe-Institut is part of a larger translation support network, TRADUKI, which supports translations from German into the regional languages and vice versa. We connect this translation programme to literary events. We recently invited German author Teréza Morá, winner of the 2013 German Book Award, to present her newly translated and published book at a “Literary Café” event at the European Literary Festival in Belgrade, addressing readers, bookshops and lovers of European literature. The audience showed fantastic appreciation for one of our most interesting young authors. In October, together with the KROKODIL Literary Residence in Belgrade, we will welcome Marcel Beyer, who is one of the most profound writers on the consequences of war and the

The Goethe-Institut is part of a larger translation support network, TRADUKI, which supports translations from German into the regional languages and vice versa fate of his hometown, Dresden, during World War II. More “Literary Café” events are planned; for instance, in Vršac, where pupils and teachers will participate in a workshop about one of the most popular German (youth) novels ever written, “Tschick”, which has been compared to “A Catcher in the Rye”.

■ You have also launched cooperation with a number of libraries in Serbia. What does this cooperation imply tangibly?

- The first and foremost success of our newly developed strategic co-operation with libraries in Serbia was to initiate a lively exchange of ideas on how to meet the future challenges of digital and physical libraries. Our achievements also included an exhibition about Herta Müller, the German Nobel Prize winning author, at the University Library in Belgrade, where we additionally share our experience and international expertise about new methods of digital storage and knowledge management. The City Library of Novi Sad - in cooperation with the Goethe-Institut and other European cultural institutions, members of EUNIC, established a “European Book Corner“, which led to a 100% rise in book loans in a year. German language books, donated or distributed to our strategic library partners, exhibitions and expert workshops, will in the future serve as an even better basis for sharing information about European languages and cultures.

■ The theatre project “Battlefield memories”, which was launched by the Goethe-Institut in Southeast Europe, in conjunction with Berlin’s Hebel am Ufer Theatres, Belgrade’s Centre for Cultural Decontamination and numerous other partners, is an example of multicultural cooperation, while also representing a sensitive topic for all participants. How has this project been received in different areas?

- Local performers, audiences, and partners were involved when authors and dramatists from Berlin Hebbel-am-Ufer undertook research in Belgrade, Sarajevo, and Istanbul. In June, they produced

Union, which – under the heading “A Camel Train to the Future” – took 200 teenagers from across Southeast Europe and Germany on a trip to an arts summer camp in Istanbul about international dialogue and aesthetic means of overcoming historical animosities and borders.

■ Which programmes has the Goethe-Institut prepared for the coming year?

- In addition to aforementioned programmes, in October we will present the third edition of the successful GoetheFEST - the German Film Festival, with the newest art-house cinema from Ger-

SIGMAR POLKE: MUSIC FROM AN UNKNOWN SOURCE

and presented a performance in Berlin, bringing back to Germany the history and stories of an important and mostly unknown part of the World War I. Now, their research and documentary theatre approach will be an important contribution to the BITEF theatre festival and MESS theatre Festival in Sarajevo.

BITEF will focus on local, regional, and international approaches to artistically reflecting around WWI, rather than about it, taking the memory of the past as a starting point for reflections on our present.

The second German guest-performance this year, FRONT from the Hamburg based THALIA- Theatre, will present a theatre revue based on text montages in another international, cross-border perspective, in which Luc Perceval from Gent, a leading stage director in Hamburg, takes 11 international actors from four languages and cultures out to the battlefields of Flanders.

RISHA PROJECT

many and a special section, “Film Worlds”, about cinematography in German and international film productions. ‘Music from an Unknown Source’, an exhibition of forty gouaches by renowned German artist Sigmar Polke, will be exhibited in Belgrade and Novi Sad. An exhibition of the Museum of Contemporary Art will present artists and intellectuals from Germany, France, Serbia and the region, who will enter into a dialogue between different cultures and countries about their “Memories of Violence – Dreams of the Future“, as part of our Elysee cooperation with the Institut Francais en Serbie. Nikolaus Schaffhausen from Germany, currently director of the Vienna Art Museum, will curate this year´s Oktobarski Salon.

In literature programmes, Marcel Beyer and Thomas Pletzinger will be guests in October for various literary programmes and at the Goethe-Institut’s “Literary Café” series. As part of the Belgrade Book Fair, European cultural institutions in Serbia will focus on “Blended Reading“: At the EUNIC Book Stand in Hall 4 we will share information and conduct activities about current developments in digital and physical books and related topics.

New forms of Participation in Culture and Urbanism will remain our focus topics – Urban Incubator projects, exhibitions and a conference about urban cultural redevelopment will round off a lively programme season, and for 2015, co-operation between the GoetheInstitut and the Urban Incubator Association will continue to grow. ■

A new initiative, the "Cultural Innovators Network", gives another perspective to culturally interested and active young people in Serbia

■ In which ways does the Goethe-Institut support the development of young people from Serbia?

- Apart from continuing programmes – the Urban Incubator Belgrade project, and the 5th generation Goethe Guerilla Project – we have a new initiative, the “Cultural Innovators Network”, which connects young cultural innovators in Belgrade with their peers in Cairo, Rome, Palestine and other cities and countries around the Mediterranean.

Furthermore, we have engaged six partner schools from Serbia in international exchange school projects, supported by the European

42 |

RELIABLE PARTNER OF SERBIA TOWARDS EU MEMBERSHIP

ProMinent has over 50 years of experience in the field of water treatment and chem-feed

RESIDENTIAL AND BUSINESS COMPLEX - BLOCK 67A, PHASE 1, BGP 38,000M2

ZOP Inženjering operates in construction, artisan and installation work on residential, business and industrial facilities.

The company’s core concept is a small yet efficient management, a clearly defined hierarchy of obligations and responsibilities, a young and highly professional engineering staff, experienced management, a qualified workforce and the implementation of new technologies in all construction segments.

We pride ourselves on being able to meet tight deadlines, do quality work, adhere to health and safety standards and have competitive prices.

In terms of dosing equipment, ProMinent offers complete solutions for storage, transport and decontamination of chemicals. We have a wide range of metering pumps (solenoid driven pumps, motor driven pumps and motor driven piston dosing high pressure pumps), high-power process metering pumps, transfer pumps and reservoirs, measuring and control equipment, sensors for the measurement such as pH, chlorine, bromine, ozone, oxygen, chlorine dioxide, hydrogen peroxide and water turbidity and conductivity, polymer mixing stations, polymer dosing equipment and metering systems for solids and liquids.

With regard to water treatment, ProMinent’s main focus is on drinking water, preparation of water for the food & beverage industry, treatment of swimming pool water and treatment of industrial water.

ProMinent has a wide range of applicable technologies, turnkey water treatment systems and complete solutions for special client requirements.

ProMinent offers its customers the benefit of all standard

disinfection methods including UV treatment, ozone, chlorine dioxide, electrolysis, dosing of liquid disinfectants, water filters (sand and activated charcoal), water softeners, iron and manganese removal filters and reverse osmosis equipment.

The Belgrade office of ProMinent covers the area of Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, Kosovo and Macedonia and is a one-stop-shop for clients in terms of sales and pre- and after-sales service.

We have a warehouse stocked with spare parts and equipment and we also train both clients and service personnel how to use our products.

INDUSTRIAL HALL IN APATIN - FLASH CALZEDONIA, BGP 18,000M2

CONTACT DETAILS:

ZOP INŽENJERING D.O.O.

61, Karađorđeva Street, Belgrade Tel/fax: 011/62-86-802; 011/62-86-803 e-mail: office@zopinzenjering.com; web: www.zopinzenjering.com

Mokroluška nova 1b, 11 010 Begrade tel: +381 11 630 42 42; fax: +381 11 630 45 19; mob: +381 62 855 1 855 s.milovic@prominent.co.rs www.prominent.co.rs RELIABLE PARTNER OF SERBIA TOWARDS EU MEMBERSHIP

| 43

GERMAN CULTURE

Rise of independent

PUBLISHERS In Germany more than 2,000 publishers market around 80,000 books each year.

The news is that more and more small independent publishers are working with new individual concepts – and succeeding. Some of the already well-known young German writers, such as Andreas Stichmann, FinnOle Heinrich and Lisa Kreissler, chose indie publishers for their recent literary endeavours

44 |

T

here are about 1,000 independent publishing houses spread throughout Germany, estimates Stefan Weidle, Chairman of the Kurt Wolff Foundation, who runs his own publishing company and brings out between six to ten books a year. Among the 1,000 houses, however, there are quite a few which publish only on an irregular basis or have only one book in their selection. He went on to say that about 120 independent publishing houses had developed structures that could be taken seriously and that they published all kinds of content ranging from fiction to non-fiction on a regular basis.

Since the year 2000, when the Kurt Wolff Foundation start lobbying for the interests of independent publishers, many indie publishers arisen. The Mairisch Verlag from Hamburg is one of the most successful indie publishers in Germany. Andreas Stichmann, Finn-Ole Heinrich and Lisa Kreissler have all published with the Mairisch, and they are all award winners in the

contemporary German literary scene. The publishing house itself received the Kurt Wolff Prize at the 2014 Leipzig Book Fair.

The founders of the publishing house decided to do something different in 1999, shortly after graduating from school: “It was clear to us at the time that certain forms or accesses to literature were missing in the trade,” said Daniel Beskos, speaking to the press. “We wanted to publish on a self-determined basis.” This self-determination is now bearing fruit: for instance, Finn-Ole Heinrich’s novel Räuberhände (The Boy with the Robber’s Hands) was on the exam syllabus at Hamburg’s grammar schools in 2013 and the stage version is a big success at Hamburg’s Thalia Theatre.

In Germany more than 2,000 publishers market around 80,000 books each year. However, the variety was missing. According to Beskos “In Germany there was a broad mass market with very little differentiation and this is now being covered by

In Germany there was a broad mass market with very little differentiation and this is now being covered by the indie publishers

RELIABLE PARTNER OF SERBIA TOWARDS EU MEMBERSHIP

the indie publishers.”

A gap has been filled over the past few years. The biggest difference between indies and the big publishing companies could be that the first don’t necessarily publish books to make as much money as possible. Daniel Beskos says that: “The text has to fascinate us – the idea, the language, the realization – and once that happens, it’s a bit like love at first sight.”

The result is a thriving small press scene, with an eclectic mix of ambitious publishers seeking out new authors, experimenting with formats and finding audiences.

According to Weidle, the great strength, of small publishers is the relatively small number of copies with which they make their money.

“The big publishers want books that bring in at best 15,000 euros a month – the number of books that actually make that kind of money, however, is small,” he said in an interview carried by the Goethe Institut. At the independent publishing houses sometimes initial print runs of only 500 copies are launched. As Weidle went on to say, this is why it was possible to publish poetry or authors who are not so well known.

ally about points out the online magazine Publishing Perspectives – chatting with authors and publishers, thumbing through the newest fiction and nonfiction titles, and chance encounters at the dozens of readings and parties in Leipzig each night after the trade fair grounds close. It’s what the Germans call the “Publikumsmesse,” or trade fair for the public, and everyone’s welcome, from teenagers dressed up as Manga characters to school classes, readers and authors of all kinds.

In short: it’s a lot of fun.

Each year the Fair’s focus is on the new releases and developments on the German book market.

Apart from already mentioned Mairisch and Voland and Quist, some of the most interesting indie publishers are Binooki, a Berlinbased press focusing on Turkish fiction in translation, Secession, a small press which focuses on world class novels, poetenladen, Luxbooks and Verlagshaus J. Frank, kookbooks, A1 Publishing House, Bajazzo Verlag, blumenbar, Dörlemann Verlag, Verlag Ulrich Keicher, Kein & Aber Verlag, P. Kirchheim-Verlag, Antje Kunstmann Publishing House, Lilienfeld Verlag, Matthes & Seitz Publishing House, Felix

Indie publishers have people who believe in lesser known and not so successful authors and give them a chance Weidle also struck lucky himself when he published Die Manon Lescaut von Turdej – a novel by the Russian author, Wsewolod Petrow – a writer who had almost been forgotten. The book first appeared in an edition of only a thousand copies, in the meantime about 10,000 copies have been sold. A classic example of how independent publishing houses can enrich the book market. “They have people who believe in lesser known and not so successful authors and give them a chance”, says Weidle.

The biggest problem the independent publishing houses have when marketing their books is getting them on the shelves in the shops. Only rarely do the big book store chains agree to sell them.

