Invest in Vojvodina 2017

Diplomacy&Commerce

2017

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01 BIG WATER 3 out of 20 greatest and longest rivers in Europe are located in Vojvodina: the Danube, the Sava and the Tisa.

02 CITIES AND TOWNS Vojvodina has the densest network of towns and cities, comparable to England, West Germany and the Netherlands.

03 STEPPENWOLF LIVES HERE Vojvodina is one of the least forested areas in Europe: 6% of the territory is covazered by forests, the rest are steppes, towns and arable land.

04 MIXED UP Vojvodina has 26 chartered nations and 6 official languages. Only Republic of Dagestan has more official languages: 12.

05 LAST FLOODPLAINS IN EUROPE Gornje Podunavlje covers an area of 19,605ha of forests, meadows, swamps and marshes

06 CHEESE FORM ZASAVICA The most expensive cheese in the world is produced in Vojvodina, costing ÂŁ700 a kilo and it comes from a donkey

07 BLOOMING OF THE TISA The unique event which lasts for three to four days is amongst the most fascinating natural phenomena

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Diplomacy&Commerce

CONTENT

INVEST IN VOJVODINA Editor in Chief ŽIKICA MILOŠEVIĆ zikica.milosevic@color.rs Editorial manager TANJA BANKOVIĆ tanja.bankovic@color.rs Art director ILIJA PETROVIĆ INDIGOCHILD ilija.petrovic @color.rs Advertising managers VANJA KOVAČEV vanja.kovacev@color.rs JOVANA MARKOVIĆ jovana.markovic@color.rs NATAŠA NEŠIĆ natasa.nesic@color.rs DRAGANA RADOVIĆ dragana.radovic@color.rs Magazine director RUŽA RISTANOVIĆ ruza.ristanovic@color.rs Director ROBERT ČOBAN robert.coban@color.rs Photos GORAN ZLATKOVIĆ ALEKSANDAR MILUTINOVIĆ DRAGAN KURUCIĆ Translation and lecturer MRP EDITORIAL Translation SNEŽANA RAKIĆ

”Color Media Communications” LTD, 21132 Petrovaradin, Štrosmajerova 3 TIN 107871532 • Matriculation number 20887303 · Phone: +381 21 4897 100 • Fax: +381 21 4897 126 Office: Vase Čarapića 3/IV/38, Belgrade • 011 4044 960

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06 FASTER ECONOMIC AND GENERAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE PROVINCE AS PRIORITY IGOR MIROVIĆ

The President of the Government of Vojvodina

10 IMPROVING SITUATION IN OUR AGRICULTURAL SECTOR VUK RADOJEVIĆ

Provincial Secretary of Agriculture, Water Management and Forestry

14 MUST-GO DESTINATION IN PORTFOLIO OF MANY GLOBAL COMPANIES MILOŠ VUČEVIĆ Mayor of Novi Sad

18 DYNAMIC GROWTH AND CONTINUATION OF REFORMS BOŠKO VUČUREVIĆ

President of the Vojvodinian Chamber of Commerce

22 RELIABLE PARTNER TO INVESTORS IN VOJVODINA NATAŠA RUBEŽIĆ

Director of the Development Agency of Vojvodina (DAV)

26 RELIABLE PARTNER TO LOCAL SELFGOVERNMENTS NEDELJKO KOVAČEVIĆ

Director of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina's Capital Investments Directorate

28 SECURING SAFE AND QUALITY WATER SLAVKO VRNDŽIĆ

Acting Director of JVP Vode Vojvodine, Novi Sad

30 THE FIRST YEAR OF THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT 36 SYNERGISTIC DEVELOPMENT OF IT AND AGRICULTURE VLADIMIR CRNOJEVIĆ

PhD, Director of BioSense, Novi Sad

44 NORTH MEETS SOUTH IN THE PLAINS

Culture

46 BORN TO SUCCEED ANA ĐURIĆ

Principal dancer at SNT in Novi Sad

48 A DROP OF COSMOS BETWEEN EAST AND WEST, NORTH AND SOUTH

The City of Novi Sad

50 PLAINS, RIVERS AND HABSBURG CITIES

Tourism

52 OPEN AND TRADITIONAL

People and customs

Photo: Dragan Kurucić

FOREWORD

THE NEXT EUROPEAN TIGER

Novi Sad has become one of today’s most important IT clusters in the east of Europe.

Tourism is on the rise, while the provincial government is busy preparing and implementing the most important infrastructure projects

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t is with great pleasure that we present to you this very first special supplement of Diplomacy&Commerce magazine dedicated to the business climate of Vojvodina. Through interviews with representatives of the Vojvodina Provincial Government, institutions and organisations, but also representatives of companies, we have sought to summarise all aspects of development and the implementation of structural reforms aimed at creating the best possible business climate, whilst also raising the overall quality of life in the province.

Vojvodina is roughly square shaped. And this square is bordered on three sides by the territory of the EU: Croatia to the West, Hungary to the North and Romania to the East.

And it is the only such region anywhere in Serbia and Southeast Europe, for that matter.

Giant rivers pass through the province: the Danube, as the main navigable inland waterway from the North Sea to the Black Sea, but also the rivers Sava and Tisa/Tisza, both of which are also navigable for cargo and cruise ships. Land corridors linking Venice to Istanbul (“Orient Express”) and Vienna-Budapest-Athens both pass through Vojvodina. The black Chernozem soil of Vojvodina’s fertile plains is among the world’s best for agriculture.

The local population is well-educated, multilingual, multicultural, open to all new influences and blends, and able to adapt easily to new things, as has happened countless times in Vojvodina’s history. Many Vojvodina citizens possess knowledge of neighbouring languag-

es, like Hungarian, Romanian, Slovakian or Ukrainian, which can forge bonds and links to other markets in the east of Europe. Many locals are also duel citizens, holding passports of other countries, like Croatia or Hungary, which makes them very mobile.

And after all the latest misfortune of the last 27 years – after wars, sanctions, devastating failed privatisations and all other calamities – the former economic superpower that Vojvodina was in the former Yugoslavia now craves new investments, new factories, new plants, new offices and new technology for agriculture.

The provincial government is now preparing and implementing the most important infrastructure projects. Novi Sad has become one of today’s most important IT clusters in the east of Europe. Tourism is also on the rise; the Exit Festival is among Europe’s biggest and most popular music festivals, while ethnoand wine tourism are on the rise in Vojvodina, as they are elsewhere in the world, along with short city breaks. Novi Sad has become a future culture capital of Europe.

And with the figures suggesting that neighbouring Romania is the EU’s fastest growing economy, with GDP growth exceeding five per cent, while Hungary is also doing quite well, why couldn’t Vojvodina become Europe’s next economic tiger?

As Serbia represents a gate to the East for Westerners, and a gate to the West for Easterners, Vojvodina should represent a “European window” for Serbia.

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INTERVIEW

FASTER ECONOMIC AND GENERAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE PROVINCE AS PRIORITY

IGOR MIROVIĆ The President of the Government of Vojvodina

Thanks to substantial funds available this year, and even bigger funds available in 2018, we can further boost the growth of many economic actvities, while the FDIs have spurred competitiveness and developed awareness about the need for the faster economic development of the province

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ttracting new FDIs, promoting capacities for foreign investments, implementing important infrastructure projects, constructing roads, further decrease of unemployment, development of local communities, SMEs and workforce, and raising the overall quality of life in the province have been and still are the priorities of the Vojvod-

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inian government. We are talking to the President of the Government of Vojvodina, Igor Mirović, about the results achieved so far, and about future projects.

What are the provincial government's strategic aims in attracting FDIs? — he provincial government implements activities on attracting FDIs in full coor-

dination with the Serbian government, the ministries and the Serbian Development Agency (RAS). To that end, we have also formed the Vojvodina Development Agency (RAV) which will provide additional institutional support to direct investors and that will cover those segments that RAS doesn't.

The direct financial support for RAV depends primarily on the available funds for direct subsidies, but the idea is for the Agency to direct investors to the lesser developed areas in Vojvodina through promoting foreign investment capacities, and, by doing so, together with the provincial government, work towards closing the development gap between regions.

The second important goal is to improve the business infrastructure which we are doing in coordination with local self-governments. We are developing new industrial zones in Šid, Srbobran, and Titel, we are improving the existing ones, and, in cooperation with local authorities, we are working hard on developing the existing business environment.

To what extent is infrastructural development keeping up with development plans?

— The provincial government prepares and implements the most important infrastructure projects through four groups.

The first group covers national infrastructure projects that are funded from the Serbian state budget and are important for Vojvodina. These are projects like the construction of the Belgrade-Subotica railroad and preparatory work on the large-scale transport and water infrastructure corridors with the aim of enabling a faster transport, an easier access to industrial centres, and having more agricultural land covered by irrigation.

We have picked up pace on implementing these major infrastructural segments, and we are using all available financing resources like European, national, provincial and local funds which are completely directed towards developing infrastructure.

Some projects have regional character and some local. However, it is the provincial government that provides most funds via its Capital Investments Directorate.

The construction of the Novi Sad-Ruma motorway, that includes a tunnel through Fruška Gora, is one of those big infrastructure projects. How is this project going to add to Vojvodina's faster development?

— The said project will contribute to faster development of Novi Sad, Irig and Ruma, in the initial stage, and Šabac, in the second stage. In Novi Sad, we are going to open several industrial zones that will lie on the future Petrovaradin bypass, as well as two brand new industrial zones in Irig and Ruma. At the same time, the project will alleviate traffic on Fruška Gora, promote environmental protection of the area, and boost the development of tourist potential of Fruška Gora, as well as contribute to faster development of all municipalities that gravitate towards this corridor.

The corridor plays an important strategic role in connecting Vojvodina, Mačva and the Republic of Srpska. This is a route

SEGMENTS

WE HAVE PICKED UP PACE ON IMPLEMENTING SEVERAL MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURAL SEGMENTS, AND WE ARE USING ALL AVAILABLE SOURCES OF FINANCING WHICH ARE COMPLETELY DIRECTED TOWARDS DEVELOPING INFRASTRUCTURE with the heaviest traffic in the entire Republic of Serbia with 12,000 vehicles using it daily, out of which between 700 and 800 are trucks. In that respect, investing in this corridor is completely economically viable.

What about construction of the Novi Sad-Zrenjanin-Timisoara motorway that is still mentioned from time to time?

— The line ministry is in charge of largescale projects in transport infrastructure, and we help with pointing out relevant priorities. Having fast roads through Banat County, i.e. from Novi Sad to Zrenjanin and from Belgrade to Zrenjanin, are certainly our priority because these roads will pass through almost a dozen municipalities that are considered lesser developed according to the national classification of regional development and development level of local self-governments. Because of this fact, construction of fast roads through Banat is very

important for us, and this is something that we have been working on together with the Ministry of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure.

Last year, you announced special incentives for investors in Vojvodina. Could you elaborate please?

— We are currently drafting the Decree on Incentives for Investors that will be finished by the end of August. In September, we are going to launch a public all for grants, primarily for SMEs, in the amount of 350 million dinars that will be available to investors.

The subsidies will be allocated according to the number of new jobs created, first in domicile and then in foreign companies, and the allocation criteria will be precisely defined and completely transparent. RAV will be in charge of conducting relevant procedures along with the Secretariat for Regional Development, Inter-Regional Cooperation and Local Self-Government, under the full superviINVEST IN

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sion of the provinicial government which will be reporting to the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina Assembly.

The idea behind this is to use subsantial funds available this year, and even more substantial ones in 2018, to boost a number of economic activities, and spur on primarily existing companies. RAS will be in charge of allocating big investment incentives, while we, in line with our capacities, will to participate in providing incentives to investors, in a way that will complement RAS, and primarily to existing companies which are planning to expand their technological capacities and hire new workers.

What kind of support and incentives does the provincial government give to local self-governments towards creating a more attractive investment environment?

— We are working with almost all local self-governments in Vojvodina on promoting investment environment with the view of swaying investors towards investing in a certain municipality. A number of municipalities already have ready, fully built industrial zones, as well as those under construction or under expansion.

We have joint plans with towns and municipalities which we are coordinating on a monthly basis. We are also funding utility infrastructure in industrial zones, and local road networks with the view of boosting local development. Furthermore, we are funding certain activities that are increasing the appeal of local communities, and are positively contributing to investors' deciding to invest in a particular local community.

How many FDIs is Vojvodina going to have this year, and what is their structure like?

— In 2016, a total of 140.97-million-EUR worth of investments were made in Vojvodina which resulted in creation of 3,922 new jobs.

Since the beginning of 2017, a total of 47.5-million-EUR worth of FDIs were made in Vojvodina which is 33.7% of all the FDIs implemented here in 2016. In 2017, FDIs led to creation of 2,303 new jobs which is 58,7% of the new jobs in 2016.

Relative to the amount of FDIs made in 2017, we have a higher number of new jobs created this year compared to last.

It is important to mention that, in the observed period in 2017, there was no decline in the number of employed

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EXPORT

POSITIVE TENDENCIES IN INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION HAVE ALSO EXPEDITED THE GROWTH OF EXTERNAL TRADE WHERE EXPORT IS GROWING MUCH FASTER THAN IMPORT persons. In terms of the country of origin of the 2017 FDIs, German companies dominate since they made 51,6% of the total number of FDIs in Vojvodina. Italy follows with 21,1%, and Canadian-Austrian companies with 12,6%.

Considering that most FDIs in 2017 were made in production (with the exception of the Logistics Centre in Šimanovci), which resulted in hiring over 2,000 new workers, we can expect the existing production volume to grow, new production facilities to be opened and products made in them to be exported. As a result, the volume of Vojvodina's exports will grow, and the export to import ratio will improve.

Which local communities stand out as centres of certain industries?

— There are local communities in Vojvodina which have far exceeded the average

development level in Serbia and which are already lacking workforce needed for opening of new companies. Subotica and Zrenjanin stand out as the centres of automotive industry, while Bečej is the centre of agricultural investments.

Some of the smaller municipalities have recorded growth in terms of investing in SMEs, while in some municipalities, like Stara Pazova, the unemployment level is almost ideal, i.e. less than 7% or 8%.

Unfortunately, 19 municipalities are still below average development-wise and, in these municipalities, we need to pick up pace, so to speak, in order to catch up to the most developed and the most attractive ones that we have mentioned earlier.

How much do FDIs contribute to development of the province's industry and its export potential?

— In the last two years, industry's contribution to creating gross added value has gone up again compared to the service sector. This indicates that industry is recovering, spurred on by diversified influx of investments and the improved business and investment environment. Positive tendencies in industrial production have also expedited the growth of external trade where export is growing much faster than import.

Sustainability of industrial growth and net export are the two most important components for the dynamic growth of

the overall economic activity.

In the first half of 2017, industrial production in Vojvodina grew by 5.9% relative to the same period last year. Processing industry recorded the biggest growth as a result of new investments, both domicile and foreign.

From January to June 2017, Vojvodina recorded a 22.3% annual export growth, while the import grew by 15.8%. The export to import ratio stood at 95%.

In the same period, Vojvodina's external trade deficit was almost halved (a 42% drop).

How did the arrival of foreign investors affect development of domicile companies?

— Arrival of foreign investors has prompted many economic branches and sectors to become more specialized, raise their technological standards, acquire certificates and work on complying with the standards of foreign investors with the view of connecting domicile and foreign companies in production that can be appealing to both sides. We have a few very powerful clusters that have been growing in their respective sectors year-on-year.

