Austria 2015

2015 A U S T R I A & S E R B I A

Significant Growth of Cooperation and Friendship

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SIGNIFICANT GROWTH OF COOPERATION AND FRIENDSHIP

FDI Foreign Direct Investment

A U S T R I A & S E R B I A

Significant Growth of Cooperation and Friendship 2015

CO N T E N T S

EDITOR Tanja Jakobi ART DIRECTOR Jasmina Laković j.lakovic@aim.rs EXECUTIVE PROJECT MANAGER Maja Vidaković m.vidakovic@aim.rs

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WORDS OF PRAISE AND WORDS OF WARNING COMMENT

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TRANSLATION Snežana Bjelotomić / MRP PHOTOS Zoran Petrović OFFICE MANAGER Nataša Nešić n.nesis@aim.rs

PRINTING Rotografika d.o.o.

Makenzijeva 67, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia Phone: +(381 11) 2450 508 Fascimile: +(381 11) 2450 122 E-mail: office@aim.rs www.cordmagazine.com ISSN no: 1451-7833 All rights reserved alliance international media 2015

CONTINUING TO GROW

ERSTE BANK

30 WITH OPTIMISM IN

FURTHER DEVELOPMENT

32 ENGINE OF EXPORTS

SEBASTIAN KURZ Austrian Minister for Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs

MARKO ČADEŽ President of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce

20 INTENSIVE

DIALOGUE

12 WE HIGHLY

AND NEW JOBS

AUSTRIAN INVESTMENT

36 TO HIGHER

EXPORTS, WITH GREATER INVESTMENT

ECONOMIC COOPERATION

40 STRONG

APPRECIATE AUSTRIAN SUPPORT

ECONOMY, HIGH EMPLOYMENT RATES AUSTRIAN ECONOMY

42 CULTURE SPEARHEADS H.E. JOHANNES EIGNER Austrian Ambassador to Serbia

FINANCIAL DIRECTOR Dragana Skrobonja d.skrobonja@aim.rs

GENERAL MANAGER Ivan Novčić i.novcic@cma.rs

28 WE'RE

GEBRUDER WEISS SERBIA

EDITORIAL MANAGER Tanja Banković t.bankovic@aim.rs

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Ruža Ristanović r.ristanovic@aim.rs

TO GREATER INVESTMENTS

CONTINUING SUPPORT FOR SERBIA

PROJECT MANAGERS Biljana Dević b.devic@aim.rs Ljiljana Kneževć lj.knezevic@aim.rs Aleksandra Ebilji a.ebilji@aim.rs COPY EDITOR Mark Pullen

18 BETTER COOPERATION

IVICA DAČIĆ First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia

16 LESS RED TAPE,

MORE INVESTOR CONFIDENCE

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

23 AUSTRIAN EXPERTISE

IN EDUCATION

SVETLANA STOJŠIĆ Regional Manager of WIFI International Vienna

24 LET‘S TALK

BUSINESS

NICOLAUS KELLER Attaché for Culture at the Embassy of Austria

44 GAUDI OF AUSTRIA AUSTRIAN CULTURE 48 FESTIVE FRENZY AUSTRIAN CUSTOMS Tyrolean traditions

CHRISTOPH LEITL President of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber

ERIKA TEOMAN BRENNER Commercial Counsellor at the Austrian Embassy to Serbia

50 SKILLED AND VALUED EDUCATION 52 MILD AND WILD TOURISM Lower Austria

SIGNIFICANT GROWTH OF COOPERATION AND FRIENDSHIP

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COMMENT

Words of Praise and Words of Warning

It is time that assessments of exceptional bilateral relations begin to be followed by benevolent assessments of Austrian investors in the country. And for that it is necessary to at least start removing some of the most important obstacles - slow administration and corruption

E

very year, high-ranking representatives of Austria and Serbia note that bilateral relations between the two countries are excellent and steps are being taken forward to further enrich them. Cooperation is, as is logical, most pronounced when it comes to the international level, especially with regard to the European integration of Serbia and the Western Balkans.

In this segment, Austria gave a significant stamp of approaval this year by organising the Vienna summit, and then also in conjunction with the Serbian chairmanship of the OSCE, where Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dačić recently received a colleague in the form of Austrian diplomat and new Special Representative in Ukraine and the Trilateral Contact Group, Martin Sajdik.

Although Austria is the biggest investor in Serbia and one of the country’s most important trading partners, we owe such results primarily to some earlier large investments, especially during the beginning of the transition period.

New investments from Austria are increasingly rare, although it cannot be denied that since 2008 the number of Austrian companies in Serbia has risen from 250 to 500.

Company Swarovski, which recently decided to relocate a large part of its business to Serbia, is one of the positive exceptions.

If one’s takes a closer look at the structure of foreign trade it can be seen that the arrival of Austrian companies in Serbia has contributed significantly to both the import export sides of the balance sheet. Successful examples of domestic Serbian companies exporting to Austria

are much rarer. Here only a little ice is being broken by local software producers, for example. But even there it is much more about hiring our professional forces, and less about exporting original software solutions and products.

Of course, the relatively modest results in the influx of new Austrian investments can partly be attributed to the economic crisis, which is why investors today carefully weigh up where and whether to invest.

However, in addition to these objective circumstances, there is also an internal mirror, represented by the assessments of Austrian investors in Serbia, which they give in a regular survey in which, from the perspective of their companies, they evaluate the

with approval, while some laws, primarily the labour law and the one covering construction permit issuance, but on the ground relatively little progress can be seen.

It seems that there is faster advancement for some – from the standpoint of the business environment – transverse flows: for example, the reform of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce in accordance with the principles on which the Austrian Chamber of Commerce is organised; or, for example, good examples of the experimental introduction of dual education, which should soon become an integral part of Serbian education. This is not a small change, but rather serious institutional procedures.

Yet still, when it comes to problems with a sluggish and convoluted bureaucracy, corruption, and slow judiciary in Serbia ... it seems that too little changes. Indeed, the results of the aforementioned survey need not be the ultimate measure of progress made in the Serbian economy, especially because the observed problems depend greatly on, among other things, on the coverage and the size of the companies who respond to the survey. Likewise, there is no doubt that, regardless of how much administrative procedures are unified and simplified, companies will always have a desire for them to be even less. Nevertheless, the persistence with which surveys among Austrian businessmen note problems of complicated bureaucratic procedures, corruption and payments suggest an impression that these are deep-rooted obstacles to the development of business which the government should pay more attention to. 

The reforms being carried out by the Serbian government meet with approval, but on the ground the results of surveys ot Austrian investors suggest that, when it comes to the administration and corruption, relatively little progress can be seen

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prospects of the domestic market. This is mainly about companies that are exclusively export-orientated and which are not particularly effected by weak purchasing power on the internal market, nor are they concerned by our austerity measures and cuts in wages and pensions. On the contrary, for some of them such measures make Serbia a more attractive place to invest, as this requirement is automatically dictated by the abundance of manpower at (more) competitive prices.

Viewed overall, the reforms being carried out by the Serbian government meet

SIGNIFICANT GROWTH OF COOPERATION AND FRIENDSHIP

SEBASTIAN KURZ

INTERVIEW

AUSTRIAN MINISTER FOR EUROPE, INTEGRATION AND FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Continuing Support for

SERBIA Austria will continue to be engaged in the process initiated by the Berlin initiative, to which the Summit in Vienna provided a significant contribution. Austria will also continue to support Serbia in its efforts to pursue political and economic reforms, as well as in its dialogue with Pristina

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ustria is an avid supporter of the efforts undertaken by the countries of the Western Balkans to join the EU. The Vienna Summit held earlier this year proved to be an important step forward in continuing the process known as the Berlin Initiative, aimed at helping to further reconciliation in the Western Balkans and improve regional cooperation as an indispensable step for these countries to eliminate obstacles to their EU accession path.

Important agreements were signed both before and during the Summit, especially those that should lead to the process of normalisation between Belgrade and Pris-

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tina, and others that should help resolve open border issues.

The Summit also helped promote regional infrastructure projects as a base for further growth and job creation in the region.

Austria supports Serbia’s efforts in securing regional stability, and recognises its contribution in treating refugees in a responsible way. Austria and Serbia have good bilateral relations that are further intensified through the Austrian investments contributing to Serbia’s economic growth.

■ Reconciliation among the countries of the Western Balkans has been actively supported by Austria for many years, both in the form of tangible projects and through support for the countries’

SIGNIFICANT GROWTH OF COOPERATION AND FRIENDSHIP

convergence with the European Union.

Are you satisfied with the way Western Balkan countries have embraced the opportunities provided by Austria? − Reconciliation can and will come with further regional cooperation and an intensification of bilateral relations in a good spirit. We have seen progress in this respect, in particular

by Serbia but also other partners in the region, setting acts of symbolic value as well as contributing substantially to overcome historical legacies and grievances.

■ In this context, how do you assess the outcome of the recent Vienna Summit? − The Vienna Summit of 27th August was a success in at least three aspects: First, continuity. The event demonstrated that the format of the “Berlin process”, namely Western Balkan countries in cooperation with EU-Member States that seek an active role in removing obstacles to EU accession of these countries, is a fruitful framework for conflict resolution and

GOOD SPIRIT

Reconciliation can and will come with further regional cooperation and an intensification of bilateral relations in a good spirit intensified cooperation. Second, tangible political results: Two border agreements were signed, all countries committed themselves to solve all bilateral political conflicts and will refrain from instrumentalising them when seeking entry into the EU. Regarding the normalisation between Belgrade and Pristina I want to mention the four important agreements from the Brussels Meeting on 25th August, just before the Vienna summit and therefore to be seen in its context. They were a key step, which was also praised by Chancellor Merkel and EU High Representative Mogherini at the Summit. Third, important steps were taken to promote regional infrastructure projects as the basis for growth, prosperity – and peace.

DIALOGUE

POLITICAL WILL

Austria has a long standing role in initiating dialogues between decision makers, civil society and different stake holders ■ A specific feature of the Vienna Summit was that it represented the first opportunity for dialogue between Western Balkan leaders and

The recent progress in the BelgradePristina dialogue proves that even the most complicated issues can be solved if the political will is present holders. As in the case of infrastructure, the key challenges for society, especially youth, are access and connectivity. The Regional Youth Office launched at the Vienna Summit should contribute to the exchange, reconciliation and friendship among people and nations. Serbia played a key role in founding this office, and it is also a proof of its greatly improved relationships with Albania. Our focus on dual education and the fight against youth unemployment will ensure better access of young people to the labour market and hence prosperity.

The Vienna Summit of 27th August demonstrated the continuity of the “Berlin process”, it produced tangible political results and was an important step in promoting regional infrastructure projects civil society. How do you expect this dialogue to progress? − Austria has a long standing role in initiating dialogues between decision makers, civil society and different stake

■ How will Austria be further engaged in the Berlin initiative, which is set to continue in Paris in 2016? − Austria is determined to remain en-

gaged in the process and to contribute to the implementation of the politically, economically and socially highly relevant results on all levels.

We will do so in the scope of this regional approach, in international frameworks, such as the EU and OSCE, as well as on bilateral levels.

■ Is the EU future of the Western Balkan countries now under threat, as a result of so many EU member states having closed their borders to shield themselves from the influx of refugees and, as Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dačić suggested, build a new wall along their Balkan borders? − A European solution to the problem has to be found and the countries of the Western Balkans – particularly Serbia – are key partners in this regard. Recent efforts, particularly as part of the Berlin Process, are proof of the EUs continued commitment to the Western Balkans European perspective.

The refugee crisis has its origin in the conflicts in the Middle East. It has turned into a common challenge for all of us, and one that we will overcome if we work together.

Of course the way we all handle the refugee crisis will determine the future of Europe – and hence also of the Western Balkans.

Solidarity and cooperation are key values of the European Union to be displayed by all EU members as well as accession countries.

I am grateful for Serbia’s competent management of the refugee crisis.

also said that the EU needs to help these countries without further delay. Are you optimistic that your voice will be heard? − Yes, I am certain that Austria’s voice has already been heard. Already the Vienna Summit, though dedicated to an ambitious and

a further encouragement to continue with domestic political and economic reforms as well as the dialogue with Pristina. The agreements reached in this dialogue on 25th August, and the work that has been done since on implementing them, represent a significant breakthrough in this regard. I thank Prime Minister Vučić for continuing to take the tough choices necessary for stability in the region and for progress towards EU accession. Austria will continue to support Serbia. We indeed want to see an opening of the first chapters as soon as possible.

■ Speaking during the Vienna summit, Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vučić said that he expects the Kosovo issue to be much less complicated than the issue yet to be addressed in Bosnia-Herzegovina. What kind of development do you expect there? − The recent progress in the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue proves that even the most complicated issues can be solved if the political will is present, if the relevant actors are willing to sit down in good faith and engage in productive discussions. The current constitution of Bosnia-Herzegovina is of course a product of the Dayton peace agreement that ended over three years of one of the bloodiest conflicts in Europe since the end of the Second World War. The Dayton peace accords managed to ensure peace for almost two decades, but Bosnia-Herzegovina needs a more modern state-structure in order to be able to join the EU. The emphasis must therefore be put on reforming Bosnia-Herzegovina’s economic and political structure, also in light of ensuring equal rights for all of its minorities. The adoption of the Reform Agenda by Bosnia-Herzegovina authorities this July is therefore a crucial step forward for the country’s EU integration path. Progress in the implementation of the Reform Agenda will also be necessary for the country’s membership application to be considered as credible by the EU. We continue to count on Serbia, but also on Croatia as reliable partners in this regard.

Austria will remain engaged in the Berlin initiative in the scope of the regional approach, in international frameworks, such as the EU and OSCE, as well as at bilateral levels

■ You warned recently that the countries of the Western Balkans have been left alone to deal with the migrant crisis, while, along with Commissioner Hahn, you

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comprehensive regional agenda not focused on migratory issues, has drawn attention to the necessity to assist the Western Balkan countries in all possible ways. Other meetings and conferences since have highlighted the sense of urgency with which the EU but also all our partners in the region have to approach the issue. The EU and individual member states, as well as UN and other aid organisations have already channelled aid and expertise towards the most affected countries in the Western Balkans. Certainly we must continue to provide more support.

■ How would you evaluate Serbia’s progress to date in terms of EU integration; do you still believe that opening the first negotiation chapters by year’s end is a realistic scenario? − As a result of the efforts by Prime Minister Vučić and his government, Serbia has received positive signals which she should be taken as

SIGNIFICANT GROWTH OF COOPERATION AND FRIENDSHIP

■ Where do you see major progress being made in bilateral relations between Serbia and Austria in the recent period? −We generally enjoy very good bilateral relations with Austria and have intensified bilateral relations at the parliamentary level.

Austria has also been the investor number one in Serbia for a long period of time. Austrian companies continue to invest in Serbia, contributing to economic growth and the creation of jobs in your country. ■

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SIGNIFICANT GROWTH OF COOPERATION AND FRIENDSHIP

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INTERVIEW

IVICA DAČIĆ

FIRST DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF SERBIA

We Highly Appreciate

AUSTRIAN SUPPORT

The success of the summit of Western Balkan countries in Vienna is only one in a series of pieces of evidence proving Austria's deep commitment to the European integration process in the region.

Austria also supports Serbia's international efforts and economic progress with the same care and attention

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elations between Serbia and Austria are extremely well developed, comprehensive and intensive, both at the bilateral level and on the international front, where Austria offers full support to Serbia’s efforts, whether they relate to the European integration process or obligations undertaken by Serbia when it took over the chairmanship of the OSCE.

■ The Berlin Initiative recently continued with the conference of Western Balkan leaders in Vienna. How would you assess the success of this meeting and the stamp of approval it was given by Austria? −I would like to point out that Austria, as the host, approached the organising of the summit on the Western Balkans, which was held in Vienna on 27th August, very responsibly, thereby contributing to it being success-

SIGNIFICANT GROWTH OF COOPERATION AND FRIENDSHIP

ful and crowned with tangible results. We reached agreement on the implementation of ten extremely important high-priority regional projects (six infrastructure projects and four in the energy sector), among which I would particularly emphasise the agreement reached on the core transport network of the Western Balkans, as an extension of the EU’s core transport network. Serbian routes have also joined this network (Corridor 10, Belgrade Airport and the ports of Belgrade and Novi Sad).

We also saw the signing of the “Joint Declaration on the Establishment of the Regional Office for youth cooperation in the Western Balkans” by the WB6 prime ministers, which, I would remind you, was a joint initiative of Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vučić and Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama.

The signing of this initiative was very well received, both in the region and in the EU.

SUMMIT

Austria, as the host, approached the organising of the summit on the Western Balkans, very responsibly, thereby contributing to it being successful and crowned with tangible results

SUPPORT

Austria have demonstrated unequivocal political support for the European perspective of the Western Balkan countries, which I see as the key political message of the “Berlin Process”

I would like to point out that its work will a billion euros to finance the implementation of regional projects which, as I noted certainly contribute to promoting regional earlier, were adopted at the summit, is yet cooperation among young people through more proof that support for the region’s inthe promotion of rich cultural diversity, coexistence and tolerance, as well as the developtegration into the EU is coming from both ment of joint programmes with a focus on Brussels and Berlin, as well as showing that democratic governance, economic developa Western Balkans inment, mobility, education and innovation. tegrated into the EU is At the summit in Vienna we also signed the a clear vision of the entire EU. These facts are “Declaration on regional cooperation and solving bilateral disputes”, the application of which very important for us is becoming increasingly important, not only in and we are confident the framework of bilateral issues, but also in the that the acceleration context of current events in the region. I would of Serbia’s EU integration will be supported finish summarising by stating that the summit by our European in Vienna contributed to further strengthening partners, EU Member democratic reforms and the region’s progress States, and through the towards the EU, as evidenced by the fact that forums that contribute the day before the summit saw the staging of a to this goal, such as the large meeting between representatives of civil aforementioned “Bersociety from the region, at which Serbia was lin Process”. represented by PM Vučić, clearly demonstrating how much the region has progressed as The fact that the EC will set aside a billion a whole when it comes to achieving democrateuros to finance the implementation of ic values. regional projects which were adopted at

■ How do you see the Summit, is yet more proof that support for the region’s integration into the EU is this double-track Berlin-Brussels coming from both Brussels and Berlin stream in the context of Serbia and the European integration of the Bal■ Serbia shares the same values with kans; are we talking about a unified Austria and some other EU countries policy or slightly differing approaches? in terms of its approach to refugees. In −Participants in the “Berlin Process”, besides your opinion, how will Serbia be able to the Western Balkan countries and Germany, persist in this attitude, in the absence include some other EU member states, such of a unified EU policy on the issue? as Slovenia, Austria, France and Italy, and −The decisions reached at the September they have a common security and foreign meetings of the Council of the EU on justice policy within the framework of the EU. They and home affairs, as well as the Summit of have demonstrated their unequivocal politiHeads of State and Government of EU Memcal support for the European perspective of ber States, are real step towards strengthening the Western Balkan countries, which I see the unified position of the Union in responding to the challenges of Europe’s migrant crias the key political message of the “Berlin sis. An agreement was reached on the transfer Process”. The fact that the EC will set aside

RELATIONS

Our relations are at a very high level, stable and comprehensive, characterised by intensive political dialogue and with developed good and intensive relations in other areas of cooperation of a certain number of migrants and the plan is in the phase of being realised. Serbia is part of that agreement. By signing agreements on readmission with the EU, as well as bilateral agreements with individual countries in the region, we have taken on obligations to

which we are adhering. Already in the initial phase of the migrant crisis, we recognised the shortcomings making it difficult to management the migratory flows through our territory, which is why we appealed for help from the EU and other international partners.

Our appeal was met with a positive response, thereby enabling the activation of the EU’s Civil Protection mechanism, which allowed us to access financial aid for the emergency management of migrants. Additionally, additional funding has been sought through other mechanisms of the EU and international partner organisations, from whom we expect positive responses. In terms of legal regulations, the Government of Serbia has adopted its Action Plan for Refugees for the period until June 2016, which was prepared following the request of the European Commission, as part of preparations for the Action Plan for EU accession negotiation Chapter 24.

■ In the context of the treatment of refugees, you said recently that Eu-

SIGNIFICANT GROWTH OF COOPERATION AND FRIENDSHIP

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rope should show whether it treats this area of the Balkans as part of the EU or an area enclosed by walls. How much could such a development jeopardise the further EU integration of the Western Balkans? −The current situation, despite the negative aspects that first come to the fore due to the

■ In this context, how optimistic are you today that the first negotiating chapters between the EU and Serbia will really be opened by the end of the year? −The Republic of Serbia is committed to fulfilling all the conditions set in the negotiating process. Progress has been achieved

The next step would be opening negotiations on chapters 23 - Fundamental rights & Justice, and 24 - Justice, Freedom and Security, which we hope will be opened early next year. For us it is essential to continue with the implementation of the initiated reform process in all segments and thereby demonstrate our ability not only to deal with the obligations arising from EU membership, but also to demonstrate the fact that we are a reliable partner.

■ Austria has provided strong support for both Serbia’s EU integration and the country’s chairmanship of the OSCE. How do such stances contribute to the strengthening and deepening of relations between the two countries? −We greatly appreciate the support that our partners, including Austria, are providing for Serbia’s international efforts, whether that relates to European integration or our efforts to preside over large and important multilateral organisations, such as the OSCE, in the best possible way. Such support shows that we are recognised as a serious and credible partner, which is certainly reflected in bilateral relations with these countries. The fact that the Austrian diplomat Martin Sajdik is my Special Representative in Ukraine and Although our political and economic the Trilateral Contact Group, relations are exceptionally well developed testifies to the level and quality of cooperation between our two and diverse, I believe there is scope to diplomatic services, for example.

humanitarian nature of this crisis, contains positive elements. One of them concerns the confirmation of the necessity for the Western Balkan countries to join the EU strengthen parliamentary cooperation, as soon as possible, in order to cooperation on safety and security, ■ How much have good bistrengthen the Union’s external borders. In this sense, the migrant cultural and educational cooperation, and lateral relations contributed to strengthening the two crisis is a major test for the encooperation in the region tire spectrum of EU policies and, countries’ economic cooperation? above all, the enlargement policy, in the dialogue with Pristina, which creat−Good bilateral relations are the basis for as an integral part of the common foreign, security and defence policy. ed a real opportunity for Chapter 35, which strengthening overall, and especially economic, cooperation. Our relations are at a The reality on the ground is that indideals with these matters, to be opened in vidual EU member states have surrounded very high level, stable and comprehensive, the near future, i.e. by the end of this year. themselves with walls, and not Serbia. Sercharacterised by intensive political dialogue Moreover, Chapter 32 - Financial control bia has not flinched at any point, but rather and with developed, good and intensive rehas been ready to be opened in a technical sense since last year. As such, we are lations in other areas of cooperation. The has stepped courageously forward to confront the problem of irregular migration. As optimistic and believe that the conditions reforms being implemented by the Government of Serbia with the aim of consolidatsuch, it is only the joint efforts of the EU, tohave been met for our efforts and comgether with partner countries in the immemitment, directed at our most important ing and reducing the budget deficit, but also diate environment that can effectively and foreign policy priority, to be recognised creating a favourable market environment efficiently deal with the problems arising through the opening of negotiations on for business and investment, will undoubtedly contribute to the increased interest of from the migrant crisis. these two chapters by the end of this year.

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SIGNIFICANT GROWTH OF COOPERATION AND FRIENDSHIP

the two countries’ business circles in improving and developing their cooperation.

oped between us immediately. Thanks to good cooperation between the two countries’ police forces, especially in the exchange of information, advances have been made in the fight against international organised crime, drug trafficking and terrorism. Today’s challenges in this area are completely different, not only for our two countries, but for the

I am convinced that I share the same views with my learned friend Sebastian Kurz, and that we will continue with this mutually beneficial cooperation.

