CorD magazine 119 by CorD Magazine

CITIZENS CLEARLY SEE EUROPEAN VALUES

TIME FOR INTENSIVE COOPERATION

Chief Negotiator for the Accession of the Republic of Serbia to the European Union

Macedonian Ambassador to Serbia

H.E. VERA JOVANOVSKA-TIPKO

LJUBIŠA RISTIĆ

director, leftist

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September 2014 • ISSUE NO. 119

PAGE 8

CONTENTS

COVER

Our Partners Understand

SERBIA’S POSITION Ivica Dačić, First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Serbia

Serbia leads an open policy and does not lie to friends and partners, which gives it a lot of room to manoeuvre in persisting with efforts to take the route to Europe, but also to develop good relations with other countries and maintain its friendship with Russia

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

PAGE 6

PAGE 24

PAGE 46

STABILITY, INVESTMENT, INDUSTRY

NEW LINE DRAWN

FASTER ECONOMIC GROWTH BY 2040

MARIJANA RADOVANOVIĆ Acting Director of the Serbian Privatisation Agency

PAGE 54

WE LIVE IN A CYNICAL WORLD

THE PAST IS NOW

VLADIMIR GLIGOROV PAGE 8

PAGE 34

OUR PARTNERS UNDERSTAND SERBIA’S POSITION

JEWEL IN THE CROWN FOR INVESTORS

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

India: Economy PAGE 35

BUSINESS DIALOGUE

PAGE 14

TIME FOR INTENSIVE COOPERATION

PAGE 36

OPPORTUNITY IN CRISIS

MILA LITVINJENKO Proprietor and Director of Aura Cosmetics Company PAGE 41 H.E. VERA JOVANOVSKA-TIPKO Macedonian Ambassador to Serbia PAGE 18

CITIZENS CLEARLY SEE EUROPEAN VALUES

TANJA MIŠČEVIĆ Chief Negotiator for the Accession of the Republic of Serbia to the European Union

STANLEY SUBRAMONEY, PWC South Market Region Strategy Leader

PAGE 28

LJUBIŠA RISTIĆ, Director, Leftist

SUPPORTING IDEAS FOR DEVELOPMENT

GORAN VASIĆ Director of the Guarantee Fund of AP Vojvodina, Novi Sad

EMIL SOVILJ Managing Director of Energotehna D.O.O. Novi Sad

CONTRIBUTORS: Tijana Jovanović Petrović, Rob Dugdale, Mirjana Jovanović, Radmila Stanković, Steve MacKenzie, Zorica Todorović Mirković, EDITORIAL MANAGER: Tanja Banković t.bankovic@aim.rs PHOTOS: Zoran Petrović, Časlav Vukojičić COPY EDITOR: Mark Pullen TRANSLATION: Snežana Bjelotomić SALES DIRECTOR: Melita Andrejević m.anderejevic@aim.rs

MILOŠ LATINOVIĆ, Acting Director of Bitef Theatre, Writer and Political Scientist PAGE 58

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512 HOURS: EXCHANGE OF ENERGY MARINA ABRAMOVIĆ PAGE 90

MANY WAYS TO HELP PEOPLE

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EDITOR: Saša Marić s.maric@aim.rs

JASMINA PAVLOVIĆ, Country Manager and GIP Lead for Serbia, Central Balkan Countries and Moldova Pfizer H.C.P. Corporation Representative Office

PROJECT MANAGERS: Biljana Dević, b.devic@aim.rs Darko Novaković, d.novakovic@aim.rs Milica Pajić, m.pajic@aim.rs Ivana Krsmanović, i.krsmanovic@aim.rs OFFICE MANAGER: Nataša Nešić n.nesic@aim.rs FINANCIAL DIRECTOR: Ana Besedić a.besedic@aim.rs EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Ruža Ristanović r.ristanovic@aim.rs GENERAL MANAGER: Ivan Novčić i.novcic@aim.rs PRINTING: Rotografika d.o.o., Segedinski put 72, Subotica CorD is published by: alliance international media Makenzijeva 67, 11111 Belgrade 17, PAK 126909, 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 2014

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EXCELLENCE. SIMPLY DELIVERED.

COMMENT

Stability, Investment,

Industry

Short term prospects are rather grim, with GDP set to post negative growth, industrial production hardly recovering and investment continuing to decline – all of which is reflected in additional job losses VLADIMIR GLIGOROV

here is a positive contribution from growing exports, with special emphasis on education, science, technological advancestagnating or even falling imports, but this is due to fallment and innovation, rely heavily on cooperation with developed ing domestic demand and unimpressive FDI inflow. In this European countries. context, the government faces the twin tasks of fiscal These, one assumes, are the reasons the Serbian government consolidation and structural reforms. In the short term, these will and public have opted for the strategy of EU integration. There is, not boost recovery, to say the least, and will increase risks to sohowever, the issue of social and political stability. Most potential cial and political stability. In the medium term, however, it all debenefits of industrialisation and EU integration, as well as increased pends on the recovery of investments and growth in industrial proinvestment in development, are conditional by institutional, strucduction. In this context, foreign economic and political challenges tural and political reform, which comes with costs attached and, should be assessed. more importantly, has distributional consequences. It is for these One question is the long term comparative advantages of the reasons that the whole process has been slow so far. A suggested Serbian economy. Assuming there is restrained increase in private alternative strategy views Serbia as “a house with two doors”, pracand public consumption, exports should continue to drive economtically as an economy that will rely on transit and cooperation faciliic growth and employment, primarily equating to growth in industies, principally between the EU and Russia. This is partly consistent trial production, which in turn requires investments from domeswith the Russian strategy of using the Balkans to access European tic and foreign industrial entrepreneurs. The latter implies close comarkets with its exports, mostly gas, but also other raw materioperation with industrialised European econals and products, including financial services. omies, primarily Germany, which would also In the short term, those Russian investments Modernisation of enable access to European and other markets are attractive to a country with high unemployagriculture and that German industry exports to. ment and rising social problems. They can be rural development This is only partly a matter of choice. A seen as stabilising – not just in economic and in general are landlocked country like Serbia can hardly seek financial terms, but also politically. comparative advantages in services, while agriIn principle, there is no contradiction begoals that the EU cultural production cannot be the primary drivtween the strategy of reindustrialisation predhas instruments er of growth and development, despite clearicated on inter alia investments from German for, though again ly being a promising sector. As such, it is either companies and Russian investments in gas these are long term investment in industrial production, continuand other infrastructure areas. However, they ous stagnation or slow growth. Of course, accome with different institutional and regulainvestments and celerating the process of EU integration would tory frameworks that have now become the processes significantly boost investments, industrial prosubject of negotiations between the EU and duction and exports, though again Germany plays a major role in Russia. As those will last, the issue of Russian investments in Serbia this process. may ultimately prove destabilising, mostly politically. And that, of This reindustrialisation strategy depends on development polcourse, would slow down the process of investing in reindustrialicies, which means investments in infrastructure and human capiisation. tal, as well as reform of institutions and the way markets operate. From the perspective of development and modernisation, there There is recognition that investments in infrastructure are a prioris no doubt Serbia’s comparative advantages are to be found in inity and there again the EU can provide assistance. Similarly, modcreasing industrial production and exports. However, short term ernisation of agriculture and rural development in general are goals political in/stability may push the country in another direction, that the EU has instruments for, though again these are long term which would of course mean sacrificing long term economic develinvestments and processes. Finally, overall modernisation, with opment for short term political gain. ■

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INTERVIEW

Our Partners Understand

SERBIA’S POSITION IVICA DAČIĆ FIRST DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND FOREIGN MINISTER OF SERBIA

8 |

119 September 2014 | www.cordmagazine.com

he conference in Berlin shows that Europe, and Germany as one of its fundamental pillars, not only has not lost interest in the Western Balkans, but rather is very keen for the reform process to accelerate and be successful. It is clear to Serbia that its European integration journey will be long and difficult, but it is fully committed to that path, as evidenced by the decision to implement deep reforms, says Ivica Dačić, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia, who believes that this commitment of Serbia’s was not

GOAL

INTEGRATION

RUSSIA

We have told everyone that the EU is, in every way, from geography to the economy, our final destination and our goal, and even our friends in Russia are aware of that stance of ours.

The conference in Berlin is clear evidence of European interest in our region and if we needed proof that we have allies in that process then we probably couldn’t find any better.

Russia is, and I continually point this out, our friend and the country we are dependent on today in terms of energy.

being called into question even with the recent EU warning that Serbia must follow the line of European policy towards Russia even in trade relations.

■ It seems like it’s been a long time since Serbia has been in a situation where it must define its foreign policy stance towards the EU and Russia so resolutely. How much room for manoeuvre does that leave us without compromising either European integration or relations with Moscow?

- Enormous, as long as we don’t back away from our priorities, and we will not. And those priorities are, primarily, our entry into the EU, which we have begun the process of negotiating, followed by good relations with partners outside the EU, i.e. the U.S., Russia, China etc. What certainly strengthens our position is the fact that we don’t hide those priorities from anyone. And we have told everyone that the EU is, in every way, from geography to the economy, our final destination and our goal, and even our friends in Russia are aware of that stance of ours. Just as we told everyone that we are not currently in a position to impose sanctions against anyone, including Russia. Russia is, and I continually point this out, our friend and the country we are dependent on today in terms of energy. Serbia leads an open policy and does not lie to friends and partners, and I believe that gives us the space and strength to continue along our journey and, at the same time, defend our interests. ■ In that sense, what was the outcome of the

bilateral talks you had at the end of August with your German counterpart?

and knows that our European path must also be long and difficult and that along the way we will encounter many obstacles, both in Serbia and in the local and broader environment. That is precisely why Germany never insisted on Serbian sanctions against Russia, as it is aware of how many life and

IVICA DACIC and FRANK-WALTER STEINMEIER

Germany also has patience and understanding for Serbia and knows that our European path must also be long and difficult and that along the way we will encounter many obstacles. That is precisely why Germany never insisted on Serbian sanctions against Russia, as it is aware of how many life and existential problems that would cause Serbia

- Germany is our most active western partner, a country that is one of the biggest investors in Serbia, ready to turn policies into tangible reality. Its presence is of great importance to Serbia, among other things because it provides an example of how to represent and defend Europe’s interests in Serbia. Its rhetoric follows its deeds and that’s why Serbia is very grateful to Germany. Germany also has patience and understanding for Serbia

existential problems that would cause Serbia. On the other hand, Serbia has shown, and Germany has recognised, that it is serious when it comes to reforms, as the primary means of becoming a European country. Our results in the last two years are serious. We have done a lot and I am especially pleased that, thanks to these results, we can tell our German friends that we will do even more, and after these words they will no reason at all to suspect this will not be the case. Because of all of this, it was a great pleasure to talk with Mr Steinmeier and those talks will continue in the same spirit.

■ Before the trip to Berlin you said that Germany would probably be interested in the planned gradual harmonisation of Serbian foreign policy with the foreign policy of the EU, cordeditorial@cma.rs |

119 September 2014 | 9

as part of the European integration process. What does this plan envisage?

- Precisely what you said. Serbia will, every day of its approach to the EU, move ever closer to the common foreign and security policy of the Union. We’re working on that and have already raised the level of harmonisation. The only area where we differ from the EU to a certain extent is in its policy of sanctions against Russia, which we cannot participate in at present, due to our interests and our limited possibilities. Again, we believe

process. That, in short, means that the help Germany provides to our efforts to reform and organise Serbia according to European standards is immeasurable. And it is precisely this issue that the greater part of our bilateral meetings with German partners are dedicated to. ■ Would you dub the Berlin conference on the Western Bal-

kans a kind of return to the conclusions of the Thessaloniki Declaration?

- The conference in Berlin has two main themes: political and economic/ business. I would stress that this is not “the Berlin Congress” where we deal with political issues and the fate of the Western Balkans, but rather the idea for all Western Balkan countries, which have taken a clear pro-European course, to be connected even more strongly to the EU, both politically and economically. That is why, among the political objectives of the conference, we can single out the reaffirmation of the Thessaloniki agenda and highlight the clear European perspective of the countries of the Western Balkans; improving mutual communication in order to overcome outstanding issues and problems in the region, but also in relations with Russia, which is certainly the biggest challenge facing the that this crisis, as well as the freezThe EU and Russia will decide EU and candidate countries; creating ing of relations between the EU and on the South Stream and it is a mechanism that will, under the leadRussia, will not last forever and that, as such, it will not be an obstacle for clear that the implementation ership of the EU and in a planned and us on the road to the EU and in the of that project largely depends systemic way, attract the countries of process of harmonising our foreign the region increasingly closer to the on the situation in Ukraine. and security policy. EU, to full membership (it is planned However, when it comes to for a new conference to be held every ■ Serbia has increasingly intenUkraine and the South Stream, year, with the aim of determining the “average pace” of candidates on the sive foreign relations with Germany our role ends at wishful road to the EU). through bilateral meetings and gaththinking, since we do not have In addition to this, economic oberings that also involve other counthe power to decide tries of the Western Balkans. How jectives are also important. Of these I would highlight strengthening muimportant are these meetings when tual economic cooperation through the implementation of it comes to defining our process of joining the EU? regional and cross-border programmes, strengthening the - Exceptionally important, because, as I said before, Germacompetitiveness of the economies of the region and, extremely ny is our most important and most active European partner. importantly, sending a clear message to German investors (EU Germany is truly committed to the process of expansion to investors) that the markets of the Western Balkans are suitable the entire Balkans, with an awareness that this is the best and safe for investing capital. way to extinguish that single European ember and establish lasting peace and stability in the region, and more broadly in Europe. Germany is working on that every day, while at the ■ Europe is in its own process of self-examination. Are candisame time respecting all of us as partners, our specificities date countries seeking “allies” interested in European expanand interests, and endeavouring to help us in the integration sion? Who is Serbia most relying on in that process? 10 |

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- This conference is also clear evidence of European interest in our region and if we needed proof that we have allies in that process then we probably couldn’t find any better. Despite the reviews, which are normal and to be expected, especially in a time when a serious exit strategy from the crisis is still being sought and there is still not final definition on whether we should spend or save, this conference shows that Europe, and Germany as one of its basic pillars, not only has not lost interest in the Western Balkans, but rather is very keen for the reform process to accelerate and to be successful. That itself also shows a desire for candidates to become capable of being full members of the EU as soon as possible.

Stream, the decision is not in the hands of Serbia, regardless of the fact that this project is extremely important for us, due to energy stability. The EU and Russia will decide on the South Stream and it is clear that the implementation of that project depends greatly on the situation in Ukraine. However, when it comes to Ukraine and the South Stream, our role ends at wishful thinking, since we do not have the power to decide. ■ How important a factor are economic interests when it comes

■ What are the chances that Serbia

will manage to open one of the negotiation chapters by the end of the year? Why are chapters 23 and 24, on legal and judicial reform, which, among other things, the foreign and domestic business community see as a crucial condition for resolving relationships in the economy, so problematic for Serbia?

- I personally don’t think it’s so important when we open which chapter, but rather how much we will train and prepare to close those chapters as soon as possible once they are opened. And when it comes to chapters 23 and 24, as well as all the others, they are important because they show our willingness to change and harmonise with European norms and standards. And, of course, a huge problem on that road will be our heritage, deeply rooted weaknesses, habits, mentality, a system that was designed for the needs of a closed, one-party society... However, we are aware of all that and, more importantly, our willingness to change that is also clear, just as all the efforts we are taking while we change these things are evident to everyone.

IVICA DACIC and other Western Balkan ministers at the Berlin conference

For a long time the foreign policy of Serbia, rather than being based on the national territory and empty dreams, has been based on recognition of the word “interest”. Interests define this world and, perhaps for the first time in decades, we are making an effort to recognise those interests

■ You stand by the position that Serbia will not change its stance on imposing sanctions against Russia. What does that means in practical terms when it comes to Serbian food exports or work on the South Stream?

- When it comes to food exports, the Prime Minister has been very clear. There will be no subsidies for increasing exports to Russia and in that Serbia will comply fully with the recommendations of our European partners. When it comes to the South

to determining Serbia’s foreign policy stances; and in that context how do you view further privatisation in the areas of energy, telecommunications and transport?

- It is important to note that for a long time the foreign policy of Serbia, rather than being based on the national territory and empty dreams, has been based on recognition of the word “interest”. Interests define this world and, perhaps for the first time in decades, we are making an effort to recognise those interests and, in accordance with that, determine our own interests and fight for them. In this sense, economic interests are the foundation of any political activity, including our own. It is in this context that we should also view the possible privatisations in the areas you mentioned. Thus, if they happen it will be in the interest of Serbia. ■ You have said that Serbia is in a “hostage situation” be-

tween Russia and Ukraine when it comes to energy security cordeditorial@cma.rs |

119 September 2014 | 11

and that the country therefore needs alternative routes. How unified is the message regarding this project coming from Europe, where Slovenia, Italy and Austria (and until recently Bulgaria) have all expressed a clear interest in the South Stream?

- I have to correct you slightly, as I said that we do not want to be held in a hostage situation, but I do not know how that sentence was relayed. In this sense, we do not have alternative routes and modes of supplying gas, nor has anyone mentioned them to us. And when it comes to the attitude of countries that are on the route of the South Stream, I don’t think any of them showed reservations regarding this project. After all, just like Serbia, they all decided to get involved in it because it is in their interests. Again, how and when it will be implemented is a much broader story, as I’ve already addressed.

■ Serbia has yet to fill important ambassadorial places. When can some movement be expected in this area?

- This topic is interesting to the media, but I keep trying to explain that, because of the partners we are sending diplomatic representatives to, it is not appropriate or polite to divulge their names to the press. In any case, we are dealing with that, quickly and responsibly. ■ Serbia no longer has economic

ambassadors. In which way will the Ministry of Foreign Affairs promote Serbia as a good place to invest?

- Until the formation of the new government, Serbian economic diplomacy was the responsibility of the Ministry of Trade, Tourism and Communications, which engaged 29 economic diplomats in 2009 and sent them to our diplomatic missions. A significant number of economic advisors, the ones who did not ap■ In the public, and in government ply their work to the tasks assigned to them, were brought back to the circles, we occasionally hear the country and their duties were taken idea that Serbia could follow the over by diplomats who are in charge policy of the former Yugoslavia, of political, business, media and conwhich once profited from the Cold sular affairs in these representative War. How realistic would such a offices. A number of economic advipolicy be today, when Serbian is sors who did meet expectations are practically a distant suburb of what still to be found in our diplomatic the media defines as the Second and consular missions, and they Cold War? conscientiously perform their duties - Speculation about our profiteer(Rome, Berlin, Bratislava, Stockholm, ing belong in the realm of fantasy, Moscow, Istanbul, Tokyo, Paris...) for the simple reason that if we atThe new leadership of the However, it should be noted that tempted to do so we would probably this concept of economic diplomacy, be quickly and severely punished, country has decided to return which was attempted in a number of by both sides. We do not have such economic diplomacy to the countries, mostly did not bring the dreams. We adapt policies accordauthority of the Ministry expected results. In our region that ing to interests and possibilities and of Foreign Affairs, and all was attempted by Slovenia, Montethat is why we do not intend to participate in any war, even a cold one. ambassadors who serve abroad negro, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Macedonia, but economic diplomacy was are in charge of economic returned to the jurisdiction of the re■ The chairmanship of the OSCE diplomacy, which they place spective ministries of foreign affairs lies ahead for Serbia. In accordance high on their list of priorities The new leadership of the counwith the established plan of activities, what will Serbia’s priorities be? try has decided to return economic diplomacy to the authority of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, - One of the priorities is certainly the role of the OSCE in and all ambassadors who serve abroad are in charge of ecoUkraine, then continued involvement in regions of so-called frozen conflicts, of which Transnistria is certainly the most nomic diplomacy, which they place high on their list of prioricurrent. Then, as expected, there is the Western Balkans and ties. In this respect, in future the Foreign Ministry will form continuation of the process of reconciliation and cooperaa separate organisational unit (department or directorate), which will address economics bilaterally and choose staff who tion in that region… We are also awaited by the 40th anniwill deal with economic affairs in the most important counversary of the signing of the Helsinki Final Act, youth issues, water etc. Our agenda is full and I expect a lot of activity, as tries, while in the case of a shortage of staff of this profile, emwell as solutions. ployees from other ministries will be engaged. ■ 12 |

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INTERVIEW

Time for Intensive

COOPERATION H.E. VERA JOVANOVSKA-TIPKO MACEDONIAN AMBASSADOR TO SERBIA

Cooperation between the nations of the Western Balkans is important not only for stability in the region, but also for the creation of future high quality relations within the European Union continuous political dialogue at the highest level. Our commitment is to work together to make relations even better. One of the priorities is the re-signing of an agreement on economic cooperation that would provide the basis for establishing a mixed intergovernmental committee for economic affairs, but also for joint appearances on third markets. The meeting also included discussion of the process of European integration, cross-border cooperation and infrastructure projects between Macedonia and Serbia. Moreover, both countries expressed their interest in staging a joint session of our governments at the end of the year, this time in Skopje. The experience after the first joint session indicates that it would be a great opportunity to recapitulate overall relations and would act as a strong incentive for further the improvement and expansion of bilateral cooperation. Moreover, it would also be an opportunity to make agreements more concrete and more precise. ■ In which direction do you expect bilateral relations between the

acedonia, which is among the EU membership candidate countries, is firmly determined to overcome all obstacles along the way and has also set cooperation with its closest neighbours, as a priority.

■ After a period of estrangement, relations between Macedonia and Serbia are very good today. This was also confirmed by your recent meeting with Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dačić. What was specifically agreed on that occasion?

- I can say that relations between our two countries are excellent, friendly and in the spirit of good neighbourly relations. There is 14 |

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two countries to advance; where do you see room for the improvement of cooperation?

- There is unlimited room for cooperation between neighbours. In that sense, I believe bilateral relations between Macedonia and Serbia will take an upward curve. Since we are neighbours who share a part of history, it is logical that we have a lot of common themes – the economy, infrastructure connections, culture, national minorities, education, cooperation in the process of European integration, participation in European projects and funds. It is important that there is a positive atmosphere in our relations and that policies act as an incentive for economic cooperation, which is something both countries have prioritised and invested a lot of energy in.

ECONOMY

REGION

Macedonia is the fourth least indebted country in Europe and has long-term macroeconomic stability with low inflation, at an average of 2-3 per cent in the last 10 years.

In the case of Macedonia, an accelerated path towards the European Union and NATO leads towards a reduction of tensions in inter-ethnic relations.

Opportunities remain open for the improvement of business in the energy, tourism, information technology and automotive industries.

■ Do you think the unresolved problem between the Serbian Orthodox Church and the Macedonian Orthodox Church, which has existed for for a long time, could seriously strain relations between the two countries?

- From a formal point of view, this is a problem that should be resolved between the Orthodox Churches and that, in principle, should not strain relations between the two countries. However, I cannot say that this problem does not have any influence, especially on mutual trust, which is of importance to the development of sincere, good neighbourly relations, especially because it concerns relations between two Orthodox churches and two friendly nations belonging to the same religious denomination. What I can say with certainty is that the state leaderships of both Macedonia and Serbia are ready to do their maximum within their authorities, primarily in terms of creating an atmosphere to resolve this open issue as soon as possible and in the best interests of us all.

■ Both countries are in the process of joining the EU. Is there adequate cooperation between the two neighbouring countries in this respect?

kans in recent decades, I think things could have moved faster and better. It is more important that we maintain a so-called “positive trajectory” in relations. I have the impression that, slowly but surely, priorities are coming to their right place. Alongside greater political relaxation in the region, we should expedite work on improving economic cooperation, infrastructure connectivity, rail transport modernisation, joint access to third markets etc. I firmly believe that by investing in its own development, each country is investing in the development of the region as a whole. I think it’s the right time to replace the concept of a “great misunderstanding for small differences” with the concept of “great collaboration for great mutual benefit.” ■ One of the factors that burdens regional cooperation is the relationship between Macedonia and Greece regarding the name. Although the two countries have good economic relations, this problem has not been solved in almost the last two decades. Where do you see the solution?

- The imposed problem with the constitutional name, caused by Greece, costs Macedonia a lot of time - Macedonia and Serbia are walking the same path towards membership We agreed on the staging of a joint and energy and influences the Eurointegration of the country, in the European Union. This journey session of our governments at the Atlantic thus exacerbating the problem. Due is not easy or simple, because there end of the year, this time in Skopje. to this, besides the interim accord are plenty of challenges, sacrifices, I consider that this will provide agreement with Greece which exnecessary transformations and adaptations. That is why bilateral cocludes this possibility, we are una great opportunity to carry out operation is essential on this jourjustly blocked on our way towards a recapitulation of relations to the EU and NATO. Bearing in mind ney. As confirmation, last year we date and for us to reach concrete all of this, it is in our interest to find signed a bilateral agreement on coagreements in order to expand an acceptable solution as soon as operation in the process of joining possible. That would be, in my opinthe European Union, which providbilateral cooperation ed the basis for the joint committee ion, in the interest of the stability of that has already held its first meeting. Of course, in some areas we the entire region and even further afield. Personally, I think there have achieved a high level of cooperation, such as cooperation in are no unsolvable problems. The process only takes sincere diathe field of security, internal affairs, liberalisation in the transport logue and goodwill on both sides. These necessary requirements of goods and people, elimination of customs tariffs and adminisare present on the Macedonian side. trative barriers, while in others, such as cross-border cooperation, we are still in the initial phase. And, despite all difficulties, we are ■ The recent ethnic unrest in Macedonia was assessed by the indeeply convinced that there is no alternative to EU membership. ternational community as “critical”, caused by “political divisions, with an interethnic background”. How do you view these events?

■ How do you rate overall regional cooperation in the Western Balkans; where do you see room for improvement?

- Bearing in mind the events that occurred in this part of the Bal-

- Interethnic relations are perhaps the most critical issues in the region - this should not be discussed or argued at length. Since the beginning of its independence, Macedonia has gravitated towards cordeditorial@cma.rs |

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creating a society in which all citizens, regardless of their ethnic group, would have equal rights and obligations. Being fully aware of the importance and sensitivity of this issue, the society accepts it as a process which should be built up continually. Considering turbulent past events in the region, and the bias that is still present, it is clear that resolving inter-ethnic problems requires time, patience and wisdom. However, the main objective is to start on the right path. In that regard, an additional factor of interethnic cohesion is the Euro-Atlantic integration of Macedonia. ■ This year Macedonia is expected to regsiter record economic growth of 3.2%, which is higher than most countries in the region. What are the most important economic sectors that should improve the Macedonian economy in the long run and what are the biggest problems you are facing?

sector, tourism and the information technology and automotive industries. Furthermore, there are models of possible cooperation for joint appearance on third markets in the forming of clusters and consortiums, as well as Serbian investments in Macedonia and Macedonian investments in the Serbian economy. ■ Company Macedonski Alkaloid has been present on the Serbian market for almost 70 years, while Alkaloid Serbia has existed since 1992. Can this successful investment serve as a beacon to other Macedonian companies to invest in Serbia?

