Focus on Netherlands

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Netherlands The

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T H E LA RG E ST F L OW E R G A R D E N Keukenhof Gardens is the world’s largest flower garden, with 7 million flower bulbs surrounded by tulip fields.

THE DISH The herring with chopped raw onions and pickles is a national dish.

VA N G O G H In Amsterdam is Van Gogh Museum and the Kröller-Müller Museum house the largest Van Gogh collections in the world.

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THE PORT

Orange is Netherlands national color and the color of the Dutch Royal Family.

Port of Rotterdam is the largest port in Europe and the second largest in the world.

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I will Come Back to Visit Serbia We, the Dutch, are generally quite modest and don’t like to make a big deal out of things, particularly when it comes to business, so many people in Serbia may not know that they shop daily in a Dutch supermarket chain, drink Dutch beer, have Dutch lightbulbs and use Dutch consumer products.

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.E. Mr Henk van den Dool will end his term as the Dutch Ambassador to Serbia, after spending four years in our country.

In his farewell interview, he talks about what he loves in Serbia, what are the similarities and what differences between our countries, and how can the current relations between the two countries improve.

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You are finishing your term as the Dutch Ambassador this summer. How do you feel about these four years you spent in Serbia?

— These have been four truly fascinating years, in which I have come to know a country with an incredibly rich history, which I, as a historian, appreciate tremendously. But it is also a country with a bright future. One which is based on the natural wealth of the country, but especially its people who are young, well-educated, enthusiastic and entrepreneurial. It is very important that people see that future and make the conscious decision to invest in it and stay. I will personally miss this country, and particularly its people, dearly.

I will definitely be coming back to visit often in a private capacity.

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What were the most difficult tasks for you during your term in Serbia?

— When I started I was more optimistic about the tempo in which the necessary reforms on Serbia’s path to the EU could be implemented. I now have a more realistic perspective on that, for better or worse. For someone who, like me, is not very patient, it is difficult to have to accept that the challenges and difficulties are tougher than you’d like them to be. At the same time, it goes without saying that I, with admiration and satisfaction, see that Serbia is in a significantly better shape today than it was four years ago, particularly in terms of its economy.

What is your view of the current economic and diplomatic relations between our two countries?

— Honestly, I can only say that they are excellent. The Netherlands is one of the biggest foreign investors in Serbia, which shows that Dutch businesses recognize Serbia’s enormous potential.

It also makes it easier for me to address concerns, for instance about the rule of law, as Dutch investments show that it pays off to undertake reforms: improvements in the investment climate are re-

H . E . H E N K VA N DEN DOOL Ambassador of the Netherlands to Serbia

I find a personal touch in my professional life (the Serbian way) to be much more pleasant than a professional touch in my personal life (the Dutch way)

warded. Diplomatically, relations are closer than ever simply because Serbia is working hard to become a member of the European Union, of which the Netherlands is one of the ’founding fathers’. This means our strategic orientations are aligned and we share a common goal. What also makes the work of a diplomat easier is that Serbians, like the Dutch, are straightforward and honest so we can have open and frank discussions, as friends do.

What are the most important tasks for the Serbian authorities when it comes to continuing the road towards EU membership in the next few months?

— I welcome the commitment of the Serbian authorities to the European future and the efforts that they have made on the road to the EU. In my view, in the next few months and beyond two issues are essential. The first is to keep displaying the political will to move things in the right direction. The EU integration process can transform the Serbian economy and society, but only if the technical procedures are rooted in strong political commitment. Without this, difficult reforms are impossible, especially when vested interests are

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at stake. The second task is related and has to do with communication. EU accession rests on popular support and the belief that the EU can make a difference in the everyday lives of Serbian citizens.

This is the case in EU member states as much as in candidate countries. We have a joint responsibility: for companies to explain how the internal market facilitates business, for students to share their experiences at universities in other European countries, for NGOs to advocate fundamental European values such as the freedom of expression, and for politicians to explain why EU

membership is in the best interest of Serbian citizens.

How much is life in Serbia different to life in the Netherlands?

— Life in the Netherlands is much more tightly organized and business-like. Professionally, that can be a positive thing as it makes things more predictable and more easy to prepare for. But in the Netherlands, it’s also very common to have to plan meetings with friends and family far in advance. I will need to get used to that again. I find a personal touch in my professional life (the Serbian way) to be much more pleasant than a professional touch in my personal life (the Dutch way).

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What is the difference in the business culture? Was there anything that was a big surprise to you?

— The cliche now commands to say something about the long, late and heavy lunches in Serbia. Of course, that is a staple of Serbian life, particularly in diplomacy and business, and sometimes I find them to be a bit too much. But at the same time, I think we, the Dutch could learn a lot from there. Being more flexible and creating more space to be together, talk and enjoy the finer things in life never hurt anybody!

In general, I think that the differences are not as big as they often made out to be. In my experience, the Serbian and Dutch people get along excellently. We share a certain directness and have a similar sense of humour. I personally particularly find the latter very important.

Dutch companies employ over 15,000 people in Serbia. They are active in a large number of sectors, from shipbuilding to IT, sales, farming, beer industry and design. Where do you see room for improvement?

— There is room for improvement in all of the above! And not because it’s going badly, but because it’s going so

well. I think that the Netherlands, i.e. the Dutch companies, have a great deal to offer Serbia. In fact, I know that to be the case because of what you just set out yourself. The diversity of sectors in which Dutch companies are not just present, but often times leading in terms of success, innovation, CSR and technology shows that.

The companies that are already present here are doing well, and many of them are working on expanding, while an increasing amount of companies from the Netherlands are knocking on our door because they’ve heard about the potential in Serbia and would like to know more about the opportunities.

