Serbian Economy Minister Andjelka Atanaskovic called on Japanese investors today to consider investing in central and southern Serbia, where the necessary infrastructure, a highway, airports in Nis and Kraljevo, as well as an educated workforce and a network of secondary vocational schools have been provided.
In a conversation with the Ambassador of Japan to Serbia, Takahiko Katsumato, Atanaskovic agreed that the bilateral relations between the two countries are traditionally good and friendly, but that there is a mutual interest in their intensification.
The Minister pointed out that the goal is for even more Japanese companies to start business activities in Serbia, having in mind the top technology they have, a high corporate standard and a production organization that is at the highest level.
She thanked the ambassador for the Japanese investments in Serbia and reminded that the Ministry of Economy supported two projects with incentives, thanks to which more than 407 million euros are invested and 2,223 new workers are employed.
Atanaskovic also said that the business environment would be further improved by the construction of highways that would connect Serbia with neighboring countries – Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro.
She also reminded that thanks to the already good traffic connection with other neighbors, Serbia is well connected with the European Union market.
The ambassador pointed out that Serbia is an increasingly popular investment destination for Japanese investors, thanks to the business environment, qualified workforce, infrastructure, geostrategic position, but also the signed free trade agreements with Russia and Turkey.
“Companies like Toyota or Nidek are leading brands in their fields, and they chose Serbia for investments precisely because of its geostrategic position because it represents a bridge to the EU, but also because of the friendly relations and hospitality that Serbia cultivates towards Japan,” Katsumato said.
Stating that at this moment, the focus of Japanese investments was in the north of Serbia, he expressed hope that they will start investing in other parts when they get acquainted with the potentials, especially having in mind the traffic connection of the Western Balkans by building highways, Novi Magazin reports.