- We live in the age of globalisation, where economic boundaries are becoming relative. To be a successful company today entails gaining success on the world and regional markets. Competition is fierce and that leads to a “fight” for each customer and every product offered worldwide. Alkaloid is a success story that should be an example to others. This is a company that has always kept pace with the times, or has perhaps even been ahead of them. That’s why Alkaloid earned its position with products of exceptional quality. However, one should not stop there, of course. It is up to governments to create favourable environments and better conditions for investments, thus attracting more domestic and foreign companies.

- Macedonia is the fourth least indebted country in Europe and has long-term macroeconomic stability with low inflation, at an average of 2-3 per cent in the last 10 years. In accordance with the criteria of the Maastricht Treaty, public finances are balanced, with low budget deficits, there is a stable exchange rate and a low percentage of public debt in the GDP. All this has an impact when it comes to evaluating an economy, including assessment by foreign invesMacedonia is the fourth tors. It goes without saying that minor economies, like Macedonia’s, depend ■ August saw the marking of Macedoleast indebted country in greatly on the regional economies, as nia’s Republic Day, the Ilinden holiday Europe and has long-term well as on fluctuations in European that serves as a memorial to an impormacroeconomic stability with tant event in the history of Macedonia, and worldwide frames. The economic low inflation, at an average of when the Ilinden Uprising began in 1903 and financial crisis in Europe impacted on the Macedonian economy. However, 2-3 per cent in the last 10 years and saw armed resistance against the its gradual dissipation promises better Ottoman Empire. How do you see the times. Projections for this year and next are also pointing in this position of Macedonia today in the regional and European context? direction, with expected GDP growth of about 3.7 per cent for this - From “Dream to the Sun” was the motto of this year’s celebrayear and 4.4 per cent for next. However, it seems to me that the tion on 2nd August, the most important date in the history of Macbiggest challenge is still unemployment, which remains a key priedonia. This year we marked 111 years since the Ilinden Uprising and 70 years since the first session of the Anti-Fascist Assembly ority for our government. for the National Liberation of Macedonia, which was held at Pro■ Growth is being recorded in the trade exchange between Serbia hor Pčinjski Monastery. This year, on 8th September, we celebrate and Macedonia, but it is evident that there is a lot of room for imthe 23rd anniversary of the independent Macedonian state. All these dates motivate us further to devote greater energy to the provement, especially considering the compatibility of the mardevelopment of the country and the community, for the benefit kets. Where do you see room for further cooperation, particularly of all citizens. regarding sales of goods on third markets? Today Macedonia is a small, peaceful country that seeks good - There is continuity in the total trade exchange over the last five relations with all states, especially the neighbouring ones. It is a years. According to the analysis of statistical data in the past few country which invests greatly in the economic prosperity of its years, Serbia has been among Macedonia’s top five trading partpeople. ners. However, the volume of trade is far below the real possibilities. Economic cooperation predominantly includes the agriMacedonia is a land of sunshine and beautiful nature; a cradle of culture and open-hearted people. It is a country with a clearly defined cultural, food, pharmaceutical and metallurgical industries. Opgoal which it strives towards persistently and with commitment. ■ portunities remain open for business improvement in the energy 16 |

119 September 2014 | www.cordmagazine.com

INTERVIEW

Citizens Clearly See

EUROPEAN VALUES TANJA MIŠČEVIĆ CHIEF NEGOTIATOR FOR THE ACCESSION OF THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA TO THE EUROPEAN UNION

Regardless of the announcement of the EU on a possible date for the completion of negotiations with Serbia, it is clear that there is no possibility of new expansion in the next five or six years. On the other hand, it is an encouraging fact that people clearly see what European values are: the rule of law, protection of human rights and stable institutions, which shows maturity in understanding why we are moving towards the EU

“A

t the moment most of the work involves screenings, or the process of analytically reviewing the extent to which Serbian legislation conforms with the EU acquis, which began even before the official opening of negotiations, in September last year,” says Tanja Miščević at the start of her interview for CorD. “This phase of negotiations is going as planned, but we are simultaneously preparing for the opening of some chapters and working on action plans for the field of the rule of law. We have also prepared our first negotiating position for Chapter 32 – Financial control. I must say that I am extremely satisfied with the results achieved during the previous year, for which we received praise from both the European Commission and EU member states,” says Miščević.

■ One gets the impression that the accession process has lose pace – partly

due to changes within the EU caused by the May elections, and partly because of the long breaks in the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, which many in the Union view as one of the key conditions for the continuation of Serbia’s European integration process. Do you think things could move faster?

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- Electoral processes, in Serbia or the EU, did not have an impact on the pace of

KOSOVO

TEAM

INTERESTS

The dialogue with Pristina has stalled not because of us, but rather due to objective reasons – there is no new government in Pristina to be an interlocutor.

The Serbian negotiating team includes around 2,000 highly professional and experienced people, who have spent almost ten years involved in European affairs.

Like other states, we have our own specific foreign policy and economic interests when it comes to bilateral cooperation with the Russian Federation and the EU understands that.

negotiations or the implementation of planned activities. Legislative activity was briefly halted in Serbia, but then continued even more robustly than before. The dialogue with Pristina has stalled not because of us, but rather due to objective reasons – there is no new government in Pristina to be an interlocutor. Although some activities are conducted more slowly than we might like, it is important that we have continued to work and remain focused on reform.

■ Where are we now in this process? How many of the total of 35 chapters have been included in the screening process and when could that phase begin for all chapters? - To date we have fully completed the screening for 14 chapters: Judiciary and Fundamental Rights, Justice, Freedom and Security, Financial Control, Information Society and Media, Agriculture and Rural Development, Food Safety, Social Policy and Employment, Education and Culture, Public Procurement, Customs Union, Free Movement of Workers, Right of Business Establishment and Freedom to Provide Services, Entrepreneurship and Industrial Policy and Energy and Trans-European Networks. Screening meetings for the remaining chapters will be held by the end of March 2015. With reports from all screenings, we will have a complete picture of the situation in all domains.

ment of the values and standards of the European Union. This is actually our greatest technical power, which should help us overcome the lack of resources and the debate in the EU about its future.

■ Screening has been completed for some chapters. For chapter 23 and 24, which relate to the judiciary and human rights, an EU report has already arrived, presenting a number of suggestions from Brussels formed on the basis of elements that were confirmed during this process. The government is expected to ensure the independent and professional work of judges and prosecutors, while preventing political influence on their work. There is also insistence on the importance of the media’s freedom to work and respect for minority rights. How should Serbia respond to these suggestions?

- The rule of law and ensuring the independent and professional work of I often say that we judges and prosecutors, as well as respect for minority rights and media are negotiating according to an “innovated new approach” freedoms, are all in our best interests. strive towards these European that envisages chapters 23 and We values and standards. A very impor24 as being among the first to tant set of media laws were recently adopted, which ensure the freedom be opened and the last to be closed – since the evidence of and independence of the media, and now we need to focus on their effective the “track record” shows that application. Colleagues from the Minisin practice we must actually try of Justice and Interior Ministry, who are responsible for chapters 23 and 24, implement the adopted laws are already nearing completion of their action plans for acting on the recommendations of the EC reports. ■ Are you satisfied with the way in which many Serbian delegaIn agreement with the EC, these plans will include a precise plan tions, with representatives of different departments, communiof action, a timeframe for their implementation, measures through cate with experts from the EU in the process of comprehensively which their implementation will be assessed and instruments that analysing the situation? will civil society will use to monitor their implementation. - I am extremely satisfied, and such impressions are also relayed to us by our colleagues from the European Commission! The Serbian negotiating team includes around 2,000 highly professional and ex■ During the year there has been much speculation about which chapter will be opened first and when. There were even optimistic perienced people, who have spent almost ten years involved in Euroannouncements that at least one chapter could be opened in the aupean affairs, since the beginning of negotiations on the Stabilisation and Association Agreement. Since 2001 the administration in Serbia tumn. In your opinion, which chapters could launch the negotiations? has been trained in the implementation of reforms and the establish- We are ready for the opening of Chapter 32 - Financial Control and cordeditorial@cma.rs |

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we also want to open chapter 35, which monitors the implementation of agreements reached in the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina. We are hopeful for the opening of these chapters by year’s end.

■ How would you comment on the slight decline in support for Eu-

opened with “lighter” chapters, i.e. those expected to have already been largely harmonised with European standards, in the case of Serbia it seems that the most difficult route is being taken. Announcements suggest we will start with the most difficult chapters – 23 and 24, as well as chapter 35 relating to Kosovo?

- It is normal that during the period of negotiations, when people actually cannot see the tangible benefits, that this percentage begins to fall slowly, only to rise again in the latter stages. At the same time, it is very important that the percentage of those who oppose Serbia’s membership in the EU is lower than in previous years. It is an encouraging fact that people clearly see what European values are: rule of law, protection of human rights and stable institutions, which show maturity in understanding why we are moving towards the EU.

■ Unlike some neighbouring countries, where negotiations were

- This is precisely the case. I often say that we are negotiating according to an “innovated new approach” that envisages chapters 23 and 24 as being among the first to be opened and the last to be closed – since the evidence of the “track record” shows that in practice we must actually implement the adopted laws. Our additional specificity is Chapter 35, which refers to monitoring the implementation of everything agreed in the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina. I believe it will be possible to open Chapter 35 by the end of the year, while the opening of chapters 23 and 24 will be possible in February/March next year, due to the development of action plans. ■ What is the critical factor in deciding to open tangible negotiations: compliance with the criteria defined by the legal acts of the EU or the political will of European leaders to give a green light to the process?

■ It seems that to date you have not been worried by messages from Brussels seeking that Serbia, officially or unofficially, decides between the EU and Russia. Will this choice be inevitable in the end?

I think Mr Juncker gave a clear and accurate assessment of the current situation in the EU’s enlargement policy, and it is my understanding that at the moment there is indeed no talk of new member states, because none of the candidates currently meet the requirements

- Both. However, procedures and criteria in the negotiation process are clearly defined and it is important that we are proactive and consistent in implementing reforms. That is crucial. ■ Are you concerned about the statement of new European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker that there will be no discussion of EU enlargement in the next five years?

- The new budget period of the EU begins in 2020 and it is clear that until then there is no possibility of new enlargement. Secondly, in our negotiating framework it is noted that Serbia can complete negotiations in a medium-term deadline of 3 to 5 years, and if you add to that another year or 18 months for the ratification of the accession treaty, it is clear that it is not even technically feasible for the work to be completed during the mentioned period. I think Mr Juncker gave a clear and accurate assessment of the current situation in the EU’s enlargement policy, and it is my understanding that at the moment there is indeed no talk of new member states, because none of the candidates currently meet the requirements. 20 |

ropean integration among the citizens of Serbia? Unlike the 51% of respondents who supported this process in December 2013, research conducted in June by the Office for European Integration shows that EU accession is supported by 46%?

119 September 2014 | www.cordmagazine.com

- On the contrary, the Ukrainian crisis is a concern for Serbia, because we have to deal with an issue the resolution of which does not depend on us. However, Serbia has already opted for membership in the European Union by defining that as our strategic goal. We are ready to accept all obligations of membership from the moment of our entry into the EU. Like other states, we have our own specific foreign policy and economic interests when it comes to bilateral cooperation with the Russian Federation and the EU understands that.

■ Were you worried by the recent “aide memoire” in which the EU

expressed its hope that Serbia will not broaden the scope of its trade with Russia, using the sanctions Moscow has introduced to EU member states? Although this is not a binding document, does it express views that could find themselves within official communication at some point?

- The Government of the Republic of Serbia defined its stance regarding the “Aide Memoire” through the statement of the Prime Minister and Brussels welcomed that. We are trying to handle a situation that we did not participate in the creation of, to secure growth and development, while simultaneously conducting European reforms. The EU accepts our neutrality in this, but reminds us that we also have obligations towards the EU and that’s why it has called on us not to increase exports to the Russian market. ■ The finalising of the regular, annual report on the progress of

Serbia as an EU membership candidate should begin in Brussels in mid-September. What do you expect from this report?

a snail’s pace”; and who is responsible for such a perception of the situation?

- Regular progress reports serve as guidelines and recommenda- I think we will all agree that progress could be faster, but we are aware that, in a post-conflict region, it is a long road to restoring tions for where additional focus on activities is required. Thus, we trust and cooperation, and that’s normal. However, regional coopdo not expect any surprises. The legislative process in Serbia in the past year will be praised, the continuation of dialogue on the eration and bilateral relations are well advanced, and European innormalisation of relations between Belgrade and Pristina will be tegration is one of the mechanisms of their development. In fact, the insisted upon, there will be a European idea as a peace proquestion posed about the South ject is experiencing its complete The legislative process in Serbia in Stream, the importance of the re-affirmation precisely in the the past year will be praised, the rule of law will be highlighted, Western Balkans. with an emphasis on minorcontinuation of dialogue on the ity rights. I expect the report ■ Do you still feel like you’re drivnormalisation of relations between to concentrate the most on secing a Ferrari with engines roarBelgrade and Pristina will be insisted tions 23 and 24, which relate to ing, as you once described the upon, there will be a question posed enthusiasm with which you enthe rule of law, but also on another important segment: ecoabout the South Stream, the importance tered the new phase of relations between Serbia and the EU? nomic management. Attention of the rule of law will be highlighted, will be given to the dialogue - Realistically based enthusiasm, with an emphasis on minority rights between Belgrade and Pristina, dedication and plenty of hard but it will be stated objectively work are truly key words in this that the dialogue could not continue at the highest political level, process. Several times I tried to explain that I do not feel like I’m due to the lack of a government in Pristina. at the wheel of a Ferrari, but rather that I feel like the machine, or the entire system, is running. I even said that, if I had to choose the comparison, then I would like to choose a Fiat from Kragujevac – ■ Do you agree with the assessment of German Chancellor Anslower but stable, to lead us to the EU. ■ gela Merkel that the progress of the Balkan countries “moves at

cordeditorial@cma.rs |

119 September 2014 | 21

Life GLOBAL DIARY

Burning Man

“I try to think of my sins, my mistakes, so as not to think that I am somebody. Because I know this will last a short time, two or three years, and then the house of the Father.” — Pope Francis

Burning Man is an annual event and a thriving year-round cultural phenomenon. It is a week-long event held in the Black Rock Desert in northern Nevada, U.S. The event begins on the last Monday in August and ends on the first Monday in September. The Burning Man organisation (Black Rock City LLC) creates the infrastructure of Black Rock City, where attendees dedicate themselves to the spirit of community, art, self-expression and self-reliance. They depart one week later, leaving no trace. The annual event is reported to bring in tens of thousands of people and millions of dollars to Northern Nevada, attracting over 68,000 people and generating $55 million in 2013. Beyond the main event, Burning Man is a vibrant year-round cultural movement that is growing through the non-profit Burning Man Project, including worldwide regional groups and associated non-profits that embody the Burning Man ethos out in the world.

Exciting Auction Season of Christie Dubai

Dutch King and Greek Security Fence

Art collectors are in for a rare treat this auction season as Christie’s Dubai will be offering 10 works by

The Dutch state has spent almost half-a-million euros of taxpayers’ money to lease land for a fence around King Willem-Alexander’s Greek holiday home. News website RTL published the €461,000 contract for the land around the new holiday home of the king and Queen Maxima in Greece, causing outrage among Dutch citizens and politicians alike. Prime Minister Mark Rutte said earlier this year that the state would pay for security at the villa, which the royals bought in 2012, but did not mention any amount. According to the Royal Netherlands Palace, the Greek land was necessary for security reasons. Further comment was declined for

Shafic Abboud’s work

the leading Lebanese modernist Shafic Abboud (1926-2004) from his Beirut collection of Viviane & Robert Debbas. Mostly large compositions in Abboud’s distinctive, abstract hand, each work is a study in his 60-year experiment in search of the essence of light through colour. The collection is expected to realise around $2 million and will be the highlight of the sale of Modern and Contemporary Arab, Iranian and Turkish Art, to be held by Christie’s at the Emirates Towers Hotel on 21st October. The three-day public exhibition will showcase the Debbas collection alongside works in the various owners sale by Mahmoud Saïd, Fateh Moudarres, Parviz Tanavoli, Hamed Owais, Mahmoud Mokhtar, Charles Hossein Zenderoudi, Paul Guiragossian and Sohrab Sepehri.

22 |

King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima

security reasons. In 2009 the royal couple were forced to sell a seaside holiday home being built in Mozambique amid allegations of corruption and because

119 September 2014 | www.cordmagazine.com

of popular unhappiness with such luxury in such a poor country.

tion was under way. Rocco Contento, a representative of the Parisian SGP police union,

Saudi Prince's Convoy Attacked in Paris Armed robbers attacked a Saudi Arabian prince’s convoy in Paris, police confirmed in mid-August, taking a reported €250,000 in cash and some sensitive documents. The convoy was heading towards Le Bourget airport to the north of the city when, according to police witnesses, a group of heavily armed men attacked the last car in the convoy near Porte de la Chapelle at around 9pm and drove off in the vehicle. No shots were fired and nobody was hurt, a police source told Reuters, adding that the robbers were still at large and an investiga-

The Saudi Arabian Embassy in Paris

told BFMTV that the attackers appeared to be “people who knew the itinerary” of the cars.

U.S. diplomats banned from Ice Bucket Challenge It is the charity stunt that has got everyone, from billionaires to pop stars and even former U.S. presi-

World's Most Expensive Apartment The world’s most expensive apartment is being built in Monaco, valued at a whopping €300 million. The penthouse is located at the top of Tour Odéon, a new 175-metre skyscraper which will be completed next year. The luxury apartment boasts spectacular views overlooking the Mediterranean sea, as well as its own water slide. The multi-storey, super-swanky penthouse features a huge infinity pool, with the slide leading straight from the living quarters - for those days when you just can’t be bothered with stairs. The problem could be that the world’s most expensive apartment is not for people with a fear of heights. The building, which will host a further 70 apartments, also has a health centre, in-house caterer and 24-hour concierge service. And if that’s not enough, there are multiple swimming pools too.

Principles “Nothing was given to me, nothing was entrusted to me, nothing was assigned to me. Everything I have, I took by right.” — Francois Hollande, President of France

dents, drenched by buckets of ice water. But don’t expect American diplomats to get involved in the Ice Bucket Challenge - in support of Lou Gehrig’s disease research - any time soon, AFP writes. The State Department has issued an internal telegram forbid-

U.S. ambassador to Israel, Dan Shapiro, takes up the Ice Bucket Challenge

ding U.S. ambassadors and other high-profile foreign service officers from participating in the forfeit. “It’s not just about ambassadors. Federal government ethics rules prevent us from using our public offices, such as - high public offices like ambassadors for private gain, no matter how worthy the cause is,” said State Department deputy spokeswoman Marie Harf. By the time the cable was sent at least one high-ranking diplomat, Ambassador to Israel Daniel Shapiro, had already participated and challenged U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Samantha Power, to douse herself with ice water for the cause, but by then Power and other ambassadors had received the memo.

Carlos Slim to Help Mexican KaZantip - Unique Utopia Gathering Immigrants Méxican billionaire Carlos Slim Helú, one of the world’s richest men, has launched a new website targeting Mexican immigrants living in the U.S. The website aims to provide readers with every piece of information they need to succeed as residents of Mexico’s northern neighbour. Acceso Latino is a free website in Spanish that provides readers with information on topics such as education, health care, job training and culture. The site also has other pertinent features, such as English online courses and information on the federal Dream Act. There are about 52 million Hispanics in the U.S. — 33 million of whom identify themselves as being of Mexican origin — making them the largest minority group in

the country, according to data from the Census Bureau and the Pew Hispanic Centre. Hispanics also make up the majority of the more than 40 million immi

The KaZantip Republic has traditionally been help in Popovka, Crimea, every August. However, due to the situation in the area it was this year relocated to the Georgian shores of Anaklia, a little further East on the Black Sea. With its own PreZident, and ViZas for entry, this Shangri-La soiree delivers the decadent freedom of Woodstock for the electronic generation. Filled with dancers, theatre and art installations, as well as a huge extreme sports playground where revellers can kite-surf, wake board, skate or BMX, few innovative visions grow to be as wild and adventurous as KaZantip. This unique utopia has its own city of culture, which celebrates life with parties around the clock as 300 DJs, big and small, play across six dance floors. grants in the country — including 11 million undocumented immigrants.

The Youngest Female SelfMade Billionaire Elizabeth Holmes never did finish college. But 11 years after leaving Stanford, she’s the CEO of a startup and a “paper multibillionaire,” and she may even be the “female Mark Zuckerberg,” others suggest. Holmes, 30, is CEO of Theranos, a Palo Alto-based company that seeks to change the world, according to the San Jose Mercury News. Her firm seeks to diagnose health conditions early, before they become lifethreatening diseases, and eventually “put a lab within a mile of any city dweller” for access to quick, simple

cordeditorial@cma.rs |

and easy blood tests. She already has major support: Oracle CEO Larry Ellison is an investor and her board includes former Secretary of State George

Elizabeth Holmes

Schultz. She’s also partnering with Walgreens to put a Theranos station in 21 shops in Palo Alto and Phoenix. Theranos, now operating out of Facebook’s old offices, has 500 employees and is worth $9 billion. 119 September 2014 | 23

■ Photo: Zoran PETROVIĆ

INTERVIEW

New Line DRAWN MARIJANA RADOVANOVIĆ ACTING DIRECTOR OF THE SERBIAN PRIVATISATION AGENCY

There is no possibility of prolonging privatisation, because the entire process is determined by precise legal deadlines. All capacities of state institutions are involved in this work, because our shared goal is to relaunch the national economy and consolidate public finances, says the acting director of the privatisation agency after another announcement of the final conclusion of this task, this time with the help of a new law

any governments of Serbia have set deadlines for the end of privatisation to date, and Marijana Radovanović, acting director of the privatisation agency, says in an interview for CorD that this is really the last time to seek domestic or foreign owners for the 502 companies in the portfolio of the Serbian Privatisation Agency. A public call for notes of expressions of interest from investors was released on 15th August on the agency’s website (www. 24 |

119 September 2014 | www.cordmagazine.com

priv.rs), as well as a notice in local media and the Financial Times. With this local and international investors were given the opportunity to propose their own privatisation model for companies in the portfolio of the Privatisation Agency. Radovanović expects that the new legislative solutions will attract the attention of potential investors and strategic partners who will be ready to transfer to our market their experience, sophisticated technology and, of course, fresh cash equity. “Our imperative is to provide legal certainty for every investment and maximum transparency of the investment process,” said Radovanović. She expects September and October to be crucial for those companies that will “go further” and those whose continued existence has no market justification. ■ What opportunities has the new Law on Privatisation opened up to investors, compared to the previous privatisation model?

- The new Law on Privatisation retains the sale of capital as a model of privatisation, while the sale of assets is more explicitly presented as a model. An all-new model of privatisation is

that of strategic partnerships with domestic or foreign companies. The law provides an opportunity for two types of strategic partnerships: recapitalisation of an existing subject of privatisation and the establishment of a new company, and a decision on a strategic partnership brought by the Government. The new law also introduces the free transfer of capital to a strategic investor without charge, as a reward for additional employment and/or investment.

■ You have announced quick bankruptcy proceedings for 100 non-privatised companies and 50 enterprises in restructuring. How much has this process progressed? - According to the new Law on Privatisation, the Privatisation Agency may be the proponent of bankruptcy or liquidation in cases where the statutory confirmation of the reason for bankruptcy is fulfilled, which until now was not possible. The Privatisation Agency will, following publication of the public call for collecting notes of expressions of interest, wait for the deadline of 30 days for submission of such notes to expire (15th September), as well as the 45-day deadline for companies to submit inventories and evaluations (29th September). Only after that can reports be filed on companies for which there are no interested investors, or for which privatisation is definitely not realistic. It is the budgetary burden of the Serbian government to pay for the social programme for the workers of these enterprises, and then begins the process of bankruptcy or liquidation of the company. For enterprises that are classified as micro businesses, whose contract on the sale of capital was terminated by the Agency, under the new Law on Privatisation decisions to initiate bankruptcy proceedings can be made. At this point the implementation of decisions taken on the initiation of bankruptcy proceedings for 32 such companies are underway. We hope that we will very soon be able to announce that we have, both through bankruptcy and liquidation, eliminated part of the multi-annual financial burden of the public sector. ■ Minister Dušan Vujović announced that pro-

and foreign investors. In the second half of September the Privatisation Agency will assess whether the interest expressed by investors is acceptable and assess the viability of all subjects of privatisation. Then, by 30th October at the latest, a model and method of privatisation will be proposed to the Ministry of the Economy, and possibly measures for preparing and relieving companies that are to be privatised. The Ministry of the Economy has a deadline of 30 days to bring a decision for all companies that will determine the model and method of privatisation. For certain companies the government will make a decision on relieving their financial obligations. For companies that operate with majority state capital, a deci-

The bankruptcy procedure is strictly regulated by law and will be implemented without delay for companies with no prospects, whose capital was long ago swallowed by debts and which now not one investor wants to privatise

grammes for the eventual privatisation of enterprises undergoing restructuring should arrive by early or mid-September, and will then be assessed within a deadline of six weeks. How realistic is that, given the available technical capacities?

- The months of September and October are key for the activities that the Privatisation Agency is conducting in accordance with the new Law on Privatisation. How successful we are in this process and what we can expect depends on the type and dynamics of the flow of letters of expressions of interest from potential domestic

sion is also made by the Government within 30 days of receipt of a proposal from the ministry. The bodies of the Autonomous Province and local government shall issue their decision on the model and method for entities in which they are majority shareholders. Thus, there is no possibility that privatisation will be prolonged, because the entire process is determined by precise legal deadlines. All capacities of state institutions are involved in this job, because it is our joint goal to re-launch the national economy and consolidate public finances.

■ Which privatisation models are foreign investors most interested in?

- The Privatisation Agency could only provide a reliable and complete answer to this question after 15th September, following expiry of the deadline for collecting letters of expressions of interest, which will contain, in addition to data on interested investors, information on the privatisation model under which the buyer is cordeditorial@cma.rs |

119 September 2014 | 25

interested in participating in the privatisation of a particular subject. However, there are expectations based on past experience and contacts with potential investors that suggest most interest will be shown for the model of privatisation through the sale of assets, which the new Law on Privatisation has introduced as one of the possible models of privatisation. ■ Experts claim the only small businesses remain that are not in-

teresting to serious venture capital funds and that they give up after expressing initial interest. What does your experience to date tell you?

- The portfolio of the Privatisation Agency includes very important subjects of privatisation and those are large systems, such as RTB Bor, FAP, IMK “14 October” from Kruševac, Lasta, Simpo, Galenika, Petrohemija Pančevo and others. The aforementioned companies are extremely complex economic systems and there are at least 10 such companies currently employing more than 2,000 people, and there is also interest in them. Of the 502 companies for which a public call was made for collecting expressions of interest, 40 companies are classified as large entities, 60 are medium-sized enterprises and the remaining enterprises are small or micro businesses. The criteria for this classification are not fixed with discretion, but rather on the basis of the law relating to accounting policies.

capital of the company to be privatised, the Agency will notify the buyer of the amount of extra capital that needs to paid within a deadline of 30 days. If the buyer does not pay the additional required fee, in this case the property will be transferred to the ownership of the Republic of Serbia. In terms of the accuracy of data submitted to the Privatisation Agency, the new law also stipulates sanctions for responsible persons in the companies or imprisonment of between three months and five years and a fine of 100,000 to 1,000,000 RSD. In terms of controlling the quality of investors, the new law sets out criteria that customers must meet in order to qualify for participation in the privatisation process. Who can be a buyer is clearly stipulated and restrictions applied. It should be emphasised that, prior to signing a contract, the Privatisation Agency will obtain an opinion of the competent authority for anti-money laundering. ■ How much political pressure do you

feel when it comes to the introduction of bankruptcy proceedings for companies undergoing restructuring?