And this happens across the board in terms of both sectors and sizes of companies.

We, the Dutch, are generally quite modest and don’t like to make a big deal out of things, particularly when it comes to business, so many people in Serbia may not know that they shop daily in a Dutch supermarket chain, drink Dutch beer, have Dutch lightbulbs and use Dutch consumer products. So perhaps there lies the real room for improvement.

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LATE AND HEAVY LUNCHES IN SERBIA The cliche now commands to say something about the long, late and heavy lunches in Serbia. Of course, that is a staple of Serbian life, particularly in diplomacy and business, and sometimes I find them to be a bit too much.

One of your roles as the Ambassador of the Netherlands to Serbia is, among other things, bolstering the bilateral relations between our two countries, both on a political and economic level. How many Dutch companies that have already positioned themselves in our market are helping with achieving this mission?

— My role as the Ambassador to Serbia is indeed to strengthen the bilateral relations between our two countries. I and my team at the Embassy do this in many ways. Cultural exchange, bilateral support for crucial reforms, support to Serbia’s EU Integration trajectory….

However, I always say that there is one key aspect of our bilateral relationship in which I am particularly proud to have the help and support of a much wider team, aside from my own.

In which I have the support of a team of Dutch companies, investors and entrepreneurs that bring with them our traditions, innovative technologies, our ways of doing things. Advanced practices in social responsibility, labour safety standards, employment and many other things. A team of Dutch companies that exchange experiences, knowledge, goods and services with Serbia on a daily basis. So each of those companies is an Ambassador in their own way, and they make me very proud.

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Bright Future for Economy In addition to the already significant cooperation in the IT sector, which will surely expand, there is a lot of room for further expansion of the cooperation in the agricultural sector utch companies employ more than 15,000 people in Serbia. They are active in the number of sectors from shipbuilding and IT to sales, agriculture, beer industry and design. We are talking to the Association's Director, Djordje Petrović, about where did the initiative for establishing the Association come from, its further plans and room for further cooperation.

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Last year, four Dutch companies, which operate in Serbia, launched an initiative for establishing a business association. How did this initiative come about?

— Interestingly, the whole idea of establishing the DSBA was created after the inception of an informal Serbian-Dutch club in the Netherlands, where Bojan Leković, the owner of KupujemProdajem, Tom de Boer, owner of Todebo, and myself, as the owner of Companies Connected, with the huge support of the Serbian ambassador in the Netherlands, H.E. Petar Vico. had a meeting at the Serbian Embassy in the Netherlands, attended by about 30 officials. After this initial meeting in the Netherlands and upon returning to Belgrade, following a conversation with Mr. Oliver Sarov, Senior Economic Advisor at the Dutch Embassy in Serbia, we came to the conclusion that, despite the significant presence of Dutch companies in Serbia, the Dutch business community had no association in Serbia and that it was the right moment for such an initiative to be launched.

Apart from the three of us and considering our close business ties with Serbia and the Netherlands, we also met a Dutch national, Cees Hilhorst, who is the owner of the Serbian company of S-Biom, at the aforementioned meeting

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in The Hague. So, the four of us, with strong support from the Dutch Ambassador to Serbia, H.E. Henk Van Den Dool, Mr Sarov and the entire team at the Dutch Embassy in Serbia, launched the initiative for establishing the DSBA.

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D J O R D J E P E T ROV I Ć Director of the Dutch-Serbian Business Association (DSBA)

Considering how many Dutch companies operate in Serbia, how come the Association wasn't founded earlier?

— Bearing in mind that, in the last year, the Netherlands invested close to EUR 2.5 billion in Serbia and that the Dutch companies employ over 15,000 people in Serbia, it is quite surprising that there was no business association that would gather all those companies. I think that the reason for this was a lack of concrete action to implement this initiative in practice.

Furthermore, we should bear in mind that this action implies that there must be a willingness of all parties involved to invest considerable effort into this endeavour. Believe me, a lot of work had to be done to launch the DSBA. All of us involved in the launch had to sacrifice something since we all have tight schedules because we have our own companies and jobs, and our work regarding the DSBA is purely on a volunteer basis.

What conclusions did you make at the session and what activities are you planning for this year?

— Following our first general assembly session in February at which, among other things, we appointed members of the Managing Board, in April, the Managing Board had a meeting at which we had a detailed discussion about the conclusions from the general assembly session, operative details and the DSBA's plans for this year.

One of the DSBA's primary goals for this year is establishing coopera-

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POSITIVE EXPERIENCES The overwhelming majority of Dutch companies have positive experiences with doing business in Serbia.

tion with other business associations in Serbia and networking among members. To this end, we had a networking cocktail with the BSBA (Belgian association) in April, while on May 23rd, we attended the international networking cocktail, which was organized together with 12 other business associations. As you can see, we have already devoted a great deal of attention to implementing this goal in practice too.

What is the future of the economic relations between Serbia and the Netherlands going to be like?

— There is definitely a very bright future for the economic relations between the two countries. Judging from the information that we dispose of, the overwhelming majority of Dutch companies have positive experiences with doing business in Serbia. Considering there is a huge room for improving the overall business climate in Serbia, which the DSBA will contribute to with its activities in the years to come, we think that this trend will continue and even grow.

Also, the very existence of the DSBA sends a very good message to all Dutch companies planning their arrival on the Serbian market. In addition to the already significant cooperation in the IT sector, which will surely expand, there is a lot of room for further expansion of the cooperation in the agricultural sector, where the Netherlands has enormous knowledge and technology, and Serbia has a huge untapped potential. If you take a look at the situation in the field, so to speak, there isn's a sector in which the two countries don't cooperate in some way. It is our responsibility to ensure that this huge potential is maximized and utilized in the coming years.

