CorD Magazine 101

Building Growth and Understanding

under attack from All Extremists Sides

Australian Ambassador to Serbia

Film director and screenwriter

Predrag Ćulibrk Acting CEO of Telekom Serbia

february ‘13 / ISSUE No. 101

Srđan Dragojević

www.cordmagazine.com

HE Dr Helena Studdert

The Year for Investment

interviews opinions news comments events PRICE 300 RSD focus

Regional Cooperation is Priority “Contacts with all neighbouring countries are very intensive, and we are working on all fronts on removing and resolving potentially unsettled issues” - Suzana Grubješić, Deputy Prime Minister in Charge of European Integration FEST 2013

Sentimental Story

The story about FEST becomes increasingly sentimental since every opportunity is a good cause to point out that this film festival used to be a great and glamourous European event... travel

Walking and Hiking A lthough it is still February, spring and its beautiful weather are just around the corner, and with them, an opportunity to hike on the wonderful hiking trails of Serbia

karl erjavec Slovenian Foreign Minister

Intense and Diverse

Cooperation

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COVER karl erjavec, Slovenian Foreign Minister

Intense and Diverse Cooperation

contents

Page 10

8

The entire region has to focus on concrete cooperation for the benefit of all.

Furthermore, regional cooperation also sends a clear political message to the European Union that the countries are willing and ready to take further steps and support and assist one another on their path towards the EU

Centuries of Collective Imagination 50

Nenad Prokić, Playwright and university professor

10

Intense and Diverse Cooperation

karl erjavec, Slovenian Foreign Minister

14 16 20

F aces & places

56

S entimental Story

FEST 2013

Building Growth and Understanding

HE Dr Helena Studdert, Australian Ambassador to Serbia

60

c ulture calendar

62

O ur Selection - your choice

The Year for Investment

Business trip

Predrag Ćulibrk, acting CEO of Telekom Serbia

24

under attack from All Extremists Sides

Srđan Dragojević, film director and screenwriter

30 34

40

P robably the Best in SERBIA

72

R efresh Your Office

GENERAL MANAGER: Ivan Novčić i.novcic@aim.rs

Business Dialogue

editorial MANAGER: Tanja Banković t.bankovic@aim.rs

Comment page 6

72

IMF Pleads Guilty But Insists on Austerity

A Successfully Completed Year

MIRKO BUTULIJA, Deputy Director General of Ams Osiguranje

Global Crisis of Leadership Survey

Profile page 82

k eep to the classics Fashion

82

49

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

FINANCIAL DIRECTOR: Ana Besedić a.besedic@aim.rs

Opinion

48

PHOTOS: Zoran Petrović, Časlav Vukojičić

70

Techno talk

World Economic Forum

44

CONTRIBUTORS: Rob Dugdale, Mirjana Jovanović, Radmila Stanković, Steve MacKenzie, Zorica Todorović Mirković, Sonja Ćirić, Jovana Gligorijević, Mirjana Zec

PROJECT MANAGERS: Biljana Dević, b.devic@aim.rs Svetlana Okanović, s.okanovic@aim.rs Jelena Bulić, j.bulic@aim.rs Nataša Popović, n.popovic@aim.rs

Travel

EU-Latin America Summit Achieves Little

The Global Competitiveness Report 2012–2013

ASSISTANT EDITOR: Christen Bradley Farmer c.farmer@aim.rs

TRANSLATION: Snežana Bjelotomić

Review

35

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

W alking and HIKING

66

Regional Cooperation

Focus

EDITOR: Saša Marić s.maric@aim.rs

a fter work

52

Global diary

February 2013

P rofessionalism is Rewarded

Ivan Jakšić, President of the Public Relations Society of Serbia and PR and Marketing Director of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia

OFFICE MANAGER: Nataša Nešić, n.nesic@aim.rs PRINTING: Rotografika d.o.o., Segedinski put 72, Subotica CorD is published by: alliance international media Makenzijeva 67, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia Phone: +(381 11) 2450 508 Fax: +(381 11) 2450 122 E-mail: cordeditorial@cma.rs www.cordmagazine.com www.allianceinternationalmedia.com ISSN no: 1451-7833 All rights reserved alliance international media 2013

This issue is audited by ABC Serbia

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101 February 2013 | www.cordmagazine.com

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comment

Centuries of

Collective Imagination

A deep gap between the rationalization and exorbitance of political power was very visible in society during and after Milošević’s reign

T

he last elections marked the final, absolute and deserved defeat of “5th October” - the defeat of a political wing in Serbia that, allegedly, aspired to rationalization. Now we all know that there was no 6th October, let alone 5th October. After yet another imaginary date, Serbia has failed to find its way around in its own history.

I see no possibility for life in Serbia to regenerate itself with the ideals of 5th October. Self-styled perpetuators of the idea about social modernization usually advise society to do what they wouldn’t think of doing themselves. Just like any form of power in Serbia, this inner power of theirs has been in panic to guard itself from introspection. They thought that it would be better not to question themselves with that maneuver. All the woes that befell Serbia came from such a pick-pocketing philosophy. Nićifor Ninković has already talked about this in his gallant book called “Žizniopisanije” in which he describes a bad beginning of a country in the making which, because of this bad beginning, has actually never and will never become a real state.

Serbia needs a new idea. This idea should, primarily, facilitate a process that will free us of immaturity. Kant argues that immaturity is a self-inflicted state of will in which we accept somebody else’s authority to guide us in things that require intellect. We will be able to leave that condition only if we change ourselves. Not if we change the Croats, the Slovenians, the Albanians, the Bosniaks, the Chinese, the Americans. No. We need to change ourselves. Serbia blames the 1974 Constitution for the disintegration of Yugoslavia. While the Slovenian and Croatian members of a task force that drafted the constitution worked diligently on the Brioni Islands, Serbian members used the opportunity to do a bit of shopping in Trieste. And yet we blame everybody else but us.

While we still await the unlikely formation of a new ideogram, we can do nothing or do one of the following two things – the first would be to wait for the 5th October ideologists to become honest and amenable to reason, which I doubt it will happen. The problem with this is that a very painful verb for Serbia is used – to wait, which is, in itself, fatal for Serbia. The second thing is less uncertain and dangerous, but it requires more courage especially among the so-called civil elite, and that is to provide support to the people who are the only ones that have demonstrated a desire and ability to change – the people who are currently in power. This support will certainly hinge on the government’s talent for “putting out fires” and solving the big issues that Serbia has been facing. However, the government would solve these problems much

Nenad Prokić Playwright and university professor more easily and more efficiently if it had society’s support, which is currently missing.

At the moment, these are the only options that Serbia has and these are the maneuvers that Serbia can make. Positioning oneself towards European integration, a strategic approach to fighting corruption, a real foundation of the plan for Kosovo, the stabilization of the dinar, investments and the world’s support, which the government obtained for themselves, are concrete results that deserve concrete support.

This is actually a story about individuals and social groups, even whole nations, changing as much as their wildest segments change. Such a process entails an intervention on the cultural format. Maybe we should think about abolishing the Ministry of Culture. There are many successful states where culture is an important part of other ministries’ portfolios. A ministry that is set up as the current one is powerless; it serves very few purposes and nobody is happy with it. Instead of a social reserve where cultural institutions are slowly dying, culture should be in the care and commitment of all important stakeholders in the society. The end goal of a self-preserving cultural institution is providing assistance with clear rules and adequate social priorities. We need to plan ahead instead of living day to day.

It would be a mark of wisdom wise if we finally understood that the most important wisdom in life is to use our strengths properly

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101 February 2013 | www.cordmagazine.com

It would be a mark of wisdom wise if we finally understood that the most important wisdom in life is to use our strengths properly. Change is the most important thing for politics. The rector in Dubrovnik used to be replaced every month or so. Human nature is such that you simply have to outwit it. Although it looks quite ephemeral to me, I took a liking to the flower which the government officials pinned onto their lapels. I have always envied the AngloSaxons for their Remembrance Day. I was ashamed of the fact that, in 1919, heroes and disabled war veterans from the Salonika Front had to beg underneath the Sava Bridge. If we, all together, remember our war heroes at least once a year, maybe, in the future, human flesh will not be the only material that our commanders will have plenty to use. Such an approach to history would certainly be much healthier than the one we have been fostering. If we compare playing the March on the Drina in the UN to this new approach, then the former would be viewed as a cheap self-promotion, just one in a long series of hastily ‘trained’ patriots. ■

cordeditorial@cma.rs |

101 February 2013 | 9

interview karl erjavec, Slovenian Foreign Minister

Intense and Diverse

Cooperation

The entire region has to focus on concrete cooperation for the benefit of all. Furthermore, regional cooperation also sends a clear political message to the European Union that the countries are willing and ready to take further steps and support and assist one another on their path towards the EU 10 |

101 February 2013 | www.cordmagazine.com

A

s the only country of the former Yugoslavia which has joined the European Union to date, Slovenia has important insights and experience to share with its neighbouring countries on the process. In this effort, Serbia is facing its own challenges in this domain but there are many common elements with which the government of Slovenia is taking a very positive role in assisting and sharing its know-how with the country. Strong emphasis is placed on the state of relations among the former

Cooperation

Despite the economic and financial crisis, we have been witnessing an upturn in economic cooperation, which is highly positive and encouraging.

Migration

I was surprised myself when I learnt of the statistics that Slovenia is the third most desired country for Serbian migration.

SFRY countries, and Slovenia does not hesitate to report that relations between Serbia and Slovenia are conducive to open dialogue and progress on resolving the few remaining issues of the common state.

In this exclusive interview, Slovenian Foreign Minister Karl Erjavec strikes a tone of friendly collaboration and expresses his hopes for rapid progress.

■ How do you assess regional cooperation between the countries of the former Yugoslavia and the role of Slovenia as the only EU member state currently among them?

- In light of close ties between the states and particularly the historical circumstances, regional cooperation in the Western Balkans has extraordinary significance and most certainly affects political relations, stability, security and the economic development of the countries in the entire region. I would like to note particularly the importance of regional cooperation for the process of reconciliation in the region.

As an EU member state, Slovenia has recognised its role in regional cooperation especially as regards its promotion with a view to expediting progress, mutual assistance and the transfer of positive experience.

Slovenia aims to draw attention consistently to joint action and integration between the countries in the region on their path towards the EU by supporting regional cooperation, thereby also raising awareness of how issues can be resolved among them through dialogue, openness and trust. The entire region has to focus on concrete cooperation for the benefit of all. Furthermore, regional cooperation also sends a clear political message to the European Union that the countries are willing and ready to take further steps and support and assist one another on their path towards the EU. Remember, joint action is of the essence.

■ Where can the potential for further regional cooperation be found?

- As many challenges that the countries of the Western Balkans face have a cross-border dimension, which includes their neighbours, regional cooperation is, as mentioned, an EU priority. It is key to establishing political stability, security and sustainable development and promoting investment. Many issues, including organised crime and corruption, integrated border management and illegal migration, may only be efficiently resolved through a regional approach. The matter at hand, therefore, is to find synergies and join our forces

Accession

Serbia is at a crucial juncture with regard to the expected setting of the date for the launching of EU accession negotiations.

to attain our common objectives more easily and, ultimately, more effectively. Another area that undoubtedly opens up vast possibilities of cooperation and brings great benefit to all is infrastructure.

■ Do you expect that Croatia’s entry into the EU will shift the balance of power and influence in the region?

- Croatia’s entry will push the boundaries of the EU deeper into the region, which will, I believe, gain another advocate within the EU and a champion of a continued enlargement process. At any rate, the influence in this context will certainly be positive. Surely, membership and the related obligations will, to a certain extent,

Many issues, including organised crime and corruption, integrated border management and illegal migration, may only be efficiently resolved through a regional approach change Croatia’s relations with other countries in the region, particularly in terms of trade, customs, border management and regime and so on. I expect that this will only push the other countries to adopt measures and implement reform more decisively and thus meet EU criteria. All of us, but particularly candidate and potential candidate countries, have to do our best to make the EU border in the Balkans redundant soon enough and that all the countries in the region cooperate as partners on an equal footing and more efficiently within the EU. ■ One of the first official visits of Serbian foreign minister Mrkić was to Slovenia. How would you characterise the relations between Serbia and Slovenia today? cordeditorial@cma.rs |

101 February 2013 | 11

- We were indeed delighted to host my colleague, Minister Ivan Mrkić, in Ljubljana on his first visit abroad. Our meeting was successful and friendly, and it paved the way for the visit of Serbian Prime Minister Ivica Dačić also to Ljubljana. This rounded off the political contacts between the two countries in 2012, which had, to our satisfaction, gained new momentum after the elections in Serbia. We intend to pursue such active cooperation this year too, as it contributes to good relations and the settlement of some outstanding issues.

Despite the economic and financial crisis, we have been witnessing an upturn in economic cooperation, which is highly positive and encouraging. Serbia is an important destination for Slovenian investment. At present, over 1300 Slovenian companies operate on the Serbian market. As they have long-term plans and open

In our judgement, we are only half way to fully implementing the Agreement on Succession Issues, which was concluded with the assistance of the international community and signed in 2001 up new jobs, I hear they are well accepted and respected.

Apart from economic cooperation, we also have diverse links in culture, science, tourism – and I could keep on going. Slovenia and Serbia have wide legal bases for cooperation in many areas and have signed important bilateral agreements. I can say that our relations are rich and comprehensive.

■ Did the change of power in Belgrade bring about changes in the bilateral relations?

12 |

- I already answered similar questions last year before the formation of the new Serbian government.

I can only reiterate that, despite the many ups and downs throughout our common history, our two countries have forged close ties and built mutual trust and confidence, which has facilitated active cooperation in different fields. This is the best promise for future cooperation, regardless of political change,

101 February 2013 | www.cordmagazine.com

which is part of any democratic process in any country – Serbia and Slovenia included.

■ To what extent do unresolved issues from the past, particularly succession and former foreign currency savings, weigh on the political relations between Serbia and Slovenia?

- It is an undisputed fact that between countries with intense and diverse cooperation, problems may emerge.

The history of the former common state has left us a legacy of issues to settle. Open political dialogue based on trust proves that problems and open issues can be resolved without seriously burdening relations.

It is true for relations between Slovenia and Serbia that the majority of outstanding issue stem from our common recent history and succession. In our judgement, we are only half way to fully implementing the Agreement on Succession Issues, which was concluded with the assistance of the international community and signed in 2001. This means that even after a good twenty years following the dissolution of the former common state, not all succession issues have been settled. The agreement clearly stipulates that all successor states of the former SFRY, namely Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia and Serbia, are equal successors, which means that the agreement envisages a just distribution of both rights and obligations from the title of succession. Regardless, Serbia’s cooperation in good faith has been, to a great extent, instrumental for the implementation of the agreement. Serbia still has at its disposal a great deal of real estate of the former SFRY abroad, and the state and military archives, along with many objects of cultural heritage of the successor states, are still housed in Belgrade. Progress has been achieved in this area, and this positive approach should therefore be pursued.

The agreement is the only international legal instrument ratified by all the successor states to the former SFRY and has a special meaning in our region.

The importance of its implementation is therefore all the greater. In light of the decisions of the EU Council of December 2011 and 2012, Slovenia underlines that the consistent implementation of the agreement and the international legal obligations in good faith is key to securing stable relations between the successor states and contributes to enhanced regional cooperation and good neighbourly relations in the region.

■ You are an advocate of the integration of the entire region into the European Union, including Macedonia and Serbia. What does mere rapprochement to (and not membership of) the European family of nations bring to Serbia and the region?

- Slovenia firmly supports an active continuation of the enlargement process with the clear objective of all the

countries of the region joining the EU. We are convinced that the enlargement process is the strongest incentive for change in the region and its all-round progress. The European path brings and guarantees stability to the region, both in the political and economic sense and in respect of interstate and interethnic relations. And that is the essence of the process. On the one hand it means the building of a modern state based on the rule of law, on the other the development of good, stable relations between the countries in the region. I would like to underline that the citizens and their leaders have to be aware that in this case the journey and the destination are equally important. The process of drawing closer to the EU should be considered as a great opportunity and not a hindrance on the way towards the goal.

the Western Balkan countries into action and transfer the experience we acquired during our negotiations and now, as a full member of the EU. I can say that Slovenia and Serbia work well together in this area. Cooperation in EU integration takes place bilaterally, and as part of pre-accession assistance provided by the EU for candidate and potential candidate countries. As far as I know, Slovenia is now participating in two twinning projects, in the field of chemicals and capacity-building of the Serbian court of auditors.

■ The census has revealed that migrants from Serbia are deciding, more and more, for life in Slovenia.

However, we have witnessed recent strikes there.

How are the authorities reacting to the arrival of new workers from abroad?

■ In light of the recently adopted platform for the continuation of negotiations between Belgrade and Pristina, how do you assess the possibility of Serbia receiving a date for the start of EU accession negotiations in 2013?

- Serbia has fulfilled quite a few of its obligations to the EU, which were also a condition for the granting of the candidate status last year. This was an important step forward, but the rockiest path still lies ahead. The EU accession process is rather lengthy, and it is sometimes difficult to sustain the momentum for reform and political compromise. We speak from experience here. There are no shortcuts; the speed of progress largely depends on the candidate itself.

Today, Serbia is at a crucial juncture with regard to the expected setting of the date for the launching of EU accession negotiations. Apart from all the elements included in the decisions of the December Council, tangible progress is important within the Belgrade–Pristina dialogue, which aims to stabilise relations, for Serbia to acquire the date. Given the recent achievements and arrangements within the dialogue, I assess that the path is good. Agreements reached to date are important also in the context of contributing to the stability in the region and have required much political wisdom on both sides.

It is now vital to implement them consistently in good faith and to continue talks on this basis. The discussion on this subject within the EU will continue in the spring and early summer. It is necessary to preserve this drive despite the fact that increasingly difficult issues are entering the agenda. No negotiating positions, be it on the Serbian or the Kosovo side, should close the door to continued dialogue.

■ On several occasions, Slovenia offered assistance in Serbia’s EU integration process. Has a form of support or assistance been formalised or realised to date?

- Slovenia strives hard to turn the words from the discussions in Brussels on its support to enlargement to

Slovenia firmly supports an active continuation of the enlargement process with the clear objective of all the countries of the region joining the EU - Labour migration and mobility in Slovenia is considered an important element of economic growth. I was surprised myself when I learnt of the statistics that Slovenia is the third most desired country for Serbian migration. I believe that this only confirms the fact that the environment in Slovenia is friendly towards Serbian citizens and that they feel safe and welcome, despite the crisis we are facing. We have to recognise that Serbia and Slovenia have an important part of their history in common and that the countries share much more than geographical and linguistic proximity. We have forged many close ties and built firm friendships. Slovenians in Serbia and Serbians in Slovenia represent a valuable and indispensable link between our two countries.

■ Are you planning a visit to Belgrade anytime soon?

- On the occasion of Minister Mrkić’s visit to Ljubljana, we also discussed my return visit to Belgrade, and I assured him that it will happen in 2013. ■ cordeditorial@cma.rs |

101 February 2013 | 13

Confidence

global diary

“It’s clearly the case that investors are returning to the eurozone, and resuming confidence in that market.”

— Christine Lagarde, Managing Director, International Monetary Fund

es” in the country.

Before he took out a Russian passport, the 63-year-old star cited Montenegro as one of three countries where he might seek citizenship in order to avoid the French Socialist government’s new taxes.

Montenegro has some of the lowest taxes in Europe, a flat income tax rate of only 9 per cent

High Rating of Hillary Clinton Secretary of State Hillary Clinton leaves the post as an overwhelmingly popular figure on the national political stage.

An eye-popping 69% of Americans approve of the job she has done as the country’s top diplomat, according to the latest Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll, with a scant 25% disapproving of her performance.

World's Poorest President From Driving to Cooking Prince William and his wife Kate have advertised for a super servant expected to be a jack of all trades as the royal couple prepare to become parents for the first time

These latest poll results bolster her standing as the early favourite to claim the Democratic presidential nomination in 2016 should she decide to run. Mrs. Clinton has repeatedly said she doesn’t harbor any ambitions for another White House bid and instead says her first goal is to recuperate from four years of backbreaking travel.

Steve Jobs’ High-Tech Yacht Impounded Venus, the minimalist hightech yacht commissioned by the late Apple founder Steve Jobs, has become embroiled in a row over a disputed bill.

French designer Philippe Starck claims Mr Jobs’ heirs still owe him €3 million of a €9 million fee for the project, so he called in the debt collectors and had the yacht impounded, The Port of Amsterdam confirmed that the boat is not allowed to leave. “The boat is brand new but there is a 3m euro claim on it. The parties will have to 14 |

The main duties included: “Ensuring all areas of the residence are cleaned and maintained to a high standard at all times. Caring for and maintaining personal clothing, cleaning silverware and glassware and in-house laundry.”

A royal insider said the advertisement has already attracted a great deal of interest: “Obviously the prestige of working for the world’s most famous couple is an incentive”. “But it is unheard of for one person to be asked to perform so many duties. About 15 people have already applied despite everyone wondering how anyone will be able to carry out all these duties in just 37 hours a week,” the royal insider said.

Applicants do not need to have previous relevant housekeeping experience but must demonstrate a “willingness to learn”.

As William and Kate are fiercely protective of their privacy, “discretion, loyalty and reliability are paramount”, the advertisement said.

fight it out,” confirmed spokesman for the Port of Amsterdam Roelant Klaassen, a lawyer representing Mr Starck’s company, Ubik, said that the boat would remain in port pending payment by lawyers representing Mr Jobs’ estate. “These guys trusted each other, so there wasn’t a very detailed contract,” he said.

101 February 2013 | www.cordmagazine.com

Jose “Pepe” Mujica, president of Uruguay, is known for his frugal ways. Last year, he earned the nickname of the “world’s poorest president” when he revealed that he donates 90 percent of his salary to charitable causes (Mujica earns $12,500 a month, and only keeps $1,250 for himself.) Declining to move into the presidential house, Mujica and wife Lucia Topolansky, currently live in a farm in capital city of Montevideo.

Montenegrin Cultural Ambassador After meeting Gerard Depardieu, Milo Djukanovic, on January 8, the Montenegrin Prime Minister, suggested that the actor might become a “cultural ambassador” for Montenegro, confirming that Depardieu appeared willing to act as a form of envoy for Montenegro and its culture.

Famous actor Depardieu said that Montenegro is “a country of enormous potential and it has every right to be a part of Europe”. He said he is ready to promote Montenegro on the world stage, and that he already had “friends and some business-

Jose Mujica, having lunch with his wife

When it comes to vacationing, Mujica and his wife are not big spenders either. Caught midlunch at a restaurant in the coastal city of Carmelo, Uruguay, this image shows Mujica who is vegetarian and his wife Topolansky enjoying the outing with no security and wearing casual clothing.

Uruguay must be the only country in the world where the president goes out for lunch with his “First Lady” without bodyguards.

Fact As politicians we have to react to the fact that many people do not feel that they can relate to the EU. — Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany

Underground Sector A government-funded study in Italy has revealed the country’s mafia makes less money than widely believed.

The report looked at illegal activities like drug smuggling, extortion and business-world penetration. Although it is “not easy to quantify” it says the frequent suggestion in the media that the mafia creates the equivalent of 10% of Italy’s GDP is far from true - the figure is actually less than 1%. They earn as much as $13billion a year in Italy, the

study says, adding that Italy’s mafia are also active in other countries like China, Iraq and Afghanistan.

“It’s not easy to quantify the turnover of the mafia. We are speaking of an underground sector. We know that wherever there are big business possibilities, the mafia is always there,” said Marcello Cozzi, vice-president of Libera, a main anti-mafia organisation in Italy.

Spanish Ruling Party - Corruption Scandal Spain’s governing Popular Party was drawn deeper into a web of corruption scandals, after the Swiss authorities informed that the party’s former treasurer Luis Bárcenas had amassed as much as €22 million in Swiss bank accounts.

Mr. Bárcenas has said that he is innocent and that the Swiss accounts were held on behalf of in-

vestors. Alfonso Alonso, the Popular Party’s parliamentary spokesman, said last month that he was “outraged” by the discovery and called on the prosecuting judge to pursue the case “to the end.”

The revelations have brought a fast-growing list of corruption investigations, which have unspooled across Spain, to the doorstep of the Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy. About 300 Spanish politicians from across the party spectrum have been indicted or charged in corruption investigations since the start of the financial crisis. Few have been sentenced so far.

McDonalds Expands Into Siberia McDonald’s, the world’s largest fast food chain, has received permission to open its first five outlets in Novosibirsk, Siberia with capacity of 50 seats each McDonalds plans to open ten fast food restaurants and cafes in the Novosibirsk Region in south-

Viktor Eidemiller, McDonalds Vice-President for Russia Development has said the standard cost of opening an outlet in Siberia ranges from 30 million rubles ($990,000) to 150 million rubles ($4.9 million) depending on the restaurant size and format.

At the moment, there are about 324 McDonald’s outlets in Russia, serving about a million visitors daily. Until now, all of them have been located in the European part of Russia.

Queen Elizabeth II to be converted into luxury hotel

west Siberia with the support of the local authorities in 2013. The US fast food giant says it has no restaurants in Siberia and the Russian Far East so far.