In Weidle’s opinion the diversity to be found in the small publishing houses is exactly what is missing today from the mainstream book business. “The big book shops mostly seek their salvation in popular Anglo-Saxon literature and the big bestsellers.”

That, he continues, was too narrow a view of literary reality. He also believes that customers would also welcome a greater diversity and show their appreciation. Although there have been no new startups recently, the number of independent publishing houses in Germany has remained at a constantly high level for quite some time now.

What suits best the indie publishers isn’t the most famous Frankfurt Book Fair, but the annual Leipzig Book Fair that is much smaller, “user friendly”, and allows readers and publishers to hang around and talk about their new books. This is what the Leipzig Book Fair is re-

Meiner Verlag, Merve Verlag Publishing House, Tubuk, Weissbooks Publishing House, Wieser Publishers, The Wunderhorn Publishing House and many others.

Binooki was founded by two German-Turkish sisters in 2011, Selma Wels and Inci Bürhaniye, who wanted to share the many facets of contemporary Turkish literature with German readers. Unlike them, Secession strives to publish sophisticated books which “stand on their own” and don’t seek to reproduce bestseller formulas although according to the head of Secession, Christian Uzicska, some of their books have gone on to become bestsellers and they have sold the movie rights to Glückskind by Daniel Uhly, their most successful book so far.

Andreas Heidtmann, publisher of poetenladen, took “the opposite approach” to that of most presses — by first publishing digitally and then in print since many readers who discover poets online want to buy “the real thing” in book form. Poetenladen as well as kookbooks believe that poetry is experiencing a comeback, and believe that indie publisher can cater the public. Another one who earned the fame in poetry is Luxbooks which publishes poetry, mostly from renowned American poets, while Verlagshaus J. Frank focuses on German poetry, essays, translations and illustrated books. Voland & Quist also publishes many new voices, including spoken word poets and short story writers, often pairing their books with CDs and DVDs with performances by the authors. ■ RELIABLE PARTNER OF SERBIA TOWARDS EU MEMBERSHIP

| 45

PEOPLE AND TRADITION

CARNIVALS

Mardi Gras's

GERMAN COUSIN

The carnival season has different names in Germany: in Cologne and Dusseldorf "Karneval", in Mainz "Fasenacht", in other regions "Fasnet" or "Fosnat". The carnival season in and around Munich is named "Fasching"

46 |

F

many dialectical variations: Fasabend, Faselabend, Fasnacht (Basel), Fasnet (Swabia/Schwaben), and Fosnat (Franconia/Franken). They all refer to the Swabian-Alemannic version of carnival.

Karneval, is a Latin-based term that comes from carnem levare (“to remove [give up] meat”). It equates to the Latin American term “Carnaval” – as celebrated in Rio. The former Roman settlements of Cologne, Bonn and Mainz celebrate Karneval and use that Latin word for the celebration. (But the word comes from French and France’s occupation of the Rhineland in 1794.)

It is not just that the names are different, so are the customs. Some of Germany’s best known Carnival celebrations are held in Cologne (Köln), Mainz, Munich (München) and Rottweil. But Cologne’s Karneval is not really the same as Munich’s Fasching. Germanic Carnival celebrations

asching and Karneval are not really the same thing: there are two main words used in German for Carnival or Mardi Gras, the pre-Lenten celebration that ends on Ash Wednesday (Aschermittwoch): the Germanic Fasching and the Latinbased Karneval.

Fasching is the most common word used for Mardi Gras (French for “fat Tuesday”) in southern Germany, Bavaria and Austria. This Germanic word dates from the 13th century and the Middle High German word vascganc or vastschnag (Fastenschank, “last [alcoholic] drink before fasting”).

The word later joined other German words ending in -ing to become Fasching.

Fastnacht also dates back to around 1200.

Forms of the word Fastnacht are usually found in Switzerland, Swabia and other Alemannic regions.

Based on the Old German word fasen (“to be wild, crazy”), this other word for carnival is now found in

RELIABLE PARTNER OF SERBIA TOWARDS EU MEMBERSHIP

Some of Germany’s best known Carnival celebrations are held in Cologne (Köln), Mainz, Munich (München) and Rottweil

vary from region to region, with each community often having its own unique traditions. One Swiss city even has its Carnival at a different time than all the others! The Fasnacht event in Basel happens a week after most other Carnivals, starting at 4:00 a.m. on the Monday after Aschermittwoch (Ash Wednesday). The main event of Karneval in Köln is the parade on Rosenmontag (Rose Monday). Farther south in Bavaria and Austria, the culmination of Fasching takes place the day before, on Carnival Sunday, while Mardi Gras in New Orleans has its big parade on Shrove Tuesday (Faschingsdienstag). These and other differences reflect the long history and local traditions of the celebration, and they are also seen in the language.

Whether the celebration is called Fasching, Fastnacht or Karneval, it is a time to let off steam and live it up before the Lenten period that traditionally called for fasting (die Fastenzeit) and sacrifice. It is this fasting tradition that gave the celebration its Fastnacht name (“night before fasting,” “fasting eve”).

In the 15th and 16th centuries, amusing plays known as Fastnachtspiele were performed during the pre-Lenten season. Today there are elaborate parades (Umzüge) in the many large and small communities where Carnival is celebrated. Floats and marchers displaying large caricature heads often lampoon regional and national politicians. Another part of the celebration involves Carnival royalty (princes, princesses) and a sort of “counter-government” during the season. The Rhineland Rosenmontagsumzug is an event broadcast each year on German television, similar to the Macy’s Thanksgiving parade in New York. It features colorful floats with caricatured figures mocking local, national and international politicians and other famous personalities or events.

As it was mentioned, nowadays the carnival season begins officially on 11th November with the coronation of a carnival prince and a carnival princess and lasts about three months until Ash Wednesday seven weeks before Easter. The most Fasching events are held in the last four weeks.

Everything starts with Cologne’s two-and-half hour Rose Monday parade and includes huge “Karneval” floats bearing dozens of citizens dressed up in costumes. They toss fistfuls of candies to the noisy crowds on the sidewalks, exactly the way New Orleans’s Mardi Gras crews toss plastic-beaded necklaces and coins.

Like New Orleans, parade-float humour leans toward political satire with a local flavour. And also like New Orleans or Munich (where the pre-Lenten carnival is called Fasching) the best parties are private, organised by the parade societies. Tickets to Karneval

and Fasching parties are fairly easy for non-members to obtain, however the comedy performances and speeches given often come in local dialect which even Germans sometimes hardly understand.

Düsseldorf, Mainz and Basel, on the Swiss border, all have preLenten festivals as well. Each carries unique traditions. North Americans craving a taste of the events can find some closer to home. On Long Island, there is the 40-year-old Cologne-style costume ball.

It’s sponsored by an official New World offshoot of one of the most prominent Cologne Karneval societies. Other cities with Karneval parties include Windsor (Ontario), Milwaukee, Chicago, Cincinnati, Sun City (Arizona) and Indianapolis. Even a delegation from Indianapolis has participated in the Cologne Karneval as honoured guests with Cologne, who in turn sent a group to Indianapolis. And a 1999 Karneval Narrentreffen (fools’ meeting) in Las Vegas was videotaped by German TV’s Westdeutscher Rundfunk (WDR).

During the Fasching main season from January to March, Munich sees more than 800 balls. The biggest ones are parties with thousands of people.

Most of them are fancy dress balls, but there are also classical gala balls in dinner jacket and evening dress (“Schwarz-Weiss-Bälle”).

One of the big traditional balls is held in the “Deutsches Theater” (the first costume ball in the “Deutsches Theater” was organized already in 1897) , in the “Löwenbräukeller”, in the Hotel “Bayerischer Hof” or in the rooms of the Bavarian Broadcasting station (“Funkbälle”).

The “Ball der damischen Ritter” (Ball of the crazy knights) is a persiflage of Bavaria in the middle ages. A lot of funny people are dressed in knights’ armours.

The “Weissen Feste” (white parties) in the “Max-Emanuel-Brauerei” are from legendary call. These Fasching parties, which were originally parties of the Schwabing artists, are held already for over 40 years. The visitors have to come in white costumes. In the light of the special neon tubes (so-called bull’s-eye light) it looks quite eerie.

There are also smaller carnival parades starting from Sonnenstr. and ending at Hofbräuhaus, but it is not comparable with the big and magnificent carnival processions in Cologne and Mainz.

During the last three crazy days (on Fasching Sunday, on Rose Monday and on Shrove Tuesday) the pedestrian area in the city centre around Marienplatz is turned into a gigantic open air party zone with live music, fancy dresses and dancing. Climax is “München Narrisch”.

One of the highlights of the Munich Fasching is the dance of the market women on the “Viktualienmarkt”. The market women rehearse for it already months before. ■

Whether the celebration is called Fasching, Fastnacht or Karneval, it is a time to let off steam and live it up before the Lenten period that traditionally called for fasting and sacrifice

RELIABLE PARTNER OF SERBIA TOWARDS EU MEMBERSHIP

| 47

GERMAN FOOTBALL

Investment&Youth Planning

THE SECRET OF GERMAN SUCCESS

Coach Joachim Löw summed up the secret of Germany's World Cup success best when he said the country realised a decade ago that its traditional footballing virtues were just not good enough any more to achieve international success 48 |

T

he Germans won their fourth World Cup in what was the crowning moment for the country’s youth system in which they invested more than $1 billion over 10 years.

Their 1-0 victory over Argentina, 24 years after their last World Cup success and 18 since their most recent international trophy, highlighted the commitment to change and adapt to the times.

Long-known for their battling spirit, never-saydie attitude and physical strength, the Germans realised after European Championship flops in 2000 and 2004 this was not enough to guarantee continued international success.

Things had to change for the then three-times World Cup winners and three-times European champions on every level and the nation’s football authorities did exactly that.

With an annual investment of more than $80 million the started a project to retrain young players across the nation and teach them new skills.

RELIABLE PARTNER OF SERBIA TOWARDS EU MEMBERSHIP

In a new licensing system for Bundesliga clubs, it became mandatory for them to have a youth training centre. These were inspected annually and rated according to their standard.

That in turn determined the level of the football authorities’ financial support.

From the German Football League (DFL), which is in charge of the top two divisions, to the national football association (DFB), the clubs and the individual federal states, football chiefs created a web of youth development.

WORKING TOGETHER “It is the result of a lot of work at the DFB, the Bundesliga and the amateur leagues, all working together,” said DFB President Wolfgang Niersbach after the final on Sunday.

“It is not like in other countries where relations are poor. It’s all about working together. Six players on the team were European champions in youth divisions a few years ago.”

Particular attention was paid to the very young with the DFB setting up mobile coaching units, travelling across the country to visit schools and clubs and advising locally on training methods.

Some clubs found sponsorship money to set it up, others, like Borussia Dortmund, used the revenues from the sale of just one player, to create their new centres.

It made financial sense as much as it made sporting sense.

Instead of spending millions to bring top players to a club, they could be created in-house at a fraction of the price.

Bayern Munich may be the standout example of having successfully nurtured home-grown talent with Bastian Schweinsteiger, Philipp Lahm, Thomas Mueller and Toni Kroos, all of whom are now world champions.

But every club has its own success story and

when Mario Goetze scored the winner in extra time to help beat Argentina 1-0, he instantly became the ultimate poster boy for the German youth system.

A Dortmund youth player, Goetze, still only 22, was brought into the senior team as a 17-year-old. Fast, exciting and young, he personifies everything that is good about this approach.

His club received some €37 million when he left in 2013 to join Bayern despite the anger of local fans for what they saw as betrayal at the time.

There could not be a more appropriate scorer in the World Cup final, although almost everyone from the German team would have fitted that description.

In a new licensing system for Bundesliga clubs, it became mandatory for them to have a youth training centre. These were inspected annually and rated according to their standard Whether it is Andre Schuerrle, who now plays for Chelsea, or Mesut Ozil, plying his trade for Arsenal, or even little-known Christoph Kramer, who started the final, the German team is awash with home-grown talent.

“It is the joint efforts of German football since the turn of the millennium that have now been rewarded with this title,” said the Bundesliga CEO Christian Seifert.

“This outstanding development as well as the results in the Champions League in recent years underline the fact that the victory in Rio de Janeiro was not accidental.”

