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COMMENT

BUT DIFFERENT Between the two Slovenian presidencies of the Council of the European Union, the country maintained its position that EU enlargement to encompass the Western Balkans should be accelerated. While Serbia has seen little progress on the accession process in the meantime, it is good to know that bilateral relations between Slovenia and Serbia remained good.

ince the first Slovenian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, in the first half of 2008, both the EU and Slovenia have changed profoundly. The then presidency was a test of the ability of a new member state to engage actively in EU politics, while for Europe it was the time when a difficult consensus on the Lisbon Treaty was finally reached. Although it was envisaged that the system of rotating presidencies would be abolished as of 1st January 2009, that never happened. What has changed, however, is the role of the country that's temporary at the helm. As Slovenian Ambassador to Serbia H.E. Damjan Bergant puts it today, the role of the country that's leading the Council of the EU is more that of a coordinator than a decision maker. Decisions depend on all 27 member states and proposals made by the European Commission. At the time of its first presidency, Slovenia’s role as a broker and mediator was focused on three issues: (1) the unbundling of the electricity markets; (2) achieving a negotiating mandate for the Commission on the long-postponed successor to the 1994 Partnership and Cooperation Agreement with the Russian Federation; and (3) achieving unity on the issue of Kosovo’s declaration of independence. Now that Slovenia is embarking on its second presidency, it is fair to say that at least some of the topics have remained the same. Among them are the challenges of climate change

EDITOR IN CHIEF Neda Lukić n.lukic@aim.rs ART DIRECTOR Branislav Ninković b.ninkovic@aim.rs PHOTOS Zoran Petrović COPY EDITOR Mark Pullen mrpeditorial@mail.com

PROJECT MANAGERS Biljana Dević b.devic@aim.rs Vesna Vukajlović v.vukajlovic@aim.rs Mihailo Čučković m.cuckovic@aim.rs OFFICE MANAGER Svetlana Petrović s.petrovic@aim.rs FINANCE Dragana Skrobonja finance@aim.rs

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GENERAL MANAGER Maja Vidaković m.vidakovic@aim.rs PUBLISHER Ivan Novčić i.novcic@aim.rs DIRECTOR Ana Novčić a.novcic@aim.rs a.novcic@cordmagazine.com

and energy policy in 2021, which were also high on the agenda in 2008. The future of the EU budget was an issue back then, while today the issue is a health crisis relief package. Then and now, the EU accession of the Western Balkans has the same priority of the Slovenian presidency. “We want to continue the process of EU enlargement with countries in the region. In October, we are planning a summit at the level of heads of state and government dedicated to this region,” explained the Slovenian Government, as reported by the media. There is one more thing that has stayed the same in the twelve years that have elapsed between the two Slovenian presidencies: good bilateral relations between Belgade and Ljubljana, with no open issues between the two countries and cooperation that is good. Although the pandemic made a dent in bilateral trade, it wasn’t so significant. Trade between the two countries amounted to slightly less than 1.6 billion euros in 2020, representing a minimal decrease compared to 2019, when that figure was slightly higher. It is expected that the improving of epidemiological conditions will enable businesses to make up for this temporary slowdown and embrace opportunities for cooperation between the two economies. Areas in which progress is expected include the sectors of information technology, agriculture, environmental protection and construction. ■

PRINTING Rotografika d.o.o. Segedinski put 72, Subotica SLOVENIA 2021 Published by: alliance international media Prote Mateje 52, 11111 Belgrade 17, PAK 126909, Serbia Phone: +(381 11) 2450 508 Fascimile: +(381 11) 2450 122 E-mail: office@aim.rs; office@cordmagazine.com

www.aim.rs; www.cordmagazine.com No 29 ISSN: 2560-4465

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All rights reserved alliance international media 2021 The views expressed in this publication are those of the presenter; they do not necessary reflect the view of publications published by alliance international media

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INTERVIEW

Western Balkans

HIGH AMONG PRIORITIES H.E. DAMJAN BERGANT SLOVENIAN AMBASSADOR TO SERBIA

It is true that there is still a lot of work ahead of us, especially for candidate countries. It is also true that there are different opinions and positions among EU Member States. However, that doesn't mean that there will be no enlargement - Damjan Bergant

here has been no kind of non-paper on changing borders in the region that has come from Slovenia, insists Slovenian Ambassador Damjan Bergant, speaking in this interview for CorD Magazine. Responding to current questions posed on the eve of the start of the Slovenian Presidency of the Council of the EU on 1st July, the ambassador adds that Slovenia supports "the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all countries in the Western Balkans, including Bosnia-Herzegovina".

■ Your Excellency, Slovenia takes over the presidency of the Council of the EU from 1st July. What are the key topics that you will include in the agenda until the end of the year? - As it seems now, a month from the start of the Slovenian Presidency, we will work on the following four general topics: a resilient EU that enjoys the trust of its citizens; economic renewal of the EU based on digital and green transitions; an EU based on the rule of law, the European way of life and; a Secure EU, as a good and reliable partner in the neighbourhood and around the world. Priorities are still a work in progress. I'm sure the general topics will be more or less aligned with what's been presented. Moreover, if I delve into the details a little, and this is what is of interest to Serbia, I can say that 8

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NON-PAPERS

OBLIGATIONS

There is no doubt that different opinions and solutions exist. However, there is no need to enforce unilateral solutions, especially not ones that change existing borders

I believe that the EU is the only alternative for Western Balkan countries in the future, given that the countries concerned are geographically in Europe and are surrounded by EU member states

The efforts exerted in the implementation of obligations for EU membership are implemented not because of EU members and the Commission, but because of the country concerned

the Western Balkans will be high among our priorities, within the topic of a Secure EU, as a good and reliable partner in the neighbourhood and around the world. However, allow me to note that the functioning of the Presidency of the Council of the EU has changed a lot since 2008, when Slovenia had its first presidency. The role of the country tasked with leading the Council of the EU is more that of a coordinator than a leading decision maker. I would like to specify that decisions depend on all 27 member states and proposals made by the European Commission.

in mind that everything being implemented as an EU candidate country is positive for the country itself and for its citizens. Last but not least, the efforts exerted in the implementation of obligations for EU membership are implemented not because of EU members and the Commission, but because of the country concerned. ■ Serbia hasn't opened a single new accession negotiation chapter for more than a year. Do you think something can change in that respect during the Slovenian Presidency? - The negotiation process is in the hands of Serbia and the European Commission. In the end, member states decide according to the proposals of the Commission and their political opinions. Slovenia doesn't see any obstacles to Serbia opening any new chapters. We hope that all will agree. Nevertheless, as said, Slovenia is equal among all and the decision does not depend on us solely. The opening of chapters is important, but closing them is even more important. It will be a great success when everything is ready to pass a decision not only for opening chapters, but also for closing them.

■ You've announced that Slovenia will continue advocating for the continuation of the EU enlargement process during its presidency. Which arguments in favour of EU enlargement can be deployed today, when it seems that there is no real mood of enthusiasm to welcome new members? - I believe that the EU is the only alternative for Western Balkan countries in the future, given that the countries concerned are geographically in Europe and are surrounded by EU member states. Saying simply that there is no real mood of enthusiasm for new members ■ Slovenian MEP Tanja Fajon in the EU gives the wrong impression is a member of the delegation and sends an erroneous signal to the tasked with monitoring the inpublic, especially to the citizens of the terparty dialogue on election countries concerned. Nevertheless, it We will work on the following four conditions in Serbia. How do is true that there is still a lot of work general topics: a resilient EU that you see this process and are you ahead of us, especially for the candidate enjoys the trust of its citizens; at all concerned about the very countries. It is also true that there are economic renewal of the EU based harsh comments of individuals different opinions and positions among on digital and green transitions; from the government directed EU member states. However, that doesn't an EU based on the rule of law, the against Mrs Fajon? mean that there will be no enlargement. It is important to have a goal in front of European way of life and; a Secure EU, - The interparty dialogue is an important process and we hope for a successful everything. If the will to achieve this as a good and reliable partner in the goal is strong and the work is done, the neighbourhood and around the world outcome. It is important that the ruling parties and the opposition find a common goal will be achieved. This is the only language in working for the progress of spirit for candidate countries and their Serbia in the political field. And it is not important whether this is achieved citizens to follow when negotiating membership. I'm sure that, when Serbia carries out all its necessary duties and fulfils with or without international mediation. The most important thing is to have the obligations for membership, there will be no obstacles to it becoming results and to achieve the OSCE/ODIHR recommendations from the last a new member of the EU. The present Government is on the right track to report on parliamentary elections. As for comments made by politicians about individuals, including do the work and take steps slowly forward. It is also very important to bear BUSINESS PARTNER | SLOVENIA 2021

members of the European Parliament, I wish for more political culture to prevail in politics everywhere. This is what people everywhere deserve. ■ Your Excellency, can you solve the mystery of the socalled non-papers about the future of the region, primarily B-H and Serbia, or at least the example which had its authorship attributed to Slovenia? - There has been a lot of discussion and articles about different nonpapers in the last couple of weeks. I believe that Slovenia has been clear enough in stating that no document has come from Ljubljana or Slovenia. Slovenia's foreign policy has not change and we support the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all countries in the Western Balkans, including Bosnia-Herzegovina. One could ask what reasons stand behind the launch of such an idea among people who oppose war and have not forgotten the tragedies of

