44 minute read
WE NEED TO DREAM MORE OF PRIVATE AND PUBLIC PARTNERSHIP
Business forum creates an opportunity for people to actually make points that are important to be heard, said the Executive Vice President Market Development Europe at Mastercard In your speech you spoke about digital revolution, power of digital age and you mentioned one great word connectivity. How important is connectivity nowadays, what is the main challenge of the digital age? — The key element is that we're already connected, we just don't even realize it. For example, you're using this dictaphone on your phone and you are so connected, because the phone knows where you are and what you're doing, we are even seamless to it. I suppose you are familiar with the term Freemium economy, with products like Facebook, Skype, WhatsApp, Viber and similar like excellent examples of it.
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It's a great service, a great consumer proposition, but of course, they are making a business case in terms of marketing information. And we feel comfortable in this connected space because we get something back for a valid proposition or a product. We are all connected and it's only going to increase more.
Big data is the business case it's only going to increase even more. At the Mobile World Congress we presented some use cases for connectivity so for example, you will already pay for the petrol before you even get to the station.
When it comes to the financial payments in this connected world, we want us to have a seamless view of payments, the single check-out. Amazon, for example. It's an amazing thing to have a onestop solution, it changes shopping behaviour. We now have the option to not carry any wallets – the smart phone with its connectivity power and contact list is the new wallet.
You also mentioned one great thing, public-private partnership. How important is it and can you please give us an example? — I think that the most important thing is that we need to dream more today of private-public partnership. On a European stage, I find governments that are very suspicious of the private sector and you always have to overjustify yourself, but I see a change coming with this great awareness to work and partner between the sectors.
We really need to see more of that. There is resistance to working with the private sector, particularly in Western Europe. What's so marvelous about Serbia is an openness from the government to actually seek help and inputs right and it's done in a good and balanced way. But it's not a case of having to justify it. I think that good use case example is businesses partnering with the government on this fiscal lottery program. can such a type of campaign contribute to the permanent and non-permanent solution of shadow economy? — The most important thing about this initiative is that it's powerful, it is an existing lottery program, right? Mastercard, in a conjunction with a number of business representative groups, partnered with the government who said actually “How we can create even stronger incentive to drive a consumer change”. When we talk about the shadow economy, it's not like consumers would like to go and transact in the shadow economy. No, they are actually legitimate buyers
WHAT'S SO MARVELOUS ABOUT SERBIA IS THE
and they believe that they are
Mastercard is participating in that very good action of Serbian government. How much
interacting with legitimate sellers. As far as a consumer is concerned, this is a legal, legitimate transaction. The problem with the shadow economy is that the retailer, be it a service provider, a plumber, electrician, or someone else, must see the necessity of reporting a revenue as income that ultimately they should be taxed on. We need to talk about not just the shadow economy, but also about the key learning there, which is how do you help the consumer understand that they have a role to play in the resolution of this problem. Anything you do is about how do you change consumer behaviour for the positive and that's what I think is so tremendous about this program, it's really unique. Your company is a partner of Kopaonik Business Forum. How much can such types of gatherings contribute to the development of economy and interraction between government and the private sector? — We are a company that believes that we need to do well for our shareholders, but we also need to do good for everyone else. So we need to get the right balance, talk about sustainable economies and sustainable consumers for the future, which is why we focus so much on financial growth. We realize that we need to be working a lot closer with governments to understand their objectives and how we can help them in our own little way. In an environment like this Business forum, it is truly phenomenal. There is something unique about this, it has the right pull and more importantly, gives people the opportunity to network. It creates an opportunity for people to actually make points that are important to be heard. I really want to compliment the Serbian organizers and Serbian people should be grateful for this openness from the government and willingness and passion from the private sector to engage, to create what is a real conversation.
Future plans in Serbia? — As a future for Serbia we have an open invitation from the government of Serbia to really partner and help them on creating a strongerpayment sector, that is something we will embrace. We will combine our efforts to create stronger, more viable solutions. The growth we have seen in Serbia is fantastic, and we expect that it will continue.
H.E. Arne Sannes Bjørnstad, Norwegian Ambassador, Mr. Morten Skovgaard Hansen, Chargé d'Affaires of the Danish Embassy, H.E.Jan Erik Mikael Lundin,Swedish Ambassador, H.E. Pertti Juhani Ikonen, Finnish Ambassador, Lada Ratković Bukovčan, author of the exhibition and Jelena Popovic, curator of the MPU Zoran Đorđević, Defence Minister and H.E. Arne Sannes Bjørnstad, Norwegian Ambassador
NORDIC GLASS EXHIBITION OPENED 9th February
The exhibition of contemporary Nordic Glass “Touch of Glass” started at the Belgrade Museum of Applied Arts lasting to 15 March when it will continue at the Museum of Vojvodina in Novi Sad (from March 22 to April 20) in cooperation with the embassies of Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden. The exhibition features 80 glass objects that promote Nordic design and manufacturers of glass at the same time showing an example of the Nordic countries as a successful model of regional cooperation in all fields.
IRANIAN NATIONAL DAY MARKED 9th February
Iranian Ambassdor to Serbia, H.E. Hossein Molla Abdollahi, organised a recpetion marking Iranian National Day and commemorating the 38th anniversary of the country’s Islamic Revolution. Welcoming guests, the Ambassador reminded those in attendance that 38 years have passed since the Muslim people of Iran, under the leadership of the late Imam Khomeini and under the slogan “Independence, Freedom and Islamic Republic”, stood against the tyranny of the shah and foreign colonisation.