With the German youth system now the envy of the world, more talent can be expected to come out of the factory line to feed clubs and maintain the nation’s status as the smartest footballing power. ■

SPORT IN GERMANY

National Pride

OF GERMANS The German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) is the non-governmental umbrella organisation of German sport, founded in 2006, resulting from the merger of the German Sports Confederation (DSB) and the National Olympic Committee for Germany

T

he DOSB stands for performance, health,

care of them. German high-performance sport

joy of living and the conveyance of val-

is financed by the sport budget of the German

ues. The Patron of the DOSB is the Ger-

Federal Ministry of the Interior, with a funding

man Federal President Joachim Gauck.

amount of over €130 million.

With 27.8 million memberships organised in

over 91,000 sports clubs, the German Olympic Sports Confederation ( DOSB) is the largest citizens’ movement in Germany.

The DOSB practises a policy of ‘zero tolerance’ against all kinds of manipulation.

The national concept for promoting top-level sports, the system of training and Olympic train-

The DOSB is the central organisation of 16

ing centres as well as the concept for the develop-

regional sports confederations (one in each fed-

ment and promotion of young talented athletes

eral state), 62 national (sport-governing) federa-

serve as fundamental principles for the work in

tions and 20 sport associations with particular

German top-level sports.

tasks. It serves as a platform of consultation and

The variety of sport is also reflected in the

advice, providing services to its member associa-

programmes of education implemented by or-

tions which are independent in terms of organi-

ganised sport. There are more than 600 different

sation, financing and specialisation. The DOSB,

educational curricula in which sport organisa-

as such, finances itself by means of membership

tions offer committed persons in the clubs educa-

fees, receipts from lottery revenues and market-

tion and advanced training courses on the basis

ing licences. Additionally, projects are financed by

of the DOSB General Guidelines of Education. Al-

third-party funds of the Federation. Moreover, the

most 500,000 persons hold a valid DOSB licence

sport-governing bodies receive funding from the

as (male or female) coaches, exercise leaders, club

federal budget for top-level sports.

managers or youth leaders.

German top-level sport has been in a leading

The German Sports Youth (‘Deutsche Sportju-

position in world sports for many years. At Olym-

gend’, DSJ) takes up and represents the interests

pic Summer or Winter Games, Germany uses to

of more than 10 million children, adolescents and

be in the upper field of the medal ranking list of

young people up to 27 years of age, who are organ-

the nations. At World and European Champion-

ised in over 91,000 sports clubs. The latter are as-

ships of the individual sports, German athletes

sociated to 16 regional sports youths (federal state

present themselves as pleasant and engaging

level), 53 youth organisations of the national fed-

ambassadors of their country. Positive sporting

erations and 10 youth organisations of the asso-

results underline the commitment and readiness

ciations with particular tasks. Thus, the German

for performance of the young people and show

Sports Youth is the largest independent body re-

that the clubs, federations, high performance

sponsible for the assistance to children and young

centres and Olympic training centres take good

people in the Federal Republic of Germany. ■

RELIABLE PARTNER OF SERBIA TOWARDS EU MEMBERSHIP

| 49

TOURISM IN GERMANY

Europeans Adore German

CITY BREAKS

BERLIN

Every year Germany's biggest and most popular cities attract millions of visitors from all over the world.

According to the latest data by the German National Tourist Board in 2013, city breaks and multi-destination tours were especially popular among European visitors

A

ccording to the German National Tourist Board, Germany benefited more than most from the renewed European appetite for travel in 2013. The total volume of outbound travel in Europe rose by 2.8 per cent in 2013, but Germany recorded an increase of 4.3 per cent to 47.8 million incoming trips.

More than half of all travel by European visi-

50 |

RELIABLE PARTNER OF SERBIA TOWARDS EU MEMBERSHIP

tors to Germany is for holidays (54 per cent) and they provided the strongest stimulus to Germany’s incoming tourism industry in 2013: up 6.2 per cent to 26.0 million. In addition to the boom in the longstay holiday segment (up 8.8 per cent to 13.8 million), there was also strong demand for short breaks (up 3.4 per cent to 12.2 million). City breaks, at 33 per cent, and multi-destination tours, at 20 per cent, were especially popular with European visitors.

HAMBURG WANDERLUST AND MARITIME WORLD CITY There are countless ways to discover the beguiling character of Hamburg; this Hanseatic trade centre that is both steeped in tradition and at the forefront of modernity. Today the old town, where once noble merchants traded coffee, tea and spices,

HAMBURG

represents an inviting scene of residences and grand corner buildings from the 17th to the 19th centuries, quaint restaurants and laidback bars. Another reminder of Hamburg’s heritage is the historical Speicherstadt, home to the world’s largest single complex of traditional brick warehouses, resting on thousands of oak supports and intersected by narrow waterways, the Fleets.

The Hamburg of today and tomorrow is in HafenCity, one of the largest innercity construction projects in Europe and a contrast between seafaring heritage and cutting-edge architecture in the heart of the Überseequartier. Nestled between Speicherstadt and the port, this maritime world of discovery and shopping haven stretches all the way to the Hamburg Cruise Centre along a broad boulevard.

BERLIN WORLD CITY OF DISTINCTION

kölln and Wedding are the districts of choice for more than 20,000 artists. It is this creative force that lies behind the city’s distinctive vibe – a vibe that renders Berlin the capital for alternative and established art alike.

DÜSSELDORF

while, is lined with exclusive boutiques, where it’s all too easy to succumb to temptation in the name of fashion.

DRESDEN SYNONYM FOR CULTURE

DÜSSELDORF CATWALK OF GERMANY Düsseldorf becomes the focus of the fashion world when the city reveals the latest in designer fashion and highstreet trends.

‘The Gallery Düsseldorf’ emerged from Igedo (the world’s biggest fashion show in its day) and is now a biannual event that attracts international fashion designers and buyers in their droves to the Rhine city.

It’s here that the industry decides what’s going to be big next season. Düsseldorf is, after all, the fashion capital of Germany. More than 800 showrooms present the latest designer and couture creations, and not just during trade show times. Königsallee, mean-

For almost 700 years, Dresden has been famed for its music. It is not only the Opera House that enraptures audiences but also the State Orchestra, the Dresden Philharmonic and the Kreuzchor boys’ choir. The cultural calendar is packed all year round, with the city hosting international festivals, captivating theatre and dance productions and other popular events such as the Semper Opera Ball.

But Dresden is more than just a city of history and heritage, as evidenced by its modern architectural masterpieces. Notable examples include the New Synagogue and the deconstructivist UFA Kristallpalast cinema designed by celebrated Austrian ar-

Berlin is the creative workshop of Germany, a trendsetter and a capital of fashion, design and music. The progressive spirit of optimism that engulfed the reunified city was – and still is – astounding. Hundreds of backyard art studios emerged from the shadows and art soon began to take over streets, building walls and even entire districts.

Famously, artists have also appropriated the remains of the Berlin Wall: the section from Oberbaum Bridge to Ostbahnhof Station, now going by the name of East Side Gallery, has become an illustrated encyclopaedia of street art.

Today, Kreuzberg, Prenzlauer Berg, Neu-

DRESDEN

RELIABLE PARTNER OF SERBIA TOWARDS EU MEMBERSHIP

| 51

HANNOVER

chitects Coop Himmelb(l)au. At the main train station, Norman Foster has covered the historical iron framework with a translucent Teflon membrane.

HANNOVER WORLD MARKETPLACE FOR INNOVATION You can be fairly certain that any new trends in industry or technology were first seen in Hannover, or rather at one of the city’s huge international flagship trade fairs – the likes of which have made the exhibition centre in Lower Saxony one of the most highly regarded in the world. The exhibition site of around one square kilometre offers 466,100 square metres of floor space, making it the best possible stage for major international trade shows.

But Hannover has much more to offer exhibitors and visitors (and anyone else for that matter) than just trade shows and conventions. For instance, the city’s two town halls are both well worth visiting. The first, conveniently situated opposite the market hall, dates back to the late Middle Ages and has been carefully restored, while the second is a neoGothic building inaugurated in 1913, recognisable by its sheer grandeur and its impressive dome at a height of almost 100 metres.

ever since the Middle Ages – the power, the tension, great achievements and great tragedies. Protected by the castle, arts and crafts once flourished, while a new spirit of freedom enlivened the city at a time when few other places could offer such a quality of life.

And the same is still true today.

Nuremberg’s Historical Mile ends (or begins) at the castle, and anybody following this tour will be astounded by the number of important buildings and monuments in the city: the mighty city fortifications, the glorious, ornately decorated churches, the elaborate fountains and the legacies of international trade. There’s also the Fembohaus featuring the City Museum and the Tucher Mansion – maintained with such authenticity you would be forgiven for thinking the former occupants had just popped out for a stroll.

NUREMBERG

LEIPZIG CITY OF HEROES AND MUSIC Leipzig clearly has a special relationship with music. In fact, it’s a distinctive feature of the city’s heritage. Since 1254, when the St. Thomas choir, one of the world’s oldest boys’ choirs, was first documented, music has struck a chord with the people of Leipzig and inspired some its finest historical buildings.

The impact of certain former Leipzig residents is still felt today. For example, Johann Sebastian Bach, the most famous cantor of St. Thomas Church, as well as Leipzig-born composer Richard Wagner and Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy, who established the first German music conservatory here in 1843.

Add to that list Robert Schumann and Clara Wieck, who enchanted the city both as musicians and as lovers.

NUREMBERG GERMANY’S MOST VIBRANT MUSEUM OF HISTORY A city of emperors and princes, leaders and followers, inventors and scholars, Nuremberg has mirrored German history

52 |

RELIABLE PARTNER OF SERBIA TOWARDS EU MEMBERSHIP

LEIPZIG

MUNICH PUTTING THE STYLE INTO LIFESTYLE Munich is Germany’s lifestyle capital.

You don’t have to be rich and beautiful to feel right at home in Munich, but it doesn’t hurt.

Besides, these characteristics aren’t confined to strict dictionary definitions. Rich is he who has the time to leisurely amble through the splendid city centre, stopping here and there just to soak up the atmosphere. And beauty is in the eye of the beholder, after all.

That said, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful squares in Germany has to be Marienplatz square – it is the heart of Munich and is home to the Old and New Town Halls.

The town hall glockenspiel is as much part of Munich’s identity as the Hofbräuhaus beer hall or the iconic Church of Our Lady, whose green dome-crested towers can be seen for miles around. Browsing the stalls of the Viktualienmarkt is a feast for all the senses.

There’s simply everything on offer at the city’s famous food market – from traditional Bavarian specialities to exotic delicacies.

FRANKFURT MUSEUM OF TRUTH, BEAUTY AND VIRTUE Most people associate Frankfurt with brokers, banks, stocks and shares – and they wouldn’t be wrong, but there is much more to the city than just big business. Frankfurt does, after all, have an unrivalled museum scene. The museum embankment on the southern bank of the Main is a wonder to behold, in particular the magnificent Städel Institute of Art with the Municipal Gallery.

FRANKFURT

Situated in the heart of Frankfurt’s museum mile, this is of one Germany’s preeminent art galleries and features masterpieces spanning nine centuries of European art.

The recently opened underground extension houses a collection of works from 1945 onwards, including such famous names as Joseph Beuys and Gerhard Richter. To the east of the gallery you will find the film museum and the architecture museum, which in itself is an innovative and unconventional example of building design. And just a stone’s throw from there stands the Museum of Applied Art (MAK).

STUTTGART PERFECT COMBINATION OF CULTURE AND CARS The car has many fathers, but just one home town. Since the day Gottlieb Daim-

ler and Wilhelm Maybach put together the first ever small, high-speed petrol engine in the glasshouse they used as workshop (now a much-visited attraction), that home town has been none other than Stuttgart. Nowhere does this shine brighter, of course, than above the Mercedes-Benz Museum, the only museum in the world to present the history of the automotive industry from start to finish.

Another brand known for its iconic vehicles is, of course, Porsche – and the classics in the Porsche Museum are guaranteed to turn heads. At the heritage-listed former regional airport, the Meilenwerk is a favourite among fans of vintage vehicles, featuring everything they could ever need for keeping their prized possessions looking as good as new, as well as a place to stay in the form of the V8 Hotel.

COLOGNE CITY BURSTING WITH LIFE

STUTTGART

When you hear cheers of “Kölle alaaf ” across Cologne, it can mean only one thing: the mayhem of carnival has arrived (or Fastelovend as it’s also known). ‘Completely crazy’ or ‘out of its mind’ don’t even come close to describing the scenes in the cathedral city the week before Ash Wednesday.