The Vojvodina Metal Cluster is one of a more successful ones and it is known for substantially relying on foreign investors while maintaining its own programmes.

The companies that make this cluster have been recording a higher export yearon-year. SMEs cannot develop without

big companies, and, in that respect, the arrival of big investors in Vojvodina also translates into growth for domicile SMEs because companies connect very quickly and they implement the necessary standards in line with the requirements of foreign investors. This significantly contributes to the growing technological level in domicile companies, which is probably the biggest benefit of them all.

In which economic segments can Vojvodina provide a well-qualified workforce?

— There is almost no economic segment in which Vojvodina cannot provide a well-qualified workforce for because we have a plethora of vocational high schools and good faculties under the Novi Sad University that produce young, educated professionals in all educational areas which will become an even more impor-

FUTURE

THERE IS ALMOST NO ECONOMIC SEGMENT IN WHICH VOJVODINA CANNOT PROVIDE WELLQUALIFIED WORKFORCE FOR WHICH WILL BECOME AN EVEN IMPORTANT ASSET IN THE FUTURE

tant asset in the future.

The cost of the workforce will grow with time and following the drop in unemployment in Vojvodina and we are going to be even more competitive compared to our neighbours. The cost of the qualified and highly educated workforce will also grow which we can already see happening in several companies. One of those companies in Continental which is building a development centre in Novi Sad and hiring highly educated workers who can be trained by the faculties of the Novi Sad University.

In that respect, how beneficial is the new Science and Technology Park going to be?

— The construction of the Science and Technology Park is going as planned. This will be the centre for additional, specialist education primarily for IT professionals, and later for professionals from other economic branches that are developing in Serbia and Vojvodina.

The relevant secretariats in the provincial government will determine the purpose of certain premises in the park in terms of innovative segments, startups and connecting the companies willing to work together on hiring graduate students from the University of Novi Sad, primarily the Faculty of Technical Sciences.

How much did FDIs improve the overall quality of life in the province?

— First and foremost, FDIs have boosted the technological development of the entire province. They have also significantly contributed to reducing unemployment and have done a lot on developing local communities. Furthermore, they have encouraged local and provincial administration to invest more in business infrastructure, as well as in local utility infrastructure in those areas that received the most foreign investments.

Many investors are also participating in funding local projects through a social component that is present in every company. Also, they have provided substantial funds towards humanitarian, health and educational projects in local communities. To sum up, FDIs have significantly improved the overall quality of life in the province, have increased competition and competitiveness among domestic investors, and have developed awareness about the need for the province to have a faster economic development.

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INTERVIEW

VUK RADOJEVIĆ Provincial Secretary of Agriculture, Water Management and Forestry

The arrival of FDI brought new technologies and projects, promoted development of cooperation, facilitated establishment of strategic partnerships, overall production growth, improvements in the secondary sector, higher export of agricultural produce and food products, and higher employment

IMPROVING SITUATION IN OUR AGRICULTURAL SECTOR

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onsidering that we don't have enough domicile financing sources, I think that foreign investments are desirable. In order to create conditions for the arrival of investors, the state has implemented a series of measures that facilitate their arrival which I generally support.

On the other hand, it is a well-known fact that there is no successful and profitable agricultural production without continous transfer of know-how and new technology from science to practice.

To what extent did the arrival of foreign investors contribute to development of agriculture and food industry in Vojvodina? — The arrival of foreign capital brought

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new technologies and projects, and promoted development of cooperation. At the same time, it facilitated establishment of strategic partnerships, overall production growth, improvements in the secondary sector, higher export of agricultural produce and food products, and higher employment.

According to the data collated by the Vojvodina Development Agency, there are currently 67 companies operating on the territory of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina which are engaged in agricultural and food production. They have around 10,500 workers and have invested over 2.5 billion EUR which is 33.2% of the total investments made on

Vojvodina's territory. This information alone speaks volumes about how much foreign investors recognize agriculture in Vojvodina as the most attractive economic branch, worth investing in.

What is your general policy in terms of attracting investments to this sector? — I would like to use this opportunity to mention the Decree on conditions, methods and procedures for exercising the right to priority lease, the criteria for determining the rent amount for the right to lease the state agricultural land for legal entities for a period of up 30 years and up to 30% in a specific local community, which aim is to support both domicile and foreign investments, made on the basis of an investment business plan, primarily in processing sector so that more products with higher added value would be marketed in the country and abroad. So far, the relevant Commission has granted seven legal entities the right to lease state-owned agricultural land on the territory of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, of a total size of 5,711.46 hectares, and a total investment value of around 45 million EUR. As a result, these entities also undertook to hire 182 regular workers and over 1,000 seasonal workers in the process.

I would like to also underline the fact that there is a tough competition among regional countries in terms of attracting investors, and it is our task to be the first to offer the best conditions, to launch initiatives and to push our way forward

with innovative ideas presented to foreign companies so that they would invest in our country.

What are the obstacles to valorization of exceptional agricultural potential, and how many of these obstacles were you able to remove? — Despite high quality land, long tradition and experience, favourable conditions for growing various plants, and development of all segments of livestock breeding, our potential was not fully utilized and properly valorized. There are several reasons for this. Our agricultural sector is characterized by small and non-competitive agricultural holdings, small production plots, extensive production, dysfunctional irrigation systems and still insufficient land surface covered by irrigation systems, insufficient application of agro-techni-

VA LU E

COMMISSION HAS GRANTED SEVEN LEGAL ENTITIES THE RIGHT TO LEASE STATE-OWNED AGRICULTURAL LAND OF A TOTAL SIZE OF 5,711.46 HECTARES AND A TOTAL INVESTMENT VALUE OF AROUND 45 MILLION EUR

cal measures, obsolete agricultural machinery, poor productivity in agricultural production, lesser use of new innovative technologies and the latest technological solutions, inadequate organization of agricultural producers in cooperatives and agro-clusters, as well as the lack of an adequate plan for the reionization of agricultural crops.

In that context, and in order to improve the situation in our agricultural sector, the Provinicial Secretariat for Agriculture, Water Management and Forestry exercises a direct incentive policy through allocating grants based on its agricultural budget which is, this year, bigger by around 10% compared to last year's, via several public competitions covering various agricultural segments. The grant rules stipulate that if an agricultural producer is under 40 years of age, or a woman who owns a registered agricultural holding, or a farmer who works in difficult conditions, up to 70% of their investment will be refunded.

It is also worth mentioning that a part of the agricultural budget for registered agricultural holdings is 80% higher than in 2016, which also means that 22% more funds are now available for procurement of irrigation systems and construction of exploitation wells, anti-hail nets, purchase and equipping of greenhouses and procurement of beekeeping equipment, in line with the relevant competition rules.

Also, we have allocated three times more funds, relative to 2016, for equipment for livestock farms, as well as four times more

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funds for procurement and equipping of cold-storage units and driers.

Furthermore, we have implemented new agricultural measures, and improved the existing ones. These are the measures pertaining to procurement of new agricultural machinery, and supporting young people in rural areas. This is exactly why it is not enough to support only registered agricultural holdings, but we also need to invest in infrastructure in local communities which is what we have been doing through competitions for co-fuding construction and reconstruction of water supply facilities in public domain and sewage facilities, removal of unregulated landfills from the state-owned agricultural land, and building roads to rural areas and mud removal areas. Also, thanks to the funds from the Abu Dhabi Development Fund, over 1.3 billion dinars will be invested in regional irrigation systems which will provide water for 23,000 hectares of arable land.

The line Secretariat has also allocated funds for advancement of agriculture and rural development, spread across 20 different competitions. There is also a growing interest from farmers for the measures that we are implementing, and we are doing our best in responding to their requirements.

Thanks to the Biosens Institute, Vojvodina and Serbia now have exceptional research capacities in IT and agriculture. How are these capacities going to be valorized in the future?

— The Provincial Secretariat for Agricul-

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ture is providing funds for the Biosens Institute via the project called „Remote Detection Monitoring in Agriculture, Water Management and Forestry“. The project's aim is to obtain a seeding structure for the five most important agricultural crops in Vojvodina: wheat, corn, soybean, sunflower and sugar beet, as well as carry out the detection of forest areas and hydrography.

Based on the collected spatial data, services and recommendations will be created for the the advisory services of AP Vojvodina, as well as for agricultural producers.

What can the province do to strengthen scientific and market capacities of other institutions in the field of agriculture such as the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops?

— It is a well-known fact that there is no successful and profitable agricultural production without continous transfer of know-how and new technology from science to practice. Hence, we, at the Provincial Secretariat for Agriculture, have implemented an agricultural policy measure that includes research

EXPORT

I THINK THAT ALL WORLD MARKETS ARE EQUALLY IMPORTANT FOR EXPORT OF SERBIAN AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD PRODUCTS

and development institutions for the first time ever. The aim of this initiative is to provide funds for better utilization, improvement and preservation of fertility of agricultural land.

The Secretariat and the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops have created a consortium for the implementation of a cross-border project for establishment of agricultural incubators. Our intent is to support other institutions too through connecting institutions engaged in complementary activities through regional and international agreements and bilateral treaties with other countries, with the view of contributing to development of breeding and selection work, as well as to greater export of domestic high quality seed of the appropriate genetic fertility potential to different markets.

What are the most important export markets in which Vojvodina could achieve better results?

— I think that all world markets are equally important for export of Serbian agricultural and food products. Also, we need to work on their greater representation and better positioning on existing markets, as well as on opening of new channels for exporting goods to new markets. Apart from the EU, the CEFTA countries and the Russian Federation to which we all export, China and the countries of the Euroasian Economic Union are also going to be very important for us.

The relevant state bodies have already made first steps towards breaking into these huge markets.

INTERVIEW

MUST-GO DESTINATION IN PORTFOLIO OF MANY GLOBAL COMPANIES

MILOŠ VUČEVIĆ Mayor of Novi Sad

I see Novi Sad as a modern European city which has a strong university, IT sector and service sector (I am primarily referring to banks and insurance companies), as well as a growing industry and fully utilized agricultural and tourist potential

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or months and even years before we started implementing many ongoing projects, there had been negotiations and planning. Nothing happened overnight, which is why believe in that saying that goes „honest and hard work always pay off in the end“. This is also the reason why I am satisfied and proud of the fact that the number of companies interested in investing in Novi Sad is growing, and many of these are large multi-national companies and investment funds.

Although, Vojvodina has been the epicentre of new investments for years, not all of them ended up in Novi Sad. What made the province’s capital city so appealing to foreign investors?

— I am afraid that I have to disagree with your statement that Vojvodina has been the epicentre of new investments for years. The official statistical data show to the contrary, while the general quality of life of Vojvodina’s population was not satisfactory during that period. The good news is that everything is changing for better.

As the administrative, political, university and culture centre of the Province of Vojvodina, Novi Sad is today considered one of the most attractive places for investing capital not only in Serbia, but in this part of Europe too. This is validated by the arrival of several multi-national companies, including the German company Continental which is opening

How much did the arrival of companies like Delphi and Lear change the investment image of Novi Sad? — We are talking about the first such investments in decades, and these are companies that operate in one of the strongest industrial branches that is automotive industry. Their arrival resulted in around 5,000 new jobs and safe investments which have also prompted other investors to come, and have boosted many aspects of the city’s economic potential.

Can Novi Sad, with the help of foreign investors, regain some of the huge industrial capacities that it had prior to the transition?

— The only thing we can do, with the arrival of domestic and foreign investors, is to again stand on our two feet because it is impossible to go back to the past and correct the mistakes that were done back done which caused a huge damage to all of us. In the last 25 years, Novi Sad practically lost all of its industrial capacities, with the biggest damage done during the privatization which was poorly implemented.

ization process in a catastrophically bad manner. Serbia is chosen by a global business giant as a place of business where at least 500 engineers will get a job and receive an average salary of 2,300 EUR. Continental will open its strongest department – the Research and Development Centre – in Novi Sad which is a real indicator that we have reached the top of Europe. If you bear in mind that Novi Sad is also the centre of IT industry which has been continually developing, and that we are rightfully called the Silicon Valley, than it is only logical that we are not going to stop when Continental starts operating here.

The city has exceptional strong scientific capacities, primarily in the Faculty of Technical Sciences and Biosens Institute.

What is required for these scientific capacities to be market-valorized through attracting investments and projects with a high added value?

— I think that all we need to do is to give them a free rein to work and show their

INVESTING

NOVI SAD IS TODAY CONSIDERED ONE OF THE MOST ATTRACTIVE PLACES FOR INVESTING CAPITAL NOT ONLY IN SERBIA, BUT IN THIS PART OF EUROPE TOO

knowledge because they are globally competitive. Our city government, in collaboration with the the provincial and state governments, implements various incentive programmes, but we also participate in the development of all scientific capacities that our university has.

Together, we are building the Science and Technology Park on the university campus that will be a practical amalgamation of education and business. The plan is for the Faculty of Technical Sciences to have classrooms and laboratories there. The Park will also have premises for software startups that will be the place where our IT experts will receive education, work and showcase their ideas.

Our plan is to have as fewer IT experts leaving the country as possible, to have them stay here, for us to create the best possible conditions for them, and for them to become the best export product of Serbia, i.e. to create an opportunity to export products that are made in Serbia.

How much did these investments affect the overall development of the city?

— There are many other investments, not just the ones you have mentioned, that maybe have not been that attractive to the media and hence did not have a high public visibility, which have substantially changed both the city’s business climate and its image. For instance, we have recorded a strong growth of construction industry in the last year or so. Recently, the line ministry published the data about the number of active construction sites in the country – Belgrade leads with around 1,100, folPhoto: Aleksandar Milutinović

a research and development centre in Novi Sad and, by doing so, is propelling our city into the top league in terms of attracting investments.

The fact remains that we have done a lot on providing relevant infrastructure, including utility, and building industrial zones. We also have a strong university and an extremely good foundation in quality workforce. Considering Serbia’s political and financial stability, the good ratings that the country is getting from international financial institutions, and a strong support from the Serbian government and then PM and now President Aleksandar Vučić, which I think was of crucial importance for the arrival of big investors to Novi Sad, it doesn’t came as a surprise that Novi Sad has its doors wide open to investors willing to invest their capital here.

How important is for Novi Sad’s investment profile that Continental is opening the research and development centre here?

— This is a clear indication that, apart from the vocational workers, we have the most educated engineers too. This also means that Serbia is not a country with cheap labour, as we are being accused by the very people who carried out the privatINVEST IN

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lowed by Novi Sad with 723. We are carrying out activities relating to many large-scale projects that we are implementing with the state and provincial governments. We are also continuing to improve the utility infrastructure in the city, and construct business and shopping centres and production facilities of investors who have chosen Novi Sad as the place to invest their capital. These are ongoing process. Just take a walk around Novi Sad and you’ll see what we mean by ’investment boom’.

What other plans does the city have in terms of providing infrastructure for investment locations?

— We are continuing with the works on utility infrastructure, especially on the entrances and exits to the city, i.e. the main roads and roundabouts. These are all prerequisites for us becoming even more competitive in terms of attracting investments. We have a comparative advantage by being positioned on the important transport corridors, and we intend to use them intelligently by investing in improving and building infrastructure.

We are currently in the process of building the new Sentandrej Boulevard, and we are drafting a project for another Danube bridge which will be the last leg of the so-called western city bypass. Also, we are finalizing the works on the construction of a road and railway bridge in the location of the old Žeželj Bridge, along with the access roads. The bridge is of a strategic importance for our country because it lies on the international route that is the Belgrade-Budapest railroad.