Gala Wedding of Indian Royals

The Atlantis at the Palm Jumeriah was transformed into a lavish Mughal palace with large white domes and sparkling chandeliers, and escorts dressed in traditional Mughal attire beginning January for the wedding ceremony of Indian royalty Nida Mulk (2nd right) and Bilal Muahid Khan (3rd right).

Daughter of Shaji Ul Mulk, who hails from the royal family of Kurnool in Hyderabad, Nida married US-based Bilal Muahid Khan, in an opulent ceremony befitting of their regal legacy.

Shaji has been established in Sharjah with his company Mulk Holdings. His legacy dates back to the Nawab of Kurnool in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.

Many prominent dignitaries like former Pakistani president Pervez Musharraf, Consul General of India Sanjay Verma, Indian ambassador to UAE M K Lokesh and Pakistani ambassador to UAE Jamil Ahmed Khan attended the function.

Iconic ocean liner Queen Elizabeth 2 will be converted to a luxury floting hotel of 500 rooms in Asia according to a press release of Dubai The ship went to dry docks this last month as to start renovation works.

Drydocks World, a unit of state-owned Dubai World, signed an agreement with Oceanic Group Pte Ltd., a cruise company with offices in Singapore, Hong Kong and Shanghai, to convert the ship into a five-star hotel, the companies said today.

Dubai World bought the Queen Elizabeth 2 in 2007 for 81 millon dolares paid to Cunard Line, at times when the economy of the United Arab Emirates was

in very good shape.

The ship was build in 1969, and can carry one 1,778 passengers.

cordeditorial@cma.rs |

101 February 2013 | 15

interview HE Dr Helena Studdert, Australian Ambassador to Serbia

Building Growth and

Understanding

■ Photos: Zoran petrović

Australia and Serbia have good relations built on solid people-topeople ties. These ties were forged during the World Wars (when Australian doctors and nurses served in Serbia) and were strengthened by the humanitarian and immigration assistance provided during the 1980s and the 1990s.

There are unprecedented opportunities for Serbian and Australian companies to partner, leveraging Australia’s Asian expertise and the strong ties shaped by the Serbian diaspora in Australia

I 16 |

n a world marked by economic instability and uncertainty over the past several years, Australia has managed to remain resilient and to grow, thanks to its policies based on sound foresight and responsibility. Australian industry, its labour market, and its economic strength rank highly among world economies, and that trend is expected to continue in the foreseeable future.

101 February 2013 | www.cordmagazine.com

Although the Balkans are located far away from Australia, Serbia is still considered an important part of Australia’s diverse culture and strong economic base.

Relations in trade, services, culture and business between the two nations are positive and have much potential for further development.

Through “people-to-people” relations, there are dynamic and deep ties between Serbia and Australia which both reach back historically and look ahead to the future with optimism.

Speaking with CorD in an exclusive interview, Australian Ambassador to Serbia, Dr Helena Studdert, talks about some of the factors that have contributed to the country’s economic prosperity, the prospects for the future growth, as well as plans for future development in many areas.

Economy

The Australian economy is remarkably strong, but future growth will depend on continuing sound macroeconomic policy.

Education

There is strong interest in Australian education with a good percentage of Serbian students enrolling in Australian higher education and post-graduate courses.

■ Geographically speaking, Australia and Serbia are quite far from each other, but there are plenty of reasons for bilateral cooperation – from a substantial number of Serbian immigrants in Australia to potential Australian investments in Serbia. How would you rate the overall relations between the two countries?

Ties

Through “people-to-people” relations, there are dynamic and deep ties between Serbia and Australia.

- Australia is now one of only seven countries in the world with the top credit ratings, with a stable outlook from all three of the world’s major credit ratings agencies. These high ratings reflect the proven underlying strength and resilience of the Australian economy. For example, Australia was one of the few developed economies to avoid falling into recession in the wake of the global financial crisis. Australia’s economy has grown without recession for the past 21 years.

Much of Australia’s sustained economic success is a

- Australia and Serbia have good relations built on solid people-to-people ties. These ties were forged during the World Wars (when Australian doctors and nurses served in Serbia) and were strengthened by the humanitarian and immigration assistance provided during the 1980s and the 1990s.

The Free Serbian Orthodox Church and Murals in the Parish of St George stand very close in Canberra to Parliament House – the heart of our democracy, providing potent symbols of the warm friendship underpinning our relations.

Our good relations continue to expand. In February 2012, Australia welcomed the visit to Australia of Prime Minister Ivica Dačić, serving then as First Deputy Prime Minister - the first high-level visit to Australia from Serbia in 10 years. January (2013) has seen the resumption of our parliamentary exchanges, with an Australian delegation visiting Serbia. Negotiations on a Social Security Agreement are expected to commence in 2013.

This reflects our strong people-to-people ties and will benefit citizens in both our countries.

We are constantly looking for ways to build But there is scope to further expand our understanding of Australia and Australia’s way ties, including our bilateral trade and investment relationship. Two-way merchandise of life in Serbia through cultural exchange and trade in 2011-2012 was valued at $19.5m public diplomacy events (€14.5m). We need to do more on services.

The signing of the MoU on Air Services in September reflection of deregulation and reform undertaken over 2011 was a welcome initiative. But government can the past 25-30 years. This included reform and dereguonly put in place the frameworks; private enterprises lation of the finance, utilities, transport, communicaneed to take advantage of them. tions and labour markets, the floating of the exchange There are unprecedented opportunities for Serbian rate, the introduction of a general goods and services and Australian companies to partner, leveraging Austax, the reduction of tariffs and trade barriers and a general opening up of the domestic economy to global tralia’s Asian expertise and the strong ties shaped by markets. the Serbian diaspora in Australia. The recently comAt the current juncture, economic growth remains pleted Australia in the Asian Century White Paper (Ocsolid and positive. Unemployment is low, business intober 2012) aims at further strengthening Australia’s Asian capabilities in a century of transformational vestment – particularly in mining – remains strong, ingrowth in Asia. flation is contained and interest rates are low. Australia is also very well positioned to supply the fast growing Asian region. This underlying economic strength gives ■ Your country has a very high credit rating (triple Australia the ability to absorb large global economic AAA) and is considered one of the so-called safe haven countries. What is such a high rating based on? and financial shocks. cordeditorial@cma.rs |

101 February 2013 | 17

The Australian banking sector also remains one of the most stable and solid in the world, being wellcapitalised and taking a conservative appetite to risk.

Australia’s government debt in comparison to other AAA-rated sovereigns remains very low, and that relative position is not expected to change in the foreseeable future. Australia’s low sovereign debt gives it the flexibility to use fiscal policy to react to any slowing of the economy without diminishing its ability to absorb fiscal and economic shocks.

■ What are the future strategic development aims

of the Australian economy? Is your country planning to focus more on untapped agricultural potential through investing in irrigation and water utilization regulation?

narily well-placed to build on its strengths: proximity to markets in Asia, complementarities in production systems, a record of innovation and reputation for producing high-quality and safe food products, and a skilled workforce.

Over 60% of Australia’s landmass is already devoted to agriculture of various forms, dictated in part by climate, soil type and the availability of water. Though land is a vital resource, the availability of water is and will continue to be a significant constraint on agricultural expansion, with 75% of extracted water currently going toward irrigated agricultural production. The maintenance, expansion and upgrade of irrigation technology will be a vital component of ensuring that Australia’s water resources are used efficiently.

These and other infrastructure projects around the agriculture sector will offer considerable opportunities for private sector investment and job growth.

■ Australia has been largely spared from negative influences of the global economic downturn with the global economy expected to continue developing. It is a well-known fact that the Asian market is of strategic interest to your country. How important is the European market, and especially the Balkan countries, for Australia’s priorities?

- As a bloc, the EU is Australia’s second largest trading partner. Merchandise exports to EU in 2011 were $27bn (€20.2bn); $31bn (€23.2bn) to Europe in total, around 10 per cent of our global exports. This trade is generally concentrated in Western Europe (UK, Germany, and the Netherlands). There is potential for expanding trade with other European regions. We see particular potential in increasing services trade with Europe generally, particularly professervices.

There are unprecedented opportunities for Serbian sional As a bloc the EU is the largest foreign and Australian companies to partner, leveraging direct investor in Australia. FDI was valued at $143bn (€107bn) as at end 2011.

Australia’s Asian expertise and the strong ties We look forward to Serbia’s accesshaped by the Serbian diaspora in Australia sion to the European Union, which will provide a vehicle for stronger economic and trade links - The Australian economy is remarkably strong, but fubetween Australia and Serbia. ture growth will depend on continuing sound macroecoCurrently, we have identified a number of opportunomic policy while simultaneously allowing for dynamic and efficient distribution of scarce resources to where nities for promoting Australian and Serbian business they can be most productive. Workers, investors and interests. For example, there is strong interest in Ausentrepreneurs must be able to direct their resources actralian education with a good percentage of Serbian students enrolling in Australian higher education and cording to their best judgements and in response to appost-graduate courses. The Australian government propriate price signals. has participated in the Belgrade Education Fair over While Australia is a relatively small global food prothe last two years and will have a presence at the comducer, we are a reliable exporter of high-quality, ‘clean and green’ agricultural commodities and food products. ing March exhibition. There are also opportunities for The sector has emerged from wide-ranging reforms research collaborations between Australian and Serover the past decades more resilient and competitive. bian institutions in fields such as nanotechnology. FiAustralia’s agriculture and food sector is extraordinally, Australia has strong expertise in franchise sys18 |

101 February 2013 | www.cordmagazine.com

tems and we continue to look for ways to introduce some of these franchise products and services into the Serbian market.

■ Asian and European immigrants, mostly British,

make over 15% of the entire Australian population.

How does Australia deal with the status of those immigrants compared to the Western Europe where immigrants are considered a serious issue?

- Australia is a nation built on immigration, made up of a mix of cultures which are all welcomed equally. The diversity of Australia’s population is a considerable asset in creating a dynamic, inclusive and endlessly evolving society. Australia’s successful multicultural society is built upon shared rights and responsibilities, as enshrined in our citizenship pledge. All Australians can be proud of our successful multicultural society and our high levels of social cohesion.

Australia operates a global and non-discriminatory visa program.

grade Zoo last year, featuring Aboriginal soprano Deborah Cheetham, was also well received.

In addition to strengthening our people-to-people ties, I think Australia has a lot to offer in practical ways. Recently, we assisted study-tours to Australia to exchange views and knowledge in anti-discrimination legislation and implementation and in anti-corruption models and processes. We have also shared information on Australia’s national cyber safety plan to local NGOs and schools to help inform young people about the need to protect their privacy online.

In November, we were also pleased to participate as the country in focus in the first Creative Economy Forum held in Belgrade. Many people don’t consider culture, the arts or creativity from an economic perspective. But 20 years ago, the Australian Government

■ The people from the former Yugoslavia make 2% of those immigrants. Could you tell us about the social status of those immigrants? Is there any division along national lines like in our region?

- Australia’s migration program is comprised primarily of a skilled migration stream and a family stream, both working to strengthen Australian society by introducing migrants with skills and capabilities that Australia needs. The program also aims at helping partners, parents, carers and children join their families in Australia.

Immigrants from the former Yugoslavia can be found all over Australia, with the largest communities being located in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. These communities contribute meaningfully to all walks of Australian life. Prominent Immigrants from the former Yugoslavia can be found all Australians of former Yugoslavian origin can be found over Australia, with the largest communities being located in every field of endeavour, in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. These communities including sports (Frank contribute meaningfully to all walks of Australian life Arok, Milan Blagojevic), enlaunched Creative Nation, which aimed to build and tertainment (Holly Vukadinović AKA Holly Valance) and promote Australia’s international reputation in creaculture (Sreten Božić aka B. Wongar). tivity and innovation. The creative industries comprise a broad sector, which can encompass design, fashion, ■ Are there any specific areas that the Australian Embassy is working on to enhance cooperation bearchitecture, film, radio and television, music, the pertween Australia and Serbia? forming arts, publishing, writing and print media, soft- We are constantly looking for ways to build underware, multimedia development, visual arts and crafts among others. Today, the creative and cultural sector standing of Australia and Australia’s way of life in Serbia in Australia contributes around $40 million to our GDP through cultural exchange and public diplomacy events. and employs around 500,000 people. Given Serbia’s For example, in January, in celebration of Australia Day rich cultural heritage, strong artistic tradition and in(26 January), we sponsored an exhibition of Aboriginal art at the RTS gallery in Takovska Street. This and simiternational reputation for scientific innovation, this is one area that I believe we can helpfully share our expelar exhibitions or performances by Australian artists draw strong interest in Serbia. Australia Day at the Belrience in a practical way. ■ cordeditorial@cma.rs |

101 February 2013 | 19

interview Predrag Ćulibrk, acting CEO of Telekom Serbia

The Year for

Investment

The investments that we plan to make in 2013 are bigger than those made over the past few years and are estimated at close to 20 billion dinars.

This business plan has already been approved by the statutory bodies, and we have already started implementing it

T

he most successful public company in Serbia, Telekom Srbija, enters 2013 with a new CEO and a team that has record investments in the pipeline, as well as plans for increasing sales on the telecommunications market in a business environment that is said to be the toughest in the last few decades. Telekom’s CEO for the past four months, Predrag Ćulibrk, talks for CorD magazine.

■ Telekom is beginning 2013 with new leadership in rather difficult economic conditions. To start off with, what do you think of the 2012 business results which are the basis for Telekom’s further development this year?

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- Our 2012 business results are going to be somewhat better after all than had been expected in September last year, when I was appointed Telekom’s CEO. The final results will be verified through financial reports, but I can already tell you that the company’s profit is going to be in the region of 10 billion dinars which is significantly lower than in 2011. However, if we consider the results accomplished in the first six months of last year, then we have reason enough to be satisfied. This result comes following 101 February 2013 | www.cordmagazine.com

the stabilization and the appreciation of the dinar against the euro in the latter half of the year, as well as a reduction in certain overheads.

Telekom is a huge system where trends, whether positive or negative, do not change so easily over a short period of time.

During this brief amount of time, we have initiated many activities which are going to intensify once we start implementing this year’s business plan. Some results are already visible. Nonetheless, we need more patience to see the complete picture because this picture is the result of complex investment projects.

■ How are the company’s operations going to affect the loan that the company took out in order to buy the 20% of shares from Greek OTE?

- Certainly, a €470 million loan does significantly affect Telekom’s business operations. Taking into consideration our earlier obligations towards our creditors, Telekom’s arrearage grew to €700 million in 2012. The current position of our company will significantly burden its liquidity in the following few years.

All of that makes our huge costs even more pronounced with

obligations

Taking into consideration our earlier obligations towards our creditors, Telekom’s arrearage grew to €700 million in 2012.

Employees

Telekom is a system that employs more people than all fixed and mobile telephony and cable operators put together. For us, it is even more important to establish a system that will be able to get the maximum out of each employee.

the dinar depreciating, and we are going to encounter difficulties in trying to obtain funds for new investments and having an aggressive market approach.

■ What do you think about the decision to buy off the stake in the company, and how much does the fact that Telekom is now the owner of a 20% stake affect the sale of the most successful Serbian public enterprise in the future?

- I have struggled to understand the decision made by the previous government to buy a 20% stake from OTE for €380 million since I couldn’t discern what the next step following the buyoff could be. Nonetheless, we have to face the consequences of this decision: huge indebtedness and a burden on the current operations, especially bearing in mind that it is virtually impossible to find a buyer today who would be prepared to buy a 20% stake for the same amount of money that we have paid for it. The fact that we now own 20% of our shares has no crucial influence on the future sale of Telekom. The Serbian government owns 58% of the company and can make an independent decision about what to do with their stake. In case where the company is sold, our 20% can be added to the state’s share and offered as a package. However, this option hasn’t been discussed with the majority owner (the government), even if it is just an idea.

Advantages

Our biggest advantage is the largest subscriber base since every home, company or institution in Serbia uses at least one of Telekom’s services.

we are going to find a solution together with our partners with whom we have been fostering relations of mutual trust.

Our goal is to raise the company’s efficiency and simplify those business processes and procedures whose complexity has often been slowing us down. Also, we have noticed that our employee motivation is not the same at all company levels, and this is something that we are going to address seriously. Telekom is a company that cannot rest on individual enthusiasm alone.

It needs to function as a well-coordinated system where everybody knows their obligations and where the company hierarchy is very clear. Moreover, Telekom’s advantage is certainly its infrastructure which reaches every single village in Serbia, as well

■ What is your view of this issue?

- You should ask the Serbian government that question since we are talking about a business move that should primarily be considered by the owner based on its own priorities.

Personally, I (and I believe the majority of Serbian citizens) would like for the company not to be sold and for the state to remain its majority owner. With the current ownership structure, I think that Telekom can survive and generate good business results. But that does not mean that in the following period we would not have to make a business decision to embark on a serious business transformation. We should not forget that we are operating on an open market. If we want to secure longterm sustainability, we need to adapt our business formats to the market in which we operate.

The sale (of the company) is an issue that the government needs to decide about and this option hasn’t been discussed so far

■ It’s been four months since you’ve been appointed CEO of Telekom. What is the biggest problem in the company, and what is its biggest advantage over other companies in the sector?

- Liquidity is our biggest problem now. This came about because of everything that we’ve talked about earlier. It is therefore of vital importance to secure funds for new investments, which are necessary in our rather dynamic sector, and at the same time fulfil our obligations towards the creditors. I am confident that

as the quality and number of our employees who have to be a guarantee that our reactions will be faster and our services of better quality compared to that of our competition. Still, our biggest advantage is the having the largest subscriber base, since every home, company or institution in Serbia uses at least one of Telekom’s services. This fact should not slow us down. Quite the contrary!

■ You have confirmed in an interview that MTS lost its dominant market position. What do you plan to do about that?

- Telekom is still the operator with the biggest number of mobile telephony users. On the other hand, RATEL’s 2011 reports showed that Telekom had lost its dominant position in terms of total revenue generated by mobile telephony. We have to admit that this market is one of the most competitive in Serbia. This is validated by the fact that the mobile telephony prices here are among the lowest in the region. In the following period, we are cordeditorial@cma.rs |

101 February 2013 | 21

going to focus more on raising the quality of our network through new investments and on strengthening the loyalty of our wide user base. Also, by creating new tailored-made packages, we are going to try to win over the trust of new users who have never used MT:S services before.

Nothing comes for free on this market. You have to earn everything by having good quality, by offering benefits and competitive prices, and by being innovative and having a carefully thought out marketing approach. We are going to continuously improve and work on all of those segments.

■ When do you expect the allocation of free shares to start and why hasn’t this process started yet since it was planned for last year?

of Telekom’s shares could be better timed. We are going to discuss dates with our shareholders and inform the public about everything at the right time.

■ Assuming that there would be no significant market tur-

moil, what new investments are you planning to make and where are they needed the most?

- The investments that we plan to make in 2013 are bigger than those made over the past few years and are estimated at close to 20 billion dinars. This business plan has already been approved by the statutory bodies, and we have already started implementing it. Of course, there are many objective and subjective circumstances that could affect the successful outcome of these plans.

I am referring to our efficiency and efficiency of our partners, state bodies and local authorities who issue various permits required for our projects’ implementation. All of our investments are primarily focused on raising the quality of our services, and especially securing broadband access both in fixed and mobile telephony. We are going to improve our optical infrastructure significantly, since that’s needed in order to get even closer to our clients. We plan to reach between 1,500 and 2,000 households in Serbia with optics and use the VDSL technology to provide a substantial number of our users with an Internet speed of 50Mbit/s and higher. We also plan to continue investing in our improved mobile telephony network, as well as in the automatisation of our internal processes, IT systems and so forth. If we manage to realize most of our plans, we could say that this year is the year of investments for Telekom.

Every profitable company today is obligated to redirect some of its profit towards social segments like sports, culture, science and especially institutions that are caring for sick, vulnerable, neglected and handicapped persons

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- I am often asked that question, and it is valid bearing in mind that close to 4.8 million Serbian citizens and 40,000 current and former employees of Telekom have these shares. One thing is sure – all shareholders are going to be registered with the central registry, and their ownership of shares is guaranteed. It is very important to see the complete picture in the context of the capital market, the economic standing of our shareholders and the ownership structure after Telekom became the owner of 20% of its own shares in January last year. Caution should be exercised when choosing the moment to float the company’s shares on the stock exchange, and the best interests of all Telekom’s shareholders should be taken into consideration. A weak capital market and the possibility of a huge number of people selling their shares due to a dire economic situation could result in Telekom’s share price falling dramatically. This is not an unrealistic scenario, and it would benefit no one. That’s why we believe that, if the government’s forecast of economic growth in 2013 materializes, and if new foreign investors come to Serbia, a possible floatation 101 February 2013 | www.cordmagazine.com

■ The share that telecommunications sector has in the national GDP is almost 6% and estimates have shown that this share will continue to grow.

What do your estimates say?

- Speaking globally, we live in the information era and in a knowledge economy. A developed telecommunications sector is an important prerequisite for accomplishing such goals and reducing the gap between developed and emerging countries. Also, a developed telecommunications sector exerts a positive influence on the overall business environment. In terms of the sector’s further growth in Serbia, it is closely tied to future macroeconomic trends in the country and how fast we overcome the economic downturn. The sector’s share of the national GDP is not even that important. What matters more is how high the Serbian GDP going to be in the following years. If it grows, as projected by the Serbian government, I am confident that the telecommunications sector will generate further growth and development. Otherwise, we cannot expect the sector to achieve spectacular results.

■ What is, in your opinion, a quintessential condition for stable business operations in terms of macroeconomic stability?

- Since Telekom generates most of its revenue domestically with a good portion of our overhead being directly tied to a convertible currency on top of our being highly indebted, one of the most

important conditions for a company like ours is the stability of the dinar against the euro. Or at least the absence of too much fluctuation or depreciation of the dinar. What is certainly encouraging to us are the results accomplished by the NBS, which has clearly demonstrated that it was competent enough to deal with the problem. I would also like to mention stopping any further decline of the population’s living standard and raising employment levels, since we are a company that generates is revenue from dealing with the entire community.

■ How would you rate the business environment in Serbia? Do you expect something to change this year?

- In respect to that issue we need to be realistic. Last year was a year of negative trends which emerged because there has been no clear strategy for economic development in the last few years.

The Serbian government has a lot of problems to deal with, and they are all closely tied to the economy and economic developments. I think that the most important thing now is to make this year the turning point in terms of raising the FDI level, reducing unemployment, shortening the procedures for obtaining various permits, which is an incentive for investors, and stopping the further decline of living standards. If the government manages to accomplish its goals, I believe that each new year will bring more optimism. For now, all signs seem to point to our being on a good road.

■ For years, Telekom has been viewed as a socially responsible company which has been helping vulnerable population groups, cultural and sports workers and events. How important do you think this business segment is and are you going to continue with this tradition?

- Socially responsible operations are part of our strategy, and we believe that it will continue in the future too. I think that every profitable company today is obligated to redirect some of its profit towards social segments like sports, culture, science and especially institutions that are caring for sick, vulnerable, neglected and handicapped persons. During the transition that our country has been going through, many people have become marginalized, and the entire social and business community needs to take care of them in some way. We all know that the

■ You have said that the company would concentrate on

‘young employees,’ that a new job classification would be put in place and that there wouldn’t be any layoffs. How do these principles fit with your business efficiency and dealing with competition?

I have struggled to understand the decision made by the previous government to buy a 20% stake from OTE for € 380 million especially bearing in mind that it is virtually impossible to find a buyer today who would be prepared to buy a 20% stake for the same amount of money

- Telecommunications is one of the most dynamic sectors in general and we need to adapt constantly to technological advancements, new business formats, and regulatory and market changes. In that respect, telecommunications operators all over the world are having to deal with permanent transformations, and young, capable and educated people are better equipped to deal with such turbulent changes. Telekom has to be ready and able to change inside and out in order to minimize the time needed for its market appearance regardless of the ever increasing complexity of the services we offer.

On the other hand, Telekom is a system that employs more people than all fixed and mobile telephony and cable operators put together. Hence, for us, it is even more important to establish a system that will be able to get the maximum out of each employee so that we can utilize all of our market potential. We are actually working on establishing such a system and organization, but, at the same time, we are adamant that there won’t be any layoffs this year. In this way, we are helping the government to fulfil the objectives of its economic policy. We are obliged to do so.

In the meantime, we are going to review all work processes, work engagement of our employees, their motivation and dedication and all of this based on our plan for what we are going to do next.

needs exceed the means, but despite the many challenges that Telekom has been facing due to its high indebtedness, our company will direct a portion of its funds towards these groups.

■ It seems that your appointment as CEO of Telekom Serbia has gone relatively quietly, although you’ve been ‘moved’ from one party to the other. Were you appointed because you are a party member or because you have professional qualifications?

