NOVI SAD PRESENTED TO INVESTORS AND DIPLOMATS AT THE RUSSIAN CENTRE

The City of Novi Sad in cooperation with the Russian Centre and the Russian Association of Businessmen organized the presentation of the economic and cultural potentials of Novi Sad for businessmen and representatives of the diplomatic corps in the Russian Centre in Belgrade. On this occasion, the president of the City Assembly of Novi Sad Prof. Dr. Siniša Sević and the Russian Centre director Mikhail Denisov Genadievich addressed the audience.

-The city administration has activated all its capacities to give its contribution to the economic development and it also adopted a series of measures to simplify the procedures necessary for business. I am confident that you will be satisfied with today’s presentations by my esteemed associates and that you will consider these possibilities. Our interest is mutual, as Novi Sad and all its citizens, can feel the improvement in living standards only if you, as business representatives, are satisfied and if your affairs are progressing.

Therefore, we must act together, as partners- Siniša Sević said. The presentation was attended by the mayor of Novi Sad Miloš Vučević, the Russian Federation Ambassador H.E. Alexander Chepurin and the Ambassador of the Republic of Belarus H.E. Vladimir Chushev.
The Local Economic Development Office head Olivera Simović presented the investment potentials and available locations and pointed out that Novi Sad has had the best credit rating in Serbia, the Certificate of favorable business environment and a significant export potential. There is also a network of over 20.000 businesses and a land construction fee can be decreased for building production halls and premises which are significant to the city's economic development. There is also www.novisadinvest.rs city portal intended for potential investors and the existing economy , which provides information on investment opportunities, competitions for grants and assistance for SMEs and entrepreneurs- Olivera Simović added.

According to M.S. Goran Sečujski, member of the City Council for economy, the City of Novi Sad, with its natural geographical and social characteristics and resources, provides an opportunity for the development of organic farming. Novi Sad is the only city in Serbia which has the Action plan for development of organic farming. Over the past two years, 10 farmers and the Agricultural school with boarding students from Futog have been included in the city’s program of support, covering a total of 37.8 ha of agricultural land. Annually, the city budget allocates about 100.000 euros for organic farming – Sečujski added.

Member of the City Council for Culture Milanka Brkić drew attention to the traditional cultural values of Novi Sad, emphasizing the importance of institutions and cultural monuments, Petrovaradin fortress and festivals such as Zmaj children's games, Sterijino Pozorje - theatre festival, Novi Sad Jazz Festival, EXIT Music festival, INFANT alternative theatre festival, with particular reference to the festival of Slavic literacy, to be held in May this year in Novi Sad, jointly organized by the City of Novi Sad and the City of Nizhny Novgorod. Moreover, the activities of Novi Sad in the realization of its initiative's for the European Capital of Culture 2020 candidacy, were also presented.

The artistic program with the Folk Ensemble “Vila” followed the presentations, while in the lobby of the Russian Centre, the sales exhibition of traditional crafts as well as the photography exhibition of Novi Sad by Darko Dozet took place.

Novi Sad, 29th March 2013