We are also proceeding with improving

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PROGRESS

WE ARE CONTINUING TO IMPROVE THE UTILITY INFRASTRUCTURE IN THE CITY AND CONSTRUCT BUSINESS AND SHOPPING CENTRES AND PRODUCTION FACILITIES the industrial zones along the E-75 motorway, and we have ideas for certain brownfield and greenfield investments.

How much did the introduction of experimental worker profiles to dual education prove important for the training of the workforce that is in demand on the labour market?

— We are yet to see the results but we have been trying, in many different ways, to have vocational high schools in Novi Sad consider the labour market demands in the next few years when determining the enrollment quotas for certain worker profiles. The statistics show that the unemployment among young people in Europe is lower in those countries that have dual education like Switzerland where children are starting to earn money at the tender age of 15, unlike in our country, where most people get their first job at the age of 30.

Implementing dual education changes our education system, and the way we think and live in a systemic and profound

way. I think it is doable in practice and that it is quite possible to see the results of this through lower unemployment. In Novi Sad, for instance, there is a growing need for craftsmen and various technicians which is a great opportunity for many students who won’t have to worry about finding a job since they will have one during schooling.

What is your vision for strategic development of Novi Sad in the following period?

— I see Novi Sad as a modern European city, with the population of half a million, which also has a strong university, IT sector and service sector (I am primarily referring to banks and insurance companies), as well as a growing industry and fully utilized agricultural and tourist potential.

Apart from Continental’s Research and Development Centre, there is another opportunity opening up for Novi Sad – the city can become the so-called share centre for global financial and service companies.

In the next few years, Novi Sad will also implement the projects the 2019 Youth Capital of Europe and the 2021 European Capital of Culture.

These projects hold national importance, and create a great opportunity for all of us, for development of our economy and tourism, and for our branding on the European culture scene. We are the only non-EU city to have been given the aformentioned titles and I do expect substantial effects from being „bestowed“ with this „double crown“, i.e. for us to progress even more and to show why Novi Sad is an increasingly attractive, or rather a must-go destination for many global companies.

Photo: Aleksandar Milutinović

NOVI SAD & RIVER DANUBE

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INTERVIEW

DYNAMIC GROWTH AND CONTINUATION OF REFORMS BOŠKO VUČUREVIĆ President of the Vojvodinian Chamber of Commerce

Vojvodina is an attractive area for investments of large foreign companies because it has a long industrial tradition, quality workforce and big potential, particularly in agriculture

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conomic growth in the province is picking up, and this year, we are recording better results than previous years. FDIs are especially important for creation of new jobs which lead to lower unemployment and higher living standard. Combating shadow economy is the key step towards establishing a predictable and stable business environment and fair market game.

How would you rate Vojvodina’s economic environment?

— Economic growth in the province is picking up, and this year, we are recording better results than previous years. In the first six months of 2017, we recorded positive tendencies relative to the same period last year. Industrial production grew by almost 6%, while external trade went up by almost 19%. In order to have an even more dynamic economic development in the following period, we need to expedite reforms particularly in restructuring and modernization of companies, production standardization, efficient competitiveness policy and infrastructure. In order to raise competitiveness in existing companies, we also need to implement energy efficiency measures which are not expensive and yet often result in saving energy which, in turn, reduces input in forming prices.

How much did the strong FDI influx in Vojvodina change the province’s economic fabric?

— Vojvodina is an attractive area for in-

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vestments of large foreign companies because it has a long industrial tradition, good workforce and big potential, particularly in agriculture.

According to the data collated by the Vojvodina Development Agency (RAV), in the last 16 years, 230 foreign companies invested 8.4 billion EUR in Vojvodina’s economy and hired 71,500 workers. Companies operating in the province are mostly export-oriented and have been strongly contributing to the higher export from Vojvodina.

Apart from agriculture, which received the highest investments, the biggest growing sector is automotive which employs 11,300 workers. A number of German companies are operating in this sector, which also makes it an economic sector with the brightest future.

We are also competitive in agribusiness because of huge natural resources, a long agricultural tradition, good climate, and the favourable ratio between the size of available arable land and a number of people engaged in agriculture. IT is certainly one of the most promising sectors too. It is worth mentioning that Vojvodina is a region with a substantial natural potential in terms of renewable energy resources, especially biomass.

How important were these investments for boosting domestic economy?

— FDIs are especially significant in terms of creating new jobs, which, in turn, lead to lower unemployment and higher living standard. Domicile com-

panies are hired as suppliers and business partners to foreign companies that operate here. This leads to a higher production volume in our companies which directly boosts export. Not only that, the competitiveness of domicile companies on foreign market also grows, as does production through technology transfer. Additionally, new company and production management methods are introduced.

Apart from potentially strong effects on the economic growth of a country in which foreign investors are investing, FDIs also promote environmental protection, positively affect long-term sustainability of economic growth, and create a possibility for achieving sustainable development. It is also important to mention that the said effects spill over into all connected companies in the production and supply chain, which, speaking long term, leads to higher competitiveness of the entire economy.

What are today the most important priorities in domicile companies?

— First and foremost, business people in our country want a stable political and economic environment, and to know conditions under which their companies will operate. Infrastructure is one of the most important prerequisites for sustainable economic development which is also an incentive factor for expedited economic growth.

Creating opportunities for new investments in construction of new energy sources directly affects infrastructural policies. Dual education, i.e. building stronger ties between business and education sector, is one of the priorities of our economy.

In the following period, we are going to form groups in different associations.

Through these groups, which are a way of direct networking between PKV members, businesses will be given more opportunities to voice concrete problems that they are encountering in their work operations.

How would you rate the cooperation with the provincial government and other institutions which are important for economic development?

— In order to improve conditions for doing business, and develop Vojvodina’s economy, PKV has established an official cooperation with the provincial government which stipulates joint activities. We

INVESTMENTS

CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR NEW INVESTMENTS IN CONSTRUCTION OF NEW ENERGY SOURCES DIRECTLY AFFECTS INFRASTRUCTURAL POLICIES have an excellent communication and cooperation with the provincial government.

I believe that key to success lies in team work, hence we have been cooperating with many institutions too – provincial funds, higher learning institutions, associations, clusters, and various business associations. I also think that education is of utmost importance for smart economic

growth. If we take a look at the chamber system, with the Serbian Chamber of Commerce (PKS) as an umbrella institution, we can see that we have a harmonious and open communication which is a prerequisite for strong collaboration.

PKV has been working hard on establishing firm ties with other chambers of commerce in the region, i.e. namely in Hungary, Romania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia, and Montenegro. By doing so, we are not only connecting economic institutions in the region, but also paving new roads towards connecting markets, while economies now have new communication channels which are necessary for improving economic climate.

Which measures do you consider the most important for improving the business climate in the province?

— That is definitely improving investment environment in order to attract as many FDIs as possible, and creating a stimulating environment for growth and development of entrepreneurship and SMEs, and for increasing and re-structuring of export. Also, we need an education reform to suit the demands of the labour market. Furthermore, we need to improve the quality of rural life in order to boost employment in our villages and stop depopulation. Then there is improving cooperation and networking (clusters, associations), and reducing unemployment through development and promotion of tourism, especially in rural areas.

Combating shadow economy is the key step towards establishing a predictable and stable business environment and fair market game.

What are the initial effects of the new organization of the chamber system?

— The new Law on Chambers of Commerce, which stipulates establishment of a single system of chambers of commerce, has introduced organizational changes into the existing system. Instead of 11 individual associations, the Vojvodinian Chamber of Commerce (PKV) now has only three – services, agriculture and industry. In order for this single chamber system to be sustainable, we need to continuously work and cooperate with all relevant partners – both institutions and business people. This is exactly what the new organization has achieved.

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INTERVIEW

RELIABLE PARTNER TO INVESTORS IN VOJVODINA

NATAŠA RUBEŽIĆ Director of the Development Agency of Vojvodina (DAV)

Our job is to keep our doors constantly open, and to help companies to open theirs too. We support investors from the getgo, i.e. from the moment they start thinking about investing, and we stay with them until their investment is realized

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D

AV works along the same principles as the former Vojvodina Investment Promotion Fund (VIP) because that is the best way to promote investment locations. We provide a wide range of professional services for companies which invest in Vojvodina. We are also continuing with the implementation of the DAV Academy project, and development of local communities, while Novi Sad is already recognized as an important hub for IT industry.

What sets Vojvodina apart, compared to the rest of Serbia, in terms of its investment profile?

— One of the biggest advantages of Vojvodina, compared to other parts of Serbia, is its unique geographic position, on the very border with the EU. This proximity is strategically important for foreign companies, especially if they work in line with the 'just in time – just in sequence' production format where parts need to be delivered to the production line at the parent factory swiftly and at the designated time.

There are many foreign companies in Vojvodina, particularly automotive ones, which are operating in line with that production format. Additionaly, Vojvodina is

well-connected with roads, and has a big percentage of qualified and highly qualified workforce which can sway companies towards investing here particularly if they need a substantial number of engineers. The University of Novi Sad has very advanced technical faculties and scientific institutes, while Novi Sad is already recognized as an important hub for IT industry.

Which industries are the most dominant in Vojvodina, and what type of investors would you like to see in your portfolio?

— Most foreign companies in Vojvodina operate in the agricultural sector which is only logical because Vojvodina has been, traditionally, an agricultural region with the exceptionally favourable climate conditions, wealth of rivers and lakes and fertile land.

According to the statistical data compiled by DAV, there are currently 56 companies working in this sector which have invested a total of 3 billion EUR. Vojvodina is also becoming one of the most important hubs of automotive industry in Europe because most of its citizens work in this industry – i.e. over 15,000 people in 24 foreign companies. Apart from education, another good reason why these investors chose Vojvodina was certain-

Considering Vojvodina's IT capacity, what are your plans when it comes to attracting IT companies?

— We have enough reason to be satisfied because we have recently concluded a deal that could be a real U-turn in better positioning of Novi Sad as an IT hub. German company, Continental, which was one of our clients, has made a decision to open a research and development centre in Novi Sad that will produce software solutions for their car interior department, and is going to employ 500 engineers. Their arrival validates the fact that Novi Sad has all the conditions to become a strong IT centre primarily because it has very advanced technical faculties and scientific institutes.

Every year, the two ICT departments of the Faculty of Technical enroll around

POSITION

ONE OF THE BIGGEST ADVANTAGES OF VOJVODINA, COMPARED TO OTHER PARTS OF SERBIA, IS ITS UNIQUE GEOGRAPHIC POSITION 180 students. We already have close to 230 companies working in the software development industry that have from several to almost a thousand employees. These are companies like Schneider Electronic, Levi 9, RT–RK, Hintteck, and now Continental. When you have companies as strong as these, attracting other foreign investors is easier because there is no better argument to use on a potential investor than to mention these companies and their successful operations here.

What are DEV's most successful practices in attracting investors?

— We find investors at conferences, trade fairs, round table discussions, by scheduling meetings with them, and on the

so-called road shows where we pick one country (or one speaking area) and one economy sector as our target. Then, we hold several presentations in that country at which we present Vojvodina's potential.

It is also important to use the Internet and all of its promotional tools. It is a wellknown fact that most decision makers in companies get the information they need online. The competition is so fierce that it is exceptionally important to be proactive, and find all sorts of ways to get on the investor's radar. For them, it is important to find partners that will have answers to their questions, and will guide them through the investment process.

What can DAV offer to the potential and existing investors in Vojvodina?

— We are a one-stop-shop where you will find everything you need to know about investment process. We are helping companies to get all required information, find greenfield or brownfield locations, suppliers, partners etc. We support investors from the get-go, i.e. from the moment they start thinking about investing, and we stay with them until their investment is realized.

We also have a well-developed after care programme, and it is very impor-

Photo: Aleksandar Milutinović

ly the proximity to the large car and car parts manufacturers. Also, there are investments in the financial sector, construction, pharmaceutical industry and the so-called green industry (renewable energy resources, recycling etc.).

Of course, our goal is to attract as many companies as possible that will bring new technology, know-how and skills, including IT companies.

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Photo: Aleksandar Milutinović

tant to us for companies to know that we are always going to be their partners they can rely on.

How much are local governments equipped and willing to cater to investors' needs?

— That's a very complex issue and I cannot give you a single or simple answer. First and foremost, not all municipalities are equally developed. A special government decree classifies municipalities in five different categories according to how developed they are compared to the country's average – starting with the devastated areas which development level is below 50% of the country's average.

Regardless of the fact that investors get the highest subsidies for investing in devastated municipalities, their development also depends on how many such investment locations do municipalities have.

If a municipality had a strong industry, than it will also have more browfield locations available and experienced workforce, as well as fitting worker profiles.

Investors also care how well-equipped locations are, and how far are they from the state border, main roads etc.

However, and regardless of these pre-

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TO P I C

WE ARE GOING TO CONTINUE IMPLEMENTING THE PROJECT OF THE DAV ACADEMY FOR WHICH WE ARE PREPARING NEW TOPICS requisites, it is very important for local self-governments to recognize the importance of constant learning, training staff to communicate with investors, being proactive, knowing how to promote advantages of their respective municipalities, design their official website in a way that investors can find information easily, and understand just how complex is the process of attracting investors.

Local self-governments are important partners in the process of attracting foreign investors, and training them is one of our most important activities.

We are going to continue implementing the project of the DAV Academy for which we are preparing new topics and

workshops intended for local self-governments willing to participate.

How capable is our education system of educating those worker profiles that are in demand with investors?

— Our education system can fufill requirements and demands of certain companies, while, for certain industries, we are completely unprepared and there is a huge gap between education and the real needs of the business sector. There is a good system of support in terms of producing workers for IT industry, as well as for automotive industry, metal processing sector and several other sectors.

If there are no available worker profiles, companies sometimes cooperate with faculties or high schools on holding training or courses. Schools can even introduce a curriculum for new worker profiles.

This is one of the more important added values, i.e. when a company brings new technology and know-how, and when we adapt our education to the latest global trends because education, research and development, in addition to innovation, are the most important driving forces behind economic development.

Professor

ALEKSANDAR ANDREJEVIĆ PhD, Rector of Educons University

Educons University offers prestigious studies in the highly functional student campus student campus which is unlike any in the Western Balkans. A creative and technologically advanced learning concept called blended learning, and project studying are sure paths to employment to transfer the latest know-how which means that, through interaction and mandatory use of online data, our teachers are developing critical conscience and creative potential of every student. All

STUDIES

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ducons University was founded in 2008 as the first, fully accredited university in Vojvodina. Today, the University comprises of 11 faculties and over 30 study programmes, a modern student dorm and a multi-functional sports hall.

The Rector of Educons University, Professor Aleksandar Andrejević, PhD, says: “I sincerely believe in education that is a result of a cleverly balanced theory and practice. Our students own their knowledge which they can monetize both in Serbia and abroad. A dedicated team of teachers and scientists comprises of over 80 professors and assistant professors, as well as the best lecturers from practice. All of them are engaged in all levels of studying – graduate, Master’s, specialist’s, and doctoral studies”.

In which way is the curriculum taught at the faculties of Educons University different, content-wise?

Two teaching standards guarantee the sustainability of our concept. The first is blended learning, which is an educational programme that we were the first to develop in Serbia owing to our collaboration with the University of Hong Kong.

