JAPAN - BEAUTIFUL HARMONY
INTERVIEW
GORAN PEKEZ, PRESIDENT OF THE JBAS BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Japanese Investments Are Like
ORIGAMI Together with the Government of Serbia and the Embassy of Japan, JBAS is also optimistic regarding the potential arrival of new Japanese companies that will have an additional positive impact on the development of Serbia and prompt it to become a better environment for the life and work of its citizens.
T
he largest Japanese investment in Serbia, the construction of the Toyo Tires factory in Inđija, started in December 2020, during times when many foreign investors are refraining from bold moves. “Indeed”, says Goran Pekez, president of the JBAS Board of Directors, “the investment of Japanese company Toyo Tires, one of the world’s largest tyre manufacturers, is significant in many respects.” The operations of this factory will have a direct impact on the development and economy of the entire country, considering that planned exports will contribute to Serbia’s macroeconomic stability, explains our interlocutor. “From a narrower point of view, the employment of over 500 workers in Inđija will contribute to more balanced regional development. The very fact that this factory is Toyo Tires’ first production centre in Europe indicates the company’s high degree of confidence in the stability of the Serbian economy.” 14
At the same time, he notes, it encourages new investors from Japan, but also other counties, to opt to locate certain parts of their businesses in Serbia. “As a representative of the Japanese Business Alliance in Serbia, I am very proud of the fact that this investment has shown that, despite the great physical distance between the two countries and altered business circumstances due to the Coronavirus pandemic, it is possible to further strengthen business ties between Japan and Serbia and to improve our economic and bilateral cooperation,” says Pekez. Other investments from Japan have also been announced. What most motivates Japanese investors to launch their business activities in Serbia? - Following the historic 2018 visit of Japanese Prime Minister Abe, many Japanese investors now view Serbia as a significant regional centre for CEFTA and the Western Balkans region or, in the case of manufacturing companies, as a strategic hub for exports to the markets of the EU, Russia and Turkey. In addition to market opportunities, the willingness of the Republic of Serbia to create partnerships with investors is also of crucial importance to deciding on investment destinations. It is my pleasure to note that investments from Japan to Serbia have been growing lately, in terms of invested funds. Until a few years ago,
