The entire society must be in solidarity because only in solidarity can we win together in this ‘game’ that we are currently ‘playing’
In cooperation with the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Finance, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia and our clients, we are trying to find a solution that will help our export-oriented companies to overcome the new situation as easily as possible.
How did you organize your business activities? What impact does the state of emergency have on businesses?
The Republic of Serbia’s Export Credit and Insurance Agency (AOFI) has fully aligned its operations with all the recommendations and decisions made by the Government of the Republic of Serbia. Most of our employees are working from home, we made sure that their work runs smoothly and it has all been functioning really. We have provided transportation to and from work, safeguards, masks, gloves and disinfectants for those employees who work in our office, i.e. the lowest number of staff required for the uninterrupted running of the agency. So far, everything is working in the best possible way. We also adhere to all the recommendations of doctors regarding social distancing and have one employee per office. It is safe to say that Export Credit and Insurance Agency, i.e. its employees, give their maximum contribution to preventing the Covid-19 contagion from spreading further.
As for the agency itself, our function requires that we are even more engaged in these situations, just like we are now. We keep in touch with our clients daily. They are export-oriented companies which are currently experiencing certain problems, starting with a reduced demand through to their foreign clients having difficulty settling their financial obligations. In cooperation with the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Finance, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia and our clients, we are trying to find a solution that will help our export-oriented companies to overcome the new situation as easily as possible.
How important is it for companies to stand in solidarity, help and donate to the healthcare system?
In terms of solidarity, I believe that we, as individuals, and the entire society must be in solidarity because only in solidarity can we win together in this ‘game’ that we are currently ‘playing’. Of course, this solidarity must be directed the most towards those who give the most, namely our healthcare workers, because they are on the front line of defence against the virus. I would like to use this opportunity to thank them wholeheartedly and congratulate them on the hard work they have put in so far, wish them all the best and that this situation is resolved as soon as possible so we can all return to our normal routine as soon as possible.
How do you spend your private time during the pandemic?
When it comes to free time, I use it to be with my wife in our home – we read, watch series and generally have more time for ourselves and some of our plans for the future. Considering the gravity of the situation and if we claim that we all have to be in solidarity, I think that each of us should spend that time at their home, trying to make the most of it with their family.
What will you do first after the state of emergency is abolished?
First, I will visit my parents and have a picnic with my cousin. That is probably the only thing I miss in this situation, i.e. spending time with my brother’s children and my wife’s brother’s children. Of course, we have minimum contact with my parents and friends.