We have trained our teaching staff how

C O R P O R AT E

INNOVATIVE EDUCATION AS PATH TO EMPLOYMENT

EDUCONS MOST POPULAR STUDY PROGRAMS INCLUDE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, AGRICULTURE, CLASSICAL PAINTING, DIGITAL PRODUCTION, BUSINESS ECONOMY AND MANAGEMENT, SECURITY STUDIES AND TEACHER STUDIES

tools are used in teaching – from dedicated applications and laptops to intellectual maps and other digital records. The second teaching standard is called project studying which entails a lot of practice where study programmes are synchronized with the real needs of companies that determine the number of students they can educate and monitor their development until they become employed.

This could be an essential support to students in finding a good and safe job.

Educons University has rounded off its offer by building a student campus and a sports hall. What kind of student amenities to these have?

The student dorm and the sports hall are projects that have been implemented as private greenfield investments in Vojvodina, and they surpass Serbian standards in terms of their quality and user satisfaction which is something that the media agree on too.

The dorm can house 100 students of Educons or any other faculty, and has 50 spacious rooms. Each of the rooms is fully equipped, and has its own bathroom and kitchen. There are other beneficial amenities like free parking, laundry room, a student canteen, free WiFi, a foreign currency exchange office, a post office, and a modern fitness and spa centre. The accommodation price includes the utility costs and many other benefits. Educons is in the process of opening the sports hall too that will enable students to engage in all sorts of sports. www.educons.edu.rs

Educons World Author : Zoran Marinković, University Educons

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INTERVIEW

RELIABLE PARTNER TO LOCAL SELFGOVERNMENTS

NEDELJKO KOVAČEVIĆ Director of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina's Capital Investments Directorate

Following in the footsteps of the policies of the provincial government which is advocating a balanced development of all parts of Vojvodina, the Capital Investments Directorate is currently financing projects in 44 municipalities

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he Autonomous Province of Vojvodina's Capital Investments Directorate was founded with the aim of accomplishing further and stronger economic, business, cultural and political development of Vojvodina through investing in a balanced and sustainable development of municipalities in Vojvodina.

What role does the Capital Investments Directorate play in development of the province?

— In the last year alone, the Directorate allocated over 5.9 billion dinars for funding of 124 projects in 44 municipalities in Vojvodina. Funding various programmes and projects that are important to Vojvodina is one way to build and reconstruct schools and roads, water supply and sewage grids, and culture centres in undeveloped municipalities, as well as a way for the developed municipalities to harmonize the development of their infrastructure with the growing business needs and population, as well as the needs of health, education and culture institutions thanks to additional funds. All of this is done with one goal in mind – to secure better life for citizens of Vojvodina.

Which of the ongoing infrastructure projects would you like to single out as the most important for economic development?

— Following in the footsteps of the policies devised by the provincial government, which is advocating a balanced development of all

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parts of Vojvodina, the Capital Investments Directorate is currently financing projects in 44 municipalities relating to development of transport infrastructure, and construction and reconstruction of water supply and sewage grids. Every single one of these projects is of immeasurable importance for the life of local communities, hence there are no more or less important projects. It is important that we are funding the completion of the construction of sewage grid in the municipalities of Vrbas and Kula, because these projects would facilitate the opening of the newly constructed waste water filter in Vrbas soon, as well as to contribute to the resolution of the biggest environmental problem in Europe – the cleaning of the Great Bačka Canal. Also, it is important of us for the villagers of Kovačica to have better drinking water thanks to the construction of a water factory. The reconstruction of a segment of the Grebenski Road on Iriški Venac (Fruška Gora) does not only entail repairing a few kilometres of road, but also it marks the beginning of a long-term project which end result is going to be a complete reconstruction of the road that stretches along the entire Fruška Gora.

How much do projects like these contribute to a more balanced local development and boosting attractiveness of these parts of Vojvodina in terms of investments?

— In the process of getting ourselves ac-

quainted with the problems in local communities, we found out that one of the big problems is lack of water supply or sewage grid despite this being the 21st century. Such communities, which lack the basic utility infrastructure and where an increasing number of work-capable residents are emigrating in search for work, are not attractive to investors.

In an effort to prevent our villages from ‘dying out’ and to facilitate their development with the help of the provincial government, we have supported projects that entail improvement of work and industrial zones in Bela Crkva, Šid, Kovin, Horgoš, and Bač because investing in infrastructure projects is the main prerequisite for further local economic development.

Apart from infrastructure projects, you have also been investing a lot in culture, healthcare and education. Which of these projects would you like to single out?

— Since July 2016, the Directorate has allocated the biggest funds for healthcare and social protection projects. Over 1.1 billion dinars was provided for the reconstruction of the internal department at the Pančevo hospital. Furthermore, together with the Novi Sad government, we are funding construction of a building that will house Emergency Room, and we have alocated funds for reconstruction of infirmaries in Sakule, Srbobran and Bački Jarak. Additionally, we have allocated funds towards procurement of medical equipment in Beočin, Novi Bečej and Stara Pazova, as well as for three angiography rooms for hospitals in Subotica, Zrenjanin and Sombor which are going to enable faster diagnostics for patients with cardiovascular diseases that are the number one cause of death among Vojvodina's population. Investing in education is investing in our future. By building a nursery in Bač or extending the Vasa Stajić elementary school in Novi Sad, we are contributing towards the safety of the facilities that our youngsters spend time in. We have not forgotten about the projects that contribute to the preservation and protection of cultural and national heritage in local communities like the reconstruction of the house of the literary critic Borislav Mihajlović Mihiz in Irig or culture centres in Plandište and Novi Kneževac. We are also going to complete a long-standing project of reconstructing the Subotica National Theatre.

Where do funds from these projects come from?

— The money for these projects, which is allocated via public competitions launched by our Directorate, is secured in the budget of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina. On top of that, there are funds from various other sources. When the different levels of authority come together and pool their funds, it is quite possible to finish certain projects. For instance, following the agreement between the Serbian and Vojvodinian governments, funds have been provided for upgrading the Subotica National Theatre and construction of the building that will house Radio and Television of Vojvodina.

How do you efficiently monitor the spending of these funds?

CONTRIBUTION

WE ARE GOING TO CONTINUE DOING EVERYTHING IN OUR POWER TO FINANCIALLY SUPPORT PROJECTS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO BETTER LIVES OF ALL CITIZENS IN VOJVODINA — The Directorate’s competitions are public and the funds are allocated to those projects that fulfill the terms and conditions of the competition. After the funds are allocated, the investors usually launch a public procurement call for contractors or equipment suppliers in line with the law, while the Directorate’s representatives partic-

ipate in the work done by the public procurement commissions. Relevant agreements stipulate that the funds are secured via a bank guarantee that is payable on first demand which is just added security for allocated funds. After the field report is compiled and signed by the representatives of contractors, supervisory bodies and investors in line with the Directorate’s procedures, and following the Directorate checking the documents and the situation in the field, the money is transferred to the investor. By carrying out this kind of procedure, while adhering to the Law on Budget System, budget funds are used strictly in accordance with the purpose for which they are allocated. This also improves the monitoring of how the funds are spent, and, by doing so, we are justifying the trust of our citizens.

What are your priorities for the following period?

— The Capital Investments Directorate is a reliable partner to local self-governments and it is up to them to set their development priorities. With the help of the provincial government, we are going to continue doing everything in our power to financially support projects that contribute to better lives of all citizens in Vojvodina.

We have embarked on the project of constructing a building that will house Radio and Television of Vojvodina. However, we have also inherited the unresolved largescale projects that we have to complete as soon as possible like the construction of the Žeželj Bridge or the theatre in Subotica. We also expect for the construction of the Fruška Gora corridor and the Sentandrejski Boulevard in Novi Sad to start soon, while project documents are being drafted for the continuation of the reconstruction of the Grebenski Road.

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INTERVIEW

SECURING SAFE AND QUALITY WATER By 2020, we expect to have twice the number of land plots under irrigation than now

SLAVKO VRNDŽIĆ Acting Director of JVP Vode Vojvodine, Novi Sad

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n collaboration with the state government, the line provincial secretariat will try to complete and launch as many regional irrigation subsystems as possible during its term. Also, the gradual works on the Kula-Mali Iđoš irrigation system and subsystems in Bačka County are continuing. In the last few years, substantial funds have been invested in maintenance and reconstruction of the Great Bačka Canal, which is the backbone of the Danube-Tisza-Danube (DTD) hydro-system.

How big are water resources in Vojvodina, and how efficiently are they used?

— The water resources on the territory of Vojvodina comprise of precipitation and the amalgamation of the transit waters and the river and underground waters.

In terms of water availability on Vojvodina’s territory, only 0.76% (or 43m3/s) are its own waters, while the rest – 99.24% (5.580m3/s) - are transit waters. The precipitation is not enough, and its frequency is inadequate relative the needs.

The more ramified the water distribution network is, the more efficiently it is being used. By building regional hydro-systems, dual-purpose systems and improving the

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capacity of pumping stations, we improve and enable better use of water resources.

How much have climate changes affected Vojvodina, and what challenges JVP Vode Vojvodine has to deal with as a result?

— In the last 17 years, the climatic extremes have become more evident. During 2000, 2009 and 2010, we had a problem with precipitation that was twice the annual average. In 2002, 2006 and 2013, we had huge flood waves on the Danube.

In 2006, the water level of the Tisza River was over 50 cm higher than ever recorded. During 2005, the Tamis Rriver flooded, and the embankments in neighboring Romania did not endure. In 2014, the water level of the Sava River was 65 cm higher than the historical maximum, and it overflooded the embankments in neighboring Croatia.

On the other hand, we had the extreme drought in 2003, 2007, 2012, at the end of 2013, and now in 2017. The water management system in Vojvodina is exposed to these extremes and therefore has to be extremely flexible. We must invest in water management, because the consequences may be unimaginable.

How much were you able to compensate for the problem of inadequate investments in irrigation system?

— On the territory of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, there are more than 20,000 kilometers of channels which primary purpose is drainage. Irrigation is an ever present and rather painful issue especially after several years of severe drought.

When the DTD hydro-system was designed, the idea was for it to provide irrigation for around 500,000 hectares in Bačka and Banat counties, but because of natural conditions and international regulation, its capacity was limited to approximately 350,000 hectares.

The construction of regional irrigation systems began twenty years ago, which, due to the general lack of money in that period, were not fully completed. When they are all completed, the Severna Bačka regional hydrosystem will be able to irrigate 132,000 ha, the Banat hydrosystem 102,000 ha, and the Srem hydrosystem between 100,000 and 150,000 ha.

In the past period, not enough has been done to complete the large-scale project which entails the construction and launch of 11 regional subsystems that would serve both for drainage and irrigation. There are various reasons for this, but it is primarily due to lack of funds.

In collaboration with the state government, the line provincial secretariat will try to complete and launch as many regional irrigation subsystems as possible during its term.

The implementation of four irrigation projects financed under the Loan Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Serbia and the Abu Dhabi Development Fund will begin soon. These are the first of the 11 projects approved by the Abu Dhabi Fund, which completion will result in irrigation of additional 23,854 ha.

The Provincial Secretariat for Agriculture, Water Management and Forestry and JVP Vode Vojvodine are continuing with the gradual work on the Kula Mali-Iđoš irrigation system and sub-systems in Bačka.

The Great Bačka Canal poses one of the biggest challenges. How much progress have you made in cleaning it up?

— In the last few years, JVP Vode Vojvodine has been investing substantial funds in maintaining and reconstruct-

ing the Great Bačka Kanal, which is the backbone of the DTD hydrosystem. Currently, we are reconstructing a 10-kmlong segment of the Canal, from Crvenka to Sivac, and the works are valued at 60 million dinars.

On the other hand, a 6-km-long section of the Canal, downstream from the Vrbas hydro-junction, remains one of the black spots in Europe. In this section, relative

drafting of the project documentation is obtaining consent from the Municipality of Vrbas for the location of the landfill where the dumped material will be stored and the remediation process carried out.

How much is the money from the Abu Dhabi Fund going to help with this problem?

— The Abu Dhabi Fund will provide the largest funds for the construction of regional hydrosystems for irrigation purposes so far.

During the initial state, we are talking about 11 projects that are supposed to facilitate irrigation of more than 13,000 ha. These include the construction of four pumping stations (Jegrička - near Odžaci, Kaloča - near Ada, Pesir and Mokrinska 2), and the construction of two-tier irrigation systems (Rečej, Međa, Jankov Most and Itebej) and parts of regional hydrosystems for irrigation (Nova Crnja-Žitište, Kikinda, Kula-Mali Iđoš and Tisza-Palić). Considering that 45.000 ha land is presently being irrigated in Vojvodina, this would represent a possible increase of 28%. We have already identified the projects to be implemented during the second stage.

WE ARE EXPECTED TO CONTRIBUTE TO SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCING GROUNDWATER POLLUTION, PROTECTING THE LAND AND ACHIEVING TARGETS IN PREVENTING AND ELIMINATING WATER POLLUTION

What do you have to do in line with the European integration process of Serbia, with the view of the obligations stated in the Chapter 27?

— In the case of JVP Vode Vojvodine, the fulfillment of environmental objectives refers to the provision of safe and quality water and sufficient quantity of surface and groundwater for use.

We are also expected to contribute to significantly reducing groundwater pollution, protecting the land and achieving targets in preventing and eliminating water pollution, as well as improve the activities in preventing floods and droughts in the river basins in the EU member states.

to the projected situation, there is a total of about 370,000 m3 of sludge, of which 270,000 m3 is polluted with heavy metals.

JVP Vode Vojvodine has financed the drafting of a general project and a preliminary study of the justification of the mud elimination, depositing and remediation of the sediment in this part of the Vrbas-Bezdan Canal, which was approved by the Provincial Audit Commission.

The prerequisite for continuing with

How much money from the EU founds can you get?

— Based on the current situation, JVP Vode Vojvodine got a total of 9.88 million EUR for its projects. These are mostly IPA funds for cross-border cooperation, and the funds for a project from the Danube Transnational Programme. We expect our company to receive even more financial assistance from the EU funds for implementing projects that are important to the Republic of Serbia.

CONTRIBUTION

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ACHIEVEMENTS

THE FIRST YEAR OF THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT I The provincial government held a total of 73 sessions at which it covered 1,748 agenda items. Parallel with that, the head of the government and its members have almost daily toured towns and municipalities in order to identify their problems and embark on solving them together with the representatives of local selfgovernments

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n the period of just one year, the Vojvodina government has managed to develop, implement and plan important projects in infrastructure, spatial planning, environmental protection, development of agriculture, revitalization of the healthcare system, development of local governments, social protection programme, and investments in tourism and overall economy. Underlined projects are in energy segment, construction, education, culture, science, and, last but not least, media and information.

The overview of achieved results is certainly going to be used as the baseline for assessing how much did Vojvodina progress in terms of growth and development of the general business climate and quality of life.

GENERAL PRINCIPLES

Promoting the general principles was the foundation of the work done by the government of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina in the last year.

Political stability as the first prerequisite for economic development A full coordination of the work done by all government levels and an extraordinary cooperation with the Serbian government were validated at the session of the both governments that was held in2015, as well as through the cooperation between the state ministries, relevant bodies, and local self-governments, in addition to maintaining daily communication regarding resolving various issues that affect the lives of citizens.

Gathering around projects as a new concept of economic development The best proof of how important is pooling around projects for economic development can be found in the fact that in Vojvodina, in the last year or so, different government levels, including the provincial, have financially supported 100 projects relating to opening of new and reconstruction of the existing industrial facilities which resulted in 12,000 new jobs. This is one of the key reasons for the unemployment rate dropping to 13.6%, i.e. 5.6% less than at the beginning of this year.

