Politicians and industrialists from Vicenza met with Belgrade Minister of Trade. “Let us bring Serbia into the EU”. Stefani:The Foreign Trade Commission has already voted unanimously”. Ditri: “Our exports are reaching 10%”.
A commercial hub with links on one side with the European Union, with which it has already signed customs agreements, and on the other with the Balkans and Russian-speaking countries: this is the proposed geo—business program for reinforcing Italian-Serbian trade relations. This statement was made by the Serbian Minister for Trade and Services, Slobodan Milosavljevic, at the meeting with Confindustria Vicenza during the Italo-Serbian forum at Palazzo Bonin Longare.
The meeting was not primarily or exclusively focused on opportunities that a “young new Serbia” can offer to small and medium-sized Italian companies; according to Mr Stefano Stefani, President of the Chamber of Deputies Foreign Trade Commission, «it also involves Italy’s commitment to support Serbia’s rapid entry into the EU. Serbia applied for entry ten years ago, and is more qualified than certain other countries. Brussels needs to understand that the new Serbia has all the appropriate credentials and the right background not simply as an EU candidate country, but one which will soon become a member state ».
Speaking to a public of businessmen from Vicenza, leading political authorities from Belgrade did not only promote the incentives that Italian industry can gain through investment in their country. Both Minister Slobodan Milosavljevic and the Serbian Ambassadress to Italy, Ms Sanda Raskovic-Ivic, explained their commitment to a substantial Europeanization program underway in Serbia. They confirmed that Serbia is a country that is focussing on a Brussels- oriented Europe as well as its close ties with Italy as a country that produces brand names, industry, business, and culture». The same concept was confirmed by the President of the Foreign Trade Commission, Stefani, and Mr Roberto Ditri, Vice-President of Confìndustria Vicenza. «Serbia has all the right credentials for competing in the race to enter the EU. When I took over as President of the Foreign Trade Commission,” commented Stefani,”I immediately assessed Serbia’s strategic position in relation to Italy. I have always considered it a reliable country in which to invest. Our Commission voted unanimously for Serbia’s entry into the EU. This was decided with two solutions targeted at accelerating their participation. Serbia is part of Europe and deserves to belong to the EU. The international community has an obligation towards Serbia which, in relation to the delicate question of Kosovo, has always assumed an attitude that is responsible, accurate and authoritative, but never inflexible. Regarding this aspect, Minister Frattini is also supportive of Serbia; he is in favour of ratifying its entry into the EU, which is still partially opposed by Holland».
Mr Stefani also recalled that a large Serbian community lives in the Veneto region, and that it is well-integrated in the community. «There is an existing bi-lateral collaboration agreement between Italy and Serbia. It was drawn up 10 years ago, and I will bring this issue up in parliament to have it passed as soon as possible».
According to Stefani, good opportunities exist between Italy and Serbia for launching positive business programs. This is echoed by the analyses provided by Ditri: «Our exports to Serbia are reaching a 10% threshold; as far as imports are concerned, Italy is the fourth largest foreign investor in Serbia which has created a range of business incentives that provide opportunities for Italy’s small and medium-sized businesses to obtain markets in both Western and Eastern Europe». The Serbian Ambassadress to Italy, Sanda Raskovic-Ivic, underlined the excellent relations that exist between both countries. «Last year, we met in Belgrade for a summit meeting which led to the drawing up of three cooperation agreements. One of these directly involved the Veneto Region, demonstrating the close relations that exist between our two communities ».
This was followed by an intervention by Mr Gianfranco Pavan, on the executive committee of the Banca Popolare di Vicenza. «Our bank has invested in strong expansion programs in Central and Eastern Europe. We already have 11 branches in Serbia in collaboration with a local Austrian bank, Oevag. Therefore this Italian desk represents a strong opportunity for local businesses»
© Confindustria Vicenza