The City of Subotica continues to invest in infrastructure this year, first of all to improve the business climate, but also to realise the “Park Palić” project
Excellent geographical location, the proximity of the EU and Corridor 10, major infrastructure potential, the rapid permitting procedure for investors, educated and qualified workforce, the opportunity for business in the free zone – these have all contributed to Subotica’s being recognised for its strategy for attracting foreign direct investment and creating new jobs.
Subotica is one of the best places for attracting new investors. What do you expect in this regard by the end of the year?
– In 2017 we plan to expand production capacity and create new jobs in the Mali Bajmok business zone. The company Contitech Fluid Serbia plans to hire 250 people. A production plant with a surface area of 10,000 square metres is being built in the business zone for Ametek; we expect them to make good on their intention to hire around 200 staff. We shall soon welcome another new company that will operate in the Mali Bajmok business zone and that will hire 100 people.
How are the works going on developing the site at Palić with the aim of establishing a well-deserved place on the regional tourism map?
– Palić is a famous tourist gem of the region, officially declared by the Government of the Republic of Serbia a tourist area of special importance. This has generated a number of activities to make the area even more attractive.
Palić is a destination that can meet the demands of guests for recreational, sports, business, congress and cultural tourism. The Palić area is rich with thermal mineral water, which makes it a spa with a 170-year-old tradition.
Subotica was the winner of a special award presented by NALED for the best result in issuing electronic permits among city administrations in Serbia in 2016
In 2017 alone we plan to realise investments of over 120 million dinars in facilities and infrastructure, which will result in a higher quality tourist offer. Funds are provided by the Republic of Serbia and AP Vojvodina through public tenders, and the projects are implemented by the company Park Palić as the official manager the tourist area, which was founded by the Republic of Serbia, the Province and the City of Subotica.
Subotica has recently received a special award from NALED for the best result in issuing electronic permits among city administrations in Serbia in 2016. How much has this project improved the city administration?
– A year after the introduction of the unified electronic procedure, 1,197 requests had been submitted in Subotica in 2016, out of which 97 per cent had been processed and 90 per cent of these were granted. The value of the average success rate defined by NALED was 93.6 per cent.
The staff of our city administration understood a long time ago the importance of rapid issuing of building permits and welcomed the introduction of the unified electronic procedure as one more challenge to rise to. This was a highly professional approach and contributed to a better quality of service for all citizens.
Other local governments in our country also handled the introduction of the unified electronic procedure responsibly, as a particularly important economic reform for the Republic of Serbia.