■ Your cooperation with Austria Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz dates back to the time when you both held ■ In which areas do you see room for other functions – when you were intefurther bilateral cooperation between rior minister and he was secretary of our two countries? state for integration issues at −Improving the overall relationship the Austrian Interior Ministry. is a shared imperative and interest.

The fact that the Austrian diplomat How have such long-standing Although political and economic Martin Sajdik is my Special personal contacts contributrelations, intensifying contacts and ed to improving the dialogue increasing the volume of investment Representative in Ukraine and the between the two countries?

Trilateral Contact Group, testifies to and foreign trade, is always to the fore, −Personal contacts, as well as a I believe there is scope to strengthen the level and quality of cooperation shared commitment to resolving parliamentary cooperation, cooperabetween our two diplomatic services tion on safety and security, but also issues and overcoming the problems implied by every function, in areas of cultural and educational entire region – especially now that Europe contribute greatly to establishing mutual cooperation, and cooperation in the region. is facing a major wave of refugees. This chaltrust and thereby more effective cooperaOpening the first chapters in the negotiation tion. With my current counterpart, Minister lenge requires a comprehensive European process on Serbia’s membership in the European Union will open up a wider spectrum Sebastian Kurz, I established good mutual response, a common European strategy and in which the cooperation between the two cooperation while I was still minister of the the involvement of many departments and countries will to come to the fore. ■ interior, and mutual understanding develinstitutions, as well diplomatic engagement.

SIGNIFICANT GROWTH OF COOPERATION AND FRIENDSHIP

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INTERVIEW

CHRISTOPH LEITL

PRESIDENT OF THE AUSTRIAN FEDERAL ECONOMIC CHAMBER

Less Red Tape, More

INVESTOR CONFIDENCE The Serbian government has achieved much progress in reforms, but in order for them to be felt in day-today business dealings a lot has to be done in the field of implementation, as bureaucracy remains the biggest hurdle to instilling trust and confidence in the minds of investors

M

uch has been achieved under challenging circumstances at the state level and the Serbian government has to be praised for their determination to keep on track. Subsequent implementation of legislation will lead to more trust among businesspeople – both those already operating in Serbia and those who are relying on their colleagues’ experiences when weighing up whether or not to choose Serbia as their next investment target.

■ How would you assess the progress of reforms in Serbia over the past year? −Based on my own observations and, above all, the feedback I receive from Austrian business leaders who are active in Serbia,

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SIGNIFICANT GROWTH OF COOPERATION AND FRIENDSHIP

EXPECTATIONS

We welcome all the good work done by the government, but we expect more determined and consistent efforts to implement reforms when it comes to red tape and transparency

the Serbian government is to be commended for its firm stance on progressing with reform, which is undoubtedly a major challenge.

However, when it comes to our companies’ daily dealings, they still see some room for improvement. In particular, they do not see much progress in the elimination of bureaucratic hurdles, red tape and the lack of transparency. In short, we welcome all the good work done, but expect more determined and consistent efforts in order to implement reforms.

INDEPENDENCE

Organisations with voluntary membership tend to be lobbying instruments for their main financial supporters. As such, it is important for the SCC to have obligatory membership and to act as an independent institution

■ At the Vienna Summit, the Western Balkan leaders made some important decisions regarding in-

POSSIBILITIES

For production companies aiming to improve their profitability by moving to more convenient locations, Serbia might be an attractive partner in Europe

sis for better cooperation in the region.

Such decisions offer a greater level of comfort to foreign investors, both in political and commercial terms, and will undoubtedly encourage Austrian investors to continue focusing on this region. We all know that the region needs this kind of infrastructure improvement in order to create a more effective and cost-efficient business environment.

The Serbian government is to be commended for its firm stance on the reform process, which is undoubtedly a major challenge. However, companies still see room for improvement frastructure connections for the countries of the region. How much could such regional networking help attract larger Austrian investors? −Everybody agrees that the outcome of the Vienna Summit will serve as a ba-

■ You said recently that Serbia is already an EU member in an economic

sense. To what extent are such developments recognised among Austrian companies that have not had experience working with Serbia and are seeking new investment destinations? −The process of the Western Balkan countries acceding to the EU will strengthen political and economic stability significantly.

In addition, Austrian companies have traditionally been very active and pragmatic in Eastern Europe and the Balkans. The growing economic relations between Serbia and the EU, and the generally positive experiences of Austrian investors in the area, will act as a positive reference to new companies from Austria that are considering setting up business in Serbia.

■ Austrian company Swarovski recently relocated part of its operations from the Czech Republic and China to Serbia. Are there any indications that other Austrian companies are considering relocating their plants closer, in Europe and in Serbia? −While I cannot name specific companies, it is fair to say that production companies in general will try to improve their profitability by moving to more convenient locations. In this regard, I think Serbia is an attractive partner in Europe.

Introduction of the dual education system will give the Serbian youth a wider choice of education and training, as well as supplying the economy with the kind of skilled workforce it greatly needs

■ How would you rate cooperation between the Austrian Economic Chambers and the Serbian Government and Serbian Chamber of Commerce? −We have excellent cooperation with the Serbian government and the Serbian Chamber of Commerce. We are very pleased to be able to assist the Serbian Chamber of Commerce in restructuring its organisation based on the model of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber.

Having similar organisational structures will enhance further collaboration between our chambers. What may start out as a modest operation will certainly grow to become an important player in the economic life of Serbia.

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■ Opinion polls show that Austrians doing business in Serbia remain quite critical when it comes to assessing business conditions in Serbia. Where do they see that progress has been made in recent years, and which problems hinder their operations the most? −Again, bureaucracy remains the biggest

hurdle to instilling trust and confidence in the minds of investors. Attempts to improve conditions for doing business are welcome, in particular the introduction of a new law facilitating construction permits. Austrian investors wish is to see similar efforts exerted in all areas of the investment climate.

■ You are helping to reform the Serbian Chamber of Commerce according to the model of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber. Which practical Austrian ex-

SIGNIFICANT GROWTH OF COOPERATION AND FRIENDSHIP

periences can realistically be applied in conditions where chambers are working in much poorer countries with fewer economic resources? −The economic realities will certainly influence the speed and the scope of organisational changes within the Serbian Chamber of Commerce. However, the idea is not to create a copy of the Austrian model, but rather to introduce those elements that work within the Serbian framework. The goal should be to establish a chamber system that represents all sectors of the economy, providing a whole range of services and also being critical of, but also a cooperative partner for, the government and administration. In the case of Serbia, a strong chamber can also play a vital role regarding the EU accession process. And, finally, the most important aspect is that the chamber remains independent.

All this can only be achieved when you have a strong chamber with obligatory membership. Organisations with voluntary membership tend to be lobbying instruments for their main financial backers, whereas chambers with obligatory membership have to find a balance between the competing interests of various segments of business and industry, which in the end gives the chamber a strong voice vis-à-vis the government and trade unions.

■ How satisfied are you with the application of dual education in Serbia to date? −I certainly look forward to the introduction of this system in Serbia. It will not only give the Serbian youth a wider choice of education and training, but will also supply the economy with the kind of skilled workforce it greatly needs. From what I hear, some Austrian companies have introduced training programmes at the company level at their own initiative, although the institutional framework needs to be improved in order to strengthen cooperation between vocational schools and companies, but also in order to provide some kind of incentives to companies willing to invest in the future of our youth. ■

CORPORATE

MIRKO ILIĆ

DIRECTOR AT CARGO-PARTNER LTD. BELGRADE

Logistics in

EXPERT HANDS Cargo partner is one of the leading companies in Serbia in the field of organisation of maritime, air and road transport, with the ambition to become a leader in the provision of logistics services

G

cargo-partner Serbia is part of an international logistics company that was established in 1983 and today has over 100 of branches in 27 countries worldwide, with 2,500 employees and 252,000m2 of warehousing space.

■ What kind of development path has cargo-partner had? − We started operating in Serbia in 2004 with one office, while today we are present in Belgrade, Novi Sad, Kragujevac and Subotica, employing 85 people. Our logistics centre in Dobanovci has the most modern high-rack storage area, with a selective pallet system of 20,000 pallet places, 18 reloading ramps and a

ramp for oversized cargo. Warehousing covers an area of 8,000m2, which includes 2,200m2 of registered Public customs warehousing equipped with a rack system and block zone for the storage of oversized cargos.

This investment is primarily the result of the trust we have gained, through successful operations in the provision of logistics services, with our chairman and CEO, Mr Stefan Krauter.

■ Why are ever more companies choosing to redirect their logistics operations to external partners? − Most companies want to save time and money and focus their efforts on developing their core business. That’s why logistics are entrusted to experts in that field. IT professionals employed by cargo-partner have developed the warehouse management system (WMS) and integrated LogSpace and S.P.O.T. system, which enables clients to gain transparent insight into the flow of goods through the entire supply chain process. In practice, the S.P.O.T. platform allows clients, in addition to tracking shipments and storing complete transport documentation online, to have ac-

cess to storage records, input/output and the status of goods and their online management through our e-warehouse. Furthermore, they can also keep inventory records and create an account for the receipt/issuance of goods on the basis of special client requests (FIFO / LIFO, monitoring products expiry dates, tracking certification deadlines, LOT number records, tracking serial numbers...), as well as the ability to create new orders online for the storage of goods. We highlight in particular automatic reporting on the status of shipments in the procurement process, with data including the time period sought by the client. ■

Our logistics centre in Dobanovci has the most modern high-rack storage area

INTERVIEW

MARKO ČADEŽ

PRESIDENT OF THE SERBIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Better Cooperation to

The Austrian business community is very interested in new investments in Serbia.

Also contributing to this is intensive cooperation between chambers of commerce, through which we encourage connections between our economies and our companies

GREATER INVESTMENTS T

he Serbian Chamber of Commerce contributes actively to linking economies in the Balkans and strengthening the reform process in the country, which are essential for attracting new investments.

■ In Vienna this year, in addition to the summit of Western Balkan leaders, a gathering of chambers of commerce from the region also took place, as well as a meeting of presidents of chambers and economy ministers with representatives of large Austrian investors. In your opinion, what were the most important messages of this conference from the perspective of business leaders? −The meeting in Vienna confirmed the progress achieved in regional cooperation in the past year, both in the political field and in terms of economic ties. Not only is awareness of the need for faster reforms and stronger infrastructure and business connections growing in this region, but there are also more specific activities. And that is the key

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message we also sent to European officials and investors from Austria and elsewhere.

The chambers of commerce of the Western Balkans presented an Action Plan with 26 joint projects aimed at supporting the economies of our countries in strengthening their capacities, networking, combining resources and participating jointly. We also established the Chambers Investment Forum in order to exchange information and propose measures for increasing investment and more effectively involving the region’s business community in the implementation of infrastructure and other development projects important to the region.

■ Is there some kind of initial assessment and quantification of the effects of regional networking on the cumulative inflow of investments in the Western Balkans? −How much investment we will attract depends on how quickly we will, individually and all together, eliminate barriers to smooth operations and create an environment that investors will recognise as

SIGNIFICANT GROWTH OF COOPERATION AND FRIENDSHIP

desirable, supportive and safe for investment. And how much investment there will be also depends on the achieving of economic growth targets set by the “Southeast Europe 2020” strategy, such as doubling total regional trade transactions, increasing GDP per capita from 36 per cent to the European average of 44 per cent, creating up to a million jobs and increasing the number of highly educated people by 300,000.

■ How have these events and the implementation of reforms in the country contributed to increasing interest among Austrian businessmen for investment in Serbia? −The Austrian business community, according to the confirmations we receive from the Austrian Chamber of Commerce, is very interested in new investments in Serbia. This is certainly enhanced by these kinds of meetings, but also by intensive cooperation between the Serbian Chamber of Commerce and the Chamber of Commerce of Austria, through which we encourage the connecting

of our economies and companies by, among other things, organising business meetings in Austria and Serbia, such as the March forum in Vienna.

■ In your opinion, what are the reasons for the still very modest inflow of foreign investments into the region, including Serbia, last year and during this one? −The main driver of this year’s economic growth in the region of Southeast Europe, which World Bank experts estimate at 1.8%, were domestic private investments. The dynamism of public investment has also been accelerated, as the states have implemented capital projects that are usually financed by international financial institutions.

Inflows of remittances and foreign direct investments in the region have also increased slightly during this year, compared to last year.

When it comes to foreign investment, according to the latest annual UNCTAD World Investment Report, the entire region of Southeast Europe managed to attract only $4.8 billion in 2014, much less than in 2007 ($8.2 billion) and 2011 (nearly $8 billion). The largest part of last year’s regional investment performance, almost two-thirds, was recorded by Serbia and Albania. What is good is that in 2014 foreign investors in Southeast Europe invested the most in the manufacturing sector, unlike in previous years, when the largest share of FDI was directed towards the financial sector, construction and real estate. When evaluating these results, we must not forget that FDI inflow fell by 16 per cent at the global level in 2014.

■ Following the adoption of some important laws for investors – from the Labour Law, to the faster issuance of building permits and land conversion rights – what are the most important directions for further work aimed at eliminating obstacles hindering investment? −Alongside the consistent and effective implementation of already adopted laws, we are faced with the completion of the regulatory framework and the continuation of fiscal and structural reforms in order for us to create an environment that is stimulating, predictable and certainly conducive to a greater inflow of investment and faster economic growth.

When it comes to legislative activities, I believe I would highlight the recent adoption of the Law on Investment. It is also important to adopt the Law on Administrative Procedure, which will

bring substantial change in relations between the state administration and citizens and the economy, as well as better protecting their rights through the creation of the foundations enabling the introduction of a one-stop-shop system, introducing the guarantee act and enabling electronic communication with the administration. Also to come are amendments to bankruptcy legislation and the Law on Companies, further improvement of labour legislation, removal of the remaining rigidities in the market and reduction of fiscal charges, as well as improvement and harmonisation with European practices and standards in the fields of taxation and excise policy, mortgages etc.

−A fresh and good example is the modernisation of the Serbian chamber system, which is underway and is being applied according to the Austrian model, with the support and mentorship of the Austrian Economic Chamber, and with the implementation of the road map monitored by experts of consulting company “Ramsauer & Stürmer Consulting”. That

■ How much have Austrian investors influenced the changing structure of the Serbian economy in terms of strengthening the manufacturing sector and foreign trade, as well as introducing new technologies? −According to the statistics of the National Bank of Serbia, in the last 14 years a total of 2.8 billion euros in foreign direct investments (excluding reinvested earnings) has arrived in Serbia from Austria, which ranks the Austrian economy at the top of the list of foreign investors. In addition to bringing capital to the Serbian economy, Austrian companies have contributed to opening process, guided by the Austrian model of chamber organisation and functioning, introduces a series of innovations and activities that strengthen the functioning of all the pillars of chamber activities – from representation of the economy, via support of the economy, to furthering education – with the aim of improving the economic environment and the capacity of the economy to produce more, export more, and attract more investment. I would highlight that the knowhow and experience of Austrian chambers in presenting the economy – support for internationalisation and increasing exports – are particularly important for our economy. The success of this model is best illustrated by the fact that in Austria six of ever ten euros earned comes from the sale of goods and services to foreign markets, and that one euro invested in representing the economy abroad yields 55 euros worth of exports. ■

How much investment we will attract depends on how quickly we will, individually and all together, eliminate barriers to smooth operations export channels and increasing the openness of the economy, adopting international standards in business practices, introducing quality management systems and increasing the productivity and competitiveness of domestic goods and services, thanks to the transfer of knowledge and the application of new technologies, improving corporate governance and corporate culture...

These changes are more pronounced in the sectors where Austrian investors have invested the most – telecommunications, banking and insurance, construction, real estate and trade, while in recent years Austrian investors have increasingly directed their investments towards production.

■ When it comes to improving the economic environment, in which areas is the transfer of Austrian knowhow possible?

SIGNIFICANT GROWTH OF COOPERATION AND FRIENDSHIP

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INTERVIEW

H.E. JOHANNES EIGNER AUSTRIAN AMBASSADOR TO SERBIA

Intensive

DIALOGUE Bilateral relations between Serbia and Austria are marked by particularly intense contacts at the highest political level, as well as continuing Austrian efforts to support Serbia in its EU-accession process

T

he Vienna summit, as part of the Berlin initiative, brought concrete results in terms of bringing Western Balkan countries closer to each other and helping them to take a step forward with their European integration agenda. This is an important achievement in the process of securing cooperation and reconciliation in the Western Balkans, as well as ensuring its economic advancement.

Austria is highly committed to this process, both at the level of the region and through bilateral relations.

In that respect, Austrian Ambassador to Serbia, H.E. Johannes Eigner, praises the considerable progress achieved in the Belgrade– Pristina dialogue and believes that, precisely because of this dialogue, the respective negotiation chapter in Serbia’s EU accession pro-

The Berlin initiative and the Vienna summit are a kind of hands-on approach which is so much needed and which will help best to move forward with the European integration agenda of the entire region 20 |

cess now can, and should, be opened first. The ambassador also emphasises the importance of the high level of bilateral relations between the two countries, as well as the specific efforts of the Austrian Foreign Minister to support Serbia in its EU-approximation aspirations by initiating, together with Italy, a “Friends of Serbia” meeting in Brussels.

At the country level, some important reform achievements have been made in terms of improving the business climate, but the ambassador notes that it is too early to assess whether they have brought tangible changes when it comes to implementation. However, although the whole region has a long way to go in terms of economic reforms, Austrian businesses are committed to exploring the possibilities opening up through the implementation of EU rules in domestic legislation.

■ The influx of refugees from the Middle East to the EU via the Western Balkans has brought a new element of instability to the region – from the mutual accusations of politicians, to the closing of borders and unequal handling of serious

SIGNIFICANT GROWTH OF COOPERATION AND FRIENDSHIP

economic burdens for such weak economies. How do you view political and economic security in the region at the moment, including in Serbia? −This unprecedented challenge of a massive flow of asylum seekers of various origins cannot and should not be faced by isolated responses and uncoordinated measures, let alone by blame games and unfriendly acts among neighbours. Serbia, which has been seriously hit as a transit country, has so far shown a high degree of readiness to treat the people arriving on its soil with decency. While this constitutes a considerable economic bur-

INTEREST

KOSOVO

Austrian business remains extremely interested and highly engaged in the entire region of the Western Balkans

Due to the progress achieved in the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, Kosovo is no longer a stumbling block or obstacle in Serbia’s accession process

den – which the EU is ready to alleviate – for the time I do not see being any sign that the situation will turn into a serious threat to the political or economic security of the country or the region.

■ You were asked by journalists two years ago whether or not there was a risk of visas being reintroduced for citizens of Serbia, to which you responded by saying that in Europe there were only general discussions on migration and talks about possible limitations, while the EU maintained a firm position that nothing would change with regard to freedom of

movement. How much are fears of the possible reintroduction of visas justified today? −One thing, if anything, is clear: the introduction or reintroduction of a visa regime vis-à-vis for any country would have no impact whatsoever on the actual wave of asylum seekers. It is true, however, that after a sharp increase in

SECURITY

While the influx of refugees creates a sizable economic burden for Serbia and the region – which the EU is ready to alleviate – for the time being I do not see it as a possible security threat the number of asylum seekers originating from some Western Balkan countries at the beginning of the year, we have seen the re-emergence of some demands here and there for the abolishing of visa-free travel. I don’t foresee such demands in fact leading to respective changes.

Although a sharp increase in the number of asylum seekers coming from some Western Balkan countries sparked some demands to abolish visa-free travel, that probably won’t happen

■ Austria is a country where migrants, including a large Serbian diaspora, are very well integrated. How does Austria view the current challenges of integrating refugees into Europe? −If this question stood really before the whole

of Europe, it would perhaps easier to answer.

In reality, however, for now it is just a couple of countries, including Austria, which have to shoulder the entire burden in reality. So, it is first a question of the fair distribution of the burden, of burden-sharing in the spirit of Europe. This also means that there is no right to a preferred asylum destination. Secondly, it is about demanding and ensuring the acceptance of the basic rules of today’s European societies, for instance, on respect for the place of women therein.

advocates the opening of the first negotiation chapters as soon as possible. Do you think this could really happen by the end of this year, as has been announced? −In our view, all preconditions are there to finally go into the substance of the negotiations and we see no reason why this should not happen before the end of the year.

■ How would you assess progress made to date under the auspices of the Berlin initiative, which Austria gave strong backing by organising a summit of Western Balkan leaders in Vienna? −We can fairly say that the Berlin initiative contributed greatly to moving from words to deeds. The Vienna summit was particularly important in this respect: the signing of border agreements, the establishing of a youth-exchange programme, agreement reached on priority infrastructure projects, including aspects of their financing.

It is this kind of hands-on approach that is so greatly needed and which will provide the best assistance to moving forward with the European integration agenda of the entire region.

■ The Vienna meeting also included the staging of the first summit of representatives of civil society in the Balkans, as well as the launch of dialogue between political leaders and civil society. Why did Austria attribute such special importance to this event? −Civil society is often ahead of developments, in particular when it comes to regional reconciliation and cooperation; so their representatives and activists can offer valuable services in kick-starting more formal and official relations and forms of cooperation. And civil society is, of course, indispensable for developing, consolidating and corroborating a democratic society as such, not least by forming part of a much needed, and by and large still rather weak, system of checks and balances.

■ Austria has supported Serbia’s European integration strongly for years and

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ation process and, as such, will remain quite challenging throughout that process.

■ Considering that you are very familiar with the situation in the country, could you summarise the segments in which the greatest progress has been made in bilateral relations between Serbia and Austria? −It is difficult to single out one specific segment among the many in the broad field of our excellent bilateral relations. That said, I would highlight the particularly intense contacts at highest political level – the Serbian Prime Minister alone has visited Austria three times during this year – and the specific efforts of the Austrian Foreign Minister to support Serbia in its EU-approximation efforts by initiating, together with Italy, a “Friends of Serbia” meeting in Brussels.

■ Creditworthiness agency Dun and Bradstreet has warned that the Western Balkans faces its greatest period of instability in this century and that, due to instability in neighbouring countries, this risk has been transferred to Serbia. How much do you think such an assessment could influence the decisions of Austrian business leaders to invest in Serbia? −I am not sure what forms the basis of this assessment, but some developments, like the aforementioned Berlin process, rather point to another direction. This does not mean that there isn’t still quite a heavy legacy of the past which needs to be settled and overcome, not least regarding structural problems in the economy. Austrian business certainly remains extremely interested and highly engaged in the entire region.

We have seen welcome changes in some key areas of legislation, such as construction permits and the labour law, and we are looking forward for their consistent implementation ■ Given the progress achieved in negotiations, how much does the Kosovo issue remain a key stumbling block when it comes to opening chapters? −As things have developed, Kosovo is no longer a stumbling block or an obstacle in Serbia’s accession process. Precisely because of progress achieved in the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, the relevant chapter can, and should, be now opened first. But it is true that the whole complex of that relationship forms a new element for the negoti-

SIGNIFICANT GROWTH OF COOPERATION AND FRIENDSHIP

■ Austrian investors have noted in recent years that they have encountered problems regarding the legal framework and procedures in Serbia. Has this situation changed with the implementation of reforms and the adoption of some important laws in the last year? −We have certainly seen welcome changes in some key areas of legislation, such as construction permits and the labour law, but a little more time will be needed before we have enough feedback and solid insight regarding the level of consistent implementation. ■

CORPORATE

SVETLANA STOJŠIĆ, REGIONAL MANAGER OF WIFI INTERNATIONAL VIENNA WIFI International Institute for Economic Promotion of the Austrian Economic Chamber

Austrian Expertise

IN EDUCATION WIFI International trains people in the region for the purpose of ultimately working for Austrian businesses, as well as providing specialised training sessions for local managers seeking to advance their own skills and increase their level of innovation

W

ith a 20% market share, WIFI is one of Austria’s biggest adult training and education institutes. Through 30,000 different courses, WIFI trains almost 360,000 people each year, including as many as 36,000 small business owners.