H.E. Axel Dittmann, German Ambassador with his spouse Dr. Ruth Natalie Ebert
H.E.Hossein Molla Abdollahi, Ambassador of Iran
Mrs. Erica Robin Pinnington, the wife of the Canadian Ambassador, Stela Markotić, the wife of the Croatian ambassador and Aja Jung, director of BDF
JUST JAZZ 9th February
German Ambassador H E Axel Dittmann and his wife Nathalie organised a traditional evening of jazz evening at his residence in Senjak and guests enjoyed an exceptional performance of "Vasil Hadžimanov band". "Tonight is not about elections, chapters, politics, only about a good time. When we, Nathalie and I, a year and a half ago, came to Belgrade, we saw a wonderful concert of Vasil Hadžimanov and Bojan Zulfikarpašić. It is a great privilege and pleasure to have the opportunity tonight to host them here"- the ambassador said.
FROM ISRAEL WITH LOVE 10th February
Festival "From Israel with Love", which happened the second year in a row in the "Mikser House", presented some of the most important names of the Israeli cultural scene this year. Belgrade audience was able to use the Israeli weekend to enjoy the modern dance, a concert of the famous Tel Aviv groove band, student films, exhibitions of photographs of Bauhaus architecture, workshops for making jewellery and of course, all this seasoned Israeli culinary specialties. Embassy of Israel use this festival to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the renewal of diplomatic relations between Serbia and Israel.
Goran Kovačević, President of the NALED Executive Board and Zorana Mihajlović, Vice-President of the Government of Serbia and Minister of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure
H.E. Alona Fisher-Kamm, Israeli Ambassador, H.E. Kyle Randolph Scott, US Ambassador with his wife and H.E.Christine Moro, Ambasador of France with her husband
CELEBRATION OF ITEC DAY 13th February
H.E. Narinder Chauhan, Ambassador of India hosted a reception in Belgrade on 13th February 2017 to mark the Indian Technical & Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Day. H.E. Ivana Stojiljković, Member of Parliament and the President of India-Serbia Parliamentary Friendship Group was the Guest of Honour. Zoran Mihajlović, Assistant Minister, Ministry of Health, Nenad Miloradović, Assistant Minister, Ministry of Defence and Aleksandar Janković, Head of the Department for Asia, Australia and the Pacific, Ministry of Foreign Affairs represented the Government of the Republic of Serbia on the occasion. Large number of ITEC Alumni attended the Reception.
H.E. Denis Keefe, British Ambassador and H.E. Kyle Randolph Scott, US ambassador NALED AWARDED ZORANA MIHAJLOVIĆ AS A REFORMER OF THE YEAR 2016 10th February
National Alliance for Local Economic Development (NALED) has awarded a Vice-President of the Government of Serbia and Minister of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure Zorana Mihajlović with a title Reformer of the year. The award was granted for the successful introduction of electronic system for issuing building permits in 2016, at the X annual conference "The results and the direction of reform 2016/2017" held in the Belgrade City Hall.
Ivana Stojiljković, Member of Parliament and the President of India-Serbia Parliamentary Friendship Group and H.E. Narinder Chauhan, Ambassador of India
PLAY UK OPENED IN BELGRADE 16th February
Welcoming everyone who came to see the modern British films in the area that is known as the house of a good film, H E Denis Keefe, the British ambassador in Belgrade, opened the Festival of New British film "Play UK" at the Belgrade Cultural Centre. At the Belgrade Cultural Centre on that occasion the exhibition "Trainspotting: What have you been doing for the last 20 years" by Maja Medić and Stefan Arsenijević was shown. Then the sequel to the cult British film T2: Trainspotting was screened.
H.E. Branislav Mićunović, ambassador of Montenegro and Merima Njegomir, singer
H E Denis Keefe, the British ambassador in Belgrade with his spouse
MARCO FERRINI MEETS BALLET DANCERS 23th February TO MONTENEGRO PARTY 22th February
On Wednesday night at the Top of the Hub Restauran in BC Ušće in Novi Beograd, Tourist Organisation of Montenegro organised a grand party dedicated to the Tourism Fair in Belgrade. Montenegro, being a partner country, made a lot of effort to promote the beauties of the country. The party was visited by a number of ministers from Montenegrin government, H E Branislav Mićunović, Montenegrin ambassador to Serbia and many prominent guests originating both from Montenegro and Serbia.
Towards the 14th Belgrade Dance Festival, the National Dance Foundation and EU organised a meeting of all ballet dancers with the most famous Italian ballet master Marco Ferrini. The National Dance organised a cocktail with the entire delegation of the European Union and the ambassadors who supported the whole project.
Vesna Dedić, TV Personality
TO BUDVA PARTY AT TOURISM FAIR 25th February
Mrs Željka Radak Kukavičić (right), Director of TO Budva with her guests
The Tourist Organisation of Budva, leader of Montenegrin tourism, organised a party during the Belgrade Tourism Fair, where it presented its offers for this season. The Tourist Organisation of Budva had a joint stand with all the Montenegrin communities and the National Tourist Organisation, which helped the promotion. Montenegro was this year’s partner country and many important figures of political and cultural life from both countries were guests of the party.
