Articles In This Issue
Business News
The Foreign Investors Council and EBRD Hosted Conference On Financial Services
The Foreign Investors Council of Serbia, in cooperation with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), organised the second conference on financial services:...
Business
The Foreign Investors Council held its Regular Annual Assembly
The Foreign Investors Council (FIC) held the regular annual session of the Assembly, adopting the Annual and Financial Reports for 2023. In his opening...
Video
FIC White Book 2023
The Council of Foreign Investors (FIC) presented the “White Book 2023”, which contains 397 recommendations for improving the business and investment climate in Serbia....
Business News
FIC Presented the White Book 2023
The Council of Foreign Investors (FIC) presented the "White Book 2023", which contains 397 recommendations for improving the business and investment climate in Serbia,...
Business News
Regenerative Agriculture: Key to Serbia’s Future and Response to Climate Change
The inaugural conference on regenerative agriculture has been held today in Belgrade, organized by FIC Serbia in collaboration with the EBRD.
Despite the familiar...
FIC
Comment
New Approaches Reinforce Economic Growth
Announced easing inflation and faster economic growth hints at the possible accelerating of economic activity. This in turn creates room for the Government of...
FIC
Mike Michel, President Of The Foreign Investors Council And CEO Of Yettel
Serbia Should Return To Investment-led Growth
The FIC advocates for Serbia to pursue investment-led growth, aiming for a 25% share of investments in GDP to achieve a sustainable annual growth...
FIC
Jorgovanka Tabaković, Governor Of The National Bank Of Serbia
Combating Inflation Is A Priority
We believe that FDI inflows will reach around four billion euros by year’s end. This is good news, as it shows that investors recognise...
FIC
Emanuele Giaufret, Head Of The EU Delegation To Serbia
More Rule Of Law Means More Investment
The more reliable a country’s court system is, and the more corruption is being curbed and organised crime tackled, the more willing one is...
FIC
Nicola Pontara, World Bank Country Manager For Serbia
Serbia Has The Potential To Accelerate Growth
Serbia’s potential for accelerated growth lies in enhancing its public institutions and governance, investing in human capital development to increase productivity, promoting regional integration...
FIC
Yulia Ustyugova, IMF Resident Representative For Serbia
Geopolitical Stability & Nearshoring Could Boost Serbia’s FDI
Solving geopolitical tensions, some of which are not within Serbia’s control, would support and strengthen foreign direct investment (FDI). Additionally, the ongoing trend of...
FIC
Matteo Colangeli, EBRD Director For The Western Balkans
Achieving EU Income Levels Is Possible
The EBRD expects Serbia’s GDP to increase by around two per cent this year and 3.5 per cent in 2024. A much faster growth...
FIC
Dragana Marković, Director Of The Tax Administration Of Serbia
Digitalisation And Transformation To Combat The Grey Economy
The Tax Administration confirms, with all of its activities, that is plays one of the pivotal roles in the fight against the grey economy...
FIC
Ana Govedarica, FIC Vice President And Spokesperson (Roche General Manager)
Through Dialogue To New Legal Solutions
The inclusion of relevant experts and interest groups in the process of adopting legal regulations is important to overcoming the challenges posed by the...
FIC
Aleksandar Ljubić, Executive Director Of The Foreign Investors Council
Dedicated To EU Integration
We are conscious of the fact that it is only through partnership relations and an open dialogue that is it possible to reach the...
FIC
Dragana Stikić, Co-president Of The FIC Anti-illicit Trade & Food Committee (Nestlé Adriatic S d.o.o.)
Better Harmonisation With Eu Regulations
Tangible progress in harmonising Serbian legislation with the European acquis in the domain of food requires the revision of the existing Law on Food...
FIC
Danilo Mrvaljević, Co-president Of The FIC Financial Services Committee (Banca Intesa a.d. Beograd)
Continuing Digitalisation
In the continuation of the process of digitalising financial services, it is necessary to further expand the possibility of making the traditional range of...