■ In the previous period there were some very unsound investors, while on the other side firms’ accounts hid numerous losses. What do you intend to do for the privatisation process to be seriously grounded on both sides?

Interest also exists in complex enterprises with a large number of workers, such as Galenika and Petrohemija

- The new Law on Privatisation stipulates that the subjects of privatisation are obliged to make an inventory and assessment of the fair market value of all assets, liabilities and equity as of 31st December in the previous business year. This procedure is carried out in accordance with laws governing accounting policies and international accounting standards. No later than 29th September all subjects of privatisation must submit to the Privatisation Agency an inventory and estimate of the fair market value of its assets. Such an assessment will provide the basis for determining the initial price for the sale of the equity or assets of enterprises. If company property emerges that was not registered in the documentation, the Agency will evaluate those assets by engaging a certified appraiser. If such assets are detected only after the sale of the 26 |

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- The bankruptcy procedure is strictly regulated by law and will be implemented without delay for companies with no prospects, whose capital was long ago swallowed by debts and which now not one investor wants to privatise. This issue certainly has a social component, but we cannot threaten further economic stability because of erroneous decisions in the past. On this issue the Privatisation Agency has effective communication and coordination with the Ministry of Economy and the Government of the Republic of Serbia. ■ Minister Vujović’s idea is for inves-

tors to be offered free transfer of state shares in these companies instead of cash subsidies, which should be regulated by the new regulations. What is your stance on the issue of subsidies?

- Thanks to subsidy programmes to date, Serbia has been an attractive investment destination for serious companies from around the world in recent years, primarily companies that have come from the countries of the European Union. That’s why, viewed in the long term, I believe the government’s decision to offer potential investors participating in the privatisation process several models of incentives is the correct decision. That is primarily a formula to maintain existing jobs and provide new ones, but also to stimulate economic activity in devastated areas. ■

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■ By Radmila STANKOVIĆ ■ Photo: Zoran PETROVIĆ

INTERVIEW

We Live in a Cynical

WORLD LJUBIŠA RISTIĆ

DIRECTOR, LEFTIST

That 1971, Ljubiša Ristić was 24 and had graduated in theatrical direction from the Faculty of Dramatic Arts with Georges Feydeau's play Flea in Her Ear at the Yugoslav Drama Theatre in Belgrade. This vaudeville play has played since then until this day, a total of 43 years! Perhaps that's a Guinness record, but Ristić , now 67, doesn't think about that. He knows there are few directors whose careers spans more than four decades, and the theatrical life of his dissertation he considers long and too long

or these 43 years this theatre director, a leftist when it comes to political affiliation, has penned some of the most valuable pages in the history of Yugoslav Theatre. He has brought plays, like the Liberation of Skopje, Karamazov, Mass in A minor etc., that are remembered as extraordinary artistic achievements, as the author’s response to the political challenges of the time. In 1977, with a group of leading theatre artists, he made the Yugoslav theatre group KPGT, an acronym for the four words meaning theatre in the former Yugoslavia (kazalište, pozirište, gledališče, teatar), which actually represented a cultural and political movement that operated throughout the territory of the former country. And when that country perished in war and blood, KPGT disappeared too. But Ristić kept the name 28 |

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and the continuity in the old abandoned Sugar factory in Radnička Street, opposite Ada Ciganlije in Belgrade. He recently premiered a piece which he is the complete author of. He directed the play Shakespeare’s Earrings and, using plays by Ionesco, Shakespeare, Bacon and Borges, made a very interesting and fun reading of dramatic heritage. Some have baptised it his turnaround, but he says: “This is a show that embraces the absurd theatre of Eugène Ionesco in a rational manner, while the great literature and philosophy of Shakespeare and Bacon are regarded as an absurdist incident. The frightening implications of the theatre of the absurd of the 1950s no longer excites anyone, as that world of the absurd is our reality today. And it show that, when it comes to Shakespeare and

WORLD

DIRECTOR

AUTONOMY

We now live in a world that considers great thoughts, great passion, or even great ideas and great effort, absurd and no longer tolerable.

A director is only he who is at rehearsals and in live contact with the audience, as well as the actors. Beyond that, their art does not exist.

I belonged among those artists who felt that our task was to fight for the autonomy of art and that art was a field in which politics had no right to interfere.

Bacon, we live in a world that is considered absurd and do not subness. And thus I could not work in my hometown, where I grew up, where I graduated. I moved on. mit any great thoughts or great passion, even great ideas, or great effort. We live in a world that does not tolerate naive belief in the ability to create a better and different world. That is really scary.” ■ To Slovenia. It was then the most advanced Yugoslav Republic? Thus Ristić has not stopped working. Asked about the condi- Yugoslavia was such a country that I could be, in some way, banned in Belgrade but able to work in Ljubljana. Of course, that was also tions required for an artist to endure in his work, he replies: some kind of agreement. From Ljubljana the party authorities sent “The theatre is such a domain that differs from other artistic a letter in 1974 to the party authorities in Belgrade. I’ve even read life. A painter paints and it can happen, like with Van Gogh, that it! And in it the questions are whether director Živojin Žika Pavlović throughout their entire life they sell only one image, and die uncan shoot in Slovenia and whether director Ljubiša Ristić may be recognised, desperate and impoverished. Today his paintings are allowed to direct. That letter and the response from Belgrade were worth millions of euros. Movies are recorded and remain decades shown to me by a man named Mitja Ratovnik, who was a party ofbehind the author. Today we can judge on the best of the best, Orson Welles, who for political reasons could not work for the last ficial at the time, and in it were written that Žika and I can work, 30 years of his life in Hollywood and in America, but rather was but 200 kilometres from Belgrade! That was thought up by today’s filming in Yugoslavia and various backwoods of the world. He was, major democrats, who at the time were sitting in the Central Comlike Charlie Chaplin, one of those who were expelled from Hollymittee of the City of Belgrade, lawyer Rajko Danilović and the like, who were the strictest party censors. Thus I worked 200 kilomewood as victims of their political beliefs and conflicts that existed in American cinema from the 1950s to the tres from Belgrade, in Slovenia, Zagreb, Split, ‘70s. However, their films can be watched toSubotica... only to return to Belgrade when I The theatre exists only was called by Mira Trailović to direct at Atelje day, just as we can read the books of writers when it’s played live, at 212. So, all these years, and later, I worked in who were banned. the moment when it’s a system with the road under my feet. I did ■ And theatre plays? happening. Beyond that not complain, didn’t whine, but just sat in the car and went where I could work. - The theatre exists only when it’s played it exists in memories, on live, at the moment when it’s happening. elusive film and video ■ What were you thinking at the time; what Beyond that it exists only in memories, on elusive film and video; it exists as something did you care about back in the 1970s? in the traces of art, but in no way are those arts alone. A theatre - I belonged among those artists who felt that our task was to fight director who sits in a cafe, a director who writes a book, a director for the autonomy of art. I felt that art was a field in which politics who speaks with a journalist, is not a director. A director is only he had no right to interfere, in either a rough or a sophisticated way. who is at rehearsals and in live contact with the audience, as well Politics, of course, had its own goals when it comes to culture. Overas the actors. Beyond that, their art does not exist. It is ephemeral, all, that was a time of great changes in economic and political life, elusive, vague. And when there are no theatre plays it is gone. the time of affirmation of two major ideological capitals of Yugoslavia – self-management and non-alignment. Those two projects created the legitimacy and identity of Yugoslavia in international ■ It is a lesser known fact that you have never been a permanent relations, with the consent of both opposed political and military staff director at any home theatre. How have you fought against blocs in the Cold War: for Yugoslavia to exercise its independent external interferences, which have often been an obstacle to your role performing important historical work in the decolonisation directorial work, from the beginning of your career to this day? of Africa, Asia and Latin America, through the Non-Aligned Move- I fought in two ways. The first was to maintain the long life of plays. The Liberation of Skopje has played more than 750 times ment, while as a country of self-management socialism it was part on three continents. Suspicious person played in Subotica for of the Western military alliance! over 20 years. Secondly, my main goal was to work. If I couldn’t in Belgrade, I went where it was possible. And Belgrade was tough ■ In the early 1970s Tito confronted the leadership in Serbia, for work because, as someone from the ‘60s, as an anarcho-libwhich then received the attribute - liberals. Many recall, and many have spoken and written, that this was one of the darker periods eral, as I was qualified, I was morally and politically unfit, as it in Serbian history when it comes to culture and the arts? was said at the time. Today that Stalinist expression has been changed by a new Stalinist expression that is political correct- Not only when it comes to art. I was very active at the University of cordeditorial@cma.rs |

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Belgrade in the late ‘60s and was a direct witness of the reaction of the authorities after the student protests of 1968 occurred. I know how the account was settled with the leftist student movement in Yugoslavia. And in the name of which ideas that was done, what the background of all this was and how it sparked an explosion of nationalism and chauvinism in Yugoslavia, like a long fuse that would eventually destroy the country. That was a time when Slovenia and Croatia were unjustifiably accused by today’s Serbian nationalists.

of that oppressive machinery was precisely Latinka Perović. With her was her team from the City and the Central Committee, which was made up of young stormtroopers, lower level orthodox party managers who savagely attacked the university at all points where it was estimated that resistance existed. When Latinka Perović dared to come to the Law School to talk to students for the first time since 1968, I reported in Student: On Wednesday, such and such dates, at 15.00 in Auditorium 5 of the Faculty of Law, Leukaemia P. will give a lecture on the topic Healthy society. The entire University of Belgrade knew who Leukaemia P. was.

■ Why unjustified? - The thesis was launched that against Serbia, supposedly, they had imposed amendments which prepared ■ The banning of films, books, newspafor the destruction of the country, which pers and theatre plays was a common is a historical untruth. Serbia at that occurrence at that time? time, under the smart personnel policy - Latinka Perović, today a great demoof the Serbian government that was led crat, led that party apparatus that by Miloš Minić, created a powerful ecoproved its orthodoxy by torturing artnomic system by bringing young profesists and the university. With this the demonstrators, in order not to permit sionals to the head of large conglomerthe dogmatic party policies in which ates, such as the car factory in Kraguthey, allegedly or actually, left all other jevac, copper mill in Sevojno, the Electhings alone, but proved to the universitronics Industry in Niš, while Bakarić in Croatia was pushing unchecked and ty, in culture and wherever they thought incompetent party officials. Slovenia it was less sensitive than the economy, had an amortized screwdriver industry, politics, relations with other republics... which has its advantages because it was not overburdened with loans like the ■ And there they stumbled? new industries. - That was a huge mistake for them and Then Yugoslavia, thanks to Serbia, with their bad behaviour they caused was the sole exporter of electricity in that which would happen in Serbia for Europe, besides France. The Serbian the next ten years. They created a major political leadership wanted to turn its problem when at the site of the univerA director is only he who is at sity, which was a key political factor in superior economic position relative to rehearsals and in live contact Serbia since its inception, from the High other republics into a political advantage. That is the real reason why the with the audience, as well as School, which was the nursery of socialSerbian leadership at that time advothe actors. Beyond that, their ist, progressive ideas of the left, when they eliminated such as a University of cated for Kosovo and Vojvodina to get art does not exist Belgrade from the political scene. The their own seats in the party and the Serbian Communist Party converted the state presidency. Serbia wanted two university into the headquarters of the right, which it has remained more votes. Of course, they succeeded in that. However, at the to this day. This elimination of the university was initiated by the Sersame time they lit the long fuse that would explode immediately after the ‘70s with the rise of separatism in Kosovo and Vojvodina. bian Academy of Sciences and Arts as a key political factors in Serbia, which in its history it had never been, nor is that its mission or job. Suddenly SANU was turned into a place where the famous ex■ Let’s go back to the Serbian party leadership of the time? - Apart from Petar Stambolić and Draža Marković, at the head of the isting non-existing Memorandum would appear! Thus, the SerbiCommunist Party in Serbia was also a diplomat, a man of the world an Party managed to make SANU apparently become what it had called Marko Nikezić, who had been out of the country for a long time never been before: a centre for political planning. This political and practically did not know the situation. He was a brave illegal from game shot Serbia in its own foot and served as the main argument the time of the WWII occupation of Belgrade. For him the situation against Serbia for those who actually worked on the destruction of in Serbia was new and unclear, considering that he had previously the country in the years that followed. been ambassador in Egypt, Czechoslovakia, America, and assistant and then Minister of Foreign Affairs... The Organising Secretary, the ■ Many believe that you made a huge mistake in the mid-90s second man of the Serbian communists, was Latinka Perović. when you formed, the Yugoslav Left party, JUL. How do you reI was the editor of Student and we were under constant opspond to that today? pression from the party in Belgrade and Serbia, and at the head - I did not make the Yugoslav Left Party. Nor did Mira Marković. 30 |

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take part in first multiparty political struggles, to join any moveJUL was made by Slobodan Milošević. The two of them asked me to help with their political programme, which never changed, and ment or party. For me, the war in my country was equally the war in it implied that the idea of Yugoslavism and the left be reaffirmed in Sarajevo and the attack on the territorial defences of the JNA in Sloour country, which at that time was under a deluge of primitive navenia, and the burning of the barracks, torture in detention camps, in Lora and other places in Croatia, as well as the wildness of the tionalism, chauvinism, flooded with a profiteering sentimental attiChetnik-beginners in Serbia or the sudden sprouting and flowering tude towards national issues and the national history. The country of the proto-Macedonians in Macedoand its policies at that juncture had lost its his way and sought to eliminate evenia. Not to mention the Muslim-SerbI belonged among those Croat joint efforts to do a services to the rything that was positive about its hisartists who felt that our task Americans by providing a splendid little tory, starting to assert things and values that were retrograde, deliberately was to fight for the autonomy war in Bosnia, as was said a hundred organised forces emerged in Serbia, of art and that art was a field years earlier by former American Secrewhich affirmed the movements who of State John Hay at the time of the in which politics had no right tary collaborated with the occupying forces Spanish-American War in Cuba. to interfere during World War II, relentless antiThis splendid little war, which the communist hysteria began to negate a Serbs, Muslims and Croats kindly organhuge period of development in the country’s history. For me it had ised in Bosnia, saved NATO, secured its survival, while at the same time previously become a point of honour not to accept such a situation. finishing off Yugoslavia, which had every reason not to allow her to plant like a cuckoo’s egg some kind of religious war, some kind of eth■ How did you manage? nic conflict, which in Bosnia was guaranteed with the power of TNT. And we know that when it comes to such an explosive mixture of na- While in the early 1990s a civil war was led in certain parts of the former Yugoslavia, I refused to participate in politics in any way. tions, and religions, that such a thing in history is impermissible. Any attempt to enlist me as a person of influence in the public, as someone whose word was heard and understood, as someone who ■ What was that war for you? would give them support for what was happening from Slovenia to - I always advocated that it was a war against civilians that was Macedonia, was unsuccessful. I rejected it all radically. I refused to led in order for them to be forcibly resettled, that it was a crime

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against all nations and nationalities and I was among the few who was trying to expose the local and foreign profiteering – political, economic and everyone else in that situation. When the end of the war loomed in 1995, Serbia realised that they had to reaffirm the idea of community; that they had to reaffirm the ideas of the left.

■ And then Slobodan Milošević formed JUL? - Yes, to the general dismay and confusion of the Socialist Party of Serbia and the entire opposition, JUL advocated a policy of immediate and unconditional cessation of the war, the elimination of all nationalist excesses in which Serbia was then drowning, and the struggle against universal primitivism... Despite them, Milošević began to regulate land in a way that was completely different from previously. This, naturally, caused great resentment in the ruling party, but also among the opposition. ■ You know that the ruling opinion at the time was that Milošević had given his wife a party in order for her to have her own toy?

countries, from where it was funded and managed at a distance. This most ardent opposition, would-be democrats, were in fact largely compromised nationalists. JUL uncovered their right-wing, retrograde, conservative character and their now-hidden role in the civil war, their warmongering position, the position which can be reduced down to active participation in the civil war, always aiming to come to power at any cost. ■ It turns out that Milošević formed JUL in order to end the war

and enter the Post-Dayton period with new rhetoric? Like, he couldn’t do that with SPS?

- It is true. He couldn’t, because he came to power on a wave of nationalist rhetoric, although personally he was never a nationalist. He made a party that immediately took over from the false new-Chetniks and fake national ideology. Milošević let himself be carried by that wave of nationalism, just like the Croatian, Slovenian and Bosnian communists – although, unlike them, he was never a nationalist.

■ How do you assess current national policy?

- That’s not true. Mira Marković was not - I’ll answer that question with an aua real political factor of importance and thentic story. In early 2000 a guest of weight, as people like to portray her toYugoslavia was, Li Peng, the great perday. This is something that was loaded sonality of Chinese politics, President of onto her by the State Security, which the Chinese nationwide congress, a polfought against Milošević and at the same itician who was the stepson Zhou Enlai time swore allegiance to him, doing eveand Chinese Premier at the time of the I hold Milošević accountable events in Tiananmen Square. According rything it did in his name. The story of for many things that he did not to the protocol of the Federal ParliaMira Marković, the red witch, damned oppose, which he left to unfold ment, I was a kind of diplomatic escort Jerina, as someone who was the key and a participant in these events, is abfor him. At the official talks Milošević in the way they did asked him to explain the relationship solutely a plant and fabrication of the between the United States and China. Li Peng said that they had then State Security agency, which in that way ruined and toppled hired the greatest experts in the party and the country to spend a Milošević, among others, compromising his wife and his children. year examining what the answer to that question would be. And af■ And he permitted all that? ter a year they concluded that the relationship between the United States and China was – hypocritical! For the next year experts ex- He was a gentle man with harsh looks, too lazy to oppose it. He passed over those things with a kind of resignation. I was a casual amined what the response of China should be to that hypocritical and insignificant witness to that. I talked to him several times and attitude, and concluded that the position of the People’s Republic caused his anger on numerous occasions with the remarks I put to of China to the United States should also be – hypocritical! him. He said that it was all correct, but that he’d had enough and It appears as though we are in just such a situation. It looks had no more strength to fight it. Because of the responsibility he like the policy that our country is forced to take in relation to the accepted, I hold him accountable for many things that he did not policy of double standards, in relation to the politics of hypocrisy, oppose, which he left to unfold in the way they did. unfriendly-friendly behaviour of our partners in international relations, in order for all that to lead Serbia towards a policy that is also a policy of double standards, which we see in the examples of ■ JUL generated enormous resistance from the authorities, but Ukraine, Kosovo, the United States, Europe, Russia. All this leads also the opposition. Obviously no one wanted it? to a policy that is hypocritical, at least as much as the policies of - None of them wanted it with reason, because they all realised that international factors towards our country are hypocritical. I think JUL threatened all of their positions. And the supposed reformist Li Peng is a good advisor to our country when it comes to internademocratic role of the opposition that would do the most terrible things just to come to power, and was all the time linked to foreign tional relations. ■ 32 |

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cordeditorial@cma.rs |

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INDIA: ECONOMY

Jewel in the

Crown for Investors With a new government and an ambitious prime minister, India offers the prospect of strong returns. But there may be hiccups ahead, warns Simon Read, Personal Finance Editor at The Independent

spite the considerable market gains alily for the nervous – in the longer term ndia’s new Prime Minister Narendra ready seen this year.” the new Government could really make Modi held his first Budget in July. Kunal Desai, manager of the Neptune a difference. It followed a relatively strong run India fund, is also extremely positive. “We need to see that reforms are in Indian equities; in fact India has “As global investors continue to headed in the right direction, even if they been the best-performing market globscour emerging markets through the take time,” he said. “There is real potenally this year. lens of reform potential, India shines tial in the market and the economy has Will that continue and should invesbright. Indeed we think it can sparkle great demographics, with a young and tors keep faith with funds invested in even brighter,” he predicted. very highly educated population.” the region? Or is it time to take profits However, there have been false dawns Avinash Vazirani, manager of the and shift savings elsewhere? before for the region, he acknowledged. Jupiter India fund, said last month’s Darius McDermott at the fund su“But I believe this time is different Budget was very positive. permarket Chelsea Financial Services befor three reasons. First, the strength of “Where previously we had been used lieves there’s plenty more upside. the new Government is unprec“India is one of my favourite edented. Next, the electorate emerging-market investments This is the first time in 30 years have voted directly for economfor the long term,” he said. “Its that India has not had a coalition ic growth and development over large current-account defigovernment and the first time in its populism and caste. cit made the market quite relihistory that a government with a non“And finally, this presidentialant on foreign capital flows and socialist, pro-market philosophy will style election was essentially the strength of the US dollar, so won by one individual, Narendra the currency in particular was hit be in power with a majority Modi – a man with a track record hard when tapering talks began of decisive action during his tenure as to attractive headline announcements last year. But things are now looking up.” Gujarat chief minister.” but hidden stings in the tail, this time He pointed out that the deficit is now Prime Minister Modi is certainly amthe small print was impressive and I take starting to improve, having fallen from bitious. He has a lot of aims but many an optimistic view of what the finance 4.9 per cent of GDP at the beginning of may not be achieved. minister is trying to achieve.” 2013 to around 2 per cent now, and inflaHis key challenges include tackMr Vazirani is positive about longtion is falling. ling inflation and the country’s financterm growth. “Most importantly, this is the first es, rebuilding local business confidence, “With valuations marginally above time in 30 years that India has not had a speeding up decision making and getting the 10-year average, an economy at the coalition government and the first time infrastructure projects up and running. bottom of its current cycle and a huge in its history that a government with a Progress may take a considerable number of positives set to come through non-socialist, pro-market philosophy will time and there are bound to be hiccups as a result of the new Government and be in power with a majority.” along the way, which should be a warnBudget, in my view there is still signifiThis, said Mr McDermott, means ing for nervous investors. ■ cant scope for further upside in equities that while it will remain a volatile mar in the medium-to-long term. This is deket in the short term – so not necessarSorce: The Independent

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SEP 2014 BUSINESS LEADER’S MEETING POINT

PAGE 36

PAGE 40

MILA LITVINJENKO Proprietor and Director of Aura Cosmetics Company

GORAN VASIĆ Director of the Guarantee Fund of AP Vojvodina, Novi Sad

Opportunity in Crisis

Support of Ideas for Development

PAGE 41

PAGE 46

EMIL SOVILJ Director General of Energotehna d.o.o. Novi Sad

STANLEY SUBRAMONEY PwC South Market Region Strategy Leader

Safe Partner in Energy Facility Construction

Faster Economic Growth by 2040 cordeditorial@cma.rs |

119 September 2014 | 35

INTERVIEW

Business Dialogue

Opportunity

in Crisis

MILA LITVINJENKO, PROPRIETOR AND DIRECTOR OF AURA COSMETICS COMPANY

Niš-based comany Aura is one of Serbia’s leading cosmetics companies. Established in 1996, it has developed continuously ever since

ura’s products have already conquered the markets of Montenegro, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Albania, Macedonia, Bulgaria, The Netherlands, Ukraine, Croatia and Greece, and the company also plans to expand to Russia, the Middle East and Africa. We spoke to Aura’s proprietor and director Mila Litvinjenko about her success as an entrepreneur and development plans that primarily relate to fostering a professional attitude towards clients and producing high-quality products.

■ Investing in the cosmetics and toiletries industry is not usually the top priority for investors during times of economic crisis. How did you manage to survive on the market for the past 20 years? - Since the very inception of our company we have never done business under perfect market conditions. However, cos36 |

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metics, just like fashion, are not static. History has taught us that women used makeup and took care of their looks even during times of war. Red lipstick was one of the best-selling products during World War II. A woman knows that she has to keep moving on. Twenty years ago, when Aura was launched, there was a completely unregulated grey market for everything, makeup included, as well as stiff competition from global cosmetics companies. Ever since we started we have been forced to do business under very peculiar conditions and we’ve often been branded ‘insanely brave’. Of course, there is a lot more to it than just bravery. Above all, I had a clear vision, a lot of persistence and strong motivation. Before I embarked on

very important that you learn and observe the people around you. If you apply the knowledge gained and experience properly, you will always get results.

this business endeavour I had extensive market research conducted that only served to confirm that my vision was achievable. Also, the people I started this business with, the people who are a part of my team to this day, have never doubted my vision. All of this gives one additional motivation and passion for this job, which I still feel today. I am confident that most of my employees feel the same way. When you launch a business and don’t have a proper experience, it is

pressure, with adrenaline pumping, inspires me. While others are waiting, I push the gas pedal. We are not talking about crucial investments here. We are true to our slogan – “Be surprised every time”. That’s why we launch a new product almost every month. Additionally, there is constant learning, visiting fairs, having our own laboratory and highly professional staff, which all makes it possible for us to be flexible in regard to market demands and respond quickly to

■ What were the major milestones in your company’s development? - Five or six years ago, Aura changed all segments of its business, from the visual branding to distribution channels. This coincided with the onset of the economic crisis in Serbia. However, throughout that period I never thought that I should wait for ‘the right moment’. The decision to implement a new business strategy amidst unfavourable market conditions was definitely a risky one, but it has yielded good results. That’s why I often say that the crisis and working under

Five or six years ago Aura changed all segments of its business, from the visual branding to distribution channels

every change or demand out there. This is our advantage compared to the global cosmetics companies. When your entire team agrees that this is the right path to take, everything goes much faster. So, we see an opportunity for intense development, improvement, increasing sales and the creation of new jobs even during the economic crisis. For several years now we have been fulfilling our annual plans and this year we are even going to exceed them.

■ Everybody is advocating development of SMEs, like Aura, today. How much help does Aura get from the state with the implementation of its development projects? - In practice, Aura did not get any state benefits. On the contrary, I would say that such initiatives are more the case of paying lip service, and less applied in practice. That’s why we rely on our own strength and the know-how. In European countries, the state gives you concrete, clear and transparent help. Investing in SMEs, which are the backbone of the economy, is actually investing in the stability of the society as a whole.

■ What are your priorities in terms of increasing your market share and what do you base your future development strategy on? - We have had this strategy for a long time now. Our priorities are conquering new markets and increasing our market share in Serbia. What we do first is market research, followed by using the results gleaned to determine what kind of product launch strategy we need.

However, if you possess quality, consider all outgoings, offer affordable prices and have good designs, no market is off limits. Money, which you need to invest, always goes hand in hand with persistence and you have to be prepared to wait at least a year for a return on your investment. Still, the most important thing to know is the right time to make

than the situation when we launched the business almost 20 years ago. During this entire period the grey market has been very much alive. I am sure that, through careful planning, the state could reduce and perhaps even halve the negative influence of this market. That would be a great help to businesses and the state budget, which is left without

We see an opportunity for intense development, improvement, increasing sales and the creation of new jobs even during the economic crisis

such investments, with as few risks as possible to jeopardise your business.

