Serbian Minister seeks JVs with India for
juice production
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A 9-member delegation from Serbia led by Mrs. Jasna Matic, State Secretary, Ministry of Economy and Regional Development, called on FIEO officials to discuss trade and bilateral relations between the two countries. Serbian Ambassador to India, Mr. Vuk Zugic also joined the discussion. FIEO team comprised of Mr. Subhash Mittal, Convenor, Committee on IT & EP, Mr. Ashok Kumar, DDG and Mr. Anand P Seth, Jt. DDG. Mrs. Jasna Matic, in her address, informed that Serbia was the only country outside CIS that enjoyed a Free Trade Agreement with Russia. It was a member of Cental European Free Trade Agreement under |
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From left: Mr. Subhash Mittal, Convenor, FIEO Committee on IT & EP greets H.E. Ms Jasna Matic, State Secretary, Ministry of Economy and Regional Development of the Republic of Serbia and H E Mr Vuk Zugic, Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia |
which exports from Serbia to EU enjoyed free market access provided 50% value addition was done in Serbia. US granted duty free entry to the majority of export products from Serbia. From Serbia, one can effectively access European and Middle Eastern customers. She added.
Mrs. Matic went on to inform further that during Joint Commission meeting held between the two countries food, pharmaceuticals, biotech, machinery, components, IT and real estate were identified as potential sectors for bilateral economic engagement. She further said that Serbia was a good place for production of light commercial vehicles.
Dr. Mirjana Milosevic, Assistant Minister of Agriculture in Serbia, informed that her country had an ideal climate for growing fruits. She said: "Its soil is still one of the cleanest in Europe. Serbia’s fruit processing industry is well developed and poised to lead export growth for the country. Currently, the industry exports juices, concentrates, purees, jams, and frozen and dried fruits. Serbia has the technology for juice production but lacks production facilities. There is a scope of joint venture production in India for third country exports with Serbian technology."
Earlier, while welcoming the delegates, Mr. Subhash Mittal said that at present the trade between India and Serbia was quite low and India’s export to Serbia was to the tune of USD 12 mn while its import from Serbia was only USD 1.73 mn. He was, however, optimistic that there was a huge scope of increasing two-way trade between the two sides.
While proposing vote of thanks, Mr. Ashok Kumar suggested regular exchange of visits of businessmen from the two countries.
As per the findings of Doing Business 2007 report compiled by the World Bank, Serbia climbed 24 places, from last year’s 92nd to 68th place, on the list of 175 countries ranked by business climate. Serbia is a major exporter of agricultural and food products. Its major foreign trade partners are Italy, Germany, Russia and other EU countries. Serbia has a huge trade deficit with Russia due to import of energy, mainly oil and gas.
"Serbia has the technology for juice production but lacks production facilities. There is a scope of joint venture production in India for third country exports with Serbian technology."
Dr. Mirjana Milosevic
Assistant Minister of Agriculture in Serbia
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H E Ms Jasna Matic, State Secretary, Ministry of Economy and Regional Development of the Republic of Serbia giving a brief about Serbia. On her right is H E Mr Vuk Zugic, Ambassador of The Republic of Serbia. |
A view of the delegates from the Republic of Serbia
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