Carnival season begins in Cologne on 11 November at 11.11am and finishes on Ash Wednesday as it does everywhere else in Germany. But that’s where the similarities end. As everyone can see, Cologne carnival is in a league of its own, especially in the final week when the street carnival has the city firmly in its grip. ■

RELIABLE PARTNER OF SERBIA TOWARDS EU MEMBERSHIP

| 53

COMPANY REGISTER AAA-1 RENT D.O.O. Olga Kolarovic Žorža Klemensoa 19 11000Beograd office@sixt.rs 381 11 328 70 70 381 11 2181088 www.sixt.rs ADECCO OUTSOURCING D.O.O. Marko Kolenc Vladimira Popovića 40 11070Beograd info.srbija@adecco.com 381 11 66 92 392 381 11 66 95 131 www.adecco.rs ADRIA MEDIA SERBIA D.O.O. Aleksandar Rodić Vlajkovićeva 8 11000Beograd office@adriamedia.rs 381 11 635 70 20 381 11 334 69 75 www.adriamedia.rs ADVOKAT GORDANA STEVIĆ DULIĆ Carice Milice 3 11000Beograd gordana.stevic@stevic-dulic. co.rs 381 11 306 65 50 381 11 328 52 26 www.tomic-stevic.co.rs ADVOKATSKA KANCELARIJA JANKOVIC, POPOVIC & MITIC Nemanja Stepanovic Vladimira Popovica 6-8 11070Beograd office@jpm.rs 381 11 207 68 50 381 11 207 68 99 www.jpm.rs ADVOKATSKA KANCELARIJA JOSKOVIC, STOJANOVIC & PARTNER Milan Joksovic Internacionalih Brigada 38 11000Beograd office@jsplaw.co.rs 381 11 344 59 70 381 11 344 59 72 www.jsplaw.co.rs ADVOKATSKA KANCELARIJA KARANOVIC I NIKOLIC Dejan Nikolic Resavska 23 11000Beograd knserbia@karanovic-nikolic.com 381 11 309 42 00 381 11 309 42 23 www.karanovic-nikolic.com ADVOKATSKA KANCELARIJA MIROSLAV STOJANOVIĆ, COOPERATING LAW OFFICE OF WOLF THEISS Bulevar Mihajla Pupina 6 11070Beograd miroslav.stojanovic@wolfheiss. com 381 11 330 29 00 381 11 330 29 25 www.wolftheiss.com ADVOKATSKA KANCELARIJA MORAVČEVIĆ, VOJNOVIĆ & PARTNERS IN ZUSAMMENARBEIT MIT SCHÖNHERR Slaven Moravcevic Francuska 27 11000Beograd office@schoenherr.rs

54 |

Dekra outsourcing d.o.o 381 11 320 26 00 381 11 320 26 10 www.schoenherr.rs ADVOKATSKA KANCELARIJA VUK TAX ATTORNEYS Veljko Vukovic Toplicin venac 19-21 11000Beograd contact@vuk-ta.com 381 11 2028 044 381 11 2028 045 www.vuk-ta.com ADVOKATSKA KANCELARIJA VUKOVIC & PARTNER Dejan Vukovic Bulevar Vojvode Putnika 24 11000Beograd info@vp.rs 381 11 36 91 670 381 11 2653 621 www.vp.rs AGENCIJA ALMAS 1 Aleksandra Borlja Gandijeva 79 11070Beograd beoalmas@eunet.rs 381 11 245 62 98 381 11 245 62 98 www.almas011.co.rs AGENCIJA NEVEN Nevena Ceklic Mozerova 24a 11080Beograd info@centarjezikaneven.com 381 11 316 98 76 381 64 2224206, 381 60 316 98 76 www.centarjezikaneven.com AGS BELGRADE D.O.O. Vladan Janković Višnjička 91 11060Beograd manager-belgrade@agsmovers.com 381 11 208 59 17 381 11 208 59 18 www.agsmovers.com AIR BERLIN PLC & CO. LUFTVERKEHRS KG Saatwinkler Damm 42-43 13627Berlin aleksandra.vukovic@airberlin. com www.airberlin.com ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL MEDIA D.O.O. Ana Novcic Makenzijeva 67/II 11000Beograd office@aim.rs 381 11 24 50 508 381 11 24 20 122 www.cordmagazine.com ALSTOM HOLDINGS REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE Miodrag Jelisavcic Bulevar Mihajla Pupina 6 11070Beograd 381 11 2200 580 381 11 2200 589 www.alstom.com ARIA DOO Ivan Jekić Dr Petra Markovića 12 11080Beograd office@aria.co.rs 381 11 31 60 625 381 11 31 60 862 www.aria.co.rs ARMONT SP Dejan Slavulj

Batajnički drum 283 11080Zemun office@armont.biz 381 11 375 01 41 381 11 748 91 19 www.armont.biz ATAIR GMBH Reiner Baumbach Wilmsbergerweg 12 48565Steinfurt ermem@atair.de 49 255 292 911 40 49 255 292 95 03 www.atair.de ATLAS BANKA AD PODGORICA, PREDSTAVNISTVO BEOGRAD Vesna Pavlović Furht Nušićeva 15 11000Beograd predstavnistvo@atlasbankars. com 381 11 333 63 10 381 11 333 63 01 www.atlasbanka.com ATRIA GROUP SEED.O.O. BEOGRAD Predrag Jovanović Kisela Voda 20 11000Beograd office@atria.rs 381 11 4123410 381 11 4123470 atria.rs ATRIUM CONSULTING D.O.O. Roman Klott Bulevar Mihajla Pupina 165G 11070Beograd office@atrium-consulting.com 381 11 220 58 10 381 11 220 58 11 www.atrium-consulting.com BALL PACKAGING EUROPE BELGRADE LTD David Banjai Batajnicki drum 21A 11080Beograd 381 11 377 06 00 381 11 377 08 44 www.ball-europe.com BASF D.O.O. Michael Stefan Nam Omladinskih brigada 90b 11070Beograd mirela.andjelkovic@basf.com 381 11 309 34 00 381 11 309 34 01 www.basf.rs BAULEX D.O.O. BEOGRAD Radivoje Spasojević Kosovska 9 11000Beograd baulexqatar@gmk.com 381 64 570 65 89 381 11 850 07 23 www.baulex-bau.com BAYER D.O.O. Miodrag Stankovic Omladinskih brigada 88b 11070Beograd office@bayer.rs 381 11 207 02 63 381 11 207 02 72 www.bayercropscience.com BB ELEKTRONIK D.O.O. Slobodan Sipić Rumska 161 22429Voganj info@bbelektronik.co.rs 38 12 243 14 32

RELIABLE PARTNER OF SERBIA TOWARDS EU MEMBERSHIP

Ivana Aleksandrov

Bulevar Zorana Đinđića 64A 11070 Novi Beograd Telefon: +381 11 2120 454 Telefax: +381 11 2120 458 Mobilni: +381 63 682 500 ivana.aleksandrov@dekra.rs www.dekra.rs

Dipl.oec.

Zastupnik 38 12 243 14 32 www.bbelektronik.co.rs BDO D.O.O. Ksenija Ristic-Kostic Kneza Mihailova 10 11000Beograd bdo@bdo.co.rs 383 11 328 18 08 382 11 328 13 99 www.bdo.co.rs BEO NETWORK EXPERT D.O.O. Ivana Cvetković Koste Glavinića 16/3 11000Beograd beo.network.expert@gmail.com 381 11 265 02 54 381 64 111 23 77 beonetworkexpert.wix.com BERLIN CHEMIE AG Predstavništvo Beograd Nenad Vučković Milutina Milankovića 19a 11070Beograd office@berlin-chemie.rs 381 11 655 60 90 381 11 267 24 76 www.berlin-chemie.rs BEST WESTERN HOTEL ŠUMADIJA D.O.O. Njegomir Kilibarda Šumadijski trg 8 11030Beograd office@hotelsumadija.com 381 11 305 41 00 381 11 355 43 68 www.hotelsumadija.com BG REKLAM DOO Marko Kukić 29. novembra 1M, poslovno stambena zona Trebež 11460Barajevo info@bgreklam.rs; office@ bgreklam.rs 381 11 785 64 64 381 60 68 69 110 www.bgreklam.rs BHG BRECHTEL GMBHOGRANAK Milan Lazarevic Balkanska 47 11000Beograd mlazarevic@t-online.de 381 11 761 7455 381 11 761 7455 www.bhg-brechtel.de BIG DUTCHMAN INTERNATIONAL GMBH Saša Đurić Bulevar Oslobodjenja 30a 21000Novi Sad office@bigdutchman.rs 381 21 633 41 41 381 21 633 41 41 www.bigdutchman.rs BILJANA PETROVIĆ PR IZVRŠITELJ

Ulica kneza Višeslava 58 A 11000Beograd izvrsiteljbpetrovic@open. telekom.rs; izvrsiteljbpetrovic@gmail.com 381 11 3555 680 381 2890 796 www.izvrsitelji.rs BIO SAVE D.O.O. Milovan Kovačević Vojislava Vučkovića 10 11000Beograd info@biosave.rs 381 11 369 22 06 www.biosave.rs BIOTEC INTERNATIONAL D.O.O. Gordana Juran Zdravkovic Resavska 2 11000Belgrad biotec@eunet.rs 11 3340148 381 11 3341561 www.biotec.rs BIOTRONIK D.O.O. Đordje Krstić Bulevar Arsenija Čarnojevića 94/17 11000Beograd officebelgrade@biotronik.com 381 11 243 96 27 381 11 243 96 35 www.biotronik.com BOZIC I SINOVI D.O.O. Nikola Egić Maksima Gorkog 3 26000Pančevo office@bozic.rs 381 13 361 444 www.bozic.rs www.it-recycling.biz/ BSH KUĆNI APARATI D.O.O. BEOGRAD Gerald Schmidt Milutina Milankovića 11a 11070Beograd 386 (1) 5830861 381 11 205 23 99 381 11 205 23 89 www.bsh-group.com BUCK D.O.O. BEOGRAD Zoran Vasiljević Milorada Jovanovica 9 11147Beograd office@buck.rs 381 11 2052 400 381 11 2052 401 www.buck.rs BWC D.O.O. BEOGRAD Slobodan Škundrić Beogradska 129-131 11277Ugrinovci-Beograd office@bwc.rs 381 11 840 86 54 381 11 840 86 59

www.bwc-bg.rs CAPCON INVEST CAPITAL CONSULTING & INVESTMENT DOO Dejan Lazić Topličin Venac 19-21 11000Beograd office@capcon-invest.eu; beograd@capcon-invest.eu 494018085773 4932123332223 381 61 3071399 capcon-invest.eu CATERING PLUS D.O.O. Aleksandar Durović Vladimira Popovica 50/412 11070Beograd office@catering.rs 381 11 260 8410 381 11 260 8411 www.catering.rs CBS INTERNATIONAL D.O.O. (AFFILIATE OF CBRE GROUP) Dragan Radulović Omladinskih brigada 88b 11070Beograd office@cbre.rs 381 11 225 87 77 381 11 228 19 69 www.cbre.rs CMS REICH-ROHRWIG HAINZ D.O.O. Dr. Radivoje Petrikić Cincar Jankova 3 11000Beograd belgrade@cms-rrh.com 381 11 320 89 00 381 11 320 89 30 www.cms-rrh.com COMMERZBANK AG REPRÄSENTANZ BELGRAD Oliver Schufmann Vladimira Popovica 6, A-112 11070Beograd fi.belgrade@commerzbank.com 381 11 301 85 20 381 11 301 85 23 www.commerzbank.com CONDATA D.O.O. Branko Kujundžić Carice Milice 3 11000Beograd office@condata.rs 381 11 262 90 21 381 11 328 51 53 www.condata.rs CONFIDA CONSULTING D.O.O. Christian Braunig, Nevenka Prtović Knez Mihailova 22 11000Beograd c.braunig@confida.rs 381 11 303 91 04 381 11 303 91 05 www.confida.rs

Dunkermotoren engineers and manufactures system solutions based on: » Brushless DC servo motors/ brush-type DC motors » Integrated power- and logic controllers » Planetary- and worm gearboxes » Linear direct drives » Encoders and brakes Dunkermotoren d.o.o. Subotica Batinska 94 (Bescarinska zona) | RS-24000 Subotica, Srbija info@dunkermotoren.com | www.dunkermotoren.com