KUWAIT NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATION 23th February
Embassy of Kuwait hosted a reception in the hotel "Metropol" on the occasion of 56th Independence Day and 26th Liberation Day of that country. Hosted by the Kuwaiti Ambassador H E Yusuf Abdulsamad, it was attended by representatives of government, military, religious communities, cultural life of Serbia and the diplomatic corps. In his address, H E Ambassador Abdulsamad stressed that the relations between our countires were friendly and that they were characterized by mutual trust.
US Ambassador, Canadian Ambassador with his wife, Ambassador of Australia with her husband, Macedonian Ambassador and Ambassador of Croatia
H.E. Yousef Ahmad S. Abdulsamad, ambassador of Kuwait
H. E. Mohammed K. M. Nabhan, Palestinian ambassador, H.E. Abdelhamid Chebchoub, ambassador of Algeria, H.E. Toufic Jaber, ambassador of Lebanon, H.E. Mohamed Bougamra, ambassador of Tunisia, H.E. Juma Rashed Saif Zayed Aldhaheri, ambassador of UAE and H.E.Gordan Markotić, ambassador of Croatia Vlatko Stefanovski, musician SOUNDS OF MACEDONIA IN BELGRADE 32th February
A unique musical concert of the Macedonian ethno group Ljubojna was held in the House of Unions. The special guests were the musical virtuosos Vlatko Stefanovski, Vasil Hadžimanov and Džambo Agušev. Guests enjoyed a unique synthesis of traditional and original contemporary music led by outstanding female vocals of Vera Miloševski. The event was attended by many illustrious persons from cultural, political and diplomatic life of Serbia.
BELGRADE TOURISM FAIR 23th February
At the Belgrade Fair the International Tourism Fair was held once again this year, from 23rd to 26th of February 26, and 1100 exhibitors from 56 countries took part in it. Opening ceremony was attended by Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vučić. The first time at the tourist offer at the fair, whose slogan is "Enjoy the weather" were Russia and China, as big potential markets, and a partner country of this year's fair was Montenegro.
H.E. Pertti Ikonen, Ambassador of Finland
Serbian PM Aleksandar Vučić opening the Tourism Fair
THE CONCERT OF FINNISH MUSIC IN THE BELGRADE CITY HALL 27th February
Embassy of Finland in Belgrade and Belgrade Cultural Centre organised a concert of music composer Jan Sibelius in the Belgrade City Hall on the occasion of 100 years of independence of Finland. The classical works of Sibelius were performed by Uki Ovaskainen, Finnish pianist, Aneta Ristić, soprano, and Vuk Ovaskainen, cellist. "The goal of the anniversary celebrations is to acquaint the public with Finland, its culture, values and social life" said H E Pertti Ikonen, Finnish Ambassador.
Nemanja Stefanović, State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Narinder Chauhan, Ambassador of India and Željko Sertić, director of RAS
INDIA BUSINESS FORUM 27th February
India-Serbia bilateral relations are marked by mutual understanding and support on issues of core interest. The idea is to increase trade exchanges and the high level meetings will help realize the full potential in expanding two-way trade and investment to boost economic growth. With a view to implement the action points arising out of the meetings with Indian leadership and business community, the second meeting of India- Serbia Business Forum was held at Crystal Ballroom, Hotel Hyatt, Belgrade.
TURKISH CULTURE NIGHT 1st March
Turkish Culture Night was held on Wednesday, March 1, when two exhibitions were opened on the same evening at two popular central locations in Belgrade. These were the opening of a photo exhibition „The Eye of Istanbul“ by the famous Turkish photo artist Ara Güller at Parobrod Culture Center, Kapetan Mišina 6A and the exhibition of paintings “Istanbul in Red and Blue“ by Duygu Serin at National Gallery, Dositejeva 1.
Goran Vesić, City Manager and Ms. Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, Australian Minister for International Development and the Pacific
Ana Crnojević and H.E.Tanju Bilgiç, Turkish Ambassador
H.E.Tanju Bilgiç and H.E. Harry Richard James Kandou, Ambassador of Indonesia
CROATIA – 25 YEARS OF DIPLOMATIC INDEPENDENCE 5th March
Marking the 25th anniversary of diplomatically recognised independence from 1992, Croatian Embassy in Belgrade celebrated it with a concert. The event was hosted by H E Gordan Markotić, Croatian Ambassador to Serbia and a multitude of illustrous guests were present at the event, such as H E Kyle Randolph Scott, US Ambassador and H.E. Branislav Mićunović, Montenegrin Ambassador and many others.
Visiting Ethno Network CONCETTA FIERRAVANTI-WELLS IN BELGRADE 3rd March
The Australian Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Ms. Concetta Fierravanti-Wells came in a one-day visit to Serbia on Friday, 3rd March. After meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, Ivica Dačić and other bilateral meetings, Minister Fierravanti-Wells visited the exhibition of Serbian handicrafts and traditional crafts, which was organized by the members Ethno network, at the Hotel Envoy.
Mrs Markotić, Mrs Scott, H.E. Kyle Randolph Scott, H.E. Vera Jovanovska Tipko and H.E. Branislav Mićunović
In order to have the rule of law, you must not only have institutions and adopted laws, rather you must have unconditional and uncompromising application and respect for those laws, as well as independent and effective judicial protection, as the most important corrector of respect for the legality and safety of citizens
“My many years of professional experience, as well as my maturity, has progressed from the early 1990s to the present day. That period included very difficult and challenging phases and periods that we went through as a state and a society, but also as individuals,” says Goran Draganić, a lawyer who this year celebrates 25 years of working in the legal domain, and who during his career has represented numerous companies, media houses and journalists, as well as the most distinguished personalities from the public, culture, politics and sporting scenes of Serbia.