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Record Number of Partnerships Dutch companies are active in Serbia in a wide array of sectors, ranging from retail, IT and manufacturing to shipbuilding and agriculture, among others I N T E RV I E W

O L I V E R ŠA ROV Senior Policy Adviser for Economic Affairs & Trade, Embassy of the Netherlands

erbia has significant economic potential across economic sectors, be it due to its geographic location, favourable climate, skilled workforce, various free trade agreements and many other.

Factors,“ says at the beginning of the conversation Oliver Šarov, Senior Policy Adviser for Economic Affairs & Trade, Embassy of the Netherlands.

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The Dutch-Serbian Business Association was founded in Belgrade at the end of last year.

What does that mean for the relationship between the two country?

— That’s something I am particularly proud as I think it symbolizes a significant step in the already strong economic relationship between Serbia and the Netherlands.

By organizing into the Dutch-Serbian Business Association, which now has close to forty members which include household names and some of the biggest companies in Serbia, I think our business community has sent a very clear signal of being here to stay and wanting to contribute to making Serbia an even better place to do business.

From a personal perspective, I am very glad to have been in a position to support it from conceptualization to realization and look forward to continuing to provide our support whenever we can. There will be some interesting joint initiatives coming to look out for!

What does Serbia need to do in order to unlock its potential and attract more multinational companies and FDI? — One of the key issues that are still holding the economy back, and one I hear about from companies often, remains the rule of law and the efficiency of public institutions.

If Serbia is to unlock its potential and attract

more multinational companies and FDI, addressing these issues is key. Companies make strategic decisions based on the predictability of doing business, which is, to a large extent, based on the uniform and transparent application of regulations which affect the business environment, such as the uniform application of tax regulations, execution of inspections and application of parafiscal charges.

In that sense, the Government’s initiatives to reduce the administrative burden for businesses in general, including start-ups, in order to encourage (youth) entrepreneurship and increasing the ease of doing business are positive developments and will be important for Serbia’s growth.

In addition, progress on (key) infrastructural projects that increase economic activity and facilitate greater (regional) connectivity, can do much to further unlock Serbia’s significant potential. The proof is, as they say, in the pudding. And I can already see the positive effects of the increased interest we get from Dutch companies.

what the Dutch Government has called, our top sectors. Generally, these sectors are also where we see the most interest from Dutch companies and we are actively working to increase that interest by promoting Serbia as an investment destination, with a particular focus on the agricultural, water and energy sectors.

One of the key issues that are still holding the economy back, and one I hear about from companies often, remains the rule of law and the efficiency of public institutions

Could you tell us something about new activities of the Embassy of the Netherlands? In which way are you promoting the Netherlands in our country?

— Like every year, this is another busy year for the Embassy and that is, to a large part, due to the fact that we’re always trying to think of new creative ways to bring people in Serbia in touch with the Netherlands. And I’m particularly glad that we’re doing so increasingly in partnership with the Dutch business community. This year we had a record amount of partnerships with Dutch companies!

This year we will have a string of events and workshops focusing on Dutch DJ-ing, culminating in a proper Dutch EDM party. Recently we were part of the Mikser Festival, focusing on the circular economy. Together with the Serbian Chamber of Commerce, we organized the first Serbian-Dutch Water & Energy Forum, which generated a lot of interest. As you can see, we don’t sit still! So, as we always say; make sure you stay in touch with the Dutch!

What is the interest of Dutch companies for investing in Serbia? How often entrepreneurs contact you for a piece of advice on how to enter the Serbian market?

— As I’m sure you know, Dutch companies are active in Serbia in a wide array of sectors, ranging from retail, IT, manufacturing, shipbuilding to agriculture, among others.

There are a couple of focus areas that Dutch companies have particularly strong, and world-renowned, expertise, which also reflects in terms of where we see the largest potential for growth.

These are agriculture, energy and water – some of,

Which areas are the most interesting to the Dutch companies when it comes to investing in Serbia?

— Part of what makes my job interesting is its inherent diversity. That is, of course, to a large part due to the nature of my mixed portfolio, but it is also to a large part due to the sheer diversity of areas that Dutch companies are either active or interested in. I just mentioned some of those sectors and the interest of new companies remains as diverse. Just over the past few weeks, I’ve had meetings on a variety of topics such as water, manufacturing, IT, health and life sciences, construction, retail etc.

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Good Progress in Overall

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N E DA L A Z E N D I Ć Country Manager Windvision

Serbia is moving well in this direction, and wind plays the most crucial role in moving closer to the threshold in time

indvision is an independent renewable energy supplier that operates in eight countries, among which is Serbia. Being a flexible player, with knowledge of every step in the chain of renewable energy projects, they are perfectly suited to embrace highly innovative challenges. At the same time, they are committed to delivering clean and safe energy.

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The Netherlands is known for windmills and renewable energy investment. How much Serbia is lagging behind? — Indeed, The Netherlands has a substantial amount of wind projects that secure close to 4.500 MW of electrical energy annually. With about 3.000 turbines across the country, located mostly offshore, the wind power sector manages to provide the answer to about 10%

The wind sector expansion will thus have the best potential to help Serbia meet the targets quickly

of the market demand for electricity. In Serbia, we are still far behind these numbers, but at least we have got first wind parks in place and operation. Windvision yet has not started with the installation works within the two main projects, but we do hope to be able to start with implementation as soon as the new legislative framework gets adopted. We are glad that the Government regularly consults with large IFIs such as EBRD, IFC, and EIB as we, the developers, will most likely be looking into the financing opportunities within these financial institutions. In our business, the bankability of substantial and long-term projects is crucial. This is why we support the efforts of the Government to work on the solution together with the IFIs and the industry together. Serbia needs to intensify its efforts to move from feed-in tariffs to feed-in premium support schemes, as well as to ensure transparent procedures for the connection of renewable energy producers to the grid in the framework of an auction-based program.