■ There are many counterfeit cosmetic products on the market without proven origin or quality. How do you fend off unfair competition? - I have to admit that very little has been done to curb this problem in the last two decades. The situation on the grey market today is only a fraction better

substantial tax revenue not paid by companies operating on the grey market. As we are not protected from this, we have to protect ourselves by fostering a highly professional attitude towards our buyers and providing high quality products. Although the population’s weak purchasing power benefits the grey economy, which is still going strong, people are becoming aware that quality also matters. You can’t put just any old thing on your face.

■ You are developing your regional business too. What have your experiences been like so far? - Our experiences so far are positive. We have been selling our products in Macedonia for almost ten years through our company Aura Group, while our company in Bosnia – Aura BiH – is somewhat younger. Our aim is to expand to European markets, the Middle East, Africa and Russia. ■ cordeditorial@cma.rs |

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LOCAL NEWS

Business Dialogue 01

MERCEDES

Results “We expect to be evaluated in relation to our own efforts and results. That is the only fair and rational approach to the accession process,” — Jadranka Joksimović, Serbian Minister without portfolio Responsible for European Integration

The New C-Class is One Class Higher The new C-Class offers new dimensions in term of technology, ecology, comfort, high-class appeal and fun at the wheel – and equally with regard to its sense of space The resulting increase in space benefits rear-seat passengers, who now travel in even more comfort, as well as creating room for the new front axle and future hybrid components. At 480 litres, the new C-Class also surpasses its predecessor in terms of boot capacity. The C-Class has also grown to take account of people’s increasing average height. This growth spurt benefits comfort first and foremost. Moreover, the raw figures substantiate the claim that the new C-Class Saloon also pro-

UNICREDIT LEASING

Among Serbia’s Leaders

UniCredit Leasing Serbia has become one of three leasing market leaders for the financing of vehicles with a capacity of up to 3.5t and has maintained its leading position with a 37.28% share in the financing of equipment for various industries. According to a company announcement, the total value of financing vehicles under a capacity of 3.5t in the first half of this year reached €4.68 million, which is double the amount recorded during the same period in 2013. In this way the company’s market share in this segment increased to 12.2 per cent. The value of equipment financed in the first half of 2014 amounted to €8.79 million, which marks more than 60 per cent growth compared to 2013. UniCredit Leasing is one of the leading leasing companies in Europe, with strong roots established in 19 European countries and over 3,000 employees. 38 |

vides measurable and not purely subjective benefits of an “upgrade to a higher class of vehicle”, thanks to high-quality appointments and innovative technology. Customers can choose from two fronts – sporty with a central star or (reserved solely for the EXCLUSIVE line) the classic Saloon grille with the Mercedes star on the bonnet, which puts particular emphasis on the status and reputation of the Saloon model. The interior spaciously and stylishly show-

cases straightforward sportiness and aesthetic elegance, with high-quality materials and finely crafted details worthy of the luxury class and surprising new design ideas. In addition to the base model, there are also three distinct design and equipment lines each for the exterior and interior. Among the outstanding characteristics of the new C-Class are also the best ride comfort – especially with first-ever AIRMATIC air suspension in this segment – the best NVH figures (noise, vibration, harshness) for comfort and driver-fitness safety, the best wind noise index, the most advanced and extensive assistance systems, innovative technology with multifunctional touchpad, head-up display and GPS-controlled climate comfort. The new C-Class sets visual highlights with a striking, dynamic design that exudes sensuous clarity while simultaneously arousing emotions.

ECONOMY

Public Debt Above Legal Limit

Serbia’s public debt totalled €20.94 billion or around 64.3% of the country’s GDP at the end of July, which exceeds the legally envisaged debt limit in Serbia (45% of the GDP) by almost 20 percent. The public debt in July increased by €279 million, and since the beginning of the year the figure increased by €798 million, overstepping the European ‘red line of debt’ which totals 60 percent of a

Serbia’s Biggest Exporters country’s GDP. Serbia’s total external debt, including the debt of the private sector, totalled €12.39 billion at the end of July, while the total internal debt totalled €8.55 billion. At the end of 2013, Serbia’s public debt totalled €20.14 billion, or 63.8 percent of the GDP.

Source: Tanjug

EXPORT

Serbia Ready to Start Dairy Deliveries to Russia

Serbia said it’s ready to increase exports to Russia of dairy products, primarily cheese, in the next few weeks, adding to the list of countries providing substitutes for embargoed goods from the West. “We will be ready to deliver dairy products from Serbia if the country’s veterinary service is ready to provide guarantees,” ITAR-TASS quotes Russian Agriculture Minister Nikolai Fyodorov after he met with his Serbian counterpart Snezana Bogosavljevic-Boskovic. Currently there are 41 firms in Serbia authorised to export food to Russia. Russia is ready to grant accelerated access to its market for up to 30 more suppliers, if the country is ready “to be responsible for the activities of these enterprises,” Fyodorov said.

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FIAT

According to the Ministry of Finance Serbia’s biggest exporter in the first seven months of this year was Kragujevac-based company Fiat Automobili Srbija (FAS), with a total of €921.6 million worth of exports The second biggest exporter was the Petroleum Industry of Serbia (NIS), with exports worth € 214.5 mln. Tigar Tyres, Pirot was ranked as third with exports of €139.9 mln. HIP Petrohemija from Pancevo, exported €109.9 mln, Gorenje Serbia €106.3 mln, Zelezara Smederevo €91.8 mln and Tetrapak €90.7 mln, Hemofarm Vrsac €84.1mln, Yura Corporation €71.3 mln, followed by Tarkett €70 mln and Ball Packaging €68 mln. Next are Sirmium, Sremska Mitrovica with €62.3 mln, RTB Invest € 61.7 mln, Impol Seval €57.8 mlnn and Leoni whose exports in the first seven months of this year amounted to €52.1 million.

Export “Over the first six months of 2014, when no EU sanctions were in place, our agricultural and food exports to Russia rose by 68 per cent.” — Rasim Ljajić, Serbian Minister of Foreign and Domestic Trade and Telecommunications

112EXPO

112EXPO: Prevention in the First Place

The 112EXPO Fair, titled “Prevention in the First Place”, will take place from 23rd to 26th September. The fair will be dedicated to high technology in the service of prevention and fast response in difficult state of emergency situations, and occupational health and safety. The event comprises of exhibitions and accompanying specialized programme where all relevant national and international occupational health and safety brands will be given an opportunity to present themselves. In addition to the exhibition part of the fair, there will also be a comprehensive specialized programme which includes the conferences titled ‘112 Workshops’ and ‘Safe and Healthy Work Place’, demonstrations, emergency preparedness demonstrations, lectures, panel discussions, debates, presentations, and the exhibitors’ presentations and workshops about the fair’s main topics. With the aim of establishing a better network between potential business partners, a modern B2B web portal (112expo.talkb2b.net) was introduced this year. This is a significantly improved system of free online B2B communication between the exhibitors and the visitors from the world of business. The fair will take place at the Hall 2 of the Belgrade Fair. Its main sponsors are the Republic of Serbia’s Ministry of Interior – the Emergency Sector and the Ministry of Labour, Employment, War Veteran and Social Policy – Occupational Health and Safety Directorate.

ECO FAIR

Belgrade Fair in the Spirit of Green Energy

Environmental Fair ’Ecofair’ and Energy Fair will take place at the premises of the Belgrade Fair from 13th to 16th October. The fairs will be dedicated to developing “green economy” through the presentation of strategies, projects and educational programmes in the field of environmental protection. Just like previous years, the environmental fair ’Ecofair’ will gather all participants in the environmental protection system with special emphasis on so-called green economy, i.e. recycling industry, renewable energy resources and waste management. The companies engaged in environmental protection solutions from various branches of economy will be given an opportunity to represent their strategies, projects and educational programmes in the field of environmental and nature protection.

This year, the Energy Fair will be dedicated to technical and technological solutions for renewable and non-renewable energy resources and energy efficiency. In the upcoming period, Serbia will start to implement large-scale projects in the energy and environmental protection / natural resources sector which entail quite substantial financial investments. In Southeast Europe, these events represent the most important venues where trends and topics regarding energy and environmental protection sectors are closely followed. Also, the fairs make a significant contribution to regional cooperation and establishing links between various economies since this is where companies from neighbouring countries, like Slovenia, Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, are exhibiting.

ALPHA BANK

Alpha Bank Makes New Flood Relief Donation Alpha Bank Serbia, via Red Cross Belgrade, has donated a new aid package of RSD 1,710,000 for citizens affected by this spring’s flooding. According to the statement, the greater part of the donation, in accordance with the Red Cross’s recommendation, will be used for the purchase of bedding and canned food for the worst hit citizens of Obrenovac. Alpha Bank previously donated RSD 1.1 million for the victims of the floods, while a voluntary campaign saw more than 800 of the bank’s employees collect aid worth around RSD 600,000. Alpha bank staff point out that it will continue seeking ways to help the victims of the floods in the coming period. Alpha Bank, one of the leading banking and financial groups in Southeast Europe, has been in Serbia since 2002 and is among the top ten banks operating on the domestic market.

FAIR

BioBalkan Expo 2014

BioBalkan Expo 2014, an international organic foods, processing technologies, machinery and equipment trade fair, will be held in Belgrade from 10th to 13th September and will include the participation of more than 60 local and foregin exhibitors. According to the organisers, the expo will display a broad range of fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, herbs, dairy products, seeds and products for the protection and care of plants in their fully organic state, as well as ecopackaging. International exhibitors, from Europe, Asia and the U.S., will present their traditional products and innovations.

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INTERVIEW

Business Dialogue

Supporting Ideas

for Development GORAN VASIĆ, DIRECTOR OF THE GUARANTEE FUND OF AP VOJVODINA, NOVI SAD

The Guarantee Fund of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina was launched in 2003 in order to enable easier access to financial markets and ensure more favourable conditions than those offered by banks for small businesses requiring credit farmers and representatives of local government in the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, as well as commercial banks, in order to provide easier and more favourable access to finance. The results of the project will be presented at an international conference on the use of biomass in agriculture, which will be held in February 2015 in Novi Sad.

n the past three years the Guarantee Fund APV has run five competitions of different purposes for the development of agriculture and small industries in Vojvodina and, thanks to the credit line of the Fund, 15 per cent of agricultural machinery has been renewed. This year the funds are directed towards the further development of agricultural production and work on the strengthening of female entrepreneurship.

■ The Guarantee Fund of Vojvodina and Germany’s Heinrich Boll Foundation signed a cooperation agreement for a project that promotes the use of biomass in agricultural production in Vojvodina. What is envisaged by this collaboration? - In the first phase of realising cooperation, support will primarily be reflected in the campaign to transfer relevant knowledge to farmers about the costs and capabilities for the production and use of biomass. For the needs of the campaign, three comparative case studies will be conducted on the use of biomass energy from agricultural production, as well as a comparative analysis of the benefits of using biomass compared to fossil fuels. These three studies will be presented to 40 |

■ Vojvodina currently produces 10 million tons of biomass. In which way is it used today and what is the realistic potential of Vojvodina and Serbia as a whole? - Based on several studies, Biomass represents the most significant renewable energy potential in Serbia and Vojvodina. On the territory of AP Vojvodina the most significant biomass potential is in crop residue, residues of crop production and plant mass created in vineyards and fruit production and through

farmers who will be able to produce and use biomass as the source of the energy requirements of agricultural products. As biomass is produced on their farms as a raw energy source, it would also be used in the immediate vicinity of the point of origin. In this way they can avoid any possible intermediaries and reduce transport costs. We considered that the best approach in conditions of an insufficiently regulated legal and regulatory environment was to turn towards this group of potential users.

■ Research shows that rural women are the “backbone” of the rural economy of Vojvodina. In what way does the Guarantee Fund encourage female entrepreneurship? - For seven years the fund has supported the development of female entrepreneurship in Vojvodina. At the moment two programmes

The Fund also conducts special projects with the aim of socially and economically empowering women, with the support of the European Union and other international and national organisations and institutions

the primary processing of agricultural products. However, there are a number of legal, regulatory and non-market barriers that represent an obstacle to fulfilling this potential, especially when it comes to regulating the use of biomass for district heating, as biomass resources are located in areas where there are no major consumers of heating energy. ■ What is the most important target group you are addressing? - The target group we are addressing are

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to support women are active. The first programme involves start-up assistance for unemployed women, while the other is focused on supporting women as founders of small and medium-sized enterprises that have been doing business for less than three years. Apart from this, the Fund also conducts special projects with the aim of socially and economically empowering women, with the support of the European Union and other international and national organisations and institutions. ■

INTERVIEW

Safe Partner in Energy

Facility Construction Energotehna is currently one of the busiest companies in Serbia in the field of constructing energy facilities and implementing large-scale gas system installation projects EMIL SOVILJ, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF ENERGOTEHNA D.O.O. NOVI SAD planning to take an active part in building the South Stream pipeline.

n the next decade it is planned for Europe to transport 10% of the gas it needs via Serbia, and with the implementation of oil and gas projects comes the greater involvement of domestic companies operating in this field. Energotehna was founded with the vision of being engaged in implementing gas pipeline construction projects and the company is capable of working in line with the highest standards in the construction of energy facilities, thanks to its own power and machinery.

■ Have you received state assistance in the implementation of your projects? - The state is our key partner. With its activities on creating a safe business environment, the state facilitates investments in the energy sector which, in turn, are also needed to carry out other business activities. Of course, it’s not the

Group, Petrol Slovenia, Panonske Elektrane, the heating plants in Novi Sad, Sombor and Zrenjanin, Ruma Gas, Kula Gas, Sombor Gas, Ingas Inđija, Srem Gas and many other companies. ■ Could you tell us something about

the company’s strategic development direction and the basis of your development strategy? - Our main aim is to continue our sustainable development. We have forged a partnership with our investors that is constantly expanding and developing. This is the reason why we have been recognised as a safe and reliable partner. Social responsibility comprises an important segment of our develop■ Serbia has significant potenment. We want to give back to sotial for the construction of energy We have forged a partnership ciety. Only through continued develproduction facilities. Which prowith our investors that is opment of our company on the bajects of this kind is Energotehna constantly expanding and sis of implementing new technolomost engaged in? developing. This is the reason gy, staff training and overhead op- We are just completing conwhy we have been recognised as timisation, can we have a steady struction of an amine gas refinebusiness that provides security for ment plant at the oil refinery in a safe and reliable partner every employee and our partners. Elemir. This is the first such facility in Europe and only the third in the state’s task to invest so, apart from the world. We are implementing this prostate, the Petroleum Industry of Serbia ■ How much does Serbian legislation ject in collaboration with an Israeli com(NIS) is the most important partner and contribute to the predictability of dopany called LUDAN, while the Petroleum investor to us. Through its investments ing business in the country’s energy Industry of Serbia (NIS) is the project in optimisation of the production of oil sector? investor. Processing gas reduces carand oil derivatives and its co-generative - With the adoption of the new set of bon dioxide levels down to three per facilities, like the amine plant in Elemir, laws and bylaws, doing business has becent and, once this is done, the gas reNIS is contributing directly to environcome easier. However, I think we are still a verts back to the well. In this way the mental causes. long way from having a safe business engas will not reach the atmosphere and vironment. Business activities in the encause the “greenhouse effect”. We are ergy sector are very closely related to all ■ Who are your other key partners also participating in the reconstruction other areas of business and life. Hence, aside from the state authorities? of a crude oil storage facility at the Novi the energy sector needs to be the driving - They are primarily companies like Sad refinery, as well as construction of force that will pull all other factors in the NIS, Srbijagas, Siemens, Ludan, a new base oil processing plant. We are business environment along. ■ Energotehnika Južna Bačka, Promont cordeditorial@cma.rs |

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REGIONAL NEWS

Business Dialogue 01

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

Behaviour “In the past 12 months more than 30,000 displaced Serbs have been exposed to arrogant and unlawful behaviour on the part of officials at the Croatian consulates in Belgrade and Subotica.” — Miodrag Linta, president of the Coalition of Croatian Serb Refugee Associations in Serbia

Turkish Firm to Build 1000 Goat and Sheep Farms

Telekom Austria Finalises Blizoo Macedonia Deal

The president of BosniaH e r z e g o v i n a ’ s M o s t a r - b a s e d DŽEVAD KOVAČ (left) and AYBAR ULUCKA Association of breeders of goats, sheep and other cattle “Tor”, Dževad Kovač and Aybar Ulucka, representing Turkish company Milksa from Bursa, signed a contract to implement a project to construct 1,000 goat and sheep farms in Bosnia. “The preparation of the project lasted one year and its implementation should start immediately,” said Kovač. “We expect the implementation to go in the direction of empowering and developing production in this sector with a good placement of products. We will produce all products of goat milk and meat,” he added. Milksa representative Ulucka pointed out that the social and economic importance of this project related to goat breeding in a family business environment, and through franchise practices, is really huge news for BosniaHerzegovina, reports the Sarajevo Times.

HUNGARY

FYR MACEDONIA

The Telekom Austria Group has confirmed that it has finalised its acquisition of 100% of triple-play cableco Blizoo Macedonia from Swedish private equity house EQT for an undisclosed figure. In its most recent quarterly financial report, Telekom Austrian observed: “The acquisition of Blizoo Macedonia represents a significant step in the execution of Telekom Austria Group’s convergence strategy and will allow the Vip Operator to bundle fixed line and mobile services in the future.” The assets of sister compa-

CROATIA

Hungary to Set up “Bad Bank” Tough Times to do

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Less companies forming and more shutting down paints a bleak picture of Croatia’s economic situation. In the first six months of 2014 there were 6,920 companies formed, which is 972 companies (12.3%) less than in the same period last year. During the same period (January-June 2014), 6,159 companies closed down in Croatia, a massive 40% more than in the H1 2013. Even some of those companies that remained open did not have it easy, with 14,482 of them having their business bank accounts blocked for at least a 24-hour period in the first six months of the year, up 9.6% from last year. The regions to suffer the most were the Primorje-Gorski Kotar and Dubrovnik-Neretva Counties, followed by Vukovar-Srijem County.

BULGARIA

H1 direct investment at €490.7m Foreign direct investment in Bulgaria in the first half of 2014 stood at €490.7 million, the equivalent of 1.2 per cent of the gross domestic product, according to data from the Bulgarian National Bank (BNB). In the same period of 2013 that figure was €636.4 million (1.6 per cent of GDP), but the original amount reported by BNB last year was €711.1 million, which was later revised downward. Investment in equity, including in the real estate sector, stood at €33.9 million (compared to €540.4 million in H1 2013) and re-invested earnings accounted for €102.2 million (versus €68.7 million in the first six months of last year). Receipts from real estate investments by foreign companies totalled €58.1 million, compared to €72.3 million during the same period of last year.

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MONTENEGRO

China Ready to Enhance Cooperation with Montenegro

Business in Croatia

Hungary plans to set up a “bad bank” to isolate lenders’ nonperforming loans in autumn, the National Bank of Hungary’s managing director, Márton Nagy, has told Reuters news agency. “It will primarily buy commercial real estate loans and the foreclosed real estate behind them,” Nagy said. About HUF 510 billion of banks’ commercial real estate portfolio was non-performing, but some HUF 300 billion more was restructured and “masked a large number of problematic deals”, he said. The price of assets would depend on whether the lender entered the real estate loans on the books at a “correct price”. Nagy added: “There will be different prices for each deal where it will be worth selling, but transactions will take place at the real market value, which will force the banks to realise their losses because this will be below book value.”

ny Blizoo Bulgaria were not included in the deal. As previously reported by TeleGeography’s CommsUpdate, in September 2013 EQT hired Jefferies and UniCredit as financial advisors for its intended sale of Blizoo’s operations in both countries. However, the Bulgarian broadband operator’s sale was cancelled in November, with “limited interest and major differences in price expectations” cited as the main reasons for the failed sale.

China is ready to continue and e n h a n c e c o o p e ra t i o n w i t h Montenegro, especially in the economic field, with investments in transport and energy infrastructure, it was announced after a meeting of the president of Montenegro and China, Filip Vujanović and Xi Jinping. The meeting comes on the eve of announced major investments of Chinese companies in Montenegro. Chinese telecommunications company and infrastructure and China Road and Bridge Corporation received the contract to build a highway in Montenegro. The realisation of this project is awaiting a green light from China’s Exim Bank that will okay the loan set to finance the project. Chinese shipyards spent several years building ships for the Montenegrin national maritime company and Chinese companies have also expressed interest in investing in construction of the country’s energy facilities. Source: Balkan News

Applications

ALBANIA

Placements & Postings

World Bank Negotiates $150m Energy Sector Recovery Project

APPOINTMENTS@AIM.RS

ELLEN GOLDSTEIN

The World Bank and the Government of Albania have successfully completed negotiations on a $150 million Power Reform and Recovery Project. The proposed World Bank-assisted programme will support Albania’s power sector reforms, particularly efforts to improve reliability of the electricity supply and the financial viability of the sector. It includes sizeable financing earmarked for electricity distribution and upgrading the transmission system. The project will also support reforms in sector management, institutional restructuring and implementation of a short- to medium-term plan for the financial sustainability of the sector. “Increased reliability and financial sustainability of the energy sector are among the most important reforms needed to stimulate economic growth and restore fiscal balance in Albania,” said Ellen Goldstein, World Bank Country Director for Southeast Europe. The recent settlement agreement between the Albanian Government and Czech Utility CEZ creates a clear ownership structure in the energy sector, which will facilitate further reform and investment.

ŽELJKO SERTIĆ New Economy Minister of the Republic of Serbia

H.E. LI MANCHANG New Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Serbia

SAŠA VLAISAVLJEVIĆ New Acting Director General of Nikola Tesla Airport

This businessman and qualified manager from Novi Sad, who served as president of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce from March 2013, has more than two decades of experience in managing small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as manufacturing and service companies. In recognition of his results, Sertić was the winner of the “Best Manager of Southeast and Central Europe” for 2013 and 2014 and “Best European” in 2013 in the field of economics. He is a member of SME EUROPE and UEAPME, headquartered in Brussels, as well as being on the Board of Directors of Eurochambres. Born 1967 in Sečanj, he completed his primary and secondary education in Novi Sad, before going on to graduate from Union University’s Faculty of Business and Industrial Management in Belgrade. He speaks English fluently. H.E. Ambassador Li Manchang (57) arrives in Serbia from his previous position as an ambassador in China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Prior to that he served as Third Secretary at the Chinese Embassy in the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (1987), after which he was appointed as the Second Secretary and served from 1992 to 1997. From 1997 to 1999 he was First Secretary in the Eastern Europe Directorate of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and from 1999 to 2001 he served as an advisor at the Chinese Embassy in the Socialist Republic of Yugoslavia. From 2001 to 2003 Mr Manchang held the position of consul in Podgorica and in 2004 he performed the duties of an advisor at the Eastern Europe and Central Asia Directorate. In 2005 and 2006 he served as Mayor of Baoji, a city in the province of Shaanxi. Ambassador Manchang is married and has a son. Vlaisavljević started working for the former national airline, JAT Airways, back in 1995, where he advanced to the position of director of the Ground Control Sector. In October 2007 the Serbian Government appointed him CEO of JAT, a position he kept until 2009. In 2013 he was appointed Vice President of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce and later became SCC president. From 2009 to 2011 he was Chariman of the JAT Airways’ Managing Board. He graduated as a transport engineer from the University of Belgrade’s Faculty of Transport and Traffic Engineering, majoring in air traffic and transport.

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APPOINTMENTS

“In 2013 a total of 18,194 people contacted the Croatian Embassy in Belgrade and the Consulate in Subotica, adding that a total of 2,249 applications were submitted regarding residence issues (1,046 in Subotica and 1,203 in Belgrade).” — Vesna Pusić, Croatian Foreign Minister

WORLD NEWS

Business Dialogue 01

SPAIN

Unemployment “Historians are going to tar and feather Europe’s central bankers. Young people in Spain and Italy who hit the job market in this recession are going to be affected for decades. It is a terrible outcome…” — Professor Peter Diamond, world’s leading unemployment expert

Battle for AudioVisual Market Spanish telecommunication giant Telefonica will offer Vivendi a television content-sharing deal alongside its bid for Vivendi’s Brazilian broadband telecoms business GVT, taking its overall offer to around €7 billion. Telefonica launched a €6.7 billion cash-and- shares bid for GVT earlier last month but is facing a possible challenge from Telecom Italia, which has said it is considering making a counter offer. Telecom Italia is preparing to offer up to €7 billion to outbid Telefonica, Bloomberg reported, citing people with knowledge of the plan. “This hasn’t been made public yet but Telefonica’s offer is worth more than the 6.7 billion euros currently on the table because it includes a television content deal with Vivendi,” a source with knowledge of the matter told Reuters. The audio-visual business is strategic for both Vivendi - market leader in France - and Telefonica, which has increased pay-TV subscribers in Spain over the past few months and launched a bid for its domestic rival DTS.

CHINA

Limit for Executives’ Salaries Chinese president Xi Jinping has pledged to limit executive pay at China's powerful state-owned companies “State-owned companies must realize more equitable salary levels,” Xi said, according to state news agency Xinhua. “Unusually high executive salaries must be regulated.” The state media report did not provide any specifics on how pay should be limited at the state-owned firms, where official executive salaries often lag international rivals. Top executives at China’s biggest banks, for example, might have an official annual salary of only a few hundred thousand dollars. Western bank CEOs can earn tens of millions. The inequity between rich and poor has been something of a government focus in recent years, and a subject that has drawn the attention of official state media. XI JINPING, Chinese president

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MEXICO

Expecting $50.5b From Private and Foreign Investments Mexico expects to attract $50.5 billion in new private and foreign investment by 2018 as part of a historic opening of its oil sector that begins next year with a first round of contracts. The round one tender will offer up 169 exploration and extraction blocks, including a mix of both onshore and offshore areas, and cover a total of 28,500 square km. The tender will be organized by Mexico’s national hydrocarbons commission and will happen as early as May 2015 and no later than September. The landmark tender will prioritize areas that boost output quickly and leave trickier deep water projects for later. Separately, the energy ministry assigned 83 per cent of Mexico’s probable

and possible reserves to Pemex under a round zero allocation. The total area assigned to Pemex under Round Zero is equal to 20.6 billion barrels of proven and probable oil reserves. But the company was also given prospective resources totaling 22.1 billion barrels of oil equivalent covering 90,000 square km. Mexico is the world’s 10th largest crude producer, but since hitting peak production of 3.38 million bpd in 2004, output slipped to 2.52 million bpd last year. In August Pemex revised its output forecast for this year down to 2.44 million bpd. UAE

Dubai Changes Financial Rules Dubai is changing its financial rules in an effort to attract more asset managers - particularly those serving the richest and most risk-tolerant investors, such as hedge funds and private equity funds - to base themselves in the emirate. The rules create a new class of funds that can be domiciled in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), facing less stringent regulation and thus lower costs than existing funds. Authorities hope this will boost the DIFC’s growth as a domicile for funds, which has lagged other areas of the emirate’s rapid financial development over the past decade. The DIFC has boomed since it was set up as a financial free zone in 2004, becoming the Middle East’s main banking hub. The number of registered firms operating there jumped 14 per cent to 1,039 last year.

