Education

Egypt EU Trade relations improving

The European Union remains Egypt’s largest investors Three-quarters of foreign direct investment come from EU states, and trade represents a third of the country’s GDP. The has been constant EU assistance and partnership programs since 1998, which established stable relations between Egypt and the EU. The Association Agreement was the most effective agreement when it…
Interview: Mervat Sultan, Chairperson, Export Development Bank of Egypt (EBE)

Export Development Bank of Egypt (EBE) was established for the purpose of boosting Egyptian exports. The Bank offers banking and financial services to encourage the export activities of the agricultural, industrial, commercial and services sectors. One of the main business lines and activities of the Bank is the Corporate Banking and Loan Syndication Activities. How…
Interview: Mohammed Berro, Chief Executive Officer, Emirates NBD Egypt

Emirates NBD Egypt is one of the largest banks operating in Egypt excels in premier banking and pioneers in digital banking. It is an essential stakeholder in financing mega infrastructure projects and development initiatives in Egypt. Emirates NBD Egypt is a wholly owned subsidiary of Emirates NBD Group, a leading banking group in the region. …
United Nations Global Compact Profile

Launched in 2000, the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) is a global initiative that serves as a call to companies to align strategies and operations under the framework of the 10 UNGC Principles on Human Rights, Labor, Environment and Anti-corruption. Today with more than 9,500 business and 3,000 non-business organizations based in 160 countries and…
Interview: Violeta Šestic, Head of Local Economic Development Department, City of Šabac

What makes Šabac a smart choice for investors? An interesting fact about the city of Šabac is that it was the first city in Serbia to meet the international standards ISO 9001:2000 which is a testament to our efficiency as an organization and our dedication to customer satisfaction.Besides, the City is a carrier of a…
Interview: Zoran Blagojević, CEO, Wiener Insurance Serbia

How do you assess Serbia’s insurance sector? Western European markets average premiums around EUR 2 500 per capita, but in Serbia we are at EUR 100 per capita. These two figures show us a clear picture of the huge growth potential the insurance sector has within the Serbian market. There is a huge misunderstanding of…
Interview: Radoš Gazdić, Acting Director General, Development Agency of Serbia (RAS)

What are some of the key facts that all international investors should remember about Serbia? The key factor at this moment is the competitiveness of the labour force when comparing it to Europe. Serbia is increasingly becoming more attractive, first and foremost, because of the technical education of our labour force. It is one of…
Serbia: An impressive turnaround

Serbia aims to boost private sector-led growth through reforms. According to the estimates of the Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia, the nations GDP in real terms increased by 1.9% in 2017. The International Monetary Fund estimates Serbia’s projected Real GDP growth for 2018 will reach 3.5%. Overview: Serbia has successfully stabilized its economic…
Serbia: Digitization – The ICT sector is growing faster than any other industry

Serbia provides a cost-effective alternative to established markets for companies looking to outsource software engineering, offshore systems design and integration. Over 2 600 ICT companies operate in Serbia including a Microsoft development center. Serbs offer expertise, high-end IT development services and software development solutions in a highly completive global sector. Nearly 39 000 ICT professionals…
Serbia: The Balkan Industrial revolution

Serbia’s rich historical legacy lies in its strength as a regional manufacturing hub. This is furthermore supported by its extensive free trade agreements which allow duty-free exports to a market of more than 1 billion people. Some of these markets go much further than the European Union which is Serbia’s largest export market. Serbia has…
Interview: Aigars Rostovski, President, Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI)

Historically what have been Latvia’s most important economic drivers? Traditionally our biggest sector has been wood and timber produced from by our forests. They cover more than half of Latvia. Forests are referred to as Latvia’s “Green Gold.” A second historically strong sector is manufacturing, in Soviet times Latvia was an industrial hub. A third…
Interview: Aleksandrs Bartasevics, Mayor and Chairman of Rezekne City Council

What are some of the benefits associated with investing in the regions? Investors should remember to evaluate other cities outside Riga. Latvia’s regions offer investors many advantages as opposed to the capital. The regions have fewer obstacles. One example is requesting permits and documentation for construction which takes several weeks longer in Riga than in…
Interview: Reinis Rubenis, CEO, Swedbank Latvia

What challenges is the Latvian financial sector facing? One challenge for the Latvian banking sector is the number of banks. There are far too many banks in Latvia for such a small economy. Over the next five years, we will definitely see further consolidations taking place. This consolidation is necessary. A positive aspect of the…
Interview: Anda Caksa, Latvian Minister for Health

How do you evaluate Latvia’s healthcare system? Over the pasttwo decades, life expectancy has increased by ten years. If we compare this to our neighbors, it is quite an achievement. However, in order to understand Latvia’s healthcare system, we need to discuss the issues and challenges that it has faced. The system has patient accessibility…
Martins Vanags, Managing Director, Skanste Development Agency, on creating Riga’s central business district

In the Riga City Development Strategy for up to 2030, the Skanste neighborhood has been defined as a priority territory: the central business district of the capital, a platform for European-scale events and a quality life and work environment for many thousands of Rigans. Next to the Historic Center and the “Quiet Center” of the…
Baiba A. Rubesa, CEO, Rail Baltica, on creating a new economic corridor

Rail Baltica, a new railway infrastructure connecting the three Baltic States to Poland and indirectly to Finland, is often called the project of the century. This project marks a symbolic return of the Baltic States to Europe. Currently, most rail freight traffic in the Baltics originates from the CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) countries and…
Interview: Arvils Aseradens, Latvian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Economics

How do you assess Latvia’s economic growth? Four key points are behind Latvia’s economic growth; European Funds, external situation, accumulation of private savings and rising income levels. Income levels have increased 5% in the past three years. This has been a very active base for private consumption. In addition, the private sector has large amounts…