CONTITECH FLUID SERBIA DOO Markus Murk Živko Topalović Batinska 94 24000Subotica maja.katrinka@fluid.contitech.rs 381 24 4155 244 381 24 4150 050 www.contitech.de CREDITREFORM D.O.O. Kaja Ristic Palmira Toljatija 5/III 11070Beograd info@creditreform.rs 381 11 269 60 59 381 11 2672998 www.creditreform.rs CROWE HORWATH BDM DOO Bogdan Đurić Terazije 5/4 11000Beograd bogdan.djuric@crowehorwath.rs 381 11 655 8500 381 11 655 8501 www.crowehorwath.rs DAD DRÄXLMAIER AUTOMOTIVE D.O.O. Andreas Josef Weber Skladišna hala 1,Lokacija Bagljaš Aerodrom 23000Zrenjanin info@draexlmaier.com 381 23 519 001 381 23 519 056 www.draexlmaier.com DB INTERNATIONAL OGRANAK CATHLEEN POTTER Terazije 16 11000Beograd Cathleen.potter@db-international.de nikola.ristic@db-international.de 381 11 3615 238 381 11 3613 587 www.db-international.de DB SCHENKER D.O.O. Christina Gerdenitsch Batajnički drum 283d 11080Beograd office@schenker.rs 381 11 414 18 70 381 11 748 83 31 www.schenker.rs DDOR NOVI SAD Christian Otto Neu Bulevar Mihajila Pupina 8 21000Novi Sad ddor@ddor.co.rs 381 21 488 60 00 381 11 202 70 02 www.ddor.rs DEG DEITSCHE INVESTITIONSUND ENTWICKLUNGSGESELLSCHAFT MBH

Wilhelm Icke Kämmergasse 22 50676Köln wilhelm.icke@deginvest.de 49 221 4986 1610 49 221 4986 1104 www.definvest.de DEGUSTA D.O.O. BEOGRAD Boško Jakšić Sutjeska ulica 8 25/d 11210Beograd office@degusta.rs 381 11 655 44 00 381 11 331 74 34 www.degusta.rs DEKRA ZAPOŠLJAVANJE D.O.O. Daniele Divjanović Bulevar Zorana Đinđića 64A/3 11070Beograd office@dekra.rs 381 11 212 04 54 381 11 212 04 59 www.dekra.rs DELTA GENERALI OSIGURANJE D.O.O. Andrea Simoncelli Milentija Popovica 7b 11070Beograd kontakt@deltagenerali.rs 381 11 222 05 55 381 11 311 43 81 www.deltagenerali.rs DELTA INZENJERING D.O.O. Bojan Tomic Milutina MIlankovica 7g 11070Beograd office@deltainzenjering.rs 381 11 7856 901 381 11 3122 025 www.deltainzenjering.rs DELTA MOTORS D.O.O. Nemanja Lazić Radnička 8 11030Beograd office@bmw.rs 381 11 353 99 00 381 11 353 99 04 www.bmw.rs DERTOUR D.O.O. Vili Mitova Gerhard Begher Francuska 17/I 11000Beograd service@dertour.rs 381 11 222 06 16 381 11 313 20 81 www.dertour.rs DEUTSCHE BANK AG REPRÄSENTANZ BELGRAD Nemanja Žugić Balkanska 2/ IV/1402 11000Beograd nemanja.zugic@db.com marija.glodevic@db.com 381 11 205 50 50

www.db.com DEUTSCHE LUFTHANSA AG Hannes Steinacker Terazije 3/III 11000Beograd info@lufthansa.com 381 11 303 09 44 381 11 322 50 09 www.lufthansa.com DEWACO D.O.O. Srđan Pezo Bulevar Arsenija Čarnojevića 102 11070Beograd office@man.rs 381 22 366 400 381 22 366 402 www.man.rs DHL INTERNATIONAL BEOGRAD D.O.O. Darko Babić Jurija Gargarina 36v 11070Beograd info-rs@dhl.com 381 11 310 55 00 381 11 310 55 10 www.dhl.rs DR. OETKER Zoran Mitić Vladimira Popovica 40 11070Beograd info@oetker.rs 381 11 2052 800 381 11 2052 821 www.oetker.rs DRÄGER TEHNIKA D.O.O. Predrag Gvoić Danijelova 12-16 11070Beograd office.serbia@draeger.com 381 11 3911 222 381 11 3911 333 www.draeger.com DUNKERMOTOREN D.O.O. Willi Striga Batinska 94 24000Subotica info@dunkermotoren.de office.subotica@ametek.com 381 24 630 100 381 24 630 101 www.dunkermotoren.com DSD KONSTRUKTION D.O.O. Dr. Frank Minas Hanga Živanac Dr. Milana Petrovica 21 21000Novi Sad office@dsd-serbia.co.rs 381 21 67 91 888 381 21 548 228 www.dsd-serbia.co.rs ECOLOGICA URBO D.O.O. Evica Rajić Save Kovačevića 3/1 34000Kragujevac office@ecourbo.com 381 34 331 332

381 34 337 237 www.ecourbo.com ECOVIS CONFIDAS D.O.O Alexander Samonig Imotska 1 11000Beograd belgrade@ecovis.com 381 11 395 68 00 381 11 395 68 88 www.ps-confidas.rs EDR GMBH Helmut Ferrari Dillwächterstraße 5 80686München info@edr.de 49 89 547 11 20 49 895 471 12 50 www.edr.de EKAPIJA.COM D.O.O. Zdravko Lončar Bulevar Mihaila Pupina 10A 11070Beograd management@ekapija.com 381 11 715 22 40 381 11 715 22 41 www.ekapija.com ELTEC PETROL D.O.O. Aleksandar Stanković Patrijarha Dimitrija 12v 11090Beograd marketing@eltec-petrol.rs 381 11 256 24 39 381 11 256 24 39 www.eltec-petrol.rs EMBASSY TECHZONES D.O.O. Ramgopal Narayanan Dedinjska 10 11040Beograd office@embassytechzones.rs 381 11 2660 694 381 11 2661 396 ENERGOMONTAŽA A.D. Mladen Žujković Živojina Žujovića 14 11050 Beograd office@energomontaza.com 381 11 38 14 900 381 11 380 96 92 www.energomontaza.com EOS MATRIX D.O.O. Jelena Jović Đorđa Stanojevića 14 11070Beograd infoyu@eos-matrix.com 381 11 330 07 00 381 11 330 07 77 www.eos-matrix.rs ERNST & YOUNG D.O.O. BEOGRAD Stephen James Fish Španskih boraca 3 11070Beograd ey.office@rs.ey.com 381 11 209 58 00 381 11 209 58 90 www.ey.comrs

ERSTE GROUP IMMORENT SERBIA D.O.O. Dr. Claus Graggaber Milutina Milanovića 11a 11070Beograd office.rs@immorent.com 381 11 228 74 82 381 11 228 74 82 www.erstegroupimmorent.com EURO LOGISTIK SERVICE D.O.O. Saša Orlov Jurija Gagarina 32 11070Beograd office@els.co.rs 381 11 785 64 10 381 11 353 28 24 www.els.at EUROFAST GLOBAL D.O.O. Panayiotis Diallinas Beogradska 31/4 11000Beograd belgrade@eurofast.eu 381 11 3241 484 381 11 3038 848 www.eurofast.eu EUROMEDIC APOTEKA, Z.U. Kralja Milutina 57 11000Beograd vjeko@euro-medic.net 381 11 218 21 08 381 11 218 21 08 EXECUTIVE GROUP D.O.O. Darko Matijašević Knez Mihailova 9 11000Beograd info@eg.rs 381 11 328 44 88 381 11 328 44 80 www.eg.rs FALKE SERBIA D.O.O. Martin Nyland Tekstilna 71 16000Leskovac falke.serbia@falke.com 381 16 31 500 50 381 16 31 500 48 www.falke.com FALKENSTEINER HOTEL BELGRADE / ALBA INVEST D.O.O. Aleksandar Vasiljević Bulevar Mihaila Pupina 10K 11070Beograd belgrade@falkensteiner.com 381 11 225 00 00 381 11 225 00 01 www.belgrade/falkensteiner. com FARMALOGIST D.O.O. Silvana Džudžević Mirijevski bulevar 3 11060Beograd office.dir@farmalogist.rs 381 11 331 50 01 381 11 331 50 10

www.farmalogist.rs FERDINAND BILSTEIN SOUTH EAST EUROPE DOO Zoran Petrović Brđanska 412 11232Beograd office@febigap.co.rs 381 11 8652 874 381 11 8652 603 www.febi.com FESTO GESELLSCHAFT M.B.H. OGRANAK BEOGRAD Ivan Zekavica Omladinskih brigada 90 V /5 11070Beograd info@festo.rs 381 117853 900 381 11 785 39 11 www.festo.com FHI ZDRAVLJE AD LESKOVAC Bojan Jović, generalni direktor Vlajkova 199 16000Leskovac bjovic@actavis.rs 381 16 202 201 381 16 254 125 www.actavis.rs FLUIDTERM EXPORT-IMPORT DOO Marija Anđelković JNA 54/1, Zaklopača 11306 Grocka info@fluidterm.com 381 11 85 25 107 FOND ZA PODRŠKU INVESTICIJA U VOJVODINI - VIP Emilija Stefanović Narodnog Fronta 23 d 21000Novi Sad office@vip.org.rs 3812 14 723 244 3812 14 721 921 www.vip.org.rs FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE - SPECIJALNA BOLNICA ZA HEMODIJALIZU Jurija Gagarina 11v/g 11070Beograd info@mc-srbija.com 381 11 395 10 00 381 11 395 10 09 FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE SERBIA D.O.O. Prof. dr. Rajko Hrvačević Beogradski put bb 26300Vršac Vera.Trunic@fmc-ag.com 381 11 228 05 22 381 11 228 07 12 www.fmc-ag.com FRUTERRA DOO Ratko Popović Omladinskih brigada 90b 11080Zemun office-bg@fruterra.com

RELIABLE PARTNER OF SERBIA TOWARDS EU MEMBERSHIP

| 55

381 11 3168 159 381 11 3168 160 www.fruterra.com G.P. GRADJEVINAR Nenad Ćirić Trnska 25 11000Beograd office@gradjevinar.rs 381 11 344 66 05 381 11 344 70 19 www.gradjevinar.rs GEA FARM TECHNOLOGIES SERBIA D.O.O. Petar Petrović Konstantina Jovanovića 10 11080Zemun office@westfalia.co.rs www.gea-farmtechnologies. com GEBRÜDER WEISS D.O.O. Dragan Simović Beogradska bb 11272Dobanovci office.beograd@gw-world.com 381 11 3715 200 381 11 371 52 01 www.gw-world.rs GEZE D.O.O. Alber Marc Philipp Elemirski drum bb 23000Zrenjanin v.milic@geze.com 381 23 519 600 381 23 533 321 www.geze.com GFK DOO Marijana Agić-Molnar Bulevar Mihajla Pupina 10b/VI 11070Beograd marijana.agic-molnar@gfk.com 381 11 7155 888 www.gfk.com GI GROUP HR SOLUTIONS D.O.O. Olga Svoboda Prote Mateje 52 11000Beograd office@gigroup.com 381 11 3086 180 381 11 244 39 80 www.gigroup.rs GIZ - DEUTSCHE GESELLSCHAFT FÜR INTERNATIONALE ZUSAMMENARBEIT GMBH Siegmund Müller Brzakova 20 11000Beograd giz-serbien@giz.de 381 11 369 81 28 381 11 369 81 28 www.giz.de GLOB METROPOLITEN TOURS Mirjana Ljubinkovic Makenzijeva 26 11000Beograd glob@metropoliten.com 381 11 2430 899 381 11 2437 483 www.metropoliten.com GRADING D.O.O. Miroslav Mihajlovic Dimitrija Marjanovica 26 35250Paracin office@grading.rs 381 35 887 14 01 381 35 887 04 01 www.garding.rs GRAH AUTOMOTIVE D.O.O. Aca Zlatić Kneza Miloša Obrenovića 9A 34227Batočina aca.zlatic@grah-automotive. com 381 34 501 060 381 34 501 061 grahlighting.eu