What did the legal system of Serbia and the Serbian judiciary look like when you first started your career, 25 years ago? — They were in very bad condition. The nineties, wars, unprecedented inflation, election theft, abuse of the judiciary in the creation of election results and citizens’ protests were what comended up only with attempts. All political setups, from the late nineties to this day, address only the form of satisfying political criteria through the creation of proclamations in the political sense about
IF WE WANT SERIOUS ENFORCEMENT AND
posed the Serbia of that time.
Expectations during the nineties, with the then heightened hope that Serbia would prove victorious and move in the direction of fundamental changes and building the serious rule of law, unfortunately the rule of law, and not the essential serious construction and functioning of institutions through the implementation of laws and effective judicial protection.
We faced a failed attempt to reform the judiciary, which was destined for a bad finish from the start. The reason is simple – we still have not cleared up the fact that political criteria in the selection of judicial functions should not be the sole and primary condition, thus implementing successful and objective reforms is prevented.
In order to have the rule of law, you must not only have institutions and adopted laws, rather you must have unconditional and uncompromising application and respect for those laws, as well as independent and effective judicial protection, as the most important corrector of respect for the legality and safety of citizens. All previous executive governments that have been changed have not grasped at all that a strong and, in the true sense, independent judiciary is the foundation of any strong and
prosperous country, a reflection of every democracy. We are faced with the permanent presence of the political defining of a desirable and servile judiciary.
Which of the EU accession chapters are very important for Serbia when it comes to the judiciary and what will represent the opening and closing of these chapters for Serbia? — Without diminishing the importance and significance of other chapters that Serbia must fulfil en route to the EU, of incalculable importance to Serbia at this moment are chapters 7, 23 and 24, as well as closing them. These chapters represent the most important test for the state to date.
I consider that chapters 23 and 24, which relate to the judiciary, human rights, freedom of movement and security, are perhaps the most important and most crucial for Serbia’s EU accession.
Their fulfilment is conditioned by the real situation and the results of judicial operations and the rule of law, and not political proclamations, beautification and demagogy.
Also pointing to the importance of these issues is the fact that failure to achieve serious progress on these chapters can cause a problem in terms of halting negotiations on other chapters.
A strong, stable and efficient judicial system is not only a guarantee of legal certainty for the citizens of Serbia, but rather also a guarantee of faster investments for foreign investors, their certainty that their investments and operations in Serbia will be under serious legal control and oversight of government institutions and effective court protection.
There is a lot of talk about the protection of intellectual property rights in Serbia. How far have we advanced in this field and which chapters relate to this domain? — Chapter 7 relates to intellectual property. That is a very important chapter. It is enough to say intellectual property and to know that this relates to the protection of sense, knowledge and skills.
The state must realise that investing in the protection of intellectual property actually means protecting minds, which encourages young people to create new ideas and gives them an incentive not to leave the country. This enables the creation of new jobs and the creation of a new working environment, and with that an increased budget. These are all general social benefits of the serious protection of and respect for intellectual property rights. strengthen education, while what is most important is to raise social awareness of the importance of protecting intellectual property.
One of the most important goals in promoting the strategy of intellectual property is the fight against piracy. The fight against piracy is not just the responsibility of a single institution. It must include the coordinating of all state bodies, customs, police, prosecution, inspectorates, the Intellectual
AS FOR THE CURRENT STATE OF AFFAIRS WITH
It is indisputable that Serbia has started harmonising domestic legislation with the EU acquis; that it is a signatory of the most important international agreements in the field of industrial property, copyright and related rights. Likewise, Serbia also cooperates with the most important international institutions, WIPO. Protecting intellectual property rights is extremely important for us when it comes to joining the EU and WTO.
However, all of that is not enough! It is extremely important to continue to promote the strategy for the development of intellectual property. It is necessary to Property Office and the courts, but also the holder of property rights, the publisher. The main goal of the EU in the field of intellectual property is to create an environment in which the holders of intellectual property rights will be able to freely protect their products and services from unauthorised use, copying and abuse. In order for Serbia to achieve the level of reduced piracy it is necessary to have political will in coordination between the public and private sectors.
As for the current state of affairs with intellectual property rights in Serbia, we have opened the chapter on compliance with the conditions for implementing and protecting intellectual property rights, and we have political proclamations that Serbia will do everything necessary to create an atmosphere of protection for intellectual property.
What we are awaiting, but which is unfortunately not in sight nor even planned, is for Serbia – in such a desired atmosphere – to gain a specialised court for intellectual property.
Today we have a situation in which, in the context of the High Court, there exist only separate departments of judges that deal with authorship disputes and disputes related to trademark infringements, but also disputes concerning marital and familial relations. That’s not good! If we want serious enforcement and judicial protection, we must create a specialised court for the protection of intellectual property as soon as possible, an IP Court, the kind that already exists in all developed countries of Europe and the world.
What more can be done in order for us to have a functional, stable and modern judicial system in Serbia? — In the end, the interests of the state of Serbia and Serbian citizens are recognised in the meeting of all conditions and the closing of all chapters. We can only achieve serious rule of rule if we manage to prevent political influence on the selection and work of judicial bodies, with the mandatory selection of the best, highest quality and boldest judges and prosecutors.