What are the main conditions a state should secure to draw investments in the sector of renewable energy sources and are incentives crucial for this?

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— Compared to running, our business is to be seen as a marathon rather than a sprint race. In other words, both development and operations are long-term activities. We need to make sure various technical, legal, macroeconomic, and political conditions are met before we even consider investing. While we can well control the technical side of the project, we would still like to have a somewhat better regulatory setting. We understand that the Government is very cautious in expanding the room for the new wind projects, but we also need to have some predictability when it comes to legislative developments. In general, in our business, one needs to have legal predictability and certainty to move on, and we hope the new framework for wind energy will be adopted soon.

By 2020, Serbia should increase stake of REI in final consumption to 27%.

In your opinion, are there capacities for our country to fulfill this object?

— Serbia is moving well in this direction, and wind plays the most crucial role in moving closer to the threshold in time. Despite the right trends, it seems the country is still below the trajectory.

The latest figures from 2017 indicated that we were at about 20% instead of 23% at that moment, so I believe Serbia needs to speed up if wants to be ready to meet the targets in time. The good thing with the wind is that the modern technology nowadays allows just one wind turbine to be as effective as

sultation process between us, businesses, and the Government will contribute to a higher quality of regulations and lower the compliance costs wherever possible. We are committed to cooperating with other business associations and most importantly, The Embassy of The Netherlands and its economic and agricultural departments. In my view, we need even more joint work and associations within our economy as this is probably the best way to promote your business and advocate for regulatory improvements.

7-10 small hydropower plants, and not to mention the overall environmental impact associated with the small hydro.

The wind sector expansion will thus have the best potential to help Serbia meet the targets quickly.

How much could, according to your estimation, Serbia have energy generated from wind?

— At the moment we have 475 MW of wind projects under construction or already operating. It is just under the cap of 500 MW set by the Government under the existing feed-in tariff system.

However, having in mind the potentials Serbia could easily have even the double capacity if the new framework proves to be commercially viable.

You are one of the board members of the Dutch-Serbian Business Association. Could you tell us more about the organization and its mission?

— Yes, that is true. And I feel privileged to be in such a club representing my company but also the interests of the Dutch business community as a whole. While we are an association that is probably the youngest trade association in the country, we gather important companies for the Serbian economy. Our idea with the association is to be able to promote the Dutch business culture, business ethics, strong commitment to CSR, and sustainability and importance of the public-private dialogue. We believe that the con-

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NEW LEGISLATIVE Windvision yet has not started with the installation works within the two main projects, but we do hope to be able to start with implementation as soon as the new legislative framework gets adopted.

Do you believe Serbia is an attractive destination to the new Dutch investors, especially compared to the region?

— The business climate depends on various factors. Serbia can still offer very competitive costs of labor, a smooth construction permits procedure, and multiple incentives related to tax and contribution payments. It suggests that it is a perfect choice for production businesses. On the other hand, it would be beneficial to see a higher degree of judicial efficiency, protection of property rights, and even a stronger commitment to EU standards. It would make it easier for larger companies to think of Serbia as a home for their companies and development centers. What I, in particular, want to compliment is the good progress in overall digitalization of the society. It is crucial if we're going to keep and support the growth of all business, especially the ICT sector.

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Positive Direction Further growth is expected in technical support, information and communication technologies and tourism olitical relations between Serbia and the Netherlands have been developing in a positive direction in recent years. There is a growing mutual understanding and an increase in the number of bilateral visits at the political level. This is largely because of Serbia's commitment to joining the European Union. The Netherlands en-

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thusiastically supports Serbia on its European path, both in words and in action, and Serbia appreciates this partnership. Over the past years, there has also been a growing interest in Serbia by Dutch companies. There are encouraging developments in energy, energy efficiency, information and communication technologies, water management technologies, but also in the textile industry and shipbuilding.

Bilateral trade is also steadily growing. In terms of human contacts, many young people in Serbia have a favourable opinion about the Netherlands, while Dutch tourists can often be seen in Belgrade.

Dutch companies in Serbia employ more than 15,000 people in various seg-

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Dutch companies in Serbia employ more than 15,000 people in various segments such as shipbuilding, IT industry, sales, agriculture, beer industry and design

ments such as shipbuilding, IT industry, sales, agriculture, beer industry and design. Over the past five years, the Netherlands has invested more than EUR 2.3 billion in Serbia, making it the largest source of foreign investments. Both countries agree that further growth is expected in technical support, information and communication technologies and tourism.

Serbia and the Netherlands are constantly trading with each are and the trade is relatively stable in terms of the type of goods and services. The two countries traded in various construction and production materials, finished products in manufacturing, agricultural and food products, livestock, beverages, tobacco, machinery and transport equipment, ships, chemical products, specialized software and other ICT services. There is definitely room for growth in services. On the one hand, people and companies in Serbia show significant growth and ability to provide high-quality services, while on the other hand, the Dutch market is always open to new and quality services at lower prices.

THE DUTCH-SERBIAN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION What is even more important to note is that, at the end of last year, the Dutch-Serbian Association was founded at the initiative of four Dutch companies. This is an important step in linking business communities from these

two countries. Serbian companies stand to gain the biggest benefit from this since they can learn a lot from Dutch companies. The Association is a mediator between the Dutch companies operating here and our country. In this way, through getting feedback from the Dutch investors operating here, Serbia will find a way to improve its business climate. This will, of course, facilitate the business of not only the Dutch companies here but also those that are planning to come to the Serbian market at a later stage.