FIC
Milena Jakšić Papac, President Of The FIC Human Resources Committee (Karanović & Partners o.a.d.)
Long-awaited Changes To Labour Regulations
After a lengthy interlude in legislative activity related to labour regulations, 2023 has brought long-announced changes in the areas of health and safety at...
FIC
Dragan Drača, President Of The Fic Taxation Commit TEE (Pricewaterhousecoopers)
Significant Modernisation Of The Tax Administration
The digital transformation of the Tax Administration has proven to be very successful, but also demanding for taxpayers. It would be good to speed...
FIC
Vlastimir Vuković, Chief Executive Officer Of NLB Komercijalna Banka
Faster, More Efficient, And Closer To Clients
NLB Komercijalna Banka has defended its market leader position in the area of agricultural loans and in providing unconditional support to farmers. The economy...
FIC
Huawei Technologies d.o.o.
Innovative Storage Also Combats Ransomware
In the increasingly intricate landscape of security concerns, Huawei has stepped up with an ingenious solution that represents a cornerstone in the fight against...
FIC
OTP Banka Srbija
Commitment To Excellence
In the dynamic landscape of the Serbian banking scene, one institution stands out as a beacon of excellence and innovation: OTP banka Srbija. As...
FIC
Marijanti Babić, Country Head At Rio Tinto, Project Jadar
Jadar Is An Exceptional Project
Serbia’s Jadar Valley is home to a high-quality deposit of lithium – a metal that’s critical to the global transition to a more sustainable...
FIC
Ivanka Stojnić, Sustainability Manager For The Southeast European Market At Nestlé
Regenerative Agriculture As A Key Sustainable Practice
Nestlé Serbia, as the first Nestlé company in the region, has begun applying regenerative agriculture practices and continues to expand the number of domestic...
FIC
Iosif Vangelatos, General Manager, Inos Balkan
End Users Demand Green Products
Inos Balkan, as a part of the Viohalco Group, monitors regulatory framework and technology developments closely and integrates them into its business operations, because...
FIC
Miljan Milević, Managing Director, SGS
Reliable Partner Of The Serbian Government
SGS, a global leader in control, verification, testing and certification services, has for ten years been a reliable partner of the Government of Serbia...
FIC
Banka Intesa
Connecting Buyers And Suppliers Regionally
Intesa Sanpaolo launches international factoring platform in Serbia
Relying on the international experience and expertise of the parent Intesa Sanpaolo Group, Banca Intesa pays special...
FIC
Milan Samardžić, Partner And Founder At SOG In Cooperation With Kinstellar
Unified To Comprise A Top Legal Team
Behind the unusual name of this newly founded firm – SOG in cooperation with Kinstellar – stands a new brand on the market of...
FIC
Miloš Velimirović, Managing Partner At SOG In Cooperation With Kinstellar
Integration Result Exceeds A Simple Sum
The merging of two firms with very similar business cultures led to the multiplying of what SOG had at the local level and what...
FIC
Dejan Majić, General Manager, Mama Shelter Belgrade
Faithful To The Mama Shelter Style
Mama Shelter is recording growth in guest numbers year on year, thanks to its unique interiors, top selection of delicious food and various drinks,...
FIC
Stoyko Ivanov Meshkov, CEO, Trace Group Hold PLC Belgrade Branch
Process Digitalisation Is The Route To Efficiency
For us, construction is not just a business, but rather a mission, and part of that mission is shaping the Western Balkans as an...
FIC
Laza Kovačević, Managing Director, CTP Serbia
CTP – the Biggest Developer of Industrial Real Estate in CEE
The biggest logistics park in Serbia, covering 135,000m², is currently being completed in New Belgrade, while an additional five construction sites will add another...
FIC
Dawid Sold, Managing Director Of G4S Serbia
The Ultimate Security Experts
G4S Serbia is usually associated with physical security and Cash in Transit services, but engineering and technology also define a big part of its...
Success Stories
ACB Ltd. Company for intermediation in insurance
ACB Ltd. Company for intermediation in insurance, as the exclusive correspondent of Aon in Serbia, is back in FIC, where we were an active...