- I have answered this question on quite a few occasions. I have professional qualifications although I think that the issue has been exaggerated in the public. There are no guarantees that someone who comes from a political background will achieve good business results and vice versa. The most important thing is that capable people are running business systems and that they are judged by the results they accomplish. The rest really doesn’t matter that much. ■ cordeditorial@cma.rs |

101 February 2013 | 23

interview Srđan Dragojević, film director and screenwriter

under attack from All Extremists Sides ■ By Radmila Stanković

He turned 50 on January 1st. He considers his age only a biological fact. More importantly, this year, he marks three decades of his career as a freelance artist. He is a clinical psychologist and film director by education. He has published poems and stories in all the significant magazines in the former Yugoslavia, as well as three collections of poems. He won the Branko Radičević Award for one of his collections of poems called “The Book of Action Poetry”. He was a journalist, a rock critic, an editor of literary section in a magazine, and a psychotherapist for a brief period of time. He also wrote advertising scripts, and directed live TV broadcasts before he became a professional cinematographer. “I’ve been working like hell, and still I have a feeling that I am at the beginning. Sometimes, this is a wonderful a feeling” 24 |

101 February 2013 | www.cordmagazine.com

Inspiration

The Croatian social care minister, inspired by the movie, publicly called on the Croatian “homeland war” veterans to protect the participants of the Gay Pride Parade in Split.

Extremists

From the very first movie I did to this last one, I have always been under attack by both extreme leftand right-wingers.

A

s a young director, he directed a teenage comedy called “Mi Nismo Anđeli” (We are not Angels) which changed the concept of humour in Serbian cinematography. Subsequently, he directed a sequel, which was also successful.

His war drama “Lepa Sela Lepo Gore” (Pretty Village, Pretty Flame) received international recognition, while “Rane” (The Wounds) underscored that recognition. Dragojević spent some time in Hollywood which, obviously, wasn’t his cup of tea. Just as directing “Sveti Georgije Ubiva Aždahu” (St. George Shoots the Dragon), written by Duško Kovačević, wasn’t up his alley either.

He got back in the saddle in the best possible way as writer and director of the 2011 movie called “Parada” (The Parade). The film won over twenty awards at the three top international festivals and several other film competitions, thus becoming the most awarded of Dragojević’s work. In Serbia alone 350,000 movie-goers saw it. Srđan Dragojević’s favourite movie is Stanley Kubrick’s “Barry Lyndon” while Kubrick himself is his favourite director.

Political Spectrum

Although the left and right are on opposite sides of the political spectrum, neither have a sense of humour or irony.

the Croatian “homeland war” veterans to protect the participants of the Gay Pride Parade in Split. It is interesting to see life imitating art and not vice versa. Still, it’s early days. One of the reasons I made The Parade was to influence reality.

As it turns out, this reality is quite gristly but has been easing up in certain areas. Let’s wait for a few more years and

■ Undoubtedly, your film The Parade has made its mark on recent history. The film was very well received in the former Yugoslav republics too. When writing the script, did you conscientiously play the card of portraying the horror of the Yugoslav wars, 20 years later, from another angle which was ironic and sometimes campy?

- No, I didn’t “play any cards” as you say. The Parade script was written in 2008 when there was no mention of the Gay Pride Parade. I wrote Pretty Village in 1994 and 1995, and the film looks like it was made from a certain historical distance and from a very different angle. I do have the ability to anticipate, and I don’t see that ability as a special virtue. It’s just what it is. Sometimes, this ability did manage to screw up a movie, like in Pretty Village which would have received much more international recognition if I had made it ten years later. However, when you open one of the most distinguished film encyclopedias, Halliwell’s, you will see that Pretty Village and Before the Rain are the only two movies from this area that have made it to the top 1,000 movies of all time. To quote one of my movie protagonists, Pinki, “I don’t give a bugger” that nobody here cares about that.

see. Every movie needs historical distance. The adjectives that the journalists pin to a movie when it first comes out are not binding on history.

The Wounds are considered artistic symbols of the 1990s, what would then The Parade be for this period?

- Some things do look promising. For instance, the Croatian social care minister, inspired by the movie, publicly called on

- I don’t think that festivals or the number of viewers individually are a measure of success for a certain film or a guarantee of its longevity. After all, The Parade is the first Serbian film

■ If your exceptional films Pretty Village, Pretty Flame and

The Parade is the first Serbian film that brought the two fronts together after many years

■ Which countries saw The Parade and how did those countries understand and accept the film?

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101 February 2013 | 25

that brought the two fronts together after many years - the three awards that the film won at the Berlin International Film Festival, where no Serbian film had received any awards for over three decades, plus sixteen international awards and six hundred thousand people in the region seeing the movie, on top of sixty thousand viewers in Germany, plus the fact that the film has been distributed in twenty eight countries so far.

Not many people have said that the movie contains ’cheap humour, like in Kursadžije’ [Serbian TV comedy show]. I don’t think that people in Europe watch Kursadžije.

■ Speaking about people (not) accepting the film, what came as the biggest surprise to you or the biggest joy, or what affected you the most?

- From the very first movie I did to this last one, I have always been under attack by both extreme left- and right-wingers.

he “won” was EUR 50,000 for promoting his movie in a bid for an Oscar, which is a great success, and I would like to congratulate him on that from the bottom of my heart.

■ During the Slobodan Milošević’s reign, you were one of

the toughest and the most lucid critics of that period. Ten years later, you became a member of the Socialist Party of Serbia’s Central Committee. What influenced you so strongly to decide to support Ivica Dačić and his party?

- The SPS is the only truly left-wing party on the Serbian political scene. Do you think that I would choose to support the disgusting voracious geeks who are responsible for the most criminal-laden transition in Eastern Europe which exasperated seven million people?

■ Have you always been a left-winger deep down?

- I have always advocated solidarity, equality, justice and tolerance. I have always thought that exploiting other human beings was disgusting and that everybody has the right to free education and healthcare. Isn’t that what all normal people think?

You can call it whatever you want...

■ In your opinion, what is the reason behind the debacle of the democratic government which was in power from 2000 until recently?

I have always advocated solidarity, equality, justice and tolerance. I have always thought that exploiting other human beings was disgusting...

When I did We are not Angels, extreme left-wingers did not like that it was a quasi-conservative movie, while the right-wingers thought of it as too escapist, whatever that means. That also applies to Pretty Village, The Wounds and The Parade.

I think that that the answer to all of this is very simple – although the left and right are on opposite sides of the political spectrum, neither have a sense of humour or irony. In short, they are simpleminded. When I say to a right-winger, who opposes gay marriages, that nobody is forcing him to marry a man, he gets angry. What can you do?

■ You were not chosen as a Serbian candidate for the

Oscars. After public bickering with your colleague Goran Paskaljević, whose movie competed at the Oscars, what is your take on this today?

26 |

- Maybe he is going to win an Oscar, who knows? For now, all

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- You haven’t put the word “democratic” in quotation marks. Back in 2002, I participated in a live discussion, or rather I loudly addressed one of my former professors who jumped into a government limousine straight from the opposition. He called me, back then, a rabble-rouser. You see, a decade later, his democratic arse in a limousine contributed to this country’s becoming a land of disempowered and desperate people.

■ What comes as the biggest disappointment and

surprise to you when it comes to the people who were in power only yesterday? Were there some people that you expected a lot from or you deeply trusted that, as it turned out, you were sorely mistaken about?

- Nope. I met some of them back in the 1980s. They were phonies, mamma’s boys. As the kids would call them – asshats.

They are made of weak DNA. They are humbugs and sissies.

Again, in street talk, self-absorbed wankers. On a surface they appear urban, but they are actually rednecks fumbling with guitar strings.

■ What scares you the most on the Serbian political scene?

- I am afraid of the Democratic Party, as it is today, coming to power - the parties of liberal techno-managerial configuration with a leader who has a weak sense of empathy and tolerance.

The agreement between the two most powerful people in the party on who would become the party leader is a slap in the face to the people in that party who actually use their brains.

■ Could you elaborate on your statement that you “are not inclined toward elitism”? What constitutes elitism in today’s Serbia?

- Here’s an example: today, you have two supposedly top film directors. In a short period of time, they made three films each.

Only 12,000 people went to the cinema to see those six movies! Somebody could argue that that is an elite form of art.

Well, let me tell you straight – I couldn’t give a shit about that kind of elite! You can spit in my face if you want to. We are not talking about the Romanian new wave that has been winning awards in Cannes. We are talking about provincial pests who are shutting down cinemas and driving viewers away from the Serbian film. Our quasi film elite is holding seminars, establishing associations, festivals, task forces and dispensing advice, but not making movies! Even when they make them, they are utter failures. I have managed to draw in 1.1 million viewers in two years by writing scripts for two movies and directing one which matches the combined viewership of their movies over the last ten years.

That’s why I am keeping my distance from the film and any other elite.

hold water if you go to night clubs at midnight and sleep all day. How are you going to find a job when you get up at 3 pm?

■ You have been talking about your new movie, ’Bodljikavo Prase’ (The Porcupine) based on Julian Barnes’ novel, for quite some time now. What draws you to this novel which was written in early 1990s?

- Because it was then – in the late 1980s and early 1990s – that things started to go downhill and led to us living in the worst possible world today. The German distributer of my film The Parade, who is from Berlin, thinks of himself as a “proud East German” who spent his best years in the GDR and says that he has always been disgusted with a shameless propaganda that life in East Germany was miserable. The co-producer of The Porcupine, who is from Romania, always starts swearing about Western propaganda and its claims that, when he lived under

■ Do you think that term VIP is used as widely in other countries as it is here? In a country as poor as ours, a handful of media moguls are forcing on us some kind of show-business VIPs. What does that tell you about the value system that we live in today?

- Things are no different in the rest of the world.

Immediately before the Roman Empire fell, the decadence was the same at the heart of the Empire as it was at its provinces. Only the latter one had its own idiosyncrasies and elements of rural crafts.

■ In your opinion, what represents the healthy fabric of the Serbian society today? In other societies, it is young people but the young people in this country will often tell you that they have no jobs and no future unless they join one of the governing political parties.

I am afraid of the Democratic Party, as it is today, coming to power - the parties of liberal techno-managerial configuration with a leader who has a weak sense of empathy and tolerance

- Yes, I often hear them moan about that. Then you want to make a movie and you look for volunteers to join your team, but you can’t find anyone with the exception of a handful of wonderful young people who proved themselves at our shoots and were subsequently paid for their engagement. Today, many young people won’t get out of bed for less than three hundred euros a week, and let’s not forget that they are beginners with no experience whatsoever. I remember back in 1987 when I mustered enough courage to approach the people who made a movie called ’Slučaj Harms’ (The Harms Case) and begged them to give me something to do. Of course, I did it for free, to get some experience. I became the third assistant and had to run after extras on the set. I was 25 years old and a clinical psychology graduate. I am gradually getting fed up with that moaning. The talk about not having a future does not

socialism, he struggled in an apartment without any heating.

That’s one side of the story.

The other side of the story, that I always keep telling my Western friends, is that we, as in people living in Eastern Europe, have always been hostages, in a way, so that we could live dignified lives, and work 7 or 8 hours a day, and not like today’s 12 or 14 hours. We were hostages because corporate mutts were fearful of role models from the other side of, as they called it, iron curtain, so they, albeit with heaviness of heart, had to enable their people to have somewhat decent and dignified lives. Well, once that ’role model’ was swept away, capitalism was free to show its true face and its true nature. That’s why I think that this movie is important both for the Eastern and Western Europeans and especially for us since we have allowed for a system that was closest to the ideal of cordeditorial@cma.rs |

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humanity and justice to be destroyed (I am referring here to the pinnacle of the Yugoslav socialism in early 1960s).

■ What do you think about Serbia joining the EU and getting the candidate status from the perspective of the work you do? For instance, The Porcupine had to be co-produced despite the fact that Great Britain is not a full-fledged EU member. Do you think that it is possible to make a movie that is so demanding and expensive as The Porcupine if a country is in such a dire situation as Serbia is today?

- The Porcupine will be co-produced by a total of seven countries. So far, we got the money from three countries and are waiting for the other four. It is a very important incentive for us that we got money from one of the most important German film funds, as well as from the German television. Apart from Germany, generally speaking, The Porcupine is co-produced

'The Parade' is shown in France in 45 movie theatres.

■ What is your view of Serbian film today, that is, Serbian film in the last ten or so years? How have the young Romanian filmmakers, whom you’ve mentioned in this interview, managed to make such a boom on the European film stage and Serbian ones have failed at that?

- Serbian film today is totally ruined and devastated. This is due to the doings of a group of ten or so mediocre people who are like a pack of jackals and who keep awarding funds to each other’s projects, taking turns as members of various commissions. For instance, there is a situation where a beginner, who is one of those mediocre people, awards funding to his own project in his capacity as a commission member.

There is also a situation where an obscure radio journalist becomes a producer and is awarded funds to make a foreign movie (a minority co-production), who takes his cut and then transfers the project to another producer. Or another example of two men becoming producers just because they were the best men of former minister. And it is not these semi-talented lowlifes’ fault. It is the previous government’s fault which clearly demonstrated its treatment of filmmakers. You play an extra at an election rally and the money for a film will be given to you. You publicly support the president and, in return, you have all the freedom in the world to produce, act and direct. And an audience is nowhere to be found. Cinemas are closing down while a handful of paid reporters sing praises about our movies winning international awards at some obscure festivals and are trying to convince the Serbian public that Serbian films have never been better.

■ Is there any chance of that changing?

- All film distributors agree – Serbian film, and cinema as an institution, can survive only if at least four communicative Serbian films are made each year. And to do that we need good will and a plan. You choose five scripts that have cinema potential and five art house films. It’s a no-brainer. You need to possess some know-how, honesty and professionalism. But, instead of that, the only plan that we have now is the one that is being implemented by the majority which has a decisive vote in Serbian cinematography. That plan is that anybody who makes a communicative film should be eliminated because they are standing out and because, if they exist, it is very difficult to explain why nobody wants to see your movie, apart from your family.

Look at the results of the last five competitions and everything will become clear to you. There should be no abominable pat-on-the-back mediocre simulacrum of democracy which has been ruling Serbian film for a whole decade now. There should be no commissions, with randomly selected members, who are deciding who will get the money for this rather expensive activity. In art, only dedicated absolutism yields re-

I think that that the answer to all of this is very simple – although the left and right are on opposite sides of the political spectrum, neither have a sense of humour or irony. In short, they are simpleminded

28 |

by Balkan countries, just like The Parade was co-produced by ex-Yugoslav countries. The Parade has managed to demonstrate that ex-Yugoslavia is still one cultural and economic entity. I aim to prove this at the Balkan level now. However, waiting for all those funds is a long process, and we need to arm ourselves with patience. In the meantime, I would love to make a really small movie which is called ’Škartovi’ (The Rejects) which is the last part of the trilogy about the 1990s, together with Pretty Village and The Wounds. It’s a story about a night in the bombing of Belgrade in the 1990s and the intertwined destinies of seven people and one non-human character – an American guided bomb – which is flying towards Belgrade and contemplating the meaning of life. Emotionally, this is probably the most important project for me since it will round off my own vision of this unusual decade.

101 February 2013 | www.cordmagazine.com

sults. For years, I have been trying to push through a format which made Danish cinematography one of the best in Europe and which consists of the following – one man and one man only, of Srđan Karanović, Mihić or Makavejev’s calibre, reads scripts submitted at competitions for four years and decides which of those scripts should be turned into movies. Then, you sum up everything and you are held personally responsible. In that case, when a shitty movie you have selected comes out, a reporter can ask you – “Did you actually receive money for that?” or “Are you just an uncorrupted blameless idiot?”

Only in such a situation can an ordinary man justly claim that money is being wasted on cinematography. Well, it is only normal that money is being wasted away. There are only two situations when the money is not actually being wasted – participation in a top film festival or drawing over 200,000 viewers to domestic cinemas. In the first case, the state is paying for its own prestige and, in the second, the state is getting a return on its investment through taxes on cinema tickets, DVDs and income tax. On top of that, there is a network of cinemas in which people are working. There is no third option. Everything else is a situation where “a gang of bros” is drinking water from the state’s watering hole as if cinematography is there to serve the purpose of providing them with the means for a comfortable life.

have. This movie used humour to heal the wounds of animosity among people. Then what happens? You have a handful of hooligans from both sides causing an incident and the movie’s influence disappears. There is also a situation where an identical number of people – 25,000 - see the movie in Bosnia, that is both in the Bosnian Federation and the Republic of Srpska, which is the first time that has happened. Nobody wants to write about that because it doesn’t suit the politicians from both sides. If they admitted to this fact it would be tantamount to their saying (let me use onomatopoeia here): “Moooooo!”

What additionally complicates regional cooperation and an attempt to reconcile, and this is something that I am fighting against regardless of real difficulties, is the hypocrisy and mimicry of many regional artists. They are willing to support cooperation only declaratively, but are actually appalled by the fact that a movie can practically prove that such cooperation

■ What is your view of the Kosovo issue today, and do you believe that the current government will be forced to accept all terms that have been talked about?

- The sooner we accept the realistic situation in Kosovo, the sooner will we, as a state, have the tools to protect the Serbian minority and our historic monuments. I am very pleased to see that Ivica Dačić is advocating a realistic and rational policy toward Kosovo. Many others are behaving like kids who are covering their eyes with their hands thinking that grown-ups cannot see them. The media are behaving in the same way. Last summer, at the summer film festival in Priština, The Parade won the award for the Best Balkan Film which surprised me a lot since there was a rather controversial role of a Kosovo Albanian in the movie. Of course, the Serbian media did not report about it at all. Why is there a festival in Priština when Kosovo doesn’t exist? Well, if somebody wants to cover up two million people and their firm resolve to be independent that is really childish, to say the least. I am tempted to use a term from a psychological practice for that.

Our quasi film elite is holding seminars, establishing associations, festivals, task forces and dispensing advice, but not making movies!

Even when they make them, they are utter failures

■ How can intellectuals and artists contribute to a faster regional reconciliation?

- My experience forces me to be moderately optimistic when it comes to this issue. On one hand, I witnessed the unbelievable number of 172,000 people seeing The Parade in Croatia, and the movie’s being the best ambassador that Serbia can

exists, which The Parade, with its 600,000 viewers, did. What comes next? Incrimination. In Sarajevo, the film establishment is pretending that the movie does not exist, and in Croatia, our new project has been rejected twice at a co-production competition. They should have called us and asked whether we had something new to cooperate on. At the Pula Festival, they managed to fake the audience votes and a Croatian movie managed to outstrip The Parade which got the audience vote of 4.72 – the highest ever in the history of the Pula Film Festival. The Motovun Film Festival hasn’t even considered us for the best regional movie award since a jury made of regional film artists simply cannot tolerate our success. I expected this counterattack to happen after the success of The Parade in the region, but I could have never anticipated how pitiful these human lowlifes and petty souls could be. ■ cordeditorial@cma.rs |

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focus

Regional Cooperation A recent debate in the Serbian Parliament on the adoption of the resolution on the basic principles of negotiations with Priština, as well as different views of the recent official visit of Croatian Prime Minister to Serbia, demonstrate that even Serbia’s governing coalition does not have a unified position about the strategic development directions of regional cooperation, not only when Kosovo is concerned.

Knowing that the biggest trade exchange is carried out inside the region made of the former Yugoslav republics, as well as the fact that regional cooperation is one of the prerequisites for European integration process, then the issue of regional cooperation should be given a much bigger priority which should be implemented with the full consent of all representatives from all levels of the governing coalition.

In this issue, CorD is asking its interlocutors the following: In your opinion, what priorities and interests should Serbia have in terms of further development of regional cooperation?

Regional Cooperation is Priority Contacts with all neighbouring countries are very intensive, and we are working on all fronts on removing and resolving potentially unsettled issues

burden of the conflicts inherited from the past. It is also natural that we aspire to create such in Europe where people will live, travel, work, develop their businesses, and educate themselves without problems or fear.

Also, there is another reason. If we become a strong and united region, we are going to move towards our future

SUZANA GRUBJEŠIĆ, Deputy Prime Minister in Charge of European Integration

R

egional countries are naturally inclined towards each other – we share the same problems, challenges and goals, and that’s why it is only logical for regional cooperation to be one of the top priorities of the Serbian government. We are constantly working on improving relations with our neighbours because that’s what the citizens want and deserve. It is only natural that we aspire to create, through dialogue, not confrontation, an area that will be relieved of the 30 |

Cooperation is already on a considerable level in some segments like culture and sport. We should aim for the same kind of cooperation in other segments which are important for the citizens and the economy in Europe much faster. That’s why contacts with all neighbouring countries are so intensive and we are working on all fronts on removing and resolving potentially unsettled issues. It is important for all countries to have the same goal when it comes to this issue, since, by definition, cooperation can never be unilateral. It would be frivolous of us

101 February 2013 | www.cordmagazine.com

to expect somebody else to solve our problems. That’s something that only we have to do.

Good regional cooperation is also one of the postulates on which the European Union rests and something for which we aim. Some of our neighbours are already in the EU, some will join it soon, and what we want is to use the experiences of the countries which have been through the process, as well as offering help to those countries that are lagging a step or two behind us in the process. That’s where a great opportunity for cooperation lies, and I believe that we are going to use it thanks to the good will of everybody included in the process and for the benefit of all people who live in this part of the world.

Cooperation is already on a considerable level in some segments like culture and sport. We should aim for the same kind of cooperation in other segments which are important for the citizens and the economy, such as education, science, and trade cooperation.

It is no big secret that establishing good neighbourly relations is one of the requests that came from Brussels and which Serbia needs to fulfil in the accession process. We are working on that on a daily basis, but, just as in other countries that are going through the accession process, we are not doing it merely to fulfil formalities, but because that is in the best interest of all Serbian citizens. That is what they want, and we are here to try to make that come true for them.

Serbia is Pressured Topics Instead of By its Past Problems The political and sectoral cooperation networks, which connect regional stakeholders today, are now stronger and more comprehensive than ever before. This is a great success, but we are measuring it against a very low baseline I think that the regional cooperation priorities are the preservation and advancement of the current level of bilateral relations and cooperation in regional and othMILICA DELEVIĆ, Chairwoman of the European Integration Committee in er international organizations which deal with issues the Serbian Parliament that are in the region’s interest. Political and sectoral cooperation networks, which connect regional stakeholders today, are now stronger and more comprehensive than ever before. This is a great success, but we are measuring it against a very low baseline which is determined by the conflicts and wars from the 1990s. Although a lot has been achieved, our relations, despite being functional, still do not lead to resolution of existing problems. That’s why I think that the most important goal is improving relations and cooperation to reach a level that is, in itself, pushing us to deal with the problems.

There are many topics that are about the future, like being a part of the European future, which is something to which all of us in the region aspire, and the cooperation that we have established on the road to EU membership Stakeholders in the West Balkans have a lot to talk about. Some of the topics relate to issues from the past while some stem from the disintegration of the common state and the wars that followed.

However, there are many topics that are about the future, like being a part of the European future, which is something to which all of us in the region aspire, and the cooperation that we have established on the road to EU membership. Another topic is handling challenges in economy, energy, ecology, and safety which are trans-regional issues. This primarily entails keeping up with meetings, since if there are no meetings, there won’t be opportunities to talk. Of course, the stand that we take in the talks is important, which, coupled with the consideration that we give to our own interests, shows that we understand that only a settled issue gives us enough room and time to move on to dealing with other problems. I believe that this indicator, on top of regional cooperation that is guided by it, is closer to the citizens and yields more results than cooperation for the sake of becoming EU members.

Serbia gravitates toward Washington, Moscow and Brussels since it needs to resolve tough issues from the past which are largely about Kosovo and Metohija which means that regional cooperation is not in the forefront

R

egional cooperation certainly needs to be the priority of Serbian foreign policy, not only because of the economy, but mainly because of the reconDr Ognjen Pribićević, analyst and senior science associate at ciliation after the wars and sinister events from the 1990s. the Institute of Social Sciences Unfortunately, regional cooperation is a priority of neither the current nor of previous Serbian governments since Serbia needs to resolve tough issues from the past which are largely about Kosovo and Metohija. This is why the country gravitates towards Washington, Moscow and Brussels.

We can expect that once the problems with Kosovo and Metohija are on their way to being resolved, regional cooperation will become the most important priority of the Serbian government.

In that respect, this priority should not be related to any

The U.S. and other superpowers are not that interested in Serbia, except in the issue of Kosovo and Metohija which is, after all, Serbia’s internal political issue country in particular, especially in the region, but should be viewed in terms of general relations. In the future, we are going to have the most complex relations with Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina and we should not have any illusions about that. In order to solve the problems that we have with these countries, we need time and the whole process could last for years, maybe even decades.

There is a visible effort on the government’s part to settle the issues with Montenegro, and, in my opinion, the problems with this country are much easier to resolve than those with Croatia and B&H. It is also realistic to expect that Serbia will gravitate economically and politically more towards regional countries and establish all sorts of cooperation with them, particularly economic. The U.S. and other superpowers are not that interested in Serbia, except in the issue of Kosovo and Metohija which is, after all, Serbia’s internal political issue. That’s why our country will have to turn primarily to the region and the surrounding countries for economic and political cooperation. Anything outside those boundaries will be considered a good move on Serbian government’s part. cordeditorial@cma.rs |

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focus

The Strongest Regional Ties Kosovo’s status is a particularly sensitive issue for regional cooperation, and, economically, we are talking about a market that is still important for many Serbian producers

T

he European Union is the main trading partner of all West Balkan countries with across the board share of above 70% of the total trade exchange, followed by trade within our region. It is also interesting to note that, inside Professor Dr ANA TRBOVIĆ the EU, the main trade partDean of Fefa ners of the region are the ones that are closest to it – the Italians, the Austrians, and the Germans. This indicates exceptional trade connections ainside the continent and very weak ones with the rest of the world, particularly in our region. Once the region becomes a part of the EU, and if this trend continues, the rest of the world will make far less than 10% of the total trade exchange. The West Balkan is more of a political than geographical determinant, and it represents the region of for-

It is absolutely vital that we assess each decision from a more pragmatic view of how it affects the citizens mer Yugoslavia, not including Slovenia which is already an EU member, plus Albania and, in the case of certain treaties, it even includes Moldavia. CEFTA – the Central European Free Trade Agreement – is also a political term which, due to different nostalgic views of the former Yugoslavia, has not been changed despite the fact that the region is more southeastern, geographically speaking. These terms just show the high level of political sensitivity also in terms of trading, infrastructure, energy and other avenues of cooperation which are required for securing good living standard for the region’s citizens. The World Bank’s latest report on the sources of economic growth in Europe identifies the market’s growth as the basis for the more optimistic forecasts and future development of the continent, and especially those parts that have yet to become more fully integrated into the common market.