56 |

GRAMMER SYSTEM Pierluigi Ghiome 22. Decembar 18220Aleksinac office@grammer.com 381 18 809 100 381 18 802 255 www.grammer.com GRAND MOTORS D.O.O. Stanko Radić Milutina Milankovića 21 11070Beograd ana.tomovic@ford.rs 381 11 209 06 61 www.ford.rs GRUNER SERBIAN D.O.O. Eduard Spreitzer Marka Oreškovića bb 16210Vlasotince igor.rajkovic@gruner.de info@gruner.de 381 16 23 08 00 381 16 23 08 01 gruner.webs.com GUSTAV KAESER TRAINING INTERNATIONAL 8. marta 9/51 11250Beograd serbia@gustavkaeser.com www.gustavkaeser.com HARRISONS Mark William Harrison Bulevar Mihajla Pupina 6/24 11070Beograd office@harrison-solicitors.com 381 11 312 98 25 381 11 312 98 23 www.harrison-solicitors.com HARTING EASTERN EUROPE GMBH Max-Planck-Straße 1 32339Espelkamp dominik.nimmesgern@harting. com 49 577 247 96 39 49 577 247 96 71 www.harting-easterneurope. com HEMOFARM A.D. Ronald Seeliger Beogradski put bb 26300Vršac info@hemofarm.com 381 13 80 31 00 381 13 80 41 00 www.hemofarm.com HENKEL SRBIJA D.O.O. Gordana Brašić Bulevar Oslobodenja 383 11000Beograd jelena.sarenac@henkel.com 381 11 207 22 09 381 11 207 22 99 www.henkel.com HÖDLMAYR ZASTAVA D.O.O. Markus Wäger Trg Topolivaca 4 34000Kragujevac serbia@hoedlmayer.com 381 34 323 239 381 34 335 916 www.hoedlmayr.com HOFFSCHMIDT FLAGPRINTER DOO Rüdiger Hoffschmidt Majora Zorana Radosavljevića 370 11273 Belgrad info@flagprinter.rs www.hoffschmidt.de www.flagprinter.de HOLIDAY INN BELGRADE, BELEXPOCENTAR D.O.O. Slobodan Petrović Španskih boraca 74 11070Beograd belexpocentarhala@hibelgrade.

rs 381 11 3100 000 381 11 3100 100 www.belexpocentar.rssr/ holiday-inn-beograd.htm HOLLEMAN TRANSPORT D.O.O. Dejan Tubić Milinka Kušića 1/3 11250Beograd info@holleman.rs 381 11 11 657 1 307 381 11 657 1 389 www.holleman.rs HÖRMANN SERBIA DOO Bojan Simović Udarnih desetina 32 11271Surčin b.simovic@hormann.rs 381 11 8440 821 6381 62 760 126 www.hormann.rs HRG SERBIA & MONTENEGRO, BT PEGROTOUR DOO Predrag Španjević Topličin Venac 19-21 11000Beograd office@rs.hrgworldwide.com 381 11 202 80 90 381 11 202 80 92 www.hrgworldwide.com HRLE ATTORNEYS ADVOKATSKA KANCELARIJA Simina 1 11000Beograd office@hrle-attorneys.rs 381 11 328 32 95 381 11 328 30 61 www.hrle-attorneys.rs HYATT REGENCY BELGRADE Hom Parvitz Milentija Popovića 5 11070Beograd belgrade.regency@hyatt.com 381 11 301 1234 381 11 301 2234 www.hyatt.com IB INTERBILANZ CONSULTING D.O.O. Marco Egger Milutina Milankovića 136a 11070Beograd office@ibgroup.rs 381 11 6557 043 381 11 6693 999 www.ibgroup.at IHK CHEMNITZ K.D.Ö.R. Hans Joachim Wunderlich Straße der Nationen 25 9111Chemnitz chemnitz@chemnitz.ihk.de 49 371 6900 0 49 371 6900 191565 www.chemnitz.ihk.24.de IMO D.O.O. Mirko Vinčetić Stevana Markovića 8 11070Beograd imo@eunet.rs 381 11 2106 404 381 11 3162 906 www.merdevineiskele.com www.imo.co.rs IMPERIAL TOBACCO SCG D.O.O. Vladimir Mikić Bulevar Mihajla Pupina 6/XII 11070Beograd office@rs.imptob.com 381 11 2200 800 381 11 2200 840 www.imperial-tobacco.com IN HOTEL BEOGRAD D.O.O. Ružica Petrović Dedijer

RELIABLE PARTNER OF SERBIA TOWARDS EU MEMBERSHIP

Bulevar Arsenija Čarnojevića 54a 11070Beograd office@inhotel-belgrade.rs 381 11 310 5300 381 11 310 5351 www.inhotel-belgrade.rs INDUSTRIE MAURIZIO PERUZZO BALKAN DOO Milan Kostić Radnička 35/II/9 11000Beograd kostic.milan@impbalkan.rs 381 11 3572601 381 11 3572603 www.impbalkan.rs INFOBIRO D.O.O Sanja Ignjatović Kursulina 13 11000Beograd sanja.ignjatovic@infobiro.tv 381 11 243 23 29 381 11 240 28 88 www.infobiro.tv INFOSTUD 3 D.O.O. Branislava Gajić Stanojević Aleja Maršala Tita 26/3 24000Subotica info@infostud.com 381 24 650 510 381 24 650 505 www.infostud.com INFOTERM D.O.O. NIS Džo Mikulović Marko Minić Prvomajska 11-3 18000Niš info@infoterm.rs 381 18 250 422 381 18 250 422 www.infoterm.rs INTEGRALTEHNIC Miodrag Džamić 29. novembra 16 37230Aleksandrovac office@itcg.co.rs 381 11 3611 525 381 11 3611 424 www.itcbg.co.rs IVA 28 D.O.O. Bojan Erčević Jurija Gargarina 231/322 11070Beograd office@iva28.rs 381 11 301 56 40 381 11 301 56 35 www.iva28.rs JIE ENGINEERING D.O.O. Jordanka Belić Bulevar Mihajla Pupina 10A/5/13 11070Beograd info@jie-engineering.com 381 11 3139742 381 11 133395 www.jie-engineering.com JUGO-KAOLIN DOO Nebojša Ilinčić Bulevar Mihaila Pupina 10V/1/ III 312 11070Beograd m.mladenovic@jugokaolin.rs 381 11 311 65 78 381 11 311 65 78 www.jugokaolin.rs KESZ D.O.O. Breier Szabolcs Bulevar Kneza Aleksandra Karađorđevića 23 11000Beograd breiersz@kesz.hu 381 11 3674 408 381 11 3674 407 www.kesz.rs KAUFLAND STIFTUNG & CO. KG Olgastr. 57

74072Heilbronn ivan.chernev@kaufland.com 49 713 294 61 31 49 713 294 761 31 www.kaufland.de KFW BEOGRAD Dr. Jürgen Welschof Brzakova 20 11040Beograd juergen.welschof@kfw.de 381 11 36 98 12 2 www.kfw-entwicklungsbank. de/serbia KK KONSULTATION Klaudija Kuljak Stuckstrasse 9 81677München kklaudija@gmx.de 49 151 165 413 94 49 89 379 590 64 KLASTER MODNE I ODEVNE INDUSTRIJE SRBIJE Slađana Milojević Omladinskih brigada 14/35 11070Beograd info@clusterfacts.org.rs fashioncluster@gmail.com 381 11 228 79 48 381 11 269 83 90 www.clusterfacts.org.rs KLETT IZDAVAČKA KUĆA DOO Gordana Knežević Orlić Maršala Birjuzova 3-5/IV 11000 Belgrad office@klett.rs 381 11 33 48 384 381 11 33 48 385 http://www.klett.rs KNAUF INSULATION D.O.O. BEOGRAD Tihomir Civkarovski Batajnički drum 16b, Privredna Zona Gornji Zemun, Zona 4 11080Beograd office.belgrade@knaufinsulation.com 381 11 331 08 00 381 11 331 08 01 www.knaufinsulation.rs KNAUF ZEMUN D.O.O. Todor Delovski Batajnički drum 16b, Privredna Zona Gornji Zemun, Zona 4 11080Beograd info@knauf.rs 381 11 207 45 00 381 11 207 45 31 www.knauf.com; www.knauf.rs KORPUS D.O.O. Pavle Knežević Surčinski put 1b 11070Beograd office@korpus.co.rs 381 11 7129 261 381 11 7129 363 www.korpus.co.rs KPMG D.O.O. James Thornley Kraljice Natalije 11 11000Beograd info@kpmg.rs 381 11 205 05 00 381 11 205 05 50 www.kpmg.rs KRAFTANLAGEN SERBIA DOO Mario Christian Vouilleme Jens Wolters Omladinskih brigada 88a 11070Beograd beograd@kraftanlagen.eu 381 11 440 74 41 381 11 440 74 43 www.kraftanlagen.de LA LUBENICA D.O.O.

(BERLITZ) Aleksandar Nikolić Vladimira Popovića 44/lokal A L 2/3 11070Beograd office@berlitz.co.rs 381 11 312 11 45 381 11 312 11 47 www.berlitz.co.rs LAGERTECHNIK D.O.O. Goran Jovanović Vidikovački venac 14 11090Beograd info@bito.rs 381 11 233 72 39 381 11 233 72 39 www.bito.rs LAHYER D.O.O. Dragan Carić Bulevar Arsenija Čarnojevića 78/18 11070Beograd info@layher.rs 381 11 2129 688 381 11 3133 583 www.layer.rs LEGI-SGS D.O.O. Sebstijan Babić Novo Naselje 10 11184Beograd office@legi.rs 381 11 800 16 73 381 11 800 16 73 www.legi.rs LEITNER LEITNER CONSULTING DOO Pavo Đedović Uzun Mirkova 3 11000Beograd office.belgrad@leitnerleitner. com 381 11 655 5105 381 11 655 5106 www.leitnerleitner.com LEONI WIRING SYSTEMS SOUTHEAST D.O.O. Joerg Paechnatz Pane Dukića 1 18400Prokuplje jasmina.milosavljevic@leoni. com 381 27 319 111 381 27 319 499 www.leoni.com LETAČ DOO Mile Savić Kralja Petra I bb 22320Inđija info@letac.rs 381 22 510 031 381 22 560 524 www.letac.rs LIDL SERBIA SUPERMARKETI K.D. Dragan Čigoja Tošin bunar 272 v 11070Beograd ekspanzija@lidl.rs 381 11 655 4000 381 11 6554 015 www.lidl.rs LINDE GAS SRBIJA Zoran Popov Petrovoselski put 143 21220Bečej office@rs.linde-gas.com 381 21 681 10 10 381 21 681 10 51 www.linde.com LINDE VILJUSKARI D.O.O. Vesna Jovanović Moše Pijade 17b 11224 Vrčin info@linde-mh.rs 381 11 80 55 706 381 11 80 55 708

www.linde-mh.rs LINDNER D.O.O. Vojislav Popović Koste Abraševića 12 11050Beograd office@lindner-beograd.com 381 11 3822 454 381 11 3822 453 www.lindner-beograd.com LMB SOFT D.O.O. Klaus Dieter Jentsch Dragan Janković Bulevar Nikole Tesle bb 18000Niš klaus.jentsch@lmb.de dragan.jankovic@lmbsoft.rs 49 81 22 880 960 381 18 200 825 381 18 577 640 www.lmb.de www.lmbsoft.rs LOGWIN SOLUTIONS SRB D.O.O. ( QUEHENBERGER LOGISTICS SRB D.O.O.) Saša Baleta Vladimir Varičak Autoput za Novi Sad 211 11080Zemun info.rs@quehenberger.com 381 60 0226630 381 11 78 70 598 www.quehenberger.com LOSBERGER GMBH Matthias Raff Gottlieb-Daimler-Iling 14 74906Bad Rappenau losberger@losberger.com export@losberger.com 49 7066 980 0 49 7066 980 232 www.losberger.com MA.KOM D.O.O. Aleksandar Marjanović Pavla Jurišića-Šturma 10 15000Šabac info@makomnatura.com makomdent@open.telekom.rs 381 15 343679 381 15 343679 www.makomnatura.com MACE D.O.O. Branislav Simović Bulevar Mihajla Pupina 6/XXII 11070Beograd branislav.simovic@macegroup. com serbia.office@macegroup.com 381 112200250 381 112200265 www.macegroup.com MANPOWER D.O.O. Aleksandar Hangimana Bulevar Mihajla Pupina 115v 11070Beograd office@manpower.rs 381 11 41 43 093 381 11 41 43 096 www.manpower.rs MAŠINOPROJEKT KOPRING A.D. Slobodan Lalić Dobrinjska 8a 11000Beograd office@masinoprojekt.co.rs 381 11 363 57 00 381 11 363 57 80 www.masinoprojekt.co.rs MCB EDUKACIJA D.O.O. Bojan Šćepanović Ustanička 189 11050Beograd mcb@eunet.rs 381 11 3047 126 www.mcb.rs MEDINIC EKSPORT-IMPORT D.O.O.