It is also extremely important to invest in judges via specialisation and exchanges of experience in international, especially European, frameworks. Moreover, it is essential to create conditions in which judicial officials will feel financial security, which would provide them with an unrestricted and independent position in the country. A state that succeeded in creating these kinds of principles of functioning of the judicial system would also finally succeed in enabling judges and prosecutors to hold a position in which they represented basic bastions in the protection of the state and society.
Miloš Jelić, Ivan Milićević, Marko Milanković and Robert Jenovai
NELT OPENED LOGISTICS INTERMODAL TERMINAL IN BELGRADE NELT, the regional leader in the area of distribution, logistics and trade marketing, opened the first private railway logistics terminal in its Central Distribution Centre in Dobanovci and thus completed the logistics services portfolio
The NELT intermodal terminal represents an upgrade to existing integrated logistics system and is open for all import, transit and export operations participants in the market. It is available to shipping companies, railway operators, forwarding agents, as well as manufacturers, brand owners and other distributors.
“Intermodal transportation is a synonym for economic, efficient and environmentally sustainable global transport of all types of goods. We in Nelt strive to have our operations recognised by these attributes. With a new set of logistics services, launched by activating the intermodal terminal, we will enable our clients to cut logistics cost but will also bring a faster and safer transportation services of higher quality. Regular weekly railway both import and export transportation of containers between the Port of Rijeka and Nelt Dobanovci is the first service offered to the market. Reduction of the greenhouse gas effect and lower usage of the road infrastructure are significant for the community
THE NEW SET OF LOGISTIC SERVICES THAT
INITIATE ACTIVATION OF THE INTERMODAL TERMINAL WILL ENABLE OUR CUSTOMERS TO REDUCE LOGISTICS COSTS
and the country itself,” said Ivan Milićević, Operations and Development Manager in NELT LSP.
The new NELT terminal connects all European ports and land terminals. E-75 and E-70 motor-
ways intersect six kilometres away from the terminal, while the distance to Nikola Tesla Airport is only ten kilometres. A customs office with a warehouse within the NELT logistics centre enables full support and flexibility to various processes and goods trades.
ABOUT NELT
Nelt was established in 1992 as a trading company. Today, Nelt is Serbian and regional leader in the field of distribution of fast-moving consumer goods, tobacco and pharmaceutical products, logistics services and trade marketing. Within its logistics facilities, the company also offers services such as international transportation, warehousing, customs intermediary, delivery, and additional repackaging, labelling and adjustment services. Outside Serbia, Nelt holds companies in Montenegro, Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as in the countries of Sub-Saharan Africa - Angola, Zambia and Mozambique, in total employing 3,800 people.
Banca Intesa SPECIAL LOANS FOR AGRICULTURE BY INTESA
Banca Intesa has created a special offer of loans for investment in current assets, in order to help registered farms secure adequate financial support for the upcoming spring agricultural works. Available credit for financing spring sowing ranges from 100,000 to five million RSD, with a repayment period of 12 months. The maturity is adapted to the specific needs of farmers, so the funds can be returned in the form of monthly, quarterly, six-month or annual repayments. The nominal interest rate ranges from 6.5 to 9.5 per cent annually, depending on the group to which registered farms belong, based on actual inflows after purchase or sale on a dedicated account in the last 12 months, as well as based on the size of non-arable land. “With the introduction of this special offer in this period, we want to provide financing investment for clients from the segment of agriculture at significantly more favourable terms, and thus facilitate their business in the current season,” said Đorđe Radulović, director of sales management to registered farms at Banca Intesa.
Nestlé ELIMINATION OF AT LEAST 18,000 TONNES OF SUGAR BY 2020
Nestlé has pledged to eliminate at least 18,000 tonnes of sugar from products that will appear on the European market by 2020. Thanks to this decision, Nestlé’s complete range in Europe will have an average of 5% less sugar than now. With this move, Nestlé aims to support European Commission directives and the objectives of its member states that intend to develop a plan of action to improve their food products. The promise to reduce sugar content is part of global company liabilities that will be released on 7th March. Nestlé’s declaration was announced at an event dedicated to combatting obesity in children that was held in Malta, which currently holds the EU Presidency. On this occasion, Marco Settembri, Executive President of Nestlé and Director for Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, stressed the importance of healthy eating, noting: “When one in three children is overweight or obese, it is clear that we must do more to offer healthier food choices and help in the promotion of an active lifestyle”.
Italian Agency for Foreign Trade (ICE) "DAYS OF WINE FROM THE SOUTH OF ITALY"
METRO Cash & Carry Serbia, in cooperation with the Italian Agency for Foreign Trade (ICE) and in the framework of the “Days of Wine from the South of Italy”, has organised the professional tasting of specially selected labels from the Italian regions of Campania, Calabria, Puglia and Sicily, as well as the pairing of these high-quality wines with appropriate food. Guests of the METRO HoReCa Centre were presented with the unique and extremely rich wine heritage of southern Italy. Guests were led through the wine list by Igor Luković, President of the Association of Sommeliers of Serbia, while Uroš Urošević, Master Chef and head of the METRO HoReCa Centre, presented the best combinations of food and wine, creating flavours that are in harmony with the wine. The audience was addressed by Giovanni Mafodda, Director of the ICE in Serbia, who thanked retail chain Metro Cash & Carry Serbia. Some 30% of total world wine production originates from Italy and, as Luković noted, “Italian wines are reasonably the most sought-after wines in Serbia for import”.