Development concept of the 2017 budget Following the 2016 budget review, the provincial government put an end to irrational spending of taxpayers’ money. The inherited budget debt of over 9 billion dinars has been refinanced under the best possible conditions with the new interest rates being four times lower. In this way, the province saved 2.6 million EUR. Increasing the 2017 provincial budget to reach the amount of 63.6 billion dinars, and an additional in-

crease of 2.5 billion dinars, following the recent budget review, creates an opportunity for these funds to be spent solely on large-scale projects in all segments.

Initiative as a new way of operating By establishing the Development Agency of Vojvodina (DAV) there were created tools for direct promotion of domicile and foreign investments. Improving the doing business environment in Vojvodina through building new and modernization of the existing industrial zones all over Vojvodina is being carried out by the Capital Investments Directorate. New Zones have been constructed in Kanjiža, Kovin, Novi Bečej, Bela Crkva, Inđija, Šid, Bač, Kula and Bački Petrovac in which was invested a total of 186 million dinars.

DEVELOPMENT OF TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE Transport infrastructure is one of the main prerequisites for attracting investors and expedited economic development. The new Žeželj Bridge, which is one of the key junctions on the future

Belgrade-Budapest fast railroad, is considered one of the most important joint projects, together with the Serbian government and Chinese investors.

The signed memorandum about „Fruška Gora Corridor“ will provide quality transport infrastructure on the Novi SadRuma-Šabac-Loznica segment. Together with the Serbian government, there were funds provided for drafting conceptual project design for which a total of 93 million dinars was allocated. The protocol on construction of the Sentandrejski Boulevard was signed with the public enterprise Putevi Srbije (Serbian Roads) and the Novi Sad government, and have embarked on the reconstruction of the Grebenski Road, worth 50 million dinars, and the Sremska Mitrovica underpass, worth almost 90 million dinars.

URBANISM AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION The Bačko Podunavlje nature's reserve is one of the entries on the UNESCO's World Network of Bioshpere Reserves. Adoption of a spatial plan is the basis for the impleINVEST IN

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mentation of the project of construction of the Banat motorway which is going to improve the connectivity between Banat County and its international surroundings.

Also, currently the important is drafting of the relevant documents pertaining to the contruction of the so-called Vojvodina's 'P', a fast Novi Sad-Kać-Žabalj-Zrenjanin road that instead of the two existing lanes is going to have four, once finished.

taining over 1,400km of first class embankments, several investments worth 520 million dinars will be implemented in this segment in 2017. These include the construction of a 3km-long-embankment near Hrtkovci, the repairing of the deteriorated embankment near Gomolava, the works on the Vrbas-Bezdan kanal and Jegrička canal, and continuation of construction of the Kula – Mali Iđoš canal.

SUPPORTING FASTER DEVELOPMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND WATER SUPPLY

REVITALIZATION OF THE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM IN VOJVODINA

Agricultural sector has been allocated the biggest budget ever, amounting to 8.2 billion dinars. Direct financial support to farmers has been increased by 80% - from 800 million in 2016 to 1.4 billion dinars in 2017.

In addition to ongoing maintenance, and large-scale projects in the field of water management, projects funded by the Abu Dhabi Fund have been instigated which will result in the launch of 11 regional irrigation and drainage subsystems. This will ensure irrigation for an additional 13,114 hectares of land.

On top of a billion dinars allocated to regular maintenance of the canal network in Vojvodina, which is used towards cleaning between 800km and 1,000km of canals annually, and main-

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The first project in this area was acquiring building and use permit, as well as procurement of the required medical equipment for the launch of the Kamenica 2 clinic. By doing so, we have accomplished two extremely important effects – the waiting lists have been drastically cut short, and we have freed substantial funds that could be invested in other healthcare facilities.

A total of 500 million dinars has been invested in the complete reconstruction of the Internal Departmentn of the Pančevo Hospital. Three angioplasty rooms in Sombor, Subotica and Zrenjanin are completed which cost 142.5 million dinars.

Last year, a third angioplasty room was opened in Novi Sad which means that Vojvodina has reached a European standard of having one angioplasty room per

300,000 inhabitants.

A total of 65 million dinars was allocated for procurement of medical equipment, and following this year's budget review, another 190 million has been set aside for this purpose. Over 152 million dinars was allocated towards repairing medical equipment and machines.

All required documents for construction and reconstruction of the Vojvodina Clinical Centre in Novi Sad, namely the B and C wing, have been compiled. The provincial government will also provide 50% or 204 million dinars for the constructiono of the new ER in Novi Sad.

REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT, INTER-REGIONAL COOPERATION AND LOCAL SELF-GOVERNANCE Due to the inadequate economic policy, in the last 15 years, the development in nineteen municipalities in Vojvodina has dropped below the state's average. Out of these 19 municipalities, 17 received 482 million dinars from the Capital Investments Directorate last year. In the last year, also via the Capital Investments Directorate, a total of 1.87 billion dinars was allocated for the implementation of 95 projects in 41 municipalities with the goal of achieving their faster development.

With the view of better utilizing European funds, three cross-border IN-

TERREG-IPA projects are currently implementing– with Hungary, Croatia and Romania – for which Vojvodina received over 13 million EUR. Also, a cooperation agreement with the Almaty Region (in Kazakhstan) and Gomel Region (in Belarus) were signed, as was a letter of intention with the Hainan Province in China.

SOCIAL CARE In 2017, 608 million dinars have been allocated as financial assistance for 4,200 families with three children. Following the 2016 budget review, these families were allocated a total of 192 million dinars which were not originally intended for this purpose.

60 million dinars were provided for improvement of conditions in social care institutions. 32 million dinars were allocated for co-financing of IVF treatments for 160 couples. The new medical vehicles were provided for the seven gerontological centers (Apatin, Bačka Palanka, Kikinda, Pančevo, Sombor, Subotica and Novi Bečej).

ECONOMY AND TOURISM With the view of developing SMEs, direct support to small and medium-sized en-

terprises in the amount of more than 267 million dinars was provided - 89 million for the procurement of machines and equipment, 53 million for subsidies for materials, and over 125 million for self-employment support, creation of new jobs, and conducting public works.

The financial support to the development of tourism amounted to 122 million dinars - 60 million for local governments, over 40 million for companies and small business owners, and 13.5 million for the civil sector.

Also, the implementation of an IPA project, within the framework of the Croatia-Serbia cross-border programme "Ever-Moving Border Emergency Response - EMBER", is underway.

DUCATION, REGULATION, ADMINISTRATION AND NATIONAL MINORITIES 60 million dinars were provided for drafting project documents the reconstruction of preschools and primary and secondary schools, and another 250 million dinars were allocated, following the budget review, for the reconstruction.

212 million dinars were allocated for the reimbursement of transport costs in all 45 Vojvodina municipalities. A total of 116 million dinars were disbursed towards the promotion of the national minority rights in Vojvodina.

HIGHER LEARNING AND SCIENTIFIC & RESEARCH ACTIVITIES Funds for financing of the fixed material costs incurred by the University of Novi Sad, faculties and higher learning institutions in Vojvodina in 2017 increased from 95.5 million dinars in 2016 to 225.8 million dinars in 2017.

The support to scientific institutions and their networking with businesses has intensified which can see from the example of establishment of the the BioSense Institute. Following the budget review, 110 million dinars were provided for the construction of the Scientific and Technological Park of the premises of the University of Novi Sad. Approximately 90 million dinars were allocated for the construction of the roads on the University’s campus.

ENERGY AND CONSTRUCTION A total of 90 million dinars was allocated towards boosting energy efficiency via the Capital Investments Directorate.

A memorandum was signed with ES-GEOTHERMIE regarding the implementation of the GOSPEL project, the result of which will be the Feasibility Study for the development of industrial pilot pro-

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jects in relation to underground geothermal waters in the region of AP Vojvodina.

The project is worth EUR 500,000.00.

In the last year, the construction sector started the work on legalizing the facilities in accordance with the Law on Legalization. The value of investments made by the Provincial Secretariat in the construction sector amounts to 9,524,008,349 dinars.

In the transport sector, and under the framework of the Interreg-IPA cross-border cooperation programme between Hungary and Serbia, funds were allocated for the realization of the project 'Development of project-technical documentation for the Subotica -Baja railroad'. The total value of the project is 3,585,017.40 EUR. The International Energy Days were organized with over 700 experts - representatives of governments, local self-governments, business entities, media specializing in reporting on energy and construction sector, universities and other visitors – participating.

CULTURE AND INFORMATION The new culture policy is based on two principles: affirmation and preservation of the traditional cultural values of the Serbian people in Vojvodina, and affirmation and cultivation of the tradition and heritage of national minorities.

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The plan is to do the following: • Opening of the Museum of the Affiliation of Vojvodina to the Kingdom of Serbia, as well as the departments within the Museum (the Museum will be opened in 2017 under the auspices of the extensive programme marking the 100th anniversary of the affiliation).

• Rehabilitation of the Serbian sacred heritage in Hungary, Romania and Croatia, the Franciscan monastery in Bač, the fresco of the painter Hritofor Žefarović in Bođani, the Vrdnik Tower etc.

• Revitalization of the interior of the Synodics in the monastic quarters dating back to 1814, in the Hilandar Monastery.

20 million dinars was spent on financial support for 62 projects regarding the construction, renovation or maintenance of temples of all traditional churches, i.e. religious communities in all parts of Vojvodina. Over 60 million dinars was spent on more than 140 creative projects, festivals and events. 6 million dinars were invested in 100 projects and programmes that are important for the culture and art of national minorities.

103 media projects in the Serbian language were supported with 47 million dinars. 6 million dinars was provided as a financial support to the media in the Serbian language in the surrounding countries. Also funding for the newspapers in the languages of national minorities was secured, founded by national councils of national minorities, in the

amount of 264.8 million dinars.

6.2 million dinars was given to 36 projects in the field of media or production in the languages of national minorities founded by private citizens or citizens' associations. Another 3 million dinars were planned for this type of support following the budget review. Lastly, 2.5 million dinars was allocated towards providing information for the most vulnerable groups, and another 2.5 million is planned following the 2017 budget review.

SPORTS AND YOUTH The Center for the Development of Sport and Youth Education in Letenka is considered a priority project for the next period in the field of sports. The construction of this facility should begin in 2018 and the planned deadline for the completion of the construction is 2020.

A total of 50 million dinars was allocated in the last year for the projects relating to revitalization, adaption and equipping of school sport clubs. Following the budget review, another 50 million dinars is allocated to schools that don't have outdoor sports grounds. 15 million dinars were allocated towards organizing the European Wrestling Championship in Novi Sad. 77 scholarships were awarded to talented athletes from the Province, compared to 50 scholarships that were awarded last year.

C O R P O R AT E

CONSOLIDATING EXISTING LOAN You can receive cash without changing your cash loan instalment

XAMPLE OF CONSOLIDATED LOAN E FROM 2017: • Consolidated loan amount:717.663,84 • Nominal interest rate: 8,89% • Effective interest rate:9,27% • Repayment period: 84 months (7 years) • Installment: 11.495,62 • Additional cash: 0,00

ERSTE BANK

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itizens, who took out cash loans three years ago, for the most part spent that money on renovating their homes, buying furniture, schooling, paying for health services, buying or repairing cars, summer vacations...

Three years ago, the quarterly BELIBOR stood at almost 9% and if we added to this the bank's margins, the nominal interest rate on cash loans went up to 20% in early 2014. Today, the quarterly BELIBOR is 3,5% monthly, while banks have substantially reduced the fixed part of the interest rate which prompted a lot of clients to consolidate their loans. The current nominal interest rate for consolidated loan in Erste Bank stands at 8,89% (EIR 9,27%).

Below, you can see how much you can reduce your monthly loan instalment, or how much additional cash can you get if you decide to consolidate your existing loan.

The calculation is quite simple: EXAMPLE OF CASH LOAN FROM 2014 (FIXED INSTALLMENT): • Loan amount:1.000.000 RSD • Nominal interest rate - fixed: 18,30% • Effective interest rate: 21,24% • Repayment period: 84 months (7 years)

• Installment: 21.194,04 • The rest of the debt (September 2017): 717.663,84 If a client decides to consolidate its debt in Erste Bank, without changing the repayment period, the new monthly installment could be lower by up to 3.000 dinars with the new interest rate.

XAMPLE OF CONSOLIDATION LOAN E FROM 2017: • Consolidation loan amount: 717.663,84 • Nominal interest rate: 8,89% • Effective interest rate: 9,27% • Repayment period: 48 months (4 years) • Installment: 17.811,43 • Additional cash: 0,00 If a client decides to pay a lower interest rate and extend repayment period, the loan installment could be lower by up to 10.000 dinars: XAMPLE OF CONSOLIDATED LOAN E FROM 2017: • Consolidated loan amount: 717.663,84 • Nominal interest rate: 8,89% • Effective interest rate: 9,27% • Repayment period: 84 months (7 years) • Installment: 11.495,62 • Additional cash: 0,00

If a client decides to keep the existing installment and the existing repayment period, he or she will be entited to additional cash in the amount of up to 140.000 dinars without having to pay any additional costs: XAMPLE OF REFINANCING LOAN E FROM 2017: • Consolidated loan amount: 717.663,84 • Nominal interest rate: 8,89% • Effective interest rate: 9,27% • Repayment period: 48 months (4 years) • Installment: 21.219,92 • Additional cash: 137.336,16 HE EXAMPLES ARE CALCULATED T BASED ON THE AMOUNT OF 60.000 DINARS. If clients submit a debt consolidation request to Erste Bank, apart from being given a very favourable interest rate, they will also be exempt from paying the fee for processing consolidated loan request, the cost of the report compiled by the Credit Bureau and the cost of one promisory note.

The additional cash can be used for various things, but our advice is to use it to cover the costs of current account overdrafts, cancelling credit cards, or just on things that you need.

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INTERVIEW

SYNERGISTIC DEVELOPMENT OF IT AND AGRICULTURE VLADIMIR CRNOJEVIĆ PhD, Director of BioSense, Novi Sad

We are continuously developing new scientific fields with the goal of applying everything that contemporary science offers in agriculture

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s a result of our decade-long work and the continuous support from the EU, and the Serbian and Vojvodinian governments, we have won the project ANTARES which will transform the Biosense Institute into the leading European science and research centre.

This is a result that is bigger than any individual or a group of researchers, and could only come about from the constant cooperation and well-devised policy of support for research that is found in the European Commission's programmes FP7 and H2020.

The Institute is poised to become the leading European scientific institution in applied and market-oriented research in agriculture and food. What does this mean in practice?

— The BioSense Institute was founded in April 2015 as a public institution with the goal of focusing on scientific research in fields of development and application of advanced IT solutions in agriculture, and boosting the transfer of scientific results to agriculture. Since then, the Institute has been occupying the first place in Europe within the scope of the one of the most prestigious European Commission programmes called Horizon 2020 – Teaming, aimed at creating European centres for excellence in scientific research and its implementation, and fostering innovation

with the goal of supporting competitive positions of countries in the global value chain and their strategic involvement in innovative development in Europe.

With the budget of 28 million EUR, out which 14 million EUR will be allocated via EU grants and other 14 million will come from the Serbian government and the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development in a form of co-financing, the ANTARES project has a goal of supporting synergistic development of the two sectors with the brightest future in Serbia – IT and agriculture.