- This isn't only my opinion, but rather the opinion of top representatives of both Serbia and Slovenia. As President Vučić stated during the visit of President Pahor, there are no open issues between our two countries and cooperation is good. The upcoming census has nothing to do with bilateral issues between Serbia and Slovenia. ■ The previous year has been marked by the global struggle against the COVID-19 pandemic. And a question that's current relates to the conditions under which travellers will be permitted to enter EU countries. Greece accepts certificates confirming the vaccination of Serbian citizens with any vaccine. What will Slovenia's stance be like? - I hope that there will be a common EU decision regarding the reciprocity of the acceptance of digital certificates with vaccination data, PCR tests or the overcoming of the COVID 19 virus by individuals. If not, then every EU member state should negotiate alone with countries outside the EU regarding the acceptance of certificates. I'm sure that Slovenia and Serbia will reach a solution enabling citizens of both countries with certificates to enter both countries.

As for comments made by politicians

■ To what extent has the COVID crisis impacted on economic relations between the two countries and do you see signs of bilateral cooperation recovering? - It is clear that COVID has had a negative impact on the economies of our two countries. If you cannot have direct contact between managers and companies, it is very difficult to advance. Nevertheless, on the other side, the economy is a very adaptable issue. Economic relations between Slovenia and Serbia mostly existed even during the very strong waves of the pandemic and I'm hopeful that the situation will improve in the future.

the '90s. Have there not been about individuals, including members enough human victims and of the European Parliament, I wish tragedies? Politicians, leaders, for more political culture to prevail diplomats and others should ■ With your arrival to take on the find answers to these problems in politics everywhere. This is what post of Slovenian ambassador to through dialogue. There is no people everywhere deserve Serbia, you returned to the city doubt that different opinions where you served in the army. How and solutions exist. However, there is no need to enforce unilateral solutions, especially not ones that do you see Belgrade today? change existing borders. As President Pahor said during his visit to - Belgrade is a city that's modern and very nice city. It is a major capiBelgrade, the possible changing of borders might start peacefully, but tal, with all the positive and negative consequences of that. The local government of the City of Belgrade is doing its best to make the city it can end with war. better, more attractive and even nicer. ■ You've said that no unresolved issues exist between With its excellent restaurants, bars and interesting places, Belgrade Slovenia and Serbia and that bilateral cooperation is good. has great potential. I would be very happy if the priorities of the city's leaders were How will the Slovenian government respond to the request of Serbs living in your country that they be able to answer orientated more towards everyday traffic and public transport. Another questions related to national and religious affiliation dur- problem is air pollution, which is a big issue for both the city and the state. Finally, yet importantly, I feel excellent in this city. ■ ing the upcoming census? 10

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INTERVIEW

Government Must Be Constantly

'ONLINE' WITH BUSINESS DANIJELA FIŠAKOV PRESIDENT OF THE SLOVENIAN BUSINESS CLUB

It must be an imperative of the Serbian state's economic policy to focus on simplifying tax procedures, reducing bureaucracy and increasing the efficiency of public administration, alongside the intensifying of digitalisation.

hen you check out the website of the Slovenian Business Club (SBC), you will notice at first glance that this business association has been very active despite switching to work online. "Although we were hit by this terrible plague, the Slovenian Business Club didn't halts its operations, in terms of the providing of services to members. We adapted to the situation and shifted from working offline to online. We adapted the formats of events to the new rules that are applicable when working in a virtual environment. However, in the second

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half of last year we nonetheless managed to organise as many as three successful live events," says SBC President Danijela Fišakov. ■ What is your recipe for maintaining a spirit of cooperation and informing your membership in a quality way? - The recipe is simple. You just need to listen to the needs of your members and offer them support in their operations. Just as in a regular situation, we keep updated by monitoring all relevant content and information that may be of importance to businesspeople and

accordingly inform the membership in a timely manner. We are in interactive, daily contact with members and maintain links with the membership and the flow of information to the greatest extent possible. Our activities on networking and connecting members, securing contacts and one-to-one work are unfolding intensively through the utilising of opportunities provided to us by modern technologies. However, I must stress that we can hardly wait to again start organising events that include the personal presence of participants and have the kind of positive atmosphere that generally prevails at the Slovenian Business Club, which we have accustomed our members to throughout all these 18 years. We're planning to open the season of members socialising outdoors again already during June. ■ One of the more recent topics of your digital breakfast was investing in Serbia and the advantages and challenges that could be faced by investors. What are your members' experiences like and how much has the investment climate changed over the last year? - Serbia is already attractive for investment and its business environment is ever improving by the day. It is very important for the state not to now halt with the implementing of reforms initiated at all levels, but rather to continue with their practical implementation. The problems that hit the country as a result of the pandemic are not local and specific, but rather global and cannot be any possible excuse to discontinue. It must be an imperative of the Serbian state's economic policy to focus on simplifying tax procedures, reducing bureaucracy and increasing the efficiency of public administration, alongside the intensifying of digitalisation. Transparency is the most effective instrument against corruption. The government must be constantly 'online' with the economy, participating actively in dialogue with the economy and respecting its needs and specificities. ■ We are seeing businesspeople starting to renew physical contacts and chambers of commerce and business clubs taking an active role in providing the data that business leaders need before deciding on such a step. How many such requests has the SBC received and do you expect the re-establishing of pre-pandemic connections soon?

- I can confirm from my personal experience, but I've also noticed among others, that the month of April opened the season of inperson meetings, of course mostly outdoors and at a safe distance. It is known that the number of meetings is higher when the weather is nicer. When we arrange a meeting, we jest that we have to first check the weather forecast and use that as the basis to determine the date. Of course, vaccination has contributed significantly to business life slowly returning to normal. An increase in the number of meetings with businesspeople coming from Slovenia has especially been noticeable this month, i.e. during the month of May. I hope that will continue, because it's an indicator that the general situation is improving. Without the living word, there can be no quality presentations, negotiations of conditions and, ultimately, no agreement on a job itself. After all, we humans are social creatures. ■ How did these circumstances impact on the dynamics of the economic exchange between the two countries, and can we even discuss expectations for 2021 at this juncture? - The pandemic definitely impacted on total trade between the two countries, but not to a great extent. Our trade exchange is extensive and statistics show that the Slovenian side exported goods to Serbia worth almost a billion euros, while the value of exports from Serbia to Slovenia totalled nearly 600 million euros. So, total bilateral

We're planning to open the season of members socialising outdoors again already during June trade in 2020 amounted to slightly less than 1.6 billion euros. This represents a minimal fall compared to 2019, when trade between the two countries amounted to slightly more than 1.6 billion euros. It is expected that opportunities for cooperation between the two countries will be even greater in all fields in the future, when epidemiological conditions improve and business can be conducted under better conditions. For example, information technology, agriculture, environmental protection and construction are all sectors with huge potential for mutual cooperation, and all are a long way from

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reaching the maximum possibilities of cooperation. When countries reopen to foreign tourists, the great potential of the tourism sector will also come to the fore, given the fact that Slovenia is a favourite destination among Serbs and Slovenes contribute as much as five per cent to the total number of foreign tourists in Serbia. Potential and possibilities exist on both sides, we just need to exploit them.