Delta Motors MORE NEW ADVENTURES - THE NEW MINI COUNTRYMAN
MINI Serbia announced the promotion of the new Countryman model within the MINI showroom in Radnička Street in Belgrade. The MINI Countryman has a unique position among its competitors thanks to a distinctive design and aerodynamic contours, with optimised bodywork and extraordinary ease of driving. The car’s appearance has undergone a complete redesign, with a number of noticeable improvements in terms of space, functionality, sports and premium features. The new Countryman, with its powerful proportions, is the largest model to date in the 57-year-long history of the MINI brand. “The new MINI Countryman is increased in size, but retains the typical MINI proportions,” said Julius Schleppkotten, Director of the MINI Countryman project. The base price of the new MINI Countryman Cooper model, which is slowly conquering the segment of premium compact cars, ranges from €25,990, while the promotional period runs until the end of March, with a guaranteed price of €24,990. The new MINI Countryman is on show in the MINI showroom at 8 Radnička Street and is available for a test drive.
Hemofarm PM BOUFFIER IN HEMOFARM
Prime Minister of the German Federal State of Hesse, Volker Bouffier, paid a state visit to the Republic of Serbia during which he and his associaites visited the headquarters of Hemofarm in Vršac. The delegation also included H.E. Axel Dittmnan, German Ambassador to Serbia. Bouffier toured the building, which represents an investment worth over six million euros. CEO of Hemofarm and Vice President of the STADA Group for Southeast Europe, Ronald Seeliger, met with Prime Minister Bouffier at Hemofarm, which is the biggest German investment in Serbia. Seeliger insisted that, as chairman of the board of the German-Serbian Chamber of Commerce, he would continue to strive to constantly improve good business cooperation between Serbian and German businesspeople. The Hesse PM said during his visit that he was pleased with what he saw at Hemofarm. “This is proof that in Serbia you can do business successfully, and nothing is more convincing than a good example like that we have seen here.”
Wiener Städtische insurance (WSO) NEW SEASON OF SPORT AGAINST DIABETES PROJECT
Serbia is the worst country in Europe when it comes to the number of children under the age of 14 who are suffering from diabetes. In order to contribute to improving the health of our youngest fellow citizens, company Wiener Städtische insurance (WSO) is supporting the project Sport Against Diabetes (Type 1) the second consecutive year. The official opening of the new season of the project was organised at Belgrade’s Senjak Sports Academy on 28th February. The opening also saw guests addressed by Borko Marinković, initiator of the project and president of SK Vašarište, Dragana Nerandžić, Head of Marketing at WSO, Aleksandar Stanković, a doctor and representative of ZSMSRS, and Mateja Marinković, promoter of the project. Support for the project was provided by actress Anđelka Prpić, who led the programme, as well as presenter Dejan Pantelić, who practised together with children after the official opening.
The UniCredit Foundation and universities have for the third consecutive year opened the competition for the Summer School Programme, which will see seven scholarships awarded to students for them to attend the London School of Economics and the School of Economics in Barcelona (Barcelona GSE) for up to three months, from June to August 2017. The scholarship is worth €1,500 and is available to
Unicredit UNICREDIT OPENS STUDENT SUMMER SCHOOL PROGRAMME CONTEST
students enrolled in the final year of studies or master’s programmes in economics, finance, banking, engineering, political science and law. It is also obligatory for the candidates to be nationals of one of the countries where UniCredit operates, including Serbia, and students of any university in the world. Applications are submitted exclusively via the site www.unicreditanduniversities.eu, and it is necessary for all documentation to be delivered in English, in PDF format, by 15th March at the latest. The Scientific Committee will choose up to seven winners by 15th April. More information can be found on the website of the UniCredit Foundation and universities www.unicreditanduniversities.eu.
Hellenic Business Association of Serbia VASILOPITA CUTTING ANNUAL CELEBRATION
The Hellenic Business Association of Serbia has, for the 11th consecutive year, organised its annual event in honour of the traditional cutting of vasilopita bread at Belgrade’s Hyatt Regency Hotel. The event was attended by HBA members and friends, as well as members of the wider Greek business community in Serbia and representatives of the Greek Embassy in Belgrade. HBA President Georgios Papanastasiou stressed that the Greek business community in Serbia continues to contribute actively to the Serbian economy, employing 15,000 people and making investments that exceed €2.5 billion. He added that the HBA will continue to represent the Greek business community in a manner worthy of its size and quality. This year’s event saw the Hellenic Business Association of Serbia award company Alumil and Metropol Palace Hotel on the tenth anniversary of their membership in the HBA, while awards also went to companies Eurofast and Rokas for their long-term contribution to the HBA’s work.
The Embassy of Finland, together with the Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Serbia, organised a seminar entitled “Doing Business with Finland”, held at the Finnish ambassadorial residence in Belgrade. The aim of the seminar was to introduce possibilities for cooperation between Finnish and Serbian companies and institutions. The event was also an opportunity for Serbian companies to discuss their business ideas with the Finnish delegation. “This event represents a strong signal that there is ever more Finnish and Nordic interest in economic cooperation with Serbia. Finland is a reliable business partner. Our business decisions are based on solid facts and long-term business opportunities”, said H.E. Pertti Ikonen, Finnish Ambassador to Serbia, speaking during his opening remarks. The Finnish delegation in Belgrade was led by Mika Vehnamaki, of the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Siv Ahlberg, from the Finnish business partnership programme – Finnpartnership.