The project will also focus on development of sustainable agriculture as one of the most important segments of domicile industry, as well as on the transfer of research innovation to economy and the country's expedited development.

How relevant Industry 4.0 in today's agriculture, and which segments of agriculture does it cover?

— The fourth industrial revolution is ongoing and it encompasses all segments of the society. In the next two to three years of this process, there will be a new re-distribution of power and the countries and regions will reposition themselves for the time that is coming. Just like we can't picture agriculture without agricultural machinery, using only animal power and no mineral fertilizers or ad-

vanced sorts and hybrids, so, in a few years time, we won't be able to perceive agriculture without various IT solutions.

Digitalization will cover all segments of agriculture, and even today, we can see direct benefits from, for instance, satellite monitoring of crops, or application of algorithms in smart sowing process which enables higher yield and reduces production risks without the need for additional financial investments.

What prerequisites need to be fulfilled in order to have such institution in Serbia?

— Serbia is in such position that it can use the fourth industrial revolution to its full advantage, and to emerge from this process as one of the leading countries, not only in the region, but in Europe too.

We have fantastic scientists, a well-developed IT sector, and ambitious young people who want to live and work in their country. We have acknowledged our comparative advantages in a timely manner, and have started to direct our scientific research towards implementation in agriculture. Since the very beginning, we have been competing with the best in this field, and have tried to win over scientific projects in a very tough competition in Europe.

During the ten years of focused efforts, we have managed to get substantial financial means from European funds that enabled us to improve our laboratories, and keep the brightest young scientists in the country, as well as to relay to them our experiences and the knowhow gained from the leading scientific centres in the world.

How much support did you receive from the Serbian and Vojvodinian governments?

— In order to carry out this entire process, we needed the support from the Vojvodinian government, which is our founder, as well as from the Serbian government which has recognized the importance of Institute's activities in developing digital agriculture as one of the national priorities. The provincial government, the Provincial Secretariat for Higher Learning and Scientific Research Activity, the line ministry and the Government of the Republic of Serbia have all been involved in the implementation of the ANTARES project.

In order to reform Serbian science in a way that it serves the citizens and the country's economic development, we need

to have a constant dialogue between the members of the scientific community, academia, industry, and Serbian and provincial governments. Only in that way, together, we can find solutions that will put our country back in the place that it deserves both in the European science world and in global economy.

The EU has been supporting BioSense from its beginning and has funded 25 of your projects. What significance does the European integration process in Serbia hold for you?

AMBITION

WE HAVE FANTASTIC SCIENTISTS, A WELLDEVELOPED IT SECTOR, AND AMBITIOUS YOUNG PEOPLE WHO WANT TO LIVE AND WORK IN THEIR COUNTRY — The European integration process and the EU funding our projects have played a very important role in development of BioSense. Looking back, we can see that BioSense has developed in three quantum leaps. The first one happened in 2008 when we won the FP7 REGPOT project called AgroSense, and the second in 2013, when we won the project FP7 REGPOT – InnoSense.

The third quantum leap is ahead of us, with the ANTARES project. By funding the two REGPOT projects, the EU has helped us grow and develop in the direction that we wanted. Thanks to this support, we have procured the latest scientific and

research equipment for our laboratories, attracted the top notch scientists from abroad, cooperated with the leading European institutions, learned and grew.

Together, we have managed to create a working atmosphere and conditions that appeal to young Serbian scientists who would, otherwise, leave the country in search for jobs.

Could you tell us something about the Live Laboratory in which you work with small and medium enterprises?

— One of the tasks of scientific institutions is to create know-how and produce scientific results. The task of the business world, especially SMEs, is to translate these scientific results into competitive products. Hence, first via the Live Laboratory, and now via BioSens Accelerator, we pay a lot of attention to our IT sector with the goal of re-directing it from today's predominant practice of outsourcing where added value is created somewhere else, i.e. abroad, to developing their own IT solutions for agriculture.

Through the FP7 FRACTALS Accelerator Project, we donated around 5 million EUR to small and medium enterprises that are developing FiWARE applications for agriculture. Currently, BioSense is implementing two more acceleration projects, H2020 KATANA and H2020 Internet-of-Farming, through which another 6 million EUR will be directed to our IT companies.

Also, we pay special attention to our farmers. We are planning to build a "digital farm" - an experimental farm on which farmers will have the opportunity to see live implementation of various modern technological solutions, try them, learn more about them, and finally decide what technology is best for their crops You should be moving to a new building in two years. Does this mean further expansion of your scope of work and recruitment of new experts?

— They say life is short, and science is long.

In the next few years, we plan to create about 150 new jobs in science, and, at the moment, there is a job competition for 20 experts in different fields of science.

Our goal is to offer our young researchers not only jobs, but also the ability to deal with science at the highest level, to work in European conditions and, finally, to contribute to the development of our country with their work.

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C O R P O R AT E

VOJVODINA CHOSE US, AND WE HAPPILY AGREED Vojvodina was and it is one of the most developed economically region in the country. To Carlsberg it offered an opportunity to acquire very modern and appealing brewery with an extraordinary tradition. It also proved to be a good location for beer business

VLADIMIR VAVA Director of Carlsberg

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e spoke with Vladimir Vava director of Carlsberg about the opportunities of investing in Vojvodina, specifics of the beer market in Serbia and the market approach of the company in the county and the region.

What is it that makes Vojvodina a good place to invest from Carlsberg's experience?

— Well, in our case Vojvodina chose us back in 2003 as having a very modern and appealing brewery from one side and from the other with an extraordinary tradition back into 1892 when Lazar Dundjerski broke the ground in Cib, today’s Celarevo. Certainly, for Carlsberg, powerfully linked with our founder J.C. Jacobsen was a unique opportunity to acquire more than a brewery, but a story and a real heritage with deep roots in Serbian history and culture. The story of J.C. Jacobsen and Dundjerski are very similar as both of the founders were following their dreams that eventually become reality.

On the more pragmatic side Vojvodina was and it is one of the most developed economically region in the country, with Backa Palanka, the beautiful City laying on the banks of Danube being on Top 5 most developed by the GDP reporting city in Serbia. I believe that all 3 argu-

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ments had a significant role in choosing the right place to invest the 220 mio. Euro for the last 14 years.

How much has Carlsberg invested in Serbia so far, and how much is the company contributing to the economic development of Vojvodina and Serbia, both directly and indirectly?

— Approximately 70% of above-mentioned investments has been dedicated to Vojvodina region, primarily into production plants, packaging material and

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OVER 14 YEARS OF PRESENCE IN SERBIA, CARLSBERG INVESTED 220 MIO. EURO OF WHICH 70% IN VOJVODINA point of sale equipment. When we talk about our suppliers, Carlsberg Serbia is focused on choosing the domestic companies which produce ingredients and packaging for the beer industry, and this statement is supported by the fact that

more than 40% of our total spend on these components goes to the local suppliers.

A good example of the domestic partner is Maltinex, the malt company situated in Backa Palanka. Some other examples are Vračar, Zitko Mlin, Zito Produkt, all three from Vojvodina. I would also mention the Ball Packaging, not from Vojvodina though, but our big local supplier of cans, from Belgrade.

Carlsberg employs 478 people in Serbia and 72% of them are local residents, mostly from Čelarevo and Bačka Palanka. We paid a significant amount of 26 mio. Eur in taxes and contributions due to the state in the year 2016.

Considering the purchasing power of the Serbian population, how challenging of a market is Serbia for Carlsberg, and which consumer sub-segments are Carlsberg's target group?

— Indeed the cost of l liter of beer in Serbia is one of the lowest in Europe, however it is about the affordability or about how many beers one can be purchased from the average salary and this data is showing a very high cost related to the income. In this respect, based on the Nielsen data about 11% only of the beer market lays in Upper plus segment, 69% in Mainstream and the rest 20% in economy segment.

The L/capita of consumption was in 2016 around 56l/head at the lowest end compared with other European countries but the ‘share of throat’ is very favorable for the beer( about 25% excluding hot beverages).In this context we are targeting all three segment( value for money, mainstream and upper +) trying to get the right balance between the volume and value by targeting the so called Demand Spaces, or different occasions when the beer is consumed rather than categorizing the consumers( e.g. Chill and unwind, Fueling the fun, Part of the group, etc). For each of these Demand Spaces we identify the beer brand to cover the specific need and close to the ‘heart of the consumer’. It is everything about putting our consumers in the center of all we do and understand his/her wants accurately.

How much is it possible to compensate for the insufficient demand on the domicile market with export?

— Last year about 40% of the production in Celarevo was designated to the export and definitely had has it’s positive sides but our focus will stay in increasing the manufacture for Serbia growing the volumes and re gaining the Market Share. To be clear, the demand is there as last year the total Serbian beer market decreased by low single digit 2% henceforth it is about us in reaching our consumers in the right place with right products and correct prices. Affordability remains though the ‘name of the game’ in Serbia and this is not the most contented place to play. I will continue to support heavily our big pride brand LAV as the synonym of our modern beer history and our true identification with our country.

What are your further plans in terms of improving Carlsberg Serbia's operations?

Investing in the local community

Prime Minister of Vojvodina, General Manager of Carlsberg Serbia and Head of Mission of Denmark in Serbia to celebrate the 125th anniversary of Čelarevo brewery

SUPPORT

WE SUPPORT 478 FAMILIES RELATED TO CARLSBERG SERBIA, SO MY UTMOST IMPORTANT GOAL IS TO KEEP THE JOBS AND EVENTUALLY CREATE MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR EMPLOYMENT IN THE YEARS TO COME — My main objective is to increase the top line and to retain “my house in order” from the cost point of view. It is about keeping the right balance between cost and revenue and getting the grip on each detail in our operations. We support 478 families related to Carlsberg Serbia, and that is a very big responsibility so my utmost important the goal is to keep the jobs and eventually create more opportunities for employment in the years to come.

This year you celebrate 125 year of establishment. How did you mark this anniversary?

— Indeed in April we have had our big event and we launched the monography dedicated to the life of our founder, Lazar Dundjerski and his mark to the Serbian economy and history in the same time. We also re-opened just for one day unfortunately the doors of his amazing summer house located in Celarevo and invited many of our friends, consumers, officials, media and our workers in a festive environment for celebration. As part of the Carlsberg and Dundjerski Foundation even one of the relative of the founder, Nikola Tanurdzic, was present reiterating the solid link that exists between our company and the Dundjerski Family traditions. In the same time, we launched a limited edition of LAV with 125 logo on it and with the shape of our brewery in Celarevo by this making serious ‘waves’ in the market.

In which way does Carlsberg cooperate with the local community and how do you pick projects that are priority in terms of investing?

— When we established the Carlsberg and Dundjerski Foundation in 2015, we defined 4 areas that we will focus on in our work: science and education, preservation of the local cultural heritage, sustainability and responsible alcohol consumption. So far, all our activities have been concentrated in Vojvodina region, primarily Bačka Palanka municipality, and for this 3 years we have organized a number of applications for the donations in specific areas, and made various partnerships with regional institutions. One of our most important partners is the Faculty of Technology from Novi Sad, whose students receive our scholarships for years now.

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C O R P O R AT E

PRODUCT PLACEMENT ON FOUR CONTINENTS

Photo: Dragana Đorović / Market network

Neoplanta is one of the oldest leading meat processing companies in Serbia with headquarters in Novi Sad

SLOBODAN VASILIĆ Executive Director of Neoplanta

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n the last four years, we invested over 20 million EUR in modernization of our factory which entailed reorganizing the infrastructure, implementing new technologies and installing the latest equipment – says Slobodan Vasilić, Executive Director of Neoplanta.

What makes the Neoplanta Company special?

— From 2008, we have been operating under one of the most successful companies in Serbia and the region – Nelt.

We have been recording constant growth since the takeover which can be seen in the fact that we have tripled our revenue which currently stands at 60 million EUR annually. By relying on our 130-year-long tradition, and through adopting and implementing new technologies, developing and investing in well-known brands, we have managed to become the leader in meat processing industry in Serbia and one of the leading market players in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Macedonia. Our team comprises of over 700 experienced professionals who know the market and consumer needs and habits well. We are constantly testing our products and improving their quality because we are deeply committed to our mission to make every day tastier for our consumers. We are also proud of the fact that the Neoplanta Delikates smoked sausage is the most popular product among consumers in terms of taste, colour, and texture compared to our competitors.

Which are the most important export markets for Neoplanta?

— Almost 80% of our export is placed to regional countries – Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Macedonia. Our priority is maintaining the leadership position in the region of the former Yugoslavia, plus in the neighbouring countries like Romania, Bulgaria and Greece.

We market our products on four continents – Europe, Asia, North America and Australia.

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How much money did Neoplanta invest in boosting production and in marketing?

— In the last four years, we invested over 20 million EUR in modernization of our factory which entailed reorganizing the infrastructure, implementing new technologies and installing the latest equipment. This also resulted in Neoplanta today having one of the most modern meat processing facilities in the region.

Apart from improving production, we are also constantly investing in promoting our products because we know that good product cannot achieve top sales results if nobody has never heard of it.

A detailed market analysis and understanding consumer needs in terms of consumption of specific products give us an excellent starting point in creating original and innovative marketing campaigns which bring our brands alive, which are memorable and which consumers recognize us by.

MODERN

TODAY, NEOPLANTA HAS ONE OF THE MOST MODERN MEAT PROCESSING FACILITIES IN THE REGION Could you tell us about Neoplanta's vision for the next five years?

— Strengthening our leadership position in Serbia and neighbouring countries, consumer care, being recognized for the quality of our products, and being a desirable employer and a company that takes care of its employees and the community in which it operates remain key elements of our future development. If you interview me again in five years, I do hope that I will be able to proudly say that our products and brands are still favourite among domicile and an increasing number of foreign consumers.

C O R P O R AT E

WE ARE PRESERVING GREEN VOJVODINA Hellenic Sugar’s main strategic goal is to become one of the two biggest sugar producers in the Balkans because Serbia is the only sugar exporter in this region

Dr CHRISTOS ALEXOPOULOUS PR of Hellenic Sugar Serbia

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erbia’s future lies in agriculture, and production of sugar beet is one of the most profitable agricultural branches which ensures good financial results for the producers. Considering the fact that Hellenic Sugar has no active loans, and that it has fulfilled all of its obligations towards sugar beet growers and suppliers, producing sugar beet can be an imperative of success and good business relations between the producers and the processors of this “sugary root”.

Christos Alexopoulous from Hellenic Sugar says that the company will invest 5 million EUR in innovating and modernizing its production line which will result in lower overhead, and higher energy efficiency, productivity and work safety. As a responsible company, Hellenic Sugar also pays a great deal of attention to environmental protection in Vojvodina, and uses natural gas as the main fuel in production of sugar.

Hellenic Sugar’s main strategic goal is to become one of the two biggest sugar producers in the Balkans because Serbia is the only sugar exporter in this region.

All other Balkan countries, including Greece, are importing large quantities of sugar which exceed production in Serbia.

Hellenic Sugar Serbia readily welcomed this year's sugar beet processing campaign, which started at the end of August, when all the capacities of sugar

processing plants in Crvenka and Žabalj were put into operation.