SERBIAN COMPANIES AT DUTCH TRADE FAIRS Serbian companies often exhibit at Dutch trade fairs. The last noteworthy appearance was in May this year when Serbian entrepreneurs participated in the International PLMA Trade Fair in Amsterdam where they held nearly 500 bilateral talks and meetings with potential business partners and, according to the first analysis, agreed on exporting about EUR 3 million worth of goods and services.

The appearance of Serbian companies at the PLMA Fair on May 21st and 22nd was traditionally organized by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS) and the Development Agency of Serbia (DAS). At the fair, Serbia’s booth spanned 135 m2, and it was located in the Europe Plaza 14 hall, reserved for food products. A total of 15 companies were presented.

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A Very Significant Year For us We adapt to individual requirements and deliver a product that is fully customized to clients throughout the whole territory of Serbia, whether it's production or warehouse

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TP owns THE CTPark Network, the largest integrated system of top-notch business parks in Central and Eastern Europe, with more than 5.0 million square metres of class A facilities in more than 98 strategic locations. The company plans to expand its portfolio of space for rent through an expansion of cooperation with existing clients, and at this moment, CTP is the only international institutional contractor-developer in Serbia in the industrial segment. The company has been operating at a global level for 20 years, and its most representative projects are the Brno Industrial Park in the Czech Republic and CTP Park Bucharest in Romania. Currently, CTP has 380 employees. CTP is interested in cooperation and constructing facilities for all business entities in Serbia, as well as for small companies and startups, both domestic and foreign.

Vlatko Djuriček, Country Head of CTP Serbia, talks about further plans of one of the largest European contractors in the industrial facilities segment and the largest in the region of Central and Eastern Europe.

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CTP Invest has embarked on the implementation of the first stage of a

V L AT KO D J U R I Č E K Country Head of CTP Serbia

PLAN

NEXT 5 YEARS Our plan is for the CTP network to cover the entire territory of the Republic of Serbia and that we increase the portfolio by about 100,000 sqm every year for the next 5 years.

new project. While works on the construction of CTPark Belgrade West in Šimanovci are near completion, a groundbreaking ceremony took place in another town in the heart of Šumadija - in Kragujevac. Can you tell us more about these projects?

— This year is important for us for many reasons. The construction of the first industrial park in Šimanovci is in the final phase, and we expect for the first tenants to move in at the end of July.

The construction works spanning on 26,000 sqm are in progress in the town of Kragujevac too. By the end of the year, we expect a progressive growth of our portfolio up to 100,000 sqm which includes the development of parks in Novi Sad and Novi Banovci.

What does managing commercial real estate entail? What other services do you provide to your partners, apart from constructing industrial parks?

— The basis for efficient management of the commercial real estate is high-quality construction and delivery of products in accordance with client requirements. Real estate management requires knowledge of the market and examines the needs of potential tenants, but it also entails cooperation with trusted partners and secure systems. The results of our work are 450 satisfied tenants and the fact that over 97% of our facilities, spanning the total area of over 5 million sqm, are under a long-term lease, while 70% of new buildings are built for existing partners. On an annual basis, we build about 700,000 sqm at the group level.

What sets the CTP Company apart from its competition?

— First and foremost, CTP can offer to its customers its premium industrial space. It is crucial to know what our clients need. We adapt to individual requirements and deliver a product that is fully customized to clients throughout the whole territory of Serbia, whether it's production or warehouse. Our focus is on customer satisfaction and therefore we are trying to meet all of their requirements as far as facilities are concerned, but also in a wider sense through facility and property management, transport of employees, construction of additional facilities such as hotels, hospitals, petrol stations, restaurants, lakes etc. to cooperation with faculties, high schools, city and municipal institutions and others, all in order to satisfy our clients and their employees.

We are where our clients are at.

What experience does CTP have from doing business in several different markets? What are the plans of CTP Serbia for the upcoming period?

— Every new market brings certain novelties, but the similarities between all European markets are many. In Serbia, we are pioneers in the construction of industrial facilities of this size, and in addition to the existing projects worth 100 million EUR, we are planning on making additional investments. Our plan is for the CTP network to cover the entire territory of the Republic of Serbia and that we increase the portfolio by about 100,000 sqm every year for the next 5 years.

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Dutchman in Belgrade I wish that Serbia and the Netherlands could cooperate even more while finding solutions to facilitate recycling in a domestic environment

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N I CO L A A S H O U W E RT General Manager Hilton Belgrade

icolaas Houwert, General Manager Hilton Belgrade, came to Serbia when the hotel was opened. In the interview, he talks about what he likes in our country, what he misses from the Netherlands, and what are the tourist potentials of the capital city Belgrade.

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You are from the Netherlands, but for almost two years you live in Belgrade.

From this perspective what could our countries learn from each other?

— Serbia and specifically Belgrade should be more known as a tourist destination. I see this in the increasing numbers of foreign hotel guests visiting for the first time, who are thrilled to discover Belgrade and are surprised about the genuine hospitality of Serbian people. In this context, I would encourage the national and capital Tourist boards to actively work together on stronger destination marketing of Belgrade and Serbia. There is potential in promoting Serbia abroad, which could not only provide a larger source of in-

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come for the country but also create additional employment opportunities.

The Netherlands could share some of this expertise and support Serbia in setting up such destination marketing using modern technology and reaching a wider audience.

In what areas do you see the space for better cooperation between Serbia and the Netherlands?

— Being raised in the Netherlands, I learned at an early age how important it is to care about the environment.