Kosovo’s status is a particularly sensitive issue for regional cooperation, and, economically, we are talking about a market that is still important for many Serbian producers.

In the past few years, businessmen, including those living in the southern Serbian province, had to endure certain po32 |

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litical standpoints. In this way, it is absolutely vital that we assess each decision from a more pragmatic view of how it affects the citizens. In terms of making decisions about Kosovo, the time has come to talk more about how those decisions affect the people living there, as well as the people living in other parts of Serbia. Serbia’s priority is to use regional cooperation to improve the lives of our citizens, and, at the same time, to be mindful of other people’s potentially misusing our good will for political gain. With such limitations, making decisions is not easy, and therefore the huge debate comes as no surprise. In 2001, Serbia probably did more for regional cooperation than all other regional countries put together and that has not been sufficiently recognized by the international community. We need to continue investing as much effort and ask more from others so that all of us can gain more in return.

Between Turmoil and Passion Abandoning catch-phrases is the first priority. After we do that, we can talk about vital interests like neutralizing the main risks for peace, precisely defining economic interests on regional markets, and purging our politics from constantly stirring up potential conflict and hotbeds of tension

This looks like a regular list of priorities, maybe it lacks the word “Kosovo”, but I really think that this is the key for settling this issue in a Bojan Đurić much easier way.

MP of Liberal Democratic Party The foundation of the Serbian position in the region, and an obstacle to cooperation, is exactly the fact that regional cooperation has become a mantra that politicians often use instead of a pocket handkerchief or a badge on their lapels. And this is not only the case with Serbia. However, we, as in the people who are engaged in Serbian politics and who care about country’s interests, should not use that as an excuse.

The first issue that needs to be dealt with urgently is who is leading and who is responsible for the results in regional cooperation. Is it President Nikolić, who does not understand the extent of the damage that he has done with his superficiality and gag-like politics and by pushing people like Oliver Antić, who is getting ready to cause chaos in succession issues, to the forefront?

Is Prime Minister Dačić responsible for regional cooprushed. The best example is Nikolić’s realization of a ceneration, since it seems that he cannot escape the need to tennial dream about building the Morava-Vardar-Aegean compensate for the compromises made in the negotiations canal in a world that looks nothing like the one from 100 about Kosovo by having occasional outbursts which reyears ago. Another one is found in the economic aberramind us so much of Milošević back in the day? Koštunica tions of the Justice Minister, who is actually a law teacher, who thinks that an aggressive campaign against importwas held responsible when the need arose, same as Tadić ed goods is definitely going to benefit domestic economy who sporadically allowed Jeremić to play the role of “Serb and the citizens. on steroids”.

Neutralizing politically the Developing economic cooperation is of course the key The foundation of the Serbian position risks for peace and integration into the NATO are closepriority, but this priority canin the region, and an obstacle to not be founded on the idea ly related priorities which the cooperation, is exactly the fact that of governments sitting down, current and previous governregional cooperation has become ments have been short-sightputting their signatures on a mantra that politicians often use edly ignoring. It will be very quotas, deciding on behalf of instead of a pocket handkerchief or a difficult for Serbia to secure the countries about trade and a lasting peace and safety if then going about their busibadge on their lapels ness just like in the former SEV it remains “neutral” while all (The Council for Mutual Economic Assistance). This is 2013. her neighbours are either NATO members or about to become one. In that respect, Vučić needs to know that he canAre we ready to accept Croatia’s exiting the CEFTA? No, we not achieve anything long-term for the Serbs by grabbing are not. Do we understand just how important the customs Panetta’s arm on one occasion and begging him for NATO and the rule of the law are for the private and state-run to stay in Kosovo.

Serbian economy in relation to Kosovo? Obviously not.

Is there going to be a second chance?

Our notion of the region is anachronistic, frivolous and

cordeditorial@cma.rs |

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review

EU-Latin America Summit Achieves Little The long-awaited EU-Latin America Summit in Chile has come to an end. But despite the EU’s hopes to finally sign a free trade agreement, little was achieved. Still, there were some small successes

sis together and did not leave individual pushed diplomacy countries high and dry,” Merkel said. to its limits.

Even the way the summit hosts pre“We are very sented themselves was a response to this concerned about experience. The creation of the Community certain protecof Latin American and Caribbean States in tionist tenden2010 (CELAC) allowed Latin America and cies in some counthe Caribbean to speak with one voice for tries,” she said on the first time. Along with the economy, the sidelines of the Marko Djurić, advisor to the President Nikolić (left), Sebastian Pinera, President of Chile (center) Serbia’s President Tomislav Nikolic and Ivan there is also a growing self-confidence – meeting.

Mrkić, Minister of Foreign Affair CELAC sees itself as being on an equal Merkel also made footing with the EU. it perfectly clear whom she meant, saypuntando alto” or “aim high” ing that she’d talk to the Argentine pres(in English) was the theme Satisfied hosts and guests ident about the subject. However, de of the EU-Latin America The EU countries could go home reaKirchner defended Argentine protectionSummit, which ended on sonably happy. The 14-page final declaism and poured more cold water on the Sunday 28.01.2013. However, the meetration calls for reliability and legal securiproceedings. After these long negotiaing of 60 heads of state and government ty for European investments – that was a tions, the conditions had fundamentally of the European Union, Latin America and stated goal of the EU countries before the changed, meaning it had become a matter the Caribbean fell short of expectations. summit, after the nationalization of several for Mercosur to discuss, she said. The bloc That’s because the EU’s most ambitious companies in Bolivia and Argentina in rewould make a new proposal to the EU by goal – to finally sign a free trade agreecent months caused considerable irritation. the end of the year at the earliest. ment with South America’s trade bloc, A general view during the closing cerSo it was more of a summit of small Mercosur – was not achieved after years of emony at the summit Closing ceremony: successes. negotiation. Even though individual leadPerhaps next time ers, like the presidents of Chile, Brazil Now, Europe had to hurry to avoid and Colombia, pushed for more free Europe and Latin America have drawn significantly closer to each other. The losing its competitiveness, Merkel said. trade, the head of the second largest Mercosur country, Argentina’s Cristina Latin American countries look at the That means developing good products, Fernandez de Kirchner, vehemently op- handling of the crisis in Europe with a but also reducing debt.

But Latin America should not beposed it. mixture of skepticism and curiosity come solely a paradise for investors, “On the one hand are emerging CELAC countries want to work togeth“I’ve never experienced any summit in markets with developing industries, and er with the EU for their mutual interest which the relationships are so close, openon the other is the stability of Europe. It is and benefit. A Latin American think-tank minded and dynamic,” a visibly impressed important to recognize this asymmetry to has already developed plans for how inMerkel stated halfway through the meeting. avoid harming our industry and most imvestments from Europe can bring not onEurope and Latin America have drawn portantly, our people,” she said. ly financial benefits, but also serve to prosignificantly closer to each other. The Latin mote development of civil society. And American countries look at the handling of A return to protectionism by time the next summit between the EU the crisis in Europe with a mixture of skepGerman Chancellor Angela Merkel, and CELAC takes place in Brussels in two ticism and curiosity. who was seating next to de Kirchner, years’ time, targets will need to be shifted “The most important thing for the councouldn’t say much to sway the Argentine once again. ■ tries here is that they have the impression president’s feelings. Still the chancellor,

Source: Deutsche Welle that we as the eurozone overcame the criwho was perhaps the star of this summit,

“A

34 |

101 February 2013 | www.cordmagazine.com

feb 2013 business leader’s meeting point

Page 40

World Economic Forum

The Global Competitiveness Report 2012–2013 Page 48

MIRKO BUTULIJA

Deputy Director General of Ams Osiguranje

A Successfully Completed Year

Page 44

IMF

Pleads Guilty But Insists on Austerity Page 49

survey

Global Crisis of Leadership cordeditorial@cma.rs |

101 February 2013 | 35

www.cordmagazine.com

36 |

101 February 2013 | www.cordmagazine.com

cordeditorial@cma.rs |

101 February 2013 | 37

local news

Measures

Business Dialogue 01

“The full effect that the monetary policy measures taken so far will have on inflation is yet to show and the NBS will see whether it is necessary to further tighten the monetary policy in the coming period.”

— Jorgovanka Tabaković, NBS Governor

02

Mercedes-Benz

Forever Young

EBRD Boost Growth Forecast for Serbia

Mercedes-Benz has once again significantly upgraded the G-Class, so reemphasising its position as the leader among off-road vehicles

The interior is characterised by high-quality appointments finished with exquisite materials. The instrument cluster and centre console have been completely redesigned. The driver’s field of vision now encompasses a colour screen, between two new round dials. The car features as standard the sophisticated COMAND Online infotainment system, including a navigation system and internet access.

New LED daytime driving lamps and new exterior mirrors bring a few discreet changes to the appearance of the luxury off-roader.

New to the range are the G 63 AMG with an eight-cylinder biturbo engine and the ECO start/stop system as standard, and the G 65 AMG with twelve-cylinder biturbo engine.

Since it was originally conceived in 1979, as a vehicle to be used primarily in tough off-road terrain, the G-Class has undergone an astounding process of evolution. Over the course of 33 years MercedesBenz has refined what was initially a very practically-oriented offroad specialist by giving it a high-class interior and road-going qualities on a par with those of the premium saloons emanating from Stuttgart. The G-Class today is considered the top model among luxury-class cross-country vehicles, and has provided the gene pool for the other very successful SUVs built under the Mercedes-Benz brand.

The technical qualities of the G-Class continue to be highly prized. The tremendous torque of its engines makes the luxury off-roader an excellent vehicle for towing, while its three electrically controlled 100-percent differential locks, ladder frame and rigid axle are characteristics that make it an unrivalled proposition in rough, off-road terrain.

04

Aviation

Jat Airways Confirms Lease of a New Aircrafts

Jat Airways has confirmed the lease of new aircraft for the 2013 summer season With half of its fleet grounded, the airline has been forced to suspend services to Brussels until April 1 and has cut down on its frequencies to Copenhagen, Stockholm, Vienna, Berlin and Milan. The airline says it will financially lease four Airbus A319 jets, with two arriving in April and the other two in May. According to fleet plans submitted to the task group in charge of restructuring the carrier, it has been proposed for Jat to lease two ATR72-

38 |

EBRD

500s and two Airbus A319s for arrival in March, while a further two A320s would be leased in May. The airline says that some of its aircraft are on the ground because the government took its time in approving a € 10 million loan the airline intends to take out from the banks. Meanwhile, Jat Airways pilots have sent letters to the Serbian President, Prime Minister and first Deputy Prime Minister urging them to focus more on the carrier and its problems.

101 February 2013 | www.cordmagazine.com

As stated in the January report, "Regional Economic Prospects" the EBRD has improved the prognosis of economic growth in Serbia for 2013 by one percentage point - from 1.1 to 2.1 percent However, the EBRD calls attention that Serbia’s economy is showing several weaknesses at present.

Real GDP has fallen by around 2 per cent in 2012, reflecting low domestic demand and fallout from the eurozone crisis, which has affected export demand. This, together with political and related policy uncertainty have impacted investment and general confidence. Inflation has risen sharply to around 13 per cent by year-end reflecting exchange rate depreciation and food price hikes, the latter partly caused

by a summer drought which badly affected agricultural output. The government faces a major challenge in reducing the fiscal deficit (currently close to 7 per cent of GDP) and bringing down public debt, which has risen to above 60 per cent of GDP, way above the legal limit of 45 per cent. The current IMF Standby Arrangement, which has been frozen for nearly a year, will expire soon. The IMF’s continued anchoring role under a potential new arrangement, currently being discussed, could be critical for stabilising market confidence under the current challenging external and domestic policy conditions.

03

Banking

Subsidies for Liquidity Loans

Serbia has set aside more than $7 million in subsidies to encourage banks to lend to small- and medium-sized firms facing liquidity problems, the Finance Ministry Mladjan Dinkić said.

The government has set aside 600 million dinars ($7.2 million) in the 2013 budget for loan subsidies and capped interest rates at 3.5 percent for euro-linked loans, while dinar-denominated lending costs can’t exceed the central bank’s benchmark interest rate, currently 11.5 percent, the Belgrade- based ministry said in an e-mailed statement.

Banks are expected to lend “around 100 million euros in 2013,” the ministry said, adding that the government will subsidize “5 percent of the interest rate on those loans,” which the borrowers will be able to repay over 18 months, including a five-month grace period. Source: Bloomberg

05

Infrastructure

der, the Sevilla-based company said on its website.

Funding for the project will come from the European Azvi Grupo of Spain won a €39.0 Investment Bank, the World Bank million contract to build a highway and the Serbian government. in Serbia Trace Group Hold AD (T57), Azvi has 24 months to build a Bulgaria’s biggest road builder, 6.1-kilometer stretch between said earlear it won a €34.2 milGrdelica and Predejane, part of lion contract to build a 5-kilomthe highway linking Serbia’s town eter section of the same highway. of Nis with the Macedonian bor- Source Bloomberg

Azvi Won Road -Building Deal

Business climate “Sandzak needs a positive business climate and legal safety so that investors could begin to invest in the area.”

— Sulejman Ugljanin, Serbian Minister without portfolio

06

agriculture

Placements & Postings appointments@cma.rs

www.cordmagazine.com/corporate/appointments.html

UAE to invest in Serbian Agriculture The Abu Dhabi-based company Al Dahra pledge to invest about 200 million euros in Serbia's agricultural industry is the latest example of investment of the United Arab Emirates in the Balkans Al Dahra’s investment is expected to boost Serbian exports a year after drought caused damage of up to €1.5 billion. The country has a small area of irrigated land that limits the Serbian agriculture revenue, rendering it vulnerable to natural disasters.

“Al Dahra will invest 100 million euros in the new irrigation system in order to boost production, and 100 million in the takeover of 80 percent stake in eight state-controlled agricultural companies, of which Serbia will keep 20 percent,” said Mladjan Dinkic, Serbian finance and economy minister.

Experts said that Serbia would have to irrigate approximately 500,000 hectares of land. Currently some 150,000 hectares are irrigated, but the actual area is 40,000 hectares. The new investment should add another 14,000 hectares for irrigation.

Serbia is not the only regional country where UAE investors are investing.

Trade between Bosina and Herzegovina and the UAE is some €4 million. The number of Emirate companies that entered the BiH market in the last three years has risen to 15.

The UAE government is investing €51 million in the construction of the 32 km long Tirana-Elbasan highway in Albania, in additional to €17 million into the construction of the Kukes airport.

In Bulgaria, UAE direct investments were €0.3 million in 2000, while Source: SETimes.com they reached €34.4 million in 2012.

07

investment

Simpo Kopaonik and GGE sign MoU

Furniture maker Simpo Kopaonik has signed a memorandum of understanding with Slovakian energy consulting company GGE on a project for a cogeneration plant worth €20 million The plant should provide a stable and efficient supply of energy to Simpo Kopaonik while enabling the generation of electricity from renewable sources and wood waste that would be delivered to the national grid.

Source: Tanjug

08

economy

Marko Ćulibrk Acting director general of the Dunav Osiguranje Company

Christian R. Hylkema

New acting general manager of Metro Cash &Carry Serbia

Public Debt end 2012 - 61.5% of GDP

Serbia's public debt at the end of 2012 was €17.67 billion, or 61.5 percent of GDP, according to preliminary data, the Public Debt Administration has stated

The preliminary amount of Serbia’s public debt at the end of last year was RSD 2,009.5 billion.

The public debt at the end of November 2012 was €17.56 billion, or 60.5 percent of GDP. Serbia’s direct liabilities at the end of November were at around €15 billion, with the internal debt at around EUR 6.31 billion and external 8.69 billion.

The total contingent liabilities at the end of November were €2.57 billion.

Serbia’s public debt at the end of 2011 was €14.47 billion.

Michael Nam New general manager of BASF Serbia

Thanos Trimis New general manager of British American Tobacco

Marko Ćulibrk was born in 1958. He has a Ph.D. in economics. He graduated in law from the Belgrade Faculty of Law and started his professional career at the Belgrade-based Industrija Konfekcije Kluz Company. He was the company’s director general twice in the period from 1995 to 2003. Mr. Ćulibrk was also a national MP from 2000 to 2004. From 2004 to 2007, he was a member of the National Employment Service’s Managing Board. He was appointed director general of the Ateks – Pronto Moda Company in 2006. From 2009 to December 2012, he was the Chairman of the Managing Board, and later the Supervisory Board, of Dunav Osiguranje (Dunav Insurance).

Mr. Ćulibrk has been the head of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce Assembly from 2011 to today. He speaks both English and Russian.

Along with his current position as customer relations director, as of the New Year Hylkema will also be the company’s new acting general manager. He began his career at Metro in 2009 and in Metro Serbia in 2010. At first, Hylkema was a trainee customer relations director. Before working for Metro, he had been regional manager for Western Europe in Frigoglass since 2007. He also worked as a commercial development manager for Heineken for eight years and as general manager for Suriname and Panama.

Also, at KLM Cargo, he was regional customer relations manager for Latin America, and later for the Benelux countries, Great Britain and Ireland for a total of eight years.

Michael Nam has been appointed new general manager of BASF Serbia, succeeding his predecessor, Harald Kube. Mr. Nam (43), who is German, has over 15 years of experience in BASF. Aside from managing the Serbian office, he will remain general manager of BASF Slovenia and BASF Croatia. Michael Nam is a chemical engineer by training and has worked seven years for BASF France in various positions – from sales and corporate communications to market development.

On January 1st, Thanos Trimis was appointed as new general manager of British American Tobacco (BAT) Serbia &Montenegro. Previously, Mr. Trinis, who is Greek, held the position of general manager at BAT Cyprus, Malta and Israel. He started his career at BAT in Greece. Subsequently, he worked as the European marketing manager for Dunhill at BAT’s HQ in London. Before BAT, Trimis worked for Unilever and Coca Cola. He is married and has two children.

cordeditorial@cma.rs |

101 February 2013 | 39

economy World Economic Forum

The Global Competitiveness Report 2012–2013 The Global Competitiveness Index 2012–2013 rankings and 2011–2012 comparisons Rank among Rank among GCI 2011–2012 GCI 2011–2012 Country/Economy sample rank

Country/Economy

Rank/144

Score (1–7)

Switzerland

1

5.72

1

1

Singapore

2

5.67

2

Finland

3

5.55

Sweden

4

Netherlands

Rank among Rank among GCI 2011–2012 GCI 2011–2012 sample rank

Rank/144

Score (1–7)

Bahrain

35

4.63

35

37

2

Spain

36

4.60

36

36

3

4

Kuwait

37

4.56

37

34

5.53

4

3

Thailand

38

4.52

38

39

5

5.50

5

7

Czech Republic

39

4.51

39

38

Germany

6

5.48

6

6

Panama

40

4.49

40

49

United States

7

5.47

7

5

Poland

41

4.46

41

41

United Kingdom

8

5.45

8

10

Italy

42

4.46

42

43

Hong Kong SAR

9

5.41

9

11

Turkey

43

4.45

43

59

Japan

10

5.40

10

9

Barbados

44

4.42

44

42

Qatar

11

5.38

10

14

Lithuania

45

4.41

45

44

Denmark

12

5.29

12

8

Azerbaijan

46

4.41

46

55

Taiwan, China

13

5.28

13

13

Malta

47

4.41

47

51

Canada

14

5.27

14

12

Brazil

48

4.40

48

53

Norway

15

5.27

15

16

Portugal

49

4.40

49

45

Austria

16

5.22

16

19

Indonesia

50

4.40

50

46

Belgium

17

5.21

17

15

Kazakhstan

51

4.38

51

72

Saudi Arabia

18

5.19

18

17

South Africa

52

4.37

52

50

Korea, Rep.

19

5.12

19

24

Mexico

53

4.36

53

58

Australia

20

5.12

20

20

Mauritius

54

4.35

54

54

France

21

5.11

21

18

Latvia

55

4.35

55

64

Luxembourg

22

5.09

22

23

Slovenia

56

4.34

56

57

New Zealand

23

5.09

23

25

Costa Rica

57

4.34

57

61

United Arab Emirates

24

5.07

24

27

Cyprus

58

4.32

58

47

Malaysia

25

5.06

25

21

India

59

4.32

59

56

Israel

26

5.02

26

22

Hungary

60

4.30

60

48

Ireland

27

4.91

27

29

Peru

61

4.28

61

67

Brunei Darussalam

28

4.87

28

28

Bulgaria

62

4.27

62

74

China

29

4.83

29

26

Rwanda

63

4.24

63

70

Iceland

30

4.74

30

30

Jordan

64

4.23

64

71

Puerto Rico

31

4.67

31

35

Philippines

65

4.23

65

75

Oman

32

4.65

32

32

Iran, Islamic Rep.

66

4.22

66

62

Chile

33

4.65

33

31

Russian Federation

67

4.20

67

66

Estonia

34

4.64

34

33

Sri Lanka

68

4.19

68

52

40 |

101 February 2013 | www.cordmagazine.com

Rank among Rank among GCI 2011–2012 GCI 2011–2012 Country/Economy sample rank

Country/Economy

Rank/144

Score (1–7)

Colombia

69

4.18

69

68

Morocco

70

4.15

70

Slovak Republic

71

4.14

Montenegro

72

Ukraine

Rank among Rank among GCI 2011–2012 GCI 2011–2012 sample rank

Rank/144

Score (1–7)

Egypt

107

3.73

105

94

73

Nicaragua

108

3.73

106

115

71

69

Guyana

109

3.73

107

109

4.14

72

60

Algeria

110

3.72

108

87

73

4.14

73

82

Liberia

111

3.71

n/a

n/a

Uruguay

74

4.13

74

63

Cameroon

112

3.69

109

116

Vietnam

75

4.11

75

65

Libya

113

3.68

n/a

n/a

Seychelles

76

4.10

n/a

n/a

Suriname

114

3.68

110

112

Georgia

77

4.07

76

88

Nigeria

115

3.67

111

127

Romania

78

4.07

77

77

Paraguay

116

3.67

112

122

Botswana

79

4.06

78

80

Senegal

117

3.66

113

111

Macedonia, FYR

80

4.04

79

79

Bangladesh

118

3.65

114

108

Croatia

81

4.04

80

76

Benin

119

3.61

115

104

Armenia

82

4.02

81

92

Tanzania

120

3.60

116

120

Guatemala

83

4.01

82

84

Ethiopia

121

3.55

117

106

Trinidad and Tobago

84

4.01

83

81

Cape Verde

122

3.55

118

119

Cambodia

85

4.01

84

97

Uganda

123

3.53

119

121

Ecuador

86

3.94

85

101

Pakistan

124

3.52

120

118

Moldova

87

3.94

86

93

Nepal

125

3.49

121

125

Bosnia and Herzegovina

88

3.93

87

100

Venezuela

126

3.46

122

124

Albania

89

3.91

88

78

Kyrgyz Republic

127

3.44

123

126

Honduras

90

3.88

89

86

Mali

128

3.43

124

128

Lebanon

91

3.88

90

89

Malawi

129

3.38

125

117

Namibia

92

3.88

91

83

Madagascar

130

3.38

126

130

Mongolia

93

3.87

92

96

Côte d’Ivoire

131

3.36

127

129

Argentina

94

3.87

93

85

Zimbabwe

132

3.34

128

132

Serbia

95

3.87

94

95

Burkina Faso

133

3.34

129

136

Greece

96

3.86

95

90

Mauritania

134

3.32

130

137

Jamaica

97

3.84

96

107

Swaziland

135

3.28

131

134

Gambia

98

3.83

97

99

Timor-Leste

136

3.27

132

131

Gabon

99

3.82

n/a

n/a

Lesotho

137

3.19

133

135

Tajikistan

100

3.80

98

105

Mozambique

138

3.17

134

133

El Salvador

101

3.80

99

91

Chad

139

3.05

135

142

Zambia

102

3.80

100

113

Yemen

140

2.97

136

138

Ghana

103

3.79

101

114

Guinea

141

2.90

n/a

n/a

Bolivia

104

3.78

102

103

Haiti

142

2.90

137

141

Dominican Republic

105

3.77

103

110

Sierra Leone

143

2.82

n/a

n/a

Kenya

106

3.75

104

102

Burundi

144

2.78

138

140

cordeditorial@cma.rs |

101 February 2013 | 41

regional news

Influence

Business Dialogue 01

“I wish Serbia and Montenegro too to join the E U as soon as possible but I can’t do more than this because I don’t run their policies or influence the actions and statements of their politicians.”