According to WIFI’s motto, “From the Practice - For the Practice”, courses are devised in such way that they correspond to the needs of businesses, while courses are led by trainers who are often selected by businesspeople themselves.

WIFI International is a department of the Austrian Chamber of Commerce specialising in education. It is present in more than 15 countries, providing all kinds of training modules suited to Austrian investors, increasing the level of knowledge of local experts and reducing the effect of the brain drain on local communities.

■ In which countries of the region does WIFI have partners and what are the characteristics of the markets where WIFI operates, considering the range of services it offers?

- With partners in Central and Southeast Europe, Asia and GUS, WIFI International supports local and international companies abroad, as well as their highly qualified employees, offering them Austrian educational expertise and locally based trainers who teach in local languages. In the aforementioned countries, WIFI specialises in teaching managerial and leadership skills, holding the so-called Train the Trainer programme and training consultants. By providing good education for working people in the target countries, WIFI International can alleviate the effects of an insufficient workforce in Austria. Good educational standards also serve to slow the brain drain on local communities, while simultaneously helping Austrian investors to find people who are sufficiently qualified to work for their companies.

■ How does WIFI International contribute to increasing the competitiveness of Austrian companies in the region?

- Through the aforementioned educational programmes, WIFI International contributes to the development of economic relations, as well as economic development. The main role of our team is to participate in the internationalisation of Austrian economic and educational skills and the transfer of knowhow. We have also been promoting economic development by shaping and influencing the labour market via our offer of appealing training programmes. We would like to participate actively in the economic

We would like to participate actively in the economic development of the countries where we are active and we see our role as opening doors for Austrian businesses

■ How can WIFI International help promote cooperation between Austrian companies and local partners in this region?

- WIFI International is a department of the Austrian Chamber of Commerce. It holds international seminars and training sessions in collaboration with local partners, such as local chambers of commerce, associations of small business owners and top managers in selected locations (Western Balkans, Moldavia, Ukraine and Turkey).

The aim of these activities is for people to complete courses with the aim of establishing contact with Austrian companies.

development of the countries where we are active and we see our role as opening doors for Austrian businesses. In order for our courses to be efficient and successful, they require careful preparation, consultancy services (analysis of needs), assistance and cooperation with foreign institutions (like, for instance, chambers).

■ Which managerial skills do domestic companies striving to operate successfully abroad need to possess?

- Expanding companies should meet international standards. They need to constantly educate themselves in areas like Human Resources, International Marketing, Leadership, Quality Management, Process Management, Export Management and Project Management, which are absolutely essential for domestic experts if they want to increase their own competitiveness and level of innovation. ■

SIGNIFICANT GROWTH OF COOPERATION AND FRIENDSHIP

| 23

INTERVIEW

ERIKA TEOMAN-BRENNER

COMMERCIAL COUNSELLOR AT THE AUSTRIAN EMBASSY TO SERBIA

LET‘S TALK Business

For the smaller Austrian companies that are cautiously exploring the market, we need to translate the advantages of Serbia – such as the availability of a qualified workforce and competitive labour costs – into the kind of “business language” that will give them food for thought when considering their further investments

I

n times when the investment climate is not very welcoming and businesses tend to be cautious, it is important to put even greater effort into establishing stronger economic and commercial ties between the two countries and their businesses.

■ You have just taken over the duty of trade counsellor at the Austrian Embassy in Belgrade, but you have behind you a wealth of experience in economic environments at various levels of development. What kind of goals have you set for yourself at the beginning of your term in Serbia? −When I was offered the position in Belgrade I was very excited about coming to a country that not only has very strong economic and commercial ties with Austria, but is also a candidate to join the EU. I am convinced that I will witness very important changes in the economic environment of the country and I consider it my paramount task to translate these developments and changes into “business language” for Austrian investors and business leaders. As much as we take pride in Austria’s leading role as a foreign investor in Serbia, we are also very well aware of the fact that investment activity in general is currently low throughout the region. Much of this is due to a lack of knowledge and experience, particularly among our smaller companies. As such, I plan to

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SIGNIFICANT GROWTH OF COOPERATION AND FRIENDSHIP

INTERESTS

Higher levels of integration in the region are of particular importance for Austrian investors, since many of them are present with plants in more than one location in this region target this group of “newcomers” even more than has been done in the past.

■ Austria is Europe’s fourth richest country and a very successful exporter nation. Given the major differences between the structures and conditions of the Serbian and Austrian economies, which of your country’s experiences do you consider as being the applicable in Serbia? −As you rightly mention, the differences between the economic conditions in our countries are considerable, and I am therefore slightly hesitant to compare and recommend one model or the other for Serbia. What I can definitely underline is the importance of strengthening small and medium-sized companies, as drivers of economic growth, employment and innovation. Experience in Austria shows that these companies are typically family-run and owe their success to their long-term orientation and a commitment to sustainability. Moreover, they are very resilient in times of crises and are able to adjust quickly to market changes.

They are basically the backbone of our economy. When it comes to Serbia, I am convinced that SMEs will play a

AMBITION

I am convinced that I will witness very important changes in the economic environment of the country and will be able to translate them into “business language” for Austrian investors and business leaders crucial role in the country’s integration into the European Union. Hence, further development of adequate business support instruments for this sector could be necessary.

OPPORTUNITY

Many Austrian companies have employees of Serbian origin, so they feel not only a certain familiarity with the Serbian culture, but also recognise an opportunity to get a better grasp of the market here

tria’s political system. It has the right – like other social partners – to evaluate proposed legislation, make recommendations to lawmakers and draft texts for legislation directly related to the interests of their member companies. Beyond these legal provisions, a system of cooperation on economic and social issues – the so-called social partnership – has been instrumental in creating commitment among all interest groups to common long-term economic and social policy aims. The parties share the conviction that such aims are better achieved through dialogue and coordinated action than through open conflict. In conclusion, the Austrian system has developed particularly intense cooperation and interaction between social partners, on the one hand, and the government, on the other.

Austrian investors in Serbia sometimes find it hard to recruit personnel with specialised technical skills, so we think that our vocational training system may contribute to making Serbia a more attractive business location ■ You spent many years working at the Austrian Chamber of Commerce. The Serbian Chamber of Commerce is currently attempting to incorporate the knowhow of its Austrian counterpart into its work.

What are the most important principles of cooperation between business leaders and the government that could contribute to building a strong economic environment? −The most important principle is probably that of a productive dialogue between the business world and the government. The Federal Economic Chamber, as the representative of business, has an important voice in Aus-

■ Austria is extremely successful in exporting knowledge and is currently very active in terms of helping Serbia to introduce dual education. What are your expectations in this area? −One of the distinctive features of the Austrian education system is close cooperation between the business com-

munity and educational institutions. The dual education system, which combines theoretical and practical teaching, is applied in preparing for professions that require apprentice training, as well as in higher vocational schools. Our experience shows that foreign investors in Austria highly value the specialised skills and sound training of Aus-

trian employees. On the other hand, Austrian investors in Serbia sometimes find it hard to recruit personnel with specialised technical skills, so we think that by presenting our vocational training system and adapting it to the conditions of this market we could contribute to making Serbia a more attractive location for doing business. Last, but by no means least, our dual education system has proven itself to be an effective tool for keeping youth unemployment at a low rate.

−In recent years, quite a few of our neighbouring countries have expressed an interest in studying our system for promoting Austrian companies worldwide, named ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA. With more than 110 offices in over 70 countries, ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA provides a broad range of intelligence and business development services for both Austrian companies and their international business partners. It helps companies and organisations outside Austria build strong relationships with Austrian companies, as well as promoting Austria as an investment destination.

ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA Belgrade is one of these 110 offices and since its establishment it has contributed successfully to building up strong economic and commercial ties between our two countries and, more importantly, between individual businesses. I believe strongly that the key to the success of ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA lies in the direct access we have to companies and our commitment to serve them all to the best of our abilities, regardless of whether they are small family businesses or major corporations.

Serbia needs to strengthen small and medium-sized companies, as drivers of economic growth, employment and innovation

■ In which other areas do you think it would be useful for Serbia to rely on the transfer of knowledge from Austria?

26 |

■ We have recently seen some German and Austrian companies that already do business here announce plans to expand their existing capacities and relocate facilities from other parts of the world to Serbia. To the best of your knowledge, what do Austrian business leaders not yet doing business in Serbia think about the opportunities offered by this market? −Generally speaking, the economic envi-

SIGNIFICANT GROWTH OF COOPERATION AND FRIENDSHIP

ronment in Europe is currently not very conducive to new investment activities, a tendency that we also feel here in Serbia.

Therefore, it is not surprising that Austrian companies evaluate new markets very carefully. Serbia’s status as an EU membership candidate certainly plays an important role in the minds of prospective Austrian investors, but probably even more than that they appreciate the availability of a qualified workforce and competitive labour costs.

Then there is another factor that should not be underestimated: many Austrian companies have people working for them who are of Serbian origin, so they feel not only a certain familiarity with Serbian culture, but also recognise the opportunity to get a better grasp of the market here.

■ One of the most important topics of the meeting of Western Balkan leaders in Vienna was the construction of transport/communication networks within the region, as a precondition for the arrival of larger foreign investors. How important a factor could this be for investors from Austria? −A higher level of integration of the region will definitely contribute to economic growth through increased trade and investment. This is of particular importance for Austrian investors, since many of them are present with plants in more than one location in this region. A well-developed network of roads and railroads would allow them to take full advantage of regional production and supply chains, thus increasing trade and added value in the region.

■ Where do you see the greatest opportunities to place goods from Serbia on the Austrian market? −It is very difficult to pinpoint one particular sector, but as far as I understand there are some very capable companies here in the field of machinery production and metal working. One way to enter a market like that of Austria, which is highly competitive, could be cooperation with Austrian companies in the production field. I also see the Serbian food industry as a potentially successful supplier. One way or another, I am convinced that we will see many more products “Made in Serbia” in Austria in the future! ■

FOCUS

The Lack of Creditworthy Demand is Inextricably Linked to the General Macroeconomic Environment  To what extent has the consecutive cutting of the key NBS rate, coupled with low inflation, helped boost lending activity and why is it still quite modest? hese circumstances have certainly been helpful, especially when it comes to interest rates. In the previous period we saw interest rates decreasing, primarily on dinar-denominated loans. Nevertheless, these measures alone are not sufficient to address the key issue when it comes to lending. The lack of creditworthy demand is the foremost obstacle hindering ZORAN the accelerating of lending activity, and this is inextricably linked to the general macroeconomic environment in our country. It PETROVIĆ CEO, RAIFFEISEN BANK is positive that a number of essential reforms were initiated or implemented in the previous period. It normally takes time for all of them to take effect and result in a substantial improvement of macroeconomic conditions. Once this happens, we expect a subsequent increase in demand for loans. I cannot speak for all banks, but when it comes to Raiffeisen Banka, we are already well prepared for that moment, with high liquidity and capital base. As such, we will be ready to offer financial support to all high-quality and creditworthy companies.

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Tremendous Potential and Room For Growth

The Pressure on Interest Rates Would Continue

 What has to be done in order for the insurance sector to become a vehicle able to spur economic growth?

 How come a stable macroeconomic environment and low inflation are still not reflected greatly in banks’ interest rates; and what other criteria have to be met in order for Serbia to enjoy interest rates closer to those seen in the EU?

hen it comes to the insurance market in Serbia, we usually use the word undeveloEXECUTIVE BOARD ped. But the very word underdevelopment also MEMBER ATWIENER points to tremendous potential and room for STÄDTISCHE OSIGURANJE (INSURANCE) A.D.O. growth. There are numerous existing challenges BELGRADE that we face in insurance. We in the insurance industry can overcome a number of these challenges, while for the most part we need the support of other entities.

The fact is that the situation in the economy has a strong impact on the situation in the insurance sector. The low purchasing power of citizens and reduced volume of economic activities represent objective difficulties, but also a great chance to find new opportunities that will be in the forefront of the most creative. Likewise, Serbia does not have a sufficiently developed culture of insurance in general, including life insurance. The question is whether we in the insurance industry have done everything we can to create awareness among citizens regarding the need for life insurance contracts.

Moreover, cooperation with banks could be improved further. Insurance offers the banking sector an orientation towards longer term savings through the sale of life insurance policies. Banks will only momentarily lose a lot of small savers, but they will not have to pay interest on those deposits and will receive commission for the sale of life insurance, then everything will return to them through large depositors – with the insurance company as the depositor.

Alongside this, the insurance industry has significant resources at its disposal for long-term investment. The state can stimulate the development of life insurance, primarily in terms of tax incentives. We estimate that in this way we could generate at least a billion euros the next four to five years, which we would invest in government securities with fixed income, and the state would direct that towards infrastructure projects, which would i turn attract foreign investors. We believe that the market could develop more rapidly in this way.

ZORAN BLAGOJEVIĆ

W

ZORAN VOJNOVIĆ

EXECUTIVE BOARD CHAIRMAN, HYPO ALPE-ADRIA-BANK A.D. BELGRADE

ow domestic inflation and a stable dinar have left room for the NBS to embark on a rate cut cycle by a total of three percentage points cut to five per cent (as of September) throughout 2015. At the same time, soft growth in major global economies led key central banks to pursue an extremely loose monetary policy. Under these circumstances, key interest rates and market interest rates fell to historic lows, both in Serbia and abroad. The trend of prevailing downward pressure on interest rates in Serbia would plausibly continue in the coming months, mainly with a prolonged outlook of subdued inflation and possibility further NBS cuts.

However, although the Serbian banking sector’s loan interest rates dropped throughout 2015, its full convergence toward Eurozone levels is prevented by the still significant risks existing in the local economy. Firstly, although macroeconomic imbalances – fiscal and trade deficits – were narrowed considerably during 2015, levels remain above those of most EU member states. While financing these deficits represents a source of risk, the Serbian banking system is also stressed by an NPL level topping more than 20 per cent, against around just five per cent in core Eurozone countries. This said, Serbian banks face both higher borrowing costs and riskier lending activity than their EU counterparts. In this context, the key criteria for Serbian interest rate convergence toward EU levels is further mitigation of these macroeconomic imbalances, mainly through an increase in the local economy’s competitiveness and the continuation of firm fiscal consolidation measures.

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SIGNIFICANT GROWTH OF COOPERATION AND FRIENDSHIP

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SLAVKO CARIĆ

INTERVIEW

CEO AT ERSTE BANK A.D. NOVI SAD

We’re Continuing

TO GROW For Erste Bank this year will be even more successful than last year, both in terms of the volume of lending activity towards retail clients and businesses and in terms of indicators of operating profit and net earnings

H

ere Slavko Carić, CEO of Erste Bank a.d.

Novi Sad, speaks about his bank’s business policy and results, current issues of resolving non-performing loans and global trends in inflation and interest rates.

■ In the first half of 2015 you have recorded increased loans to retail clients and businesses, as well as growth of operating profits. Will you succeed in maintaining this trend until the end of this year? −We have already achieved some of the goals we set for 2015 and outperformed others, so this year has already been even more successful for us than the previous year. We’re continuing to grow and we think that is a result of the mix of our offer – quality of services, prices and the fact that we have profiled, loyal clients. According to data for the first six months, loans to households and micro customers increased by 5.7%, while loans approved for companies increased by 5.6% compared to the level at the end of last year. At the same time, deposits of citizens and companies increased, as did income from interest, fees and commissions. Net profit in the first half of 2015 was twice that recorded in the same period last year, amounting to 742.3 million dinars. Results for the third quarter, which will be released in November, show similar trends.

■ Which factors contributed to such a change in trends, primarily in the area of corporate loans? −At present we have some very interesting lines of credit, one of the most interesting of which is the Apex credit line from the European Investment Bank, which will be extremely favourable and is intended for long-term investments. According to interest rate levels and the maturity of loans, the conditions of these lines are at the

ceased to operate and thus a certain amount of money that was placed in the economy disappeared from active placements. However, if we look at a few of the largest banks in Serbia, including Erste Bank, growth is being recorded.

■ How much has the continuous lowering of the NBS reference interest rate and stability gained through the arrangement with the IMF helped in the lowering of interest rates on loans? −The NBS and the IMF are pretty holistic in their approach to the problem of the Serbian economy. I would especially like to draw attention to the working group made by the NBS, the Ministry of Finance, the Economy Ministry, Justice Ministry and the EBRD, IMF and IFC, which is aimed at helping the Serbian banking sector, but also the Serbian economy, to resolve the issue of non-paying loans and the finds an acceptable formula to resolve this issue for all.

For banks this means that bankruptcy processes progress as efficiently as possible and last for the shortest possible period, for companies and investors to buy them as favourably as possible and for workers to find their own type of protection. The modality sought is similar to solutions developed in other parts of the world and it should ensure the quickest possible resolving of the problem of bad debts, where

One of the most interesting lines of credit we have is the Apex credit line from the European Investment Bank, which will be extremely favourable and is intended for long-term investments

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European average, so there is no major difference between taking out such a loan in Austria, Germany or Serbia. The last time we had this line available, the director of the EIB thought that it would take us two to three years to deplete that line of 250 million euros, when in fact it was utilised within six months. This shows that there are good projects and hunger for that kind of money. However, if we look at the banking sector as a whole, then there really has been a fall in overall credit activity, but this trend is primarily catalysed by the fact that we had several banks in mixed state ownership that have

SIGNIFICANT GROWTH OF COOPERATION AND FRIENDSHIP

Serbia has nearly eight billion euros inactive as banks reservations and assets that are not operational. This is about a kind of knot, and such a knot requires some kind of “Gordian solution”. I think we’re on the right track to finding that. In addition to this, the NBS recently started a diagnostic test modelled on the EU’s Asset Quality Review (AQR), which is now nearing completion and which will, ultimately, enable banks to more rigorously reserve all of their investments.

mobile banking services. Regarding express branches, they are smaller in terms of both size and scope of services, but on the other hand they are closer to clients, so there will be more of them and they will be more accessible.

■ According to your research, young people in Serbia use online banking capabilities much less than their peers in the CEE region. What is the cause of this and how interesting are young people as customers for your bank?

■ You actively support entrepreneurship and activism in the arts, sciences and other areas. Based on the experiences of previous competitions, how would you assess the ability, primarily of young people, to engage in entrepreneurial activities? −We recently handed out ten awards of 500,000 dinars within our donor programme “Superste” (Youregreat), while the number of projects we received was much higher. All the winning projects share quali-

■ Do you expect raising the FED’s benchmark rates could reverse this period of low interest rates and what could that mean for Serbia’s debt position and the interest rate policy in the country? −For a long time we have lived in a world of very low interest rates and that will certainly change at some point, but exactly when – in six months or six years – is the trillion dollar question. The FED decided at its last meeting not to raise interest rates, but when they do decide to raise them that will come in little jumps. This decision will depend heavily on a variety of other macroeconomic parameters, including the level of competitiveness of the U.S. in relation to its main competitors, such as China and Germany.

■ How would you comment on the effect of reducing the benchmark interest rate on the cost of credit? −The reference interest rate primarily follows inflation. We are primarily globally, and then especially in the European environment, in a system of very low inflation that likes of which have not been seen for a long time, and that in some places is even flirting with deflation. As such, Serbia is in a similar environment. Thus, inflation is low in our country and therefore it makes sense to reduce the benchmark interest rate. This of course causes a reduction in the prices of all dinar loans.

■ Around 180,000 Erste Bank clients use the internet and mobile banking.

How have these changes impacted on the adjusting of the operations of your branches and the development of the bank’s online offer? −We adapt to international trends and the requirements of our customers, and I can say that I am very happy that Erste Bank is recording a growth trend in users of internet and

I think that, with the help of the IMF and the working group formed by the NBS, we are on the right track to finding a solution to the problem of non-paying loans that will be satisfactory for both banks and enterprises −Unemployment among young people is the first problem. As long as they do not receive their salaries via their bank accounts and do not work, they will see a bank account as a cost and an additional obligation. Our bank is very strongly orientated towards young people. At this moment we have 40,573 customers with youth accounts, while 540 such accounts are opened monthly on average. Their maintenance is free. Even when young people gain employment, they are entitled to maintain their account free of charge for the next year. In Novi Sad we have a branch tailored to young people and there we stage different educational events for young clients. We offer young people and all other interested parties one kind of application that no other bank has: the “Shoot and Pay” service, where a mobile phone application allows them to take a picture of their bill and pay automatically.

ties of creativity and enthusiasm, with which they contribute to the development of the community. When it comes to entrepreneurship, in combination with the heritage and environment that is not conducive to the development of entrepreneurial spirit, lack of development of entrepreneurial skills during their education, as well as the lack of availability of credit financial services for start-ups, we have created an educational programme designed to provide financial support to young people up to the age of 35 who want to launch their own business, which has been implemented since 2011. Experience to date shows that it is very useful for youngsters just starting out in business to receive education and mentoring support, while the majority of those provided with support have successfully launched operations and are now running their own businesses. ■

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CORPORATE

GEBRUDER WEISS SERBIA

With Optimism in

FURTHER DEVELOPMENT

DRAGAN SIMOVIĆ, DIRECTOR AT GEBRUDER WEISS SERBIA, ŽELJKO SERTIĆ, SERBIAN ECONOMY MINISTER, WOLFRAM SENGER-WEISS, GEBRUDER WEISS BOARD MEMBER, H.E. AUSTRIAN AMBASSADOR JOHANNES EIGNER AND ERIKA TEOMAN-BRENNER, AUSTRIAN TRADE COUNSELLOR

At Gebrüder Weiss Serbia they are hoping that a modern logistics centre will attract more business partners from Serbia and thereby ensure a high position on the Serbian market in the transport and logistics sector

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ebrüder Weiss Serbia has established itself as one of the leading companies on the domestic market in the sector of transport and logistics, while the opening of its logistics centre in Dobanovci has further confirmed the company’s intention to further develop its business in Serbia. The expansion of capacity and job creation is realised without relying on government subsidies.

Gebrüder Weiss Serbia formally opened its logistics centre in Dobanovci on Thursday 15th October 2015, in the presence of the highest representatives of state institutions, the diplomatic corps, relevant international organisations and business associations, as well as numerous business partners.

This investment in the expansion and

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upgrade is worth eight million euros and is in line with the latest technical standards. The capacity of storage space has now been extended by a new 9,000m2, with office space increased by 2,600m2.

Gebrüder Weiss employs 220 people at its Serbian sites in Dobanovci, Leskovac and Niš, while this investment includes plans to hire an additional 100 workers in the coming period.

Director of Gebrüder Weiss Serbia, Dragan Simović, thanked the board of directors of Gebrüder Weiss for having the trust to invest in Serbia and thereby show that our country has great potential, as well as thanking all employees who continued to perform their regular jobs on a daily basis during the implementation of

SIGNIFICANT GROWTH OF COOPERATION AND FRIENDSHIP

the project. He confirmed that the modern centre in Dobanovci was built by local company Neimar Projekt.

The company in Serbia is part of Gebrüder Weiss Group, which has over 6,000 employees in 30 countries, 150 branch offices and annual revenue of 1.24 billion euros a year, making it one of Europe’s leading transport and logistics companies.

In addition to the main operational areas of road transport, logistics, and air and maritime transport of goods, the company has brought together a series of highly specialised industry solutions and subsidiary companies that are engaged in logistics consulting, software solutions for managing transport, railway transport and shipping packages.

Satisfied with the business environment in Serbia, and the arrival of new investors who are potential business partners, Gebrüder Weiss Serbia decided to expand its capacity in order to meet the growing demand for its services.

