Slovenia rebuilds business relations with Serbia and Montenegro
Before the breakdown of Yugoslavia, Slovenian companies relied to a large extend on trade and business with Serbia, as former Yugoslavia used to be the main market for Slovenian companies. After the fall of former Yugoslavia, business with Serbia Montenegro declined due to the new political and economic situation. Now many years later, Slovenian companies are keen on spreading business in Serbia again.
"Slovenian companies invest a lot in the region of South eastern Europe, especially in the countries of the former Yugoslavia. In fact 60 % of Slovenian outsourced foreign direct investments are directed in that area, accounting for over 1 and half billion Euros in the past years. We estimate that Slovenian investments in Serbia and Montenegro in the year 2003 amounted to close to 60 million Euros. Also this year, Slovenia is the second to third biggest investor in Serbia and Montenegro, but the first by the number of investment projects. Slovenian companies invest in all sectors of production, banking and services and trade of course. There are close to 200 Slovenian companies established in Serbia and Montenegro."
What are the main obstacles of Slovenian companies investing in Serbia and Montenegro?
"Well, when penetrating the Serbian and Montenegrian market, Slovenian companies sometimes do have problems. Regarding the exports of goods, custom duties are quite high, but an even bigger problem is the extensive custom controls, which is time consuming and result in additional costs for exporters. Sometime local sanitary and market rules even prohibit Slovenian goods to be placed on the shelves of stores. With regard to investment, Slovenian investors sometimes have a problem with extensive and complicated administrative procedures. Especially when obtaining constructing permits. But in general experiences of the Slovenian companies entering this market is not bad and mutual interest - Serbian and Slovenian is bigger every year."
