JAPAN - BEAUTIFUL HARMONY
INTERVIEW
OLIVER LEPORI, JBAS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Being In The Driving Seat
IS OUR DUTY
The success stories of our members and the interest in cooperation with Japan among local companies are important signs of improved conditions for investing in the Serbian market. Developments in this field are fast-paced, and it is the duty of JBAS to be in the driving seat.
T
he Japanese Business Alliance in Serbia (JBAS) was founded upon the initiative and following the enthusiasm of a number of representatives of Japanese companies operating in Serbia. It has since gone on to become a strong pillar in maintaining Japanese-Serbian business ties and improving bilateral cooperation between the two countries. It is today recognised by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry and is also a reliable partner of the Japanese International Cooperation Agency, JICA, and the Japan External Trade Organisation. Oliver Lepori, the new executive director of JBAS, started his career working in managerial positions for companies operating in the international business environment in the EU, the Balkans and the Republic of Serbia. In this interview, one of his first in his new role, Mr Lepori draws a vision of the further development of the Alliance. 26
“The vision of further development of the Alliance certainly implies a gradual and smart increase in the number of members of the Alliance, improvement of the set of existing services, securing support for foreign trade and intensifying dialogue with key stakeholders, in order to achieve the maximum results of bilateral cooperation between Japan and Serbia,” says Mr Lepori. “We intend to concentrate on activities that are of particular importance for the business of our members and to help them navigate the regulatory framework and all relevant issues influencing their industries. “Since the experience and support of Japanese companies already operating in Serbia have contributed directly to the arrival of new investors and the creation of new jobs, we will also pay special attention to attracting new investments from Japan,” adds our interlocutor. In your opinion, what are the main challenges in the development of Japanese-Serbian relations?
