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 PERO MIJAKIĆ, President of the Croatian Chamber of Economy in Serbia: TOGETHER FOR A BETTER BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT
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?
It is very important that companies assembled in business associations and chambers of commerce work together to improve the business environment because they are a greater force for all partners. I am mainly referring to state institutions and policies that create the environment and frameworks for doing business. Individual action can sometimes raise doubts about the subjectivity of institutions. Chambers of commerce give their opinions and proposals when passing laws, and of course, the opinions they give are in line with the proposals of their members, economic entities. In 2020, I expect economic growth in both Croatia and Serbia. However, there are some things we could not have foreseen, such as the outbreak of the coronavirus, although I am no expert in assessing the danger to the human community. We hear various comments including how the coronavirus is no more dangerous than the ordinary flu. However, it is not difficult to see that there is great panic in the world. Failure to control the virus will surely have major effects on the economy. I dare not imagine what implications will the coronavirus have on the economy if not contained, let alone on tourism.
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?
Most of the companies in the region have been privatized and they operate under economic laws that are the same no matter who wins the election. Politics sets the framework for business, and I’m sure that everyone wants economic growth and an even higher living standard. Besides, a large number of companies in the region are foreign-owned. All countries in the region are eager to learn in the EU and policies will create the economic framework to achieve this. As for Serbia, the country has been recording a good upward trend in the economy and certainly aims to continue to create the conditions for further growth.