Video
FIC Serbia Marks 20 Years of Operations
The Foreign Investors Council in Serbia (FIC) marked 20 years of operations with a ceremony held at Hyatt hotel... Read more
Business News
Foreign Investors Council In Serbia Celebrates Its 20th Anniversary
The Foreign Investors Council in Serbia (FIC) marked 20 years of operations with a ceremony held at Hyatt hotel.
At the event awards for cooperation...
Business News
Foreign Investors Council Presented The White Book 2022
In the year when the Foreign Investors Council (FIC) marks the 20th anniversary of its establishment and operation, the "White Book 2022" was presented...
Business News
FIC Autumn Networking Cocktail
FIC Serbia and its distinguished member Karanovic & Partners organized the second FIC networking cocktail this year.
The Executive Director of the Council, Aleksandar Ljubić, thanked Karanovic &...
Video
FIC Networking Cocktail
FIC Serbia and its distinguished member Karanovic & Partners organized the second FIC networking cocktail this year. Read more...
FIC
Comment
Crises Give Birth To New Solutions
Even though we have continuity of government, there’s no doubt that the set of measures the government will have to opt for will differ...
FIC
Mike Michel, President Of The Foreign Investors Council And CEO Of Yettel
I Choose To Be An Optimist
The country needs strong economic growth through sustainable fiscal consolidation and the continued privatisation and corporatisation of public enterprises and the reform of public...
FIC
Zorana Mihajlović Ph.D., Deputy Prime Minister And Minister Of Mining And Energy Of The Republic Of Serbia
We’ve Overcome Every Crisis Through Dedicated Work
When geopolitical conditions shift and the world economy is hit by serious tremors, countries that are much more developed and better regulated than Serbia...
FIC
Siniša Mali, Minister Of Finance Of The Republic Of Serbia
I Don’t Expect A Recession
We mustn't lose what we've already achieved, and that's full employment and economic growth. Even though much of this doesn't depend on us, we...
FIC
OTP Banka
Euromoney Proclaims OTP Banka Best In Serbia
Following May 2021’s successful completion of the region’s most complex integration process, OTP Banka Srbija succeeded in maintaining and fortifying its position as the...
FIC
Jorgovanka Tabaković, Governor Of The National Bank Of Serbia
Safe Haven For The Economy And Citizenry
I’m extremely proud of the results we’ve achieved in preserving the exchange rate’s relative stability over the course of the last decade. That has...
FIC
Liliana Lapadatoni, Marsh Adria CEO
Great Room For Growth
According to our estimates, the degree of mediation in the B2B segment in Serbia, i.e., the percentage of insurance that’s managed by brokers, is...
FIC
Tomislav Momirović, Minister Of Construction, Transport And Infrastructure
Open Balkan Is Both Our Chance And Obligation
When it comes to the Government of Serbia, there is no capitulating on the implementing of infrastructure projects, as they represent the foundation of...
FIC
Vladimir Spasić, Account Executive, Dell
Digitalisation Forms The Basis Of Market Progress
Digital transformation is today discussed at every company in Serbia, and many of them have seriously embarked on that transformative journey
As a driver of...
FIC
LeitnerLeitner
The Pandemic Has Impacted Every Aspect Of Business
COVID-19 brought numerous changes to almost all areas of our lives. We spoke with experts from top tax advisory and auditing firm LeitnerLeitner about...
FIC
Dragana Marković, Director Of The Tax Administration
We’re Continuing With Reform Processes
In the new reform cycle, our wish is to create a Tax Administration that’s integrated into the taxpayers’ natural and business environment and for...
FIC
Nicola Pontara, World Bank Group Country Manager For Serbia
No Easy Tasks During Turbulent Times
It would be critical in the days ahead for the new Serbian government to maintain macroeconomic stability – i.e., to curb inflation and keep...
FIC
Dušan Radičević, Al Dahra Serbia CEO
How Does One Become An Agriculture Leader?