— Zoran Milanović, Croatian Prime Minister

Albania

Reforms to Counter Growth Slowdown After showing resilience during the past two years, Albania’s economy is now beginning to slow down, the IMF said in its annual review of the Balkan nation’s economy Nadeem Ilahi

Growth in 2012 is likely to be sharply lower—at below 1 percent— because of the euro area crisis, weak demand at home, and disruptions caused by harsh winter. In 2013, growth is expected to recover, but slowly, to 1.3 percent, the IMF report said.

“The euro area crisis will continue to create headwinds and complicate policymaking in the near term,” said Nadeem Ilahi, IMF mission chief for Albania. The country, which applied formally for EU membership in 2009, has shown surprising resilience since the outbreak of the global crisis in 2008, but that could change. In the period ahead, it will have to tackle the high public debt, make banks more resilient, and advance growth-enhancing reforms, he said.

03

02

Croatia

Sign Deal To Construct South Stream Branch Russian natural gas producer OAO Gazprom signed a deal with Croatia's state-owned pipeline operator Plinacro to build a branch to the country from the planned South Stream pipeline Gazprom and Plinacro will jointly construct the branch, which will be completed by the end of 2016, the Russian state-controlled firm said in a statement. Construction of South Stream, which will carry up to 63 billion cubic meters from Russia to south-eastern Europe via the Black Sea-began last December.

Gazprom gave no figure for

04

Compensation of Salaries for Former Miners

05

Romania

Simplifying Fiscal Checks Romania's government plans to merge several fiscal authorities into a single structure in a move to reform the tax system and increase the tax intake 42 |

The financial police and inspectorate, the customs and anti-fraud authorities will all merge into a new body, which will check small and medium companies every three years and bigger companies every five years.

Changes to the tax collection system are also part of the plan, as are changes to several important laws and the law on combating money laudering.

Romania loses millions of euro each

101 February 2013 | www.cordmagazine.com

Hungary

Re-nationalized Monopoly Companies

Kosovo

The trade union of workers of Trepça – Mitrovica called on all workers and former workers of Trepça, who have been working or engaged in the Trepça enterprise, to present the proofs in order to support their requests for compensation of unpaid salaries for the period from being fired until present day. According to the trade union, the documents that will be collected will be handed over to AKP in order to review the requests within the timeline. The time for presenting the documents expired on 30th January 2013.

On 1 November 2012 the Privatization Agency of Kosova has announced the period for presenting the requests or claims of all persons of business subjects who have any kind of interest against the Trepça enterprise. Every person or worker that has been fired due to the circumstances in the ‘90s, by harming their household, have the right to submit the request.

the cost of the Croatia branch, but Mladen Antunovic, the head of Plinacro said the pipeline would cost €60 million with a planned capacity of 2.7 billion cubic meters per year.

Gazprom said the companies also discussed renewing Russian gas deliveries to Croatia and the potential construction of power-generating plants in the country.

Hungary's Economy Minister Gyorgy Matolcsy said the renationalization of companies that operate as monopolies would be beneficial to all parties

Gyorgy Matolcsy Hungary's Economy Minister

“Nobody would lose if the state re-gained the domestic monopolies, whose privatization was a mistaken step. The buyers have recovered [their investment] many times, and would pre-empt any future losses. It would be beneficial to everyone if the cost level of energy to telephone [services] were competitive,” Matolcsy said .

Hungary privatized nearly all its state-owned enterprises in the mid-1990’s. Most of the

buyers were foreign firms such as Deutsche Telekom AG (DTE. XE), German energy firm RWE AG (RWE.XE), and Austrian bank Erste Group Bank AG (EBS.VI).

According to analysts, the resulting foreign direct investment and restructuring of the economy have driven economic growth prior to the euro-zone debt crisis.

Hungary is already in the process of buying the natural gas operations of E.ON SE in Hungary.

year in unpaid taxes. Poor tax collection, VAT fraud and unreported labour are some of the main causes of fiscal evasion, which is estimated to cost around €18 billion a year, 15 per cent of GDP. Of the 590,000 active companies in Romania, some 80 per cent have an annual turnover of less than €100,000.

Entrepreneurs and investors complain about the huge number of annual taxes that companies have to pay - some 96 in all.

Commitment “Serbia will continue to be strongly committed to the improvement of cooperation with Montenegro.”

— Tomislav Nikolić, Serbian President

06

Bosnia and Herzegovina

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Three Small HPPs on River Kraljuščica

Sanjin Avdić, the head of CETEOR With technical, administrative and expert help of consultant house CETEOR Ltd. Sarajevo, the first CDM project has been registered.

That’s only the 2nd such project registered by BiH, and first with the help of home experts.

“The basic element of that mechanism is to help the developing nations to get the needed money from the developed countries for building projects that reduce the emission of greenhouse gasses like CO2. This mechanism in-

07

Project of three small hydro power plant on river Kraljuščica (10 MW capacity) in the municipality of Konjic is the first project in BiH registered as a Clean Development Mechanism of UNFCCC, and which will reduce the emission of CO2 by producing the electricity from renewable energy source volves the application of emission-reduction projects in developing countries that have accepted the Kyoto Protocol,” said Sanjin Avdić, the head of the Energy Department in the Centre for Economic, Technological and Environmental Development CETEOR in Sarajevo.

Source: sarajevotimes.com

Montenegro

Monument in Honour of UAE Founder in Podgorica At the time when the entire region is trying to bring wealthy Arab sheikhs to their respective countries, Montenegro is obviously determined to go furthest

Founder of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan will have a monument erected in his honour in Montenegro’s capital city, as well as a street named after him , reports Vijesti daily.

This government decision came following a request made by the Podgorica Mayor Miomir Mugoša who, last December, asked the Ministry of Culture to approve of a Podgorica street being named after the UAE founder before the legal deadline of 20 years after his passing expires.

“The Memorials

TATJANA BABIĆ New Director of the Anti-Corruption Agency

CLAUDIU SOARE

New ceo of Cement Factory Holcim Serbia

Tatjana Babić (41) was appointed director of the AntiCorruption Agency. She was the Agency’s acting director since November 2012.

Ms. Babić graduated from the Belgrade Faculty of Law in 1998 and completed her post-graduate studies majoring in terrorism, organized crime and corruption. She passed the bar exam in 2001. From 1998 to 2001, she worked at the Belgrade Commercial Court, from 2001 to 2002 at the Belgrade District Court and from 2002 to 2005 at the Second Municipal Court in Belgrade as associate judge.

In 2010, she was appointed Secretary General of the AntiCorruption Agency’s Board.

She completed public administration and human resources management training at the National School of Administration “ENA” in France. In 2011, Ms. Babić took part in based training programme, organized by the USAID, on fighting corruption with special emphasis on the protection of whistleblowers.

The Swiss cement maker Holcim has appointed the Romanian Claudiu Soare as the new CEO of Holcim Serbia’s cement factory in Popovac near Paraćin.

Soare was appointed last month and succeeds the Argentinian Gustavo Navarro in that position.

Soare was born in 1970 and holds a university degree in Electro-mechanical Engineering. He got his MBA from Ajou University of South Korea – according to Holcim Serbia’s website.

Soare started his career with Holcim in the readymixed concrete and aggregates division (RMX & AGG) as a project manager in 2000. A year later he was promoted to regional manager. In 2007, he became technical manager of the RMX & AGG factory and in 2011 he moved to Holcim Services EMEA, a shared service centre based in Madrid, Spain.

In November 2012, he was appointed director general of Holcim Serbia.

08

Miomir Mugoša, Mayor of Podgorica

Commission considered the request as positive”, a government document states.

The document further states that Al Nahyan was the president of the UAE since the Federation had been formed in 1971 and the ruler of Abu Dhabi since 1966. He was given a mandate to turn the poor and undeveloped emirate into a highly developed one as soon as possible. Additionally, the document lists his credits, as the Emirates founder, for the progress achieved in that part of the world.

Bulgaria

Economy to Stagnate in 2013 Bulgaria's economy will stagnate this year before returning to 2% to 3% expansion, London-based Capital Economics Ltd. (LCE) forecast

While the the poorest EU member grew more than 6% a year before 2008, it will stagnate this year. To boost growth rates to 3% to 4% during the next decade, the government must attract investment by cutting bureaucracy and corruption, said LCE. The forecast comes on the heels of local analysts’ warning that Bulgaria’s economy will be struggling to survive another difficult year after stagnating for three successive years.

Bulgaria’s gross domestic product marked an anemic growth of 0,4% (2010), 1,7% (2011) and 0,5% (2012) in the wake of the slump in the euro zone, but growth below 3% does not sustain the employment rate and is practically stagnation, according to experts’ estimates.

Weak domestic demand and a pickup in exports kept Bulgaria’s current account in surplus during the years right before the “big recession” erupted. The current account balance changed in 2009 and the term “surplus” is now a thing of the past. The deficit for just three years – from 2009 to 2011 – towered to BGN 5 billion (€2,55 billion) and judging by the government’s forecasts the country’s external balance will show a shortfall for seven years in a row. cordeditorial@cma.rs |

101 February 2013 | 43

opinion

IMF Pleads Guilty But Insists on Austerity Under different conditions, the recent admission by the head economist of the International Monetary Fund, Olivier Blanchard, that the Fund was wrong when it prescribed tough austerity measures to countries trapped in a sovereign debt crisis and in recession, would be a reason for satisfaction. But the price paid by the youth in Greece, Italy, Portugal, and Spain, to name only the European victims of the IMF ill advices, is too high for celebrating being right

T

By Julio Godoy, IDN-InDepth

Olivier Blanchard

tion of a country in question, instead of helpwere wrong, for the 2012 WEO results “indihe IMF ‘mea culpa’ has been making to consolidate its state accounts. cate that multipliers have actually been in the ing the rounds in global economAs if that wouldn’t be bad enough, IMF al0.9 to 1.7 range since the Great Recession.” ic forums since last October, after so concluded that the multipliers in the Euro To put it bluntly: The austerity therathe Fund’s 2012 World Economic zone were actually higher that the abovepy IMF applied since the 1980s and until Outlook (WEO) admitted the miscalculations. mentioned estimates: A fiscal squeeze of the summer of 2012 was based on a wrong IMF said that it had underestimated the mulone per cent of GDP operated in an economreading of the world’s economic history, tiplier effects of the austerity measures it ic downturn and based on expenditure cuts, which, however incorrect, fitted very well inhad been preaching since decades. leads in the Euro zone to a further economto the basic tenets of neoliberalism, that pubUntil October, IMF assumed that, roughly ic shrinking of 2.5 per cent, thus strengthlic spending is evil and must be consistentspeaking, the multiplier of fiscal cuts was 0.5 ening a vicious circle of recession, austerity, ly curtailed. Only by October 2012, that is, percent. In other words, the Fund estimatand impoverishment. more than three years since the European ed that cutting government spending by one sovereign debt crisis broke out, and with percent of gross domestic product would lead Recipe for economic youth unemployment reaching 50 percent in to a drop of 0.5 percent of economic activity. and social catastrophe the affected countries, the Fund came to reTheoretically, small fiscal multipliers alUnder such assumptions, austerity alise that the negative multiplication impact low states to cut public spending without sacmeasures imposed by the IMF in complicity of austerity actually was two or three times rificing economic growth. Conversely, if fiscal with the European Union and governments in higher; that is, that a fiscal cut of one percent multipliers are large, austerity measures atNorthern Europe, upon the Mediterranean tempting at consolidating the fiscal situaThe austerity therapy IMF applied country members of the Euro zone, which tion of a given country with large deficits are deemed to be self-defeating, leading since the 1980s and until the summer demanded fiscal cuts well over one perto an even larger deficit and to an accel- of 2012 was based on a wrong reading cent of GDP, constituted a recipe for economic and social catastrophe. eration of economic downturn. of the world’s economic history Such warnings had been issued by In the title of the now famous box numerous economists and commentators of GDP would make the economy shrink by 1.1. of the 2012 WEO, IMF authors rhetor– practically since the beginning of the criup to 1.7 percent. ically asked: “Are we underestimating shortsis in late 2009. And these had been proved By so doing, IMF wiped out its own longterm fiscal multipliers?” In the subsequent by factual economic development in Greece, cherished anthem, which preaches that cuts text, they answered right away: Yes, we are!

Italy, Spain, and Portugal. in public and social expenditure are sine qua “A number of policy documents, including The undeniable fact is that austerity non to fiscal consolidation and sustainable IMF staff reports, suggest that fiscal multiplimeasures applied during the recession have economic growth. Worse still, IMF also found ers used in the forecasting process are about strengthened the recessionary tendencies of out that during economic downturns, the ex0.5,” they said. “In line with these assumpthe economy, leading to a skyrocketing unpenditure multipliers are up to ten times largtions, earlier analysis by the IMF staff sugemployment, without bringing forth a posier than tax multipliers. That means that durgests that, on average, fiscal multipliers were tive perspective that fiscal consolidation can ing a recession, cuts on public spending lead near 0.5 in advanced economies during the be achieved within a sensitive period of time. to a dramatic worsening of the fiscal situathree decades leading up to 2009.” But they

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101 February 2013 | www.cordmagazine.com

The NIESR study implicates that the curtion and sustainable growth, and not as a varBut the IMF, and the EU did not want to rent austerity strategy being pursued by indiiable that needed to be examined and revised listen, either deafened by their advised nevidual member countries, as well as the EU as and adjusted based on national circumstances. oliberal dogmas, or maybe intentionally, to a whole, is fundamentally flawed and is maksqueeze the modest prosperity reached during matters worse.

Too late ing the last two decades out of the Southern “Not only would growth have been highObviously, the IMF’s mea culpa comes European peoples. er if such policies had not been pursued, but too late, for at least two reasons. Not onEarlier last month, IMF again released andebt-to-GDP ratios would have been lowly have the policies its wrong reading of other working paper on fiscal multipliers and er,” the report, written by economists Dawn economic history inspired, damaged the austerity, focused on the Euro zone, and coHolland and Jonathan Portes, said. “It is ironEuropean economies for years to come, proauthored by Olivier Blanchard, the Fund’s ic that, given that the EU was set up in part to voking what can be called a lost decade, simtop economist .The new paper repeats the avoid coordination failures in economic poliilar to the one Latin America suffered in the admission that the Fund has since decades cy, it should deliver the exact opposite.”

1980s (also under the advice of IMF). These consistently underestimated the fiscal mulBut, if you expected that the IMF would repolicies have in fact condemned a whole tipliers – a ‘mea maxima culpa’, so to speak. think its position on austerity after learn“Forecasters significantly underestiThe undeniable fact is that austerity ing that the basic assumptions underlining mated the increase in unemployment and the decline in domestic demand associ- measures applied during the recession it were false, than you were as wrong as ated with fiscal consolidation,” Blanchard have strengthened the recessionary the Fund: Blanchard and Leigh still argue and co-author Daniel Leigh, another IMF tendencies of the economy, leading to in favour of cuts in spending, regardless of their economic and social consequences: fund economist, write in the paper. a skyrocketing unemployment “Our findings that short-term fiscal Blanchard and Leigh also admit that multipliers have been larger than expectEuropean generation to unemployment, povthey could not actually determine what multied do not have mechanical implications for erty, and to emigration. pliers the IMF economists at the country levthe conduct of fiscal policy,” they say. “Some Additionally, other centres of economic el were using in their forecasts. As Blanchard commentators interpreted our earlier box as analysis have long ago confirmed what many and Leigh put it, “Forecasters do not typically implying that fiscal consolidation should be assumed since the very beginning of the criuse explicit multipliers, but instead use modavoided altogether. This does not follow from sis, and the IMF has been too late in drawels in which the actual multipliers depend our analysis. The short-term effects of fiscal ing appropriate lessons. For instance, the on the type of fiscal adjustment and on othpolicy on economic activity are only one of National Institute for Economic and Social er economic conditions. Thus, we can only the many factors that need to be considered Research (NIESR), a London-based research guess what the assumed multipliers, and by in determining the appropriate pace of fiscal organization, estimated last October that implication the actual multipliers, have been consolidation for any single economy.” the ratio of debt to gross domestic product during the crisis.”

Blanchard and Leigh obviously believe will be around 5 percentage points higher in The emphasis is mine. The IMF officials that the long-term unemployed youth in both the UK and the Euro zone because of used the low multiplier as given, for it fitted Spain, Greece and Portugal will certainly apthe spending cuts and tax rises pursued from the neoliberal assumptions that cuts in public preciate IMF’s short-term analysis. ■ 2011 to 2013. spending are indispensable for fiscal consolida-

www.design-factory.rs

cordeditorial@cma.rs |

101 February 2013 | 45

world news

Direction

Business Dialogue 01

“If Britain is unable to change the direction of the EU, it might have to be accepted that an outward-looking trading nation may see its future outside the organisation.”

— Philip Booth, Institute of Economic Affairs editorial director

02

Italy

Dolce & Gabbana Tax Scandal As Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana ready their latest collections for this spring’s slew of international catwalk shows, their lawyers will be working behind the scenes to ensure two of Italy’s most successful designers won’t be spending the next few Fashion Weeks behind bars.

In December, the design duo went on trial for alleged tax evasion after more than four years of investigations, hearings, and finally an acquittal that was then overturned by Italy’s Supreme Court.

On three separate days this January and February, a Milan judge will hear from Italian tax officials and other witnesses who’ll claim the two evaded over $500 million in taxes on well over $1 billion in royalties when they sold their Dolce & Gabbana and D&G brands to their own Luxembourg-based holding company in 2004. If convicted, they could face five years in jail and a hefty fine.

03

Netherlands

Heineken moves From Vienna to Amsterdam The east-european centre of the Dutch beverage giant Heineken is moving back from Vienna to Amsterdam in the next few months This withdrawal is to save costs.

There are enough offices and infrastructure available in Amsterdam.

Moreover, the location is close to the airport.

Since the takeover of the Austrian brewery union by Heineken ten years ago, the central and east-European expansion has been controlled from Vienna.

That was part of the takeover contract. However, this clause only last-

04

China

ODI Accelerates in 2012

China's outbound direct investment (ODI) in non-financial sectors grew 28.6 percent year on year in 2012 The annual growth rate was higher than the 1.8-percent rate recorded in 2011 and 25 percent in the January-November period.

China invested a total of $77.22 billion in 4,425 overseas enterprises in 141 overseas countries and regions last year.

ODI to Russia surged 117.8 percent year on year in 2012 and that to the United States and Japan jumped

05

66.4 percent and 47.8 percent respectively, according to Shen.

He said the accomplished turnover of China’s overseas-contracted projects totalled $116.6 billion last year, up 12.7 percent from a year earlier.

During that period, 512,000 Chinese were sent to work overseas under labor cooperation contracts, 60,000 more than in 2011.

QatarAlgeria in Steel Plant Deal

The UK and Swiss governments are willing to cooperate with Egypt and offer technical assistance to retrieve its funds looted and smuggled abroad by former regime officials.

The Swiss government aiming at repatriating 700 million Swiss francs ($ 767 million) of the funds of the deposed Egyptian regime to Egypt because of the ambiguity shrouding the political situation.

The decision of the Swiss public prosecutor came after a similar decision by the federal criminal court last December in which it concluded that Egyptian authorities can not reach the legal files which are connected with the Swiss criminal procedures against the members of the Mubarak family in the light of political instability.

Greece

Rating Upgraded Rating agency Standard & Poor's (S&P) raised Greece's sovereign credit rating to B-minus with a stable outlook from selective default Amir Shaikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani

During the last month visit to Algeria by Qatari Amir Shaikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, two countries signed nine accords, including for the construction of a steel plant They signed co-operation accords in the maritime transport, oil and gas and petrochemical sectors. The agreement to jointly build a steel plant in Bella, 300km east of Algiers was signed in the presence of Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika and the Qatari Amir.

The industrial complex will have a production capacity of 10 million tonnes of steel per year, helping Algeria to slash its total import costs by an estimated $10 billion annually, according to Algerian sources.

46 |

Egypt

UK and Swiss Committed to Return Smuggled Funds

06

Algeria

ed the five year running up to 2008.

From 2005 the biggest Heineken department, which was responsible for Germany and Greece as well as central and east-Europe operated from Vienna.

The central and east areas alone are responsible for a quarter of the total Heineken beer production and some 3.3 billion Euro turnover according to the latest yearly report.

101 February 2013 | www.cordmagazine.com

“The upgrade reflects our view of the strong determination of European Economic and Monetary Union (eurozone) member states to preserve Greek membership in the eurozone,” S&P said.

“The outlook on the longterm rating is stable, balancing our view of the government’s commitment to a fiscal and struc-

tural adjustment against the economic and political challenges of doing so,” the agency added.

Euro zone partners and the IMF have agreed to unlock 49.1 billion euros in aid by the end of March. The decision to release the long-delayed installment came after Athens passed austerity measures and completed a debt buyback. Source: Reuters

Credibility

07

Ecuador

“In 2013, the question won’t be if the euro will or will not implode. The credibility of a currency depends on the soundness of the institutions behind it.” — José Manuel Barroso, president of the European Commission

08

Record Payback to IMF

Banana Sales Dropped by Half According to the Ecuador's Banana Growers Association input and logistic costs increase the price of the box and frighten away sales José María Guerrero is a representative from the Irish company Fyffes, which sells weekly 900,000 banana boxes to Europe. Ecuador is one of its sources of supply, but according to Guerrero, it may soon cease to be so because the production costs have increased, thus making the banana box price more expensive.

The Ecuadorian banana box sells for 10.57 cents of a dollar in Colombia, Costa Rica, and other Central American countries is sold for less than USD 8.

Eduardo Ledesma, representative of the Association of Banana Exporters of Ecuador (AEBE) explains that the production costs are the ones that increase the value.

09

Turkey

Developing Informatics Sector

Turkey is aiming to make $1 billion of exports in the informatics sector by the end of 2013

10

Czech Republic

Alternate Route for Russian Gas The Czech Republic has opened a pipeline that provides an alternate route for Russian gas imports and will help supply other parts of the EU The new 10 billion koruna ($519 million) Gazelle project was officially opened by the Czech Prime Minister Petr Necas mid January.

Zafer Caglayan, Economy Minister “We aim to boost this figure to more than 10 billion US dollars in 2023,” said Turkish Economy Minister Zafer Caglayan.

“The informatics sector was one of the sectors which had the greatest potential in trade-related services,” he said. “We are expecting to reach $250 millionin exports of Turkish films and documentaries in 2013, and aiming to raise the figure to $1 billion in 2023.

According to minister Caglayan, Turkish contracting sector had assumed 6,969 projects worth $237.4 billion in 100 countries since 1972, stating that the sector undertook projects in Colombia, Papua New Guinea, Somalia and Peru for the first time. He said the that Turkish contracting companies assumed 433 projects worth $26.1 billion in 2012, breaking a record.

Ukraine

Ukraine’s payments to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in 2012 amounted to SDR 2.43 billion (€2.96 billion at the current exchange rates), including €169 million in interest – a record in the entire history of relations between Ukraine and the fund since 1994 According to the IMF’s materials, a year ago Ukraine did not receive any money from the fund, but its payments were smaller – €198 million.

The fund noted that in 20082010 Kyiv had been a net recipient of funds: in 2008 – €2.4 billion, in 2009 – €3.3 billion, and in 2010 – €1.8 billion.

In 1999-2007, Ukraine’s payments to the IMF exceeded the funds received from the fund. At that time, net payments averaged €207 million, while the maximum

11

figure was €472million in 2000.

Over 19 years of cooperation, the IMF had issued SDR 12.26 billion to (€10.6 billion) Ukraine and has been repaid SDR 6.6 billion, including SDR 1.36 billion in interest.

According to the fund, the record high figure of payments in 2012, which was related to the maturity of short-term credits issued after the 2008 crisis, could be surpassed in 2013: Ukraine will have to repay €3.26 billion, including €95 million in interest.

US

New Belgium Brewing is Now Owned by Employees New Belgium Brewing Co. — the Fort Collins-based maker of Fat Tire beer — is now entirely owned by its 456 employees

The 166-kilometer pipeline is connected to Nord Stream, a pipeline that crosses the Baltic Sea and brings natural gas from Russia’s Siberia. It was built by the pipeline operator Net4GaS. Through the Czech Republic, the gas will flow on to southern Germany and France.

EU nations have been seeking new ways to secure gas supplies since Russian shipments transported through Ukrainian pipelines were cut off in January 2009 due to a dispute between the two countries. Source: AP

New Belgium’s Employee Stock Ownership Program bought the balance of company shares, of which it already held 41 percent, on December 28. The company awards shares to workers after one year of service.

Co-founder Kim Jordan, whose family previously controlled the company, will remain CEO, and the current executive team also will stay on.

“We have always had a high involvement ownership culture and this allows us to take that to the next logical level. It will provide an elegant succession framework that keeps the executive team in tact ensuring our vision stays true going forward,” Jordan said.

New Belgium is the third-largest U.S. craft brewer. cordeditorial@cma.rs |

101 February 2013 | 47

interview

A Successfully Completed Year I am especially pleased to say that, despite this being a very difficult year for business in general, 2012 was the most successful year for AMS Osiguranje ever MIRKO BUTULIJA, DEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERAL OF AMS OSIGURANJE

A

strategy on higher traffic safety on Serbian roads. I would also like to underline that the best recommendation of our work comes from our satisfied clients and long-standing members of AMSS who have been loyal to this insurance company since its very beginning. I am especially pleased to say that, despite this being a very difficult year for business in general, 2012 was the most successful year for AMS Osiguranje ever. The biggest credit for this goes to our staff who work as a team and who recognize company’s goals as their own. Also, I would also like to mention many marketing campaigns and events, which were organized with the help of AMS Osiguranje, and which have contributed to growing insurance sales and a higher market share last year in the best possible way.