- The changes that will follow over the long run are inevitable. During the course of this year, the vast majority of companies have already adjusted their operations to the new conditions. Wherever possible, employees work from home, so business premises for large numbers of employees are becoming redundant. Although, under such conditions, the majority of employees in these lands face the real problem of a lack of work and home space, this way of working suits many employees, despite still only a few employers compensating their employees who work from home, for their electricity, internet, rent... Regardless of how this "pandemic period" of world history will end, it is quite certain that we are slowly moving towards the creation of a unique info-communication workspace in which it won't matter where an employee is located. I can quite easily imagine, admittedly not in such a near future, workers from poorer regions doing jobs online instead of workers who need to be paid more. If we also add to that automated manufacturing processes that are performed by machines with artificial intelligence, without human participation, there are the "new normalities".

■ Among the topics you've dealt with during the previous period, it would be easy to conclude that digitalisation, and its impact on facilitating business operations, enjoys your attention. From this perspective, what are the main positive advances that have occurred; and where have your members faced implementation challenges? - Even before the epidemic, we were paying a lot of attention to cultivating topics in the field of digitalisation, i.e. Industry 4.0. We noticed that such events provoked great interest among our members. We also noticed that our members had been previously paying a lot of attention to the digitalisation of business processes in their companies, ■ What does it look like when because they were aware that they you consider the SBC's upcomwould lose out to market competition ing activities until the end of if they didn't do that on time. This was this year? only accelerated even more by the - We are already intensively planning pandemic that befell us. Companies live, in-person, events, because profeshad to adjust their operations to the sional gatherings of up to 100 people are new situation overnight, whilst also again permitted, of course with adhertaking care to ensure the safety of Information technology, ence to all epidemiological measures. their employees. Some adjusted their agriculture, environmental We are sure that we'll be able to stage business processes and employees to protection and construction are at least one live gathering of our memsuppliers and customers very quickly all sectors with huge potential for bers before the summer holidays. All and successfully, while some needed mutual cooperation members can hardly wait for that day. more time, and that was mostly due to Although some of my doctor friends a lack of knowhow among employees and a lack of financial resources to invest in new equipment and express concern about the possible situation in the winter period, programmes. Whoever wants to be competitive must definitely I hope the situation will be favourable and that, from September follow the business trends that have been brought by Industry 4.0. onwards, we'll return to the way activities were in 2019. We are planning for the events we organise in Serbia to be in-person, while ■ When it comes to the pandemic, we are all impatiently we'll still organise events with international guests online until the waiting for the return of the "normal life" we had before. end of the year. Unfortunately, this year, once again, our very popular However, given the experience of the digital transforma- St. Martin's Day event will most likely have to be postponed until tion we've witnessed over the last year, do you expect better times. We hope that at the end of this year we'll be able to us to return to the old ways, or are we awaited by some toast a successful year with our members and business associates. "new normal"? We are certainly monitoring the situation. ■ 14

BUSINESS PARTNER | SLOVENIA 2021

BUSINESS

Bank Of The

FUTURE VLASTIMIR VUKOVIĆ PRESIDENT OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD OF KOMERCIJALNA BANKA, A MEMBER OF THE NLB GROUP

The process of integrating Komercijalna Banka and NLB Banka Beograd is proceeding according to plan. Teams have been formed at both banks and all employees are engaged maximally, while the whole process is expected to be completed by the end of April next year

t NLB Group the region is viewed as an opportunity that's provided to Serbian businessmen, based on the example of the Scandinavian model of open economic zones, where there are no borders for goods, capital and ideas

■ Slovenia's NLB Group took over the ownership of Serbia's Komercijalna Banka at the end of December last year, and you were appointed president of the Komercijalna Banka Executive Board in the first days of January 2021. What has been happening over the past four months? Are you satisfied with the dynamics of joining the NLB group? - Over the past few months I've become convinced that Komercijalna Banka is a big system that's trusted by clients; it's a bank that's synonymous with security and reliability. I've also seen that the potential of Komercijalna Banka is much higher than what the Bank has achieved in recent years, that it employs a large number of excellent experts, who are devoted and ready to support our clients, and this really convinced me of the success of our mis16

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sion - to become the best bank in Serbia in the next few years, following integration. I'm certain that we will further realise the potential and that our bank will be one of the most important links in the chain of NLB Group. Alongside numerous business activities and the process of adjusting to the standards of NLB Group, the process of integrating Komercijalna Banka and NLB Banka Beograd has been initiated. The integration process is proceeding according to plan. We've formed teams at both banks and all employees are engaged maximally, and I expect that we'll successfully implement all planned activities by the end of April next year, which is when we plan to complete this process. ■ What do citizens/clients gain from the creating of a synergy between two strong brands like NLB and Komercijalna Banka? - In the period ahead we will focus, among other things, on accelerated digitalisation and identifying new and more efficient ways to reach clients. This means investing in digital communication

channels, primarily mobile channels, but also investing in a highquality contact centre that will be accessible through all channels. We will strive for paperless transactions and train employees to provide clients with more complex financial services. As a universal financial group, we will not neglect corporate clients, to whom we will offer a regional platform for financing trade, factoring, but also connecting and financing supply and demand for their products and services in our region. We want to offer our clients the best solutions whenever and wherever they need them. We've so far offered new and existing clients a number of benefits through the Welcome package, which is yielding nice results. It includes, among other things, free use of the more than 1,400 joint ATMs in the entire NLB Group, while for corporate clients we've secured a unique fee of only five euros for foreign currency payment operations performed within the member banks of NLB Group.

the financing of major infrastructure projects, as well as assisting institutions and organisations that care for the most vulnerable groups in society. We're extremely interested in projects for improving energy efficiency and the production of "green" energy from renewable sources, as well as investment in agriculture, especially organic. It

■ Considering that clients are increasingly demanding and that their expectations are ever higher, all companies, including banks, must deal with improving operations and improving their service. What else are you focused on? - We are planning to introduce an entire set of new banking services based on digital technologies. The classic bank, with counters for handling cash, is is also clear that a great need exists to slowly being consigned to history. We will focus on accelerated upgrade infrastructure, highways and Of course, our employees remain at digitalisation and identifying new railways, gasification, electrification, the banks, but in the role of financial and more efficient ways to reach but to do so through the creation of an advisors who will provide clients with clients ambience conducive to the opening of swift and timely advice and informascientific research parks, IT hubs and tion on more serious investments in business zones. We see all of the aforementioned as an opportuthe future, for example, on housing loans, savings, investments, nity and way for our strong engagement, which will undoubtedly etc. We will make it possible for citizens not to have to come to a contribute to the economic growth of Serbia and the region. branch because of standard services, such as paying bills or ordering a new card, but to be able to complete those jobs via a computer ■ Did we understand the announcements well ... You or mobile phone. I'm sure that, in the next few years, half of all will work on making Komercijalna Banka the leading cash loans will be approved and paid out over the phone. And it bank in Serbia and NLB becoming the leading banking will be the same for housing loans, with most of the steps in the group in the region. These are ambitious plans, but do loan approval process able to be agreed online. In all of this, we you think they are achievable? will be careful when introducing new services, because every new - Very ambitious and very achievable. According to the latest reservice should be accompanied by education and adequate support, search, the member banks of NLB Group are already among the as has been the case to date, because digital transformation can top three banks in all countries in which we operate, and that will only contribute to create a vision of a better reality if it is inclusive also be the case in Serbia once the integration has been completed. and brings benefits to all clients. Apart from all of that, we also We want the future integrated bank to be a leader in the domestic strive to launch broader social change through participation in BUSINESS PARTNER | SLOVENIA 2021