Slovenian-Serbian Business Association FIRST MEETING FOR NEWLY ESTABLISHED ASSOCIATION
The members of BASS (the Business Association of Slovenia and Serbia) held their first meeting in the Zemono Castle. BASS was established in February with the aim of becoming a significant pillar of support in the integrating of economic and entrepreneurial initiatives from Slovenia and Serbia. Goran Medić, Chairman of the BASS Board of Directors and also director of Fructal, said: “During my career I have come to the conclusion that we lack certain structures in establishing connections and business cooperation between operators in the region. That is why we formed BASS,” . Participants were addressed by the Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to Slovenia, H.E. Aleksandar Radovanović, who said: “I am very happy at the founding of BASS, because I am convinced that it will contribute significantly to improving economic cooperation between Slovenia and Serbia”. The BASS Board, in addition Medić, includes Tomaž Kavčič, deputy chairman of the Association, known as an innovative Slovenian cook in “Gostilna pri Lojzetu” at the Zemono Castle, where the headquarters of the Federation and BASS are located; and Ursa Manček, owner of “Diogenes” Communications, who boasts extensive experience in marketing, public relations and event management. ind out more at: www.drustvo-bass.si
Lukoil Petrol FIFTH PETROL STATION OPENS IN NIŠ
The 114th petrol station of ”LUKOIL SERBIA” AD, and the fifth in the city of Niš, was officially opened on 10th February 2017. In the presence of Niš Mayor Darko Bulatović and other representatives of the city’s administration, the new retail outlet was opened by Igor Semenichev, CEO of ”LUKOIL SERBIA” AD and head of the Balkan regional ”LUKOIL” network. The petrol station ”Carina 2” was built according to modern European standards and offers its customers the latest generation of fuels: ECTO Diesel, Winter ECTO Diesel and petrol ECTO Plus. Within the opening ceremony of the new building, ”LUKOIL SERBIA” AD prepared activities and surprises for consumers: the first 200 received various gifts from the assortment of offer petrol stations, while by the end of March the prices of the ECTO derivative will be equalised with standard Euro-5 quality fuels. In the next month customers will receive a voucher when making purchases of RSD2,000 or more that provides them with a discount of 60 per cent on the purchase of Vitapur decorative overlays. A partner provided a gift for each customer, while customer loyalty card points doubled.
Delta Agrar PARTICIPATION IN EUROPE’S LARGEST FRUIT AND VEG FAIR
Company Delta Agrar participated in the 25th Fruit Logistica international fair of fruits and vegetables in Berlin, where it presented its four varieties of apples: Kiku, Modi, Pink Lady and Evelina, for which it has the exclusive right to produce and distribute in our country and the region. Delta Agrar also used this event to present the Isaaq variety, which will find itself in the company’s portfolio next year, as well as Rubens, Red Moon and Sweet Tango. Special interest was generated among visitors to the Delta Agrar stand by the possibility of using virtual reality technology to tour the Hi-Tech orchard in Čelarevo, familiarise themselves with the production technology and compete in picking apples. Basic information about each variety was displayed via an interactive panel.
Marbo Product TOP EMPLOYERS AWARDS - EUROPE 2017 AND EMPLOYERS OF SERBIA IN 2017
Company Marbo Products, which has operated under the auspices of multinational PepsiCo since 2008, has recorded a major success and secured its third consecutive award by winning the prestigious title of Top Employers Europe 2017 and Best Employers Serbia in 2017, which was awarded by the Netherlands-based Top Employer Institute. PepsiCo Europe was declared one of the top three employers in Europe, thanks to the exceptional conditions it provides for its employees. At the European level, the company is certified on 18 individual markets, including Serbia’s. Both at the global and local levels, PepsiCo is dedicated to fulfilling the vision of its business philosophy “business for a purpose”, which is based on the belief that the company can only operate well if it does well. One of the main pillars of the company’s platform comprises people, which is why Marbo Product treats its employees, all 1,300 of them, as its most valuable investment.
A mini fair of Italian brands was held recently at Belgrade’s UŠĆE Shopping Centre, which was the partner of the event, providing visitors with the opportunity to learn about the excellence of Italian design. Visitors enjoyed also a mini concert “Volare in three ways”, which was announced by the Italian Ambassador H.E. Giuseppe Manzo. This initiative in Belgrade was supported by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Piaggio, Natuzzi, Chicco,
Mini fair DAY OF ITALIAN DESIGN HELD IN BELGRADE
Monini, Rio Mare, PensareCasa, IDP - Industria e Divani Poltrone, Atlas and Moreno coffee. Within the framework of the Day of Italian Design in Belgrade, organised by the Italian Embassy and the Italian Cultural Institute, a round table event, entitled “#Individual #Technology #Society”, was held at Mikser House. Ambassador Manzo also opened this event which featured Italian architect Niccola di Battista, director of Domus magazine, which deals with the theme of the relationship between the individual, society and places of residence, along with other speakers: architect Vladimir Lojanica, fashion designer Dragana Ognjenović and industrial designer Marko Luković, while the role of moderator belonged to architect Zoran Đukanović.
IS SERBIA READY TO FURTHER DEVELOP THE BIOGAS SECTOR?