Ljiljana Belčević Danicareva 57 11000Beograd office@medinic-b.com 381 11 304 77 44 381 11 283 70 09 www.medicin.com MEHLER PROTECTIVE SYSTEM DOO Zoran Popović Siegfried Gunter Will Bagljaš Aerodrom 13/187/3 23000Zrenjanin mehler@mehler.rs 381 23 532 870 381 23 532 874 MEIER MECHANIC D.O.O. Andre Meier Industrijska 7 34000Kragujevac meierm@open.telekom.rs 381 34 355 571 www.meier-mechanic.ch MERCK D.O.O. Ina Bulat Omladinskih Brigada 90v 11070Beograd merck@merck.rs 381 11 217 57 61 381 11 217 67 81 www.merck.rs MERKUR GAMES D.O.O. Friedrich Dieter Kuhlmann Branko Kokir Mileševska 64 11000Beograd info@merkur-casino.com 381 11 6304021 49 57 72 490 www.merkur-casino.com www.merkurautomatklub.com MESSER TEHNOGAS A.D. Ernst Bode Banjički put 62 11090Beograd postoffice@messer.rs 381 11 353 72 70 381 11 353 72 99 www.messer.rs METAL D.O.O. Mitja Kalin Kneza Miloša bb 35230Ćuprija office@metalcuprija.co.rs 381 35 847 09 04 381 35 847 30 80 www.metalcuprija.co.rs METRO CASH & CARRY DOO ROBERTO MANCUSO Autoput za Novi Sad 120 11080Beograd pr@metro.rs 381 11 377 73 66 381 11 377 75 80 www.metro.rs METROPOL PALACE D.O.O. Ioannis Daskalantonakisa Bulevar Kralja Aleksandra 69 11000Beograd marketing.a@metropolpalace. com 381 11 333 3100 381 11 3333 300 www.metropolpalace.com MILŠPED D.O.O. Nebojsa Iković Savski Nasip 7 11070Beograd office@milsped.com 381 11 2015 100 381 11 2015 133 www.milsped.com MMM MÜNCHENER MEDIZIN MECHANIK GMBH Michael Geutler Rainer Balzer

Robert Eibl Semmelweisstr. 6 82152Planegg-München info@mmmgroup.com 49 89 899 180 49 89 899 181 18 www.mmmgroup.com MOVEM & CO Njegoslav Trifković Milentija Popovića 9 11070Beograd office@movem.co.rs 381 11 311 14 37 381 11 311 14 37 www.movem.rs MUEHLBAUER TECHNOLOGIES D.O.O. Hubert Forster Evropska 17 22300Stara Pazova info@muehlbauer.de 381 22 215 5100 381 22 215 5130 www.muehlbauer.de MULTI-TEC D.O.O. Mladen Bubić Liparska 50 21208Sremska Kamenica mbubic@multi-tec.net 381 21 625 28 20 381 21 625 28 24 www.multi-tec.net NDP AUDIT & CONSULTING D.O.O. Vladimir Dabić Topličin venac 3/IV 11000Beograd office@ndp-audit.rs 381 11 308 57 80 381 11 308 57 82 www.ndp-audit.rs NENAD POPOVIĆ ARCHITECT D.O.O. Nenad Popović Požarevačka 18 11000Beograd info@nenadpopovic.com 381 11 4056975 www.nenadpopovic.com NESTLE ADRIA FOODS D.O.O. Ansgar Bornemann Milutina Milankovića 11a 11070Beograd info@cs.nestle.com 381 11 201 9301 381 11 313 2022 www.nestle.rs NITEA D.O.O. Vesna Ječmenica Đorđa Stanojevića 14 11000Beograd office@nitea.rs 381 11 22 87 389 381 11 22 87 388 www.nitea.rs NORMA GRUPA JUGOISTOCNA EVROPA D.O.O. Werner Dolinsky Batinska 94 24000Subotica info.rs@normagroup.com 381 24 644 500 381 24 644 533 www.normagroup.com NOVOS D.O.O. Nenad Vuković Cara Dušana 207 11080Zemun novos@novos.co.rs 381 11 3773503 381 11 3773504 www.novos.co.rs OFFICECOM D.O.O. BEOGRAD Kai Aufenberg Tronoska 18

11185Beograd prodaja@officecom.rs 381 11 377 45 38 www.officecom.rs OPEL SOUTHEAST EUROPE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY PREDSTAVNIŠTVO Dragan Nenadović Bulevara Mihajla Pupina 165G 11070Beograd aleksandra.nedeljkovic@opel. com 381 11 3015 202 381 11 3015 203 www.opel.rs OSRAM D.O.O. Miroslav Lajesic Đorđa Stanojevića 14 11070Beograd office@osram.rs 381 11 228 17 17 381 11 228 17 16 www.osram.com OST- UND MITTELEUROPA VEREIN E.V. Am Weidendamm 1A 10117Berlin info@o-m-v.org 49 305 900 995 75 49 305 900 994 75 www.o-m-v.org OVATION ADVERTISING D.O.O. Dragoslav Ilić Velislava Vulovića 16 11000Beograd office@ovation.rs 381 11 414 61 60 381 11 414 61 64 www.ovation.rs P3 COMMUNICATIONS ENGINEERING Vladimir Obradović Majora Gavrilovića 1 14000Valjevo info.communications@p3group.com 381 14 292 100 381 14 292 101 p3-group.com PALCO D.O.O. Goran Negovanovic Nova 9 bb 15000Šabac palco@eunet.rs 381 15 355 150 381 15 355 150 www.palco.de PANASONIC LIGHTING DEVICES SERBIA D.O.O. Dirk Bantel Karl Rojm bb 35210Svilajnac Ana.Marincic@vsu.vosslohschwabe.com 381 35 8150 100 381 35 815 01 01 www.vossloh-schwabe.com PEDIMENT D.O.O. Goran Blagojevic Kraljice Natalije 39/2 11000Beograd marijana.dubljevic@pediment. co.rs 381 63 211 231 www.pediment.rs PERI OPLATE D.O.O. Mile Bojanić Zmaja Ognjenog Vuka 2 22310Šimanovci office@peri.rs 381 22 408 28 200 381 22 408 28 250 www.peri.rs PERIHARD INŽENJERING D.O.O. Bogdanka Pešić

Kneginje Zorke 24 11000Beograd prodaja@perihard.com 381 11 243 23 83 381 11 276 00 16 www.perihard.com PEWO ENERGIETECHNIK GMBH David Piegazki Geierswalder Straße 13 02979Eisterheide info@pewo.de david.piegazki@pewo.com 381 11 29 280 86 49 357 148 980 49 357 148 98 28 www.pewo.com PFEIFFER D.O.O. Slobodan Pilipović Kumodraska 241 b 11000Beograd pfeiffer.belgrade@gmail.com 381 11 398 2667 381 11 398 2752 www.ludwigpfeiffer.com PHIWA D.O.O Rudolf Walter Matija Korvina 17 24000Subotica phiwa@phiwa.com 381 24 647 231 381 24 647 220 www.phiwa.com PHOENIX PHARMA D.O.O. Tomislav Živanović Bore Stankovića 2 11000Beograd office@phoenixpharma.rs 381 11 353 8100 381 11 3538 200 www.phoenixpharma.rs POWER SYMBOL TECHNOLOGY D.O.O. (PSTECH) Branka Radovanović Milutina Milankovica 11b 11070Beograd office@pstech.rs 381 11 2057400 381 11 3120974 www.pstech.rs PRE-PRINT D.O.O. Stanko Krstin Josifa Marinkovića 10 21000Novi Sad office@pre-print.rs 381 21 6447 999 381 21 6336 004 www.pre-print.rs PREDSTAVNIŠTVO PAUL HARTMANN AG Alfred Raček Bulevar Mihajla Pupina 6/19 11070 Belgrad info@si.hartmann.info 386 1 548 45 81 386 1 548 45 89 www.hartmann.info PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS D.O.O. Biljana Bogovac Omladinskih brigada 88a 11070Beograd rs-office@rs.pwc.com 381 11 3302 100 381 11 3302 101 www.pwc.rs PROCREDIT BANK A.D. BEOGRAD Svetlana Tolmačeva Dingarac Milutina Milankovica 17 11070Beograd r.milutinovic@procreditbank.rs 381 11 20 77 906 381 11 20 77 905 www.procreditbank.rs PROEL A.D.

Vesna Milošević Draže Markovića 25 12000Požarevac proel@softnet.rs proel@open.telekom.rs 381 12 221 955 381 12 221 366 PROFINE D.O.O. Bojan Predojević Batajnički drum bb 11080Zemun bojan.predojevic@profinegroup.com 381 11 210 19 87 381 11 307 60 12 www.profine-group.com PROMINENT MAĐARSKA PREDSTAVNIŠTVO BEOGRAD Ottó Horváth Slaviša Milović Mokroluška Nova 1b 11010Beograd s.milovic@prominent.co.rs 381 11 630 42 42 381 11 630 45 19 www.prominent.co.rs PROTEKTORWERK FLORENZ MAISCH GMBH & CO. KG Viktoriastrasse 58 76571Gaggenau info@protektor.com 49 722 597 70 49 72 259 77 11 www.protektor.com R. E. FOUR DOO (MEMBER OF OTP GROUP) Gyula Péter Németh Bulevar Oslobođenja 82 21000Novi Sad sasa.verc@refour.rs 381 21 48 00 847 381 64 8850 151 RADISSON BLU OLD MILL HOTEL, BELGRADE Thomas Swieca Bulevar Vojvode Mišića 15 11000Beograd info.belgrade@radissonblu.com 381 11 265 1492 381 11 265 1030 www.radissonblu.com REHAU D.O.O. Rafael Daum Stražilovska 7 11272Beograd nikola.ivosevic@rehau.com 381 11 377 03 01 381 11 377 03 19 www.rehau.rs REISSWOLF SERBIA D.O.O. Milan Bogovac Volarsko Polje BB 22300Stara Pazova office@reisswolf.rs 381 22 317 720 381 22 317 721 www.reisswolf.rs RILEX CO D.O.O. Dragan Ristivojević Sime Igumanova 60 11000Beograd office@rilex.co.rs 381 11 383 68 84 381 11 383 68 85 www.rilex.co.rs ROBERT BOSCH D.O.O Jovanka Jovanović Milutina Milankovića 11a 11070Beograd jovanka.jovanovic@bosch.com 381 11 205 23 01 381 11 205 23 33 www.bosch.rs RS MEGA FRUIT D.O.O. Slobosan Radovanović

RELIABLE PARTNER OF SERBIA TOWARDS EU MEMBERSHIP

| 57

Milutina Milankovića 34/1 11070Beograd office@rsmegafruit.rs 381 11 612 80 10 381 11 613 15 38 www.rsmegafruit.rs S&T SRBIJA D.O.O. Predrag Vraneš Đorđa Stanojevića 15 11070Beograd Hana.ButiganDespotovic@snt.rs 381 11 311 62 21 381 11 311 76 65 www.snt.rs SAINT-GOBAIN GRAĐEVINSKI PROIZVODI D.O.O.-SEKTOR RIGIPS Aleksandar Grujić Bulevar Mihajla Pupina 115d 11070Beograd aleksandar.grujic@saint-gobain. com 381 11 22 82 444 381 11 3149795 www.rigips.rs SALESIANER MIETTEX BOGSIM Markus Kühböck Batajnički drum 23, 11185 Beograd info@salesianer.rs 381 11 619 23 53 381 11 619 23 53 www.salesianer.at/standorte/ betriebe-ceesee/serbien/ BOGSIM DOO Predrag Drgojlović Baba višnjina 35, 11000Beograd www.tekstillizing.com SANO SAVREMENA ISHRANA ŽIVOTINJA D.O.O. Branimir Kampl Josifa Pancica 8 21000Novi Sad sano@sano.rs 381 21 44 49 21 381 21 44 43 26 www.sano.rs SAP WEST BALKANS D.O.O. Vojislav Genić Omladinskih brigada 88b 11070Beograd info.wb@sap.com 381 11 353 69 00 381 11 353 69 19 www.sap.com SAUTER BULIDING CONTROL SERBIA D.O.O. Mladen Vukanac Alekse Nenadović 15-17 11000Beograd info@sauter.rs 381 11 3835 571 381 11 2452 260 www.sauter.rs SCHMITZ CARGOBULL DOO Vujo Crnomarković Auto put za Novi Sad 211 11080Zemun office@cargobull.rs 381 11 3 77 46 30 381 11 377 46 33 www.cargobull.comrs SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC SRBIJA D.O.O. Dragoljub Damljanović Vladimira Popovića 38-40 11070Beograd markovic@schneider-electric. com 381 11 3773 113 381 11 3121222 www.schneider-electric.com SCHUCH D.O.O. RUMA Steve Hoffmann Ulica Lejinova 187