The company entered the market in 2004, starting with 6,000m2 of warehouse space, and since then it has constantly expanded storage space, as well as the range of its services and number of employees. The company’s ambitious plans are based on expectations of the continued growth of business in Serbia, primarily due to the inflow of investors, especially export-orientated enterprises.

The ceremonial opening of the latest Gebrüder Weiss Serbia logistics centre was attended by H.E. Austrian Ambassador in Belgrade Johannes Eigner, representatives of state institutions, customs administration and the Serbian Chamber of Commerce, as well as other senior officials and distinguished guests.

Wolfram Senger-Weiss, a member of the Board of Directors of Gebrüder Weis, said that the investment is the result of the good development over the past years in Serbia.

- In the past five years Gebrüder Weiss has invested nearly 20 million euros in Serbia, which demonstrates our commitment to this country, while I must stress that these investments are realised without subsidies from the state. We have improved our business and increased revenues from an initial €2.5 million to €25 million, or ten times. We started with 20 workers, but today we employ 220 people and are planning to create 100 new jobs in the coming period – said this member of the Board of Gebrüder Weiss, noting that he believes the company will continue to grow.

Senger-Weiss said that the logistics centre in Dobanovci is one of the most modern facilities of its kind in Serbia and that Gebrüder Weiss now realises over 150,000 deliveries a year, transporting more than 250,000 tons of cargo. He reminded that this Austrian company entered the Serbian market in 2004, before

billion, as well as extensive experience in this business, having dealt with transport as a family firm for more than 500 years.

Serbian Economy Minister Željko Sertić, who joined SengerWeiss in officially marking the launch of operations at the new logistics centre in Dobanovci, said that yet another Austrian investment in our country had shown that Serbia is heading in the right direction.

Senger-Weiss said that the new investment implies the DRAGAN SIMOVIĆ purchase of more land and the extending of stores, warehouse facilities and office space.

- We’ve invested a lot in equipping the entire area – from gates and security cameras that provide maximum security for the logistics centre, via goods handling machines and modern pallets for storage, to office space.

About a year was needed to realise this investment, although the company continued to perform its activities normally while work was underway on improving and upgrading the logistics centre. According to our source, Gebrüder Weiss employees have done a really good job and customers were able to appreciate their commitment.

- We are satisfied with the business environment in Serbia.

We see plenty of investment coming, and each new investor is our potential business partner. However, I was surprised when told by local construction companies that our buying local company Eurocargo in 2011. project was among the biggest they have - We started with 6,000m2 of warehad in the past year. house space, but now we are adding an- I hope that the company’s modern loother 9,000m2 of storage area and 2,600m2 of office space. We have a total of about gistics centre will attract even more business 25,000m2 of space in the logistics centre, partners from Serbia, thus ensuring a high, or even leading, position on the Serbian where we offer our clients integrated sermarket in the transport and logistics sector vices – said Senger-Weiss.

– said Senger-Weiss, stressing that Serbia is He recalled that Gebrüder Weiss is a very important for Gebrüder Weiss, which large global company with more than 6,000 has already begun planning its further eastemployees in 30 countries, with 150 of its own branches and annual revenue of €1.2 ward expansion, in Turkey and Asia. ■

In the past five years Gebrüder Weiss has invested nearly 20 million euros in Serbia, which demonstrates our commitment to this country, says Wolfram Senger-Weiss, member of the Board of Directors of Gebrüder Weiss

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AUSTRIAN INVESTMENT IN SERBIA

Engine of Exports and

NEW JOBS

ALEKSANDAR VUČIĆ, SERBIAN PRIME MINISTER (LEFT), CHRISTOPH LEITL, PRESIDENT OF THE AUSTRIAN FEDERAL ECONOMIC CHAMBER, AND DUŠAN VUJOVIĆ, SERBIAN FINANCE MINISTER, DURING THE “SERBIA IN VIENNA 2015” BUSINESS FORUM

It is particularly important for Serbia to attract investors from sectors for export-orientated production – the metals industry, automotive industry, food industry and furniture making, because such investments are an important generator for increasing exports and hiring new labour

A

ustria is one of the most engaged members of the EU in Serbia in economic terms, it is the largest foreign investor and in 2015 is the leading export destination for Serbian goods. According to the National Bank of Serbia, in the period between 2005 and 2013 Austria invested €2,388.5 million in Serbia. Austrian companies have invested in a range of several hundred million euros to investments of just several hundred thousand, in the case of SME investments.

Austria’s net investments in the Republic

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of Serbia amounted to €116.3 million in 2014 (gains on the basis of investments made by Austrian residents amounted to €119.2 million). In the first quarter of 2015, total net Austrian investments amounted to €16.6 million (gains on the basis of investments made by Austrian residents amounted to €16.8 million).

According to the Austrian Central Bank, cumulative Austrian investments in Serbia at year’s end 2014 amounted to €2.63 billion. The ten most important Austrian banks and insurance companies all operate in Serbia (Raiffeisen International, Hypo Alpe Adria Austria, Volksbanken, BA-CA, Erste Bank, Wiener Staedtische, Uniqa, Grawe), as well as telecommunications company Telekom Austria, whose investments in mobile telephony is the country’s largest greenfield investment, oil company OMV, and other major companies like Henkel, Rauch, Knauf, Kronospan and Tondach.

Moreover, Austrian companies have also invested in other sectors – real estate, the timber and furniture industry, the automotive industry, food production, transport, logistics and other areas. Considerable investments have also been made by Lagermax AED, CA Immo International, KIKA, Asamer Holding, Boxmark, Energie Steiermark, EYEMAXX, Falkensteiner, Soravia group (Old Mill Hotel),

SIGNIFICANT GROWTH OF COOPERATION AND FRIENDSHIP

Gebrüder Weiss, Porr - Werner & Weber Holding and others. Austrian companies’ engagements in Serbia are characterised by good examples of privatisation, such as Henkel’s purchase of Merima Kruševac and buying Tondach’s takeover of Potisje from Kanjiža.

Austrian companies have experience with all kinds of ownership options in Serbia: through privatisations, joint ventures and both greenfield and brownfield investments.

Around 400 Austrian companies are present in Serbia and the majority of them (70%) are from Vienna, Styria and Carinthia, which is explained by far more powerful traditional ties and better knowledge of the situation on the Balkans than in other parts of Austria that are traditionally focused on Germany and Switzerland and have substantially less focus on the area of Southeast Europe.

According to national data available, the investments of Austrian companies since the year 2000 have created 20,000 jobs in Serbia, while the data of the Austrian central bank suggests that, as of year’s end 2012, some 15,250 people were employed in Serbia on the basis of Austrian investments in companies.

Austrian investors are characteristic for their transfer of new technologies, increased production levels and greater exports. According to 2013 statistics, Austria is the biggest investor in the region of Central and Southeast Europe in Serbia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Slovenia and Croatia, while in Albania, Macedonia, Bulgaria and Slovakia it is the

second largest investor, and the third largest investor in the Czech Republic.

According to data from 2014, Austria’s investments in the region were greatest in Croatia (€5.54 billion), followed by Serbia (€2.63 billion), Bosnia-Herzegovina (€1.18 billion), Macedonia (€485 million) and Montenegro (€96 million). When it comes to transactions between Austrian investors and their subsidiaries in the respective countries, in 2013 €338 million went to Serbia, €154 million to Croatia, €73 million to Macedonia, €22 million to Bosnia-Herzegovina and €1 million to Montenegro. In the first two quarters of 2014, Austrian investment (observed using the same criterion) in Croatia totalled as much as €799 million, in Serbia it was €120 million, in Bosnia-Herzegvina €23 million, in Macedonia €20 million and in Montenegro €5 million.

Austrian investors in Serbia include numerous banks. Their share in the country’s entire banking sector totals 14.5%, while Austrian banks have a mar-

ket share of 33.8% in Croatia, 31.8% in Romania and 24% in Hungary.

According to the Serbian Investment & Export Promotion Agency – SIEPA, with its 12.8% share in total foreign direct investments – measured in terms of project value – Austria ranks first among in-

zone near Subotica. Swarovski has been operating in Serbia since the end of 2013 and already employs 383 workers in the country. Construction of its new manufacturing plant began in early 2014. This company has so far invested about €22 million in Serbia. Swarovski’s Subotica-

The Austrian companies surveyed singled out as urgent tasks for the Serbian government the combating of corruption, improving payment morality and easing procedures for obtaining permits vestors in Serbia. Based on the number of completed projects (also SIEPA), Austria is ranked third after Italy and Germany, with a 12% share in the total number of projects. One of the stand-out projects among investments currently underway is that of Austrian company Swarovski, a world leader in precision crystal cutting, which has decided to establish a production factory at the Mali Bajmok free

based factory, according to the agreement signed previously, will produce crystals intended exclusively for export. By year’s end 2015, Swarovski will employ 450 workers in Serbia. The company announced in late February this year that it would close its production plants in China and the Czech Republic and concentrate and improve production at its headquarters in Wattens (Austria) and

its new plant in Subotica, Serbia. Then there is the investment of Austrian company Gerlinger, which is engaged in the production and processing of pork and already has a presence in Hungary and Romania. In January this year Gerlinger bought company “Mitros” in Sremska Mitrovica, where it plans to employ 300 workers. The company exports to the Russian market and plans to slaughter a thousand pigs a day at the facility in Sremska Mitrovica. This investment is worth €105 million and includes the construction of 100 farms for fattening pigs, five reproduction centres for the production of quality genetic material, the purchase “Mitrosrem” and its complete reconstructing, the purchase of 1,000ha of agricultural land from private owners and construction of a mill producing 30,000 tonnes of animal fodder per year.

Austria’s Soravia Group has expressed an interest in investing and restoring Belgrade’s famous BIGZ building. The company is already present with its Radison Blu Old Mill Hotel, located beside BIGZ, which it wants to convert into a fully commercial “open space” area that will be used

by IT companies, galleries and others.

There are many and varied opportunities for economic cooperation between the two countries in terms of investment.

The Austrian side is primarily interested in the field of infrastructure, modernisation of industry, energy and renewable energy sources, environmental projects relating to waste collection, processing and recycling, as well as water treatment.

It is particularly important for Serbia to attract investors from export-orientated production sectors (metals, the automobile industry, the food industry and furniture production), in the same way it did with Italian and German investors. Such investments are a significant generator of increasing exports to the country of origin of investors, as well as to the whole region and beyond, while simultaneously creating new jobs.

As a country with a strong food and processing industry, Austria could become one of the biggest investors in Serbian agriculture in the coming years. Food production and processing in Austria is at a very high level, thus the country would be an ideal partner for Serbia both in terms of knowledge and technology transfer, and in terms of investment in the sector, especially since

both countries are characterised by small and fragmented landholdings. Some steps in this direction have already been taken, with the two countries having signed an MoU on cooperation in the livestock area.

It is also possible to significantly enhance cooperation in the field of tourism, especially when it comes to cooperation between hotel and restaurant associations, the participation of Austrian investors in the privatisation of small hotels located within spa resorts, as well as in the larger towns of central and southern Serbia. Austrians have in the last three years shown considerable interest in the hotel sector and an additional incentive for increased investment in this area could lie in the fact that Austria’s domestic market is very saturated,

dams in Paraćin, Valjevo, Svilajnac, Šabac and Bogatić, while another €21.5 million will be invested in the installing of mobile flood protection and the provision of equipment.

With regard to forestry, where Austria and Serbia are in an almost identical situation to take over the national forests managed by the dominant part of the forest, it is possible to establish cooperation in the use of biomass, where Austria has significant experience.

Serbia’s excellent geographical position, qualified workforce and high degree of similarity of mentality are the three basic factors listed by Austrian companies as reasons for investing in the country, but in the regular surveys conducted by the Commercial Section of the Austrian Embassy in Belgrade, Austrian companies also mention specific problems they come across while doing business in Serbia.

In the latest, third survey, conducted at end of 2014, some 104 companies participated, which is 19.9% of the total number of companies to which questionnaires were addressed. Of the companies that participated in the survey, 43.3% indicated that they were classified as small enterprises with up to nine employees, 32.7% said that they have 10 to 49 employees, 7.7% stated that it employs 50 to 99 employees, while the remaining 16.3% employ over 100 employees. Most of the surveyed companies are engaged in trade (about 30%), while 17.3% are in the domains of finance, insurance and legal consulting.

Some 72.1% of surveyed companies rated the economic situation in Serbia as complicated and problematic. As regards economic prospects in Serbia for 2015, 42.3% of survey respondents said that the situation will not change much compared to last year, while 27% of participants view the future with optimism and expect an upward trend during 2015. Some 70% of business rated their own operations as satisfactory, while 11.5% even said they were doing very well. Around 27% of companies stated that, despite the difficulties, they expect a positive 2015.

The Austrian companies surveyed singled out as urgent tasks for the Serbian government the combating of corruption, improving payment morality and easing procedures for obtaining permits. They highlighted positives as the availability and quality of the workforce, as well as the availability and quality suppliers. ■

As a country with a strong food and processing industry, Austria could become one of the biggest investors in Serbian agriculture in the coming years

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with little room for further investment. Serbia’s attempts to privatise the country’s spas have to date proved unsuccessful, largely due to unresolved ownership relations that discourage Austrian investors. In the water management sector, a project that has been discussed on several occasions is the project to clean the Danube-Tisza-Danube Canal, in which the Austrian party is interested not only in terms of engaging companies that specialise in performing these tasks, but also in terms of securing investment and assistance in the process of securing funds for this project from the EU. According to the latest information, the EU has earmarked €18.5 million via the Austrian Development Agency for the construction of

SIGNIFICANT GROWTH OF COOPERATION AND FRIENDSHIP

FOCUS

Necessity of Modernising Technical Regulations

Carrying out risk assessments

 In your experience, to what extent does current legislation impact on activities when it comes to large buildings, as well as the demand for construction materials?

 To what extent has Serbia proved successful in tackling the grey economy in the field of the production and distribution of beverages, and what more should be done?

he use of modern materials and technology in Serbian construction is hampered by technical obsolescence and a lack of respect for new standards in this field. In those areas in which there has been harmonisation of technical norms with, for example, TODOR European norms, there has been a positive influence DELOVSKI on the application of, and the demand for, modern CEO AT KNAUF ZEMUN. construction materials.

As a positive example we can cite the area of energy efficiency, where the application of regulations has improved level of energy efficiency of the structure itself, as well as the use of Knauf system solutions. Likewise, the restrictive application of regulations in the field of fire protection has led to a raising of awareness about the importance of this area, thereby increasing security in facilities themselves, which led to the necessity of properly applying Knauf’s systemic solutions for fire protection.

Knauf actively participate in committees at the Institute for Standardisation of Serbia in connection with harmonisation with European construction sector standards. We use every opportunity to point out the necessity to modernise technical regulations in the construction field, which often fail to recognise contemporary technologies and materials.

T

PERICA ALEKSIĆ

erbia has taken a significant step to date towards harmonizing Serbian regulations with the EU acquis, although there are still differences. Individual provisions of the law have yet to be implemented, while numerous bylaws contradict the EU’s rules, thus preventing the practical implementation of the Law on Food Safety. A great contribution to this area would be provided by the formation of the Expert Council for Risk Assessment, which is envisaged in Article 23 of the Law. Carrying out risk assessments and the acceptance of certificates of internationally accredited laboratories would also bring considerable savings in terms of import procedures. It would also be extremely significant to make all sections of the National Reference Laboratories operational and to create the conditions for these laboratories to perform all duties prescribed by law. It is evident that there has been a significant improvement in the market through the adoption of the Ordinance on labeling, marking and advertising foodstuffs.

Rauch Serbia fully supports harmonisation with EU regulations and procedures with the aim of stabilising business conditions and ensuring the competitiveness of our goods on foreign markets.”

DIRECTOR AT RAUCH SERBIA

S

ECONOMIC COOPERATION

To Higher Exports, With

GREATER INVESTMENT

Although Austria is Serbia’s leading economic partner – the biggest investor in the Serbian economy and among the top fifteen export destinations for Serbian goods – the level of trade has still not returned to the 2008 level, while the coverage of imports by exports varies. More exports require more investment

36 |

T

he best results of foreign trade between Serbia and Austria were recorded in the period from 2005 to 2008, when Serbian exports to Austria tripled. The crisis caused a reduction in the trade exchange such that even today, six years after the outbreak of the crisis, Serbia has failed to return to the former level, when Serbian exports were worth 300 million euros. The previous period has also included a failure to ensure the coverage of imports by exports, which totalled 66.5% at the peak of the commodity exchange.

As in previous years and in 2014, the first half of this year once again saw Austria ranked among the 15 most important export destinations for Serbian goods. Although the country fell from 12th (in 2013) to 14th, results in 2015 could be somewhat better, judging by exports realised thus far.

Total bilateral trade in 2014 amounted to €748.1 million, which represents a decrease of 0.7% compared to 2013 (the trade deficit amounted to €218.7 million). Exports fell by five per cent (to €264.7 million), while imports registered a slight growth of 1.8% and totalled €483.4 million. The cover-

SIGNIFICANT GROWTH OF COOPERATION AND FRIENDSHIP

age of imports by exports was 54.8%.

In the period from January to August 2015, total trade with Austria amounted to €503.4 million. This comprises Serbian exports of €189.8 million (up 8.4%) and imports of €313.6 million (up 0.6%). The deficit on our side amounts to 123.8 million, while the export-import ratio was at a somewhat more favourable 60.5%.

The trade exchange between Serbia and Austria is characterised by a high trade deficit on the Serbian side, as well as a continuing unfavourable structure of goods being exported.

There has been little change in the structure of products that Serbia exports to Austria, although there are quantitative variations in exports. The most commonly exported products last year were: circuit breakers and circuits; bovine leather; corn; household chemical products; cars; TV tapes; parts for electric motors and generators; imitation semi-precious stones; copper plates, sheets and strips; soft drinks and juices; and fresh and frozen raspberries. On the import side, Serbia received from Austria mainly: unclassified goods

by CT - in storage; units for automatic data processing machines, medicines; unclassified goods by CT, gasoline; parts for electrical fuses, switches, connectors; railway and tramway maintenance; mineral or chemical fertilisers; print paper; telephones; parts and accessories for agricultural machinery; cars and insulating plastic parts.

Looking at the structure of trade according to the SITC sector in 2014, the leading exports were machinery and transport equip-

increase of 6.1%), ADP ment - 33.8% of total exports to Austria machines and units (expressed in a value of €89.4 million, (€18.7 million, 3.9%) representing a decrease of 12.3% comand medicines (€17.7 pared to 2013), manufactured goods million, 3.7%). classified chiefly by material - 19.3% of Analysed by tartotal exports (€51.2 million, an increase iff positions, there of 13.7%) and food and live animals was a reduction in 17.57% (€46.2 million, an increase of exports of the top 3%). The largest part of imports, 27% two export items of total imports from Austria, relates to in 2014 - automatic machinery and transport equipment switches and circuits (value expressed at €130.7 million, rep(€36.3 million, 13.7% resenting a decrease of 4.6% compared of total exports to to 2013), chemicals and related prodAustria, representing ucts - 23 , 3% (€112.6 million, a decrease an annual decrease of 6%) and manufactured goods classified chiefly by material - 22% (€106.5 The crisis caused a reduction in the million, an increase of 7.8%). Viewing trade exchange such that even today, the structure of the six years after the outbreak of the exchange accordcrisis, Serbia has failed to return ing to the SITC to the former level, when Serbian group in 2014, the most commonly exports were worth 300 million euros exported export of 1.1% compared to 2013) and untreatgoods were: electrical appliances for ed bovine leather (€12.9 million, 3.4% circuits and similar (€37.7 million, 14.3% of total exports to Austria, a decrease of total exports to Austria, a decrease of of 17.9%). Exports of motor vehicles 0.3%), corn grain (€15.4 million, 5.8%, an also fell in 2014, though there was a increase of 9.7%), passenger cars (€14.5 significant increase in exports of semimillion, 5.5%, a decrease of 36.9%), raw precious stones and fresh raspberries hides and small leathers (€13 million, (over 900%). According to official Aus4.9%) and rolled products (Fe, steel altrian statistics, based on the value of loy), uncoated (€12.4 million, 4.7%).

Austrian exports in 2014, Serbia, with The most commonly imported goods €498.5 million, (decrease of 0.8% comwere: unclassified goods (€42 million, pared to 2013) is ranked 35th (in 2013 8.7%, an increase of as much as 38.6%), fertilisers (excluding raw) (€22.4 milit was 37th), and in terms of the value lion, 4.6%, an increase of 0.5%), paper of Austrian imports, totalling €343.2 and cardboard (€20.8 million, 4.3%, an million (up 4.3%), the country was in

41st place (43rd in 2013). Among the countries of the Western Balkans, Austria realises it largest commodity exchange with Serbia (until 2012 it was Croatia) – worth €841.7 million (exports to Serbia represent 0.4% of total Austrian exports, while imports from Serbia account for 0.3% of imports) – and with Bosnia-Herzegovina, with which it has a foreign trade deficit and with which the value of exports has overtaken Serbia - €801.7 million in goods exchanged (Austrian exports to B-H amounted €345.9 million, while imports from B-H totalled €455.8 million), according to data for 2014.

Serbian exports to Austria, according to their official data, represent 38.4% of total exports from the Western Balkans to Austria (in 2013 the share was 39.8%, while in 2012 it was 17% - when the WB region still included Croatia). Total exports of Western Balkan countries to Austria last year amounted to €894.1 million, an

increase of 8% compared to 2013. Serbian imports from Austria represented as much as 46.2% of total imports of the countries of the Western Balkans from Austria, amounting to €1.08 billion. There are also no significant changes on the list of leading exporters and importers. The largest exporters to Austria in 2014 were: Eaton Electric Ltd., Sremska Mitrovica (13.8% of total exports to Austria), Fiat Automobiles Serbia Ltd., Kragujevac (5.5%), Swarovski Subotica Ltd., Belgrade (4.9 %), Smederevo Steel Works Ltd. (4.7%), Henkel Serbia Ltd., Belgrade (3.4%), Nokeko AR Ltd., Vranje (2.6%), Motorenwerke (2.5%), Copper Mill Sevojno AD (2.4%), Raiffeisen Agro Ltd., Belgrade (2.3%) and Gorenje Ltd., Valjevo (1.8%). Companies that should be added to this list in 2015 include Tetra Pak Production, Belgrade, and Pioneer Hi - Bred SRB, Novi Sad. The largest exporters in 2014 were: CT Computers Ltd., Belgrade (5.8% of total imports from Austria), Eaton Electric Ltd., Sremska Mitrovica (5.6%), Borealis L.A.T. (3.7%), Swarovski Subotica Ltd., Belgrade (2.5%), Henkel Serbia Ltd., Belgrade (2.5%), OMV Serbia Ltd., Belgrade (2.4%), Gorenje Ltd., Valjevo (1.8%), OAS ZST Russian Federation, Belgrade branch (1.8%), Europe Lek Pharma (1.6%) and Star Import Ltd. (1.4%). A similar structure was also observed in the first seven

three to one (in 2013, Croatia recorded a fall in exports to Austria by 19.4%, and that negative trend continued into last year, when exports to Austria fell by 26.4%).

In order to improve results in the exchange of goods with, and above all exports to, Austria, it is necessary not only to increase the value of goods exported, but also improve the structure of exports. Likewise, increased investment

by Austrian companies would also impact on increasing Serbian exports.

