On the way to a better business environment

NALED, as the Technical Secretariat of the BFC SEE program, organized a series of evaluation visits to cities and municipalities in Serbia that applied in the previous year to participate in the certification process according to the latest IV edition of the BFC SEE standard, with the aim of improving the business conditions they offer to the local economy and foreign investors.

The conversations held with representatives of the private sector and local authorities represent a key step in the certification process with the aim of identifying and improving areas that are important for attracting investments and further developing the business community.

During the visits, the independent auditors had the opportunity to, through conversations with representatives of local self-governments, analyze documentation and discuss investment potential, work procedures, as well as cooperation with the local economy. Special attention was focused on activities carried out by local governments related to environmental protection and circular economy, digitization of municipal services, as well as measures to support entrepreneurship. In the next phase of the process, reports with clear recommendations will be submitted to the local leadership as a basis for improving cooperation with the local economy and improving the business environment.

Among the cities that will fight for the best possible investment positioning in this part of Europe, there are also many that have been recognized as cities of the future by the prestigious Financial Times in previous years:

Kragujevac:

One of the leading industrial centers in Serbia, where the existing industrial aspect is connected through the tradition of the metal sector and modern ICT. Kragujevac is also an important educational center, with the University of Kragujevac comprising several faculties. Kragujevac has developed human and institutional capacities for international cooperation, is continuously presented before European and international institutions and organizations, achieves significant results in the field of international cooperation and other elements of good governance.

Šabac:

Economic and cultural center, only 87 km from Belgrade and 68 km from Novi Sad. Thanks to its position as well as free trade agreements, it has free access with duty-free exports to markets around the world. Šabac has 600ha of equipped industrial land, offers incentives for the agri-food industry and direct investments, which makes it an exceptional investment destination.

Mionica:

It is said that the municipality is "lying on the water", because four factories for bottling water and fruit drinks have been opened in Banja Vrujka, Kljuc and Rajković, which are of great interest to consumers in the country and abroad. It has an active industrial zone with several smaller industrial plants, as well as deposits of strugalic stone. Agriculture is also an important activity, with a focus on fruit growing and animal husbandry.

Raška:

It is located near Kopaonik, which gives it an exceptional advantage in the development of winter tourism. In addition to tourism, the municipality has potential in the wood industry and agriculture. The existence of large economic systems from the metal industry and mining influenced the initiation of a large number of small and medium-sized enterprises to start activities in similar sectors.

Lapovo:

It represents one of the most important railway junctions in Serbia, which makes it attractive for logistics and transport companies. It has 5 industrial zones and offers infrastructure-equipped plots for investors interested in manufacturing activities. The plan is to build the largest privately owned bifacial solar power plant in Serbia, which will have the ability to produce 15.000 MW/h of electricity.

Ćuprija:

With an exceptional location near the highway, it has a developed industrial zone with available "greenfield" and "brownfield" locations, suitable for new investments. The most represented activities include the food industry, textile production and agriculture.

Leskovac:

Known as "Serbian Manchester", it has a long tradition in the textile industry. Today, in addition to textiles, the city focuses on the development of the food industry, especially the processing of meat and vegetables, as well as the development of the production of parts for the automotive industry and the IT sector.