The June 2016 adoption of new incentives for the production of electricity from renewable sources has created a good framework for the rapid development of new biogas plants in Serbia. These measures will be in force until year’s end 2018 - it was concluded at the recent conference on the sustainable development of the biogas sector in Serbia. The professional meeting, jointly organised by the Serbian Biogas Association, the Serbian Ministry of Mining and Energy and the Serbian-German programme of development cooperation implemented by GIZ, “Development of a sustainable bioenergy market in Serbia”, brought together representatives of biogas associations from Serbia and Germany. Serbian Mining and Energy Minister Aleksandar Antić said that the topic of renewable energy sources is of great importance for Serbia. The National Action Plan for Renewable Energy of the Republic of Serbia predicts that by 2020 it is necessary to build 30 megawatts of new capacity for the production of electricity using biogas, in order to achieve the objective of 27% of electricity production from renewable energy sources (RES). Germany has the longest tradition in the biogas sector and leads the world in the field of biogas, with over 9,000 biogas plants in Germany with over 4,500 MW of total installed capacity.
“T2 Trainspotting”: A Poignant Sequel to a Singular British Film
Danny Boyle has not fully recaptured the gritty realism or shock value of his 1996 original
“TRAINSPOTTING” was the best British film of the 1990s. Based on the novel of the same name by Irvine Welsh (a book one reviewer said deserved to sell more copies than the Bible), it told the interlaced stories of young working-class men from Leith, a then-rough area east of Edinburgh. “Trainspotting” made a star of Ewan McGregor, and showcased the vivid and frenetic style that Danny Boyle, the director, would use in later films like “Slumdog Millionaire”.
Upon its release in 1996, some critics claimed that “Trainspotting” glamorised drugs. It was an odd thing to say about a film that showed, in graphic detail, the effects of a heroin overdose as well as its withdrawal symptoms. It showed the cold corpse of a baby that had died as a result of neglect by its addict parents. One character, Tommy, dies from AIDS after contracting HIV from sharing an infected needle. True, “Trainspotting” showed a few highs as well as the many lows. But only a Puritan would think it made light of the heroin and HIV epidemic that swept through Edinburgh in the 1980s.
That “Trainspotting” was set in the 1980s is often forgotten. Released into the milieu of Britpop and New Labour, the film is seen as emblematic of the “Cool Britannia” years when British popular culture swaggered its way back into relevance. That is certainly true. “Trainspotting” did the world’s cinemagoers a service by showing that a British film could be successful without having to cast Hugh Grant. It gave lives—real, witty, complex, lives—to those dismissed as deadbeats. The hedonism and aspiration of its characters chimes with the songs of Oasis. The famous coda in which Mark Renton, the protagonist played by Mr McGregor, says he will “Choose Life” would have made him a target voter for Tony Blair’s revival of the British Labour party.
But while the tone of the film reeked of the 1990s its characters came of age in the previous decade. They listen to Iggy Pop, not Blur or Pulp. They are children of Thatcher, not of Blair. Di-
ane, with whom Renton has sex before realising that she is a schoolgirl, tells him that “the world is changing, music is changing, even drugs are changing.” Even then Renton and his pals had a sense of time slipping away.
That is worth remembering when considering “T2 Trainspotting”, which is loosely based on “Porno”, Mr Welsh’s follow-up novel from 2002. In the sequel, rather than avoid the past, Mr Boyle has his characters haunted by it. Scenes deliberately ape those of the first film: Renton runs on a treadmill (rather than down a street); Francis Begbie re-enacts a violent encounter. Wistful chords of songs from the first film’s soundtrack add to the mood of a time that can be imagined but not returned to. “You live in the past,” Renton is told. And so too do those watching. Mr Boyle toys with our desperation for this film to match the first. It does not; but it is great.
The plot is simple. After 20 years in Amsterdam choosing life (or at least a job in “stock management solutions”) and not taking heroin, Renton has returned to Edinburgh. There live one friend (Spud, who is still using), one frenemy (Sick Boy, a cocaine addict who aspires to be a pimp) and one enemy (Francis Begbie, a sadistically violent criminal on the run from prison). It is the first time he meets them since running off with £12,000 from a drug deal two decades ago. In part because he fancies Veronika, a Bulgarian wannabe-madam playing with Sick Boy’s affection, Renton decides not to return to Holland. Instead he agrees to help Sick Boy win a European Union grant to “refurbish” (convert into a brothel) a down-at-heel local pub. But has Sick Boy really forgiven him? And will the seething Begbie find him?
Like any homecoming there are moments when life and friendship feel like they once were. These now middle-aged men have fleeting moments of youth-like abandon. After a successful (and hilarious) robbery of members of a sectarian Protestant club in Glasgow it seems as if Renton and Sick Boy have made up. They even persuade the EU that the Port Sunshine boozer must be part of the gentrification of Leith.
But the high wears off, and their powers—financial, sexual and emotional—reach new ebbs. They watch as a new generation seem to have it better than they did; their choices are only between “Facebook, Twitter, Instagram”. In their own ways the characters slowly realise that they have made irreversible choices. They may want to revisit them but they cannot. It hurts.
Although there are a few raucous scenes, “T2 Trainspotting” does not shock like the original. How could it? At times Mr Boyle and John Hodge, the screenwriter, try too hard to stitch the two together. When Renton launches into a new “Choose Life” monologue it feels overly contrived. But “T2 Trainspotting” is still a thoughtful, funny and moving piece of cinema. It demonstrates that the most addictive thing of all is the past.
From The Economist, published under licence. The original article, in English, can be found on www.economist.com