For example, Serbia has favourable conditions for the placing of organic agricul-

tural production with added value. Serbia is at the moment almost exclusively a base for the supply of quality raw materials (exports of grains, fruit and vegetables), while Serbian producers sell a limited amount of food products on the Austrian market, mainly including fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables, water, juices, wine and confectionery products, which are marketed as part of the standard offer for our diaspora, and not as articles in the regular offer of the Austrian market. Sectors so far identified as those in which it would be possible to increase the volume of exports include: the agri-food sector (fresh, frozen and canned fruits and vegetables, fresh mushrooms, fillings and additives for the baking industry, water and soft drinks, garments); the metal industry (auto parts, metal processing); the

In order to improve results in the exchange of goods with, and above all exports to, Austria, it is necessary not only to increase the value of goods exported, but also improve the structure of exports months of this year. When it comes to trade with Austria, the top twenty exporting companies in 2014 accounted for 57.4% of total exports to that country, while the top twenty importing companies accounted for 40% of total imports from Austria.

If we draw comparisons with neighbouring countries, we can conclude that Croatia is still much more successful when it comes to exporting to Austria, and the same can be said of Bosnia-Herzegovina.

For example, in 2014 Croatia exported 1.4 times more goods to Austria than Serbia (€473.5 million against €343.2 million for Serbian exports), but in 2012 that ratio was

38 |

SIGNIFICANT GROWTH OF COOPERATION AND FRIENDSHIP

wood industry (solid wood furniture and rustic style furniture parts); and informatics (software & hardware).

Although Austria is Serbia’s leading economic partner – the biggest investor in the Serbian economy and among the top fifteen export destinations for Serbian goods – it is still necessary to further deepen the current level of economic cooperation – to increase the level of trade, especially our exports and the structure of future Austrian investments Austrian investments to date have been mainly in the services sector. In addition to traditional sectors, such as financial services, construction, real estate, food processing and the chemicals industries, some other areas have been identified as being of primary intrest to Austrians (modernisation of infrastructure in Serbia, environmental protection, energy (particularly renewables), the automobile industry, tourism and consulting. Another major source of income via exports could come by way of construction services. Namely, in the previous two years there has been increased interest among Serbian construction companies when it comes to doing work in Austria. Our companies usually appear as subcontractors of larger companies, for whom they carry out activities in the field of craft and finishing works in construction. There is also interest in the placement of construction materials from Serbia (basic construction materials, tiles and sanitary equipment, electrical equipment, etc.).

Following successful B2B meetings, the field of IT also saw significant increase in jobs between Austrian and Serbian IT companies, which are offering their services to Austrian companies of the same type (principally software development).

Significant progress has been made in recent years regarding the issuance of a large number of ordinary permits in road transport, as well as in obtaining awarded licenses. This is especially important because a large part of the trade exchange is performed using road transport. The Serbian side is considering initiatives to ensure continued liberalisation in goods transport permits or the eventual elimination of this regime. ■

FOCUS

There is Still Room For Additional Improvements  What step should legislators take next in order to improve the environment for doing business in the field of insurance?

GORDANA BUKUMIRIĆ

nsurance companies and their activities are mainly regulated and governed in accordance with the new Insurance Law, adopted in December 2014, as amended, and related bylaws adopted by the National Bank of Serbia.

The Law has brought significant progress towards harmonisation with applicable European legislation, though there is still room for additional improvements.

The Law makes it impossible to engage simultaneously in life and non-life insurance activities, except in the case of insurance companies which already had – on the date of the entry into force of the Law – a license to engage in both groups of insurance activities, and which may continue to operate as CEO, UNIQUA INSURANCE SERBIA

I

The Law has brought significant progress towards harmonisation with applicable European legislation, though there is still room for additional improvements composite companies. This causes the unequal treatment of all participants in the insurance market. In that sense, the amendments to the Law should enable the merging of companies which perform life and non-life insurance activities separately if the companies have the same shareholders, or if such shareholders have a controlling share in both companies; or, at least, to minimise as much as possible the discrimination between composite and non-composite players through an extensive and tax neutral interpretation of the shared services introduced by the new Insurance Law. Another important issue is the poorly regulated market of Motor Third Party Liability (MTPL), the most important line of business for the Serbian insurance market, which limits the attractiveness of the market for foreign investors and those already present, limiting their willingness to invest further in Serbia.

It is important to create a level playing field in line with European standards by working in two directions: to strengthen the action of the regulatory body to enforce legal provisions across the entire market, with penalties that should be issued promptly and without discrimination; and to change the regulatory framework leveraging best practices already present on other markets and in line with EU standards.

AUSTRIAN ECONOMY

Strong Economy - High

EMPLOYMENT RATES Austria is among the world’s most stable countries, and in the context of economic development in Europe it boasts above average growth and one of the highest employment rates in the Union

A

ustria is the fourth richest country in the EU, after Luxembourg, Ireland and the Netherlands. In Europe but beyond the EU, only the Norwegians and the Swiss are better off than Austrians.

According to preliminary estimates from EU statistics office Eurostat, Austria’s GDP per capita in purchasing power standards (PPS) ranged from 45% to 263% of the EU average (100%) in 2014.

With a value of 128%, Austria last year had the highest GDP per capita of all EU member states except Luxembourg (263%), Ireland (132%) and the Netherlands (130%).

Austria thereby slipped back from second to fourth place since the previous year. The country is followed by Germany, Denmark and Sweden, each with 124%. Other countries above the EU average included Belgium (119%), Finland (110%), the United Kingdom (108%) and France (107%).

Austria has been a member of the European Union since 1995 and is fully integrated into the common market. GDP per capita is at €38,540 (2014 nominal), placing Austria within the top ten in the EU, as well as worldwide. A 0.7% increase in Austria’s GDP is predicted for 2015.

In the context of economic development in Europe, Austria boasts above average growth and one of the highest employment rates. Furthermore, Austria is

40 |

VIENNA

among the world’s most stable countries.

Inflation rates are low, the increase in the national debt has been reduced successfully and in this context the target of a balanced budget is within reach. An array of measures have been implemented to stimulate growth through liberalisation and privatisation, and to secure the future through social system reforms.

As Austria is an industrial country with a small domestic market, the export economy is particularly important. Last year saw moderate growth for Austrian exports, with a rise of 1.8%. This equated to a value of €128.1 billion, while the 2014 export quota (product and service exports as a percentage of GDP) was at 53.4%. Imports were worth €129.8 billion in 2014. The country’s most important trading partners are Germany, Italy, the U.S., Switzerland and France.

SIGNIFICANT GROWTH OF COOPERATION AND FRIENDSHIP

Austria’s proximity to other Central and Eastern European states is a key factor in the increasing significance of trade and economic networking with these countries.

The share of Austrian exports in these regions reached 17.8% in 2014.

The most important product groups for export are mechanical engineering and terotechnology, vehicles and automotive parts, iron, steel and metal goods, food and beverages, medical and pharmaceutical products, synthetics and synthetic products, and paper and cardboard.

Austrian exports are also heavily influenced by service exports, with tourism taking first place in this sector.

With its well-developed market economy and high standard of living, Austria is closely tied to other EU economies. The services sector accounts for some two thirds of GDP totalling €232 billion. Trade

and industry make up about a third of GDP, while agriculture contributes some two per cent. With an average per capita GDP of about €27,000, Austria ranks among the EC’s richest countries.

About a third of Austria’s energy consumption is covered by the national energy industry. Up to 70% of this energy comes from renewable sources, such as water.

Industry, which still is considered the engine of national growth, is made up of mainly small and medium-sized enterprises. Austria’s industrial sector, however, is one of the world’s largest: between 1995 and 2003 industrial production increased nominally by 28% to a total volume of €90.9 billion. With €11.4 billion in 2003, mechanicals and the steel industry were the greatest contributors to Austria’s total output, followed by the chemical industry (€10.6 billion), and the electrical and electronics industry (€10.2 billion).

The services industry is Austria’s fastest growing industrial sector. About a sixth of Austria’s three million-strong workforce is employed in the trade and industry sector, which contributes some 13% to GDP. Tourism is the country’s biggest foreign exchange earner and the fastest growing sector: 220,000 people in 40,000 tourist establishments generate 10% of Austria’s economic output. In 2014, around 25.3 million foreign visitors came to Austria, with almost 96.2 million overnight stays (3/4 of the total overnight stays) and a total of almost 131.9 million overnight stays.

The majority of visitors come from Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Italy and the UK.

7.5 million hectares of land are used for agriculture, with cattle farming contributing 30% to the agricultural value-added business. Austria boasts an incredible 18,500 eco-farms, adding to the country’s reputation as Europe’s deli shop. Some 47% of Austria is forested and, besides water, wood is playing an increasingly important role as a renewable source of energy.

used. The country’s white wines get most of the attention, but the reds are also excellent.

According to OECD forecasts, economic growth will remain subdued in 2015, but will strengthen and reach 1.7% in 2016. Going forward, export growth will be supported by easing geopolitical tensions, strengthening external demand and the depreciation of the euro. The pick-up in trade and historically low interest rates provide a good environment for investment to recover. The income-tax reform will also boost private consumption.

Close monitoring and supervision of banks is essential to restoring confidence. Structural reforms in the service sector would boost competition and the diffusion of new technologies. Further increasing the labour participation of the elderly, and in particular women, would help make growth more inclusive. Preparations for the planned alignment of women’s retirement age with that of men should be brought forward.

Investment rates, although declining recently, remain considerably higher than in other European countries, partly because of a higher share of residential construction and transport infrastructure investment.

The share of intellectual property investment has risen markedly since the crisis and has partly offset declines in the share of business investments in buildings, structures and ICT equipment.

Government initiatives towards the support of venture capital and crowd-funding, as well as intense engagement within the European Fund for Strategic Investment, have the potential to boost entrepreneurship and business investment. 

Austria's proximity to other Central and Eastern European states is a key factor in the increasing significance of trade and economic networking with these countries Among the insiders of the wine business, and despite being only a small winegrowing country, Austria has gained an excellent reputation for producing some topscoring wines. About 32,000 wineries produce an average of 2.5 million hectolitres of wine per year. Austrian wines are produced mostly from Riesling and Gruner Veltliner grapes, but Sauvignon Blanc grapes are also

INTERVIEW

NICOLAUS KELLER

ATTACHÉ FOR CULTURE AT THE EMBASSY OF AUSTRIA IN BELGRADE

Culture Spearheads ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The Forum works closely with the political department at our embassy, and even with our chamber of commerce, in order to develop projects that will encourage Serbia on its path to EU ascension

C

ultural exchange offers Austrian artists a

we can thereby offset the cuts in Austria for

Embassy, MSci Belma Cokovic. She offers ori-

chance to acquire new admirers abroad,

some artists. In your work you give preference

entation seminars and personal advice about

and offers the Serbian public an invalu-

to modern and innovative projects that reflect

successful integration, job opportunities, and

able window of opportunity to stay in touch

today’s multiplicity and pluralism of Austria.

the opportunities for training, education and

with contemporary trends in culture.

How much is this reality attributable to the

language courses. The Austrian Cultural Fo-

openness of Austrian Society for migrants?

rum intends to work even more closely with

■ Which ideas and themes dominate Austria’s contemporary culture scene?

If you take a closer look at our programme

the integration attaché in the years to come, in

during the year, you will see that artists and

order to develop common projects.

Every year we have a new selection of travelling exhibitions that are usually thematically related to anniversaries

■ Your cultural offer is also made available

− Cultural policy focuses on the themes of cultural diversity and cultural provision, internationalisation and the promotion of young artists. The focus is also on the promotion of contemporary art and film, promoting participation in the arts and culture, and on arts and culture education. As everywhere in Europe, Austria’s contemporary culture scene has been hit by financial cuts. Public support for the so-

to the citizens of smaller towns in Serbia, as well as other groups – such as, for example, pensioners at the Gerontology Centre in Zrenjanin, to mention just one example, who are usually devoid of cultural content, despite having a need for culture and the fact that they are themselves producers

called cultural flagships, like the State opera

other experts we support come from various

of cultural content. What determines who

or world-renowned Festivals, has remained

backgrounds. The only prerequisite is that

will get a chance to see the contents of the

unaffected, but support for the independent

they are based in Austria with their life and

culture forum and where?

scene and individual artists has been dimin-

work. Serbian citizens are the second larg-

− We have excellent experience with projects

ishing. This has led to fears that the produc-

est group of non-EU nationals in Austria. We

in cities other than Belgrade and Novi Sad. The

tion of new art could be affected. Nevertheless,

believe that successful integration begins in

interest of the audience and the media is often

the promotion of Austrian contemporary art

the country of origin. Since the end of 2014,

more concentrated in smaller cities. Every year

abroad will remain the same, and perhaps

we have had an integration attaché in the

we have a new selection of travelling exhibi-

42 |

SIGNIFICANT GROWTH OF COOPERATION AND FRIENDSHIP

tions that are usually thematically related to anniver-

ing the book inventory of the library in Novi Sad more

saries. For instance, in 2014/2015 we had a documen-

accessible for the students of the faculty of philosophy

tary exhibition “Vienna Congress 1814/15”, which of-

in Novi Sad. There is also a Lectureship Programme

fered historical facts and illustrations presenting this

“Teaching German Abroad”, supported by the OeAD

period from a cultural standpoint (focus on cultural

(Austrian Exchange Service). We are now negotiating

and social issues that emerged due to the fact that the

with the Serbian authorities to keep this programme

Congress took place in Vienna, rather than on politi-

as attractive as it has been in the past. On the basis

cal facts and figures). These exhibitions are also well

of the cultural and scientific exchange agreement be-

designed from a practical point of view, meaning that

tween our two countries, this programme supports

they can be easily transported and set up in both clas-

Austrian native speaker lecturers at the universities of

sical and unconventional exhibition spaces. In a simi-

Belgrade and Novi Sad. I would like to seize this op-

lar way, we organise small tours of musical ensembles.

portunity to encourage local partners to contact us

We constantly seek partners in different parts of Ser-

with project proposals in this field.

bia, but are also open for new cooperation proposals.

Potential partners can approach our office at any time

■ What qualities do you seek in the artists and

with project suggestions and ideas.

partners you cooperate with in Serbia? − Professionalism, enthusiasm, sustainability and

■ We mostly discuss European integration

reliability are the qualities that we expect, and

in terms of the framework for the opening of

which we find with ease in Serbia. We are proud to

chapters, meeting the criteria and related

be able to say that we have excellent experiences

technical categories. To what extent is cultural

with Serbian governmental and non-governmental

cooperation a powerful means of promoting

institutions, professionals in different fields, artists

and

and academics. Some-

interpen-

times it is not possible to

Europeanization the

mutual

etration of cultures? − You will find that the EU foreign cultural policy has become an issue of significant importance in recent years. Cultural de-

We are proud to be able to say that we have excellent experiences with Serbian governmental and nongovernmental institutions

velopment and networking

plan too much in advance with Serbian partners, but everything still works out perfectly in the end.

An

excellent

example

of planning in advance is the cooperation with

prepare the “soil” for further growth in other areas. I

the Museum of Contemporary Art in Belgrade. We

tend to see culture also as a “spearhead” of economic

started planning the exhibition of Gottfried Hel-

development. The Austrian Cultural Forum Belgrade

nwein, one of Austria’s most prominent contempo-

works closely with the political department in our em-

rary artists, almost three years ago, and it is about to

bassy, and even with Advantage Austria, our chamber

be opened, on 6th November this year.

of commerce, in order to develop projects that will encourage Serbia on its path tow EU ascension. We also

■ The Austrian Cultural Forum has only had a Fa-

maintain regular contact with the EU Delegation and

cebook page for years, instead of a website, and

try to support each other in carrying out projects that

that page has over 10,000 likes. How much do

might be interesting and useful for our Serbian part-

you use this page to gain new admirers of Aus-

ners. We have long lasting relations with the universi-

trian contemporary art, culture and science?

ties in Serbia and, together with our local partners, we

− We are somehow proud to say that we started

try to adjust our offer of programmes to suit the real

as a “profile” on Facebook, since we tend to look

needs of target groups in Serbia.

at our audience as rather being our “friends” than our “fans”. However, we reached the limit of 5,000

■ In which areas do we see the most scientific

friends very quickly and had to switch to the “page”

cooperation between Austrian and Serbian

option. We sometimes use the page to promote

institutions?

general ideas and themes that currently dominate

− Based on the needs expressed by our local partners,

Austria’s contemporary culture scene, but our fo-

we support scientific exchange in all areas. There are

cus is on the actual projects we carry out. We find

two Austrian libraries in Serbia – one in Belgrade (host-

social media very useful for our work and for com-

ed by the University Library “Svetozar Marković”) and

munication with a wide audience. It is also a good

one in Novi Sad (hosted by Matica Srpska). Right now,

evaluation tool, giving us a chance to get prompt

for example, we are exploring the possibilities of mak-

feedback about our programmes. ■

AUSTRIAN CULTURE

Gaudi of

AUSTRIA FRIEDENSREICH HUNDERTWASSER

Hundertwasser House in Vienna, both an apartment house and expressionist landmark, which was built according to the idea and concept of Friedensreich Hundertwasser, is for many visitors the best known piece of architecture connected to this extraordinary Austrian painter turned architect 44 |

A

ustrian artist and thinker Friedensreich Hundertwasser (1928-2000) was a visionary far ahead of his time; a man who was determined to use the power of his art to spread his message “how basically simple it is to have paradise on earth”.

Before climate change became a household term, Hundertwasser was a pioneer of environmental protection and eco-activism, as well as an ambassador for the notion of a self-determined alternative existence. Whether he was materialising paradise in brightly coloured, sprawling, ornamental paintings, devising organic, undulating, phantasmagorical buildings, letting plants grow wild on rooftops, inside houses and through windows, or organising nettle and tree-planting actions, his vision was to use his art to make the world a better place – a paradise. Hundertwasser painted wherever he was, at home, in

SIGNIFICANT GROWTH OF COOPERATION AND FRIENDSHIP

SWAROVSKI SERBIA HUNDERTWASSER HOUSE ON THE CORNER OF THE LÖWENGASSE WITH THE KEGELGASSE IN VIENNA, AUSTRIA

in the form of prints or popular souvenirs from Vienna. The wide range of objects Hundertwasser designed included wall calendars, an edition of the bible and the great Brockhaus lexicon, wrist watches, china and writing paper. This made him an omnipresent representative of applied arts in the truest sense. His works were influenced by the English “Arts and Crafts Movement” of the 19th century, as well as the early 20th century Jugendstil style of the “Wiener Werkstätten”.

His popularity was the very reason why his work was often trivialised and dismissed as kitsch by the art establishment, which was unable to recognise his avant-garde approach.

Therefore he became the most famous, but also the most controversial, Austrian artist of the post-war period.

His artworks reflect his philosophy, which is based on a harmonious interaction between nature and man, and closely interconnected with current ideas about green architecture, ecology and urban gardening.

Hundertwasser was born in Vienna on 15th December 1928 as Friedrich Stowasser. He attended the Montessori School in 1936. During the persecution of the Third Reich, he lost all his relatives on his Jewish mother’s side in the Nazi concentration camps. In 1949, as a reaction to the state of the world around him, he changed his name to Friedrich Hundertwasser, derived from FRIEDENSREICH HUNDERTWASSER, THE WALDSPIRALE IN DARMSTADT, GERMANY a translation of the Slavic “Sto”

nature and on the road, in cafés and restaurants, on the train or on aeroplanes, in hotels or at the homes of friends or acquaintances he was visiting. He had no studio and did not paint at an easel, but instead spread the canvas or sheet of paper flat in front of him.

Hundertwasser gained worldwide renown in the 1960s and was widely influential throughout his eventful career. His unique imagery made it into many homes in the 1970s,

A modern production facility measuring 15,000 square metres, completed in just 16 months, opened in early September 2015 in Subotica, the emerging economic hub of northern Serbia. Subotica provides a strong logistical network with Swarovski’s headquarters in Wattens, Austria, and is part of the company’s international production strategy.

According to a Swarovski statement, “the Serbian authorities have been highly professional and engaged in their support for us.

The partnership that has grown over the past years has created the solid foundation for a longterm commitment.”

The Swarovski Group comprises Swarovski Optik, which produces precision optical instruments like telescopes and binoculars; Tyrolit, a leading producer of grinding, sawing, drilling, and dressing tools, as well as a provider of tools and machines; and the Swarovski Crystal Business.

Swarovski is registering strong growth in its 120th anniversary year. Following sales worth €2.33 billion in 2014, double-digit growth is expected to be achieved in the current year.

SIGNIFICANT GROWTH OF COOPERATION AND FRIENDSHIP

| 45

In a time of utopian deficiency, Hundertwasser makes for a surprising and inspiring acquaintance, who hits us right where we live,” said Christian Gether, director of Copenhagen’s Museum of Modern Art -ARKEN (which means one hundred). In 1951, aged 23, he was sufficiently important to be admitted to the Art Club of Vienna, and four years later he began his lifelong foreign travel, at first to locations where his work was exhibited, but later to destinations in Africa, Tahiti, Asia and the Pacific.

Hundertwasser carried out the first of his many action-based artworks about individual freedom and autonomy back in the 1950s, as a showdown with Rationalist and Functionalist architecture.

In his thoughts about sustainability and ecology, and an art practice propelled by a basic utopian impulse, he proved to be way ahead of his time.

Hundertwasser lectured at the Academy of Arts in Hamburg, Ger-

46 |

many, in 1959, and from 1981 he held a master class at the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna. In addition to his splendid atelier in Vienna, he had workshops and homes in a remote mill in Lower Austria, in Normandy, at Guidecca in Venice and, in his last decades, in Kanui / Bay of Islands in New Zealand.

Once he called himself a “magician of vegetation”, as his paintings resemble living organisms, while his wavy, asymmetric, brightly coloured architecture seems to grow and morph before our eyes. He sought to connect and reconcile the organic-vegetal world with the man-made. Trees and plants grow on the rooftops, through buildings and windows. One admirer called Hundert-

SIGNIFICANT GROWTH OF COOPERATION AND FRIENDSHIP

wasser the Gaudi of Austria.

In 1959, together with fellow painters Arnulf Rainer and Ernst Fuchs, he developed a new programme for artists called “Das Pintorarium”. At Seckau Monastery in Styria, Hundertwasser presented his “Moldiness Manifesto” for the first time, a document that enjoyed great popularity during the heyday of the counter-culture. In his 1968 “Los von Loos” (Break away from Loos) manifesto, he denounced the aridity and rigid aesthetics in art, and provocatively demanded more beauty and more kitsch.

Hundertwasser also spoke up for general issues and concerns, such as the preservation of the Hainburg marshlands near Vienna (1984), and fought against nuclear power plants. Even as an elderly man he went out into the streets for an independent national design of number plates, and in 1993 protested against Austria’s planned accession to the EC. Whatever Hundertwasser spoke out for, he advocated strong, autonomous, authentic,

In his thoughts about sustainability and ecology, and an art practice propelled by a basic utopian impulse, Hundertwasser proved to be way ahead of his time

headstrong and green views.

“There is no doubt that Hundertwasser, in his ideas about green architecture, ecology and urban gardening, is more current than ever. But his utopian vision, his faith in the power of art, is also very relevant today. In a time of utopian deficiency, Hundertwasser makes for a surprising and inspiring acquaintance, who hits us right where we live,” said Christian Gether, director of the Copenhagen-

based Museum of Modern Art -ARKEN, speaking at the opening of a major exhibition of the works of this Austrian artist in the Danish capital.

As a painter and architect, Hundertwasser has spread his colourful legacy all over Vienna. Hundertwasser House, ‘KunstHausWien’ and the ‘Spittelau’ community heating plant, both catch the eye with their colourful tiling, mosaics, turrets, columns and onion shaped spires.