for financing and supporting sustainable transport, clean and renewable energy, and the management of waste and wastewater. One concrete example of the initiating of broader social changes is the support of Komercijalna Banka and NLB Banka for organic food producers and small and medium-sized businesses through two projects that we organise: NLB Organic and the Support Framework. Kombank NLB Organic is a competition through which we've been awarding the best producers and processors of organic food in Serbia for the last ten years consecutively. When it was launched, interest in organic foods was at a low level. That's why the goal of the competition was initially twofold - to support organic producers directly, but also through investment in the promotion of organically grown food and groceries. Ten years later, we ■ Viewed from the perspective are witnessing completely different of doing business under the market conditions and dynamic growth conditions of a pandemic, are in demand for organic products, which things returning to old ways or gives full meaning to every award we've have we already grown used to given to date. the changes and accepted them Apart from NLB Organic, another as the new normal? Are you now project was set up on foundations of adapting the development of sustainability and has this year been services to the different needs adopted by all members of the Group. and habits of clients? Small and medium-sized enterprises - The COVID-19 pandemic that we are are the backbone and pillar of all nawitnessing is an unprecedented global tional economies in the region, and health, economic and social crisis. almost all relevant research indicates However, history has confirmed numerunequivocally that they are being hit ous times that every great crisis hides the hardest by the pandemic that we within it an equally great opportunity. are witnessing. This is the reason we One of the key opportunities now is launched the project #OkvirPodrške the opportunity to transform energy. [FrameworkofSupport], which has It isn't only a sure path to economic been implemented on all markets where recovery and the creation of new jobs, Half of all cash loans will be NLB Group is present and in which but also the only relevant investment approved and paid out over the we've secured advertising space for in the sustainable future of humankind. phone, while a client will be able almost 300 local entrepreneurs. The The coronavirus epidemic brought to agree on most steps in the goal was to provide them with greater great changes and compelled us to process for approving housing visibility and connectivity, to help them quickly adapt to the situation. The most loans online create new business opportunities, important change in banks' operations more easily reach their customers and over the previous years has been the thus more quickly overcome the consequences of the pandemic. digitalisation of operations, which has become a new norm for both We had a great response and an excellent experience at the level banks and clients. I'm glad that we have double-digit growth in of the Group, and a new cycle has just begun in Serbia - which is the users of digital banking at our banks, but also across the entire this time being jointly organised by Komercijalna and NLB banks. market. Companies are also changing the way they work - a large We stand for equal opportunities, but also for independent and number of them, including Komercijalna Banka, have transferred professional corporate governance. We strive every day to do large parts of their business to work from home. something better and bigger than yesterday, and to strengthen our Given the exceptional motivation within the Group for continuing footprint in a region that we consider not only a business environto expand the portfolio of financing green projects in the region ment, but also the home of us and all our employees. The end goal that is our home, I believe we have yet to witness very dynamic is to become a beacon of sustainable business and one of the most and exponential growth in this area - both through subsidised responsible companies in the region. government loans and through the creation of our own products financial sector, to be the leading banking institution in Serbia. We will achieve this if, among other things, we are competitive, but also if we offer our clients high quality services. I can already say now that we will be a distributor of universal financial services, in addition to classic banking services, and insurance sales and asset management. Our comparative advantage over the competition lies in the fact is that we are part of the NLB Group and that, thanks to the group's network and its presence in the region, we can offer clients a strategic partnership. We view the region as an opportunity that's provided to Serbian businessmen, based on the example of the Scandinavian model of open economic zones, where there are no borders for goods, capital and ideas.

BUSINESS PARTNER | SLOVENIA 2021

BUSINESS

DRAGAN MARKOVIĆ, PRESIDENT OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD OF TRIGLAV OSIGURANJE [INSURANCE]

Creating A

SECURER FUTURE Through its constant innovations, company Triglav Osiguranje Srbija, a member of the leading insurance group in the Adria region, strives to respond to the needs of the market and clients, relying on its excellent experiences and best practices from the local and European markets and bad things only once - insure the future." The GDP share of insurance premiums in the Republic of Serbia in 2020 totalled 2.1%, while the level of insurance premiums per capita stands at €135. The positive economic indicators of recent years provide assurances that our industry has lots of growth potential. Alongside compulsory third-party insurance for owners of motor vehicles and comprehensive longside compulsory and comcoverage, citizens most often pay into life prehensive motor insurance, citiinsurance and travel insurance (until the zens most often pay into life outbreak of the pandemic), and to a lesser insurance, travel and home The positive economic indicators extent real estate insurance. A growing insurance, while a growing trend is also of recent years provide trend is also represented by voluntary represented by voluntary health insurassurances that our industry has health insurance policies concluded via ance policies concluded via employers employers. lots of growth potential ■ Despite Triglav osiguranje havresponsible, stable and profitable operations, ing existed in Serbia for more than 40 ■ What are the basic imperatives of as well as sustainably balanced long-term years, it continues to gain the trust your business? development, which particularly came to the of ever more clients year on year. - We are facing major social and technological fore during the pandemic. How do you explain that? Tradition, changes both globally and locally, which we can quality, the sense of security that refer to in short as "digital globalisation", then you provide? there's a dynamic regulatory framework, more ■ To what extent are Serbian citizens detailed customer demands that are in accordaware of the importance of the say- Thanks to a defined business model that has the client at its centre, and that client's needs ing "insurance is cheap, but damage ance with their needs and needs to increase the on the consumer journey, Triglav Osiguranje is costly"? quality, simplicity, availability and transparency a.d.o. Beograd has for years been increasingly of the company's products and services, thus - Raising awareness of the need to minimise gaining the trust of clients, recording continuensuring reliable and stable operations. As a the risks a person is exposed to in their everymember of the Triglav Group, which is the ous and stable growth, market positioning and day life and on their consumer journey is an leading insurance group in the Adria region, recognisability, as well as financial stability. enduring process which our company actively we share our experiences and best practices Long-term partnerships and relationships of works on every day, particularly with a view to from the local and European markets with mutual trust with clients are created with the the growth potential of the insurance market. the aim of continuously improving value for provision of a high-quality and affordable As the motto of the business association of our clients and creating a more secure future. service through the implementation of basic insurers states: "Good things happen every day,

strategic values, such as agility, simplicity and reliability, and an "omnichannel" approach. By efficiently, effectively and promptly responding to client and stakeholder needs, with simple and comprehensible services, transparency of operations and the fulfilling of promises, we create the value of our offer, providing unobtrusively flexible, innovative and economical solutions in the insurance domain. We've integrated into our business model the principles of socially

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BUSINESS

Unique Online AND TV STORE LJILJANA AHMETOVIĆ CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AT SHOPPSTER SRBIJA & SLOVENIJA

The Shoppster platform offers more than 100,000 products for all purposes. Customer have already recognised that shopping through Shoppster.com is easy, delivery is fast and payment is secure, as is the goods return mechanism

hoppster, as the only integrated online and TV store in Serbia and Slovenia, is preparing to enter other countries in the region, primarily the markets of Bulgaria, Croatia and BosniaHerzegovina, reveals CEO Ahmetović exclusively for CorD.

■ When it entered the e-commerce business, United Group, in addition to Serbia, immediately decided to join the Slovenian market. How much does starting a business differ on these two markets, and how much difference is there in online shopping habits? - If we compare the Serbian e-commerce market with the e-commerce markets in the region, our market is still less developed. Until the appearance of Shoppster, customers in Serbia did not even have a large

Small and micro businesses get the opportunity to become Shoppster suppliers or create their online shop on our platform selection of online stores that offer such an assortment of products in one place, with a high level of security. When we decided to enter the Slovenian market, we wanted to do so through a reliable partner with a rich history, good results and a positive image among customers. The choice fell on one of the then-largest and most reliable e-stores in Slovenia, ideo.si, which we first rebranded to shoppster.com at the end of last year, and at the end of last month we successfully migrated all data and products to a new platform - SAP Hybris. This is currently 20

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the most technologically advanced solution for platforms that offer a solution for all business models - in our specific case, they are a marketplace, dropshipping and retail. The transition to the new Shoppster platform brought customers in Slovenia an even better shopping experience, a more excellent choice of brands and the opportunity for small manufacturers and retailers to open their own e-shops on one of the world's best online platforms in just a few days. ■ You recently entered into a significant partnership with Sportina Group - tell us more about it; what does it mean? - The partnership with Sportina and its experienced and professional team allows us to set the highest standards in online sales in this category and provide our customers with the best experience. Sportina is widely recognised as Southeast Europe's largest retailer in the fashion industry and represents over 90 well-known fashion brands in 11 surrounding countries. Through long-term cooperation with the Sportina Group, we will provide customers with rich, diverse and attractive offers of world-renowned fashion brands for women and men on Shoppster online and TV stores in Slovenia, Serbia and other countries we enter with our integrated store. Customers have the opportunity to order products from 14 brands that are famous worldwide.

their brand and thus position themselves highly on the market. In this regard, we have focused unique resources and our team on constantly supporting these partners. This has been ongoing for some time in Serbia, and we can boast of our excellent cooperation with small suppliers. With the transition to a new platform in Slovenia, we have brought this opportunity to the country, so we are currently animating the market in that direction. Small and micro businesses get the opportunity to become Shoppster suppliers or create their online shop on our platform, using the marketplace model with the help of the Shoppster team.