With the arrival in Serbia of Al Dahra, which is known as a global leader in the agricultural industry, new standards were set for...
FIC
Alessandro Bragonzi, Head Of European Investment Bank Regional Representation For The Western Balkans
Supporting A Green Balkans
A new dedicated branch, EIB Global, is helping us foster strong partnerships within the European Commission-led Team Europe structure and increase support for projects...
FIC
Iosif Vangelatos, General Manager, INOS Balkan
Coping Responsibly With Crisis
Uncertainty is now the main characteristic of the business environment. Our response to the crisis is to create agile commercial policies, to identify and...
FIC
Yulia Ustyugova, IMF Resident Representative For The Republic Of Serbia
Making Difficult Choices Must Be A Key Government Task
Limited policy space and more difficult access to financing means that policymakers will have to be very selective and targeted in their spending and...
FIC
Matteo Colangeli, EBRD Director For The Western Balkans
The Crisis Will Take Its Toll
Mounting inflationary pressures are weighing in on the disposable income and input costs of businesses, while financing conditions are tightening as central banks around...
FIC
Dejan Turk, Vice President Of The Foreign Investors Council (CEO Of A1 Srbija And A1 Slovenija)
Digital Transformation Remains Our Priority
A significant shift in the field of digitalisation has been achieved over the past five years. Yet there is still room for significant improvements,...
FIC
Ana Govedarica, FIC Vice President And Spokesperson (Roche General Manager)
We’re Stronger Together
Foreign investments are an important lever of economic development that gain even greater importance under the conditions of the challenges to foreign policy and...
FIC
Aleksandar Ljubić, FIC Executive Director
Digitalisation Is Our Imperative
Companies adjust their operations and business policies in almost real time, and the Foreign Investors Council, as their shared house, endeavours to respond to...
FIC
Dragan Penezić, Co-president Of The FIC Anti-illicit Trade & Food Committee (British American Tobacco SEE d.o.o. Beograd)
Positive Results Are Clearly Visible
Despite the negative external factors, it is clearly visible that activities have continued around institutionally improving conditions for doing business in Serbia and advancing...
FIC
Dragana Stikić, Co-president Of The FIC Anti-illicit Trade & Food Committee (Nestlé Adriatic S d.o.o.)
Harmonising With The European Acquis Crucial
The legislative framework in Serbia is being gradually harmonised with that of the EU in terms of food safety and quality, though the dynamics...
FIC
Dušan Lalić, Co-president Of The FIC Financial Services Committee (Generali osiguranje Srbija a.d.o.)
We Need More Digital Solutions
It is essential for the state and the financial sector to work on creating a higher degree of trust in digitalisation. Alongside this, it...
FIC
Danilo Mrvaljević, Co-president Of The FIC Financial Services Committee (Banca Intesa a.d. Belgrade)
Steps In The Right Direction
The National Bank of Serbia and the Government of the Republic of Serbia enabled activities on the capital market to unfold unhindered even under...
FIC
Daniel Šušnjar, President Of The FIC Telecommunications & Digital Economy Committee (Yettel d.o.o.)
Administrative Barriers On The Road To Digitalisation
Regulatory framework incompatibility in the area of environmental protection prevents the installing of cellular base stations, thereby jeopardising the expansion of capacities and the...
FIC
Milena Jakšić Papac, President Of The FIC Human Resources Committee (Karanović & Partners o.a.d.)
Regulations Should Track The Changing Nature Of Work
We eagerly await amendments to legal regulations that will recognise contemporary forms of labour and introduce greater certainty in the aspect of the rights...
FIC
Mario Kijanović, President Of The FIC Infrastructure And Real Estate Committee (Bojovic Draskovic Popovic & Partners)
Improving Procedures Is The Foundation For Further Sector Growth
A new cycle of investments in construction projects for residential and business properties, warehousing and other commercial buildings could be initiated through the further...