AUSTRIA

Palfinger Sets Up Joint Ventures With KamAZ Austrian crane maker Palfinger has agreed with Russian truck maker KamAZ to set up two joint ventures in Russia this year, pending regulatory approvals. Palfinger will hold 49 per cent of one venture to equip trucks with loading and handling systems. “The objective is to deliver more than 3,000 truck bodies per year by 2019,” it said in a statement end August. Palfinger will own 51 per cent of another venture that aims to build 80,000 cylinders for cranes, trucks and building machinery by 2019. Chief Executive Herbert Ortner called the deals “a very important step in securing and expanding our business in CIS.”

Discipline

LIBYA

Placements & Postings

Goldman to Face Libya's Sovereign Wealth Fund in Court Goldman Sachs and Libya’s sovereign wealth fund are set to meet in a London court over claims the Wall Street bank exploited a position of trust by encouraging the fund to invest more than $1 billion in trades that ended up worthless. The LIA brought a lawsuit to London’s High Court over a series of equity trades executed between January and April 2008 that expired as worthless in 2011. A case management hearing has now been scheduled for early October. The fund, which became a Goldman client in 2007, alleges that the bank deliberately exploited the relationship of trust and confidence it had established with LIA staff, causing the fund to enter into the disputed trades. The LIA estimates that Goldman made substantial profit of around $350 million on the trades, while it was left with “colossal” losses. – Reuters

AZZA EL-ABD U.S. Agency for International Development’s Mission Director for Serbia

NETHERLANDS

BELARUS

Allowed to Deliver EU Foodstuffs Raw Materials to Russia

Russian Sanctions to Hit Dutch Exports

Sanctions imposed by Russia on agricultural products from the EU will cut Dutch exports by “at least €300million, based on 2013 figures,” Statistics Netherlands has said. The total value of food exports to Russia, including fruit, vegetables, meat and dairy products, was €500million in 2013. Those exports generated €300 million for Dutch businesses, while €200 million went to service providers in neighbouring countries. GDP is expected to expand a tepid 0.75% in 2014 and 1.25% in 2015. The leading Dutch economic forecaster warned that the crisis could trim 0.25-0.50 percentage points off GDP growth this year. The Netherlands is the world’s second largest exporter of agricultural products, with around 2% of the goods it sends overseas going to Russia. Around 5,000 jobs in the Netherlands, the bulk of them at farms and logistics companies, are linked to the Russian export business. Source: Reuters

Azza El-Abd most recently served as USAID Mission Director for Lebanon and from 2010-2012 held the post of Deputy Mission Director and Acting Mission Director for USAID/Kosovo. Prior to her Kosovo assignment, Ms El-Abd served in Washington, D.C., as the Agency’s Acting Director of the Office of Central America and Mexico Affairs, where she provided strategic direction for various programmes. From 2008 to 2009 she served as supervisory programme officer in Pakistan and prior to that she was Deputy Director of the Office in Washington for Middle East Affairs and General Development Officer in the Asia and Middle East Bureaus. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in electrical engineering from the University of Alexandria and a Master’s Degree in National Resource Strategy from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. She speaks both Arabic and Spanish.

Belarus will be able to deliver processed products made from European raw materials to Russia, Head of Rosselkhoznadzor Sergei Dankvert said after visiting Belarus. The talks in Minsk were attended by Deputy Prime Minister of Belarus Mikhail Rusy and Minister of Agriculture and Food of Belarus Leonid Zayats. “If these products are processed, they can be delivered to the Russian Federation. If they are not processed, they must be consumed in Belarus. Belarus pursues an independent policy. It does not have to join the temporary restrictive measures, but it will ship the products from the authorized enterprises”, said Sergei Dankvert. During the talks in Minsk the Russian side drew particular attention to the control of plant products. In this case Belarus has an important responsibility to check the safety of products, and the availability of quarantine facilities.

NORWAY

Oil Fund Raises Exposure to Russia Norway’s sovereign wealth fund increased its exposure to Russia in the first half of the year. Norway’s $885 billion sovereign wealth fund increased its exposure to Russia in the first half of the year and also picked up government bonds of advanced economies, like the U.S., Japan, Italy, Germany and Britain. The fund, one of the world’s biggest investors, also said it returned 3.3 per cent in the second quarter, compared with 1.7 per cent in the first quarter. “Equity markets rose in the second quarter, and emerging markets performed best,” Chief Executive Yngve Slyngstad said in a statement.”The biggest increases in holdings of government bonds were in Japanese, British and German government bonds, while the biggest decreases were in government bonds from Brazil, Canada and Sweden,” Slyngstad added. cordeditorial@cma.rs |

119 September 2014 | 45

APPOINTMENTS

“Individual countries ignored the European Central Bank in order to continue running larger deficits than allowed by the fiscal rules. We have very little, if any, possibility of sanctioning those countries that break the rules.” — Angela Merkel, German Chancellor

AFRICA

Business Dialogue

Faster Economic

Growth by 2040 STANLEY SUBRAMONEY, PWC SOUTH MARKET REGION STRATEGY LEADER

By 2040 Africa is expected to have the biggest labour force in the world and to be experiencing faster economic growth than any other region, according to a report issued by PwC

he projections are contained in the latest PwC Global Economy Watch, which puts the spotlight on the largest cities in sub-Saharan Africa. Most major corporations are already active in at least one of the four largest cities in sub-Saharan Africa – Lagos, Kinshasa, Nairobi and Johannesburg. But PwC economists believe it’s the Next 10 biggest cities in sub-Saharan Africa that should also be exciting foreign investors. The population of these cities is projected to almost double by 2030, growing by around 32 million people. In fact, latest UN projections show that by 2030 two of the Next 10 – Dar es Salaam and Luanda – could have bigger populations than London has now. Cities are the typical entry points for businesses trying to expand into new overseas markets, because they enable closer interaction with customers in a relatively small geographic space, which in turn helps contain distribution costs. “The report projects that economic activity in the ‘Next 10′ cities could grow around $140 billion by 2030. This is roughly equivalent to the current annual output of Hungary,” says Stanley Subramoney, Strat-

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egy leader of PwC’s South Market Region. This is a conservative estimate as no premise has been made for real exchange rate appreciation despite relatively strong projected growth in these economies. “In addition to the trends with regard to high rates of GDP growth, rapid urbanisation and the so-called demographic edge that sub-Saharan Africa possesses, a number of other economic phenomena in the region are starting to appeal to the global investment community,” says Dr Roelof Botha, economic advisor to PwC. These include the following: • Significant new discoveries of mining and energy resources, in particular gold and gas; • Substantial investment in infrastructure and capital formation by the private sector, which has witnessed an increase in the ratio of total fixed investment to GDP

to sell government bonds globally at single-digit yields, which obviate the need for excessive debt servicing costs. As a result, a return was made last year to sound growth in foreign direct investment inflows (FDI) into a number of key African economies, says Dr Botha. However, there are three problems that could slow the pace at which the ‘Next 10′ biggest cities in sub-Saharan Africa grow, according to the report. These are issues that sub-Saharan countries have been trying to tackle for many decades with limited success: • Low quality of ‘hard’ infrastructure like roads and railways • Inadequate ‘soft’ infrastructure like schools and universities • Growing pains arising from political, legal and regulatory institutions struggling to deal with a bigger and more complicated economy.

from 17.7% in 2000 to an estimated 23% in 2013; • Sustained growth in per capital incomes, which has led to demand shifts that are benefiting household consumption expenditure on durables, semi-durables and services; • The ability of a growing number of countries to raise financing for infrastructure projects on the international capital market, in particular Kenya and Rwanda. Both of these countries have recently managed

“The challenges that policy makers face is to convert Africa’s demographic dividend into economic reality by overcoming these hurdles. History suggests this will not be a quick or easy process. Infrastructure development is a key driver for progress across Africa and a critical enabler for sustainable and socially inclusive growth. However, investors should form their own plans to mitigate these problems by supporting infrastructure skills and development programmes,” concludes Subramoney. ■

The report projects that economic activity in the ‘Next 10’ cities could grow around $140 billion by 2030. This is roughly equivalent to the current annual output of Hungary

119 September 2014 | www.cordmagazine.com

FEATURE

WESTERN BALKANS CONFERENCE

Homeworks for the

Next Four Years The heads of government, foreign ministers and economics ministers of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Slovenia, as well as representatives of the European Commission, the future host Austria, and France, met in Berlin on 28 August 2014 for the first Conference on the Western Balkans

declaration has been brought Regional Cooperation Council will play an velopment cooperation has provided reliaby all participants of the conferimportant role in this. ble support to the countries of the Western ence, tackling several issues of The countries of the Western Balkans Balkans for 25 years and is an integral part great importance for the region. shall reinforce their endeavours to overof German endeavours to bring the coun“We agree that today’s conference come their current account deficits. tries closer to the EU and European standshould provide a framework for a period of German business will support the enhanceards.”, the document reads. four years, during which we will further our ment of the region’s export strength by The Balkan Conference started with endeavours to make additional real prolaunching a purchasing initiative for the the meeting of the Economic Development gress in the reform process, in resolving Western Balkans in 2015. Ministers and representatives of the EU, to outstanding bilateral and internal issues, Germany has also offered finansee the possibility of advancing the infraand in achieving recstructure projects, onciliation within and the most imporbetween the societies tant of which is the in the region. We are Blue Corridor, which also united in the aim starts in Croatia and of enhancing regionends in Greece, but al economic cooperalso other projects ation and laying the in energy and railway foundations for sustransportation. tainable growth.”, the The German document reads. Chief of Diplomacy, All of the particMr.Steinmeier, deipants underline the clared that this conThe countries of the Western need to resolve outstanding bilaterference underlines that “Germany is Balkans stressed willingness al questions as quickly as possible in engaging with dedication to the ento increase their cooperation the interests of good neighborly retire region, and confirms our stance lations and increased stability in the among one another. Regional for the European perspective of all region. The prime ministers of Serbia Western Balkan”. organisations such as the and Kosovo reiterated their determiHe said that part of the discusRegional Cooperation Council nation to revitalize the process of norsion will be reviewing the possibiliwill play an important role in this malizing relations. ties how countries continue the nec“Where possible, the countries should cial assistance. Therefore, as Jose Manuel essary reforms. make use of the positive influence of reBarrosso announced, it will provide some € In this meeting was present the Foreign gional neighbours on overcoming internal 12 billion in aid for the region. Minister of Austria, Sebastian Kurz, and political challenges. This applies in particu“Germany is willing to carry out further the Commissioner for Enlargement, Stefan lar to the revitalization of the reform promeasures within the framework of existing Fule. The Balkan Conference starts a 4-year cess in Bosnia and Herzegovina”, it is writprogrammes on economic cooperation and project, since this conference will continue ten in the document. development in order to support the reduring the next years in Austria and France. However, the countries of the Western gion’s countries in making the most effecIt remains to be seen if the matBalkans stressed willingness to increase tive use of European measures for bringing ters agreed upon in this conference will their cooperation among one anoththem closer to the EU via the Instrument for turn reality or if Balkan will be forgotten er. Regional organisations such as the Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA). German deonce again. ■ cordeditorial@cma.rs |

119 September 2014 | 47

CULTURE CALENDAR CONCERTS

Daniel Bell, Barutana 5th September @ 23.00 Daniel Bell in the early nineties in Detroit created a new musical vocabulary of electronic music based on the repetitive rhythm, fusion of minimalist house and techno. Originally inspired by the then-Chicago house sound and works of avant-garde composers such as Steve Reich, the beginning of his production career was marked by collaboration with Richie Hawtin and John Acquaviva within the project Cybersonic. Daniel’s extraordinary musical eloquence and DJ style that balances on the verge of deep house and sophisticated techno makes him regular guest of the world’s best clubs (Fabric, Rex, Panoramabar, Watergate), while the Retrieval DBX live performance at the DEMF in 2008 and the tour that followed was declared by Resident Advisor as the best live act of the year.

received over 160 gold and platinum awards for the best-selling albums in over 33 countries and also has a record-breaking four world tours. International quartet consists of tenor Urs Buhler from Switzerland, baritone Carlos Marin from Spain, pop singer Sebastian Izambard from France and tenor David Miller from the USA. As Il Divo for the first time was a success in 2003, this year’s album and accompanying series of concerts is an important event for the four singers who celebrate the tenth anniversary of the joint successful career.

They are starting the new tour in order to promote the sixth album in a row, “A Musical Affair.” This is their first compilation with songs from famous Broadway musicals. Leo Salong, award-winning singer and actress of Philippine origin, the voice of Disney Princess, will join the group Il Divo on a world tour.

CLASSICAL MUSIC

Damjan Saramandic

Il Divo Kombank Arena, 24 September @ 20.00 Il Divo, a classical music crossover group that has broken all sales records and has had a more than 26 million albums sold will perform on 24th September at the Belgrade Arena, and this will be the third appearance of this popular quartet who our audience is always eagerly awaiting. Il Divo is the first and most successful classical crossover group that successfully combines different musical styles. This foursome has sold over 26 million albums around the world, found itself in at the top of the charts 50 times, th

Guarnerius, 13th September @ 20.00 One of the most prominent young Serbian cellists, Damjan Saramandić, winner of national and international competitions and music festivals, will perform for the first time in Guarnerius. Pieces from Brahms, Shostakovich and Schumann will be on program. Damjan will perform together with Uki Ovaskainen.

European Day of Jewish Culture Kolarac, 14th September @ 20.00 Serbian-Jewish singing group Braća Baruh and

Marina Horak Kolarac, 27th September @ 20.00 In addition to the musical feast that she will present at her concert presentation to the Belgrade audience, Horak will also hold a master class for our best young pianists. Famous Slovenian pianist Marina Horak has won numerous awards, including the prestigious Betetto awards, and for decades left a significant mark on the international concert scene. With numerous successful performances and collaboration with the most prominent musicians and orchestras today, she dedicated a large part of her time to the pedagogy and the promotion of talented young artists. The programme for the Belgrade concert includes works by Mozart,

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for whose performances Horak is well known for. With the desire to also promote Slovenian culture and musical creativity, the second part of the concert will bring the composition foremost Slovenian authors, who often do not have the opportunity to be heard on Belgrade scene.

119 September 2014 | www.cordmagazine.com

Tropical Inn Kalemegdan Fortress 6th September @ 20.00

Legendary DJ Tomcraft, known for the hit “Loneliness”, will perform at the Belgrade fortress, within a large summer spectacle Tropical Inn on 6th September. Belgrade Fortress and Jungle Tribe are organizing this big music to mark the end of the summer. The event will take place on basketball court Partizan at the Kalemegdan Fortress. This event aims to attract 10,000 visitors and with this year starts a completely new event in Belgrade, with plan that it becomes tradition in the coming years, attracting Jewish chamber orchestra will perform in Kolarac on 14th September, conducted by Stefan Zekić.

Greats of the Music Scene Kolarac, 15th September @ 20.00 Chamber orchestra Zabranjeni Grad will perform in Kolarac on 15th September with contratenor Ksijao Ma.

Opening of the Autumn Cycle Guarnerius, 20th September @ 20.00 Pianist Juliana Mijalković with the concert on 20th September, continues third series of concerts of FMU I Guarnerius Award. A series of concerts launched in 2012 by the Faculty of Music in Belgrade and Guarnerius, with a desire to promote the best students of the faculty, this spring began its third season, while during the autumn part, young Belgrade pianist Julian Mijalković, winner of many awards in national and international competitions will perform. Concert series “FMU and Guarnerius Award” promotes the best undergraduate, master’s and doctoral studies at the Faculty of Music in

Belgrade, and so far through its two editions, presented 30 exceptional young artists from the Department of string and wind instruments, piano and solo singing .

many visitors from all over Serbia and the region and create a recognisable brand of hot summer festival where the music will be played by world famous DJ names of electro, tech and house music. Organisers invite to come and promise to feel the spirit of exotic destinations, enjoy attractive, costumed dancers that are characteristic of Ibiza, sinkholes fire sprinklers, water balloons, refresh in the tropical bar and dance with the highest quality house music in a fantastic location. Buy the famous bucket, which are the hallmark of Full Moon party in Thailand. Be creative and wear your tropical wardrobe. In such an atmosphere, it’ll be fun to end of summer at the Kalemegdan!

Charm of Vienna Kolarac, 21st September @ 11.00 As a part of the Kolarac Chamber Music, concert Charm of Vienna will be organised on 21st September. Violinist Vesna Stanković will perform with some members of the Vienna Chamber Orchestra. Entrance is free.

BALLET

Days of Russian Culture in SerbiaBallet Gala Concert Sava Centre, 26th September @ 20.00

OPERA

Day of Russian Culture in SerbiaOpera Gala Concert Sava Centre, 26th September @ 20.00

ART

55th October Salon Former Belgrade Military Academy, 19th September – 9th November October Salon in Belgrade is the most important exhibition of contemporary art in Serbia and can look back on a long tradition. Founded in the 1960s, October Salon for a long time worked as an overview on contemporary art presenting the most important artists from the Serbian art community. Since 2004, international curators have been appointed to select the participating artists. Furthermore, the concept has changed to a thematic group exhibition. In addition, international artists are presented in the show now that takes place at different venues in Belgrade each year. This year’s 55th October Salon is curated by Nicolaus Schafhausen, director of Kunsthalle

CULTURE NEWS

Wien, and Vanessa Joan Müller, Head of Dramaturgy at Kunsthalle Wien. Under the title “Disappearing Things”, it is dedicated to the role of collective and individual forms of remembrance in the digital era. October Salon is organised and produced by the Belgrade Culture Centre, financed by the city of Belgrade and supported by the Ministry for Culture and Information of the Republic of Serbia.

OTHER

Sava Centre. We will travel by land and sea, we will sail to Corfu and back to Serbia celebrating the greatest victory of the proud Serbian army, and we will awaken remembrance of all those who were left at the distant cemeteries of blue grave, Zejtinlika, Gučevo, Kolubara ... raised our memory and gratitude. On this journey we will be led by General Mišić (actor Miša Janketić), Darja Karobkina and Flora Sandes (actresses Katarina Radivojević, Marijana Šovran), Stepa (Lepomir Ivković), Milunka Savić (Jelena and Ivana Zigon), Major Gavrilović (Nebojša Kundačina), Mackenzie (Mrgud Radovanović), and the role of Serbia is interpreted by Bojana Peković, the winner of the contest “I have talent”. Scary Austrian army will be interpreted by world champions in contemporary dance - La luna troupe from Jagodina, and the biggest surprise of the spectacle will be Nikita Mihalkov,

Julio Cortázar Instituto Cervantes 11th September @ 19.00 Argentine writer Julio Cortázar was more than just a lover of jazz music. Some believe that his passion for the music influenced his literary work to the extended that his style and free improvising, can be considered a reflection of the constituent elements of jazz. Jazz music and projection of images is organized by Instituto Cervantes in the memory of the maestro Cortázar.

Stojte Galije Carske Sava Centre 17th September @ 20.00 Svetigora and the Association of Serbian - Russian friendship with the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Irinej realize spectacle marking 100 years from the beginning of the First World War, which will be held on 17th September at the

various cities, 6th June - 31st August

The Information Centre of the European Union, EUNIC (the cultural centres of the member states of the European Union in Serbia) and DOB organised the European Film Festival for the third time this year. During the festival a variety of current fiction and documentary films from all over the continent were screened and the theme of this year's festival was "Earth in between". Celebrating the tenth anniversary of the biggest enlargement of the European Union, the Festival paid attention to the

100 Youth Orchestra

who will take on the role of the Russian Tsar. I addition to the great theatre team, there will be also a ballet chapter! Prima ballerina of the famous Mariinsky Theater in St. Petersburg, will interpret the role of Nadezda Petrović, who will dance to original music by Ninoslav Ademović. This spectacle about the Great War, entitled Stand galleys Imperial, will bring together more than 200 participants! All the participants were gathered in this spectacle by artistic power of Ivana Zigon.

10th Kids International Workshop of Animated Film Vranje, 22nd - 28th August The Tenth International Workshop of animated film for young people, "Golden Snail/lumaca d'oro", is organised by the School of Animated Film in Vranje and was held in this southern Serbian city from 22nd to 28th August. Seminars were held by experts from different countries, intended to support the development of artistic creativity in young people and contribute to the expansion of this area as an integral part of cinema culture. The Italian Culture Institute in Belgrade joined this international initiative dedicated to young people by supporting the participation of Italian director Angela Armier, who used the week to hold a series of interactive seminars on techniques "animation in stop motion". Angelo Armier (born Rome, 1963)

3rd Festival of European Film

studied advertising graphics at the Art Institute of State "Silvio d'Amico" in Rome and has long been involved in the publishing graphics. His passion for the animated films of great masters of Europe and America, such as Jirí Trnka, Karel Zeman and Ray Harryhausen, encouraged him to realise his first animated films on film Super8, VHS tape and experimenting with computer generated graphics to produce an animated 2D film and 3D technique using digitised video.

Belgrade, Novi Sad 23rd - 31st August “100 Youth Orchestra” consists of the best young musicians aged between the ages 12 and 20, selected from music schools in their countries of origin: Italy, Austria, Slovenia, Serbia and Macedonia. These young musicians, originating from countries that are a hundred years old and participated in the war on opposite sides, were born and grew up in places, over the centuries, that witnessed the massacre and the bloody conflicts of the two world wars. The ancestors of their fathers fought, inspired by nationalism and dictatorships, but today, with the distance of a century, these young people want to share common ideals of learning, mutual understanding and artistic collaboration in the context of constructive dialogue and intercultural exchange. From 23rd to 31st August they met in Belgrade, with the cooperation and support of the Italian Cultural Institute and the City of Belgrade, and participated in a cycle of seminars that was be held by musicologists and experts for individual musical instruments, in order to expand their education and gain new knowledge about the European music traditions. At the end, they prepared two concerts that were performed by “100 Youth Orchestra” -Saturday 30th August at the Grat Hall of Kolarac and in Novi Sad on Sunday 31st August at the Synagogue, in collaboration with the Jeunesses

special influence of expansion on the "psychological map" of the continent, which is now united in recognition of cultural and natural diversity and respect towards them. The first stations, Belgrade and Novi Sad, were visited by the festival in May 2014, after which the selection of 30 films from 22 EU countries, but also from Serbia, visited Niš, Leskovac, Kragujevac, Čačak, Surdulica and other Serbian towns. The European Film Festival once again brought the best European films to Serbia, but also proved that the Serbian film industry is not inferior to top European productions.

Musicales capital of the Autonomous province of Vojvodina. This unique formation is the result of an interesting project of artistic collaboration between music students from various countries, which is promoted by the Italian Association for the GAIA Cultural Events, Music school connected with the Conservatory “Giuseppe

Verdi” in Milan and the Music School of the del Garda Desenzano del Garda, in order to exchange and share various cultural and musical experiences. The project involves the Music School of St. Gilgen (Austria), music school Josip Slavić in Belgrade (Serbia), Music School DoReMi from Bled (Slovenia) and the Music School Methods patch from Ohrid (Macedonia). In fact, for several years, young musicians from various countries in Europe are meeting together to perform a series of musical activities that, after a period of intense work and study, are culminating in a concert whose creators and organizers are musicians themselves. This educational musical project of high artistic quality is of particular importance to the European music scene.

Puppet group led by Vinod Bhatt 22nd - 26th September A four-member Puppet group led by Vinod Bhatt from India will visit Serbia from 22nd - 26th September to perform at the 21st Intl Festival of Children's Theatres in Subotica, at a primary school in Grocka and the Majdan Culture Centre in Belgrade. The shows will include a ballet dance by ‘Anarkali’, a horse dance, a snake charmer trying to catch a snake, a juggler throwing balls in the air, the love story of 'Laila and Majnu', a ‘two in one’ puppet dance and a black magician play. cordeditorial@cma.rs |

119 September 2014 | 49

FACES & PLACES

30.07.2014

Moroccan national holiday

H.E. ABDULLAH ZAGOUR and MAJA GOJKOVIĆ, President of the National Assembly of Serbia

Belgrade’s Crowne Plaza Hotel provided the venue for Moroccan Ambassador to Serbia, H.E. Abdullah Zagour, embassy staff and other Moroccan nationals, to host the 15th anniversary of the ascension of King Muhammad VI of Morocco to the throne. Speaking at the reception, Ambassador Zagour reminded that Morocco had not recognised Kosovo’s independence and underlined his country’s

Mrs and Mr ZAGOUR

very good cooperation with Serbia. He also added that the Moroccan Embassy in Belgrade had been open for over five decades and that cooperation did not cease even during the NATO air raids of 1999. The reception was attended by Speaker of the Serbian Parliament, Maja Gojković, Serbian Agriculture Minister, Snežana Bogosavljević-Bošković, and other officials. 07.08.2014

Days of Japanese Culture in Prijepolje An exhibition of graphics from the Japanese Ukiyo-e school, consisting of works created in the 18th and 19th centuries, was opened in the Serbian town of Prijepolje as part of the Days of Japanese Culture in Serbia event. Over the course of two weeks, visitors to the touring exhibition in Prijepolje had the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the culture of the Far East through a variety of programmes. The event in Prijepolje also included screenings of the most important films of Akira Kurosawa, one of the biggest promoters of Japanese culture in the world. 01.08.2014

Swiss National Day marked The Swiss Confederacy, which today comprises 26 cantons, celebrated 723 years of the country’s formation. Speaking in his welcome speech at the reception, Swiss Ambassador to Serbia, H.E. Jean-Daniel Ruch, noted: “Switzerland and Serbia have had traditionally good relations thanks to mutual understanding”. The reception, which was held in the garden of the Swiss ambassadorial residence in Senjak, was attended by numerous guests, including Serbian President of the National Assembly Maja Gojković and many public figures and representatives of the diplomatic corps in Belgrade.

H.E. JEAN-DANIEL RUCH (left) and VANJA UDOVIČIĆ, Serbian Minister of Youth and Sports

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119 September 2014 | www.cordmagazine.com

15.08.2014

Indian National Day Indian Ambassador to Serbia, H.E. Naridin Chauhan, held a formal reception to celebrate India’s biggest national holiday – Independence Day – which was this year marked for the 68th time. The reception took place at India’s ambassadorial residence in Dedinje and was attended by many officials, embassy representatives and esteemed public figures. In accordance with the spirit of India, all guests where given a bindi (a dot of red colour placed between the eyebrows), while reception hostesses threw rose petals at the guests for good luck. Once guests had gathered, both Indian and Serbian anthems were played and the ambassador thanked everyone in attendance. Among the many guests were a number of ambassadors, political officials and public figures from Serbia. H.E. NARIDIN CHAUHAN and H.E. HEINZ WILHELM, German Ambassador to Serbia

AMBASSADOR CHAUHAN CUTS THE CAKE

AMBASSADOR CHAUHAN and her son SHAMSHEER SINGH CHAUHAN

17.08.2014

69th Anniversary of Indonesian Independence The 69th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Indonesia and the 60th anniversary of the establishing of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Serbia was commemorated with a number of events held on the premises of the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Belgrade. A flag-raising ceremony, opened by H.E. Indonesian Ambassador Semuel Samson, was carried out to celebrate and commemorate the declaration of independence made by Indonesia’s first President and Vice President, Sukarno and Mohammad Hatta, on 17th August 1945. In addition to Indonesian Embassy staff, the ceremony was also attended by members of the Indonesian Community in Serbia, the NUSANTARA Serbia-Indonesia Friendship Association and former Serbian students who studied in Indonesia thanks to the Indonesian Government’s scholarship programme.