Osiguranje’s trademarks, while reliability is our biggest ally.

■ How different is insurance system in the European Union compared to Serbia?

- Vehicle insurance in Serbia and in the EU is very different in terms of sales channels and vehicle registration process. It is important to mention that our system has proved to be much more efficient compared to most EU countries with the percentage of vehicles having third party insurance being one of the highest in Europe. The bonus-malus system has taken off in a big way so conscientious drivers can expect to be granted bonuses, as well given a better insurance policy price.

MS Osiguranje (AMS Insurance) was founded on January 19th fifteen years ago. From the moment of its incorporation, this insurance company has been successfully operating under the Automobile and ■ Have you seen an increase Motorcycle Association of Serbia If you are travelling abroad, we would like to in number of casco insur(AMSS), whose network has been advise you to buy AMS Osiguranje’s voluntary ance policies and how do you upgraded, expanded and has survived for the past one hundred health insurance policy which can be bought sway drivers to take your casco insurance policy? years despite many challenges. on the company’s website www.ams.co.rs or As a drivers association and the at any AMS Osiguranje’s office all over Serbia, - In terms of casco insurance, which is a type of voluntary vehibiggest service and sales network including most of the border crossings cle insurance, we are significantin this part of the Balkans, AMSS ly lagging behind the EU, and the main reais a system with great national and insons for that is the living standard of our ternational credibility in the traffic segdrivers, the average age of vehicles, which ment. AMS Osiguranje celebrated its juis far higher than in the EU, and a lack of bilee by throwing a big party for its emawareness in drivers about advantages of ployees, business associates and friends having a casco insurance policy.

– says Deputy Director General of AMS We have all seen just how extreme Osiguranje, Mirko Butulija. the weather can get and how much the bad weather can increase the risk of ve■ How satisfied are you with the hicle damage. If you add to this theft risk, company’s business results in a raththen it becomes very clear that those driv■ What are your plans for this year? er difficult past year and what is AMS ers that have bought AMS Osiguranje’s - AMS Osiguranje has a long-term stratOsiguranje’s position on our market? casco insurance can be free of worry. If you egy which envisages further investments - I am particularly happy with the fact that buy our casco insurance, you will also get in products, staff and education, on top of AMS Osiguranje has positioned itself as an AMSS membership card for free. This extending our sales network in line with a reliable and, above all, socially responcard will provide you with free road assisEuropean business trends and with the aim sible company that has been participattance, including starting your car, swift reof constantly increasing the satisfaction of ing in many preventive safety-related campairs, towing services and more. ■ our clients. Tradition and safety are AMS paigns, while giving its full support to the INFO: AMS Osiguranje, 16, Ruzveltova, Belgrade, tel 0800-009-009 and 011-308-4900, www.ams.co.rs, info@ams.co.rs 48 |

101 February 2013 | www.cordmagazine.com

survey

Global Crisis of Leadership Public trust in business, government and media leaders has fallen in the wake of financial and political scandals, according to a new global survey

By The Associated Press

H

eads of financial institutions did particularly poorly, mainly in richer countries that have suffered financial crises and fined banks for, among other things, manipulating markets and facilitating money-laundering.

The 2013 edition of the annual Edelman Trust Barometer found “a very significant crisis of leadership,” said Richard Edelman, president and CEO of Chicago-based public relations firm Edelman. “Leaders are just not seen as leading.”

A big problem is that people think their leaders “just can’t get around to telling them the truth,” he said.

As a result, people are increasingly looking to other sources of information for the straight story about what’s going on, such as academic experts or even their peers through social media and the Internet.

Edelman said one of the glaring results of the annual survey, released ahead of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, was that while 50 percent respondents trusted business in general to do what is right, only 18 percent trusted business leaders to tell the truth -- a 32-percentage point gap between the institution itself and the people in charge.

Government didn’t look much better, with

41 percent trusting government to do what’s right.

The o ve ra l l share of people expressing trust in basic institutions rose in the survey from the 2012 edition, to 57 percent from 51 percent, as trust bounced back from the hit it took from the European debt crisis and disputes between President Barack Obama and Republicans in Congress over the U.S. debt limit, which

Among the informed public group, 69 percent viewed an academic or expert as a credible spokesperson, while 61 percent looked to “a person like yourself.” CEOs lagged at 43 percent among this group

caused the U.S. to lose its top credit rating. Yet while institutions have recovered some lost trust, opinions about the leaders of those institutions remained sour.

Edelman suggested that the result may have been influenced by highly publicized corporate political and financial scandals: the investigation into alleged rigging by big banks of the London Interbank Offered

Rate, an important interest rate benchmark, insider trading cases in the United States and Britain, and the scandal surrounding Chinese politician Bo Xilai, who faces trial on corruption charges.

Leaders’ truthfulness score in the survey was “pretty pathetic,” Edelman told the Associated Press in an interview.

The survey measured rising levels of trust for non-government organizations.

“The trust is now being placed in an expert, such as an academic, or in a peer -- someone, your friends on Facebook, or whoever,” he said. “The crisis of leadership is leading to people having a very different view of who they may listen to.”

The online survey queried 31,000 people in 26 countries, and broke down results between the general population and a smaller sample of university-educated, higher income people dubbed members of the “informed public.” It was conducted Nov. 10-15, so it preceded the many December news stories about whether Obama and Congress would agree on a budget deal to avoid the so-called ‘fiscal cliff’ of automatic tax increases and spending cuts on New Year’s day. As it turned out, the two sides agreed on some issues and postponed others for two months.

Among the informed public group, 69 percent viewed an academic or expert as a credible spokesperson, while 61 percent looked to “a person like yourself.”

CEOs lagged at 43 percent among this group.

The most trusted business sector was technology, with a 77 percent credibility rate, while banks and financial services trailed with 50 percent -- just behind the news media, which polled 53 percent. ■

cordeditorial@cma.rs |

101 February 2013 | 49

after work Serbian Media Association

Traditional Annual Gathering in the Media Association

The traditional annual gathering, organized by the Managing Board of the Media Association at the beginning of each business year, usually taking place at the HQ of the biggest media association in Serbia, had many guests this year. The editors-in-chief and directors of media companies, who are Association members, were joined by top ex-

ecutives from other media, journalist associations, many businessmen, whose companies support the Association’s work, diplomats, representatives of the European Commission, OSCE and Ministry of Culture and many others. The Chairman of the Association’s Managing Board, Veselin Simonović, welcomed the guests by wishing them profes-

Societe Generale Bank

Ozone Gallery

New Year’s and Christmas are usually known for joyful and informal gatherings of business associates and friends. The same goes for Societe Generale Bank which, just before the New Year, organized a gathering of the bank’s management, journalists, business associates and other friends of this distinguished bank. The gathering took place in the Ozone Gallery, and the Chairman of the Bank’s Managing Board, Dr Goran Pitić, even sang a few special songs for those in attendance.

Also, the Chairman of the Bank’s Executive Board, Mr. Frederic Coin paid his full attention to the guests.

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101 February 2013 | www.cordmagazine.com

sional success and good health for the people who work with them. He also expressed his hope and conviction that 2013 would be successful for all media companies, despite a difficult economic situation, and that politicians, businessmen and the leading media would invest in a joint effort into contributing to the overall recovery of our country.

Aleksandrovic Winery

Major Milestones at Aleksandrović Winery

The Aleksandrović Winery has celebrated the 80th birthday of its Trijumf wine and the 20th anniversary of its successful operations by hosting a cocktail party in the pleasant ambience of the Metropol Palace Hotel.

The party’s host and the Winery’s proprietor, Božidar Aleksandrović, and his family welcomed many guests, associates, colleagues, public figures and friends to the party.

The party guests were able to enjoy a new Trijumf sparkling wine served with strawberries, as well as top of the line wines from the Trijumf brand. The Ana Štajdohar Band provided the entertainment and good atmosphere for the evening.

The party programme was hosted by Aleksandar Gajšek. The guests saw a film about the history of the Aleksandrović family whose ancestors were also involved in the same line of work. Before World War II, Trijumf wine had been served in almost all European courts, and today the wine can be found on the wine lists of many luxury hotels and restaurants in a number of world capitals.

Over the last 20 years, the Aleksandrović Winery has grown into one of the leading wineries in the region and its wines have become the ambassadors of our country in the world.

cordeditorial@cma.rs |

101 February 2013 | 51

faces & places 17.12.2012 AmCham Christmas Party

The American Chamber of Commerce (Am-Cham) held its traditional Christmas Party for its members and business partners at the Kalmegdanska Terasa restaurant. The party was also attended by the US ambassador to Serbia H.E. Mr Michael Kirby.

AmCham President Miloš Đurković underlined that the Chamber accomplished impressive results in 2012 and thanked the Chamber’s members and guests. AmCham ended 2012 with 175 members.

President Tomislav Nikolić (left), Aleksandar Vučić and Ljubiša Diković 20.12.2012 Ministry of Defence New Year’s reception

Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vučić and Chief of the Serbian Army Staff General Ljubiša Diković hosted a New Year’s reception organized by the Ministry of Defence at the Guard Hall in Topčider.

21.12.2012 ‘Celebration for 5+’ 21.12.2012 Charity event

The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Belgrade organized a voluntary blood drive to celebrate the 13th anniversary of the Dharma Wanita Persatuan Organization and the 84th anniversary of Mother’s Day. The blood drive was led by the Indonesian ambassador H.E. Mr Semuel Samson and the Embassy staff. They were joined by the members of the Association of Serbian-Indonesian Friendship, NUSANTARA, and representatives of local companies that do business with Indonesia.

‘Celebration for 5+’ was the title of the reception held by NIS Gazprom Neft just before the New Year’s holidays for over 500 of the most important business partners of this company. CEO of NIS Kirill Kravchenko was the party’s host and the guests had a great time in a relaxed atmosphere of Belexportcentar while they were entertained by the Belgrade Jazz Orchestra and many artists.

Kiril Kravčenko (left) and Aleksandar Malanin, Director, Blok 'Promet'

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24.12.2012 Russian-Serbian Craftsmanship Festival

H.E. Mr Alexander Chepurin, Russian ambassador to Serbia

The 5th Russian-Serbian Craftsmanship Festival from St. Petersburg was opened at the Progres Gallery in late December.

Russian ambassador to Serbia H.E. Mr Alexander Chepurin said, on the occasion, that Russia and Serbia shared a lot of common ground in culture and history. Ambassador Chepurin also said that he was hopeful that the Craftsmanship Festival would further boost ties between the Russian and Serbian people and the development of traditional crafts.

Kirill Kravchenko (left) and Ivica Dačić, Prime Minister 24.12.2012 Annual SAM Awards

For the first time, members of the Serbian Association of Managers gave out a year-end SAM Award in the following categories: best employer, best manager, best young manager and best institution for education and training of managers.

Serbian Prime Minister Ivica Dačić, who was also the guest of honour, handed over the Grand Prix in the best employer category to NIS. The award was received by CEO of NIS Kirill Kravchenko.

06.01.2012 Christmas Eve at Royal Palace

Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Alexander, Crown Princess Katherine, Prince Philip, Princess Lavinia (daughter of Prince Andrew and sister of Prince Vladimir), her husband Mr. Pritchard Levy and their son Luke, Princess Elizabeth (daughter of Prince Paul), and Mr. Dragan Babic celebrated Christmas Eve at the Royal Palace in Dedinje. The traditional burning of the badnjak took place in front of the Palace. The Gendarmerie, the Palace staff and the media were also present. Following that, a traditional reception for all guests was held at the Royal Palace.

Bojan Radun (left), President of SAM, Prime Minister Dačić and Kirill Kravchenko

16.01.2013

Libyan Independence Day

On the occasion of the Independence Day celebration, Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy of Libya in Serbia, Mr. Tajouri Sh. Tajouri, hosted a reception at the Hotel Metropol Palace on January 16. President of Serbia, Mr. Tomislav Nikolic was also on attendence. cordeditorial@cma.rs |

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faces & places 19.01.2013 Corporate Philanthropy Award VIRTUS 2012

With financial backing from the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and in partnership with the Institute for Sustainable Communities (ISC), the Balkan Community Initiative Fund (BCIF) gave out the Corporate Philanthropy Excellence Award, VIRTUS 2012, at the National Parliament House. The ceremony was attended by Minister of Regional Development and Local Self-Government Verica Kalanović, H.E. Mr Michael Kirby and the representatives of the diplomatic, cultural and business community in Belgrade.

18.01.2012 Accoldes for the masters of origami and bonsai

Japanese Ambassador to Serbia, H.E. Mr. Toshio Tsunozaki officially handed the Japanese ambassador’s accolades to the masters of origami (the ancient Japanese art of paper folding) and bonsai (the art of growing miniature trees). Master of origami Ana Ratić and bonsai master Aleksandar Dimitrijević were the recipients.

H.E. Mr Heinz Georg Wilhelm (left) and H.E. Mr. François-Xavier Deniau 22.01.2013 50th anniversary of signing of the Élysée Treaty

French ambassador to Serbia H.E. Mr. François-Xavier Deniau and German ambassador to Serbia H.E. Mr Heinz Georg Wilhelm held a reception at the French ambassador’s residence to celebrate the 50th anniversary of signing of the Élysée Treaty which was an agreement on a new foundation for friendship and consultations on all important matters. Many representatives of the political, diplomatic and cultural community of Serbia were in attendance. A message was sent from the reception saying that the Élysée Treaty could be the format used in “establishing long-lasting friendship and cooperation among the Balkan nations.”

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Susan Fritz, USAID Director, H.E. Mr Michael Kirby and H.E. Mr Michael Davenport, British Ambassador to Serbia 24.01.2013

Farewell Visit

Serbian Prime Minister Ivica Dacic received outgoing Japanese Ambassador Toshio Tsunozaki. During the ambassador’s farewell visit, Dacic underlined that Serbia is making every effort to resolve all problems in Kosovo-Metohija in peaceful way and through dialogue.

The prime minister said that Ambassador Tsunozaki is a friend of Serbia, and thanked him for significant contribution to improvement in the traditionally good relations between the two countries.

24.01.2013 The National Day of Myanmar

24.01.2013 Days of the Algerian film

At the Museum of Yugoslav Film Archive, Kosovska 11, Algerian Ambassador Mr. Abdelkader Mesdoua organized a promotion of the film “Battle of Algiers” and the opening of the “Days of the Algerian film”. The promotion was attended by representatives of the local political scene in addition to many foreign diplomats.

H.E. Mr. Zaw TUN , the ambassador of the Republic of Union of Myanmar, hosted a reception at the Hyatt Hotel in Belgrade apropos the National Day of the Republic of Myanmar. Apart from many guests, friends and representatives of the diplomatic corps, Mr. Zaw TUN and his wife Mrs. Saw Kay Khine also welcomed the wife of Serbian President, Mrs. Dragica Nikolić.

Nebojsa Stefanovic (left), President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia and H.E. Mr. Abdelkader Mesdoua

25.01.2013 British Council

The British Council presents the results of an internship program in Great Britain supporting preparations for accession to the European Union.

Tony O'Brien (left), Director of the British Council, Michael Davenport, the British Ambassador to the Republic of Serbia and Srdjan Majstorović, deputy director of the Office for European Integration of the Republic of Serbia

25.01.2013 2nd Anniversary of the Egyptian revolution

Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt H.E. But Mr. Galal Mohamed Abdelaziz Bassiouni and Mrs. Ali Galal Bassiouni, hosted a reception at the Embassy to mark the second anniversary of the Egyptian revolution.

Mrs Ali Galal Bassiouni, Mr Galal Mohamed Abdelaziz Bassiouni and Mr Nebojša Stefanović

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culture

Sentimental Story

FEST 2013

As the years go by, the story about FEST becomes increasingly sentimental since every opportunity is a good cause to point out that this film festival used to be a great and glamourous European event, while today it is...

Dragan Marinković, FEST’s Director

T

Directorate. We asked Mr. Marinković he 41st FEST is also a good The Belgrade International Film what is the most outstanding quality of opportunity to reminisce Festival was envisaged as an annual this year’s FEST: “The most pronounced how it all started back in cross-section of the best films of the quality is, certainly, the films. The proDom Sindikata in Belgrade in season as it grew to be a much loved 1971 with the very first FEST event that Belgrade citizens have algramme is very strong, at least in regard taking place under the slogan “Brave to the filmmakers who are well-known ways eagerly awaited. They are proud New World”. The first film that was to Belgrade audiences. We are going to of it, and the younger generations have showcased was Robert Altman’s M.A.S.H. showcase a total of 75 films that, in our been growing up with it. Over the past Also, the first festival goers were able opinion, are the best representatives four decades, close to 4 million people to see StanleyKubrick’s of last year’s production.

2001: A Space Odyssey, The fact that we are going All 75 films are divided into eight Dennis Hopper’s Easy to show five Serbian films programme sections. The Main Rider, as well as films by this year just adds value to Programme will take place at the Sava the festival. Two films will Buñuel, Živojin Pavlović, and Eric Rohmer. We also Centre, and the films showcased here are have their premieres at the have to mention that, durfestival - Srdan Golubović’s ing FEST, the likes of Mar- the ones with the previous FEST winners, Krugovi (The Circles), and Oscar winners and great filmmakers Goran Marković’s Falsificello Mastroianni, Harvey Keitel, Liv Ullmann, Berkator (The Counterfeiter). saw films at FEST while 4,000 of the Both will be shown at the Sava Centre. nardo Bertolucci, Sofia Loren, Robert De most important international films had Hadži-Aleksandar Đurović will launch Niro, Michelangelo Antonioni, Johnny their Yugoslav, Serbian and often rehis film Ljubav Dolazi Kasnije (Love Depp, Miloš Forman, Catherine DeneComes Later) in the competition part of vue, Wim Wenders, Abbas Kiarostami, gional premiere at this festival. the programme called ‘Europe outside and Hanna Schygulla visited Belgrade.

This year, FEST starts on February Europe.’ There is also a very interesting The list was very impressive, honour22nd under the slogan ’Ready, Steady, documentary called Albertov Put (AlFEST’. Dragan Marinković succeeded able and long – boasts the FEST DirectoMiloš Paramentić as the head of the FEST rate, and rightly so. bert’s Road) made by Predrag Bambić

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of the roles in a film called Pored Puta money? Over the past few years, we saw which is a story of a local German man (Along the Roadside). The film’s crew is how much the festival had to haggle with who lived in Banat County, known for also supposed to come with him. We are certain stars, like the French actress constructing the world-famous Panavivery grateful to the US Embassy in SerCatherine Denevue. Dragan Marinković sion cameras and for winning four scisheds light on this year’s situation: “Of ence and technology Oscars. The film bia and Story magazine for providing ficourse it’s not all about the money. The called Najlepša je Zemlja Moja (My nancial support which made it possible circumstances have changed. We lost Beautiful Country) was co-produced by for Madsen and the crew to come. Also, our footing since we have Germany and Croatia. Most of been pressed by problems the actors in the film are Serfor the past two decades. bian, and its director Michaela We are even lagging beKezele, also originates from this part of the world.” hind regional countries.

International guests are a Although this applies to all special feature in the opening segments, it seems to me ceremony of FEST. Over the that it has become the most years, the audience got used pronounced in culture. You to the fact that well-known can see for yourself that film figures have become the very few of our films have festival’s trademark of sorts. had an international breakThe second FEST was opened through or won awards at by the famous Italian director important festivals. It all Vittorio De Sica while boils down to individual “We lost our footing since we have been successes. We do hope his compatriot and pressed by problems for the past two eternally beautiful acthat, with the help of our contacts which we need tress Gina Lollobrigida decades. We are even lagging behind to use better, we will sucopened the festival the regional countries. Although this applies ceed in attracting more year after that. This year, a film called Ljubav to all segments, it seems to me that it has important European film(Love) directed by Mibecome the most pronounced in culture” makers and actors in the years to come. Realisticalchael Haneke, will open – FEST’s director, Dragan Marinković the festival. Jean-Louis ly speaking, it is very diffiTrintignant and Emmanuelle cult and expensive to bring Riva, an 85-year-old actress somebody from America who is also the oldest Oscar here, especially when FEST nominee, play the main roles. takes place at the same We ask Dragan Marinković time as the Oscars.” which artists were asked to As hosts, we are recome to the festival: ally interested in our na“We have invited many filmtional films. One of them is made by a debutant Hadžimakers and actors – Haneke, Aleksandar Đurović who Trintignant, Belmondo, Jerdirected, wrote and edemy Irons... Still, it seems that we, as in country and market, ited a love drama in which are not that interesting to big three stories intertwine. filmmakers when it comes to The film’s main characters Michael Madsen is expected to open FEST promoting their films here. are trying to resolve their Of course, there is the ever-present emotional issues and tackle the past camera designer Albert Mayer will be financial aspect. We simply cannot afunresolved relationships in one night. here, again thanks to the US Embassy.

Milica Stefnović, Andrej Šepetkovski, He will participate in a roundtable disford to give huge amounts of money Goran Jevtić, Ljubinka Klarić, and Alekthat would secure the appearance of cussion about digitalization in the film big stars. However, some progress has industry.” sandar Đurica play the main roles. been made. We are still awaiting official Do we have enough money to invite Goran Marković’s film Falsifikator will confirmation of Hollywood star Michael a big European or international name to premiere at and close FEST. The film Madsen’s opening FEST. He plays one come to FEST? Is it really all about the has a really great cast - Tihomir Stanić, cordeditorial@cma.rs |

101 February 2013 | 57

Branka Katić, Sergej Trifunović, Nataša ter, Woody Allen’s To Rome with Love, “Europe Outside Europe” (a selection Marković, Emir Hadžihafisbegović, Brian De Palma’s Passion, Ken Loach’s of non-EU films) will take place at the Bogdan Diklić, and Haris Burina. The The Angels’ Share, Bernardo BertolucCultural Centre Hall (Dvorana Kulscreenplay is based on a true story ci’s Me and You…. turnog Centra). about Tihomir Stanić’s father. The Audiences at the Sava Centre will This year, the segment “In Focus” is eponymous theatre play, also directed be also able to see a cross-section of dedicated to South American cinemaby Marković, was successfully staged at American repertory films in a segtography. There is also a segment called the Belgrade Drama Theatre.

“Selected Documentaries” which will ment called “Hollywood” with actors Srdan Golubović’s film Krugovi is showcase films Love, Marilyn (a film like Denzel Washington in Robert Zealso very much anticipated. This film is about Marilyn Monroe with Uma Thurmeckis’s film Flight, Daniel Day-Lewis also based on a true story whose main in Spielberg’s Lincoln, which has been man). Bergman and Magnani, Celluloid character, Srđan Aleksić (age and Digital (which coincides 26), a soldier in the Republic with the 35mm film reel “retirof Srpska Army, was treaching” last September).

Bearing in mind that he erously murdered by his colsaw most of the films that will leagues in Trebinje on Janube shown at FEST, in venues ary 21, 1993 for defending like Dvorana Kulturnog CenMuslim civilian Alen Glavović.

Srđan’s father, Rade, wrote tra, Dom Omladine and Fonin Srđan’s obituary: “He died tana, the head of FEST’s Diwhile performing his human rectorate, Dragan Marinković, duty”. Twelve years later, the reveals for CorD that he liked film follows the lives of the a Swedish film called The Call people who participated in Girl, based on a true story the event that changed their from the 1970s, and a Polish lives. At the beginning of film called Yuma the best.

This year, the FEST favourites are making this film, its director At the end of the interview, Swedish film Call Girl, based Golubović said that the film’s Marinković tells us where is on a true story from the 1970s, main question was whether FEST today on the European heroism makes sense and map of film festivals and reand a Polish film Yuma does the heroic act of one views: “If we consider the man have any consequences number of FEST goers and on other people? Does being a the quality of its programme hero equal being a fool and is – it is certainly at the very top. giving up one’s life to defend We need more young guests another life futile? Vuk Kostić, and film professionals who Nebojša Glogovac, Leon would participate in roundtaLučev, Aleksandar Berček, ble discussions, pitching and and Hristina Popović play the promoting projects.” main roles.

Today, practically every FEST’s art director, Botown in Europe has its own film festival, small or big, difrislav Anđelić, says that last year’s international film proferently profiled. Hence, it is very important for FEST to be duction was very prolific; profiled in a clearer manner, and, in so hence FEST’s programme is going to be nominated for Oscars in almost all catdoing, we can be more appealing to forstrong too. egories, and Clint Eastwood in Trouble All 75 films are divided into eight with the Curve. The segment called the eigners. On the other hand, we need to programme sections. The Main Pro“International Film Panorama” brings keep our audiences. We need to strike a new films by Abbas Kiarostami, Wong balance in that respect.” gramme will take place at the Sava CenKar-wai, Takeshi Kitano....