With over 16 million inhabitants and a population density of 488 per km2, the Netherlands is the most densely populated country of the European Union.

Separating glass, paper and batteries from waste are basic standards in keeping the country clean. I wish that Serbia and the Netherlands could cooperate even more while finding solutions to facilitate recycling in a domestic environment and to increase awareness about separating waste among the youngest generation, so they be-

I cannot return from the Netherlands without bringing Gouda cheese, ‘stroopwafels’ (caramel waffles), and ‘hagelslag’ (chocolate sprinkles)

come used to care about the environment at an early stage.

You are a foreigner, or a new-comer, to Belgrade, and at the same time, you are a business professional. What would you, from your own personal and business experience recommend to business guests in regards to Belgrade as a destination?

— I absolutely recommend Belgrade as a destination for business and leisure reasons. It is fascinating to observe the city transforming into a more modern society. Many real estate projects are blossoming around the city and these create employment opportunities and a better economic situation for its inhabitants. I would encourage newcomers to understand the history of the city in order to appreciate that the creation of a modern capital requires foreign investment and co-creation of business entities. I see many multinational companies opening their business in Belgrade recently (eg. Hilton, Ikea, Lidl, Starbucks) and this shows that the economic and political situation is stable enough to start these enterprises. On the other hand, I hope that this transformation will ensure that the authentic characteristics of Belgrade remain.

What are you missing out of the Netherlands?

— I obviously miss my family and friends, but I cannot return from the Netherlands without bringing Gouda cheese, ‘stroopwafels’ (caramel waffles), and ‘hagelslag’ (chocolate sprinkles). Luckily Belgrade and Amsterdam are only 2 hours by plane and flights can be found easily.

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The Leads in Connectivity The Digital Economy and Society Index ranks Holland highly for connectivity ECONOM Y

itizens, businesses and governments use information technologies on a daily basis. They are used for online banking, the sale of tailor-made products, updating their accounts ‘in the cloud’ and for experiments with blockchain technologies, to name but a few. Digitization is rapidly transforming our economy and society and is our main source of growth, innovation and new business activity. This transformation requires high-quality digital connectivity, which grows along with the needs of society and the economy.

The European Commission’s in 2018 annual Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI) ranks the Netherlands as the European leader in digital connectivity.

Holland also has the fourth most advanced digital economy in the EU. The Netherlands earned both spots for the second year in a row.

The DESI measures the digital progress of European countries. Each of the 28 EU member states is evaluated on connectivity, human capital, use of internet services, integration of digital technology and digital public services.

DESI’s country report noted that the Netherlands “progressed at a faster pace than the EU average, outperforming the other Member States in all five DESI dimensions… The Netherlands continues to be the European leader in connectivity with a high-quality, ubiquitous digital infrastructure. These advanced digital networks boost the growth of the Dutch digital economy and society, support a highly advanced business,

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education and science environment and attract international investments.”

In addition, Holland is particularly strong in broadband coverage and nearly all citizens use internet services. The country also showed improvements in integration of digital technology and digital public services since the 2017 report.

The Dutch Government considers it of great importance that the Dutch digital infrastructure is and remains of a high standard so that digitization can contribute to prosperity and well-being.

For example, digital learning materials can better prepare children for the future, connected cars can contribute to reducing traffic congestion and improving road safety, and e-health applications can improve our health care. In addition, digital innovations can lead to lower energy and raw material consumption and thus contribute to CO2 reduction. Sufficient, reliable and fast networks are a prerequisite for a multitude of important developments in the Netherlands. In concrete terms, the government has set the following connectivity objective: The Dutch Government is aiming for high-quality connectivity, that can serve a wide variety of demand and is available anytime and everywhere, at competitive rates.

It is important to note that this objective reflects the government’s ambitions, where a weighing of the various interests may sometimes need to be made.

For example, the government’s ambition is to have one of the best fixed and mobile connections in Europe, but not

at any price. There are physical and economic limitations to what is possible with the different forms of connectivity. For example, the costs of providing connectivity in rural areas are higher and a mobile connection may work less well in forests and indoors.

However, this does not alter the fact that the aims to increase the availability of connectivity throughout the Netherlands by means of a variety of policy instruments.

HOLLAND’S DIGITAL CLOUT The Netherlands’ fast and reliable digital infrastructure offers com-

Holland is also one of the most advanced data center markets with nearly one-third of all European data operations located in Amsterdam

panies unmatched access to Europe and beyond. With the continent’s fastest connection speeds, Holland is one of the most wired countries in the world. Holland also has the world’s second-highest penetration of household broadband connections and a top ranking, 100% digital telecommunications network.

With major multinationals like Google and IBM located in the Netherlands, the country is a global information and technology hub. Holland is also one of the most advanced data center markets with nearly one-third of all European data operations located in Amsterdam.

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High Quality Software Nul Tien is a Serbian software engineering company established in 2013 as a joint venture of two highly successful Dutch companies, Enigmatry (www.enigmatry.com) and Betabit (www.betabit.nl) C O R P O R AT E

and in hand with the colleagues in the Netherlands, Nul Tien multidisciplinary teams implement and integrate high quality software for a variety of high profile clients. Some of them are governments and ministries, insurance companies, railways, publishers, breweries, traffic and other clients from a diversified range of business domains.

Our development team, based in Belgrade office, consists of around 40 employees and collaborates in close contact with our clients or project management in the Netherlands. As all of our teams work in agile environments, it is of great importance that constant communication lines are established. Our

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Nul Tien offers challenging projects utilizing cutting edge technologies, enjoyable and ergonomic work environment

software developers build web-based and mobile applications for and together with our clients. We strive to work on every project using state-of-the-art technologies, which are mainly Microsoft based.

