The aim of German experts engaged through the Senior Expert Service is to help and advance the organisation of the operations of small and medium-sized enterprises, public institutions, associations and educational institutions, both in Serbia and other developing countries
The Senior Expert Service (SES), a German nonprofit organisation that’s supported by the German Ministry of International Cooperation, has over 12,000 experts at its disposal from all branches of industry, while more than 200 Serbian companies and other organisations have had the opportunity to host German experts and, with their assistance, improve and develop their business model.
We spoke about this opportunity to improve the work of Serbian SMEs with Milan Krstić, business consultant of the German-Serbian Chamber of Commerce, AHK Serbien.
The German-Serbian Chamber of Commerce has offered support to Serbian companies and organisations to advance their business standards, in the form of the Senior Expert Service (SES). What are the aims of the SES programme and which business segments are in the focus of this programme?
– The core activity of the SES Programme is based on mediation by consultants who are experts in various commercial and non-commercial activities around the world.
This German non-profit organisation, which is subsidised by the German Ministry of International Cooperation and which has a programme represented by the German- Serbian Chamber of Commerce in Serbia, deals with mediation and organising engagements of German expert consultants in SMEs and non-governmental institutions in developing countries.
SES consultants are experts with vast experience who engage in their activities with great enthusiasm and a strong work ethic, and who provide their services free of charge
Who are SES’s consultants and which specific target groups do you address?
– SES consultants are active German retirees, experts with vast experience who engage in their activities with great enthusiasm and a strong work ethic. Consultancy services are provided free of charge, with the aim of helping and advancing the organisation of the operations of SMEs, public institutions, associations and educational institutions, both in Serbia and around the world. The SES central office has at its disposal over 12,000 experts from all branches of industry.
How are SES’s engagements organised and what kind of interest have you encountered among Serbian entrepreneurs?
– The costs of engagements in the local area, which implies the accommodating of experts, local transport and per diem costs, are covered by the serviced company, while all other costs – return air fair and health insurance – are covered by the SES central office.
The German-Serbian Chamber of Commerce has represented the SES programme in Serbia since 2005, implemented over 200 SES engagements with Serbian companies and non-commercial entities.