His work can be seen not just in Vienna, but throughout Austria. Some examples include the Motorway Restaurant in Bad Fischau-Brunn, Hot Springs Village in Bad Blumau, and Hundertwasserkirche in Bärnbach, both in Styria, Hundertwasserhaus Waldspirale, in Darmstadt, Die Grüne Zitadelle von Magdeburg inMagdeburg, Kindergarten Heddernheim in Frankfurt, Wohnen unterm Regenturm, in Plochingen, Kuchlbauer-Turm, in Abensberg, Hundertwasser “environmental railway station”, in Uelzen, all in Germany, Markthalle in Altenrhein (Switzerland), Ronald McDonald Kinder Vallei, in Valkenburg aan de Geul (the Netherlands). His work can also be found in New Zealand, Japan, and the U.S. In June this year, Whangarei, New Zealand’s northernmost city and the regional capital of the Northland Region, decided to build the Hundertwasser Wairau Maori Arts Centre, after local businesspeople and art lovers formed a trust to raise money for its construction.

Hundertwasser, who lived in Northland and died there in 2000, first offered his design for an arts centre in 1990. ■

AUSTRIAN CUSTOMS

TYROLEAN TRADITIONS

Festive FRENZY Various traditions and celebrations are an integral part of Austria. The most exciting places to go for them are not just Vienna, Graz and Salzburg, but also small communities that are traditionally resistant to cultural change. If puzzled by the wide variety of choices, try first enjoying them in Tyrol

T

“ALMABTRIEBE” THE DAY WHEN THE CATTLE RETURN FROM ALPINE PASTURES IS CELEBRATED THROUGHOUT TYROL FROM MID-SEPTEMBER UNTIL THE EARLY DAYS OF OCTOBER

yrol has many diverse regions and val-

the most interesting traditions of All Saints’ Day is

vember, when graves are decorated with

leys with different dialects, mentalities

the so-called “Krapfenschnappen”. This custom

flowers and candles and different regions in

and mannerisms. It is abundant in col-

includes young boys and men walking from door

Austria have customs that see godparents

ourful traditions that are celebrated and main-

to door, wearing white shirts and an animal hide,

make symbolic gifts for their godchildren.

tained throughout the year. Some of them can

as well as a hat. In their hands they hold “Schnap-

December is dominated by the customs

be traced back to pagan times, some blended

per”, a wooden stick with the head of an animal

and traditions related to the advent calen-

one into another even though they have differ-

at the top and a rope through a mandible, which

dar and Christmas, but most of the events

ent roots, but all of them are filled with joy. Here

makes a rattling and clattering sound. The “Krap-

normally start in late November.

we will lead you through the most important

fenschnapper” are rewarded with krapfen and

The traditional “Perchtenlauf” in Tyrol,

festivities taking place in autumn and winter.

pastries, which are considered a blessing of pas-

which takes place at the beginning of Decem-

September and October are months for “Almabtriebe” in all the alpine regions of Austria, but those happening in Tyrol are perhaps the most colourful. Every year in Tyrol some 180,000 horses, sheep, steers and goats spend their summer on more than 2,600 lush alpine

ber, is aimed at banishing winter

Some of Tyrol’s traditions and customs can be traced back to pagan times, some have blended one into another, despite having different roots, but all of them are filled with joy

pastures. The day when the cat-

and evil winter spirits. The Perchten of Tyrol, Salzburg and parts of Upper Austria represent a very prominent example of heathenish or pagan traditions in the Alps. According to ancient Indo-Germanic believes, the winter months are dominated by demons and evil spir-

tle return from alpine pastures is celebrated

try and are often also laid on graves. In apprecia-

its. It is the winters that bring darkness, cold

throughout Tyrol from mid-September until

tion of the gifts, boys perform a poem or a song.

and dangers, so it is easy to understand how

the early days of October. On this occasion

Every village has its own variation on this

such beliefs evolved. Traditionally, Frau Per-

cows are decorated lushly with flowers, gar-

traditional event. In Patriasdorf at Lienz, for

chta is believed to be a god-like creator half

lands and bells, while farmers prepare tradi-

example, boys must not reveal their identity

man, half woman, but usually displayed in its

tional delicacies. Music and entertainment

and therefore have to adjust their voices or not

female manifestation. She appears on Earth at

are everywhere and everyone celebrates.

speak at all. In Kals, however, they express

the turning point between the old and the new

thanks for the gift by saying “Vergelt’s Gott für

year (winter solstice, matching with Christmas

die Armen Seelen” (God bless the poor souls).

and the Julfestival in Scandinavian countries).

The most important day in October is “All Saint’s Day”, marked on 31st October and representing a day to commemorate the dead. One of

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“All Soul’s Night” takes place on 1st No-

SIGNIFICANT GROWTH OF COOPERATION AND FRIENDSHIP

Frau Perchta represents the dual male/female

Family in the stable, with the shepherds and angels in adoration of the child. From 6th January they are joined by the Three Wise Men, or Magi.

Christmas Eve is probably more important in Austria than Christmas Day. Shops will typically close at noon or in the early afternoon. Lent officially ends after the “Mette” or “Christmette” (night service), which normally culminates at candlelight with the singing of “Stille Nacht” (“Silent Night”), the king of the Christmas Carols. Christmas is traditionally celebrated with the family. Presents are given under the Christmas tree on Christmas Eve and not on the 25th, as is the case in many other countries.

One of the most popular gifts for Christmas are felt slippers, also called “Toggln” in local dialect, soft and cuddly slippers for cold winter days, which have been produced in Tyrol for centuries.

THE “KRAMPUSTAG” HOLIDAY TAKES PLACE ON 5TH DECEMBER, THE DAY WHEN YOUNG MEN DRESS UP IN FUR AND DEVIL’S MASKS

deity and is accompanied by all sorts of evil winter spirits.

Incense is burned in South Tyrolean homes on Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve and the evening of 6th January. During these three incense nights, family members carry a pan full of embers - over which incense has been sprinkled - around the house and farmstead, praying for benediction.

The “Krampustag” holiday takes place on 5th December. The word

New Year’s Eve is called “Silvester” in Austria, since 31st December is

Krampus is derived from the mid-High German word for claw - this is

the day of St. Sylvester. It is typically celebrated with parties and major

the day when young men dress up in fur and devil’s masks, collecting ox

fireworks displays to welcome in the New Year at midnight.

tails and bundles of branches as weapons. The traditions of the Perchten

On the first days of the New Year, the Sternsinger (star singers) go from

were integrated into this custom through the “Krampus”, which differs

house to house. They are children or teens dressed as the Three Wise Men

from Perchta. It is unlike Perchten because it is not meant to protect

who, according to the Christmas story, came from the Orient bearing gifts

against evil, but many mix the two customs today.

for the Christ-child. They sing special songs and collect donations. With

During advent (the four weeks leading up to Christmas), most Austrians set up an “Adventskranz”: the Advent wreath consists of four candles anchored in a circle of evergreen branches. This German Lutheran custom has been adopted by many families and churches, also in South Tyrol.

Christians light an Advent candle as they say a prayer at the beginning (Sunday) of each of the four weeks leading up to Christmas.

Klöckeln is a tradition which is still alive in certain valleys. In the Val Sarentino/Sarntal it can be traced back to the 16th century and has survived in a very original form to this day. The name “Klöckeln” derives from a dialect word for “klopfen” or “knock”. The three “Klöckel nights” are the three Thursday evenings before the winter solstice. Masked youths move in groups from house to house creating a din and asking for gifts. While doing so they sing two songs, the “Klöckel” song and the thanking song, both to inherited tunes. Two men dressed as a married couple – the “Zussler” – play an important role. Nobody is certain as to the origins of this tradition, which probably has its roots in pagan customs. Several days prior to Christmas, families set up the Nativity Crib at home, with figures made from clay or wood, often carved at home, replicating the manger scene from the Bible’s nativity. It features the Holy

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consecrated chalk, they write the year and the initials C+M+B (Christus mansionem benedicat - Christ bless this house) on the house door. ■

EDUCATION IN AUSTRIA

Skilled and

VALUED

Austrian employers highly value their professionally educated workforce and a pilot project was recently implemented in Serbia to introduce the dual system of education that should provide Serbian school pupils with knowledge that corresponds with the needs of the market

dents complete vocational training or gain practical experience within companies.

Austria has a wide network of tertiary educational institutions, including 21 high professional schools, 22 public universities and 13 private universities. High professional schools, which offer 393 different courses, are focused in particular on the needs of the enterprise and maintain inn an effort to align the education system education to university, this amounts to tensive contacts with the industry. This with the state and requirements of the $12,285 per capita each year, a figure signifkind of education combination is consideconomy, a project to develop a dual sysicantly higher than the comparable OECD ered extremely successful across Europe tem of education was recently launched in average of $9,252. and represents a key factor for the success Serbia, under the auspices of the reform of The Austrian education system is also of the Austrian economy. vocational education, with the introduccharacterised by a high level of flexibility: For Serbia, which is struggling with an tion of a small number of new educational there is encouragement and stimulation for extremely high level of youth unemployprofiles, but with a tendency to expand that all those who transfer from one school to ment while the economy lacks personnel number. In the introduction of dual educaanother, as well as those who opt for higher trained for the market, the dual education education later in life. Austrians are the Eution to schools, Serbia is relying on the exsystem has been accepted as a good soluperience of the Austrian system and enjoys ropean champions of additional education. tion to these problems. The dual model of the full support of Austria in this endeavour.

Schools for acquiring trades with praceducating personnel has multiple signifiThe Austrian education system is tical work experience and higher vocational cant advantages for students, the economy among the best in the world. Austria sysschools both implement the dual system of and society. Namely, school-leavers most tematically invests in the education of its education, which represents a combination commonly remain in the employ of the population in order to safeguard the prosof theory and practice. Curriculum plans company where they have trained, with perity of the country and strengthen Austria and training courses are tailored to meet companies preferring to invest in students as a business location. Public and private the demands of the economy, while stuwho they are able to profile, through expenditure on education confirms training in the workplace, according its great importance: Austria devotes 5.9 per cent of its annual GDP to edu- Modernisation of the chamber system to their business process, rather than someone from the labour cational measures in order to further is a prerequisite for introducing the retraining market, while society gains an eduimprove its high standards. dual system of education in Serbia, cated workforce that is fully in line Expenditure per pupil or stuwith the needs of the economy. dent during the entire educational as chambers of commerce play Earlier this year, talks between career in Austria is the highest a crucial role in implementing the Serbian Economy Minister Željko within the OECD countries, with the Sertić and Austrian Ambassador exceptions of the U.S., Switzerland dual education system Johannes Eigner led to the concluand Norway. From primary school

I

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SIGNIFICANT GROWTH OF COOPERATION AND FRIENDSHIP

sion that there is a need for further schooling corresponds to the first year cooperation in the area of introducing of secondary level II. At this point the dual education in Serbia. Developdifferentiation of the school system increases, in order to provide students ment of the model has already begun with the opportunity to choose beat the Mechanical School in Kraljevo, the Technical School in Subotica, the tween continuing their general educaPolytechnic School in Kragujevac, as tion or switching to professional prowell as in Novi Sad, Obrenovac, Lazagrammes. Vocational education can revac and Mladenovac. be completed under apprenticeships The Austrian education system dif(dual system), at vocational secondfers from Serbia’s, thus Serbia’s domestic ary or higher schools. After completing the secondary level education system must be adapted to of education, about 80% meet local needs and the opportunities of students opt for vocaof the domestic market, as well as the financial capabilities of the state and tional training. the economy. Compulsory schooling Students who opt for starts at the age of six and lasts for nine vocational training in the dual system must first years. Every child’s education in Austria starts with four years at primary school absolve their ninth year (Volksschule), where the emphasis is of compulsory schooling. on comprehensive general education.

This is usually conducted After primary education, pupils have at a one-year prevocational school (Polytechnische a choice between two types of school Schule). Apprenticeships that last for four years: these are lower (Lehrlingsausbildung) secondary school (Hauptschule) and which then follow take the lower level of general education place both in education fasecondary school - lower level of AHS (Unterstufe einer allgemein bildende höhere Schule or AHS UnterThe upcoming modernisation of the stufe). Higher primary Serbian chamber system will seek to schools provide pupils with basic general eduapply the Austrian model, which will cation that prepares not be able to be replicated in full, them for transition to the secondary level II, but which is compatible with Serbia’s but also prepares them needs to a significant exten for professional life.

At the fifth and sixth levels, the curricula of these two types of schools are identical. cilities (Lehrbetrieb) and in vocational From the seventh grade, AHS studies are schools (Berufsschule). Apprenticedivided into three educational branches ships last – depending on the skilled with different focuses: classical secondtrade in question – between two and ary school with Latin, secondary school four years, most commonly taking with a focus on mathematics and geomthree years to complete. etry, and economic secondary school.

A further form of vocational eduThe last year of compulsory cation at secondary level II is the vo-

cational secondary school (berufsbildende mittlere Schule or BMS). This school provides pupils with thorough professional competences to become qualified to practice a skilled trade.

Studies at BMS schools mostly last between three and four years. Chambers of commerce represent an important factor in the implementation of dual education. The upcoming modernisation of the Serbian chamber system

will seek to apply the Austrian model, which will not be able to be replicated in full, but which is the most preferable from the standpoint of the size and structure of the economy, and which is compatible with Serbia’s needs to a significant extent.

Modernisation of the chamber system is a prerequisite for introducing the dual system of education in Serbia, as chambers of commerce play a crucial role in implementing the dual education system: publishing lists of vacancies in the economy, determining whether firms meet the conditions required to carry out the practical training of students, performing regularly analyse of staffing requirements and proposing new occupations that can enter the catalogue of courses. 

SIGNIFICANT GROWTH OF COOPERATION AND FRIENDSHIP

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TOURISM

LOWER AUSTRIA

Mild and

WILD With its many cultural treasures and good food, Lower Austria is one of the most popular destinations among leisure travellers

TYROL IS POPULAR DESTINATION THROUGHOUT THE YEAR FOR BOTH SKIING AND HIKING

A

ustria’s largest province has a variety of sceneries and landscapes unique in Central Europe - alluvial forests, rolling vineyards, lush meadows, undulating hills, beautiful river landscapes and pristine moors.

It has a population of 1,617,455 and covers a surface area of 19,186km2, with an agricultural area of 941,627 hectares. It holds Austria’s biggest quality-wine territory. Its

capital city, Sankt Pölten, still waits to be properly discovered.

The primeval forests along the Danube, March and Thaya rivers, the brusque canyons of Ötscher Mountain, the gently rolling hills of the country around Retz, the swamps in the Waldviertel, the great river valley of the Wachau, the pine woods in the Wienerwald and the oak woods in the Weinviertel, the mystic power spots of the Waldviertel and the peaceful cellar lanes of the Weinviertel, alpine pastures, sun flower fields, vineyards, wild mountain rivers – all are available for tourists seeking rich, natural and diversified beauty.

Holidaymakers may look for hiking, cycling and golfing, rest and relaxation at THE GENTLE HILLS OF LOWER AUSTRIA spas, or cultural ex-

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SIGNIFICANT GROWTH OF COOPERATION AND FRIENDSHIP

plorations at one of the province’s 14 monasteries. Austria’s largest wine-growing region celebrates wine and all that goes into making it with over 800 festivals, events and parties along Lower Austria’s Wine Route.

The annual Lower Austrian Wine Autumn is the province’s largest tourist attraction.

Winter holidays in Lower Austria are all about fun in the snow. There are some 40 ski areas, including Zauberberg Semmering, which has Europe’s most extensive night skiing, and Göstling-Hochkar, which has a location that ensures it enjoys long winters with reliable snow conditions.

The vast country around Vienna has many man-made treasures: The offer goes from small and old treasures like the Venus vom Galgenberg – the world’s oldest stone monument, dating back to the year 30,000 BC – up to large and modern sights like the Landshaus district in St. Pölten – an excellent example of modern architecture.

Three main regions of Lower Austria, Wachau in the North, the Danube region to the West of Vienna and the Pannonian Lower

the West of Vienna, and Bucklige Welt (“humpy world”) in the Southeast. The Bucklige Welt is known in particular for its numerous “Most-Heurige” (from the Austrian word “heurig”, meaning “from this year”), which are seasonal wine taverns where this year’s wine and a limited selection of food is served in a very simple and sociable setting. For the Bucklige Welt region, apple must or cider is especially typical.

MOSTVIERTEL

Austria in the Southeast, produce a number of very different wines: the Grüner Veltliner, with its peppery fresh taste, is certainly the region’s most famous and popular wine. The rather dry Riesling, for example, is harvested mostly in the Danube region between Melk and Klosterneuburg. Specialities like the Weißburgunder, or the Chardonnay, can be found in the Kamptal, where the volcanic soil adds a mineral touch to the wine. Excellent red wines, such as the harmonic Zweigelt, the St. Laurent, and also increasingly Pinot Noir, are produced in the area to the south of Vienna.

The so-called “Weinstraße” (wine street), an 830-kilometre-long route, which leads through eight distinct wine regions, more than 150 wine villages and approximately 1500 inns, is a popular route for Austrians.

“Most”, from the Latin vinum mustum (young wine), is freshly pressed fruit juice.

The most common kind is made from grapes, which is also the first step in winemaking.

This popular alcoholic drink is very common in Lower Austria, especially in the regions between the Mostviertel (“must quarter”) to

DÜRNSTEIN, A SMALL BAROQUE VILLAGE ON THE DANUBE, IS REGARDED AS ONE OF THE MOST ROMANTIC PLACES IN THE WACHAU VALLEY

The inhabitants of the Mostviertel region have a saying: ‘People love living wherever the pear thrives’. This area of Lower Austria is akin to a gigantic orchard in which the local people devote their existence to the production of partially fermented pear cider.

The several hundred thousand pear trees in the region are abundant with this most venerable of fruit, due to the beneficially mild climate to the south of the Danube. Visitors are immediately struck by the beauty of the scenery, the quaint villages and magnificent quadratic farmhouse courtyards.

Wallsee-Sindelburg, a place offering rest

Three main regions of Lower Austria, Wachau in the North, the Danube region to the west of Vienna and the Pannonian Lower Austria, in the southeast, produce a number of interesting wines

SIGNIFICANT GROWTH OF COOPERATION AND FRIENDSHIP

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and relaxation, is situated on the Danube in the more densely wooded northern part of the Mostviertel region. Guests can look forward to various options for relaxing, indulging in sporting activities and finding great entertainment.

The picturesque town has its own uniquely idyllic attraction. The town is right on the banks of the Danube and many of its houses have wonderful floral decorations. There is also the magnificent Habsburg palace and grounds, which is still home to a great grandson of Emperor Franz Josef.

WACHAU - NIBELUNGENGAU

This 36km section of the Danube has been declared a UNESCO world cultural heritage site of ‘extraordinary and universal value’. The Wachau is a real highlight along the Danube and is ideally suited to exploration by ship.

TULLN - DANUBE - WAGRAM

The middle section of the three Lower Austrian Danube regions offers stunningly expansive views. Sights worth seeing include the Roman city of Traismauer, the colourful summer stages in Tulln, and the towns of Stockerau and Korneuburg. Visitors marvel at the broad Danube plains, venerable old buildings and numerous places of interest. Wagram is an excellent and attractive winegrowing area: gentle loess soil terraces and rustic lanes of old cellars exude their own unique charm. Visitors looking to remain on the move can enjoy a number of cycle paths around the area.

AROUND VIENNA

The Marchfeld, which is an area in the East of Vienna and, in geological terms, is the

“WEINSTRASSE” (WINE STREET) IS AN 830-KILOMETRE-LONG ROUTE THROUGH EIGHT DISTINCT WINE REGIONS

biggest plain in Lower Austria. It is well known for its corn and vegetable production. Besides onions, peas, carrots, spinach, salad, beans, celeriac and maize, the “star” among the Marchfeld vegetables is the asparagus, which serves as an important ingredient for many Austrian dishes. The first planned item on the agenda is a visit to Pielachtal. “In the heart of nature’s plenty, in the heart of Pielachtal life” is the motto that inspires offers providing authentic insight into the valley’s nature, culture, crafts and way of life. The valley is known for the cornus fruit, cornelian cherry or the dirndl, a very old and healthy species which is cultivated as the valley’s “trademark” fruit.

It is an excellent choice for making jellies, candies, soft drinks and wine. Pielachtal is also well known for its culture, nature, way of life, handicrafts and specialty foods,

ZAUBERBERG SEMMERING HAS EUROPE’S MOST EXTENSIVE NIGHT SKIING

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which combine to form a network of innovative offers. The dirndl is presented as a tourist attraction and introduced to guests in a manner that is both entertaining and educational. With initiatives for gentle mobility, cooperative projects combining agriculture, handicrafts and tourism, as well as a sustainability report that is nationally unique, the Pielachtal has succeeded in demonstrating that it deserves the title of Austria’s best emerging rural destination.

Guests are invited to learn to “read” the landscape and discover the interrelationships between nature and agriculture. They have the opportunity to learn about the principles and advantages of sustainable horticulture, as well as the processing of fruits and herbs.

There are a variety of gardens: the lovingly cultivated and tended natural landscape, gardens of local residents and the Steinschaler gardens. Qualified guides impart interesting facts about hiking, caves and nature in the area.

Sustainability is a tradition in Pielachtal.

Farming shaped the life of the valley in the past and continues to do so to this day.

Human activity has traditionally revolved around cattle, chicken and sheep, herbs and fruits, while the most common fruit in the area is the cider pear.

In addition to ecology and economy, social networking and cultural resources are abundant. A multitude of cultural projects have been initiated, including the “Pielachtal Artists Days”, regular performances of folk music at inns, and a cooperative venture with the director of the Vienna Boys Choir.

Holidaymakers may seek hiking, cycling and golfing, rest and relaxation at spas or cultural explorations at one of the province’s 14 monasteries

SIGNIFICANT GROWTH OF COOPERATION AND FRIENDSHIP

nary delights, healthy offers and modern wellness spots. The imperial spa town of Baden is famous for its beneficial sulphurous mineral springs far beyond the borders of Austria. With a natural temperature of up to 36 degree Celsius, the curative water is the basis for numerous treatments in the fields of prevention, the Baden spa treatment, wellness and just bathing fun.

SCHONBRUNN PALACE, VIENNA

MARIAZELLERBAHN

The same area is home to the historical Mariazellerbahn narrow gauge railway – one of the most beautiful alpine railways in Europe. During the journey from Pielachtal to Gösing, you’ll find out more about the new stairway to heaven, a modern mode of transport for commuters and tourists, which is taking the Mariazellerbahn railway into a whole new future.

ST.PÖLTEN

St.Pölten is a beautiful old town with a mix of Baroque and Jugendstil buildings and the hypermodern Government Quarter and Culture District. It is a gorgeous, fully intact, historically preserved old city with numerous architecturally significant buildings from Contemporary Austrian Architecture and a diverse, year-round art and performance programme within its own Culture District.

It is also a popular shopping destination, featuring Austria´s second oldest pedestrian zone. Surrounded with areas of unspoilt nature within the city limits, it is the best spot for daily tours around Lower Austria.

SCHLOSS HOF

The castle between Vienna and the Slovakian capital of Bratislava was Prince Eugene of Savoy’s beautifully restored baroque country retreat. It boasts lavish rooms, manicured baroque gardens and an authentic manor farm. The palace makes for a fantastic day trip from Vienna for culture travellers and families. It is open from early April until early November.

Pielachtal is well known for its culture, nature, way of life, handicrafts and specialty foods, which combine to form a network of innovative offers KREMS AN DER DONAU

Krems an der Donau is the eastern gateway to the Wachau Valley, one of Europe’s prettiest river landscapes. It is also one of the oldest cities in the land and its history, extending back more than a thousand years, is evident everywhere - in the streets and squares, in the old monasteries and churches, in the townhouses and fortifications. The historical centre of Krems is one of the most beautiful in Europe.

Over the centuries, builders and architects have created a unique cityscape here that has been lovingly cared for and preserved.