H.E. SEMUEL SAMSON, MRS. SAMSON and other staff members of the Indonesia Embassy

cordeditorial@cma.rs |

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FACES & PLACES

H.E. ALEXANDER CHEPURIN, Russian Ambassador to Serbia (left), TIHOMIR PETKOVIĆ, Mayor of Užice, and STANISLAVA PAK, advisor to the Serbian President 18.08.2014

International Children's Folklore Festival Licidersko Heart A ceremonious parade of 850 participants through Užice launched the VI International Children’s Folklore Festival Licidersko Heart. The festival was attended by 27 folklore ensembles from 10 countries (Moldova, Russia, Turkey, Albania, Poland, France, Slovenia, Montenegro, Bosnia’s Republika Srpska and Serbia), which held concerts during the six-day event in

Užice, Zlatibor, Mokra Gora, Višegrad, Požega and Bajina Bašta. During the festival days the Užice City Culture Centre held workshops and exhibitions of folk costumes. The festival was opened by Stanislava Pak, an advisor to the Serbian President Nikolić, the patron of the festival, in the presence of the Mayor of Užice, Tihomir Petković, and Russian Ambassador to Serbia, H.E. Alexander Chepurin. 24.08.2014

"Colours of Pakistan" Exhibition Unveiled Artist Anđelija Keravica’s exhibition “Colours of Pakistan” was formally opened on 24th August by H.E. Arif Mahmood, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in Belgrade. Speaking on the occassion, Ambassador Mahmood pointed out that this exhibition also served to mark the anniversary of Pakistan’s independence. The exhibition is on display at the House of King Petar in the Senjak area of the city. In addition to representatives of the local public sector and cultural scene, the opening of the exhibition was also attended by the most senior representatives of the diplomatic community in Belgrade.

19.08.2014

Centenary of the Battle of Cer Prime Minister Aleksandar Vučić led the Serbian state delegation to attend the commemoration of the centenary of the WWI Battle of Cer. The commemoration began with PM Vučić and Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik laying wreaths at the monument erected in honour of the soldiers who died in the battle, which was the first Allied victory of World War I. The two political leaders then wrote in the memorial book at the memorial complex in Tekeriš, located near the town of Loznica, with the Serbian Prime Minister later addressing those present. In his speech, Vučić noted that the time had come to transform Serbia from “a country worth dying for into a country worth living for”.

MILORAD DODIK, President of Republika Srpska (left), ALEKSANDAR VUČIĆ, Serbian Prime minister, and SERBIAN PATRIARCH IRINEJ

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119 September 2014 | www.cordmagazine.com

H.E. Pakistani Ambassador ARIF MAHMOOD and H.E. MENHA MAHROUS BAKHOUM, Egyptian Ambassador to Serbia

AFTER WORK 10.08.2014

Student Film Camp in Požega

An international Student Film Camp “Interaction 2014” and International Masterclass lecture on the topic of documentary film “Interdok 2014”, came to an end on 29th August in Požega. During this year’s 9th “Interactions” Požega hosted 38 young filmmakers from 21 countries, while the organiser was the “Filmart” Independent Film Centre from Požega. Fifteen students of film production, directing, cinematography, sound design and editing were divided into three multinational teams. They stayed in Požega and Čačak, where they shot three documentaries on the theme “Portrait without a frame”. A group of 23 participants attended masterclass lectures in documentary film, led by famous filmmakers Želimir Zilnik and Dragan Elčić. The three-day Days of Brazil event Novi Sad Samba Carnival was formally opened for the fifth consecutive year on the stage of the Summer Theatre of the Novi Sad Culture Centre. Through various music, film and entertainment programmes, which were held at various locations, Novi Sad presented itself as a regional centre of Brazilian culture. A special attraction was the participation of Masters of the Nile, a percussionist group from one of the oldest schools of samba drums in Rio de Janeiro, while the queen of the carnival parade was Samara Reis, who in recent years was also the queen in Coburg and London. The Days of Brazil in Novi Sad is a unique festival of its kind in the region, and Novi Sad locals once again proved their mastery in the organisation of good fun and an even better atmosphere.

15.08.2014

Days of Brazil in Novi Sad

The Grand Hall of Subotica City Hall provided the venue for a ceremonious academy commemorating Dužijanca Day, one of four national holidays of the Bunyevtsi minority. The celebration traditionally marks a successful harvest. “Dužijanca is a symbol of happiness, unity and love. We appreciate and respect the Bunyevtsi national community, which keeps itself to itself, preserves and nurtures its own traditions and culture and does not lose its identity,” said Ilija Maravić, president of the Subotica City Assembly. “We support the cultivation of the Bunyevtsi tradition and culture, and in that sense we assume the responsibility to provide children attending primary schools with books in the Bunyevats language,” said Stanislav Pak, advisor to the Serbian President.

15.08.2014

Dužijanca Day Commemorated

24.08.2014

Niš Film Festival Opens

MIŠA JANKETIĆ

With the symbolic handing over of the keys of the city to actress Dragana Varagić, president of the jury of the Niš Film Festival, Mayor of the City of Niš, Zoran Perišić, marked the start of the 49th Film Festival in Niš. The beginning of the festival also saw Serbian actor Miša Janketić awarded the Pavle Vujišić Lifetime Achievement Award. Speaking on that occasion, Janketić said that the award meant a lot to him, noting also that awards for actors are important and necessary. The festival included the screening of 11 films, representing a tangible cross-section of Serbian cinematography. Photo: Tanjug

DRAGANA VARAGIĆ and ZORAN PERIŠIĆ

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■ By Tijana JOVANOVIĆ PETROVIĆ

INTERVIEW Photo: Jelena Janković

The Past

IS NOW

Under the slogan “The past is now,” this year’s 48th edition of the Belgrade International Theatre Festival, from 20th to 30th September, will be the international space for initiation, inspiration and reflection, for contemporary theatre trends on the one hand, and current social issues on the other MILOŠ LATINOVIĆ acting director of Bitef Theatre, writer and political scientist

everyday events that follow revolution. In that way we become he Bitef Festival is this year being organised to mark better people and this, thus, leads to positive social change. the centenary of World War I and the plays we will see deal with the recent history of Europe, historical ■ Which plays will we have the opportunity to see? events that may have resulted from and in connection with the First World War and the geopolitical situation that en- This year’s Bitef selection comprises plays that have the varisued after the Great War in Europe and the world. On the other ous political events of the 20th century as their theme. The play hand, the plays of the 48th edition of Bitef will also explore the “Front”, director Luc Perceval, is inspired by E.M. Remarque’s famous novel All Quiet on the Western Front. Perceval’s view space in which we live, at the macro and the micro level. of the Great War is from a Western perspective and differs Speaking about the upcoming festival for CorD magazine is from the views of the authors of two Miloš Latinović, Acting Director of Bitef domestic dramas: “Mali mi je ovaj Theatre and an award-winning author Bitef has remained an grob” (This Grave’s Small for Me) by of several novels and collections of important point in the Biljana Srbljanović and “Zmajeubice” short stories. European context. To (Dragonslayers) by Milena Marković. be sure, it’s no longer a Both dramas do not follow the his■ What social issues does Bitef torical facts and their official interdeal with through this year’s semeeting place for worlds, pretation of the beginning of World lection? but it is a meeting place for War I. The authors deal with the life - As a starting point we can take 1914, people from all sides that and deeds of high school pupil Gavrilo the year known in domestic and world once attracted high quality Princip, a member of the Mlada Bosna frames as a turning point for the great organisation who believed in the age of revolutions that marked the plays and still does avant-garde idea of liberating and uni20th century. Researching the past, fying the Southern Slavic peoples. however, is very complex, as implied by this year’s Bitef slogan A project that attempts to reconcile the different views on “The past is now.” We still today, after a century, seek somethe historical phenomenon of the First World War is the play one to blame. We should bear in mind that no revolution has “Battlefield Memory” from Berlin’s HAU, which features acso far succeeded in providing that which motivated their start tors from Germany, Serbia and Bosnia. Also in the production - change, novelty and improvement. After war always come a is the controversial play “Our Class” by the Lithuanian National start and new people. That’s why I think the key point is not revTheatre, directed by Yana Ross. Its template is the famous olution but rather continuous, daily, calm work on self and the 54 |

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text of Polish author Tadeusz Slobodzianek, and the idea is to open up theme of Lithuanian anti-Semitism, while the play “Apolonia”, by one of the leading Polish and international directors Krzysztof Warlikowski, deals with the traumas of contemporary Polish society, as a consequence of historical events.

■ How do you see the future of Bitef? - Bitef was launched in 1967 by Mira Trailović and Jovan Ćirilov. At that time the politicians needed to show that the country was freer than other socialist countries, members of the Warsaw Pact. It was a surprise. At that time Yugoslavia won freedom. It was a time of “new tendencies”. However, Bitef is also really needed in the future, just as it was essential in the past and is needed today, with its necesPhoto: Armin Smailović

Photo: Peter Uhan

■ Which play is questioning the present and in which way? - Contemporary history is dealt with in the play “Gde je revolucija, stoko?” (Where’s the revolution, punk?) by Croatian director Borut Šeparović, with which we will open the festival. Here the director deals with the possibilities of revolution in the modern societies of the post-Yugoslav area. As a leitmotif it takes the rebellious phenomenon that is the track “Package deal”, which has become synonymous with social rebellion. The selection also includes Oliver Frljić’s play “Aleksandra Zec”, which has

innovative drama and theatre work with and for young people. I think the “Cirkobalkana” art project will be interesting, which will deal with the interpretation of circus arts in a contemporary way. This year for the first time we will also organise artistic city tours “B - tour”, which will offer visitors different, artistically interpreted “cultural pockets” of Belgrade.

Locomotives went crazy, director Jerenj Lorenci, SNG Drama Ljubljana

Front, director Luc Perseval

been much discussed in the regional sary evolution of forms, ideas and conmedia and will be performed in Serbia tent. It seems to me that Bitef today is It seems to me that Bitef for the first time. The presence of the somehow like a beautiful Art Nouveau today is somehow like a past in the present is dealt with by the palace in which there are good spirits, beautiful Art Nouveau Swiss play “Past is Present”, directed good memories, high quality pictures, by Corina Meier. fine furniture and worthy people; a palace in which there are Saša Asentić and Ana Vujanović’s good spirits, good memories, place that when it is ordered and refurartistic project “Communitas” is a bished a bit the façade shines among high quality pictures, fine stage work based on the principles the new and ugly high-rise blocks. It furniture and worthy people is precisely because of that I believe in of social games open to participation by all members of the audience, while the future of Bitef and its power to recthe play “Locomotives went crazy”, by Slovenian director Jernej ognise both new trends and high artistic quality. Lorenci, deals with the possibility and power of the theatre to have an effect on modern society. ■ In the last decade it seems that the communication in The festival’s plays will be performed on the stages of Bitef the art world has been heading in two directions – toTheatre, the Yugoslav Drama Theatre, the National Theatre and wards Europe and from Europe. What does that mean for also the halls of the Belgrade Fair. theatre life in Europe, the region, Belgrade? What symbolises Bitef today? ■ What would you highlight from Bitef’s ancillary pro- I have the impression that Bitef is, as writer Miloš Crnjanski said, “its own ancestor”, that in this context it is the heritage of gramme? its own avant-garde qualities, formed over the nearly 50 years - This year the accompanying programme, “Bitef Polyphony”, of its existence. Our house, just like our country, is on the crosswill – alongside the participation of guests from the region and roads and everything that arrived from the world to Europe or through performances, workshops and roundtables – promote cordeditorial@cma.rs |

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emanated from Europe heading out into the world somehow went this way, both good and bad. I believe this is also true in a theatrical sense. Art in Serbia emerged on the basis of European traditions and experiences, but we also gave Europe more specific sensibility through literary, theatrical, artistic and musical works. This reciprocity is easily provable. If we add to all of this the fact that we used to be as a country – and now are as a region – a buffer zone between “two worlds”, it is clear that we are somewhere in between, and somehow our own. Amongst other areas, this is also evident in the Serbian language, in which we equally use Turkism words and new words from the language of computers.

And this year, as in previous years, Bitef has collaborated with the Goethe Institute and the French Culture Centre. There is also significant support coming from the governments of Lithuania and Poland, as they have their own representatives at the festival. On the whole this cooperation is founded in relation to the festival repertoire, but experience shows that support was never lacking. There are also other existing levels of cooperation that are not only related to the festival, but rather also Bitef Theatre and our membership in international organisations, as well as individual assignments of employees. And our traditional cooperation with embassies, culture centres and the governments of some countries is indeed at an enviable level.

■ What is Bitef’s importance ■ In which way is Bitef fundin the local and international context? ed and is this year’s budget more adequate to cater for - Bitef is the most important theatre festival in the region in the needs of the festival? absolute terms, as everyone at- Bitef is supported financialtempts to create a similar festily by the City of Belgrade, as val or such festivals have failed the founder, and the Serbian or are still far below the levMinistry of Culture, through el of interest, organisation and project financing. The festiquality of Bitef. To copy is borval’s budget largely depends on ing, while being original is the their orientation and this year’s hardest thing. But in that is budget is at last year’s level, but the pleasure of creation. For is greatly reduced in relation to years already Bitef has had its the previous year. I believe cerown specific creative power (altain tax breaks would contribthough that’s difficult to tell ute to greater participation of Our class, director Yana Ross from the repertoire of one festhe private sector in supporttival). However, I also believe ing cultural projects. I believe that this year’s repertoire, that this year’s repertoire, dedespite the inevitable objections spite the inevitable objections ■ How accessible are the and criticism, will show the way in and criticism, will show the way plays to other theatre lovwhich sticking zealously to ingrained ers who do not fall into the in which sticking zealously to ingrained principles, clear ideprinciples, clear ideas, creativity and “theatrical public”? as, creativity and a decent dose - Bitef has never had a proba decent dose of arrogance, lead to of arrogance, lead to signifilem with the public, so this year significant results cant results. Bitef has also rewe also expect full auditoriums. mained an important point in Lovers of theatre assess the the European context. To be sure, it’s no longer a meeting place festival very well as a place where, during a short period and for for worlds, but it is a meeting place for people from all sides decent money, they can see part of current world productions. that once attracted high quality plays and still does. It is hard to It is for that reason that Bitef is one of the most important fesbe on par with festivals that enjoy state support and have big tivals in Europe, but primarily in Serbia. Bitef also attracts those budgets, but I think we have inherited huge capital and we need who rarely go to the theatre, but also those only interested in to build the future of Bitef on that. You also draw such a conculture at the level of basic information. Jovan Ćirilov often adclusion when you see the enthusiasm with which serious global vises the dedicated Bitef audience to watch all the plays. And, troupes come to Belgrade for Bitef. indeed, it is only when we look at all the plays that one can gain an impression of the whole and the totality of authors’ and se■ What is cooperation like between Bitef and the culture lectors’ ideas. I will personally be watching plays that I’ve seen before, because I want to gain that impression of the whole stocentres of European countries in Serbia? ry of the phenomenon and the time. ■ - Excellent. I would say it is a reflection of continuity and trust. 56 |

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PREVIEW MONACO YACHT SHOW 2014

Latest

Superyacht Trends This year the world’s No. 1 showcase for superyachts afloat Monaco Yacht Show from 24th-27th September, will be the best ever. With 115 spectacular yachts and about 30 luxury tenders and an extended exhibition, the show will host the industry’s finest and most renowned suppliers

he extension reflects the increasing demand for exhibiting bigger yachts in the Port. Last year’s event hinted at the beginnings of a recovery in the yachting market and it seems today that some yachting statistics are approaching pre-crisis figures, in terms of volume, with order books and the demand for finance on the increase. During the last two or three years there has been a noticeable increase in the demand for vessels over 100m and from the 2014 event and into the future the Monaco Yacht Show will be able to berth these giants for all to see. 58 |

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This annual, one-of-a-kind event attracts billionaires from around the world, many that will be inconspicuously walking the docks as they catch up on the latest superyacht trends. This princely destination is a well known staple amongst Mediterranean cruising grounds and has long been the destination of choice for superyacht owners and guests, making Monaco a natural home for this unique event. Amongst the 115 floating palaces from 25 to 100 metres that will be exhibited in Monaco this month, around forty of them will be unveiled to the public for the first time. This is the annual event that the builders of the world’s largest yachts look forward to, it is their chance to showcase their finest luxury yachts. A few outstanding superyachts that will be attending are

Amongst the 115 floating palaces from 25 to 100 metres that will be exhibited in Monaco this month, around forty of them will be unveiled to the public for the first time Solandge, the 85m highly luxurious family orientated vessel delivered last October by Lürssen. She has been notably engineered for self-sufficiency during extended voyages on the high seas. Monaco will be also hosting Como, a new 46m yacht by Feadship. With her modern bow and whaleback sheer, the exterior design of this new build reflects the owner’s specific ideas with large windows in the hull and glass in the superstructure that offers spectacular uninterrupted views from the owner’s stateroom. Out of the four superyachts being displayed by the Admiral

Equanimity 91,5 m Y709 (Oceanco) Constructed by the prestigious Dutch builder, Oceanco, It is the first superyacht designed and built to be fully Passenger Yacht Code compliant. Among special features there are the spa area leads on to a fully equipped gym and Pilates studio and beach club, which is complete with sauna, hammam, experiential showers, plunge pool and multi-faceted beauty salon, in additional to 20m² swimming pool with jets and many more.

Quattroelle 88m (Lürssen) Quattroelle‘s owner’s aim was to create a masterpiece of personal expression and a portable paradise, and it is clear he has succeeded. It is launched by the respected German shipyard Lurssen . Designed by prestigious Italian studio of Nuvolari & Lenard, luxury motor yacht Quattroelle features elegant and comfortable accommodation for up to 12 guests. In addition, she provides plenty of exterior deck space for entertainment and relaxation.

shipyard, the new 47m Entourage will be their largest. These few examples of 2014 launches are typical of the ultra chic But for pure yachting pleasure it is worth noting the elegant and sophisticated fleet of superyachts that will be unveiled at the and distinguished sailing yachts that Monaco Yacht Show. will be exhibited at the Show this year For Gaëlle Tallarida, the show’s During the last two or three too: Wisp is the new 48m classic sloop Managing Director the comparison of years there has been a by the Dutch shipyard, Royal Huisman, Monaco’s superyacht offering with Haute noticeable increase in the she is a fine example of revival naval Couture collections is clearly obvious: architecture by Hoek Design. The own“In superyachting, as well as in Haute demand for vessels over 100m Couture, everything is possible, harmoer’s brief was for a boat that would perform well without excessive heel, thus allowing comfortanious and luxurious with only the best of the best materials being used. Designers enjoy saying that the only limit to creating a yacht ble cruising and at the same time a little ‘gentleman’s racing.’

Chopi Chopi 80m (CRN) Five decks, plus a tank deck hosting technical and service areas comprise a total surface area of about 1,900 square metres. The yacht will solely be used for private use. The main deck accommodates a large saloon aft and guest accommodations forward, while the owner enjoys a private deck that includes a 200 square metre private apartment connected to a stern terrace, as well as a helipad where a three tonne helicopter can land in privacy.

Red Square 73m (Dunya Yachts) Launched by the Turkish yard Dunya Yachts, this yacht features a beach house-style interior and exterior design by Sterling Scott Yacht Design. The double-height main saloon and swimming pool on the main deck are the outstanding exterior features. The yacht also boasts a cinema, gym, spa and heli-pad. Red Square accommodates 12 guests in a master and five double cabins. The yacht also boasts a double-height main saloon, a cinema, gym and heli-pad. cordeditorial@cma.rs |

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Galactica Star 65m (Heesen) With naval architecture by Van Oossanen and exterior styling by Omega Design, Heesen’s 65-metre Galactica Star with its Fast Displacement Hull Form exhibits efficient semi-displacement cruising characteristics with a great layout, including an extensive aft beach club part-lit with light filtered through a suspended aft deck pool.

Lady M 64m (Palmer Johnson) U.S. builder Palmer Johnson will be showing the sleek, powerful and graceful Lady M. Built entirely in aluminium, she achieves to a top speed of 28 knots and has a transatlantic range. She features exterior and interior design by Nuvolari Lenard, and her elongated bow includes a 8.2m tender bay that converts to a 42,000-litre saltwater swimming pool and the teak deck doubles as a helipad.

class services to meet the demands of this elite clientele: VIP passis the limit of the owner’s imagination! Each yacht is made possible by the work of hundreds of specialised and es, luxury courtesy car services, helicopters, passionate employees. By listening carefulDesigners enjoy saying that bus or boat shuttles. In the heart of the show area, the Upper ly to the expectations and requests of both the only limit to creating Deck Lounge is designed to be a place where market professionals and yacht owners the a yacht is the limit of the businessmen can hold their meetings, or MYS strives to bring the two together in a maybe invite their favorite clients to dine befitting business ambience.” owner’s imagination! in the restaurant catered by Private Dining The MYS attracts industry leaders and by Fairmont Monte-Carlo, or simply enjoy a glass of champagne a ultra wealthy clientele from around the world and offers top-

J’Ade 60m (CRN) J’Ade features special full height windows providing exceptionally wide panoramic views. This is combined with a beach club, a stern hatch that turns into a large platform by the water, and the highly innovative ‘flooded garage’, where the owner can store and easily access the 8 metre Riva Iseo Yacht without the need for a tender lift. J’Ade yacht can comfortably host the whole extended family, with room for 10 guests and 13 crew members. 60 |

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Prince Shark 49m (RossiNavi) Built to exterior and interior designs by Team for Design – by Enrico Gobbi, and with naval architecture by Arrabito, this aggressive 49 metre from Italian yard Rossinavi was completed under project name Prince Shark has been one of the most complex projects. Her angular yet elegant lines are backed up by her performance. The yacht reached 24 knots in tests powered by two 12V 4000 M93L engines of 2,580kW each.

World’s Most Expensive Yachts History Supreme – $4.8 billion Owned by an anonymous Malaysian businessman, this yacht is decorated with bones of dinosaurs and tiny meteorites. Over 100,000kg of gold and platinum as well as precious stones were used around the yacht, as apparently that is her owner’s idea of elegance. The History Supreme was built by UK based Start Hughes and Company and took over three years to complete.

Eclipse – $800 million This 161 metre yacht has a crew of 70, 24 guest rooms, two helipads and a mini submarine. It belongs to Russian billionaire Roman Abromovich. It has its own intruder detecting system. It can detect cameras and has an anti-paparazzi laser shield that scans and blocks nearby prying camera lenses.

M41 41m Superyacht (Mondo Marine) Mondo Marine will be showing its latest build: the 41-metre M41, the sixth in 41m trideck superyachts. The yacht shares the same technical platform as her sisterships in aluminum and steel, but with an entirely different superstructure and interior by Giorgio Vafiadis. Guests are well cared with two identical VIP suites on the lower deck, plus two more double cabins.

by Taittinger in a luxurious setting designed by interior decorators Sabrina Monte-Carlo in collaboration with Italian designer Paola Lenti, the French crystal manufacturer Baccarat and the art gallery Opera Gallery. The Upper Deck Lounge also includes several reception areas reserved exclusively for the executives of exhibiting companies, areas where they can talk with their customers in confidence. On display in the lounge will be the finest timekeepers manufactured by the Swiss luxury watchmaker Ulysse Nardin, official sponsor of the MYS for the 6th consecutive year. ■

Dubai – $350 million Owned by Shiek Mohammd bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Prime Minister of the UAE, this The 155-metre yacht has the mega yacht prerequisites of a helipad, swimming pool, and spa. It has been called a floating city because it contains nearly anything a person could want or need.

Superyacht A – $323 million Andrei Melnichenko, is a Russian billionaire with this gorgeous yacht of unique design. This yacht was built by Philppe Starck and garnered quite a bit of discussion while it was being built. It is relatively small by the standards of this list with a 14 guest, 43 crew/staff limit.

Al Said – $300 million This yacht has an aluminum superstructure and was named after its owner, Sultan Qaboos Bin Said Al Said of Oman. While it was being constructed in 2007 and 2008 it was the world’s second largest yacht. It can accommodate up to 70 guests with a crew of 154.

Dilbar – $263 million Alisher Usmanov, a Russian businessman owns this yacht that was constructed in 2008. The yacht is named after his mother and was also designed by Tim Heywood. Dilbar can accommodate 20 guests with a crew of 47.

Al Mirqab – $250 Million Owned by the Prime Minister of Qatar, Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani, this yacht was designed by Tim Heywood and constructed by Peters Schiffbau Wewelsfleth yard. The yacht has 10 suites (maximum of 24 guests). There are two VIP rooms created for the yacht’s owner and its own movie theatre, sun deck, pool, and helipad.

Lady Moura – $210 Million Nasser Al-Rashid, a Saudi multi-billionaire, owns this yacht. The name of the yacht is applied to the ship in 24-karat gold. Not much is known about this mega yacht, but you can imagine the opulence, luxury, comfort, and amenities inside of it.

Seven Seas – $200 Million

Sofia 41.76m Superyacht (Moonen) This luxury superyacht Sofia with a steel hull and an aluminium superstructure was designed by Stolk Marimecs BV naval architects. Accommodation aboard of Moonen’s Sofia III yacht is provided in one Master suite, four guests suites and one gymnasium, which can be converted into a cabin for two. This means Sofia offers accommodation for up to 12 guests. A crew of seven professionals will take care of the superyacht and her guests.

Steven Spielberg’s mega yacht was constructed by the Dutch shipyard Oceano. It was constructed to his specifications and tastes. It has an infinity pool with a 3 meter glass surface that can be used as a movie screen. It has its own fully equipped gym, helipad, and private deck for Spielberg. It can house 12 guests and has a crew of 26.

The Rising Sun – $200 Million This yacht was originally owned by Larry Ellison, the CEO of Oracle. Its current owner is music and film mogul David Geffen. It is fully furnished and has a basketball court that doubles as a helicopter pad. This yacht has five floors, 82 rooms, ad four propellers that allow it to cruise the seven seas at the speed of 33 knots.

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FEATURE

MARINA ABRAMOVIĆ

512 Hours:

Exchange of Energy The performance artist reflects on her marathon Serpentine show, not being marriage material and her legacy By ACHEL COOKE, THE OBSERVER

ontegrin performance artist Marina Abramović, 67, has been performing her show 512 Hours at the Serpentine Gallery in London since June. Visitors are invited to leave their bags, phones and watches at the door and put on noise-blocking earphones before they are led around the gallery by the artist. Activities within the space have included staring at the wall, slow walking and counting grains of rice, the aim being to encourage people to be “present in the moment”. At the end of each day Abramović has recorded a video diary, Marina at Midnight, in which she documents her reflections on the experience. The final diary was broadcasted on the Serpentine website at midnight on 25th August.

them part of an installation I will show one day. Also, we’ve had a lot of crying – one girl stood in front of a wall and cried uncontrollably. “It’s wonderful,” she said, when I talked to her in the locker room afterwards. “I just saw my whole life passing in front of me.” It’s emotional because [in our daily lives] we never have time to stop; we are consumption junkies. I have a writer who comes here every six days, and he walks for three hours in slow motion, and then he goes home and works. It’s a brain spa for him. In 1989 I gave an interview in which I said that the art of the 21st century would be art where there is nothing between the artist and the visitor, that it would be an exchange of energy, and that is how it has turned out here. Looking at something isn’t experiencing it; this is experience. Our culture is based on guilt, on having to deliver; but here we give people permission to do nothing – to close their eyes and just be with themselves. What we give people is themselves. The brain is like a Ferrari… we help people to slow it down.

