THE CONFERENCE GREECE, SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO PARTNERSHIP INITIATIVE CLOSED IN ATHENS WITH GREAT SUCCESS
Athens, 10 February 1005 – The conference “Greece-Serbia and Montenegro Partnership Initiative” ended in Athens today. It was organized by the humanitarian organization Lifeline Hellas under the patronage of HRH Crown Princess Katherine, and with the support of the Greek and Serbian Governments and Institutions, as well as the Chambers of Commerce of both countries.
During the closing day of the conference the following workshops were organized: Legislation, Taxes, Privatization, Direct Investments, Energy and Mining, Banking, Finance and Insurance, Agribusiness, Real Estate, Information Technologies and Telecommunications, Public Works and Constructions, Tourism and Transportation; the business experiences has been exchanged, as well as ideas and expectations of Serbian and Greek side regarding different industries.
During the conference, representatives of the Serbian Government introduced to the potential Greek investors the investment opportunities in Serbia: current regulations, governmental plans, development programs, and the Greek side presented the concrete objectives of Athens in the regional cooperation adjusted to processes and standards of European integration.
A Partnership Agreement between the Chamber of Commerce of Belgrade and Athens Chamber for small and medium-size enterprises was signed at the Athens Hilton today.
Crown Prince Alexander II addressed them:
“I congratulate you from all my heart on this positive step of the two chambers, and it makes me really happy that this takes place here in Athens. We are in need of a successful economy in order to move forward. Without cooperation, there is no future. I must say, you can count on my full support and assistance, and it is crucial to work on this together”.
At the end of the working sessions, HRH Princess Katherine gave the closing remarks:
“Our people for years have been waiting for employment and a better future does not want promises any more. They seek for concrete actions and results. A strong economy is the guarantee for peace and stability. This conference in Athens represents assistance to the Government and the people, as the time has arrived when we have to seek jobs, as much as the international community has to comprehend the knowledge and capabilities for partnership from our people. The only way is to connect the fraternal country Greece with Serbia and Montenegro. The Greek Government has supported us and we have to build a bridge between these two countries. The relationships established in Athens have to continue. We have to use them, as everything is now up to us. Furthermore, I have to say that the presence of Mr. Boris Tadic, President of Serbia contributed to the conference success, as well as the presence of a large number of Ministers from the Serbian Government. I thank the government and all participants of this assembly, I thank the people who have confidence in such initiatives that my husband HRH Crown Prince Alexander II and I take in a good will to help our people, pointed out Princess Katherine in her closing remarks.
The Conference “Partnership Initiative Greece and Serbia and Montenegro” included the exhibition in the Athens Hilton where Serbian companies were represented at stands among which were: the Serbian Chamber of Commerce, “Knjaz Miloš”, “Bambi”, “Next”, “SIEPA”, “Dunav Grocka”, “Trayal”, ’’Privatization Agency”, ’’Stara Sokolova’’ plum brandy, ’’Parking Servis’’, ’’Institute for transportation’’, ’’New Moment’’, ’’TeleGroup’’, ’’SAGA’’, ’’Comtrade’’, ’’Microsoft SCG’’, Chamber of Commerce Vojvodina, City of Niš.
At this conference, the biggest one organized abroad, where the Serbian economy has presented itself the Greek response was remarkable and exceeded all expectations. More than a hundred Greek business people were present at the workshop on the legal frame in Serbia and Montenegro, which is proof of great interest for investments that exists among from the Greeks.
The biggest financial papers in Athens announced today that the Greece would invest in Serbia 1.2 billion euros, which is a great encouragement for our economy and a proof of being a right partner in strong competition in the region.
At the very end of the conference, HE Milan Parivodic, the Minister of International Economic Relations of Serbia, stated that with the help of family friends of HRH Crown Prince Alexander II and Princess Katherine conferences like this one might be also organized in Great Britain, as well as in some otherworld centres of economy.
The Humanitarian organisation “Lifeline” and the Foundation of HRH Princess Katherine thank all sponsors and participants of the Conference.
From:
www.theroyalfamily.org