This time around we have also asked the representatives of the authorities, diplomatic corps, international institutions, business associations, media and many others to express their views on the possible re-arrangement of power in the world, the European and regional political scene, the influences on Serbia’s accession to the EU, economic development, investments in culture, and as an inevitable question this year, elections which are taking place in many countries, including Serbia. We talked to GIORGIO MARCHEGIANI, President of Italian Serbian Chamber of Commerce and General Director of “DDOR Novi Sad”
How important is it for companies gathered in business associations and chambers of commerce to work together to improve the business environment and what trends do you expect to see in 2020?
Chambers of commerce and business associations have amongtheir goals, the one of gathering companies’ need and inputs related to the business environment. The chambers are a network, and they help companies to share their problems arising from labour, environmental, legal and other regulations. In the case of the Italian Chamber, I have to say that the companies not only have the Chamber as a business association, but they can also access the “Sistema Italia” that is made up of the Embassy with its economic experts, the Chamber and the Italian Trade Agency ICE – whose aim is to support Italian entities in the foreign trade. Also the Istituto Italiano di Cultura and other Italian private associations are relevant parts of this system, as for example Confindustria. During 2020, we expect a growth of our activities, also in connection with important events involving Serbian and Italian governmental institution which will take place in Serbia. In this way the “Sistema Italia” will contribute to improve the business environment.
The year 2020 is an election year for most Western Balkan countries, including Serbia. How will this affect the development of the economy in the region?
The Serbian economy concluded very well 2019, and is entering in 2020 with a positive spin. From a business perspective, I wish that 2020 can still build on the momentum from 2019, and that elections, as a normal event of the democratic life, will provide the conditions to build an efficient Government and prepare for 2021 and the future years. In this sense I wish that the elected Government in 2020 continues ensuring the appropriate conditions for Serbia to grow faster, in a balanced and inclusive way, and to continue the EU accession process.