BADEN

The elegant music and shopping city of Baden, which was once an imperial summer residence, offers first-class accommodation, a broad range of cultural and culi-

STIFT KLOSTERNEUBURG

Klosterneuburg is a lovely small town dominated by a twelfth-century Augustinian monastery of the Roman Catholic Church, overlooking the Danube. The monastery was founded in 1114 by Saint Leopold III of Babenberg, the patron saint of Austria, and his second wife Agnes of Germany. The impressive complex was mostly constructed between 1730 and 1834, while its foundations, including its castle tower and Gothic chapel, date back to the twelfth century. ■

SIGNIFICANT GROWTH OF COOPERATION AND FRIENDSHIP

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COMPANY REGISTER

Baumit Serbia d.o.o.

Smederevski put 25k, 11130 Beograd, Srbija Tel: +381 (0) 11 347 50 79; Fax: +381 (0) 11 347 47 95 e-mail: office@baumit.rs www.baumit.rs A.S.A. EKO D.O.O. Bojan Marković, Director Tel. +381 11 347 03 23 Fax +381 11 347 81 56 info@asa-yu.eu www.asa-group.com ABC EUROPEAN AIR&SEA CARGO DISTRIBUTION D.O.O. Mirko Ilić, Director Tel: +381 21 426 907 rsnvs@abc-airsea.com www.abc-airsea.com ADVOKATSKA KANCELARIJA MORAVČEVIĆ VOJNOVIĆ I PARTNERI IN COOPERATION WITH SCHOENHERR Slaven Moravčević, Partner Tel: +381 11 320 26 00 Fax: +381 11 320 26 10 office@schoenherr.rs www.schoenherr.rs ADVOKATSKA KANCELARIJA VUČENOVIĆ – PARTNERBÜRO VON SPECHT BÖHM Dušan Rakitić, Partner Tel: +381 11 365 00 44 Fax: +381 11 365 00 84 dusan.rakitic@ specht-partner.com www.spechtboehm.com ADVOKATSKO ORTAČKO DRUŠTVO ŽIVKOVIĆ SAMARDŽIĆ Miloš Živković, Partner Tel: +381 11 263 66 36 Fax: +381 11 263 55 55 office@zslaw.rs www.zslaw.rs AGRANA-STUDEN SERBIA D.O.O. Mitja Kovačič, Director Tel: +381 11 655 58 56 info@agrana-studen.com www.agrana-studen.com AGRO SOLUCIJE D.O.O. Danko Vuković, Direktor Tel: +381 11 351 37 05 Mob: +381 60 3259098 www.glaholding.com ALAS HOLDING A.D. Miljan Ivanovic, General Director Tel: +381 11 311 93 77 Fax: +381 11 407 20 46 d.tosic@alas-holding.rs www.alas-holding.rs ALBA INVEST D.O.O. FALKENSTEINER HOTEL BELGRADE Aleksandar Vasilijevic, Director Tel: +381 11 225 00 00 reservations.belgrade@ falkensteiner.com www.falkensteiner.com ALCA TRGOVINA D.O.O. Mitja Janežič, Director Tel: +381 11 205 44 00 Fax: +381 11 205 44 60 info@rs.alcagroup.com www.alca.rs ALIAXIS UTILITIES & INDUSTRY D.O.O. Slobodan Nikolov, Director Tel: +381 18 453 23 26 Fax: +381 18 420 24 26 info@aliaxis-ui.rs www.aliaxis-ui.rs ALMI-A-ACK D.O.O. Vasilije Avramović, Director Tel: +381 11 219 91 30 Fax: +381 11 316 10 05 almiaack@ikom.rs www.almi.at ALPHASET D.O.O. Stefan Mattes, Director Tel: +381 11 391 00 24 Fax: +381 11 391 00 42 office@alphaset.rs

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www.alphaset.rs Fax: +381 11 222 06 63 ALUFIX D.O.O. BDFBelgrade@beiersdorf.com Petar Komad www.beiersdorf.com Tel: +381 11 630 40 10 BENNING POWER ELECTRONICS D.O.O. prodaja@alufix.co.rs Ljubiša Paranos, Director ALU KOENIG STAHL D.O.O. Tel: +381 11 344 20 73 Saša Knežević, Director info@benning.co.rs Tel: +381 11 222 32 72 ljubisa.paranosbenning.co.rs Fax: +381 11 711 11 65 www.benning.rs office@alukoenigstahl.rs BEO MACO D.O.O. www.alukoenigstahl.rs Predrag Janković, Director ALUPLAST BGD D.O.O. Tel: +381 11 412 29 49 Alma Kapetanović, Director Tel: + 381 11 22 71 463 Tel: +381 11 307 03 28 BERRY FROST D.O.O. Fax: +381 11 307 04 41 Milica Simić- Simanić, Director a.plast@eunet.rs Tel: +381 15 871 823 www.aluplast.co.rs Fax: +381 15 871 817 AMEX EXPORT-IMPORT D.O.O. berry.frost.loznica@gmail.com Desimir Stijaković, Director www.katrading.at Tel: +381 11 412 49 56 BIOGAS ENERGY D.O.O. Fax: +381 11 342 17 89 Milomir Vuković, Director amexbeograd@beotel.rs BIOGAS PLANT ALIBUNAR www.amex.co.rs Tel: +381 11 398 92 29 ATOS IT SOLUTIONS AND Fax: +381 11 398 93 99 office@biogasenergy.rs SERVICES D.O.O. www.biogasenergy.rs Dragan Stokić, Direktor BLUEWATERS YU D.O.O. Tel: +381 11 301 22 00 Mila Tanasković, Director Fax: +381 11 301 22 50 Tel: +381 21 480 46 00 info.it-solutions.rs@atos.net Fax: +381 21 480 46 02 rs.atos.net office@bluewaters.co.rs AUSTRIAN AIRLINES www.bluewaters.rs PREDSTAVNIŠTVO BEOGRAD www.bluewaters.at Hannes Steinacker, BOREALIS L.A.T D.O.O. Contry Manager Vladan Popovik, Director Tel:+381 11 303 49 44 Tel: +381 11 260 88 31 Fax:+381 11 324 87 83 Fax: +381 11 260 89 20 office.belgrade@austrian.com lat.rs@borealisgroup.com www.austrian.com www.borealisgroup.com AUSTRIJSKI INSTITUT D.O.O. www.borealis-lat.com Dagmar Khamooshi, Director BRAMAC KROVNI SISTEMI D.O.O. Tel: +38 1 11 362 01 04 beograd@oei.org Biljana Tomović, Director www.beograd.oei.org Tel: +381 11 212 95 55 AUSTROTHERM D.O.O. Fax: +381 11 212 95 67 Dragomir Ilić, Director officesrb@bramac.com Tel: +381 14 291 310 bramac.com Fax: +381 14 291 313 BRANTNER OTPADNA office@austrotherm.rs PRIVREDA D.O.O. AUSTROTHERM Danijel Beronja, Director Tel:+381 23 771 150;775 841 –MARKETINGBÜRO BELGRAD Fax: +381 23 775 842 Vladimir Cujić,Marketing danijel.beronja@brantner.com -Leiter in Belgrad www.brantner.com Mob: +381 64 823 47 01 BRENNTAG CEE GMBH Tel: +381 11 236 92 80 PREDSTAVNIŠTVO vladimir.cujic@austrotherm.rs Branko Mitrović, Director office-beograd@austrotherm.rs Tel: +381 11 665 00 50 www.austrotherm.rs Fax: +381 11 367 60 84 BAUER SPEZIALTIEFBAU GMBH office@brenntag.rs – OGRANAK BELGRADE www.brenntag.rs Erwin Girsch, Director BRUCHA GESMBH Tel: +43 1 76022 20 Zoran Diković, Director Fax: +43 1 76022 22 Mob: +381 66 439494 sekretariat@bauer-spezialtiefbau.at z.dikovic@brucha.com www.bauer-spezialtiefbau.at www.brucha.com www.bauer.de CARGO-PARTNER DOO BAUMIT SERBIA D.O.O. Mirko Ilić, Director Branko Banjeglav, Direktor Tel: +381 11 312 10 62 Melanija Pavlović, Director Fax: +381 11 312 14 74 Tel: +381 11 347 50 79 mirko.ilic@cargo-partner.com Fax: +381 11 347 47 95 www.cargo-partner.com office@baumit.rs CENTRALNA PUTNA www.baumit.rs www.baustoffe.wup.at LABORATOIJA D.O.O. BAUSTOFF + METALL RITAM D.O.O. Radomir Jakovljević, Director Veselin Despotović, Director Tel: +381 21 820 160 Tel: +381 11 377 77 00 Fax: +381 21 820 181 Fax: +381 11 377 77 17 office@cpl.rs beograd@bm-ritam.co.rs www.cpl.rs www.baustoff-metall.com CHAPTER 4 D.O.O. www.bm-ritam.co.rs Tamara Bekčić, General Manager BEIERSDORF D.O.O. Tel: +381 11 386 25 39 Peter Koyš, Director Fax: + 381 11 386 25 41 Tel: +381 11 222 06 60 office-srb@chapter4.at

SIGNIFICANT GROWTH OF COOPERATION AND FRIENDSHIP

www.chapter4.rs www.chapter4.at CHEMOPHARMA CHEMIKALIEN-UND PHARMAZEUTIKA D.O.O. Nenad Grujičić, Director Tel: +381 11 311 53 63 Fax: +381 11 311 60 88 beograd@chemopharma.com www.chemopharma.com CINEPLEXX SRB D.O.O. Enver Hadžiabdić, Director Tel: +381 112203400 info@cineplexx.rs www.cineplexx.rs CITY EXPRESS D.O.O. Ivan Novaković, Director Tel: +381 11 309 30 00 Fax: +381 11 309 30 22 info@cityexpress.rs www.cityexpress.rs COFACE SRBIJAD.O.O. Đorđe Živanović, Director Tel: +381 11 39 76 051 Fax: +381 11 39 10 975 office-rs@coface.com www.coface.rs COMPACT MM TRADE D.O.O. Mirko Jovanović, Director Tel: +381 11 24 13 222 Fax: +381 11 24 23 244 office@compact-mmt.rs www.compact-mmt.rs COMPACT MONITORING SYSTEMS D.O.O. Danica Kojić, Director Tel:+381 11 383 70 98 Fax:+381 11 383 70 99 office@compact-ms.rs www.compact-ms.rs COMPRESS VERLAGSGESELLSCHAFT M.B.H. & CO KG (KONTAKTNI BIRO GRADA BEČA) Miloš Bogunović Tel: +381 11 337 36 73 Fax: +381 11 337 36 61 office@compresspr.rs www.compresspr.rs CONFIDA CONSULTING D.O.O. Christoph BRAUNIG, Partner Tel: +381 11 303 91 04 Fax: +381 11 303 91 05 office@confida.rs www.confida.rs CONFIDE & PARTNERS D.O.O. Milovan Jelčić, Director Mob: + 381 63 500 023 Tel: +381 21 423 543 jelcic@confidepartners.com www.confidepartners.com www.confide.at CS EVENTIM D.O.O. Pavle Leverda , Generalni direktor Tel: +381 11 214 43 84 office@eventim.rs www.eventim.rs www.ticketexpress.com D2 CONSULT INGENIEURE ZT-GMBH OGRANAK BEOGRAD Nenad Altman, Zastupnik Tel: +381 11 309 61 00 Fax: +381 11 246 48 37 office@d2consult.eu www.d2consult.eu DELIKOMAT D.O.O. Vladimir Bojović, Director Tel: +381 32 5482 082 Mob: +381 60 588 88 88 www.delikomat.rs DIALAB D.O.O. Danijela Jovanović , Director Tel: +381 11 323 87 45

Fax:+381 11 324 27 77 dialab@sbb.rs www.dialab.at DIE PRESSE Thomas Roser, Director Tel: +381 11 306 52 53 Fax: +381 11 306 52 54 roser.thomas@gmail.com diepresse.com DM DROGERIE MARKT D.O.O. Alehandra Olivera Korichi, Director Tel: +381 11 206 29 00 Fax: +381 11 206 29 35 dmbgd@dm-drogeriemarkt.rs www.dm-drogeriemarkt.rs DOKA SERB D.O.O. Branko Dobričanin, Director Tel: +381 22 400 100 serb@doka.com www.doka.com/rs DONAUCHEM GMBH REPRÄSENTANZ Duško Mihailović, Director Tel: +381 11 440 42 30 Fax: +381 11 440 42 31 dusko.mihailovic@ donauchem.com www.donauchem.at DONAU-TANKSCHIFFAHRTSGESELLSCHAFT M.B.H. PREDSTAVNIŠTVO BEOGRAD Miroslav Jelić, Director Tel: +381 69 733 433 jelic@dtsg.com www.dtsg.at DOPPELMAYR SEILBAHNEN GMBH OGRANAK BEOGRAD Andrea Kočovski, Director Tel: +381 30 434 932 Fax: +381 30 456 410 andrea.kocovski@ open.telekom.rs www.doppelmayr.com DS SMITH PACKAGING D.O.O. Zoran Jovanović, Director Tel: +381 37 427 971 Fax: +381 37 430 970 jovanovic.zoran@duropack.rs www.duropack.rs www.duropack.at DURST D.O.O. Klaus Durst, Director Tel: +381 11 220 58 10 Fax: +381 11 220 58 31 durst@durst.at www.atrium.rs/investor.html ECOREC D.O.O. Goran Vasić, Director Dejan Ilić, M&S Representative Tel: +381 35 572 244 Fax: +381 35 572 233 Mob:+381 63 637 094 dejan.ilic@ecorec.net www.ecorec.co.rs ECOVIS SEE D.O.O. Alexander Samoning, Director Tel: +381 11 395 68 00 Fax: +381 11 395 68 88 belgrade@ecovis.com www.ecovis.com/belgrade EGLO RASVETA D.O.O. Suzana Jovanović, General Manager Tel: +381 11 398 13 89 Fax: +381 11 398 13 66 eglo@eglorasveta.com www.eglorasveta.com EINHELL D.O.O. Ivan Kuzmanovski, Director Tel: +381 11 226 91 61 Fax: +381 11 226 91 63 info.serbia@einhell.com

www.einhell.com EJOT TEHNIKA SPAJANJA D.O.O. Oliver Đurić, Director Tel: +381 11 748 60 82 Fax: +381 11 748 00 56 info@ejot.rs www.ejot.rs ELBET D.O.O. Danko Vuković, Direktor Tel: +381 11 398 92 88 Fax: +381 11 398 92 29 office@elbet.rs www.elbet.rs ENERGO - PET D.O.O. Miroslav Popović, Director Tel: +381 22 391 257 Fax: +381 22 391336 office@energopet.net www.energopet.com EPIC EUROPEAN PRIVATISATION & INVESTMENT CORPORATION Bobo Ristić, Managing partner Predrag Nikolic, Contact Mobile: +381 63 43 13 89 predrag.nikolic@epicinvest.com bobo.ristic@epicinvest.com www.epicinvest.com ERSTE BANK A.D. Slavko Carić, Director Tel: +381 11 201 50 15 Fax: +381 11 201 50 95 info@erstebank.rs www.erstebank.rs ERSTE GROUP IMMORENT Claus Graggaber, Director Tel: +381 11 228 74 80 Fax: +381 11 22 87 482 office.rs@immorent. com www.erstegroupimmorent.rs ESTO RASVETA D.O.O. Petar Drča, Director Tel: +381 11 307 25 02 Fax: +381 11 316 66 03 office@estorasveta.com www.esto.at ESW EISENWERK SULZAU WERFEN -HANDELSVERTRETUNG Ljuban Vasić, Zastupnik Tel: +381 11 355 95 06 Fax: +381 11 354 49 78 office@esw.co.at www.esw.co.at EURO LOGISTIK SERVICE D.O.O. Saša Orlov, Direktor Tel: +381 11 785 64 10 Fax: +381 11 712 98 44 office@els.co.rs www.els.co.rs EUROFOAM-SUNDERI D.O.O Milena Urbančok, Director Tel: +381 22 310 032 Fax: +381 22 310 031 office@eurofoam.co.rs www. eurofoam.co.rs EUROPAPIER DUNAV DOO Dragutin Ilić, Director Tel: +381 11 715 08 40 Fax: +381 11 715 08 50 office@europapier.rs www.europapier.com EUROPEAN CONTRACT LOGISTICS - SERBIA D.O.O. Goran Đorđević, Director Tel: +381 11 711 32 00 Fax: +381 11 711 32 11 office@6oktobar.com www.6oktobar.com www.ec-logistics.net/ FEIX NUTRITION D.O.O. Željko Maksimović, Director Mob: + 381 64 661 64 27

Tel: +381 11 329 18 04, 329 18 08 zeljkomax@yahoo.com Fax: +381 11 329 18 67 feixnutrition@neobee.net d.papuga@greco.rs www.phytosynthese.com www.greco.eu FELBERMAYR TRANSPORT AND www.jltgroup.com LIFTING D.O.O. GRUPPA L´ULTIMA SERBIA Wolfgang Schellerer, Director Željko Dobričić, Director Tel: +385 1 662 60 18 Tel: +381 11 218 15 66 Fax: +385 1 662 60 41 gruppalultima@gmail.com beograd@felbermayr.cc gruppalultima.at/salons_cubrina www.felbermayr.cc HABERKORN D.O.O. FESTO GESELLSCHAFT M.B.H. Vitomir Bodiroža, Director OGRANAK BEOGRAD Tel: +381 21 310 15 55 Ivan Zekavica, Director Fax: +381 21 310 15 54 Tel: +381 11 785 39 00 haberkorn@sezampro.rs Fax: +381 11 785 39 11 info@haberkorn.rs info@festo.rs www.haberkorn.rs www.festo.rs HANSA FLEX HIDRAULIKA D.O.O. FIRST FACILITY D.O.O. Jürgen Albrecht, Director Radivoje Nijemčević, Director Tel: +381 11 219 32 84 Tel: +381 11 614 91 06 Fax: +381 11 219 35 01 Fax: + 381 11 614 91 07 srb@hansa-flex.com office.beograd@firstfacility.net www.rs.hansa-flex.com www.firstfacility.net HAUSBETREUUNG DIMMI D.O.O. GEA FARM TECHNOLOGIES SERBIA D.O.O. Alexander Dimmi, Director Thomas Czutta, Managing Director Tel: 0800 20 30 30 Luka Bjeletić, Contact office@dimmi.at Tel: + 38 11 405 36 18 www.dimmi.at luka.bjeletic@gea.com HAUZMAJSTOR D.O.O. www.gea.com Bojan Stevanović, Director GEBRUDER WEISS AIR Tel: +381 11 303 40 34 Fax: +381 11 207 09 95 AND SEA D.O.O. www.hauzmajstor.rs Dimitrije Nikolić, Director HD EUROPEAN CONSULTING GROUP Tel: +381 11 711 54 41 Danijel Pantić ,Director Fax: +381 11 71 10 547 Tel: +381 11 328 63 68 dimitrije.nikolic@gw-world.com Fax: +381 11 328 86 61 www.gw-world.com info@hd-ecg.com GEBRÜDER WEISS TRANSPORT AND www.hd-ecg.com LOGISTICS DOO HENKEL SRBIJA D.O.O. Dragan Simović, Director Gordana Brašić, Director Tel: +381 11 371 52 00 Tel: +381 11 207 22 00 Fax: +381 11 371 52 01 Fax: +381 11 207 22 99 gw.serbia@gw-world.com info@rs.henkel.com www.gw-world.rs www.henkel.rs GFK BELGRADE D.O.O. HERZ ARMATUREN D.O.O. Marijana Agic-Molnar Nemanja Tubić, Directro Tel/Fax +381 11 715 58 88 Tel: +381 22 328 898 info.serbia@gfk.com Fax: +381 22 328 098 www.gfk.rs nemanja.tubic@herz.rs GIA TECHNOLOGY D.O.O. www.herz-srb.com Oliver Maric direktor HETA LEASING D.O.O. Tel: +381 21 310 12 50 Bojan Baša, Direktor Fax: +381 21 310 12 53 Tel: +381 11 222 70 00 office@gia.co.rs Fax: +381 11 222 70 99 www.gia.co.rs leasing.belgrade@heta.rs GLOBO D.O.O. HILL INTERNATIONAL D.O.O. Judit Beker,Director Mina Čandrlić, Director Tel: +381 21 424 357 Tel:+381 11 329 45 05 Fax: +381 21 552 765 Fax: +381 11 329 45 00 judit.beker@globo-lighting.com hill@hill.rs office_serbia@ www.hill.rs globo-lighting.com HIPP GMBH & CO. VERTRIEB KG www.globo-lighting.com PREDSTAVNIŠTVO GP PORR D.O.O. Dr Branka Trišić, Director Leu Rainer, Director Tel/Fax: +381 11 361 29 44 11000 Beograd hipp@tehnicom.net Tel: +381 11 364 22 00 www.hipp.rs Fax: +381 11 364 22 01 HOBAS ROHRE GMBH office.beograd@porr.at www.porr.rs – REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE BELGRADE GRAIN D.O.O. Jelena Milošević, Director Radmila Krunić, Director Tel: +381 11 283 09 78 Tel: +381 11 616 78 27 Mob: +381 63 848 60 56 www.grain.at jelena.milosevic@hobas.com GRAWE OSIGURANJE A.D.O. www.hobas.com Christoph Czettl, Director HODLMAYR ZASTAVA D.O.O. Tel: +381 11 209 26 00 Markus Waeger, Director Fax: +381 11 209 26 61 Tel: +381 34 323 239 office.beograd@grawe.rs Fax: +381 34 335 916 www.grawe.rs serbia@hoedlmayr.com GRECO JLT DOO www.hoedlmayr.com/serb Dejan Papuga, Director HUBER D.O.O.