■ Are you tired? - Yes. I wake up tired, I go to bed tired, and I dream of all these people when I sleep. It’s exhausting. I’ve been living this reality since early June. I haven’t been out on the streets of London. I haven’t done any socialising. I Our culture is based on go from home to here and here to home. It guilt, on having to deliver; has been a parallel reality and now I have to but here we give people start a new life.

■ Some of the reviews have been ex-

tremely negative. How do you feel about those? - It’s always going to be like that. But if I permission to do nothing ■ You’re on the move for eight hours died tomorrow I could say that it was me – to close their eyes and who put performance art into the maina day, six days a week. How have you just be with themselves stream and who introduced long-durakept going physically? - Every night I soak myself in Dead Sea tional work. If I’d listened to the critics salt for an hour. Every other day I have a massage. I’m not young, when I was in my 30s I’d never have got anywhere. so my neck, shoulders and back get sore. I can’t believe I’m still standing. I’ve lost 12 kilos. I’ve never been skinnier. ■ When you consider your early career (you worked in obscurity, and were so poor you lived in a van) and then you ■ Before 512 Hours opened, you were worried that the see the queues here, what goes through your mind? - People have no idea how hard I worked for this. That Citroën! British were too uptight and too given to sarcasm to open When I think where I came from… it’s too much! But thank God themselves to your work. Was your anxiety misplaced? it happened later for me. See what happens to young artists who - Yes. It has been unbelievable. The first few weeks, people were disbecome famous straightaway: they can’t deal with it. I was 50 betant and uncomfortable. Some would come just to observe; they didn’t want to take part. But then that changed. A lot started comfore I was famous. Fame feels like a side effect of hard work. ing back, and they created a kind of structure. They are a supporting group, an energy circle. I have so many people returning – some ■ Is it lonely being Marina Abramović? spend all day, every day, here. The queues have been very long, be- It’s very lonely. I’m divorced. I’m not marriage material because I’m always moving across the world, and my diary is full until 2017. cause space is limited and people have been spending so long inside. But this doesn’t feel like a sacrifice. I accepted it as my task. I didn’t want to have children, a family… I wanted this, and I have How have your visitors responded? ■ found so much happiness in it. ■ - We have had boxes and boxes of letters; my hope is to make 62 |

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SPECIAL EDITION

Wines & Wineries O F

ď &#x2026;

S E R B I A

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Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius Probus, born 232AD in the city of Sirmium (today’s Sremska Mitrovica), planted vines on the slopes of Alma Mons (today’s Fruška Gora), ensuring his name is linked with the start of viticulture in Serbia.

The first Serbian encyclopedia of wine “Experienced Cellarman”, authored by famous educator Zachariah Orphelin, dates back to 1783. In it he collected everything that was then known about winemaking, including the famous Bermet wine from Sremski Karlovac.

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Since the 1970s the Institute for Viticulture in Sremski Karlovac has created 21 new varieties of grape and three clones of Italian Riesling.

Serbia currently boasts the following wine routes: Palić, Fruška Gora, Vršac, Smederevo, Oplenac , Negotin, Knjaževac and Župa.

Rajačke Pimnice

Sremski Karlovac

According to the National Institute of Statistics, the average annual consumption of wine per capita in Serbia is between 3.3 and 4 litres. Three of every four bottles of wine consumed in the country are imported!

In Serbia some 700 wines are produced from 30 grape varieties. About 83 per cent of vineyards are located in Central Serbia, with the remaining 17 per cent in Vojvodina.

In the last decades the area of land in Serbia occupied by vineyards has fallen from 70,634 hectares to 30,000 hectares. During the 1980s vineyards covered 120,000 hectares.

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— SERBIAN WINE —

A Story Yet to be Told 

It used to be thought that only the wine regions of the "Old World", like those of France, were home to the best wine producers. Today, however, new wine markets are increasingly opening around the world, from Andalusia in Spain, to California and Oregon in the United States, the Cape Province in South Africa, Hunter Valley in Australia, Piedmont and Tuscany in Italy, Porto in Portugal etc. It turned out that the world is now more open to discovering new flavours and colours from unfamiliar wine regions, such as Serbia's

hen it comes to the production of wine, Serbia has similar climatic conditions to Bordeaux in France and international experts believe that Serbian wine can compete with European brands in terms of quality. In the last two decades, following the collapse of state wineries, private winemakers have, with great effort and investment, encouraged the renewal of domestic wine production. Speaking to CorD, sommelier and vice president of SERSA (The Association of Sommeliers of Serbia), Đurđa Katić, says, “in

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the last 15 years wine production has developed better than any other industry and it is still growing." Serbian winemakers believe that if domestic wine regions were properly presented and managed to attract those who create the image of a wine region - there is a good chance for Serbia to really become an important wine region on the world map in the next 10 to 30 years. For now, hundreds of small, private wineries have been established and are creating a high quality and distinctive style of wine. According to the statistics of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environmental Protection, the

Serbia was the first country in the region to begin the transformation of the geographical origin of wines with marks of different colours

system of geographical origin of wine in Serbia currently includes 64 wine producers with a total of 203 types of wine with certified geographical origin. At this summer’s prestigious Decanter 2014 World Wine Awards held in London, the 2011 Stari Zavet (Old Testament) wine from the Janko wine cellar in Sombor brought Serbia the historical title of regional winner among the red wines of Europe. At the same competition last year, in competition against as many as 14,362 wines from 52 countries, Serbian wines picked up a

historic record number of Decanter medals – as many as 17 (4 silver, 13 bronze, 18 recommendations). Among the most successful were – The Janko Cellar from Smederevo, Aleksandrović Winery, Zvonko Bogdan Winery, The Small Radovanović Cellar, Aleksić wine cellar from Vranje, Matalj Winery, Rajković Brothers Cellar, DiBonis from Subotica and the wineries Molovin and Belo Brdo from Ćeranić. Although we are still awaiting gold, these successes clearly show the possibilities of Serbian winemaking and potential private viticulture. As for the road to success, Serbia still has a long way to go.

Renewal of viticulture tradition

Serbia was once known for producing high quality wines, but various social turmoils throughout history have led to this sector being neglected. The first law on wine was passed way back in the time of the Nemanjić dynasty. During that era the leaders of production were the monasteries, while many rulers owned large vineyards. The most glorious period for Serbian wines was from the 18th to the late 19th centuries. During that time wines emerged in Serbia that found their way to the tables of most European courts.

for private producers, permitting them only to sell their grapes to large wineries or produce wine “for their own soul”. All the way until the 1990s there was around 100,000 hectares of vineyards in Serbia. But then began their constant decrease as a result of the collapse of major state wineries, an inability to sell grapes and a poor overall economic situation. In Serbia today, according to the Serbian Chamber of Commerce (SCC), there are around 30,000 hectares of vineyards. Production and processing of grapes is dealt with by about 120,000 households. It is estimated that about 83 per cent of perennial wine grape vines are located in central Serbia, while around 17 per cent are in Vojvodina. However, the government has in the last decade encouraged the renewal of the country’s winemaking tradition through subsidies and, according to expert estimates, wine could be an export ace for Serbia.

Harmonisation with EU winemaking regulations

The Ministry of Agriculture has launched a series of measures for the recovery of viticulture in Serbia. A new law on wine has been adopted and envisages the further development of Serbian wine on the basis of free market

Our chance are vineyards of 30,000 to 40,000 hectares with vines that will provide top quality grapes and wines with protected geographical origin and stamps The first Serbian encyclopedia of wine "Experienced Cellarman", compiled by famous educator Zachariah Orfelin, dates from 1783. For the book Orfelin collected everything that was known about winemaking, including the famous Bermet from Sremski Karlovci. Some 150 years ago this wine was exported to the United States and, according to some sources, was also on the wine list of the ill-fated Titanic. This wine has a very specific flavour, sweet and aromatic, and during its production more than 20 different herbs and spices are added. At the end of World War II the reconstruction of the country was a priority, which did not include the restoration of vineyards. During this period the Government of the People's Republic of Serbia established state wineries – 1950 "Navip", based on the existing Bruno Mozer wine cellar in Zemun, "Rubin" in Kruševac in 1955 and "Vinožupa" in Aleksandrovac in 1957. These were bad times for individual producers. In addition to nationalisation and land confiscation, these producers no longer had anywhere to sell their wines. The peak came with the law of 1970, which banned winemaking outright

principles, defined geographic origin, wine quality and family businesses. A vineyard and winery registry has been established according to EU standards and represents a census of local vineyards. Serbia was the first country in the region to begin the transformation of the geographical origin of wines. Marks of different colours have been introduced – green, red, purple – which differentiate between each category or sub-category of wines with indications of geographical origin. Top quality wine with controlled and guaranteed geographical origin and quality is incordeditorial@cma.rs |

According to expert estimates, wine could be an export ace for Serbia

119 September 2014 | 67

dicated by a purple label and the tag "K.G.P.K.", which means that its geographical origin and quality is controlled and guaranteed. In addition to harmonising legal regulations, in the last few years significant resources have been invested

What does Serbia have to offer foreign markets? In Serbia 700 types of wine are produced from 30 grape varieties, while in terms of colour they can be divided into red, white and rosé, and in terms of category they incude high quality wines with certified geographic origin, top quality wines with certified geographic origin, table wines and table wines with certified geographic origin. Trypes of wine differentiate depending on the region

Grape production in the period from 2008 to 2013 totalled an average of 340,000 tonnes annually

Wines from our area are characterised by their light-green or greenishyellow colour

in viticulture, in order to improve breeding of the highest quality grape varieties and pave the way for Serbian wine to penetrate the international market. The Ministry of Agriculture also provides grants of €12,000 per hectare for planting vines. Subsidizing each seedling on up to 10 hectares of vineyards is envisaged, as well as the registered farm returning 40 per cent of the funds, which are invested. At the same time, the state is willing to set aside up to €20,000 euros for investments worth up to €50,000. However, the process of growing vines is long and from planting to higher yields requires six to ten years.

Screwcap Extends Wine Freshness

of Serbia. A large number of vineyards are located next to three major rivers - the South Morava, West Morava and Great Morava, while in central Serbia and Vojvodina they are near the rivers Sava, Tisza and Danube. In central Serbia red grape varieties are represented, while in Vojvodina grapes are grown that provide high-quality white wines. Wines from our area are characterised by their light-green or greenish-yellow colour. They are light, with moderate alcohol content, a dry taste and less sugar. For winemakers an important issue is how to make the best use of natural resources and the available terrain, as well as deciding which variety of vines to plant in order to produce wines interesting to Europe. According to sommelier Đurđe Katic, "every foreigner, on a business trip or private visit to Serbia, prefers to opt for local wines and is particularly interested in those very specific, unique wines made from autothonic varieties." Since the 1970s the Institute for Viticulture in Sremski Karlovac has created 21 varieties of grapes and three clones of Italian reisling. The most interesting varieties have proven to be Sila, Probus and Neoplanta, while Panonija and Morava are interesting for organic production

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One of the pioneers in the application of threaded caps in Serbia is the Zvonko Bogdan Winery from Subotica, which this year switched entirely to using the Screwcap – the latest threaded caps – on its white and rosé wines

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The battle for caps has been one of the burning issues in the global wine industry for over the past five or six years. And while traditionalists fear the threaded metal cap, some of the fastest-growing wine industries are applying this technology for sealing wines. Proponents of the latest threaded caps emphasise their convenience, especially for wines not intended for long aging. Moreover, a large number of studies, but also examples in practice, have shown that the screwcap is much better at retaining the freshness of the wine compared to a traditional cork. The real cause of the increasingly mass introduction of the screwcap is TCA (2,4,6-tribromoanisole), a chemical compound that usually enters the wine due to a tainted cork. The result is the emergence of an odour in the wine that is reminiscent of mould, known as "cork taint". Positive changes can be detected on the Serbian wine scene by the fact that an increasing number of wine producers are selecting precisely the screwcap.

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due to their high level of resistance. However, until a few years ago it was difficult to convince Serbian producers that it would be a good idea to start producing wine from domestic varieties. However, in the last few years winemakers have slowly changed their attitude. Nevertheless, another group of wine experts considers that when it comes to Serbian wines for foreign markets we should not avoid international varieties. Diversity in the relief and microclimates of Serbia provides the possibility for the successful cultivation of the majority of the most popular varieties. For instance, it is known that Chardonnay and Pinot Noir achieve superior quality in eastern Serbia, that the whole of Mount Fruška Gora and Vršac Breg hill are perfect for white varieties, that Levač is the place for Merlot, Frankovka and Pinot Noir. And from Leskovac to Vranje the land is made for Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. According to the Association of Winemakers of Shumadia, "viticulture in Serbia has a lot to offer for-

There are nine wine routes of Serbia that have so far been defined - Palić, Fruška Gora, Vršac, Šumadija, Smederevo-Belgrade, Negotin, Župa, Niš-Kragujevac and Kosovo

eign buyers, but there are problems of quantity and our only chance is for vineyards of 30,000 to 40,000 hectares with vines that will provide top quality grapes and wines with protected geographical origin and stamps." According to the data of the National Bureau of Statistics, grape production in the period from 2008 to 2013 totalled an average of 340,000 tonnes annually. Furthermore, for now Serbia has not yet reached its wine export quota of 37,600 hectolitres envisaged by the EU.

Wine tourism in Serbia France, Italy and Spain are the biggest wine producing countries in Europe. Their local wine routes are travelled by millions of tourists annually, while wineries make multimillion profits from tourist visits. An old Roman proverb says: "In order to meet a nation sit at its table, try its food and drink its wine, then you will get to know what those people are like." Under the auspices of the project initiated by the Ministry of the Economy, nine wine routes of Serbia have so far been defined - Palić, Fruška Gora, Vršac, Šumadija, Smederevo-Belgrade, Negotin, Župa, Niš-Kragujevac and Kosovo. They are becoming an important link in the development of rural tourism, while tourists and all wine lovers can, during the traditional "wine months" from September to November, visit wineries, wine cellars and thematic museums, but also the largest commercial and tourist events in the glory of the grape harvest, such as – Smederevo Autumn (Smederevo), Vintage Days (Palić), Pudarski Days (Irig), Grape Picking Days (Vršac), Župa Harvest (Aleksandrovac) and Karlovac grape harvest (Sremski Karlovac). In our country, where the culture of rakia brandy, followed by beer, is much more prevalent, wine culture has only recently become interesting. And although creating a wine culture is a long and slow process, it is a particularly important and necessary link in the creation of the identity of a country. That’s why we are yet to tell the story of Serbian wine. 

Among the World’s Best Wines

Chardonnay and Pinot Noir achieve superior quality in eastern Serbia

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The Janko Wine Cellar is currently building a new winery equipped with state-of-the-art technology in the most beautiful part of Smederevo



Among fierce competition to be declared the world’s best wine, the 2011 vintage of “Stari Zavet” (Old Testament) wine won a gold medal at this year’s prestigious Decanter Wine Awards in London, as well as the Regional Trophy for Central and Eastern Europe. The Janko Wine Cellar, which has existed since 2006, produces six different wines using to the latest technology, which entails aging in stainless steel casks and traditional Barrique barrels. The winery’s stand out red wines include - “Crveni Zapis” (Red Record), made from the Merlot variety, “Zapis” (Testament)", a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, and the wine “Stari Zavet” (Old Testament), which brought Janko its first gold medal at the prestigious Decanter competition in London and its first regional trophy. Among the white wines, alongside "Smederevka", other highlights include “Vrtlog” (Vortex) and “Misija” (Mission). These wines, which win numerous awards in Serbia and elsewhere in the world, emerge from the varieties Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Riesling, Smederevka, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, from fertile vineyards that stretch over 14 hectares of land in the Smederevo area, which has a long winemaking tradition.

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— INTERVIEW —

Only Top Quality Wines Stand a Chance 

The proprietor and director of the Oplenac-based Aleksandrović Winery, Božidar Aleksandrović, has brought back to Serbia global awards for his winery's top quality wines and is rightly regarded as one of the leaders of the new “wine movement”, comprising local winemakers from this region who are conquering the world

Božidar Aleksandrović,

Proprietor and Director of Aleksandrović Winery d.o.o.

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umerous awards from national and international events make the Aleksandrović Winery a globally recognisable Serbian brand. In 2014 alone the winery won several gold, silver and bronze medals at the most prestigious global and regional wine competitions, like Decanter and the International Wine Challenge, both of which take place in London, and Chardonnay du Monde in France, the Balkan International Wine Competition in Bulgaria and Slovenia’s Wine Ljubljana. The hills around Oplenac have been a vine growing region since ancient times. During Roman rule Vincea (also known as Vinica in medieval times and Vinča today) was the symbol of the centuries-old dedication the locals demonstrated when it comes to vine growing and winemaking. In the early 20th century the Venčac Wine Cooperative was established in the close proximity of Vinča, followed by the cultivating of vineyards by kings Petar and Aleksandar Karađorđević and the opening a wine cellar which made the Oplenac wines famous all over Europe. The Aleksandrović Family has been in the vine growing and winemaking business for over a century and since the very beginning they’ve cooperated with royal vine growers and winemakers. The family was also among the founders of the Venčac Wine Cooperative. The Aleksandrović Wine Cellar had its first vintage in 1991, when the winery also launched its original label. In the next year the winery developed its original signature wine, royal wine cellarman Živan Tadić. This is also the time when the winery started to bottle the Trijumf wine, which quickly became recognised far and wide as a top quality wine, taking the number one position among wines from our region.

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 Considering your winery’s export results, it seems Serbian wines are finally starting to gain their position on the global market. How can Serbia export even more wine and what are the market advantages of Serbian wines?

- We need to listen intently to the market and carefully follow its trends. The aim of every winemaker should be to develop an identity for their wines, as well as adjusting to consumer tastes. Globally speaking, consumers are overwhelmed with the French, Spanish and Italian wines and they want something new. I think the fact Serbia is still not recognised as a winemaking country is both our advantage and our obstacle. We are considered very exotic at the moment and that should be our trump card. In the last ten years there was a resurgence of family winemaking in Serbia. Our climate and land facilitate

The highest quality wines are sold at auction for exuberant prices. That’s why quality is the only chance that Serbia and other winemaking countries have

the production of top quality wines. To corroborate this claim, allow me to say that in the last five to six years the wines from our winery have ranked high on the wine lists of prestigious hotels and restaurants from Japan, China and Russia, to Europe and America.

 What is Serbia’s position today in terms of wine production and who are our biggest global competitors?

- In my opinion, good wine has no competition. Hence, whoever manages to achieve the right quality will be successful in this industry. In Europe some 30% of wine remains unsold and subsequently distilled into alcohol. This

is so-called quantity, mass produced wine, and not top quality examples. The top quality wines are sold at auctions for exuberant prices. That’s why quality is the only chance that Serbia and other winemaking countries have.

 What do you think the state should do in order to ad-

vance the production and sale of Serbian wines both at home and abroad? How much protection does the state give to domestic winemakers?

- We, as winemakers, have to be proud of our product and have to allow it to shine as brightly as possible. However, it is up to the state to create an environment where the idiosyncrasies of a new wine region, like Serbia, could be presented in the best possible way. Serbian winemakers cannot do that alone. That’s why

it is important for all institutions – from the government and ministries to tourist organisations and embassies – to get on board with the project. Only with synchronised help from the state in presenting Serbian wines at international fairs, presentations and tasting sessions in our diplomatic offices and embassies, as well as bringing in media familiar with wines and winemaking, and attracting potential buyers, are we going to be able to make the next step forward and make a good deal.

 Serbia cultivates the world’s most common grape va-

rieties, as well as local indigenous and emerging varies. What development direction should the Serbian wine industry take?

- In the future those indigenous Serbian varieties are going to attract most attention, but the international varieties, which are responsible for top quality wines and have completely adapted to our climate, are still going to be the most popular. Since consumers are on a constant quest for new aromas and tastes, the creativity of oenologists is of the utmost importance, along with respecting tradition and old recipes. Furthermore, the excellent properties of our climate contribute to the creation of a strong foundation for wines from ‘the new Serbian wine movement’ to stem from.

 This year the Šumadija Winemaking Association, which you chair, held the first Šumadija Wine Festival. How big is Šumadija's tourist potential as a wine destination?

- Wine tourism doesn’t only imply touring vineyards, wine cellars, wine festivals and wine exhibitions, but also ‘tasting’ the past, getting to know the customs and enjoying beautiful nature. If you add to this mix local cuisine, it becomes a one-of-a-kind experience. This is where Šumadija has huge potential. We have beautiful hills and glades and a climate suitable for fruit and grape growing. We are only an hour’s drive from an international airport and 80km from Belgrade. Šumadija is brimming with historic monuments. Oplenac is home to the Royal Winery which, back in the day, was the nucleus of development of the

Only with synchronised help from the state in presenting Serbian wines we will be able to take the next step forward and make a good deal

contemporary Serbian wine industry in the early 20th century. Today Šumadija boasts 13 or 14 private wineries that will form the backbone of the development of wine tourism in the future.

 The Aleksandrović Winery is very successful and your wines have been awarded many times at prestigious national and international competitions. What is your development strategy based on?

- Creating symbiosis between our climate, our land and our grape varieties, coupled with continuous hard work, provide the fabric of our wines. Our motto is quality and the perpetuation of the same. The Aleksandrović Winery today owns 75 hectares of its own vineyards and we mainly produce wines from our own grapes. The constant quest for all idiosyncrasies of a certain area is the one of the best moments you could have in this industry. That’s why winemaking is such a creative, uncharted art form.  cordeditorial@cma.rs |

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— W I N E AT E L I E R S H A PAT —

Winery of the Future 

Wine, like food, is experienced by all the senses, and Wine Atelier Shapat strives to enchant them all, with unique winery and an exceptional restaurant

n one of the most beautiful parts of Serbia, on the slopes of Mount Fruška Gora near Stari Slankamen, hidden among vineyards, Wine Atelier Shapat is located – a modern winery with a tasting room, top class restaurant and luxury apartments. Here they have been combined to form a single experience, as the realisation of the dream of wine and food lovers, hedonists and those who truly respect nature and art. Wine Atelier Shapat is a young winery with fresh and powerful ideas, defined in the clear vision, experience and wisdom of the founders, who built the foundations and are now living the vision. Their mission lies in the production of excellent wines from their own

"Shapat" is a place that needs to be enjoyed, a place to gather with family members and friends, meet business associates, but primarily share with good people 72 |

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vineyards, utilising exceptional Italian knowledge and local tradition, as well as special service and nurturing nature and art. As the winery’s owners believe, with the combination of tradition and the art of old masters and crafts, master equipment, as well as the vast potential of our region, they can produce the best. Atelier Shapat wine!

The very first purposely limited harvest came in September 2012. Then, one year later, the first big harvest marked the beginning of all creation. From October 2013 until today, Wine Atelier Shapat has offered wine lovers five kinds - Our first wine made from 100% Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé and the red blend Pi, while a new red wine is expected this autumn. With great anticipation, they wait for each new encounter. Then, they share the pleasure with friends and partners. Wine, like food, is experienced by all the senses, and they strive to enchant them all! The exceptional restaurant offer is inspired by surrounding vineyards, the silent flow of the Danube and the finest products, which are turned into the most delicious dishes by the chefs. This tranquil location, hidden and quiet, is the ideal venue for weddings, corporate meetings and various family and business gatherings. "Shapat" is a place that needs to be enjoyed, a place to gather with family members and friends, meet business associates, but primarily share with good people. It is a place where you come to feel and enjoy the nicer side of life. Everything is supported by the owners” overwhelming desire to share this piece of paradise with others, hence the effort to establish a special club of Wine Atelier Shapat lovers, with membership which will make each member feel very privileged. This remarkable sanctuary in nature has its perfect

match in the capital, where for years guests have enjoyed award winning grand service at the unique urban style luxury boutique hotel of the highest class - Townhouse 27. For four consecutive years it has been awarded the highest awards for impeccable service – 5 full circles (Certificate of Excellence - 5 circles of excellence), awarded by world famous web portal Tripadvisor.com.

For four consecutive years Townhouse 27 has received the highest awards for its impeccable service Townhouse 27 proudly retains its title as the best hotel in Belgrade and its elegant and extraordinarily large luxury rooms offer extreme comfort. An exclusive location, modern architecture and rich history complemented by works of art and sculptures, leave a truly unique impression of space and harmony. 