■ Shoppster is an integrated platform - in addition to online sales, customers can choose to order after seeing products and their functionality on a TV channel, right? - Yes, Shoppster is a unique online and TV store. Customers can see what products look like and what their purpose is on the TV and YouTube channel Shoppster, but also when they decide to buy a product and it arrives they are not limited to instructions for use, because they have available our experienced managers who are well acquainted with certain types of products. Through ■ Why strategic cooperation with the show, they demonstrate how a fashion company? What is the the product is used and share their advantage of this collaboration for experience and impressions with the Shoppster customers? viewers. Customers can then call the - Fashion is the fastest-growing category in contact centre or visit the website e-commerce, both in Europe and around the In Serbia we are even launching and order the product. world. Changes in consumer habits around the I'm not exaggerating when I say an offer of packaged food and world have mainly been noticed, and these that you can find everything in one developing premium delivery trends are slowly coming to us. COVID played place with us. Given today's times, services, such as same-day a significant role in these changes, with many when we are all overwhelmed by customers seeking to buy clothes or shoes in obligations, fast, expeditious and delivery this way for the first time, and being convinced simple shopping is an imperative of the comfort that online shopping brings, compared to physically in trade. The customer receives a service from us at the level of the going to shopping centres or other retail outlets. world's largest e-shops, such as Amazon, Alibaba or Allegro. Our focus is on monitoring and listening to the habits of our users, understanding their lifestyles. In this way, together with experts from ■ What are your further plans for Shoppster? Sportina, we provide our customers with the guarantee of an always - We are developing new functionalities that will make shopping even attractive offer of clothes, shoes and accessories at the Shoppster on- easier and more enjoyable; we monitor customer behaviour on our line and TV store. Of course, special offers are being prepared for the platform - their reactions and comments - intensively. We are preparmembers of our loyalty programme. ing new offers, new products; in Serbia we are even launching an offer of packaged food and developing premium delivery services, such as ■ Is Shoppster a place where small brands can come to the same-day delivery. fore, given that many of them have had to turn to online We find motivation for all of this in customers who enjoy using all the advantages of online shopping, return frequently and have the most sales? What support do they get? - We are incredibly proud of the inclusion of small suppliers on our prominent consumer basket - they also achieve the most excellent savplatform, because we believe that many of them in Serbia and Slovenia ings when shopping. These are members of the Shoppster Smart loyalty have quality products, but at the same time lack experience in online programme, which we launched in Serbia at the end of last year and shopping or the funds required to raise their online store, promote plan to launch in Slovenia by September at the latest. ■ BUSINESS PARTNER | SLOVENIA 2021

BUSINESS

UROŠ BIDER, GENERAL MANAGER AT PETROL D.O.O.

Sustainable Development Is

PETROL'S PRIORITY

In Serbia, where it operates through three local companies, Petrol currently has 15 points of sale, with another set to open in Čačak in July, while by 2025 the company plans to expand its network to 50 locations.

e have taken on an active role in increasing energy efficiency and the share of renewable energy sources, and we see great potential in the combination of integrated energy management services, digitalisation of infrastructure systems and efficient use of energy and water - says Petrol General Manager Uroš Bider ■ Petrol is the largest energy company in Southeast Europe. What is your position like in the region and on the Serbian market? - Global trends are directed towards combating climate change and the growth of renewable energy sources, but there isn't expected to be a significant reduction in the share of oil and gas in the overall energy balance yet. The use of these energy sources has also been increasing in Serbia over the last few years. It's for this reason that directing capacities towards strengthening the core business, i.e. the sale of petroleum products, remains one of the strategic goals of the Petrol Group. A step in that direction was already made at the beginning of this year, when agreement was

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reached with Croatian chain Crodux to take over their retail network, with which Petrol Group's leadership position in the region was strengthened in terms of the number of filling stations, with more than 600 points of sale. Petrol operates in Serbia through three local companies. Petrol d.o.o. deals with retail and wholesale operations for petroleum products and merchandise, but also energy solutions. Through a public-private partnership, we manage public lighting in the municipalities of Sečanj, Vrbas and Priboj, and, since July, in the municipality of Zaječar. Beogas d.o.o. deals with the design, construction and maintenance of gas pipelines in five Serbian municipalities, in Belgrade's Voždovac, Čukarica and Palilula, as well as in Šimanovci and Bačka Topola, while company Petrol LPG d.o.o. deals with imports, production and sales of liquefied petroleum gas in Serbia and the region. Petrol covers over 20% of the market share for liquefied petroleum gas in Serbia. ■ Petrol is dedicated to the transition to green energy and devotes significant investments to that. Can you tell us what kind of investments it is dealing with now? - The Petrol Group has planned investments in the region totalling 698 million euros during the 2021-2025 period, 35% of which will be investments in the energy transition. The plan is to have 160MW of wind and solar power plants installed in 2025, which is 78% more than in 2020. The number of electric charging stations will increase to 1,575, while energy

renovation projects will achieve energy savings of 73 GWh for end users. ■ What Petrol Group's plans in Serbia? Do you plan to further expand your operations? - Sustainable development is our priority, representing the core of our mission and business model. Petrol's strategic focus in Serbia will continue to be on energy efficiency projects, expanding the network for the distribution of

Petrol's strategic focus in Serbia will continue to be on energy efficiency projects, expanding the network for the distribution of natural gas and expanding the retail network of filling stations natural gas and expanding the retail network of filling stations in Serbia. Traditional motor fuels will continue to be dominant for some time to come, but even today we're already providing consumers with more environmentally friendly solutions. The filling station in Kragujevac is our first point of sale in Serbia to have included CNG in its offer, and we plan to have eight more new points of sale with CNG filling pumps in 2022. We launched the first charger for electric cars at our point of sale on Belgrade's Ada Ciganlija this May. And we also plan to expand this segment of charging stations in the coming years.

BUSINESS

ALEKSANDAR SPREMIĆ, DIRECTOR, HALCOM

Growing Together

WITH CLIENTS Halcom is a company with a portfolio of advanced solutions that integrates customers, financial institutions and providers of goods and services. Its solutions are used by more than 50 commercial banks, two central banks and clearing houses, as well as about 200,000 companies on seven markets

e are made unique by the concept of multibank operations, which enables companies to use a single application to access all their accounts in different banks using Halcom systems, thereby performing their daily electronic transactions more easily - explains Halcom Director Aleksandar Spremić. ■ The figures that describe your work are impressive, but your company is much more than that. What is Halcom? - Our core business, for almost 30 years, has been directed towards the development of software solutions for payment systems and trust services, and our product range thus contains various modalities of electronic banking for corporate clients and private individuals, clearing systems and trust services. Bank users' expectations are growing year-on-year, and with that banks must respond and offer a comprehensive user experience regardless of the device through which clients will access banking services. Banks constantly invest in the further digitalisation of the processes.

What makes Halcom unique is the concept of multibank operations, but also innovative solutions in the field of trust services and mobile applications. Multibank operations enable companies to use a single application to access all their accounts at various banks using Halcom systems, thus making it easier for them to perform daily electronic transactions. And as we've already mentioned figures, I would like to emphasise that our solutions are used by more than 50 commercial banks, two central banks and clearing houses, as well as about 200,000 companies on seven markets. ■ The Coronavirus pandemic has accelerated the introduction and use of electronic services and the digitalisation of business. Is there no going back to the old ways? - The pandemic has certainly had an impact on the way business is done, both with us and our clients. Current trends in the direction of digitalisation have only gained even more importance. That's why Halcom adapted to the new situation, and it was for that very reason that we developed the idea of the Halcom One

solution, which is a qualified certificate in the cloud. That certificate enables signing and access to portals via a mobile phone app. Simplicity of use is what makes it unique.