Aleksandar Majkanović, Direktor Tel/Fax: +381 19 800 680 huber@kladovo.net.com www.huber-reklametechnik.com HYPO ALPE-ADRIA-BANK AD Zoran Vojnović, Predsednik IO Tel: +381 11 222 67 13 Fax: +381 11 222 67 99 office@hypo-alpe-adria.rs www.hypo-alpe-adria.rs IB INTERBILANZ CONSULTING & AUDIT D.O.O. Marco Egger, Director Tel: +381 11 655 70 43 Fax: +381 11 669 39 99 office@ibgroup.rs www.ibgroup.at IC CONSULENTEN D.O.O. Žaneta Ostojić Barjaktarević, Director Tel: +381 11 303 92 38 Fax: +381 11 323 76 90 beograd@ic-group.org www.ic-group.org IMCD SOUTH EAST EUROPE GMBHREPRESENTATIVE OFFICE SERBIA Johann Milchram, Country Manager Tel: +381 11 313 07 28 info@imcd.at www.imcdgroup.com IMMO CLEAN D.O.O. Zoran Simić, Director Tel: +381 11 787 31 11 Fax. +381 11 787 32 22 office@immoclean.org www.immoclean.org INTOCO-GD SYSTEMS D.O.O. Milorad Sikima, Director Tel: +381 65 304 04 04 dfilipovic@whs-vienna.com intoco@sbb.rs INTRAPROFIL D.O.O. Milanko Šaković, Direktor Tel: +381 26 642 940 Fax: +381 26 642 942 profil@intraprofil.com www.intraprofil.com ITO UNITED CHANGE D.O.O. Branko Vujadinović, Director Tel: +381 11 362 17 43 Fax: +381 11 265 61 27 office.beograd@ united-change.com www.ito.co.at IVICOM ENERGY D.O.O. Ilija Tošić, Director Tel: +381 12 216 81 82 Mob: 064 649 94 33 ilija.tosic@ivicom-energy.com www.ivicom-energy.com JANKOVIĆ, POPOVIĆ & MITIĆ A.O.D. Nikola Janković, Partner Tel: +381 11 207 68 50 Fax: +381 11 207 68 99 office@jpm.rs www.jpm.rs JUMO MERNI I REGULACIONI UREĐAJI Tomislav Maričić, Director Tel: +381 11 285 22 79 Fax: +381 11 285 23 60 tomislav.maricic@jumo.net www.jumo.net K&K BUILDING CONSTRUCTION D.O.O. Dragan Katić, Direktor Tel: +381 36 612 001 Fax: +381 36 612 101 k.k.building@gmail.com www.katicdoo.com KANCELARIJA ATAŠEA ZA POLJOPRIVREDU, SUMARSTVO I ZIVOTNU SREDINU PRI AUSTRIJSKOJ AMBASADI BEOGRAD

Dr. Christian BRAWENZ- Agrarattaché Tel: +381 11 655 50 38 austria@agraroffice.rs www.bmlfuw.gv.at KBA-MOEDLING SUED-OST D.O.O. Vladan Rakić, Director Tel: +381 11 344 10 90 Fax: +381 344 10 99 vladan.rakic@kba.com office@kba.at www.kba.at KLACSKA JUGOSLAVIJA D.O.O. Alexander Klacska, Director Pančevački put 47 11210 Krnjaca Tel: +381 11 271 23 78 Fax: +381 11 271 17 73 stevan.jevtic@klacska.co.rs www.klacska.at KLIMA DOP D.O.O. Dragan Obradović, Director 11070 Beograd Tel: +381 11 319 01 77 Fax: +381 11 319 05 63 office@klimadop.com www.klimadop.com KLINGSPOR D.O.O. Božo Jovanovič, Director Tel: +381 11 246 94 53 Fax: +381 11 309 91 99 office@klingspor.rs www.klingspor.de KNAUF ZEMUN D.O.O. Todor Delovski, Director Tel: +381 11 207 45 00 Fax: +381 11 207 45 30 delovski.todor@knauf.com.mk www.knauf.rs KONKAB D.O.O. Željko Nikolić, Director Tel/Fax: +381 13 660 410 kontakt@konkab.com www.konkab.com KÜHNE + NAGEL D.O.O. Saša Radosavljević, Director Tel: +381 11 371 51 41 Fax: +381 11 371 51 91 info.belgrade@ kuehne-nagel.com www.kn-portal.com KUNSTTRANS D.O.O. Đorđe Branković, Director Tel: +381 11 361 19 47 Mob: +381 63 380 710 kunstbgd@eunet.rs www.kunsttrans.rs www.kunsttrans.com LAGERMAX AED DOO Aleksandra Bilbija, Director Tel: +381 22 408 860 Fax: +381 22 408 862 office@lagermax-aed.rs www.lagermax.com LEITNERLEITNER DOO Pavo Đedović, Director Tel: +381 11 655 51 05 Fax: +381 11 655 51 06 office.belgrade@ leitnerleitner.com www.leitnerleitner.com LEMIS HANDELSGESELLSCHAFT MBH PREDSTAVNIŠTVO BEOGRAD Strahinja Spasić, Zastupnik Tel: +381 11 275 74 86 office@lemis.biz www.lemis.biz LINDE VILJUŠKARI D.O.O. Vesna Jovanović, Director Tel: +381 11 805 57 06,805 57 07 Fax: +381 11 805 57 08 info@linde-mh.rs

www.linde-mh.rs LKB VERTRIEBS GMBHPREDSTAVNIŠTVO Radoslav Jakovljević, Zastupnik Tel: +381 11 676 67 11 Fax: +381 11 675 94 19 lkb.rs@lkb.eu www.lkb.eu LORENCIC D.O.O. Đorđe Stojanović, Director Tel: +381 11 414 23 22 Fax: +381 11 414 23 24 beograd@lorencic.rs www.lorencic.rs LSG BUILDING SOLUTIONS D.O.O. Werner Schoißengeier, Director Tel: +381 11 212 03 91 Fax: +381 11 212 03 92 office.belgrade@lsg-group.eu www.lsg-group.eu LUKINTEHNIK D.O.O. Vladimir Lukić, Director Tel: +381 11 489 32 31 ltehnik@gmail.com www.plassertheurer.com M. MAY INDUSTRIEVERTRETUNGEN GMBH- PREDSTAVNIŠTVO Željka Todić, Director Tel: +381 11 308 68 79 Fax: +381 11 311 56 75 info@mmay.at www.may-industrie.com MARAP ORGANIC FRUITS AND NUTS D.O.O. Božidar Milić, Director Tel: +381 11 444 31 82 Tel: + 43 1 897 29 99 bozidarmilic@gmail.com office@marap.at MEINL CAPITAL ADVISORS AG PREDSTAVNIŠTVO Gorica Obućina ,Director Tel/Fax: +381 11 344 99 07 obucina@meinlbank.com www.meinlbank.com MERKUR OSIGURANJE A.D. Miodrag Kvrgić, Director Tel: +381 11 785 27 27 Fax: +381 11 785 27 28 office@merkur.rs www.merkur.rs MIDES-MEDTEH D.O.O. Norbert Richard Minarik, Director Tel:+ 381 11 669 52 88 Fax: +381 11 669 33 04 beograd@mides.com www.mides.com MINDTAKE RESEARCH GMBH PREDSTAVNIŠTVO Vladimir Živković, Directro Tel: +43 1 228 88 10 Fax: +43 1 228 9801 office.rs@mindtake.com www.mindtake.com MLT PROFY MACHINERY D.O.O. Mikhail Vrubel, Director Tel:+381 23 771 755 Fax:+381 23 772 979 www.mlt.co.at MPD TRADE D.O.O. Zoran Milosavljević , Director Tel: +381 11 329 37 94 Fax: +381 11 329 36 00 office@kogeneracija.rs www.kogeneracija.rs www.jenbacher.com MPM INVEST DOO-WTE REPRÄSENTANZ Milovan Pavlović, Director Tel: +381 11 367 42 61 Fax: +381 11 367 42 59 pminvest@gmail.com

www.wte.at NALCO OSTERREICH GESELLSCHAFT M.B.H. BEOGRAD Gabriele Diem, Director Tel: +381 11 207 68 00 Fax: +381 11 207 68 02 akrstic@nalco.com www.nalco.com NEOFYTON D.O.O. Zoran Tadić, Director Tel: +381 21 472 32 48 Fax:+ 381 21 452 642 zorant@neofyton.com www.neofyton.com NI-MACO D.O.O. Miroljub Krstić, Director Tel:+381 18 512 444 Fax: +381 18 512 445 m.krstic@nimaco.co.rs www.nimaco.co.rs NINACOM DOO Slaviša Škero, Director Tel: +381 11 319 01 25 Fax: +381 11 319 39 32 ninacom@ptt.rs www.ninacom.co.rs NITEA DOO Vesna Ječmenica, Director Tel: +381 11 228 73 89 Fax: +381 11 228 73 88 office@nitea.rs www.nitea.rs NOACK & CO SOUTH EAST D.O.O. Herbert Völkerer, Director Tel: +381 21 533 220 Fax: +381 21 533 230 office@noack.rs www.noackgroup.com NORDMANN, RASSMANN D.O.O. Slobodan Nikolov, Director Tel: +381 11 301 78 72 Fax: +381 11 301 78 73 nrsrbija@nrc.de www.nrc.rs NOVO INVESTMENT D.O.O. Jovo Zagorac, Director Tel: +381 11 264 80 99 Fax: +381 11 265 07 52 jovo.zagorac@ novoinvestment.com OMV SERBIA D.O.O. Božidar Rajić, Director Tel: +381 11 207 15 00 Fax:+381 11 207 15 30 info.serbia@omv.com www.omv.co.rs ORF-ÖSTERREICHISCHER RUNDFUNK Ferdinand Christian WEHRSCHÜTZ Tel: +381 11 322 71 89 orf.belgrad@orf.at www.orf.at OTIS D.O.O. Damir Luzar, Director Hrvoje Puljić, Director Tel: +381 11 715 52 60 Fax: +381 11 715 52 59 office_srb@otis.com www.otis.com PAN NON OIL D.O.O. Vanjo Dimitrijević, Director Mob: +381 60 555 4173 aleksandra.janjic@ gussingrenewable.com www.gussingrenewable.com PEJAK-HANDEL D.O.O. Branko Pejak ,Director Tel: +381 15 815 635 Fax: +381 15 815 636 branko@pejak.net

SIGNIFICANT GROWTH OF COOPERATION AND FRIENDSHIP

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ALMAG doo Proizvodnja procesne opreme i metalnih konstrukcija

ALMAG

Aleksandar Majkanović Generalni direktor

Đerdapski put b.b.

19320 Kladovo / Srbija a.majkanovic@almag.rs www.almag.rs www.pejak-handel.net PETRIKIĆ & PARTNERI – PARTNERBÜRO – CMS REICH-ROHRWIG HAINZ Dr. Radivoje Petrikić Tel: +381 11 320 89 00 office@cms-rrh.com www.cms-rrh.com PODGORINA FRUCHT D.O.O. Katarina Vučetić, General Manager Tel: +381 14 345 11 65 Fax: +381 14 345 14 52 info@podgorina.com gruenewald-international.com PORSCHE LEASING SCG D.O.O. Andreas Krausler, Director Tel: +381 800 350 350 Fax: +381 11 304 24 49 info@porscheleasing.rs www.porscheleasing.rs PORSCHE MOBILITY D.O.O. Dejan Pavlović, Director Tel: +381 800 350 350 Fax: +381 11 304 24 49 info@porschemobility.rs www.porschemobility.rs PORSCHE SCG D.O.O. Elmar Geislerr, Director Tel: +381 11 304 24 00 Fax: +381 11 304 24 09 info@porschescg.rs www.porschescg.rs/ POTISJE KANJIŽA A.D. Ištvan Jenei, General manager Tel: +381 24 873 303 Fax: +381 24 873-306 office@tondach.rs www.tondach.rs PREDSTAVNIŠTVO PFT SYSTEMS VERTRIEBS GMBH Zoran Lazarević, Director Tel: +381 11 313 97 64 Mob: +381 64 119 94 42 info@pft-systems.at www.pft-systems.at PRIGAN D.O.O Clemens Schranz, Director Tel: +381 11 369 98 03 Fax: +381 11 265 10 30 b.ebner@soravia.at www.soravia.rs PRIMEX D.O.O. Momčilo Kostić , Director Tel: +381 11 241 23 25 Fax: +381 11 241 22 71 office@primex.rs www.primex.rs www.battenfeld-imt.com PRISMA RISK SERVICES D.O.O. Marija Vujasinović direktor Tel: +381 11 202 80 56 Fax: +381 11 202 80 55 office@oekb-fss.rs www.oekb-fss.rs www.acredia.at PROCHASKA DO.O.O Saša Perišić, Director Tel: +381 11 787 12 77 Mob: +381 60 013 86 76 perisic@prochaska.rs www.prochaska.rs PROFINE D.O.O. Bojan Predojević, Director Tel: +381 11 210 19 87 Fax: +38111 307 60 12 serbia@profine-group.com www.profine-group.com PROSPERING FOREIGN INVESTMENTS DOO Zoran Jovanović, Director Tel: +381 11 357 29 12 Mob: +381 69 225 18 64

58 |

Telefon +381 (19) 800 255 Fax +381 (19) 800 254 Mobilni +381 (63) 429 484 Kancelarija office @ almag.rs office@prospering-serbia.com www.prospering-serbia.com QUEHENBERGER LOGISTICS SRB D.O.O. Vladimir Varičak, Director Tel: +381 11 787 05 98 info.rs@quehenberger.com www.quehenberger.com RAIFFEISEN BANKA A.D. Zoran Petrović, Chairman of the Managing Board Tel: +381 11 320 21 00 Fax: +381 11 220 70 80 info@raiffeisenbank.rs www.raiffeisenbank.rs RAIFFEISEN LEASING D.O.O. Ana Cvetković, predsednik IO Tel: +381 11 220 74 00 Fax: +381 11 228 90 07 info.leasing@ raiffeisen-leasing.rs www.raiffeisen-leasing.rs RAIFFEISEN-AGRO D.O.O. Dušan Mezulić, Director Tel: +381 11 212 30 35 Fax: +381 11 212 30 36 office@raiffeisen-agro.rs www.raiffeisen-agro.rs RAPS ZAČINI D.O.O. Thomas Neumayr, Director Tel: +381 11 311 08 82 Fax: +381 11 313 02 85 office@raps.co.rs www.raps.co.rs www.raps.at RAUCH SERBIA D.O.O. Perica Aleksić, Director Tel: +381 11 265 22 25 Fax: +381 11 265 22 98 office.srb@rauch.cc www.rauch.cc/sr/kompanija REHAU D.O.O. Nikola Ivošević, Director Tel: +381 11 377 03 01 Fax: +381 11 377 03 19 beograd@rehau.com www.rehau.com RÖFIX D.O.O. Narsid Mujkić, Director Tel: +381 35 541 044 marketing.soe@roefix.com www.roefix.rs ROHDE & SCHWARZ-OSTERREICH GES.M.B.H.- REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE BELGRAD Georg Pfeffer, Representative Offices Manager Tel: +381 11 655 68 14 Fax:+381 11 312 28 34 rs-serbia@rohde-schwarz.com www.rohde-schwarz.com www.rohde-schwarz.at ROSLER D.O.O. Benno Allerbauer, Director Tel: +381 11 318 44 46 office@rosler.at b.allerbauer@rosler.com www.rosler.at ROTOGRAFIX D.O.O. Mihailo Stanković, Director Tel: +381 11 217 59 59 Fax: +381 11 317 96 39 beograd@rotografix.com www.rotografix.com S & T SERBIA D.O.O. Rajko Jovanović, Director Tel: +381 11 311 62 21 Fax: +381 11 311 76 65 info@snt.rs www.snt.rs SAFE•INVEST, D.O.O. Darko Bobesić, Director

Tel: +381 11 614 93 33 office.rs@siemens.com Fax: +381 11 614 91 50 www.siemens.rs office@safe-invest.rs S-LEASING D.O.O. www.safe-invest.com/rs/rs Bojan Vračević, Director SAFIN BALKAN D.O.O. Tel: +381 11 201 07 00 Tomislav Kovačević, Director Fax: +381 11 201 07 02 Tel: +381 11 278 08 86 office@s-leasing.rs Fax: +381 11 278 36 84 www.s-leasing.rs t.kovacevic@safin.com SORAVIA MANAGEMENT D.O.O. www.safin.com Clemens Schranz, Director SAINT-GOBAIN Tel: +381 11 369 98 02 GRAĐEVINSKI PROIZVODI D.O.O./ Fax: +381 11 265 10 30 RIGIPS c.schranz@soravia.at Aleksandar Grujić, Director www.soravia.rs Tel: +381 11 628 24 44 SPIEGELFELD INTERNATIONAL D.O.O. Mob: +381 63 282 844 Radivoje Nijemčević, Director aleksandar.grujic@ Tel: +381 11 660 37 20 saint-gobain.com office@spiegelfeld.eu rigips.srb@saint-gobain.com www.spiegelfeld.eu www.rigips.rs STRABAG D.O.O. SALINEN D.O.O. Dipl. Ing. Dragan Pavelić, Director Stefan Maix, Director Tel: +381 11 222 17 00 Tel: +381 22 480 370 Fax: +381 11 222 19 40 dubravka.savicic@salinen.com dubravka.mrkovic@strabag.com www.salinen.com www.strabag.com SANTA FE RELOCATION SUN CHEMICAL PRINTING INK DOO SERVICES D.O.O. Igor Pušnik,Director Miša Matić, Regional Director Tel: +381 11 334 33 50 Tel: +381 11 353 63 50 Fax: +381 11 334 33 60 belgrade@santaferelo.com office@sunchemical.rs www.santaferelo.com www.sunchemical.com www.interdean.com SUNKID GMBH OGRANAK BEOGRAD SCHACHERMAYER D.O.O. Emanuel Wohlfarter, Director Dušan Bandin, Tel: +381 11 322 39 85 Executive Manager Fax: +381 11 334 97 58 Tel: +381 11 848 03 78 emanuel.wohlfarter@ Fax: +381 11 844 09 43 sunkidworld.com info@schachermayer.rs www.sunkid.at www.schachermayer.rs SWAROVSKI OPTIK SCHAUER AGROTEC D.O.O. Zoran Petronijević, Martin Prissnitz, Director Sales Manager West Balkan Tel: +381 21 639 78 00 Tel: +381 11 203 04 08 m. marcok@schauer-agrotronic.com zoran.petronijevic@ www.schauer.co.at swarovskioptik.rs SCHENKER D.O.O. www.swarovskioptik.com Neven Marčesku, Director TEGETDOT D.O.O. Tel: +381 11 375 77 17 Gorica Mijović, Director Fax: +381 11 848 83 36 Tel: +381 11 404 80 60 office@schenker.rs office@tegetdot.com www.schenker.rs www.tegetdot.com SCHIEDEL DIMNJAČKI SISTEMI D.O.O. TEHNOPAPIR D.O.O. Damir Matijević, Director Boban Popović, Director Tel: +381 11 312 16 04 Tel: +381 11 210 14 20 Fax: +381 11 312 16 05 Fax: +381 11 210 14 00 dimnjak@schiedel.rs office@tehnopapir.rs www.schiedel.rs www.tehnopapir.rs SCHRACK TECHNIK D.O.O. TERRA SRBIJA D.O.O. Nenad Rebić, Director Siniša Tomašić, Direktor Tel: +381 11 309 26 00 Tel:+381 11 316 32 55 Fax: +381 11 309 26 20 Fax: +381 11 316 17 07 office@schrack.rs office@terra-srbija.rs www.schrack.rs www.terra-srbija.co.rs SETEC E&C D.O.O. TIPTEH D.O.O. Joachim KANZLER, Direktor Damir Večerka , Director Tel: +381 11 395 63 30 Tel: +381 11 289 22 50 Fax: +381 11 395 63 35 Fax: +381 11 301 83 26 jkanzler@setec.at damir.vecerka@tipteh.rs www.setec-ec.rs www.tipteh.rs SFS-LASHING DOO TPA HORWATH D.O.O. Igor Čonti, Director Thomas Haneder, Director Tel: +381 21 882 256 www.hfs.at Tel: +381 11 655 88 00 Fax: +381 11 655 88 01 SHINE S DOO office@tpa-horwath.rs Siniša Anđić, Director www.tpa-horwath.rs Tel: +381 11 357 36 47 TRANSOCEAN Fax: +381 11 254 20 68 SHIPPING D.O.O. office@shine.rs Lovro Kleindienst, Director www.shine.rs Tel: +381 11 664 91 16 SIEMENS D.O.O. dragan.bubalo@ Udo Ajhlinger, CEO transocean-shipping.com Tel: +381 11 209 60 05 Fax: +381 11 209 60 61 www.transocean-shipping.com

SIGNIFICANT GROWTH OF COOPERATION AND FRIENDSHIP

TRENKWALDER KADROVSKE Christian Dopplmair, Director USLUGE D.O.O. Tel: +381 11 311 87 54 Mališa Grujić , Director Fax: +381 11 213 41 08 Tel: +381 11 212 90 63 suzana.konsulovski@ infoserbia@trenkwalder.com voestalpine.com www.trenkwalder.com www.voestalpine.com TUI REISECENTER VOSSLOH KIEPE D.O.O. - REISECENTER PLUS DOO Peter Pichler, Director Svetlana Ratković, Director Tel: +381 18 580 624 Tel: +381 11 328 88 52 Fax: +381 18 583 411 Fax: +381 11 328 88 26 contact-serbia@ info@tui-reisecenter.rs vossloh-cogifer.com www.tui-reisecenter.rs www.vossloh-kiepe.at U.M.A.-ARCHITEKTEN DOO www.vossloh-skretnice.com Branislav Radojčić, Direktor VTG RAIL LOGISTICS AUSTRIA Tel: +381 11 322 82 78 GMBH PREDSTAVNIŠTVO Fax: +381 11 334 06 57 Damir Klašnja , Director office.serbia@ Tel:+381 11 303 38 85 uma-architects.com Fax:+381 11 26278 48 www.uma-architects.com damir.klasnja@vtg.com UNICREDIT BANK SRBIJA A.D www.transpetrol.rs Claudio Cesario, President WACKER NEUSON Executive Board KRAGUJEVAC D.O.O. Tel: +381 11 377 78 88 Robert Halajko, Director Fax: +381 11 334 22 00 Jelena Mandić, Director office@unicreditgroup.rs Tel: +381 34 6170 110 www.unicreditbank.rs Fax: +381 34 6170 396 UNICREDIT LEASING D.O.O. info-at@wackerneuson.com Emiliano Steinfl, President www.wackerneuson.at Executive Board WATER POWER TECHNOLOGY D.O.O. Tel: +381 11 309 35 02 Miloš Veličković, Director Fax: +381 11 309 35 01 Tel: +381 11 743 24 22 office@unicreditleasing.rs Fax: +381 11 743 24 53 www.unicreditleasing.rs velickovic.m@wpt.rs UNIQA ŽIVOTNO OSIGURANJE ADO www.wpt.rs Gerald Müller, Director www.woma.at UNIQA NEŽIVOTNO OSIGURANJE ADO WIENER STÄDTISCHE Gordana Bukmirović, OSIGURANJE A.D. Executive Director Svetlana Smiljanić, Tel: +381 11 202 41 00 Executive Director Fax: +381 11 202 41 60 Tel: +381 11 220 99 00 info@uniqa.rs Fax: +381 11 220 99 56 www.uniqa.rs office@wiener.co.rs VAIT DOO www.wiener.co.rs Srđan Ninkov, Director WOLF THEISS IN Tel: +381 21 310 15 05 COOPERATION WITH Fax:+381 21 459 916 LAW OFFICE office@vait.co.rs MIROSLAV STOJANOVIĆ www.vait.co.rs Miroslav Stojanovic, Partner VB LEASING DOO Tel: +381 11 330 29 00 Christoph Leitner, Director Fax: +381 11 330 29 25 Klaus SPITZER, Director miroslav.stojanovic@wolftheiss.com Tel: +381 11 201 65 00 www.wolftheiss.com Fax:+381 112 01 65 60 YUBE D.O.O office@vbleasing.rs Jadranka Stojanović, Direktor www.vbleasing.rs Tel: +381 31 823 043 VCA DOO Fax: + 381 31 812 825 Zoran Jovanović, Director j.stojanovic@dirafrost.rs Tel: +381 11 656 41 95 www.dirafrost.com zoran.jovanovic@vca.ag ZAVOD ZA DIJAGNOSTIKU www.vca.ag “VAMED” – “VMR” VERAG SEDITION AG Slavica Ćosić, Direktor Predstavništvo Tel: +381 21 424 888 Tel: +381 24 546 706 Fax: +381 21 424 777 info@verag.ag vamedns@open.telekom.rs www.verag.ag www.vamed.com VICTORIA CONSULTING www.vmr-centar.com -DENKSTATT GROUP ZORKA KERAMIKA D.O.O. Srđan Milovanović, Director Petar Miljković, Director Tel:+381 11 228 86 88 Tel: +381 15 367 009 Fax: +381 11 228 86 89 keramika@zorka-keramika.rs info@victoriaconsulting.co.rs www.zorka-keramika.rs www.denkstatt-group.com ZG LIGHTING D.O.O. PREDSTAVNIŠTVO www.victoriaconsulting.co.rs BEOGRAD VIP MOBILE D.O.O. Rudolf Staricky, Zastupnik Dejan Turk , Director Saša Pajdić, Zamenik dirktora Tel: +381 11 225 33 33 Mob: +381 69 544 48 02 Fax: +381 11 225 30 02 Tel: +381 11 65 57 658 komunikacije@vipmobile.rs welcome@zumtobel.rs www.vipmobile.rs www.zumtobelgroup.com VOESTALPINE D.O.O. www.thornlighting.rs