58 |

22400Ruma info@schuch24.com 381 22 490490 381 22 478266 www.schuch24.com SCIRENT CLINICAL RESEARCH AND SCIENCE D.O.O. Jovan Vesković Topličin Venac 19-21 11000Beograd office@scirent.org 381 11 202 8044 381 11 202 8045 scirent.org SEE BUSINESS EMBASSIES D.O.O. Konstantin Von Varendorff Bulevar Mihajla Pupina 6/19 11070Beograd a.krstic@seeoffices.rs 381 11 4404 405 381 11 4404 429 www.seeoffices.rs SGS BEOGRAD D.O.O. Marinko Ukropina Jurija Gagarina 7B 11070Beograd sgs.beograd@sgs.com 381 11 71 55 275 381 11 22 84 241 www.sgs.com SHIPCARE MANAGEMENT GMBH & CO. KG Falk Holtmann Zeissstrasse 1 49733Haren (Ems) info@shipcare.de; management@shipcare.de 49 441 770 50 80 49 441 770 50 822 www.shipcare.de SIEMENS D.O.O. Tihomir Rajlić Omladinskih brigada 21 11070Beograd office.rs@siemens.com 381 11 209 63 38 381 11 209 60 61 www.siemens.rs SIMACEK FACILITY SERVICES SRB D.O.O. Thomas Emmerling Bulevar Mihaila Pupina10 V/217 11070Beograd t.emmerling@simacek.com 381 11 312 16 32 www.simacek.com SINGI INZENJERING D.O.O. Aleksandar Marinovic Molerova 74/6 11000Beograd prodaja@singi.rs 381 11 244 9054 381 11 245 0810 www.singi.rs SIXSENTIX D.O.O. Branko Milikić Temerinska 102 21000Novi Sad info.serbia@sixsentix.com 381 64 644 11 86 www.sixsentix.rs SKVOŠLEND DOO Snežana Jovanović Kneza Višeslava 27 11000Beograd uprava@squashland.com 381 11 70 55 807 381 11 75 48 040 www.squashland.com SLOBODNA CARINSKA ZONA Svilajnac Marina Maksić Svetog Save 101 35210Svilajnac

slobodna.zona@svilajnac.rs 38 13 531 21 51 38 13 531 22 65 www.usz.gov.rssz-svilajnac.php SOPREX DOO Smilja Stojilković Takovska 45A/3 11000 Belgrad info@soprex.com 381 11 33 42 545 381 11 30 37 363 www.soprex.com SOS DECIJE SELO – KRALJEVO Žaklina Popović Prvomajska 46 A 36103Kraljevo vesna@sos-kraljevo.org 381 36 375 452 381 36 375 468 www.sos-kraljevo.org SPIEGELFELD INTERNATIONAL D.O.O. Radivoje Nijemčević Milentija Popovića 5a 11070Beograd sofija.vojnovic@spiegelfeld.eu 381 11 6603 720 381 11 6149 107 www.spiegelfeld.eu STAN TECHNOLOGIES D.O.O. Goran Dinčić Aleksandra Petrovića 25 11080Beograd office@stantech.rs 381 11 414 50 50 381 63 298 346 www.stantech.rs STAR IMPORT D.O.O. Rolf-Jűrgen Seyerle Omladinskih Brigada 33 11070Beograd mirela.micic@starimport.rs 381 11 30 19 000 381 11 30 19 036 www.mercedes-benz.rs3019-055 STIHL D.O.O. Dijana Peškir Batajnički drum 194b 11080Beograd dijana.peskir@stihl.de 381 11 655 63 84 381 11 748 06 48 www.stihl.com STRATEGA EAST D.O.O. Zoran Ignjatović Topličin venac 19-21 11000Beograd zi@strategaeast.com 381 11 2028 044 381 11 2028 045 strategaeast.com TEBODIN D.O.O. Karoly Gabor Ecker Zoran Petrović Bulevar Zorana Đinđića 73 11070Beograd tebodin@tebodin.rs 381 11 313 24 65 381 11 313 24 22 www.tebodin.com TECON SISTEM D.O.O. Slađana Petrović Antifašističke borbe 21 b 11070Beograd office@tecon.rs 381 11 301 78 74 381 11 311 66 50 www.tecon.rs TEHPRO D.O.O. ZORAN ŠUKALO Lole Ribara 120 11250Beograd office@tehpro.rs 381 11 2580 911 381 11 2580 785

RELIABLE PARTNER OF SERBIA TOWARDS EU MEMBERSHIP

www.tehpro.rs TELEOPTIK - GASNA OPREMA DOO Lela Lakić Tršćanska 21 11080Beograd teleoptik.gasna@open. telekom.rs 381 11 316 00 16 381 11 3163 524 www.teleoptik.co.rs TELESIGN MOBILE BEGRAD D.O.O. Nenad Vucinic Tresnjinog cveta 1 11070Beograd vucinic@telesign.com 44 870 231 7777 www.telesignmobile.com TERMOINZENJERING D.O.O. Nebojša Miletić Miloja Đaka 2 11040Beograd office@termoinzenjering.com 381 11 2065 400 381 11 3672 957 www.termoinzenjering.com THALES TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM GMBH Volker Schenk Manfred Riedinger Thalesplatz 1 71254Ditzingen henrik.klaner@thalesgroup.com 49 715 635 30 49 715 635 334 983 www.thalesgroup.com THYSSENKRUPP ELEVATORI D.O.O. Igor Tanasković Bulevar Mihaila Pupina 10z/1 11070Beograd office.tkers@thyssenkrupp.com 381 11 212 96 12 381 11 21 29 613 www.thyssenkrupp-elevator.rs TMS CEE D.O.O. Boško Gavović Rudnička 2 11118Beograd office@tms.rs 381 11 244 11 11 381 11 244 22 55 www.tms.rs TRANSFER PRICING SERVICES D.O.O. Adrian Luca Marko Milojević Beogradska 34/4 11000Beograd marko.milojevic@transferpricingserbia.rs 381 11 308 50 57 381 11 243 94 50 www.transferpricingserbia.rs TRC PRO (TECHNICAL RESEARCH CENTER) Hotimir Ličen Peradovićeva 31 21131Petrovaradin hotimir.licen@trcpro.rs 381 21 64 33 774 381 21 64 33 824 www.trcpro.rs TRENKWALDER D.O.O. Mališa Grujić Omladinskih brigada 86 11070Beograd beograd@trenkwalder.com 381 11 212 90 63 381 11 227 40 89 www.trenkwalder.com TRIGEMA D.O.O. Mihailo Kovačević Vardarska 12 11000Beograd

office@trigema.rs 381 11 7152 888 381 11 7152 890 www.trigema.rs TÜV RHEINLAND INTERCERT D.O.O. Zoltan Karaszi Resavska 40/V 11000Beograd info@rs.tuv.com 381 11 3616 156 381 11 3616 160 www.tuvcert.rs UNICREDIT BANK A.D. Claudio Cesario Rajićeva 27 - 29 11000Beograd office@unicreditgroup.rs 381 11 320 45 90 381 11 334 22 00 www.unicreditbank.rs UNIFARM-MEDICOM D.O.O. Dragana Jaćović Cara Dušana 264 11080Beograd office@unifarmad.co.rs 381 11 316 82 07 381 11 261 22 92 www.unifarmad.co.rs UNIGROUP D.O.O. Tijana Crnobrnja Maršala Birjuzova 56 11000Beograd hotel@townhouse27.com 381 11 202 29 00 381 11 262 09 55 www.townhouse27.com VAILLANT DOO Zoran Biserčić Radnička 59 11030Beograd info@vaillant.rs 381 11 3540 050 381 11 2544 390 www.vaillant.rs VALMAN D.O.O. Goran Galić Gospodara Vučića 35/I/3 11000Beograd info@valman.rs 381 11 744 60 94 381 11 744 60 84 www.valman.rs VB LEASING D.O.O. BEOGRAD Christoph Leitner Đorđa Stanojevića 12 11070Beograd office@vbleasing.rs 381 11 201 65 03 381 11 201 65 67 www.vbleasing.rs VICTORIA GROUP Zoran Mitrović Bulevar Mihajla Pupina 115b 11070Belgrad office@victoriagroup.rs 381 11 3532 700 381 11 3532 728 www.victoriagroup.rs VIESSMANN D.O.O. BEOGRAD Bojan Grujicki Tabanovačka 3 11000Beograd gub@viessmann.com viessmann.srb@sbb.rs 381 11 309 78 87 381 11 309 78 86 www.viessmann.co.rs VIP MOBILE D.O.O. Andreas Graf Omladinskih brigada 21 11070Beograd komunikacije@vipmobile.rs

381 11 225 61 00 381 11 225 53 33 www.vipmobile.rs WASI D.O.O. Saša Marinković Pančevački put 38 11210Beograd office@wasi.rs 381 11 207 82 49 381 11 331 85 32 www.wasi.rs WEISHAUPT D.O.O. BEOGRAD Henrik Dvoršak Bulevar Mihaila Pupina 6 11070Beograd info@weishaupt.rs 381 11 220 06 01 381 11 220 610 www.weishaupt.rs WIG DOO Slobodan Pirec Snežana Gavrilović Pirec Puškinova 1c 11000Beograd info@wig.rs 381 11 39 53 000 381 11 39 53 099 www.wig.rs WILO BEOGRAD D.O.O. Dragan Simonović Mijačka 3 11000Beograd office@wilo.rs 381 11 285 12 73 381 11 285 12 75 www.wilo.rs WINTERHALTER GASTRONOM YU D.O.O. Zorica Mitrović Zrenjanski put 84c 11000Beograd wiha.yu@eunet.rs 381 11 271 04 79 381 11 271 03 48 www.winterhalter.co.rs WOLF GMBH Bernhard Steppe Postfach 1380 , Industriestr. 1 84048Mainburg info@wolf-heiztechnik.de 49 8751 740 49 8751 741344 www.wolf-heiztechnik.de WOOD MASTER D.O.O. Ivan Stojaković Majora Gavrilovića 1 14000Valjevo office@woodmaster.rs 381 14 292 100 381 14 292 100 www.woodmaster.com WÜRTH D.O.O. BEOGRAD Aleksandar Grgić Svetog Save 60V 11271Beograd office@wurth.rs 381 11 207 82 00 381 11 207 82 10 www.wurth.co.rs XELLA SRBIJA D.O.O. Nikola Boroja Diše Đurđevića bb 11560Vreoci ytong-serbia@xella.com 381 11 811 73 50 381 11 8117 351 www.ytong.rs ZOP INZENJERING D.O.O. Zoran Opačić Karađorđeva 61 11000Beograd office@zopinzenjering.com 381 11 628 6802 381 11 628 6802 www.zopinzenjering.com

5. DSW

5. DSW

Oktoberfest Oktoberfest

in Belgrad u Beogradu 17./18. Oktober 2014 / 18h

17./18. oktobar 2014. / 18h

OR GANI ZED B Y Nemačko-srpsko privredno udruženje Topličin Venac 19-21, Beograd, Srbija, Tel.: + 381 11 202 8010 E-mail: dsw@ahk.rs ; http://serbien.ahk.de PARTNER

BRONZE SPONSORS

GOLD SPONSORS

SILVER SPONSORS

MEDIA PARTNER