Halcom One is a qualified certificate that enables signing and access to portals via a mobile phone app ■ Although you cover two continents, Halcom's services are localised. Does that mean that you've adapted your solutions to every country, every market? - Halcom comprises a large part of the information infrastructure of the region's banking sector. Our solutions are adapted to the markets and banks that offer their services to end users. We definitely want to grow and connect geographically with other domestic and foreign companies, and to enable existing clients to continue growing with us. BUSINESS PARTNER | SLOVENIA 2021

THE SLOVENIAN PRESIDENCY

Impressive Goals In

CHALLENGING TIMES The Slovenian Presidency, the second in the country's history, will focus on EU wide economic recovery, a green future, health and cyber security and the rule of law. For Slovenia, the presidency also represents an opportunity for the overall promotion of the country and its knowledge, economy and tourism.

n a month's time, Slovenia will take over the Presidency of the Council of the EU for the second time. Like Portugal, whose mandate ends in June 2021, Slovenia will preside over the Council of the EU during very challenging times. The 2021 Slovenian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, from 1st July to 31st December 2021, will be Slovenia's second presidency of the Council, with the first one having run from 1st January to 30th June 2008. Slovenia is part of a Trio Presidency that also includes Germany and Portugal. In a recent open letter published in national daily

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Delo, Slovenian Foreign Minister Anže Logar and his Portuguese counterpart Augusto Santos Silva discussed the objectives of their countries’ EU Council Presidencies. In the letter, the two ministers said that they are committed to the timely implementation of the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2021-2027 and the new Next Generation EU instrument, including its Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), which came into force on 19th February. The RRF is the biggest building block of the Next Generation EU recovery package aimed at helping the

EU to return to sustainable growth and job creation once the health crisis is under control. The RRF is focused on key policy areas, such as the green and digital transitions. Portugal and Slovenia were among the first to have concluded ratification in their national parliaments, to showcase their full commitment to the Europe’s recovery. The plan is not just a helping hand in economic crisis, but rather aims to strengthen the EU’s social dimension. While the idea that the European Social Model must be strengthened was at the centre of the Portuguese Presidency, it is up to the Slovene Presidency to work on solutions to increase the resilience of the EU. This is related to the Health Union and making the EU autonomous in producing key strategic vaccines and medicines. The next priority is the issue of cyber security and the preparedness of the EU to respond to large scale cyber-attacks. Secondly, the Slovene Presidency will focus on the green and digital transitions. Goals are tremendously ambitious in these

to set appropriate standards for the digital sector, based on common European values. One important document in that respect is the Digital Services Act, which brings ambitious reform to the digital space and introduces a comprehensive set of new rules for all digital services. Furthermore, “regulating the functioning of online platforms, especially the larger ones, would significantly improve the mechanisms for removing illegal online content and help protect fundamental human rights online, including the freedom of speech," stressed Slovenian Public Administration Minister Boštjan Koritnik recently. “It is crucial for the Slovene Presidency to establish a high level of confidence in artificial intelligence, which is why we will strive to ensure that development and coexistence with systems based on artificial intelligence are human-focused. Ensuring the highest ethical standards is of paramount importance," stressed Minister Koritnik. The International Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence (IRCAI), which is based at the Jožef Stefan Institute in Ljubljana and was established under the auspices of UNESCO, acts as the main coordinator, funder and accelerator of activities for achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals through artificial intelligence. IRCAI’s aim is to empower top entrepreneurs, researchers and projects using artificial intelligence, which would not be able to achieve visibility on global markets, while at the same time creating the world’s largest platform for sustainable solutions.

Artificial intelligence, data governance, as well as cyber security and preparedness for potential large scale cyber-attacks, are all issues that will be in the focus of the Slovene Presidency

areas, as the EU has set a target to reduce greenhouse emissions by 55% by 2030. Indeed, the COVID-19 challenge pushed digitalisation to new boundaries. Artificial intelligence, data governance, as well as cyber security and preparedness for potential large scale cyber-attacks are all issues that will be in the focus of the Slovenian presidency. As part of that task, a particularly important issue will be finding ways to regulate digital markets and services, as well as striking the right balance between ensuring competitiveness and the need

When it comes to the rule of law, the Slovene Presidency will continue the practise established by the German and Portuguese presidencies and organise a general debate on the rule of law annual report within the scope of the General Affairs Council. It is planned for the European Commission to publish the report in July. Additionally, a special debate on the rule of law will be organised in five selected countries. It has been confirmed that Slovenia will spare no effort to put the Western Balkans high on the EU agenda during its EU Council Presidency, which will be further promoted by the EU-Western Balkans Summit. In May, at the initiative of nine EU member states, including Slovenia, ministers discussed the Western Balkans. During discussions they highlighted the strategic importance of the EU enlargement policy, as well as other aspects of EU-Western Balkans integration. On behalf of both Slovenia and Austria, Foreign Minister Anže Logar emphasised the significance of the EU’s continued active engagement in the Western Balkans and its enlargement for the region's long-term stability and security. However, he also expressed regret over the current stalemate in the enlargement process and over the standstill in the confirmation of the negotiating frameworks for North Macedonia and Albania. BUSINESS PARTNER | SLOVENIA 2021

BUSINESS

MELITA ROZMAN DACAR, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF SLOVENSKE ŽELEZNICE TOVORNI PROMET (SLOVENIAN RAILWAYS – FREIGHT TRANSPORT)

Connecting

TWO COUNTRIES SŽ – Tovorni promet is part of the Slovenian Railways Group. One of Slovenia's leading logistics companies and one of the largest exporters of services, it transports more than 90 per cent of its cargo via international transports the potential for further growth is limited. We are developing our business abroad with many long-term partners, and we are also connecting transport routes with our own traction in Austria and Croatia. We will support our development with a modern fleet and IT support.

ere the company's managing director speaks to us about the challenges confronting the company and the importance of working with Serbian companies, noting that the company will continue developing high-quality and competitive solutions for the Serbian market

■ The year 2020 brought unimaginable challenges on a global scale. How did it impact your business? - We finished last year successfully, but of course we didn't fully attain the results planned. Already in the last quarter of 2019, the first signs of recession began to appear in the automotive and steel industries, where we perform a lot of transports. The pandemic only deepened those negative trends. At the same time, we faced numerous line closures in Slovenia and abroad, and the competition of course didn't rest. No less than four new carriers entered the Slovenian market. Due to the pandemic, we had to react quickly. We immediately took measures to protect the health of our employees and adjusted work processes accordingly. In addition, we were in constant contact with our customers and adjusted to their expectations. 26

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We have the excellent cooperation with Srbija Kargo, which is one of our key business partners in the region Together with customers, we have significantly streamlined domestic transports. Despite many optimisation measures, we managed to retain our transports, which didn't stop even for a day. Although we haven't achieved our goals one hundred per cent, we can be satisfied. ■ What are the trends for 2021? Are there already signs of economic recovery? - Our customers always come first for us and we constantly adapt our services to their expectations. We are forming new products and opening new transport routes. Independently and together with long-term partner carriers, we are constantly developing modern products with which we bring the countries of Central Europe and Southeast Europe together. We are therefore expanding our production and marketing activities beyond the borders of Slovenia, where

■ How important is the Serbian market for your company? - Serbia is very important to us. Serbia's most important foreign trade partner is Italy. Therefore, the Alpine-Western Balkans European Corridor, which also connects Slovenia and Serbia, has extremely high potential for increasing rail transports. We have many long-term strategic partners in the Serbian market, with whom we work well. I would like to highlight in particular the excellent cooperation with Srbija Kargo, which is one of our key business partners in the region. We established the company SI-Cargo Logistics in Belgrade back in 2015, which ensures that we are even closer to our customers and their needs. We have developed the Sava Express product for the Serbian market. It is a regular freight train between Ljubljana and Belgrade that connects goods flows from the countries of Western and Central Europe with transit through Serbia. The Sava Express also showed its potential during the pandemic, when it carried almost 12% more cargo than during the previous year. We are grateful to our long-term customers in Serbia for their loyalty and trust. We will continue developing our comprehensive services for them in the future, providing them with high-quality and competitive solutions.

BUSINESS

JELENA SIBINOVIĆ, GENERAL MANAGER AT METAL-CINKARA D.O.O.