Nul Tien has international knowhow in delivering high-end solutions to serious businesses of various size.

Therefore clients can delegate their needs on different levels to us: hosted services, complete projects or products, development or testing only, consultancy or resourcing. We can manage business analysis, design, project management, implementation, testing, deployment, hosting, support and maintenance.

We already have all the tools that are needed for development, so you as a client do not have to worry about licensing costs, installation and configuration any of the tools needed for delivering the solution. There is no overhead for client in setting up any of the required tools, e.g. for version control, development IDEs, issue tracking, project management, governance, testing, collaboration (email, VoIP, etc.), time tracking, invoicing, etc.

We have different collaboration scenarios, including both those with or without our professionals on-site. All our employees are experienced in direct communication with the client.

Nul Tien offers challenging projects utilizing cutting edge technologies, enjoyable and ergonomic work environment with a strong focus on continuous knowledge improvement and knowledge sharing.

As soon as you have an idea, we can help you define the solution. With our prior experience we can help you determine the requirements and fine tune your envisioned solution.

Our company can provide local professionals onsite, for effective communication, and offsite employees, who are very productive, but cost saving, and can show up at clients office at short notice.

We strongly believe that, in the long term, only motivated and respected employees can achieve work goals and deliver state-of-the art quality products.

A: Avenija 19, GTC Vladimira Popovića 40 11070 Belgrade, Serbia T: +381 11 40 56 808 E: info@nultien.rs W: www.nultien.rs

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Wooden Heritage Just like windmills and tulips, wooden shoes are a commonly recognized symbol of the Netherlands T R A DI T ION

he Dutch have worn wooden shoes - or klompen as they’re known in the Netherlands -since the 13th century. Just don’t come to Holland expecting to see locals going about their day wearing the traditional Dutch clogs. While they’re a common footwear choice for farmers, the closest a modern-day city dweller will come to wooden shoes is in a souvenir shop.

In fact, wooden shoes have been worn throughout the ages all over Europe. It’s in Holland, however, that the humble clog has found its fame. It wasn’t until the 16th century that wooden shoes gained momentum as a form of footwear in the Netherlands. Crafted from

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SHOES

800 YEARS AGO Wooden shoes made today differ little from their ancestors 800 years ago.

a single piece of wood, they were practical and affordable. Naturally water resistant, they protected feet from the wet Dutch climate, and enabled their wearer to move across sodden ground with ease.

Clogs continued to be worn by agricultural workers well into the 20th century, as their sturdiness guarded against injury. To this day, wooden shoes are still a common choice for farmers and gardeners in rural parts of Holland.

MIDDLE AGES One story says wooden shoes date back to the Middle Ages. However, this is not an undisputable truth. Because they are made out of trees, Mother Nature has taken most of the ‘old’ pieces back to herself. In the Netherlands the oldest wooden shoe ever found dates from 1230 ad. This shoe was found in 1979 by the Nieuwendijk, a histor-

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ic street downtown Amsterdam. Another antique wooden shoe was found in 1990 in the dam that was built to close Rotterdam’s Rotte river. This wooden shoe, dating from 1280, can be seen at the Schielandshuis in Rotterdam. Both wooden shoes were made from alder.

We can conclude with certainty that wooden shoes are worn for over 800 years, and probably even longer. Until the Middle Ages, it was quite common that people lived their lives walking on bear feet. Especially in the countryside shoes were out of reach for most people. Shoes were worn by the elitists. To protect their valuable shoes one used the so-called ‘trippen’ or ‘platijnen’. Trippen were wooden soles having two bulges at the bottom and two triangle-shaped pieces of leather on top for attachment, showing resemblances with sandals. Trippen might well have been the predecessors of wooden shoes, or ‘klompen’, as the footwear is called in Dutch. Anyhow, wooden shoes gained in popularity ever since

the beginning of the 16th century. Because wooden shoes are made out of one piece, they proved to be a firm, practical and relatively cheap alternative. They protected the feet from dirt and formed a useful additive in the moistures Dutch climate.

1900’S TILL NOW Wooden shoes made today differ little from their ancestors 800 years ago.

However, incongruent with some existing presuppositions stressing that wooden shoes are still widely used in Holland, they are being worn less and less through the decades. After 1890, the flourish of industrial shoe manufacturers incited a negative trend in the demand for wooden shoes. Merely the breakout of both World Wars derived short periods of revival. Leather shoes became scarce, thus wooden shoes emerged as substitutes. Until after World War II, almost every village bore its own wooden shoe maker, resulting in a variety of styles, colors,

To this day, wooden shoes are still a common choice for farmers and gardeners in rural parts of Holland

carvings and decorations. In general, one had plain wooden shoes for the working days and painted ones for Sundays. Men’s wooden shoes usually were black or yellow, whilst those of women were lacquered blank or had elaborate decorational motifs. But it wasn’t until 1920 that one started to paint the garment. Before, neat wooden shoes were smoothed and finished with carvings, also differing from region to region. Also it was not unusual that shapes altered for the different sexes.

Thus, not too long ago gross of the population possessed wooden shoes and had them on on a daily basis.

Unfortunately, the wearer of wooden shoes is becoming an endangered species today. Wooden shoes are merely seen in the countryside, used by gardeners, farmers, blacksmiths. fishermen, masons and road workers. Luckily, wooden shoe manufacturers are still active at present, adopting contemporary techniques whereas respecting the artisan craft.