Farmers have sown sugar beet on over 23,000 hectares in Vojvodina this year, which is a 5,000-hectare-hike compare to last year. Considering that, in entire Serbia, sugar beet has been sown on over 58,000 hectares of land, we can clearly discern that Hellenic Sugar Serbia has substantially increased its share in sugar beet production

NUMBERS

MORE THAN 850 SEASONAL WORKERS HAVE BEEN ENGAGED IN THE SUGAR BEET PROCESSING CAMPAIGN THIS YEAR in our country – Mr. Alexopoulous says, and adds that, this year, a total of 180,000 tons of sugar will be sold, the same quantity as last year, which is, arguably, less than what had been planned following the company contracting, buying and processing a total of

1,250,000 tons of sugar beet. “The drought has severely affected the yield, but still we can be happy with this production volume”, PR of Hellenic Sugar Serbia, Christos Alexopoulous explains.

Throughout this year, Hellenic Sugar has had an exceptionally good cooperation with farmers through providing professional advice, securing seed, and contracting a good buyout price (per ton of sugar beet) just like last year.

Farmers have shown much more interest in growing sugar beet following last year’s sugar beet campaign which was very successful. Also, Hellenic Sugar Serbia pays for all contracted quantities fully, in one-off payment. “This is the best possible example of good partnership relations between sugar beet producers and processors. Hellenic Sugar Serbia is a reliable partner, and a fitting future collaborator”, Mr. Alexopoulous adds.

More than 850 seasonal workers have been engaged in the sugar beet processing campaign this year, so there will be no delays, Mr. Alexopoulous said, adding that all quantities will be stored in sugar plants in Crvenka and Žabalj.

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CENTURIES OF CREATIVE EXPERIENCE Based on the research conducted by FDI Intelligence, the town of Zrenjanin was declared one of the top 10 micro-towns in Europe, in the category of favourable business costs

Z

renjanin is the biggest town in the Serbian part of Banat County, and the County’s political, cultural and sports centre. The town spans 1,326 square kilometres and has the population 122,000 with over 20 different nationalities living here. Zrenjanin offers many investment opportunities owing to the centuries-long creative experience, and the renowned tradition in the food, textile, mechanical, chemical and automotive industries. What makes the town so competitive in the investment sense are fully equipped industrial zones, the Free Zone Zrenja-

nin, fast and efficient administration, inhouse custom clearance, trained labour and good business climate. The Jugoistok industrial zone is located along the main Zrenjanin-Belgrade road, next to the town bypass, the Begej River and the Zrenjanin Airport. The zone has regulated building land plots spanning a total of 72 hectares of land, with the possibility of extending it to 1,100 hectares. Interested investors can operate in the Free Zone regime, and in addition to the receiving the support from the local administration in obtaining the required permits, they can also

use the services of the Business Incubator. Many investors - from Germany, Italy, Slovenia, Austria, France, Croatia and other countries - have decided to launch businesses in our town, as evidenced by over 40 signed contracts and over 6,000 new jobs. Based on the research conducted by FDI Intelligence, the town of Zrenjanin was declared one of the top 10 micro-towns in Europe, in the category of favourable business costs. On top of that, the Free Zone was declared one of the top eight locations in the world in terms of start-up support.

ZRENJANIN FREE ZONE Based on the research conducted by FDI Intelligence, the Zrenjanin Free Zone was declared one of the top eight locations in the world in terms of start-up support in 2015 and 2016

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he Free Zone in Zrenjanin was established in 2005, and is one of the fourteen free zones in the Republic of Serbia. It spans 98 hectares, 5 acres and 48 square metres, and it comprises of three different locations (Cvetna, Bagljaš and South-East). The Slovenian company Kolpa is the partner of the City of Zrenjanin in administration of the Zone.

The Zrenjanin Free Zone currently disposes of 98 hectares of land with the relevant infrastructure, 17,966 square metres of outdoor warehouse space, and 7,554 square metres of office space. The operations in the zone are suited to those investors which either import or export their products. By INFO www.slobodnazonazrenjanin.com

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operating in free zones, producers that import/export their goods are entitled to various incentives, under certain conditions – from exemption from paying VAT and customs duty to various other customs incentives, including the minimal cost of custom clearance. Companies like Kolpa, Draexlmeier, LK Armature and Tecnostrutture, which operate in the free zone, all use these incentives.

Based on the research conducted by the biggest FDI assessment body, FDI Intelligence, the Zrenjanin Free Zone was declared one of the top eight locations in the world in terms of start-up support in 2015 and 2016.

P

ark Palić d.o.o. was founded by the Republic of Serbia, the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, and the City of Subotica with a clear intent of transforming Palić into a high category European tourist destination. The development path was mapped by the Tourist Complex Development Project / Master Plan.

The main activity of the Park Palić d.o.o. Company is preparing, evaluating and monitoring the implementation of the Master Plan with the aim of: • Facilitating construction

C O R P O R AT E

HIGH CATEGORY EUROPEAN TOURIST DESTINATION in the high category tourist destination in line with the principles of sustainable development • Creation of new jobs • Intentional use of state assets for the purpose of valorisation of tourist resources.

Park Palić d.o.o. is both the partner and service provider to investors interested in investing in projects designated by the Master Plan.

Investors have, at their disposal, available locations with relevant infrastructure, owned by the City of Subotica, in order to facilitate safe and efficient investments.

INFO Park Palić doo, Kanjiški put 17a, 24413 Palić • Telephone: +381 (0) 24 602-780 • Fax: +381 (0) 24 754-852 E-mail: office@park-palic.rs • www.park-palic.rs

THE DIDA HORNJAKOV GRANGE

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he Dida Hornjakov grange (salaš, in Serbian language) was built in 1901. The grange's main building houses two exhibition rooms with the furniture that is family hairloom, and the exhibition of the Bunjevac folk costumes.

The grange's ancient barn also houses an exhibition studio of old arts and crafts where visitors can buy souvenirs and other handicrafts. Furthermore, the studio has a specialized workshop where children can make souvenirs which they can take home with them.

The Dida Hornjakov Grange has a four-star-accommodation which includes one double suite with additional room and

two extra beds suitable for families, and two double rooms.

The dining room has a beautiful view of the area, and, from here, you can also see the buildings in the Sombor town centre because the grange is only is 3km away. In addition to playing host to tourist visits, we organize various other events.

The grange is closed off and each visit must be booked in advance. Since agriculture is the main activity on the grange, it is surrounded by arable land, and has an ecological garden with domestic animals. We prepare the food in an old-fashioned way, and most of the food is grown on the grange's premises.

INFO Tel: 063 / 89-52-767 (Aranka Hornjak-Mijić, the host) • Gradina 65, Sombor • E-mail: aranka.mijic@gmail.com • www.didahornjakovsalas.com INVEST IN

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NORTH T MEETS SOUTH IN THE PLAINS Multiculturality is the name of the game by Žikica Milošević

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here are few places where multiethnicity and multiculturality are so omnipresent as they are here in Vojvodina. Perhaps we can point only to Odessa and Switzerland. The abundance of cultures from all sides of Europe is what made Vojvodina “a little America” – a place where land was free and abundant, and which the Habsburg Empire wanted to populate. The Kingdom of Yugoslavia and Socialist Yugoslavia later did the same. And so we have ended up with one of the most diverse societies in the old Continent.

According to the Serbian National Tourist Organisation, “The blend of peoples, languages, faiths and cultures, which live in harmony and with mutual respect, brighten up the towns and villages of Vojvodina, creating wonderful diversity in the architecture of houses and yards, the style of furniture in guest rooms, the colours and decorations of national dress, the taste of food, the music and folklore, and folk and religious customs.”

Whoever authored these depictions was clearly well acquainted with the spirit and culture of the region!

THE MIX Yes, like in colonies. But Vojvodina was always something of a colony. It attracted colonists from all over in every state it was in. Vojvodina has a rich cultural tradition and a valuable heritage that has been enriched by all the peoples and nationalities of this region. The population that inhabited the country for centuries brought, produced and reproduced the elements of its own culture, but it also welcomed the achievements of other nations, thereby forming a wonderful fusion of interlaced cultures. The peoples living here met, mixed and influenced one another.

Vojvodina was located on the periphery of two civilisations: Western and Oriental.

However, it was Central European culture that gave the basic stamp to social life.

Nevertheless, Vojvodina was critical to several nations, the most prominent among them being the Serbs. They erected their Orthodox monasteries on Fruška Gora Mountain, while their Matica Srpska (Serbian Cultural Centre), College and Orthodox Partriarchate were located in Sremski Karlovci. It was right here that the Rusyns, or Ruthenians, found their

freedom, where their ethnicity was first recognised after the 1939 fall of Czechoslovakia and Stalin’s annexation of Carpathian Ruthenia to Ukraine in 1945, when they were largely assimilated. Moreover, it was also here that the Bunjevac community, with its specific dialect and identity, once again got the chance to express itself. Slovakian Protestants were not very welcome in their homeland at one time, but here, in the “melting pot” of the southern Pannonia, they found a new home. Even some now extinct or nearly destroyed communities, like Franks, Span-

AT TA C H M E N T

AN ATTACHMENT TO THE LAND, MIGHTY RIVERS, MULTICULTURALITY AND FLAT TRANQUIL FIELDS ARE WHAT HAVE MADE THIS CULTURE SO CULTIVATED, PLEASANT AND ENJOYABLE

iards, Germans, Italians, Armenians and Jews, found their home here, far from their original homelands. Now the province proudly boasts of having 26 nationalities and six official languages, with plenty of chartered local languages too.

Even the cuisine is a fusion of Serbian, Hungarian, Slovakian and German influences. One specificity of the Pannonian plain and its landscape is the salaš ranchstyle homesteads. Vojvodina’s farmsteads (salaši), scattered across the fields, made the conversion from agriculture to tourism long ago. Isolated from the rest of the world, they captivate visitors with their old-worldly charm and preserve the traditions of Vojvodina. Many of them have existed for over 200 years and have developed over time to become museums that encapsulate the old way of life on the plains – household items and tools that former residents used in the fields, the home or the garden.

An attachment to the land, mighty rivers, multiculturality and flat tranquil fields are what have made this culture so cultivated, pleasant and enjoyable.

SPECIAL NATURE RESERVE ZASAVICA

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he special nature reserve Zasavica is located only 80km from Belgrade and 70km from Novi Sad, in the fertile Srem-Mačva basin. The reserve spans North Mačva and South Vojvodina, and it sits on the territory of the municipalities Sremska Mitrovica and Bogatić. The Zasavica River is the old riverbed of the Drina and the Sava rivers, of total length of 33.1km. In 1997, the Serbian government adopted a decree protecting this river.

The Zasavica nature reserve is the only known habitat in Serbia of the plant called Aldrovanda, as it is one of the last two habitats of the fish European mudminnow. Also, Zasavica is one of the two locations in Serbia that is the home of European beaver.

Tourist activities in the reserve

C O R P O R AT E

A non-governmental organization, the Nature Conservation Movement of Sremska Mitrovica is the guardian of the reserve take place long the 7km-long flow of the Zasavica River, and in the Visitors' Centre, which spans 1 hectare of land.

Visitors can sail on the Umbra Boat, as well as on individual boats, go hiking, engage in fishing, go on a photo safari etc. The Zasavica's car camp is some 200m from the Visitors Centre, it is well-equipped and has 40 camp places.

There are over 800 species of plants, 70 species of butterflies, 20 species of fish, 220 species of birds and 65 species of mammals living in the reserve. Many of these are very rare and endangered species of international importance.

The reserve is also looks after ancient animal species like the Mangalica pig, and the Polish Red Cattle. Furthermore, Zasavica has the biggest farm of female donkeys in South-East Europe.

POKRET GORANA Svetog Save 19 • 2000 Sremska Mitrovica, Serbia Office: tel/fax: +381 22/614 300 • Restaurant: +381 22 /2656 212 • e-mail: zasavica@zasavica.org.rs • web: www.zasavica.org.rs INVEST IN

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ANA ĐURIĆ

BORN TO SUCCEED

Principal dancer at SNT in Novi Sad by Sonja Lapatanov

I will dance as long as I am the best

T

he charismatic principal ballerina of the Serbian National Theatre (SNT), Ana Đurić was born in Zaječar, in 1991. Ana was more than happy to share with Diplomacy & Commerce’s readers interesting moments from her life and her career, filled with unusual events, incredible developments and unpredictable situations.

She gained her first knowledge about ballet in Bor, a town where she lived and attended an elementary ballet school.

As a small child, Ana did not take ballet very seriously because she wanted to be a pianist. However, after her family moved to Kragujevac, she continued attending the local ballet school. This fragile looking girl could not even imagine that, one day, she would become a professional ballet dancer. That moment happened when she failed to win any awards at her first dance competition. However, her incredible talent led her to win the first place next year, at the same competition. That was one of her first U-turns.

From then on, Ana was adamant on be-

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coming a professional ballet dancer. As a teenager, she decided that the time has come to move to a big city and continue schooling there.

During your schooling in Belgrade, you lived at a dormitory for four years. Was that difficult for you?

— I didn't have time to think about that because my whole day was planned ahead.

In the morning, I attended a gymnasium, followed by ballet and other dance classes.

FAV O R I T E

MY FAVOURITE STAGES ARE THOSE IN BERLIN, ROME AND MEXICO, BUT MY ABSOLUTELY FAVOURITE ONE IS DEFINITELY THE STAGE IN UDINE

After the classes, I had evening rehearsals and had to practice my performances for the upcoming competitions. I spent very little time at the dormitory. I would just sleep there, on a pull-out sleeper chair.

The room was originally meant for four students, but they added that one chair just for me because I was small and could easily fit on it. It often happened that, due to my hectic schedule, I didn't eat at the dormitory. Sometimes it happened that forgot to eat properly for two days, and then would have a few tangerines just to satisfy my hunger.

There is this interesting story about your days as a student that is circulating in the ballet world.

— You must be referring to that story when I broke my arm while rehearsing for the state competition in Pančevo. That was an incredible challenge for me. Most of my arm was in a cast, and in order to be able to move it, I had to cut the cast right below my elbow. I had only one wish back then – to beat my competition

despite a serious injury. And I did, even with my arm in the cast. I overshadowed and beat them all. That was the real me.

Right after graduation, you moved abroad – to a different continent to be precise.

— Yes, I accepted a very attractive offer from the Opera House in Cairo. Me and a few of my colleagues went to Egypt.

That was my first professional experience that was, unfortunately, cut short with the onset of the Arab Spring. As soon as that happened, our government sent a plane to evacuate us from Cairo with the help of the Serbian Embassy there. I only brought my passport and the clothes I was wearing with me. Everything else was left in the theatre and the flat I was living in. Once I returned from Egypt, I got an engagement with the ballet troupe of the Serbian National Theatre in Novi Sad. Dancing ballet while being a student and building a career requires a lot of „blood, sweat and tears“ and sacrifice.

— Ballet is my first love and I gave up everything because of it. I am afraid that one day I will have to choose between ballet and earthly love. For years, I have been practicing and working hard, and sometimes I want to give it all up. But that passes, and I go back to ballet. When I can't do a certain movement, I cry at rehesarsals. Ašhen Ataljanc told me a secret once – she said when she was feeling anxious and nothing was going her way, she would scream on top of her lungs.

Sometimes, when I feel like I am failing at everything, I stand in the middle of our rehearsal room and scream like Liza Minelli in that scene under a railway bridge in the cult classic „The Cabaret“.

Although you are quite young, you have a succesful and praise-worthy career, as well as an impressive number of classic ballet roles.

— I would like to mention that none of that would have come true if it wasn't for my teacher, the principal dancer Oxana Storozhuk who taught me everything I know. She is my ballet mother, sister and a friend. I am very grateful to her for everything.