Doctors For CORROSION Largest Galvanizer in Southeast Europe

Metal-Cinkara is categorised among the group of healthy and socially responsible companies. It records growth in its business every year, cooperates with those in its surroundings, supports humanitarian, sporting and educational projects, and is an excellent business partner to its customers and suppliers. guiding principles include constant care for customer satisfaction, efficient organisation, maintaining the quality of performed work, providing a comprehensive offer and ensuring mutual trust and respect among employees.

he operations of its zinc galvanising plant in Inđija are based on low energy consumption and a small amount of waste generated. It doesn't release harmful emissions into the environment, having been built according to the principles of BAT technology and the directives of IPPC standards, while it is additionally equipped with devices to filter all vapours released. ■ Now that you've entered the second decade of your existence in Serbia, how would you assess the first 10 years of operations in Inđija? - Our Maksim group celebrated 30 years of its existence and activities last year, and Metal-Cinkara celebrated 15 years since its founding and 10 years since the opening of its plant Inđija. We are still the largest galvaniser in Southeast Europe and we're proud of the level of quality we've attained, which is confirmed year after year through the adopted and maintained standards of the integrated quality system (ISO 9001, 18001 and 45001) and German certificate DASt022. We are dedicated to the continuous development of the company and to raising the quality of our products and services. Our

■ What reflects the advantage of hot-dip galvanizing compared to other forms of anti-corrosion protection for steel? - Hot-dip galvanizing is a process in which steel elements receive appropriate chemical preparation and are then immersed in a zinc melt of 450°C. This process has been applied for over 150 years and is one of the most effective forms of protection against corrosion. The reason for such widespread application is based on the simplicity and cost-effectiveness of the procedure itself, as well as its good anti-corrosion properties, without maintenance costs, during almost the entire lifespan of the product. It has been proven that the lifespan of galvanized structures often exceeds a hundred years, which no other form of protection can boast of achieving. ■ It could be said that your company pays a lot of attention to the constant training and development of employees, but also to the protection of the environment. Are your standards the same in Slovenia - as your home country and an EU member state -- as they are in Serbia? - The real challenge for a long time hasn't been to buy the best equipment. The challenge is to have healthy relationships and motivated employees in the company, and that's precisely what ours are like because we value them. This

is what today creates the difference between successful and unsuccessful companies. A good relationship certainly doesn't come as the result of a one-off lecture or something similar, nor the efforts of one individual or a small group of employees. A good relationship is the result of trust and respect, open communication, cooperation and encouragement, support, but also clearly set boundaries and

It has been proven that the lifespan of galvanized structures often exceeds a hundred years, which no other form of protection can boast of achieving respect for rules and agreements. That is a mirror of the culture of all employees, who contribute with their abilities to a positive and constructive atmosphere in the company. Our galvanizing plant doesn't release harmful emissions into the environment because it is built according to the principles of BAT technology and the directives of IPPC standards, while it is additionally equipped with devices to filter all vapours released. We reprocess used water and filtrates, while sending used chemicals for recycling. Zinc alloy waste is sold and completely recycled back to smelting zinc and zinc oxide. The other galvanizing plant in our group, in Celje, operates according to the same principles. This was a question of our management's commitment, and not about belonging to the EU. BUSINESS PARTNER | SLOVENIA 2021

SBC ACTIVITIES

Place Of CONNECTION With its positive reputation and high-quality work, the Slovenian Business Club in Serbia represents a reliable partner that you can depend on when it comes to achieving your business goals. Despite the crisis, the SBC continues to be a place for connecting, exchanging experiences and information, educating and creating opportunities for future business cooperation, but also for finding solutions to specific problems that companies face. In the new situation, a hand of help and support is more important than ever to every businessman, and the SBC is here precisely to help in that!

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September 2020

Working breakfast "What has Corona brought us?"

The SBC, in collaboration with the Hellenic Business Association, the Dutch-Serbian Business Association, and company BNI Serbia, organised an online Speed Business Meeting entitled "Business Networking in the New Reality". The event included the participation of more than 50 companies that are members of the co-organisers, with the aim of making direct acquaintances and improving cooperation between the aforementioned four business organisations. All representatives of participating companies had the opportunity to introduce themselves to all other participants, after which they could present themselves to potential business partners, exchange information and establish communication for future cooperation during separate sessions of ten-minute conversations.

October 2020

SBC Assembly The SBC marked the start of the autumn season by organising an inperson working breakfast on the topic "What has the Corona brought us?", hosting its members on this occasion. The welcome address was given by SBC President Danijela Fišakov, who expressed her satisfaction with the fact that conditions had been created to organise the event in person and that the SBC had exerted efforts since the beginning of the epidemic to support members in their operations and that joint efforts had succeeded in overcoming the obstacles brought by the epidemic. Representatives of companies e-Kapija.com and Coface Srbija provided attendees with a broader picture of economic trends, both in general and between Slovenia and Serbia, primarily discussing investments, economies and opportunities for protection against business risks. A very lively discussion of the main topic was led by representatives of companies ETI B, Poslovni savetnik, Gorenje Belgrade, NLB Bank Belgrade, Triglav Insurance Belgrade, Cablex-S, Law Offices JSP, JUB Šimanovci and Profil Group Belgrade. Also joining the discussion were other members of the club in attendance, who also presented their own observations. Following the official part, during breakfast, guests enjoyed a pleasant atmosphere on the Danube bank of Zemun and continued their discussions and networking.

A regular session of the assembly of the Slovenian Business Club was held in the pleasant atmosphere of Belgrade's IN hotel. SBC President Danijela Fišakov noted that 2019 had been a remarkable year in the work of the Slovenian Business Club, mentioning indicators of the good work of the club such as an increased number of members, expansion of the range of services provided and improvements to their quality, the growth of SBC followers on social networks, as well as an increased number of events organised and higher attendance levels at those events. Turning to 2020, she praised the solidarity shown among members from the very beginning of the crisis and emphasised the important role played by the club and its members in proposing measures to facilitate and assist the economy.

October 2020

November 2020

Online Speed Business Meeting – SBC, HBA, DSBA, BNI

Slovenia's Showspace

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The SBC created the Slovenia's Showspace 2020 platform, at which businesspeople from Serbia are able to inform themselves about the products and services of Slovenian companies, by area of activity and city of operation, as well as about Slovenia's entire tourist offer.

January 2021

Digital working breakfast - TSG Law Office and the Ministry of Labour, Employment, Veterans and Social Affairs

The SBC organised a digital working breakfast on the topic "Employment of foreigners in the Republic of Serbia", with this seminar hosted by the Tomić, Sinđelić, Groza Law Office. The topic was presented to members by TSG Law Office representatives Aleksandra Rajić and Anđelija Milićević, as well as Ministry of Labour, Employment, Veterans and Social Affairs representative Sanja Gavranović, head of the Group for Administrative and Supervisory Affairs.

March 2021

WEBINAR "Law on Digital Property NEW REALITY" - Joksović, Stojanović & Partners Law Office (JSP)

The SBC, in cooperation with the German-Serbian Chamber of Commerce, the Chamber of Italian-Serbian Businessmen and the

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Swiss-Serbian Chamber of Commerce, organised a webinar on the topic "Law on Digital Property - NEW REALITY". The webinar was hosted by joint member JSP law firm.

March 2021

Digital working breakfast - Serbian business environment Why invest in Serbia?

The SBC, in cooperation with the Croatian Business Club and organisation BNI Serbia, organised a digital working breakfast on the topic "Serbian business environment - Why to invest in Serbia". Attendees of the breakfast heard three fantastic lecturers: Radoš Gazdić, Acting Director of the Development Agency of Serbia (RAS); Đorđe Andric, Head of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce & Industry's Centre for Investment Support and Public Private Partnership; Alexander Samonig of ECOVIS SEE doo, West Balkan Partner.

April 2021

WEBINAR "New Coface business solutions" - Coface Srbija

The SBC, in cooperation with member company Coface Srbija, organised an online webinar on the topic "New Coface Business Solutions". The event included the presenting of the new Coface risk assessment platform that provides clients with expert risk analysis and access to a single global information network that helps their clients make the best business decisions.