Wine Atelier Shapat

Počenta bb, Novi Slankamen Mob: +381.69.607906 Email: marija.kostic@sapat.rs www.sapat.rs

Hotel Townhouse 27

Marsala Birjuzova 56, Beograd Tel. + 381.11.2022900 E-mail: hotel@townhouse27.com www.townhouse27.com

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 Serbian Winery

Wine Cellar Aleksandrović Topola 34310, Vinča -Oplenac Tel: + 381 (0) 34 826 555 www.podrumaleksandrovic.rs

Wine Cellar Vinski dvor Horgoški put 221, Hajdukovo Tel: +381(0)24 758 400 Mob +381(0)63 855 49 29 E-mail: vinskidvor.od@open. telekom.rs www.vinskidvor.com

Wine Cellar Radovanović Dositejeva 10, 11319 Krnjevo, Srbija Tel: +381 (0) 26 821 085 E-mail: podrumradovanovic@ neobee.net www.podrumradovanovic.rs

Wine Cellar Radenković Trnavci, 37230 Aleksandrovac Tel: +381 (0) 37 764-058 E- mail: podrumradenkovic@eunet.rs www.wineco.co.rs

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Wine Cellar Probus

Wine Cellar Miletić

Matoševa 32, Sremski Karlovci Tel:+381(0)63 / 80 79 098 E-mail: office@podrum-probus.com www.podrum-probus.com

Oparić, 35267 Oparić E-mail: info@podrummiletic.com www.podrummiletic.com

Fax: +381 11 2450 605 Mob: +381 64 195 15 46 E-mail: office@podrumpanajotovic.rs www.podrumpanajotovic.rs

Wine Cellar Dibonis

Wine Cellar Budimir

Tuk Ugarnice 14, Subotica Tel: +381 (0) 24 546 067 E-mail: office@dibonis.com www.dibonis.com

Borjanska 23, Aleksandrovac Tel: +381 37 751649 E-mail: info@vinobudimir.com www.vinobudimir.com

Wine Cellar Nedin Gortanova 22, Gudurica Tel:+381 ( 0) 13 881 118 E-mail: vinarijanedin@gmail.com vinarijanedin.com

Wine Cellar Mačkov kamen Zanatski centar bb, Irig Tel: +381 (0) 22 462 492 E-mail: office@mackovpodrum.co.rs www.mackovpodrum.co.rs

Wine Cellar Kuzmanović Ulica Vojvode Živojina Mišića 11, Beočin Tel: +381 (0) 21 876-153 Mob +381 (0) 64 287-3117

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Wine Cellar Vršački vinogradi

Wine Cellar Kovačević

Svetosavski trg 1, 26300 Vršac Tel: +381 (0) 13 821-835 E-mail: info@vvinogradi.co.rs www.vvinogradi.co.rs

Đoke Šundukovića 85, Irig Tel: +381 (0)22 461 192 E-mail: vinarijakovacevic@kti.rs www.vinarijakovacevic.co.rs

Wine Cellar Zvonko Bogdan

Wine Cellar Rubin

Kanjiški put 45, Palić Tel: +381 (0) 24 415 02 75 E-mail:info@vinarijazvonkobogdan.com www.vinarijazvonkobogdan.com

Wine Cellar Panajotović Sanje Živanovića br. 5, Beograd Tel: +381 11 2455 166

Nade Marinković 57, Kruševac Tel:+381 ( 0) 37 412 - 699 E-mail: rubin@rubin.rs www.rubin.rs

Wine Cellar Živković Vojvode Putnika bb, Inđija Tel: +381 (0) 18 519 260 E-mail :info@kucavinazivkovic.rs kucavinazivkovic.rs

PODRUM RADOVANOVIÄ&#x2020; DOSITEJEVA 10 11319 KRNJEVO 026 821 085 www.podrumradovanovic.rs podrumradovanovic@neobee.net cordeditorial@cma.rs |

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Winery Vinum Lodi

Winery Jović

Njegoševa 36, Feketić Tel: +381 ( 0) 24 738 276 www.vinumlodi.rs

Spasoja Milkića 32, Knjaževac Tel: + 381 (0) 19 732 770 www.vinarijajovic.rs

Winery Milijan Jelić Bujačić bb, Valjevo Tel: +381 (0) 14 291 143 www.milijanjelic.com

Winery Dulka Poštanska 8, Sremski Karlovci Tel: +381 (0) 21 571 711 www.dulka-vinarija.com

Winery Vindulo Baranji Karolja 17, Temerin Tel: +381 (0) 21 843 773 www.vindulo.com

Winery Vrbica Vrbica bb, Aranđelovac Tel: +381 (0) 34 725-805 vinarijavrbica.rs

Winery Milutinović Grčkoškolska 7, Novi Sad Tel: +381 (0) 21 425 976 www.antiquinarium.com

Matalj Winery

Wine Cellar Braća Rajković Gornje Zleginje, Aleksandrovac Tel: + 381 (0) 37 764 453 www.podrumbracarajkovic.com

Winery Burčel - Todorov Tunislava Paunovića 6, Petrovaradin Tel: +381 (0) 21 643 16 40 www.vinarijabt.rs

Kladovski put bb, Negotin Tel: +381 (0) 19 522 828 www.mataljvinarija.rs

Winery Janko Šalinačka bb, Smederevo Tel: + 381 (0) 26 613 340 www.vinjanko.com

Wine Cellar Aleksić Industrijski blok 9, Vranje Tel: + 381 (0) 17 446 243

Winery Art Wine Nićifora Novakovića 13a, Grošnica Tel: + 381 (0) 34 328 528 www.artwine.co.rs

Winery Čoka Vinoprodukt Čoka Korzo 1, Subotica Tel: +381 (0) 24 557 940 www.vinarijacoka.rs

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Wine Cellar do kraja sveta Žarka Zrenjanina 13, Kovilj Tel: + 381 (0) 21 298 99 77 www.dokrajasveta.com

Winery House Spasić Tržac bb, Aleksandrovac Tel: + 381 ( 0) 37 751 353 www.vinarijaspasic.com

Winery Vinastra Prvomajska 21, Ilandža Tel: + 381 (0) 63 817 49 20 www.vinastra.info

Winery Kiš Karlovačkog mira 46, Sremski Karlovci Tel: + 381 (0) 21 882 880 www.vinarijakis.com

Winery Ivanović 10. avgusta 18, Aleksandrovac Tel: + 381 ( 0) 37 555 033 www.ivanovicvino.com

Winery Župa Kruševačka 36, Aleksandrovac Tel: + 381 (0) 37 355 24 09 www.vinozupa.com

Winery Stemina Pana Đukića 2, Trstenik Tel: + 381 (0) 37 711 694 www.vinarijastemina.com

Winery Vinovita Sinđelićeva 8, Beograd Tel: +381 ( 0) 11 245 51-66 www.vinovita.rs

Vinski Dvor Horgoški put 221, Hajdukovo Tel: + 381 ( 0) 24 758 400 www.vinskidvor.com

Wine Cellar Selecta Otona Župančića 73, Gudurica Tel: + 381 ( 0) 13 805 359 www.vinarijaselecta.rs

Wine Cellar Botunjac

Winery House Miljković selo Gornje Rataje, Aleksandrovac Tel: + 381 ( 0) 37 763 107 www.vinarijamiljkovic.rs

Status Winery Vasilija Anđelkovića 165a, Svrljig Tel: + 381 (0) 18 822 075 www.vinarijastatus.co.rs

Despot Winery Nikodijević

selo Donje Zleginje, Aleksandrovac Tel: + 381 ( 0) 37 764 391 www.vinabotunjac.rs

Stenjevac bb, Stenjevac Tel: + 381 (0) 35 863 33 26 www.despotvino.com

Vitis Vino - Vino Jelenković

Wine Cellar Benišek

Mire Vinklajt 17, Negotin Tel: + 381 ( 0) 19 542 500 www.vitisvino.rs

Mitropolita Stratimirovića 72, Sremski Karlovci Tel: + 381 ( 0) 21 881 605 www.podrumbenisek.com

Vinarium

Wine Cellar Skovin

Fruškogorska bb, Banoštor Tel: + 381 (0) 21 879 145 www.vinarium.rs

15. Korpus broj 3, Skopje Tel: +389 02 3145-701; E-mail: info@skovin.com.mk; www.skovin.mk

Winery Pusula Milutina Milankovića 25b, Novi Beograd Tel: + 381 (0) 11 711 31 03 www.pusula.rs

Winery Tonković Bački vinogradi bb, Subotica Tel: + 381 ( 0) 24 753 232 www.vinarijatonkovic.com

Wine Cellar Tikveš 810 bb, Skopje Tel: + 389 2 3175 966 E-mail: vvtikves@tikves.com.mk tikves.com.mk

Atelje vina Šapat

Bulevar Mihajla Pupina 6, Novi Sad Tel: + 381 (0) 21 423 720 www.quetwine.com

Počenta bb, Novi Slankamen Tel: +381(0)69 607 079 +381 (0)69 607 906 E-mail: ateljevina@sapat.rs sapat.rs www.sapat.rs

Winery Belo Brdo

Podrum vina Bogunović

Quet Wine

Sremska bb, Čerević Tel: + 381 ( 0) 63 507 555 www.belobrdo.com

cordeditorial@cma.rs |

Ugrinovački put 11, Zemun Tel: + 381 (0) 11 375 0501 www.vinarijabogunovic.com

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The Zvonko Bogdan Winery has opened its doors to all lovers and admirers of wine. We invite you to step into the world of wine, discover the secrets of wine, rich colours and flavours... Unique atmosphere, great wines – a haven for hedonists.

THE STOP YOU MUSTN’T BYPASS, WELCOME!

Contact: Kranjiški put 45, Palić

Tel: + 381 24 415 02 75 Mob: +381 62 789 980

119 September 2014 | www.cordmagazine.com

Email: info@vinarijazvonkobogdan.com

MARKETING

Lesson to Learn From

the Ice Bucket Challenge Cause-marketing aside, most brands are usually not trying to save lives. Marketers are normally trying to sell a product or a service. But first and foremost, that means getting people to engage with, and participate in, what your brand is doing

By ANNE-MARIE KLINE

nd from that participatory side, there is a lot that we can learn from the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge that's been sweeping the world. By now you've undoubtedly seen your Facebook feed and Twitter stream flowing with videos of people dousing themselves with ice and challenging others to do the same to raise awareness and money to fight amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Some have argued about the effectiveness of this, but according to the ALS Association, as of 18th August, it's "received $15.6 million in donations compared to $1.8 million during the same time period last year."

ic charity until, according to Time, a guy named Chris Kennedy in Florida linked the two. But it didn't really go viral until Pete Frates in Boston and Pat Quinn in Yonkers, New York, picked up the challenge and took it to their local communities and friends. They wanted to raise money for ALS, but they didn't intend to kick off a national movement. Part of the reason that the challenge took off in the Boston area is because there was a specific hometown link. People knew Pete's story - the former captain of the Boston College baseball team, raising awareness and money to fight ALS. That feeling of community, the story of who he is and why he's doing this, helped motivate Boston to get involved. And that got the attention of that community's friends, families and even celebrities worldwide. MAKE IT FUN, AND MAKE IT EASY A lot of times brands struggle with launching a national camBrands and marketers are constantly asking people to do things - it's one way that we try to get our audiences to engage: paign. By trying to engage everybody at once, it becomes someregister to win a car, tweet to get a disthing generic and vanilla. But if you start by engaging people on a local level, you count, create an account for new updates. A lot of times brands can build up steam, and it can grow into It works to varying degrees when the instruggle with launching something bigger. centive is there. But it doesn't often gena national campaign. But Don't try too hard to control the meserate a lot of buzz or take off organically because it's generally not that interesting sage - let other people tell the story if you start by engaging or unique of a tactic. People are now used If a brand had launched something like people on a local level, to doing these things. Most people aren't this, chances are that you'd have marketyou can build up steam, used to dumping a bucket of ice water on ers all over the place trying to control the and it can grow into their heads. message. But this challenge enables peosomething bigger Equally important is that the Ice ple to tell their own stories. Some have Bucket Challenge has made participation dedicated their video to a loved one with easy. Anyone can do it, and it doesn't require a special talent, nor ALS. Some are taking the opportunity to create a memory with any special resources. Often times when brands launch contests, friends. Others are taking creative license and building ice dumpor try to engage people in a unique way, the downside is that the ing contraptions a la Bill Gates. And still others are skipping the ice campaign isn't easily accessible for some - you have to be a cerand just jumping into the very cold waters of Lake Michigan (albeit that may be too far of a stretch). tain age, be from a certain place, take a picture in an interesting Even if you're not a brand that's tied to a cause, even if you're locale, etc. Anyone can dump a bucket of ice water over her head. just trying to sell a product, this is a learning moment about letting the community tell your story. â&#x2013; SOMETIMES GOING LOCAL IS MORE POWERFUL THAN NATIONAL The Ice Bucket Challenge started off unaffiliated to any specifSource: Advertising Age cordeditorial@cma.rs |

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CHILL OUT

World's First Man-made Leaf These leaves, created by Royal College of Art student Julian Melchiorri, absorb water and carbon dioxide just like real plants, but are made from tough silk proteins that could allow them to survive space voyages. The ‘world’s first artificial leaves’, which incorporate chloroplasts extracted from plants to produce oxygen, could be used to keep astronauts breathing on long space journeys. The Silk Leaf project was engineered in collaboration with Tufts University silk lab, which

helped Melchiorri extract chloroplasts from real leaves and suspend them in a silk matrix. “The material is extracted directly from the silk fibres,” explains Melchiorri. “This material has an amazing property of stabilising molecules. I extracted chloroplasts from plant cells and placed them inside this silk protein. As an outcome, I have the first photosynthetic material that is living and breathing as a leaf does.” Chloroplasts are the parts of plant cells that conduct photosynthesis, using the energy of the sun to turn carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.

Europe's First Google Glass-Equipped Hotel Situated among rolling hills of vineyards and the sprawling Douro River in Spain, the Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine luxury hotel is a portrait Old World charm. Once a monastery, this sprawling estate is located two hours north of Madrid and has seen its share of history over its 900-year lifespan. After finishing up a complete restoration in 2012, LeDomaine is now taking a confident step toward the future by being the first hotel in Europe to offer guests Google Glass during their stay. Guests are treated to a memory stick of the photos they’ve taken with Glass upon checkout—so there will be no shortage of memories. And with 1,230 acres of farmland, including 500 acres of vineyards, there’s plenty of exploring and image capturing to be done.

Zero Energy to Keep Food Cool Indian Mansukhbhai Raghavbhai Prajapati, a Gujarat-based potter and entrepreneur, has created a refrigerator made entirely from clay that keeps food cool without requiring any electricity. The MittiCool fridge uses the natural cooling effect of water evaporation to keep vegetables fresh for up to a week and store milk for three days before it spoils. Water from the upper chambers drips down the side of the clay fridge and takes away heat as it evaporates, leaving the chambers cool. This affordable green appliance made from clay is said to preserve the original taste of fruits and vegetables, unlike many conventional models that run on electricity. It requires no or very little maintenance and is guaranteed to continue working even in cases of power outages. 80 |

Nebuta Festival For some 300 years the Nebuta Festival has been held in Aomori Prefecture over five days in August. During that time, huge floats made to resemble warriors and demons are lit up like lanterns and paraded around the city. Hundreds of performers dance around the floats, which can reach a height of five metres. The floats compete for prizes, such as the Mayor’s Award, judged on things like construction and appearance. When accompanied by energetic music and enthusiastic dancers, these papiermâché figures almost look as if they have been brought to life. The festival’s finale features a fireworks display and boat parade. The festival has grown to massive proportions and now attracts roughly three million visitors — making it vital for the local economy. Special prepaid viewing seats often sell out well in advance.

119 September 2014 | www.cordmagazine.com

Soaring Domes Built With Bamboo

Britain’s First Cloned Dog

Vietnam-based firm Vo Trong Nghia Architects, one of the pioneers of bamboo architecture, recently constructed a number of beautiful projects in Ho Chi Minh City that demonstrate the extensive capabilities of bamboo, which some have dubbed “vegetable steel.” Fusing traditional folk art and contemporary architecture, the firm has begun construction of eight 24-metre wide domes, all made with columns of woven bamboo stalks that have been secured into concrete foundations. Located on Diamond Island, a small artificial formation, the eight domes are intended as flexible community spaces for local residents, to use for conferences, parties and to house a restaurant. According to the architect, once bamboo has been soaked in mud and smoked it becomes as strong as timber. The bamboo project is set to be completed in October of this year.

Britain’s first clone dog, ‘Mini Winnie’, was born in March in South Korea after owner Rebecca Smith, from Battersea, East London, won a competition to have her dog cloned by Korean Sooam Biotech Research Foundation in a procedure that normally costs around £60,000. Mini Winnie spent her first five months being reared in South Korea, followed by some time in quarantine, before being given to Rebecca and meeting Winnie for the first time last month. “Mini-Winnie looks just like Winnie did when she was a puppy. Big Winnie has put on weight and looks grey now, but they have the same markings. They both have big ears and nipples that aren’t quite aligned. They even both have little bent tails,” said Miss Smith.

Cat Themed High Heels These cat themed high heels come from the twisted imagination of shoe designer Kobi Levi. Levi is known for creating unusual pumps, made in the image of animals or familiar objects. He’s even created a pair of shoes inspired by pop icon Madonna. These feline infused heels are perfect for cat lovers with a bold sense of style. The straps on these peculiar pumps are designed to look like tails. They wrap around the wearer’s ankle, holding these eye-catching shoes in place. The heel itself is made to look like little kitty hind legs. These brown pumps come with tiny red collars, which have bells fastened to them. Levi calls these catastic shoes ‘Meow’, which seems extremely fitting. These domesticated kitty shoes are guaranteed to get people talking.

Diego Gugliermetto’s Fun Seatings If you are looking for some great furniture to spruce up your home or office, this fun seating designed by Diego Gugliermetto is the way to go. Based in Italy, this designer has created chairs that look exactly like pastries, poufs and other baked goods. The poufs and confectionary couches offer something your body can sink into, rather than just your teeth. But, just like treats, you probably can’t have just one. Ideal for waiting rooms -- for full irony points, use these to furnish a dentist’s office -- or to top off sugary sweet décor, the fun seating adds appeal to any room. The designer has also created other food inspired seating, including a chocolate bar shaped couch and a yellow pepper pouf. cordeditorial@cma.rs |

119 September 2014 | 81

Ciciban footwear company is a family run business, owned by the Petejan family from the village of Miren in Slovenia. Back in 1953, Pavle Petejan made his first pair of childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s orthopaedic shoes under the guidance of an orthopaedist. Today, the Petejan family is the leading producer of anatomical shoes in the region of former Yugoslavia. The company pays close attention to technological developments, and innovation, in order to make top quality footwear. Ciciban is committed to the notion that a skilful pair of shoemakerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hands is crucial in the production of good quality shoes. Hence, the company has never moved its production facilities from Slovenia and, to this day, the factory remains under the watchful eye of the Petejan family.

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Ciciban has its own retail store network, with easily recognisable shops, in which both parents and children take delight. Accordingly, each shop has a ‘fun corner’ for children and each child receives a present. You will find Ciciban’s shops all over former Yugoslavia. In Belgrade Ciciban’s stores are located in the most prestigious locations such as on Knez Mihailova, Ušće Shopping Centre, Delta City etc. Ciciban uses the highest quality, natural materials for their products, Each season, the company launches 300 new shoe models, in line with the latest fashions. Today, Ciciban is the synonym for excellent and comfortable children’s shoes. Ciciban’s products have been approved by medical specialists including physiatrists and orthopaedists.

cordeditorial@cma.rs |

119 September 2014 | 83

Footwear for all occasions Well known for its traditional quality, Ciciban’s range for this season again is in keeping with current fashion trends with its cheerful patterns which children will delight in. The new models from the autumn winter 2014/15 collection are elegant and stylish, very lightweight and comfortable. Their comfort will provide real pleasure in all a child’s activities. For this season, Ciciban has released about 300 new styles across several ranges. Here is a small taste of what they have in store this season.

MARINES - for the first steps The characteristics of this range are flexible soles with carefully selected leather which enables a complete bending of the feet thanks to their suppleness. Within the shoe is an anatomic insole which provides additional stability and comfort for the feet. Natural leather enables good air circulation and allows the necessary ‘breathing’ of feet. Sizes: 17-21 84 |

119 September 2014 | www.cordmagazine.com

There are shoes for all occasions – from the everyday to the special – for pre-school children with Ciciban’s ranges of Classic, Softy, Over, Kevin, Rolly, Palos, Linus, Energy, Kiss, Planet, Janet, Seatle, Naik, Brio, Run, Timber, Aspen and ten more production lines. Sizes: 18-40

‘Light, comfortable, anatomically shaped, and made from natural materials, CICIBAN shoes enable the healthy development of children’s feet and comfort with each step’ Mr sc. med. dr Jelena Rakić Milanović Specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation

Marines

for the first steps

Ciciban shops in Belgrade: Ciciban, Knez Mihailova 32, telefon: 328 12 23 ● Ciciban, Ušće Shopping Center, tel: 312 06 99 ● Ciciban, Delta City, tel: 220 38 56 Ciciban, Terazije 35, tel: 303 42 61 ● Ciciban, Prote Mateje 62, tel: 386 36 13 ● Ciciban, Banovo brdo, Ščerbinova 6, tel: 354 26 22 Ciciban corners in Planika shops in Belgrade: Planika, Bulevar Kralja Aleksandra 52, tel: 30 34 724 Planika, Stadion Voždovac centar, II sprat, tel: 630 58 04

www.ciciban.info

cordeditorial@cma.rs |

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FASHION

What’s

Appropriate

... and what’s not?

IT IS DIFFICULT FOR MANY TO ACCEPT the reality that summer is almost over and, in all probability, autumn is on its way. Okay, so many will not find a big difference in those changes, because summer has more resembled autumn this year. However, for those of us who spent the summer on sunny beaches and enjoyed weeks of dressing unconventionally, it will be extremely difficult to get used to the daily routine: house-office-house. No matter how hard you try to stop the holiday flashbacks or how desperately you wish you weren’t back in your home, the reality is clear, your holiday is over. In the first days after returning from holiday there is still a desire to go to work dressed more freely, because summer is not over yet and many colleagues are still enjoying their summer break... In these circumstances WHAT IS IT APPROPRIATE to wear and what is unacceptable? Where is the boundary you shouldn’t cross, even when summer habits provide an excuse to don more relaxed attire? Here follows a few useful tips...

Vince Variegated S tripe Top

Variegated stripes look sleek and clean on a lightweight, long-sleeve tee with a curved hemline. Price: €55

PRICE:

€135

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Print Drape Skirt Featuring a modern wrap front and statement-making brushstroke print.

119 September 2014 | www.cordmagazine.com

Jimmy Choo Abel' ‘ Patent Leather Pump

High-shine patent leather pump is styled with a skinny wrapped heel and pointed toe. Price: €440

Sleeveless Printed Dress Smooth stretch knit shapes and controls the sides while asymmetric tiers create a sculptural silhouette that enhances the bust.

PRICE:

€140

Altuzarra Paneled S hirt

Blue and red check cotton paneled shirt from Altuzarra featuring a classic collar, a concealed front button placket, long sleeves, button cuffs and contrasting solid blue half. Price: €845

PRICE:

€160

Everly Paint Charcoal

The Everly is a silk crepe full length harem style pant. Side zip closure at waist and ankle zipper.

Suunto 'Elementum'

Accessories

‘ Virginie’ Felt Fedora

Urban style meets rugged capability in this superbly crafted timepiece packed with high-tech functionality. The dark, mattefinish case and bright orange rubber strap add stylish, modern sophistication that's equally at home on the streets or on the trail. Price: €700

Naomi Bucket Bag

Rabbit fur felt hat by Maison Michel. Metal Madorns the burgundy grosgrain band. Notched detail in the crown. Interior black crown band. Available in dark teal or light blue with burgundy band.

PRICE:

€410

Convenient and cool with a must-have bucket shape and tassel drawstring in premium leather. PRICE:

Carmen Blood

€100

PRICE:

€210

The Carmen sunglasses feature a round plastic frame and metal accents at the temple edges. Logo detail at temples.

cordeditorial@cma.rs |

119 September 2014 | 87

FOR HIM

Gingham Dress S hirt

PRICE:

€ 37

A sharp gingham dress shirt woven front a lightweight cotton blend is tailored extra trim through the body.

'Delta' L-Fold ID Wallet Ultra-organized wallet is handcrafted from soft, full-grain leather with a durable ballistic-nylon spine. Price: €41

PRICE:

€135

Trim Fit Navy Wool Blazer

Razor-sharp Italian wool shapes a moderncut blazer with a two-button front framed by pick-stitched notch lapels.

Tech Twill Travel Kit

Accessories

Soft leather trim adds a distinctive touch to an updated travel kit formed from waterresistant synthetics. Price: €45

Armani S triped T ie

Leather Messenger

Distinguished diagonal stripes accentuate an Italian-crafted tie of superior silk. PRICE:

€445

PRICE:

€118

S hinola Double Wrap S trap Watch

Stainless steel/leather, case size: 34mm, buckle closure, water resistant to 5 ATM

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A smart choice for the modern man, boasting a high end, grainy leather finish and minimal hardware.

PRICE:

€175

Bloomingdale's Brown Belt PRICE:

Persol Foldable Round Sunglasses

€ 312

Style squared: this up-to-date belt features a glossy square buckle on rich brown leather. PRICE:

€ 56

Classic Leather Messenger

PRICE:

€ 378

Crafted from supple leather, this clean lined messenger bag is a smart, stylish choice for your daily commute.

Persol reinvents this vintage silhouette with foldable frames for ultimate portability.

'Grant' Leather S trap Watch

A fine automatic watch with Roman-numeral indexes features an intriguing see-through dial and rich, stitched-leather strap. Price: €234

'Marco' Sport S hirt

PRICE:

A modern, trim fit defines a short-sleeve sport shirt fashioned with a small spread collar.

€ 100

Finbar Oxford

A modern spin on the classic “oxford” shoe, in matte oiled leather with interchangeable laces and a contrast heel. Price: €125

PRICE:

€170

Mark by Mark Jacobs Oxford Sport S hirt

Elevate your basics with this sport shirt featuring contrasting buttons and cuffed sleeves.

cordeditorial@cma.rs |

119 September 2014 | 89

PROFILE

Many Ways to

Help People Pfizer Inc. is one of the world’s premier innovative biopharmaceutical companies that works with healthcare providers, governments and local communities to support and expand access to reliable, affordable healthcare around the world JASMINA PAVLOVIĆ, Country Manager and GIP Lead for Serbia, Central Balkan Countries and Moldova Pfizer H.C.P. Corporation Representative Office

hen choosing to complete Pharmaceutical Faculty, me to combine my desire of helping people with my vast knowlI was miles away from thinking about the pharmaedge of pharmaceutical logistics, and also allowed me to develop ceutical business. My wish was to help the sick and, new skills including project management and enhanced social skills for me, being a pharmacist menat being a researchand emotional intelligence. er, or working in a healthcare institution. It was well after my gradAfter three years I felt I needed to be more connected to pharuation that I realised there could be many different ways to attain maceutical innovation and returned to industry. Many people are one’s professional goals. unclear what marketing within the pharmaceutical industry means My professional life started with me working for a private pharand perceive the job as trade. Actually, the marketing of pharmamacy chain. I considered this as a temporary solution and dreamt of ceuticals assumes deep knowledge of disease, therapy options and one day continuing my post-graduate studies. medications, in order to support healthcare professionals in their However, after a couple of months in the pharmacy, my life everyday work. Providing accurate information on product features turned around. My boss realised I had excellent communications and benefits for patients, as well as access to products, combines skills and offered me a job in the wholesale department. I really all the things I like to work with. As stated earlier, innovation in enjoyed the job, especially the daily conmedicines, which was the reason I studied I am proud to represent tact with so many people, it was a great pharmacy in the first place, so a role withlearning opportunity for me and allowed the company and activities in industry allows me to do this., me to learn about logistics in the pharIn my experience of leading teams, the that lead to supporting maceutical industry - the journey medbest situation a manager could achieve is and expanding healthcare to be part of a productive, motivated and icines take from the moment they enter access around the world, the storage, ensuring they are kept at adeprofessional team, which has open and quate temperatures and in strictly defined as well as saving countless honest conversations and members who and specific ways, to the moment they are are willing to talk about the good and bad lives in Serbia each year transported to the people who need them things!. Another achievement that makes most. They have got to be of an extremely high standard. . During me proud is in the field of Market Access, working towards ensurmy time in wholesale I worked with several employers, always seeking innovative medicines are accessible and available to our paing new lessons to learn, advancing from junior representative to tients in Serbia in the same way they are available to patients in the more senior strategic roles, At this point in my career I started bedeveloped world. coming more interested in the pharmaceutical industry, learning Now I work with one of the leading pharmaceutical companies about the role of innovative medications and the complicated and in the world. My motivation is the same as it was at the begindifficult path required for new innovative therapies to be develning of my professional life. I am proud to work for an innovative oped and Made available for patients. pharmaceutical company striving to set the standard in the disI didn’t think about it at the time, but now I know that my intercovery, development and manufacture of healthcare products that nal desire to help people drove me to the next step in my profesimprove patients’ health and that are valued appropriately by sosional life - humanitarian work. In 1999, after the NATO intervenciety. I am proud to represent the company and activities that lead tion, I accepted a job at a U.S.-based humanitarian aid agency, as to collaboration with healthcare providers, governments and loMedical Programme Officer. Donor-financed projects aimed at procal communities to support and expand access to reliable, affordviding essential medications, devices and psychosocial support to able healthcare around the world, as well as saving countless lives internally displaced people and refugees. This opportunity allowed in Serbia each year. ■ 90 |

119 September 2014 | www.cordmagazine.com

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Kod nas ste uvek prvi.

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