Entering Serbian market means the opportunity of exporting to a 1 billion people market without paying any customs duties.
Serbia is a member of the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA) comprising of a free trade area with 29 million people. This region is also the one with the highest growth rate in Europe.
Serbia is the only country outside of the Commonwealth of Independent States that enjoys a Free Trade Agreement with Russia.
The Free Trade Agreement with Turkey will take effect as of January 1, 2010, while the FTA with EFTA members (Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, and Liechtenstein) is expected to be concluded by the end of 2009.
Added to this are duty-free exports to the European Union and the United States for most products and services.
Finally, with the population of 7.5 million people, Serbian market itself is among the largest in the region.
|
Local Market
Internally, with 7.5 million people, the Serbian market is the 2nd largest in South East Europe. The average net monthly salary rose for 107% in the last 4 years (2008). Coupled with rapid consumer loan expansion, this fueled a sharp increase in local demand. It was particularly reflected in a double-digit surge of retail trade turnover on an annual basis.
A consumption pattern indicates a shift towards durable consumer goods. In 2007, food and beverages accounted for 40.3% of an average household budget, while e.g. furniture, apparel, and footwear made up 10.6%.
Foreign investment
In response to expanding local demand, international retail chains have opened up dozens of new stores across the country. By illustration, from 2004 to 2008 total retail and wholesale foreign investment reached more than EUR1.4 billion.
Strategic Geographic Location
From Serbia, you can effectively serve your European and Middle Eastern customers thereby enhancing your business performance. Furthermore, a company can fully benefit from having production outside the European Union, while enjoying the possibility of easily accessing the EU market. Bordering Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria, Serbia is at the doorstep of the European Union. Via strategic transportation corridors No. 10 and No. 7, the country links Western Europe and the Middle East.
|
ANPORT d.o.o.