This year, FEST’s budget is around tre, and the films showcased here are The segments “Europe in Europe”, a EUR 470,000, with the City of Belgrade the ones with the previous FEST winshowcase of films made in the EU, and contributing close to EUR 65,000. The tickners, Oscar winners and great filmmak“Panorama” will be shown at Dom Omers including Tom Hooper’s Les Miséraets go on sale on February 1st and their prices range from 150 to 350 dinars. ■ bles, Paul Thomas Anderson’s The Masladine. The only competition segment

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cordeditorial@cma.rs |

101 February 2013 | 59

culture calendar CONCERTS LEGENDE Sava Center February 9 @ 20.00

Once again, Legende will give an opportunity to Belgrade audiences to enjoy the music of this popular band this February. Legende was repeatedly named as the group of the year, has in its collection the most important music awards in our country, such as the “Oscar of Popularity”, “Melko”, “Zlatni Melos”, “Zlatni Violinski Ključ – PGP”, several gold records, as well as a number of awards for humanitarian concerts. This will be another opportunity for many music fans of Legende to enjoy their music.

SERGEJ ĆETKOVIĆ Kombank Arena February 14 @ 20.00 One of the favourite singers of pop music, Sergej Ćetković, will perform at the Kombank Arena on February 14. After almost three years since he last performed at the Arena, Sergej is preparing an enjoyable evening for his fans on Valentine’s Day. JOSIPA LISAC Sava Center February 14 @ 20.30

This Croatian singer with her unique voice and appearance, Josipa Lisac, will hold a concert on Valentine’s Day, February 14, at Sava Center.

With this concert, Josipa will mark 40 years since the release of her cult album “Diary of One Love”.

“Years are not important, time is irrelevant, only love is important,” Josipa said when announcing her Belgrade concert. She will also celebrate her birthday with her fans who visit the concert, as her birthday is February 14th!

Belgrade audience will also be reminded of songs from the album “Diary of One Love” (1973), Jospia’s first album, which today enjoys cult status and a place in all Balkan music anthologies, it is simply a collection of fantastic songs such as “Meet” on one youth, “”Bed of Tears”...

Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra Kolarac

February 1 @ 20.00 Conductor: Muhai Tang Soloist: Zhao Jing, cello Program: Brahms, Weber Winners of Memorial Isidor Bajić Kolarac February 3 @ 11.00 Soloist: Sara Vujadinović, piano Program: Ravel, Brahms Nemanja Radulović and Susan Manof Kolarac February 4 @ 20.00 Two extremely talented musicians, our very own violinist Nemanja Radulović and pianist Susan Manof, will most certainly delight Belgrade audience with their performances of Mozart, Bach, Ravel, Schuman, Tchaikovsky.

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which between them have more than 250 medals from various competitions, brought ice dancing to new heights with its bold choreography of Imperial Ice Stars.

101 February 2013 | www.cordmagazine.com

that will excite and delight kids of all ages. Feld Entertainment, the producers of Disney on Ice, coming in November, bring you “Disney Live! Presents Mickey’s Magic Show,” taking you to a world where Disney magic takes on new meaning.

Mickey’s Magic Show will be shown at the Arena from February 7 to 10,, Magnificent 7 – Festival of European Documentary Film Sava Center January 30 -February 3

CLASSICAL MUSIC

IMPERIAL ICE STARS-SWAN LAKE Kombank Arena, 23 February @20.00 The award-winning productions on ice IMPERIAL ICE STARS with the play “Swan Lake” will perform at the Kombank Arena on February 23rd.

Imperial Ice Stars is a unique production that has built its reputation extending the boundaries in the genre of ice dancing with their skating skills, creative and powerful storytelling, lavish costumes and set designs and special effects that include flying, various visual projections, snow, heat and rain.

World figure skating champions,

Chinese New Year Kolarac, February 7 @ 20.00 Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra Conductor: Misha Damev Soloist: Lionel Kote, chello Program: Dju Djan-er, Kigang Chn, Chen Pejksun, Chen Ji, Veng Xsilin

The organisers of Magnificent 7 told us what we will give you in full: “One should go for the innovation but also honouring roots and tradition - this is what we do in Belgrade year after year with a festival that carries the name of a mainstream American movie but has its focus on poetry and independent, personal storytelling. And one which insists that documentary films should be shown on a big screen for a big audience: in cinema halls.

We promise you poetry and personally made documentaries with diversity in themes and in “handwriting”. From the minimalistic and original interpretation of an urban social reality in “Sofia’s Last Ambulance” to a beautiful and respectful meeting with people who very seldom appear in the media: “Tea or Electricity” and “Winter Nomads”.

From the portrait of a great BALLET BALLET STUDIO ADAGIO Sava Center February 10 @ 12.00 Ballet Studio Adagio will hold a performance on February 10th at 12.00 in the Sava Centre.

Over 300 participants aged from 2.5 to 25 years will perform in over 30 choreographies during this special event for ballet fans. Ballet dancers will perform with the wide range of music – from Disney movies music to classical music.

The choreographer of this event is Olivera Stanojević Mitrović.

KIDS MICKEY’S MAGIC SHOW Kombank Arena 7 – 10 February @ 19.00 Your favourite Disney characters will be joined by a professional magician with a performance

humanist, Olof “Palme”, who was shot down when he chose to walk home after a visit to the cinema, to a rich film depiction of a society as is the Czech “Private Universe”, a family film in the wonderful epic tradition.

Magnificent7 is a tribute to the art of cinema, but it is also a tribute to the power of art itself. Two films point directly in that direction. “Searching for Sugar Man”, internationally the most successful documentary of 2012, is about the fact that important art will always survive, whereas “Soundbreaker” is, as the title indicates, about an artist who seeks to break all rules to give us viewers and listeners an experience we will never forget.”

For the full program, please visit: www.magnificent7festival.org

2013, at the Kombank Area, with the following schedule: 07.02.2013. at 19.00 08.02.2013. at 19.00 09.02.2013. at 11.30, 15.00 and 18:30 10.02.2013. at 11.30 and 15.00 “Disney Live! Presents Mickey’s Magic Show” brings a special magic from legendary Disney films that are played in front of your eyes: Cinderella’s rags turn into a beautiful ball gown in a split second, Aladdin’s Princess Jasmine floating in the air and the enchanted dancing brooms in Fantasia help Minnie. Master Magician himself - Mickey Mouse - performs astonishing magic with Cinderella’s good fairies, the Mad Hatter, Alice in Wonderland, and professional magician Michael Barron. The magic is completed with Disney Princess performances and White Snow White and Mickey’s friends - Minnie, Donald and Goofy.

culture news FILM Good Day to Die Hard Sava Center 12 February @ 20.30

Bruce Willis is back in the iconic role of John McLean, a policeman and a national hero.

McLean this time travels to Russia to help his son in trouble. In Russia, the situation is by no means easy - there are roaming dangerous terrorists and John McLean can’t get away from trouble.

Bruce Willis is one of the movie stars with the longest career. After he won the hearts of audiences with the eighties hit series “Moonlighting,” he became a real star after the movie “Die Hard” (1988), one of the best action movies of all time.

OTHER LECTURE: ‘Buenos Aires-the destination’ Instituto Cervantes 19 February @19.00

Although national inflation and international crises caused a significant drop in the number of tourists visiting the country, the capital of Argentina is still considered an important tourist destination. Condé Nast , a prestigious magazine specializing in tourism, chose Buenos Aires as the most important tourist destination in Latin America due to its cultural offerings,

cuisine and quality hotel accommodation.

Instituto Cervantes counts again on the invaluable help of Mirjana Stanojlović, Professor of English Language and Literature, translator, writer of essays and journals published on the websites of B92, Travel Club, the magazine “Good Morning Columbus” and “Travel”, as in “Politics.” She also previously gave lectures on European and international destinations in Kolarac, the Cultural Center of Čačak and the “Danilo Kis” Foundation in Subotica.

41st FEST Sava Center/Dom Omladine, Kinoteka, Kulturni Centar, Bioskop Fontana, Feb 22–March 3 Belgrade International Film Festival “FEST” this

year will premiere 75 films this year and will be held from February 22nd to March 3rd.

This year, 41st festival under the slogan “Ready, Set, FEST”, will traditionally be opened by the Cannes’ winner Love, while audiences will also be able to see other movie achievements that have been shown at film festivals in Berlin, Venice, Rotterdam and Toronto.

Festival director Dragan Marinković said that repertoire will include the achievements of Woody Allen and Brian De Palma, but also many movies that have entered the competition for this year’s Oscars, like the film Lincoln by Steven Spielberg.

When it comes to venues, the main program will be held in the Sava Centre, while the other programmes (World Film Panorama, Europe in Europe and Europe out of Europe) will be screened in the halls of the Dom Omladine, Kinoteka and Kulturni Centar. New this year is the expansion of the screenings to the cinema hall “Fountain” in New Belgrade, where the latest movies from South America will be shown.

Exhibition by Lucian Bernhard Goethe Institut, 14 Feb.-14 March Advertising in the twenty-first century is an integral part of our everyday lives. It is all around us, affecting our needs and bringing colour to our lives. What today seems completely natural was a new idea at the beginning of the last century. Lucian Bernhard was instrumental in the development of the modern advertising language that corresponded to the new rhythm of life due to economic recovery. As creator of the so-called property poster, he is an inseparable part of the history of poster art. The logos of several major companies

such as Bosch, Coffee HAG and Pelikan still use what Bernhard designed for them at the beginning of the last century.

In April, this exhibition will also be shown at the National Museum in Cetinje, Montenegro.

Visit from Ilan Ronen to JDP Yugoslav Drama Theatre, January 13-14

During a two-day working visit to the Yugoslav Drama Theatre (JDP), President of UTE (Union of Theatres of Europe) and artistic director of the Habima theater from Tel Aviv Allan Ronen, executive director Ruth UTE Hajnen and Acting Director JDP Tamara Vuckovic today had a meeting with the Minister of Culture and Information Bratislav Petković and Advisor to the President of the Republic of Serbia Radoslav Pavlović.

The topic of the meeting was a project entitled "fallen angel of history" initiated by JDP and UTE, which marks the anniversary of the First World War. During the meetings, the idea was discussed that the JDP should to be the center of this project that should begin with a Festival in June 2014. Most important European theatres, also members of UTE,

should participate in the Festival.

Marking the anniversary of the events related to First World War, believing that they laid the foundation of today's Europe, the various European theaters will through different productions and joint projects give us their view on past and present Europe.

During the two-day meetings, there was great interest in this project and will to support and emphasize that Belgrade is right place to hold such an event.

President of UTE Ilan Ronen and JDP Acting Director Tamara Vučković, expressed their plan to organize a press conference in JDP in June 2013 when they will share further details of the project and its participants.

Kustendorf Max Kochetov Quartet

Drvengrad 16-22 January

International Film and Music Festival Kustendorf took place from January 16 to 22, 2013, in Drvengrad in Mokra Gora, organized by “Rasta International” and under the patronage of the Ministry of Culture and Media of the Republic of Serbia. As in previous years, the Festival is dedicated to future filmmakers and already acclaimed authors.

The guest of this year’s festival was famous Italian actress Monica Bellucci.

Dom Omladine 26th January Max Kochetov Quartet held a concert in Dom Omladine on January 26.

The quartet became known for their specific music with Post-Bop and the manner in which it is played.

The quartet impressed Belgrade audiences with its performance of mainstream jazz (postbop) and a combination of other people’s repertoire (Miles Davis, Coltrane, and others). It is the best youth team in Belgrade today, according to the opinion of many music critics.

The quartet was founded by Max Kochetov, a Ukrainian musician who lives and works in Belgrade. He brought together young musicians with rich musical experience.

They are Max Kochetov - alto and soprano saxophone, Sava Miletić - piano, Predrag Krstajić – bass and Predrag Milutinović drums. cordeditorial@cma.rs |

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business trip Business Hotels

Our Selection - your choice

F

ebruary is the month when business meetings worldwide are becoming part of everyday life. In this issue, we have selected the best hotels we can find, based on the criteria that the hotels be in the city centers, comfortable and clean, allow you relaxation after a busy day, have all necessary facilities for businessman, not too expensive and that your get what you pay for.

Here are CorD’s choices.

Park Hyatt Sydney (From €700) Relaunched after a luxurious makeover earlier last year, the Park Hyatt is located in Campbells Cove, its low-slung, sandstone stature fitting in well with the historic Rocks district.

Eight Australian artists were commissioned to produce artworks for the property, including GW Bot, whose carved sandstone panels feature in the public areas. www.sydney.park.hyatt.com

W Paris – Opera Paris (From €340) Housed in an elegant 1870s Haussmann building opposite the Opéra Garnier, the W has been designed

by Rockwell Group Europe.

An oversized backlit digital wall takes centre stage in the lobby, while historic features such as vaulted ceilings and marble staircases have been partially restored. www.wparisopera.com

Armani Hotel Milan (from €550) Located in a 1937 rationalist- style building that already houses an Emporio Armani café, Armani/Nobu restaurant and the designer’s own three-floor boutique, this immaculate seven-floor hotel is the final peg in the brand’s total block domination. Mr Armani’s subtle, impeccable imprint is everywhere, from the greige colour scheme, to the ‘lifestyle managers’ assigned to each guest and their high-maintenance needs, and finally, the A-shape of the building itself, a bold signature visible only from the air. www.armanihotels.com 62 |

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Conservatorium Amsterdam (From €325) Ideally located between the luxury boutiques of Hooftstraat and Museumplein, this grand red brick building, a former bank and music school, has been transformed

by Piero Lissoni into an airy, lightfilled hotel. A glass box insertion packs a powerful punch on arrival in the vast entrance lobby, and features a library and indoor garden. www.conservatoriumhotel.com

Bulgari Hotel London (From €515) Housed in an entirely new building among Knightsbridge’s traditional architecture, the Bulgari was designed by Antonio Citterio, who has furnished the 85 rooms and suites with his trademark palette of stained oak and glossy Sapele mahogany, plus acres of leather, masculine furnishings and silver. www.bulgarihotels.com

Ararat Park Hyatt Moscow (From €355) The hotel is located in the very heart of the city, just a few minutes’ walk from iconic landmarks such as the Kremlin, Red Square and Saint Basil’s Cathedral, the Moscow hotel is also within the immediate vicinity of the famous Bolshoi Theatre. Parliament House, the central business district and the luxury shopping malls TsUM and GUM for those seeking to enjoy the wonderful shopping in Moscow, are also nearby. www. moscow.park.hyatt.com

Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai (from €350) The Four Seasons Pudong is the hotel group’s second property in Shanghai – a sign of just how bullish the Four Seasons is about China in general and Shanghai in particular. The new build is located in Pudong, Shanghai’s financial and commercial hub on the east side of the Huangpu River, and just across from the historic city centre. www.fourseasons.com/pudong cordeditorial@cma.rs |

101 February 2013 | 63

business trip

Hotel Daniel Vienna (From €92) Hotelier Florian Weitzer’s second property, this is an intimate boutique hotel located steps from the city’s historic Schloss Belvedere. Designed by architects Atelier Heisse, it is filled with a mix of antique and contemporary pieces by local designers. There’s even a teetering sailboat sculpture by Erwin Wurm and urban beehives on the roof. www.hoteldaniel.com

Hotel Georges Istanbul (From €175) The Georges Hotel is harder to find than a speakeasy. Enter the unmarked door of the fabulously refurbished art nouveau building and, save a stray piece of luggage, there’s no sign that it’s a hotel.

Inspired by the intimate hôtel particuliers of Paris, Georges Hotel offers a full butler service and is decorated with parquet floors, bespoke brass fixtures, ornamental plaster panels and handcrafted wood. www.georges.com

King & Grove Williamsburg New York (From € 200) Although the hotel officially opened in October last year, it was taken over by King & Grove in March and a light redesign of the rooms and public spaces is still underway.

Also in the works are plans for summer poolside BBQ parties. www.kingandgrove.com

Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi (from €150) The Viceroy Group’s makeover of the Yas Hotel in Abu Dhabi has left its unmistakable gridshell (designed by architecture firm Asymptote) intact, but streamlined its interiors. Design group Poltrona Frau Emirates has transformed the common spaces.

Dominating the marina of Yas Island, the property overlooks the Abu Dhabi Formula 1 track. www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com 64 |

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Ivy Hotel Chicago (From €243) The Ivy’s combination of plush, private spaces, a prime location off Michigan Avenue and a confident spirit are wrapped up in an appealing luxury boutique package. Equally notable is its dedication to sustainability: eco-friendly materials such as bamboo feature throughout and toiletries are all natural. www.exploreivy.com

Jervois Hong Kong (From €212) The Jervois makes the most of its location in the heart of Sheung Wan’s hive of shops, galleries and restaurants. This is the third development from local hotshots National Properties Holdings. It was designed by two Frenchmen, Florent Nédélec (exteriors) and Christian Liaigre (interiors). The top five penthouse floors overlook Victoria Harbour. www.thejervois.com

The Oberoi Gurgaon Delhi (From € 430) Located in Gurgaon, Delhi’s booming business and commercial satellite city, Singaporebased RSP Architects’ massive glass and steel structure is set in nine acres of gardens, water features and forest. First impressions couldn’t be more dramatic: guests drive up a winding, elevated drive towards the hotel lobby, located on the fifth floor of the building and overlooking a 1125 sq meters reflection pool and luxury retail complex. ww.oberoihotels.com

So Bangkok Bangkok (from €460) Located in the Lumpini Park neighbourhood, So Bangkok is the Sofitel’s second So hotel (the first is in Mauritius). Local architect Smith Obayawat, along with five celebrated Thai interior designers, teamed up with fashion designer Christian Lacroix to design this 30-storey property inspired by the five Chinese elements of metal, water, earth, wood and fire. ww.sofitel.com cordeditorial@cma.rs |

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travel

Walking and HIKING

A

lthough it is still February, spring and its beautiful weather are just around the corner, and with them, an opportunity to hike on the wonderful hiking trails of Serbia - since probably the best way to get to know a country, its people, culture and history is through hiking and mountain climbing. The Mountaineering Association of Serbia and various hiking clubs offer passionate hikers and walkers a number of attractive programmes and tours with experienced guides that are suitable for novices.

In this issue, CorD brings you hiking suggestions and ideas, and it is up to you to choose one and just hit the road.

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Divčibare Divčibare is located in south-western Serbia, 38 km from the town of Valjevo. Situated at 980 metres above sea level, this mountain plateau is rich in woods and waterways with the mountain of Maljen in its central part. Divčibare is surrounded by the Povlen and Suvobor mountains which are intersected by rivers and creeks, canyons and cliffs. This is a place where coastal and mountain climates meet, doing wonders for your red blood cell count. The trees are appropriately marked by hiking tags.

The hiking trails here are not demanding. They start in Divčibare and are couple of kilometres long. The best footwear for these trails is high sneakers. The central and the lower part of the mountain are quite humid. The hiking trail to Suvobor is 866 metres long, the one to Rajac 848 metres and the 33 km trail that leads to the Mountain Lodge is long and arduous.

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Fruška Gora Fruška Gora is the highest mountain in Vojvodina.

Its name is derived from German word “frisch“ (fresh or frišak in Serbian colloquial language). The mountain has ten or so monasteries, a spa and several small towns and villages where you can catch your breath between two hikes. Novi Sad is located at the foot of the mountain, on the other bank of the River Danube.

Marked trails are easy to cover. Their length, undulating terrain and ascent require a bit more effort on the hiker’s part. Wear sneakers, preferably higher ones. Hiking trails are circular and you can choose eastern or western option of each trail.

The trails suit both recreational and professional hikers and their length ranges from couple of kilometres to 81 km with 300 to 500 metre differences in altitude.

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Goč, Stolovi and Željin Three mountains in Central Serbia –Goč, Stolovi and Željin – make a one-of-a-kind tourist destination. This mountain range is situated on the right side of the Ibar Gorge, south of Kraljevo, and it offers a multitude of opportunities for an active day in nature.

Hiking trails are easy to cover and they start near the mountain lodge. Their length ranges from 8 to 27 km with altitudes ranging between 700 and 1,785 metres. Since the hiking trail to Željin is 27 km long, you will need to be fit and wear comfortable hiking shoes.

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Golija Golija’s almost untouched nature is the reason why this biosphere reserve is under UNESCO protection. The three climate zones – a mixed valley/mountain climate, mid-season climate and mountain climate – will ensure a nice stay and an active break which city dwellers need so desperately. Jankov Kamen (1,833 metres) is the highest peak of this mountain and an air spa that has vast pastures, meadows, scattered villages and almost no industry. Harsh winters or fragrant summers and natural food have never left anybody indifferent, and neither will they for you.

Trails are easy to walk on. Because of the altitude difference, hikers are required to be in good physical shape. Use sneakers, preferably high ones. The length of circular trails is 9 and 12 km respectively and they start at the Golija River. cordeditorial@cma.rs |

101 February 2013 | 67

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The Homolje Mountains The Homolje mountain range is located southwest from the town of Majdanpek. Ancient and dense forests, caves, the gold bearing river Pek, the 14th century Gornjak monastery built inside a cliff, and the Mlava riverhead rich in fish (trout) offer infinite opportunities for recreation and playing all kind of sports.

Depending on what interests you, the Homolje Mountains offer you various hiking and climbing programmes. There is a 3 km long trail for beginners, while more experienced hikers can hike on 8 to 30 km long trails. Since the trails are not that short and altitude difference ranges from 75 to 940 metres, hikers are required to have a good level of fitness. Wear light hiking boots or high sneakers.

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Kopaonik

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Ovčar and Kablar The Ovčar (985m) and Kablar (889m) Mountains are situated in central Serbia. Together with the West Morava River, they make a picturesque gorge, known for its monasteries and shrines. The area is even called the Serbian Mount Athos.

Because of its exceptional beauty, abundant flora and fauna, nine monasteries and many other attractive locations, the Ovčar-Kablar Gorge has been called an area of exceptional attributes and it enjoys first class protection.

Hikers and climbers have been familiar with the Ovčar and Kablar mountains since the 1950s when the first trails were traced and marked. Today, there are 10 marked trails with a total length of over 90 km. The trails are of different profiles so hikers of various levels of fitness and hiking experience can find a route that suits them best. The trails start at Ovčar Banja and lead to the mountain tops (the altitude at Ovčar is 706 meters and at Kablar, 610 metres).

Most of the trails pass by monasteries. We should point out that there are lookouts at the Ovčar and Kablar Mountain peaks.

We would also like to mention that the view from the Kablar is considered one of the most beautiful views in Serbia. The trails, starting at Ovčar Banja and leading to the top of one of the mountains and back (you can use different route options), are between 10 and 15 km long and last between 4 to 6 hours.

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Kopaonik is the biggest mountain range in Serbia and a national park. It is around 80 km long and it stretches from north-east to south-east. Its highest peak is Pančićev Vrh (2,071 metres).

The mountain is covered in snow from November to May and with close to 200 sunny days, it is suitable for all sorts of sports – both winter and summer.

You can go on an organized hiking tour accompanied by a tour guide. Trails are suitable for walking and their difficulty is determined by their length and altitude difference which is important if you choose to go to the Semeteško Lake and see the Jelovarnik Waterfall. If you want to walk on more difficult trails, which length ranges from 10 to 24 km, our advice is to wear hiking boots. High sneakers are suitable for other trails.

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Rudnik The Rudnik Mountain dominates over Šumadija County. Due to its favourable climate – many sunny days, air flow, high air ionization and unpolluted natural environment – this area was declared an air spa back in 1922. It has eight peaks over 1,000 metres high.

Trails are easy to walk on, you can wear sneakers, and their length ranges from 4 to 20 km. The trail leading to Ostrovica has a steep ascent toward a rocky peak and you will need good hiking boots and some climbing experience.

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Stara Planina Stara Planina (the Old Mountain) is the highest mountain in Eastern Serbia, 70 km from Niš. Its highest peak is Midžor (2,169 metres), followed by Babin Zub (1,740 metres) where you can find a mountain lodge and a hotel. Good skiing slopes, a big artificial lake, the 16th century Temska Monastery, the Temska River rich in fish, medicinal herbs and mushrooms are just some of the tourist attractions here.

The length and the altitude difference make the hiking trails here of medium difficulty. You will need light hiking boots.

Getting to the rocky complex called Babin Zub is easy, but you will need climbing experience if you want to climb certain rocky formations.

10/10 Tara

The Tara Mountain is located between the Drina and Zlatibor rivers. For centuries, this mountain has been mesmerizing its visitors. The distance between the town of Bajina Bašta and the mountain is 16 km, and once you get here, you will be at the beginning of 18 hiking trails.

The total length of the trails is over 100 km, with starting points being near the tourist information office and mountain checkpoints. The view of the Drina River from the 1,138 metre high Predov Krst peak is magnificent. There, you will find a mountain lodge, while the River Rača is home to the 13th century monastery of the same name.

Most of the trails are easy to cover and you will need only sneakers. The hiking tours through the Rača River Canyon are difficult and require hiking boots. Also, hiking through the Brusnica River Canyon is arduous and you will need climbing equipment and a guide.

Useful links

www.explore-serbia.rs • ww.divcibare.rs • www.fruskagora.rs • www.tara-bajinabasta.rs www.panacomp.net/mountains • www.wildserbia.com • www.pss.rs • www.izvidjaci.net cordeditorial@cma.rs |

101 February 2013 | 69

travel

Probably the Best in

SERBIA

Every country has its own tourist brochures, Baedekers and lists of recommended restaurants, hotels and must-see places

H

Bread and pastry

owever, the majority of people, when they first arrive to town, always look for restaurants, cafés, and cake shops that are most frequented by the locals since they know that those are the best places to eat and that the food in those restaurants has been tried and tested for years.

