Good regulations, transparency and predictability are preconditions for Nordic countries' further investments in Serbia

(Sigve Brekke)

Representatives of the Nordic Business Alliance and members of the economic caucus of the Serbian parliament talked today about preconditions and legal frameworks that are necessary for further investment promotion in Serbia. Participants in the meeting were Zeljko Sertic, ambassadors of Nordic countries Sweden, Finland, Norway and Denmark, the Parliamentary Committee for Economy, Nordic Business Alliance Board of Governors Chairman Jasmina Vignjevic, presidents of parliamentary groups, the Norway/Serbia Parliamentary Friendship Group, Deputy Speaker of the National Parliament Vladimir Marinkovic, Telenor Group President and General Manager Sigve Brekke, and representatives of Nordic companies.

Sigve Brekke shared the Telenor Group's experience of investing in new emerging markets with the attendees, pointing to key factors that affect investment decisions. He underlined the necessity for amending the legislative framework to encourage further investments in Serbia and commented on intensive changes and innovations in the information technology and telecommunications industry.

- We witness digital transformation in all our markets - in the Nordic region, Europe, as well as throughout Asia. This phenomenon is not limited to certain industries only, it is omnipresent and affects everything. Digitization ensures fantastic advantages and opportunities for people, companies and the society. Its implementation demands engagement, investment and innovation – from both small and big companies as well as from the government administration. Serbia has the potential to make that happen - said Sigve Brekke, the president and general manager of the Telenor Group.

Jasmina Vignjevic, the chairman of the Board of Governors of the Nordic Business Alliance, stressed that the trade with Nordic countries in 2014 totaled somewhat over EUR 640 milllion (according to the data of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce).

A big number of members of the Nordic Business Alliance have been operating in Serbia for many years now. Their experience can help the Serbian government to further improve the business climate in Serbia. The Nordic Business Alliance is a non-profit organization founded to serve as a platform for the exchange of ideas and experiences of the Nordic business community in Serbia. At this moment, it gathers more than 30 companies that operate in Serbia.