DEJAN TURK, CEO OF A1 SERBIA AND A1 SLOVENIA

A Tale OF SUCCESS A1 Serbia is part of a larger family that stretches over seven CEE countries and has over 25 million users

e have already introduced two original A1 Alpha smartphones to our market, thus becoming the first operator in Serbia to have its own device brand, says A1 Serbia and A1 Slovenia CEO Dejan Turk

Your company recently became A1 Serbia. What can you tell us about the rebranding process? What started as a "different kind of story", some 14 years ago, quickly became an epic tale of success. After entering Serbia as the biggest greenfield investment, reshaping the telco industry, generating 2.4 million satisfied users on a highly competitive market, the time has come to take the next step in our development and business. As an international operator, we will bring the best business practices, continue to invest in

infrastructure and improve the quality of services and customer experience, pushing boundaries and changing the market for the better for all players. You quickly became recognised as a reliable partner. How does A1 plan to surpass that? As A1 Serbia, we can implement relevant products and services from other A1 markets and vice versa, very quickly and easily - we use best practices from other A1 countries, but we also give a chance for our good local ideas to gain global use. Empowered by this synergy, our wish is to enable every individual to take an active part in the ongoing digitalisation process and to help them choose the best options for both their private life and their business. What can we expect in the near future from A1 Serbia?

A lot of new, advanced services will soon be available, including solutions for smart homes and gaming, M2M, cloud and cyber-security solutions. As much as 70 per cent of our network is currently under works, which will improve the user experience significantly. Being dedicated to people and society, we recently launched the project 'The world you dream of', within which we granted 10 million dinars to support projects in the fields of ecology, public health and education.

Real Business Ends

WITH PAYMENT! PRO KOLEKT d.o.o. Beograd has been operating for more than 14 years as part of the PRO KOLEKT GROUP of companies, supported by renowned consulting firm KF FINANCE Slovenia.

e are a successful and internationally recognised group of companies that deals with out-of-court debt collection, asset management and obtaining credit rating information. Pro Kolekt Group has to date successfully recovered close to 60 million euros for 1,400 clients, while we are currently monitoring over 20,000 companies from Southeast Europe. The companies of Pro Kolekt Group also directly cover the markets of Slovenia, Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, North Macedonia, Romania, Bulgaria and Albania. Through business relations with our partners, we can also offer debt collection and credit reporting services in almost all European countries.

ADVANTAGES OF HIRING PRO KOLEKT • FOCUS ON YOUR CORE BUSINESS AND LEAVE DEBT COLLECTION TO US - One of the main advantages of hiring PRO KOLEKT is exactly this - to let our clients focus primarily on their core business activities (e.g. sales of goods or services), while we deal with the collection of their claims. • PROFESSIONALISM AND EXPERTISE IN MANAGING BOTH CLIENTS AND DEBTORS We contact our clients' debtors in a businesslike and professional manner, respecting the fact that these debtors are actually our clients' business partners (either former or current, and possibly future as well).

• Cooperation on a NO COLLECTION – NO FEE basis ! •C REDIT REPORTING and MONITORING SERVICES - REDUCEYOUR BUSINESS RISKS! Checking the credit rating of a customer (the client’s business partner or debtor) allows an assesment of the situation at any given juncture, while monitoring provides information about key changes throughout they year. Analysts of the Pro Kolekt Group rate companies using our own methodology that's been developed in-house. ПРО КОЛЕКТ д.о.о./ PRO KOLEKT d.o.o. Bulevar Mihajla Pupina 10v Beograd +381 11 240 28 70, office@prokolekt-serbia.com www.prokolekt-serbia.com BUSINESS PARTNER | SLOVENIA 2021

GASTRONOMY

Slovenia's

GREEN GASTRONOMY As Slovenia slowly begins to reopen to tourists, the new season highlights Slovenia's green gastronomy as one of the key reasons to visit in 2021

dedication to sustainability in all areas have led to Slovenia eing proclaimed European Region of Gastronomy 2021, as well as it being recognised as one of Europe’s most exciting new culinary capitals. The unique advantage of Slovenian chefs is their privileged access to local ingredients. The Slovenian culinary philosophy is based on the principle ‘from the garden to table’ and this is reflected in the close relationships between chefs and local producers, as well as the deep connections between Slovenian landscapes and traditional culinary experiences. Slovenia also has six owners of a coveted Michelin star (Hiša Franko, two Michelin star Restaurant, Hiša Denk, Atelje Restaurant, Vila Podvin, Dam Restaurant and Gostilna pri Lojzetu, all one Michelin star Restaurants), and their relationships with local producers help define and inspire their world class culinary creations.

HIŠA FRANKO Hiša Franko owes its existence to traditions and the local environment of the lush Soča Valley – harsh, remote, but breathtakingly beautiful. 32

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Set in the foothills of towering mountains and next to the emerald river, Hiša Franko’s cuisine sources from what nature has to offer

HIŠA DENK Hiša Denk is located between the picturesque wine routes of Austrian Styria and Mariborsko Pohorje. This restaurant continues to build on the family culinary tradition featuring the finest produce of Styria. The extensive wine list offers a fine selection of local, national and international white, red and orange wines.

VILA PODVIN Located in the village of Mošnje Radovljica, Villa Podvin is seven kilometres from the centre of Bled and features an on-site restaurant serving Slovenian cuisine.

DAM RESTAURANT The atmosphere of the restaurant evokes the charm and elegance of an urban environment, with particular attention to intimacy. A relaxed atmosphere, pleasant music and culinary enjoyment with originaly dishes.

ATELJE RESTAURANT The food at Atelje is a product of teamwork in the kitchen, whether its the creative or the actual technical process of cooking. They pride themselves on cooking in a natural way, using local ingredients, following the seasons and making about 90% of their products in-house.

GOSTILNA PRI LOJZETU Gostilna pri Lojzetu finds its home in the Zemono Manor House, where it offers unique culinary delights. They take care of the ingredients and their freshness according to the season and the purity of the flavours. Preparation techniques in the kitchen range from entirely simple to traditional. Yet they all have something in common. None of them alter the original flavours.

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SLOVENIAN TOURIST BOARD

Slovenia Is Ready To

WELCOME TOURISTS As precaution anti-Covid measures have been released by the Government of the Republic of Slovenia, the Slovenian Tourist Board (STB), together with key partners, has intensified promotional activities to invite foreign visitors to come to Slovenia and spend their holidays there

Soca Valley, photo by Jost Gantar

he Government of the Republic of Slovenia has released the precaution anti-Covid measures, meaning that the restaurants are allowed to open their gardens and terraces, as well as indoor spaces. The Slovenian Tourist Board (STB), together with key partners, has intensified promotional activities to invite foreign visitors to visit Slovenia and to spend their holidays here. Thus, a number of virtual fairs, exhibitions, and presentations of Slovenia to foreign travel organisers and the media have taken place. The hope for a gradual revival of tourist flows has also been given by the announcement of the Digital Green Certificate. On this occasion, MSc. Maja Pak, director of the STB, highlights the activities that encourage foreign guests, especially

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from the nearby emitting markets, to take a holiday in Slovenia and discover the country: “The first steps towards the resumption of tourism give us hope for a swift re-establishment of tourist flows and the recovery of tourism, as one of the most important industries. Throughout the crisis, the Slovenian Tourist Board has carried out situation-adapted communication activities on foreign and domestic markets, which have now been upgraded and strengthened, as the restrictions have lifted. In light of changed travel habits, guests are in search of non-mass, healthy and safe holiday destinations. Therefore, active experiences in unspoiled nature are being highlighted, a tourist product that has the most potential for the recovery of tourism. Health is becoming an increasingly important value as well, so we also pay special attention

Piran, Photo by Miha Skrt

to the product's health and well-being. Of course, safety plays a major role when choosing a holiday destination, this is why the Green&Safe brand has been launched, which presents safe and attractive experiences in Slovenia.” Together with the Slovenian tourism industry, leading destinations and product associations, and other partners, the STB has prepared

Smartno Gorizia Hills, photo by Jost Gantar

a series of activities to inspire visitors to explore Slovenia and also provide them with up-to-date information with regard to the latest travel information and safety guidelines. There is a great number of publications, suggestions and ideas for unforgettable experiences available within the newsletters, the slovenia.info tourist information portal, and the Feel Slovenia social media channels.

Lipizzan Horses, Photo by Jošt Gantar

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