These ‘city landmarks’ are usually not found in Belgrade or Serbia’s tourist brochures, so the newest issue of CorD is giving them the chance to be mentioned and recommend themselves to you.

On this occasion, and being fully aware that we individual tastes may vary, we are not necessarily talking about exclusive restaurants, glamorous interiors and perfect service, but our sole guideline is the quality and idiosyncrasies of the food that will be served to you.

After a long debate, consultations and testing, here is the first list that we have compiled.

Burek

Afer long consultations and tasting sessions, we have agreed that a small burek shop in 65 Mutapova Street, in Belgrade, near the Kalenić Green Market, makes the best burek in town. This small and rather inconspicuous shop that can take only two or three customers at time is opened from 7 am to 1 pm and only sells burek with cheese, meat, apples or without fillizng. Just behind the counter, the shop’s owner Ivan Tomovski and

The Trpkovic Bakery was founded over a hundred years ago and has three shops in Belgrade (in Zvezdara at 60 Dimitrija Tucovića Street, in Dušanovac at 6 Milorada Bondžulića Street and in Slavija at 32, Nemanjina Street).

The shops are easy to spot since there are always long lines of people outside waiting to buy their breads, bread rolls, muffins or burek.

Cevapi

It was a well-known fact that best cevapi (a type of kebab) in the former Yugoslavia were made in Bosnia. The quality of cevapi in Sarajevo and Banja Luka has never been questioned. Today, the best cevapi can be found in south Serbian county of Sandžak. In Belgrade there is a little cevap shop called ‘Goja’ (4 Ljubička Street, Dušanovac), owned by Gojko Borozan. This is not a place with shiny cutlery and fancy tablecloths. There are people waiting in line, so you better order and move on to make room for the next customer.

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his crew make burek pastry.

Burek here is always fresh, hot and very tasty.

Sea food

Sea food restaurants in Belgrade are few and far between, but there are several restaurants where you will always find fresh and fantastically prepared fish from the Adriatic Sea. Our recommendation is Gušti Mora (27 Radnička Street, Belgrade, right across from the entrance to Ada Ciganlija). This small restaurant always serves fresh and exquisitely prepared sea fish and seafood. It has a good choice of wines and excellent service. We recommend that you make reservations by calling 011-355-1268.

Freshwater fish

If you want to have really good fish chowder, you will have to go to Novi Sad to a famous restaurant with decades-long tradition called ‘Bata Pežo’.

It is located on the bank of the river Danube (Kamenjar V No. 21). As the Danube flows directly beneath your feet, you will be able to enjoy the freshest river fish and probably the best fish chowder you have every tried, made of fish that has been caught that very day.

For reservations please call 021 – 40-21-10.

Lamb roast

The “Vojvodinian Lunch”

“Vojvodinian lunch” is dining for several hours in a relaxing atmosphere. The ideal venues for this culinary performance are certainly in the granges of Vojvodina (Zekin Salaš), which lies 40 km from Belgrade, in the village of Krčedin, Srem. You can have the local sausages, kavurma (made of pork intestines) or liver sausage for starters, followed by noodle soup and chicken with several kinds of sauce. The main course would be fried or baked chicken or paprikash, and for desert the famous poppy or walnut strudel.

(064-641-5572)

Horse meat dishes

There aren’t many restaurants in Serbia that serve horse meat, but this meat can be bought at most markets.

For twenty years, the Potkovica Restaurant in Belgrade (20 Golsvortijeva Street, tel. 011 2436-363) has only been preparing and serving dishes made with horse meat. The most popular dish is the tartar steak, sausages, prosciutto, pâté and other horse meat specialties. The menu has stayed virtually the same all these years, so regular guests exactly know what to order.

You will have to travel some 50 km outside to Belgrade, all the way to the entrance of Mladenovac, to get the very best lamb roast. The MB Restaurant, situated on the Belgrade-Mladenovac road, roasts several dozen lambs a day. The address of this national cuisine restaurant is 111b Svetolika Rankovića Street. It is located at the foot of the Kosmaj Mountain and you are advised to make reservations by calling 0118201-591.

Gourmet dishes

If you like healthy food and are cholesterol conscious, do not enter the tavern called Mlava in Vračar (52 Cara Nikolaja Street). The Mlava tavern is one of the rare remaining ‘typical Belgrade taverns’ with a tradition spanning several decades and a menu that has been the same for years.

Here you will be able to taste Serbian dishes in their traditional form: pihtije (pork dish in aspic) sprinkled with crushed hot peppers, calf’s head in tripe, pork ćevap in dunst...

Just like in good old days.

Sweets

Mamma’s Biscuit House, or Stelina as many call it, is located in 72a Strahinjića Bana Street.

This place has been making the best cakes for over 20 years.

If you want cakes delivered to your home, please call 011 3283805 and order whatever your heart desires.

Note We know that we haven’t been able to list every one of the candidates who could justly be included in one of these lists. We are prepared to rectify our mistakes if you send us your best recommendations to office@aim.rs. cordeditorial@cma.rs |

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chill out

A Vibrating Fork

Gadget That Measures Anything George Yu can take your temperature from 60 cm away, scan your house for leaky insulation, and determine the dampness of your basement with a gadg-

The HAPIfork from manufacturer HAPILabs hopes to change the way, and speed, that we eat by monitoring how fast a user is eating and alerting them to slow down if they eat too quickly. The HAPIfork joins the likes of the Fitbug and Fitbit in a growing trend of healthcare gadgets on display at Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas (CES).

Britons Still Watch Black&White TV

et he invented called the Node, which works with an iPhone. The 10 centimentres tube, which he describes as “a little Swiss Army knife of sensors,” records the world around it and beams the data to the phone via Bluetooth. The Node has so far caught the attention of hobbyists, who’ve bought 450 of them. Now, Yu is marketing the device to industries ranging from home improvement to health care through his Chattanooga-based startup, Variable Technologies.

More than 13,000 Britons still have a black and white TV licence. Even though the owners would have had to buy a digital set top box to keep using their black and white.

Surprisingly there are almost as many black and white licences today as in 1946 when TV licensing first began and 14,560 licences were issued.

TV Licensing still offers black and white licenses 46 years later and as recently as 2000 there were still over 200,000 black and white licences issued.

But today’s figures show that of households purchasing a TV licence, only 0.05 per cent now opt for the £49 black and white option, while more than 25 million households pay £145.50 annually for a colour licence.

Duchess of Cambridge Gets Official Portrait

Pike Found Choked on Zander Anglers are scratching their heads after a pike was found dead with a zander - a fish of similar size - jammed in its mouth in the Netherlands.

Rene Spaargaren, from Almere near Amsterdam, noticed the dead fish locked together in water near his home and dragged them out with a boat hook.

“It was clear that the pike had bitten off more than it could chew - or swallow, rather,” he told BBC News.

British angling expert Charles Jardine said the event was “really unusual”.

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The first official portrait of the Duchess of Cambridge, as Kate is formally known, was unveiled last month at the National Portrait Gallery.

Paul Emsley’s portrait shows the 31-year-old royal against a dark background with her lips pursed into a wry smile.

Kate and Prince William, who are expecting their first child, were on hand at the gallery for the portrait’s unveiling. Kate told Emsley it was “just amazing.” Her husband liked it too, calling it “absolutely beautiful.”

Emsley told reporters that Kate wanted the portrait to “convey her natural self as opposed to her official self.”

101 February 2013 | www.cordmagazine.com

Globetrotter Visits Every Country in the World Graham Hughes, 33, took almost four years to tick 201 countries off his list, including all 193 members of the UN, as well as destinations including Kosovo, Palestine, Taiwan, Vatican City and

Western Sahara.

“I’ve been travelling now for 1426 days, that’s 203 weeks, almost four years. I started in Uruguay on January 1, 2009, and I’ve been travelling pretty much non-stop since then to try and be the first person to visit every country in the world without flying “ said the cowboy-hat wearing globetrotter soon after crossing the border from Uganda.

Tiger Woods - $3 mln Appearance Fee The president of the Qatar Golf Association invited Tiger Woods to play the Jan. 24-27 Qatar Masters, but ultimately could not accept his $3 million appearance fee.

“Tiger Woods demands $3 million just for an appearance if he were to compete in the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters, which is not worth paying for a tournament of $2.5 million prize money,” Hassan Al Nuaimi said.

At least that rationale is sensible. Last month, the resort owner at the Australian PGA curiously said that he didn’t want Woods at his event because he is “an emotional wreck” and “not a good example for kids.”

Mark Steinberg, Woods’ agent, said in an email to Bloomberg that Woods “was never contemplating Qatar.”

Giant Rubber Duck Swims in to Sydney Harbor An enormous - over 15 meters in height- bright yellow rubber duck has been spotted nonchalantly floating through the Sydney’s Darling Harbor waterfront.

The rubber duck was celebrating the start of Sydney’s annual art festival, which includes theatre, music, dance, film, talks and lots of other art related event, so Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman was invited to bring his own inimitable talents to the Australian city. He has explained the concept behind the giant duck thus: “We are living on a planet, we are one family, and the global waters are our bathtub, so it joins people.”

Australia’s summer months are, to say the least, hot and the festival (which began in 1977) was designed to inject some life in to the city’s heat inflicted summer lethargy.

Astronauts Get Taller in Space Astronauts in space can grow up to 3 percent taller during the time spent living in microgravity, NASA scientists say.

That means that a 1.8 meters person could gain as many as 5 centimeters while in orbit.

While scientists have known for some time that astronauts experience a slight height boost during a months-long stay on the International Space Station, NASA is only now starting to use ultrasound technology to see exactly what happens to astronauts’ spines in microgravity as it occurs. cordeditorial@cma.rs |

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techno talk Office Gadgets

Refresh Your Office Being stuck in a office isn’t most peoples’ idea of fun, but having a few toys and office gadgets around can help alleviate the monotony. The office need not be a stressful if you arrange it in accordance with your taste and needs. There are so many small tools and supplies on today’s market that will make your life in the office more creative and more fun!

Here are some ideas how to improve your office environment for the rest of 2013

Portable Handheld Shredder Price:

€30.oo

Ergonomically designed to fit comfortably in the hand, this Portable Handy Shredder enables you to destroy personal documents and keep your identity secure wherever you are.It shreds up to 4 layers of paper at once.

Time Machine Tabletop Clock Price:

€27.oo

This kinetic clock resembles something from a museum which would make a unique addition to any gift recipient’s home or office. Turn it on and the clock’s mechanism transfers one of the chrome balls every minute. As time ticks on you can easily read hour and minute. Slowly but surely they stack up through the day. What a good way to help someone watch their work day literally pass by.

Waring Double Wine Chiller/Warmer

Price:

€115.oo

When you suddenly get an important business partner, whether you need to serve warm or chill, this double-bottle container makes it easy to get the most out every drink. All you need to do is enter the temperature into its easy-touse CPU controls--or select one of the 33 preloaded settings from its built-in library and wait for the LED display to wish you "Cheers!”

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Illuminated Magnifier Paperweight Price:

€25.oo

This illuminated magnifier paperweight has a 5 times magnification to make even the smallest writing legible, plus 3 bright LED lights to make the task even easier. Just press the centre of the glass to activate the lights. The magnifying glass's weighty construction makes it perfect for use as a paperweight and an invaluable accessory for a study or desk.

Crazy Calculator Price:

€12.oo

Liven up the office or your lessons with this joke Crazy Calculator. On best behaviour you can use it as a standard calculator. But when no one is watching, switch it to crazy mode, pass it to a friend or colleague and watch and laugh! Every time they press the = sign, the calculator will come up with "You tell me", "Ask nicely" and a host of other sarcastic messages instead of the answer.

Speaker Showerhead Price:

€155.oo

The Kohler Moxie Speaker Showerhead has a speaker in the centre of a showerhead. The speaker itself is a rechargeable and waterproof device which can be taken out of the showerhead itself. It has Bluetooth capability so need for any wires. You simply pair up your phone or tablet, start streaming your music and you’re away.

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best choice

Image Restoring Digital Slide Converter Price:

recommended by

€990.oo

This is the scanner that converts and restores 35mm slide images to their original quality. Its magazine accepts up to 50 slides at a time, scanning them automatically, enabling large-scale conversion projects. A full 5,000 x 5,000 dpi resolution scan-its highest setting-of a single slide takes just over three minutes, capturing all the details of the original image at 34 megapixels. Once converted, the software restores original colors from faded film images, and removes film grain from converted images. Images are saved onto a computer using USB cable.

cordeditorial@cma.rs |

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techno talk

Multi-position Clip-on LED Light Price:

€30.oo

If you find it difficult to use your computer in poor light, this versatile clip-on light will illuminate your keyboard when using your laptop. The light clips to your monitor, laptop lid, shelves or table and the flip-out legs turn it into a tabletop lamp. It is also ideal for reading, needlework or wherever extra light is needed.

The Office Pod Price:

€18,000.oo

(plus installation)

The Office Pod is one of the most elaborate office gadget ever conceived. This is an actual pod that looks like a sauna. You can fit your desk and chair inside, along with basic office shelves and a filing cabinet. Once you close the door to your pod you will have blocked out all outside noise. Additionally, you can cause all the glass to become a two-way mirror so no one can see inside your office pod.

2/3

best choice

recommended by

Heated Insoles Foot Warmer Price:

€99.oo

In case you are working in a cold office, this foot warmer offers convenient remote operation, no wires or external batteries, and up to 2,500 hours of toasty heat to warm cold feet for about four winters of heavy use.

Plantronics Savi Office Convertible Price:

€305.oo

The Plantronics Savi Office Convertible can pull sound from your PC or a phone, and when coupled with the handset lifter option, you can answer calls from anyplace within its 10-meters range. The sound is crystal clear, and it switches seamlessly between Skype and the Polycom Phone. If you live on the phone this gadget is very handy.

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Sony Scent Capturing Post Card Printer Price:

TBA

This small hand held machine uses its “electronic nose” to recognize patterns of particular odors and translate it onto a tangible postcard size paper. Aroma based inks are printed onto the special photo paper which can then be exposed by peeling back the flap to smell the scent. This interactive and innovative machine allows users to communicate and share information in ways that have never been done before by utilizing one of humanity’s most prominent senses.

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best choice

recommended by

Drobo 5D 5-bay Storage Array Price:

Leaf Touch Screen Keyboard Price:

€190.oo

This Touch Screen Keyboard is a large touch screen with a 108 full QWERTY keyboard display. Each key is individually backlit to provide optimal lighting under any light condition, so a glare won’t be an issue. With each successful press, a corresponding beep will chime and the sensitivity of the keys can be adjusted to the speed of even the most experienced writers. One of the best assets about this keyboard is when it’s shut off. The mirror-like surface is a real eye catcher and will add an incredible aesthetic and a bit of class to your PC or Mac set up.

€815.oo

Drobo 5D is the highest-performing personal storage array on the planet. Built on awardwinning BeyondRAID technology with single- or dual-drive redundancy, Drobo 5D protects your data without any user interaction, even in the event of multiple drive failures. Thunderbolt I/O technology provides performance that’s up to 5x faster than the previous-generation Drobo is the only storage array that offers Thunderbolt and USB 3.0. This latest generation of USB also offers high-performance connectivity and is backward compatibility with any computer running compatible versions of Mac OS X or Windows.

Verizon’s Samsung Galaxy Camera Price:

€420.oo

The Galaxy Camera features a 16-megapixel image sensor, 21x optical zoom lens, 1.4GHz quad-core processor, a 4.8-inch HD Super Clear LCD, Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, microSD card slot and a 1,650mAh battery. With Android and 4G LTE, the Galaxy Camera is well-equipped for both fast photo editing with apps like Instagram and for sharing to social networks such as Facebook. cordeditorial@cma.rs |

101 February 2013 | 77

Keep to the Classics fashion

SPRING 2013

After reviewing of all the fashion weeks and runways, the forecast for spring 2013 promises a diverse season denominated in bright red, orange and gold colours. However, according to the media, the general opinion is that proposed models have never been worse. In such circumstances, we will bring you slightly more conservative and classic proposals for forthcoming season

Marc By Marc Jacobs Bag

price:

€200

Joseph Cash Blouse Cut in pure silk, it is luxuriously soft to the touch and falls around the body beautifully. For a real head-turning look, clash the vibrant hue with a contrasting bottom half.

Marc by Marc Jacobs’ Classic Q Natasha cross body bag is one of the brand’s mostloved styles, and is now available in a series of fresh new colours for the new season.

price:

€380 price:

€360

Salvatore Ferragamo

price:

€185

Salvatore Ferragamo’s patent Carla pump features a kitten heel, neat bow front and is finished with a gold-tone logo plaque. Undeniably elegant, wear with everything from tailored separates to casual denim for an instant dose of ladylike sophistication.

Chloé Leather Belts The perfect way to add a touch of designer allure to any ensemble.

78 |

101 February 2013 | www.cordmagazine.com

price:

€430

Joseph Eliston Crepe Stretch Trousers

The cobalt blue hue is instantly striking and tailored with a tapered leg, they are effortlessly flattering. Wear with silk blouses and high heels for a smart yet stylish look.

price:

€700

Armani WoolBlend Jacket

price:

€1,960

Donna Karan Sculpted Dress

A fine example of classic tailoring, this smart 2-button jacket from Armani Collezioni is a timeless addition to your work wear repertoire.

This sculpted, structured jersey cap sleeved dress from Donna Karam boasts a unique neckline and gorgeous coloration.

It will take you from day to night and everything in between.

price:

€730

price:

€855

Givenchy Antigona Clutch

Mulberry Lily Bag Mulberry’s Lily bag is an effortless and elegant accessory crafted in black grainy leather. Finished with woven chain straps, that can be worn doubly on the shoulder or pulled through to create a longer style, this bag is perfect for evenings out.

price:

€630

Endlessly versatile, this clutch is the perfect accompaniment for anything from evening drinks to black tie dinners.

Ives Saint Laurent Tribute Patent Pump Yves Saint Laurent’s black Tribute high heeled pump has an ultra-smart patent finish and sleek platform toe.

Ck Calvin Klein Minimal Circle Watch This Calvin Klein timepiece has a minimal aesthetic with a fine chain link strap offset by a matte steel dial. A go-with-anything piece that will add a contemporary twist to casual ensembles.

price:

€185

price:

€240

Vivienne Westwood Cardigan Vivienne Westwood Red Label’s knitted wool cardigan is an easy piece to layer this season. The embroidered Orb adds a hint of the label’s signature eclecticism to a classic wardrobe staple.

cordeditorial@cma.rs |

101 February 2013 | 79

fashion

For Him

price:

€245

Mr Start Herringbone Jacket Taking a casual approach to tailoring, Mr. Start’s brown herringbone jacket features a notched lapel with single button closure and single vent hem. A classic style that will impress with neutral tailored chinos and worn-in tan brogues.

price:

€85

Richard James Shirt Crafted from pure cotton for a comfortable fit and designed with a smart stripe motif, Richard James’ Fine Bengal Stripe shirt is a new season must have.

price:

€190

Twill Floral Tie price:

price:

€ 105

€182

MUJI Hard-Cover Suitcases Durable and lightweight, these hard-cover suitcases have four 360-degree wheels, making them easy and stable to transport and easy for identification. The small size fits FAA carry-on guidelines. A TSA lock is included. Made of polycarbonate, ABS plastic, and polyester.

John Rocha shoes price:

Andersons Elasticated Woven Belt Trimmed in leather with a woven finish, this elasticated design is an excellent way to introduce texture and colour to a formal or casual outfit.

80 |

Polo Ralph Lauren Polo Ralph Lauren’s Ranger chinos are a rugged style perfect for weekend wear.

Rendered in soft cotton in a modern mist green hue, they come finished with distressed detailing for a cool worn-in look.

These John Rocha handmade shoes have a lace up fastening with leather uppers.

€ 84

price:

€ 80

101 February 2013 | www.cordmagazine.com

Timex Watch Featuring a brushed brass case, fabric strap and Timex’s signature Indiglo light, this simple timepiece will remain stylish for years to come.

price:

€ 68

price:

Polo Ralph Lauren

€ 130

Richard James Suit Richard James’ Fine Pindot suit in blue, crafted from pure wool and designed with a classic 1 button jacket. It will never fail to make a good impression.

A signature Polo Ralph Lauren style, this meticulously crafted sport shirt is tailored from 100% cotton corduroy. It has been dyed a rich dark navy and complete with the iconic pony logo as a mark of authenticity and quality.

price:

€ 425

Richard James Shirt

price:

€ 280

Diesel Thavar SlimSkinny Jeans

price:

€ 86

Combining the label’s most avant-garde washes with experimental fabric textures, Diesel’s Thavar jeans have been updated with a visually interesting wash and a unique feel. Offering a slim fit with a skinny leg, wear this comfortable pure cotton pair with a printed T-shirt and luxury trainers for an everyday look with added cool.

Mulberry Bag (Large)

price:

€ 855

This messenger bag has been crafted from fine vegetable-dyed leather and finished with an adjustable canvas strap.

Charvet Woven-silk tie

price:

€ 196

An elegant tie is a vital addition to your workwear wardrobe, and this woven-silk design by Charvet ticks all the right boxes.

price:

€ 123

Altea Geometricprint scarf With frayed ends and a striking geometric print, this Italian-made accessory will lend cold-weather outfits a distinctive focal point.

Bishop Black price:

€ 170

A classic Oxford Toe-Cap from Jones Bootmaker. Features Leather lining, Blake Sewn construction and is Wide Fitting.

cordeditorial@cma.rs |

101 February 2013 | 81

profile

Professionalism is

Rewarded

I really love my job and I have wanted to do it since I was a student. People who go to work happy every morning are few and far between today, regardless of the amount of work they need to do, the responsibility that comes with the job and the stress which are all integral parts of this profession

“B

Ivan Jakšić, President of the Public Relations Society of Serbia and PR and Marketing Director of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia

eing successful at your job and holding a good position on

employed as a teacher at the Fifth School of Economics and, at the

the labour market are impossible without continuous ed-

age of 24, also became a homeroom teacher at the school where

ucation and training. However, just accumulating knowl-

he, just recently, had been only a student. As a teacher, he gained

edge is not enough. You should apply it too,” says PR and Marketing

important experience in public appearances, establishing author-

Director of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia Ivan

ity and effective means of conveying messages which are all skills

Jakšić, who is also the President of the Public Relations Society of

that a PR professional has to possess.

Serbia, a great professional recognition for this young man.

Today, Ivan Jakšić is a member of the ABC Serbia (Audit

“I support the premise that dedicated and professional work

Bureaux of Circulations Serbia) Managing Board, as well as in-

will be noticed and rewarded.” When he graduated from the

volved in the UN Global Compact Programme in Serbia – Anti-

Belgrade Faculty of Economy, he chose public relations, a relative-

Corruption Task Force, the Media Association and the European

ly young sector in Serbia. He thinks that PR is plagued with two

Association of Communications Directors. Additionally, he is

problems – insufficient domestic experience, people and literature

a member of the jury that selects the recipients of the Serbian

on one side, and much prejudice and stereotyping on the other.

Association of Market Communications Annual Award.

He gets angry when PR is branded as “pulling the wool over some-

As a person responsible for access to information of public im-

one’s eyes,” which only motivates him to work harder, along with

portance at the Serbian Chamber of Commerce, he was awarded

the PR Association, on the repositioning of public relations’ reputa-

for his special contribution to the promotion of the right to free ac-

tion and putting it where it belongs in all segments of society, just

cess to public information and transparency at work in 2008 and

like in the rest of the world.

2009. He also received an award for the Best Work Information

His began doing PR, as a PR officer and trainer, in the Courts

Booklet in 2012. As chosen by editors-in-chief and journalists in

and Public Prosecutor Offices at the Republic of Serbia Judicial

the Serbian media, the team that he leads was the recipient of the

Training Centre. He was employed as a local PR specialist on in-

Best Media Relations Award in 2008 and 2010 in the category of

ternational judicial reform projects in Serbia. Since 2007, when he

national institutions. “I am very proud of all of those awards, and I

was appointed PR and Marketing Director of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce, he has been responsible for managing the reputation and integrated communications at this national commercial association.

“I really love my job and I have wanted to do it since I was a student. People who go to work happy every morning are few and far between today, regardless of the amount of work they

In his job, he is very keen on keeping up with information technologies and the social networks which are developing very fast. “PR is a business function that requires constantly being alert, following trends and experiences in developed countries and professional development

need to do, the responsibility that comes with the job and the stress

view them as a public validation that we do our job in a profession-

which are all integral parts of this profession,” Jakšić points out.

al and dedicated manner”, Jakšić underlines.

He is a co-author of a PR guide, “Public Relations in the Courts”

In his job, he is very keen on keeping up with information tech-

and a lecturer on public appearances and media relations. He also

nologies and the social networks which are developing very fast.

participated in training and creating a network of PR professionals

“PR is a business function that requires constantly being alert, fol-

in the Serbian courts and prosecution offices. He got his first job

lowing trends and experiences in developed countries and profes-

during the final year of his studies when, at the age of 23, he was

sional development,” Jakšić says. ■

82 |

101 February 2013 | www.cordmagazine.com

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