To dance in all major roles by the age of 26 is a really fantastic success and privilege that only the most talented relish in. You should be complimented on that. You are seen as the personification of a ballerina,

born to dance on tiptoes. Are you interested in other types of artistic dance?

— I am, first and foremost, a classical ballet dancer, but I manage really well in neo-classical roles, modern and jazz ballet, traditional folk dances, and even in street dance which I practiced when my friend and I were planning to participate in a world championship. I love to compete and win. I also prefer French over Russian ballet school because it is more subtle. I am a gentle and romantic person, and I love to wind down after a hard day by reading books.

FEAR

I AM AFRAID THAT ONE DAY I WILL HAVE TO CHOOSE BETWEEN BALLET AND EARTHLY LOVE Do you get nervous before a performance?

— Although I have performed numerous times, I always get nervous. I especially have stage freight when my family is in the audience. Then it often happens that I make a mistake in places where I never make one. My favourite stages are those in Berlin, Rome and Mexico, but my absolutely favourite one is definitely the stage in Udine. This small Italian town has a big theatre and a huge stage. When I stepped on it for the first time, I was confused and scared. Tickets for ballet always sell out there, and the feeling you get when 4,000 people are applauding you, throwing flowers onto the stage, chanting your

name, giving you a standing ovation and want your autograph is phenomenal. I always feel magnificent there.

Are you superstitious?

— I am superstitious, but I don't have favourite ballet shoes, or a ritual I do before I step onto the stage. I like it when people use that spitting noise to wish me luck before a performance, just like my teacher did. When I have an important day ahead, I eat specially prepared food, and I use one special road to get to the theatre that only I know of. Just in case!

Have you given any thought to dancing abroad, or moving to Belgrade?

— At the beginning of my career, I wanted to dance in a troupe and travel the world with it. I had plans, desires and offers, but after Cairo, I decided to stay in Serbia and use my dance to draw people here closer to ballet. I was offered to move to Belgrade, but that invitation came too late.

It should have happened before I left for Cairo. I built a career in Novi Sad. I play the most important ballet roles, coreographers trust me, I am happy and there is no need to move anymore. Although, I am never home regardless of the town I live in. Novi Sad is the town where I live and create, and the town that I came to sincerely love.

Are you thinking about distant future?

— Considering that the career of a ballet dancer is very short, I am going to dance as long as I am the best. Once my career as a dancer ends, I am going to teach ballet which I am good at, especially when I work with children.

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Photo: Aleksandar Milutinović

THE CITY OF NOVI SAD

A DROP OF COSMOS BETWEEN EAST AND WEST, NORTH AND SOUTH

Photo: Dragan Kurucic

Photo: Dragan Kurucic

Thanks to architects, including the most renowned European ones, buildings and palaces in the classic, eclectic, secessionist, bauhaus and modern styles have been erected in the town centre

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SERENITY AND CLOSENESS When you leave the urban layers of Belgrade's reality and glamour of Budapest, and arrive to Novi Sad, you feel as if you have eased yourself into attractive beats of serenity and closeness. The biggest and the widest boulevard in Novi Sad, of modernly conceived contours, still radiates the closeness typical of the period of Socialism, while decisively weaving the web of multi-ethnic architectural millieu characteristic of Central Europe in the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century.

The towers and domes of Protestant churches, Greek Catholic churches, the synagogue, Roman Catholic and Orthodox temples influence the core of the city that redeemed its freedom from Empress Maria Theresa on 1st February, 1748, and began a new life under the name of Neoplantae (Novi Sad, Neusatz, Új-Vidégh).

Thanks to architects, including the most renowned European ones, buildings and

palaces in the classic, eclectic, secessionist, bauhaus and modern styles have been erected in the town centre.

COMMUNITY Each of the many of ethnic and religious communities in Novi Sad has been trying to make their temples and cultural institutions more beautiful and contemporary, thus enriching the concept of multi-ethnicity before the public was even aware of it. All communities in Novi Sad have sought to achieve the equality of cultures within the various social and political systems, therefore contributing to the general, economic and cultural development of the city. Striking buildings, squares, temples, city parks, cultural and education institutions are a vivid testament to this. The material and non-material cultural heritage, created in the past centuries, is the basis of an interactive network of scientific and cultural institutions, which makes Novi Sad

The thing that most notably characterizes the past and present Novi Sad is the serious ease of living, the communication in many languages, and the joy of participating in different and similar sacred festivities. Maybe this is why people in Novi Sad joyfully celebrate two Christmases and two New Year's Eves.

Rhythms of relaxed communication effortlessly involve all curious people in an unexpected, but pleasant conversations in the city's squares, streets or restaurants. Even the Clock Tower on Petrovaradin Fortress proves to anyone who eagerly wants to go back to fulfilling their obligations, that hours, not minutes are the right measure of things.

PLACES TO EXPERIENCE A cheerful murmur of fans of chatting of all generations and from all walks of life is heard in many of the city's restaurants, and indoor and outdoor bars in the centre. The need to experience a direct and unpretentious encounter is mastered by those people who are open to reality.

That's why Novi Sad is easy to love and hard to forget. And the memories the town creates are experienced as light warmth provided by your favourite piece of clothing to which you often return.

Petrovaradin Fortress, also called the Gibraltar on the Danube, is the place where all roads in Novi Sad meet. It was often the site of conflicts between civilizations, cultures and political aspirations. The Austrian fortress, built to protect the southern edge of the powerful Habsburg Monarchy in the 18th century, is the most important tourist attraction in Novi Sad today. The contemporary role of the Gibraltar on the Danube is reflected in the development of innovative and critically important cultural content. For over fifty years, the former military areas on the Fortress have been the home to the Art Circle, the largest informal colony of artists in the world which comprises of about two hundred artists, mostly painters.

In the last few years, and in addition to the traditional cultural content, there have been programmes and events created on the platform of a new cultural matrix centred around avant-garde and alternative. Along with the recongizable and traditional cultural platforms, the new, creative energy of youth groups and organizations have contributed to Novi Sad being declared the European Capital of Culture 2021 and the European Youth Capital 2019.

SURROUNDING AND NATURE The southern slopes of the Novi Sad area belong to the miraculous Fruska

Gora. The eighty-mile long mountain is home to sixteen Orthodox monasteries, the same number of lakes, the protected areas of the epoynmous national park, ethno houses and numerous wineries. The content and diversity of Fruška Gora are an eternal inspiration and the reason to come back, over and over again.

The northern region of Novi Sad is typical of the Pannonian culture of life which is traditionally representated by granges. These are the islands in the sea of the Pannonian Basin, which guard the spirit and the beat of past times, where horses run wild, and the warmth of old brick furnaces keeps the Carpathian snow and winds away.

The old Baroque is still alive and well today in the gastronomic richness and diversity, but also in the way in which food and enjoyment in it are celebrated.

The granges, the fish restaurants on the Danube, and the wineries on the edge of Novi Sad provide visitors with the opportunity to experience the wealth of traditional food, wine and folk customs.

The Danube River is the eternally powerful constant in Novi Sad's identity that flows through the city like a main street, shaping not only the geography of the area, but the way in which the citizens comprehend the world. This is the reason why Novi Sad, the city on the Danube, is rich in European history, and home to unique tradition and Balkan hospitality.

Welcome!

Gordana Stojaković Tourist organization of the city of Novi Sad www.novisad.travel

Photo: Aleksandar Milutinović

EASE OF LIVING

PROGRAMMES AND EVENTS

Photo: Dragan Kurucic

today an area where cultures and different identities actively meet. This is a city of museums, galleries, and events like the EXIT music festival which has gained international acknowledgement and undeniable recognition.

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TO U R I S M

PLAINS, RIVERS AND HABSBURG CITIES Flat but not monotonous by Žikica Milošević

V

ojvodina is among the flattest regions of the world, but that doesn’t mean by any means that it is boring. This landscape, which resembles the low lands of the Netherlands or the Southern United States, is filled with large rivers and dotted by baroque, neo-classicist and art-nouveau Habsburg cities and towns, “salaš” farmsteads, monasteries and castles. This all serves to make it one of the most interesting destinations in Southeast Europe.

The Serbian National Tourist Organisation opted to be a bit poetic in its depiction of Vojvodina, and we cannot help but quote this Pushkinian imagery: “The distinctive landscape of the Pannonian Plain is also sprinkled with lonely, old draw-wells in the fields and windmills that once harnessed the power of the wind to grind wheat. Horses gallop

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around the spacious plain, either harnessed to carriages or mounted in one of the many Vojvodina stables.” Yes, windmills, like in Holland and Denmark, spas like those in Hungary, towns like in Slovakia and Poland, but with a distinctive Southern zeal for life, combined with a laidback attitude and multiculturality.

TAMED COUNTRY Novi Sad is the capital of the province and, as such, boasts a multitude of festivals, old buildings and attractive streets, and it sprawls along the banks of Europe’s second biggest river, the mighty blue Danube, celebrated by the Strauss family. But here it is much mightier than in Vienna! And the Gibraltar of the Danube, which is the nickname carried by Petrovaradin Fortress, is an awe-inspiring sight from the vantage point of the river-

bank in Novi Sad. This fortress also provides the venue for one of the best and most famous European music festivals: Exit. Petrovaradin’s Podgrađe, or Lower Town, is among the most charming Austrian-style towns in this part of the world, and it also hosts the Gradić Fest, a mixture of festivals of film and buskers. Not far from Novi Sad is the spiritual capital of Vojvodina, Sremski Karlovci, aka Karlowitz, the first capital of the Duchy of Serbian Vojvodina (the second was Timisoara), with its monumental Orthodox Cathedral Church and Patriarchate. It is here that we enter the foothills of the vast but not-too-tall Fruška Gora Mountain (Mediaeval Serbian: Frankish Mountain), which has been dotted by Orthodox monasteries since it became the centre of Serbian

EXITFEST

PETROVARADIN FORTRESS PROVIDES THE VENUE FOR ONE OF THE BEST AND MOST FAMOUS EUROPEAN MUSIC FESTIVALS: EXIT Orthodox Christianity in the Middle Ages, following the Turkish conquest of the region to the south.

The tamed landscape is enriched with such cities as Sombor, the former capital of Bačka, Zrenjanin, the capital of the Serbian Banat region, and Subotica, which is one of the region’s archi-

tectural and cultural gems. Subotica is the city that boasts the most buildings constructed according to the Secession (art-nouveau) style, more precisely, Hungarian Secession. The City Hall and adjacent square, including its fountain, are covered by famous Zsolnay ceramic tiles.

Vršac, at the other end of Vojvodina, is an unusual city situated beneath the highest mountain in Vojvodina, which is topped by a mediaeval castle. The Bač Fortress and castle date back to the Middle Ages and Hungarian kings, and Castel Ečka is famous for the fact that Franz Liszt performed a solo concert there as a child.

ROMAN CAPITALS AND WINE ROUTES There is actually only one former Roman capital in Vojvodina, while the empire had a total of seven throughout its history. The Roman capital, during the Tetrarchy, was Sirmium, today’s Sremska Mitrovica. In 293AD, with the establishment of the Tetrarchy, the Roman Empire was divided into four parts; Sirmium emerged as one of the four capitals (along with Trier, Mediolanum and Nicomedia), and was the capital of Emperor Galerius. Plenty of ruins can still be seen there today, including the Imperial Palace. As many as 10 Roman emperors were born in or around this city: Probus was the one who brought wine culture to Pannonia and, thanks to his efforts, we now have lots of vineyards in Vojvodina, especially on Mount Fruška Gora and in the Subotica-Palić area. Lake Palić was once among the most prestigious spa centres in Europe, on a par with the likes of Karlsbad, Spa and Marienbad.

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P EO P L E A N D C U S TO M S

OPEN AND TRADITIONAL Europe in miniature by Žikica Milošević

W

hat is actually specific to Vojvodina is its geographical position right in the middle of Europe.

Okay, perhaps from the Western point of view Switzerland is in the centre of Europe, with its equally multi-religious, multi-confessional and multilingual society.

However, that couldn’t be further from the truth – given that the actual geographical centre of Europe is in Western Ukraine, close to Lviv (Lvov, Lwów, Lemberg, call it what you will), which means that Hungary, Poland, Transylvania, Moldova, Odeschyna and Vojvodina are actually very close to the continent’s “middle ground”. And, just like in Transylvania and the Odessa Oblast, it is the spirit of “convivencia” (coexistence) that actually characterises the people of Vojvodina.

GIFT OF BEING IN THE MIDDLE Or is it a curse? Anyway, Serbia as a whole has always straddled East and West, not only in a geographical sense, but also

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politically and culturally, as some have said, and which we gladly reiterate. Vojvodina was always between the Byzantine and Roman empires, after which it became a frontier land between the Ottoman Empire and Western Christendom. Migrations towards Vojvodina and settlements were constant features that made all of us “natives” – just like in Australia or Canada, or Siberia for that matter. And the result? A multi-ethnic, multicultural and multi-confessional society within Serbia.

STRANGE

IT IS EASIER TO BE DIFFERENT WHEN EVERYBODY ELSE IS ALSO DIFFERENT. A STRANGE ACCENT WILL NOT MAKE YOU A STRANGER HERE

First of all, the line between the two major Christian denominations of Europe was carved right through Vojvodina, with the Orthodox and Roman Catholic religions present here right from the start of the schism. And then, with the land having become fairly deserted following the Turkish wars of conquest, the Calvinists, Lutherans, Armenian Christians, Greek Catholics and many other denominations, including Jews and recently even Muslims once again, found their place here. The fact that every denomination has its own church and that every village possessed around four churches is astonishing for many visitors. The fact that almost half of street signs are bilingual, as well as all signs marking the entrance to every city and village, without people even noticing, is also quite astonishing. Walking along the streets of Novi Sad, Subotica or Kikinda you can hear lots of different languages, and it is no wonder why huge Russian, Ukrainian, Francophone and Arab communities have recently started being formed in Vojvodina, especially in Novi Sad. It is easier to be different when everybody else is also different. A strange accent will not make you a stranger here. Nor the fact that you speak one language with one person in

NOT ONLY LANGUAGES, BUT CUISINE TOO!

FUSS

DON’T MAKE A FUSS, WE WOULD SAY HERE. EVERYTHING WILL FIND ITS PLACE... EVENTUALLY company and another with others, or that you switch easily between them. As the old proverb goes, “Call me a pot, just don’t break me!”

The beautiful fusion and laidback attitude towards “unhealthy” food is marked in the cuisine of Vojvodina, which is full of meat and fat - supposedly as protection against the harsh winters. Local delicacies include domaća šunka (ham), slanina (bacon), paorski čvarci (peasant pork crackling), švargla (brawn – aspic meat jelly with pieces of pig or calf head), sremske kobasice (Srem sausages), slovački kulen (Slovakian kulen – spicy sausage) and Sombor cheese, Švapski cheese (‘German cheese’, white cottage cheese) or Banat cheese, as well as Syrmian (sremski) cheese. Hungarians turned us into lovers of goulash and paprikash, while the German influence is visible in meat (rinflajš), but especially in sweets, such as strudel with poppy seeds, šnenokle (whipped-egg snowballs) etc. If you like to chill out, try some of the local rakija brandy or wine, or go fishing on calm rivers. If you want some fun, listen to tamburaši and bećarci music (songs with cheerful verses that are just a little bit “naughty”). Vojvodinans are sometimes sad and subdued, but they like to jest. And they like to walk and cycle. Don’t make a fuss, we would say here. Everything will find its place... eventually.

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Photo: Dragan Kurucić

THE NAME OF MARY