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C U LT U R E

New Mecca for Europe´s Architects

For decades a test bed for bold, experimental projects, the Netherlands continues to function as an architecturally compelling landscape – both in terms of design practice and consumption s the new Mecca for Europe´s architects, the Netherlands has become a must-see playground for architecture addicts. Ever since the 1990s when the landscape design firm West 8 developed Borneo Sporenburg, the third extension of Amsterdam’s Eastern Docklands project, Dutch architecture and urban planning strategies have become a world-recognised reference. Almost 60 architects contributed to this urban project in the capital city of the Netherlands. Borneo Sporenburg is characterised by three bridges, which connect the different neighbourhoods on the peninsulas. West 8 reinvented the patio house to maximise outdoor space.

Contemporary Dutch architecture maintains strong roots in the vanguard arts and architecture movement from the 1920s. The avant-garde designs of De Stijl and Theo van Doesburg, together with the work of Piet Mondrian, inspired new ways of connecting indoor

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and outdoor spaces and creating volumes and geometries that blend into the urban fabric.

INTERNALISED ARCHITECTURE The Kaan Architecten-designed Education Center at Erasmus MC in Rotterdam impresses with its ability to visually expand the space through the use of light, shapes and furniture that is perfectly proportioned for the space. Rather than place the programmes for different medical disciplines on separate, adjacent wings, the centre brings all of them together in one central square. In its renovation and extension of the Education Center, Kaan Architecten included many structural elements from the academic hospital designed by Arie Hagoort and Jean Prouvé.

Walking around the public park in Assen, the new Drents Museum extension is barely perceptible. The sinuous landscape is in fact the green roof of the hidden museum designed by Erick van

Contemporary Dutch architecture maintains strong roots in the vanguard arts and architecture movement from the 1920s

Egeraat. The new underground wing is directly connected to the old building, which has become the museum´s main entrance. The contemporary look of the new, all-white gallery creates a conversation with the old structure without interfering with it. A spectacular glass plinth brings you down into the new wing, which is marked by its strong, sculptural interior design.

UNCONVENTIONAL HOUSING Amsterdam’s Het Kasteel is definitely not a conventional, predictable housing block. The apartment complex designed by Studioninedots resembles an office building with its homogeneous, glassy exterior and impersonal aesthetic.

The project’s strong point is its ability to manage external conditions, namely the noise pollution resulting from the building’s proximity to a rail yard.

Studioninedots devised a smart technological solution whereby each panel sits at a different angle to reflect light and noise in different directions.

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Tulip season in Holland Part of Holland is transformed into a vast sea of flowers from mid March to mid May. It starts with crocus season in March, which is followed by daffodils and hyacinths. Finally the tulips show their gorgeous colors, this is from mid April through the first week of May

ts long spring season with cool nights makes Holland the perfect country for tulip growing. The soil in the polders is continuously drained, creating perfect growing conditions for tulip bulbs, which love well drained but moist soil.

From mid March to the end of May, the tulips transform big parts of Holland into a colorful patchwork quilt.

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If you are traveling to Holland do see the tulips in April, you will discover fields filled with gorgeous color everywhere.

WHERE ARE THE TULIP FIELDS? Most tulip farms in Holland are located in the Noordoostpolder in the province of Flevoland. The flower bulb fields along the coast of The Hague and Lei-

den up to Alkmaar in the north are also a great way to enjoy these beautiful flowers. The Keukenhof, the world’s biggest flower exhibition, is famed for its many tulips and is just a 15 minute drive away from Leiden and 30 minutes from Amsterdam. FloraHolland is the world’s biggest flower auction located in Aalsmeer, just 30 minutes by car from Amsterdam.

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Discover the Best of the Netherlands

TOURISM

While in the Dutch capital Amsterdam, you won't want to miss the Rijksmuseum with its vast art collection.

Inside you’ll find the well-known masterpiece, The Night Watch. Step back in history at the Anne Frank House to understand the time and place that created the world-famous diary. Relax on one of the many canal cruises, while you admire how Amsterdam looks when glimpsed from the water.

Head to Rotterdam, Netherlands to experience its unique and impressive architecture. From Cube Houses to a swan bridge, your eyes won't know where to look next. The city's covered market hall, the Markthal, is a perfect place to stop when your stomach starts to rumble.

And head to the Euromast for a highup overview of the city.

A trip to The Hague is not complete without visiting the Girl with the Pearl Earring at the Mauritshuis. If the weather is nice you can even head to the beach at Scheveningen. And don't forget a visit to Maastricht in the beautiful, slightly less flat, south of the country.

Where tradition meets modern hen most people think of the Netherlands, visions of windmills, wooden shoes, tulips, bicycles and cheese spring to mind. And not without good reason! The Netherlands features all of these icons and then some more. No fewer than 50,000 of our buildings are listed monuments. They invented gin (jenever). And their DJs and artists are world famous.

Its capital city, Amsterdam, with its historical attractions and UNESCO World Heritage recognized canal belt, is a favorite amongst tourists. Rotterdam, with its unique skyline, Gouda and it famous cheese, and the university city of Utrecht are also firm favorites. Not to forget their museums. They say the Netherlands has the largest museum density in the world.

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While cheese buying and windmill viewing can be done throughout the year, there is one Dutch icon that relies on the season. The Dutch bulb fields.

While greatly influenced by the weather, the bright red, pink and yellow colors sprout to life in the springtime. They are a real highlight of the Netherlands.

THINGS TO DO IN THE NETHERLANDS For windmills you can visit Kinderdijk or Zaanse Schans. The latter is perfect for catching a glimpse of traditional Dutch heritage. If you have timed your visit for the annual tulip season, then head to Keukenhof for more flowers than you could ever imagine. And to satisfy those cheese cravings, a visit to the Alkmaar cheese market is never a bad plan.

The Netherlands has the largest museum density in the world