FIC
Marko Ćulafić, President Of The FIC Legal Committee (Karanovic & Partners)
Progress In Building The Legislative Framework
Although work is constantly being done in Serbia to harmonise the legislative framework with that of Europe, it is necessary for more uniform practice...
FIC
Radomir Cerović, President Of The FIC Pharma Industry Committee (Roche d.o.o.)
We Must Keep Pace With Upcoming Innovations
The essence of digitalisation in healthcare is in creating possibilities to bring the quality of patient treatment to the fore and enabling doctors to...
FIC
Dragan Drača, President Of The FIC Taxation Committee (PricewaterhouseCoopers)
No Progress Resolving Longstanding Tax Issues
Even though there was an absence of willingness for dialogue on the part of state bodies and the Task Force for the implementation of...
FIC
Zafiris Lampadaridis, President Of The FIC Tourism & Hospitality Committee (Hyatt Regency Belgrade (BMP a.d.))
Tourism Development Must Be Accelerated
The establishment of the FIC Tourism & Hospitality Committee comes at a critical juncture for rethinking the governance of tourism and elevating tourism's visibility....
FIC
Commemorating Two Decades Of The Work Of The Foreign Investors Council
We’re Continuing To Grow!
The Foreign Investors Council is one of the “oldest” business associations that focuses exclusively on the continued development of a predictable, competitive and sustainable...
Interview
Renata Pindžo, FIC Communications Director
Tourism Plays A Key Role In Inclusive And Sustainable Growth
At a juncture when it’s evident that international demand for tourism is changing and pressure is mounting on the global tourist market, it is...
Banking sector
Aleksandar Ljubić, Executive Director Of The Foreign Investors Council Of Serbia
We’ve Yet To See The Full Benefit Of Digitalisation In The Insurance Sector
The Foreign Investors Council of Serbia has a multitude of ideas on how to continue the wave of digitalisation and render numerous financial sector...
Business News
White Book Presented To Belgrade Chamber Of Commerce
On December 22, FIC presented key findings from the White Book on digitalization to the Belgrade Chamber of Commerce. Current situation was reviewed, and...
Business News
The Foreign Investors Council Held Its Regular Annual Assembly
The Foreign Investors Council (FIC) held the regular annual session of the Assembly, electing the new Board of Directors, adopting the Annual and Financial...
Business News
Foreign Investors Council Presented The White Book 2021
The Foreign Investors Council presented the White Book 2021 to the highest Government officials and marked its 19th anniversary. The presentation of this year’s...
Audio
Mike Michel, President Of The Foreign Investors Council And CEO Of Telenor Serbia
We Must Embrace The New Reality
There is still a lot of work ahead of us when it comes to Serbia’s long-term recovery. We must increase productivity and sustain investments...
News
Potentials For Strengthening Cooperation With Azerbaijan In Numerous Areas
Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikola Selakovic met today in Baku with Minister of Defence Industry of Azerbaijan Madat Guliyev, with whom he discussed the...
Audio
Nikola Selaković, Minister Of Foreign Affairs Of The Republic Of Serbia
With The Exception Of Kosovo, Our Values Align
This generation of politicians is obliged, first and foremost in the interests of Serbia, to attempt to once again find a common language and...
Protecting Belgrade’s Generalštab is a Matter of Law and Public Interest
Europa Nostra, the leading European heritage civil society network, covering over 40 countries, and working closely with the European...
Belgrade’s Main Bus Station Relocates to New Site After Over 50 Years
After more than half a century in operation, Belgrade’s main bus station is relocating to a new site in...
Slovenia Among Countries with Lowest Inflation Rates in the EU
The annual inflation rate in the Eurozone was 2.2% in August 2024, down from 2.6% in July. A year...
French Embassy Awards Winners of ‘Ekoopština’ Sustainability Contest in Serbia
The French Embassy in Serbia, in collaboration with a range of partners including the Veolia Institute, Saint-Gobain, Decathlon, and...
First Major CEBAC Conference Brings Together Over 200 European Companies in Serbia
Belgrade played host to the inaugural conference of the Council of European Business Associations and Chambers of Commerce in...