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Compiled by Metropolitan Media
Belgrade
Map
Overview
Belgrade is a capital of the Republic of Serbia. It is situated in the north part of the middle Serbia, near the Sava’s outlet to the Danube and on the Balkan Peninsula and is one of the oldest cities of in Europe. The history of this city is very tumultuous and long, the area where the city was inhabited during the Stone Age. From 1878 to 1917 Belgrade was the capital of Serbia.
From 1918 to 1929 it started to be the capital of SHS Kingdom and then it came to be the most important city. Between 2003-2006 Belgrade was the capital of Serbia and Montenegro and finally it became the capital of Serbia. The city covers over 3 millions square km and the population reaches over 1.5 million people.
Economy
There are two tax rates in the whole Serbia: 18% standard rate which is applicable to most taxable supplies and 8% reduced rate, applicable for certain goods or services. Serbians have to pay a tax on their worldwide income earned in the year. The taxes vary from 10% to 40%. Since January 2001, Belgrade has shown solid intentions in establishing a modern market economy and re-entering European and global markets. Economic and legal reforms were connected with the creation of a business-friendly environment. These reforms were the reason why Serbia has passed the new Constitution in 2006 and joined the Partnership for Peace program. The Stabilization and Association Agreement with EU was approved in 2008. In 2007 Serbia completed the legal procedures and could join the Central European Free Trade Agreement, a trade agreement between Non-EU countries in South-Eastern and Central Europe.
Serbia and Belgrade are very competitive environments for investment, due to their geographical position and low cost of labour. The dynamic growth is expected as a result of political and economic integration with the Europe. Since 2002, multinational and foreign firms and companies began to appear on the Serbian market. As the statistics show, the net foreign direct investment for 11months of 2008 amounted to 2,670 million dollars. The Serbian Government wants to create business-friendly environment for all foreign investors, individuals and companies by equalizing rights and responsibilities and providing required conditions. The authorities want to create a system consistent with EU legislation to make progress with integration. Belgrade's potential is represented by more than 110.000 economic entities. It makes up 32% of all entities in Serbia.
Infrastructure
People can get to Belgrade by car, plane or by bus. Tourists are able to exchange money at the airport or they can withdraw money from a cash machine. The railway station is situated near the city centre. From this place people can choose the mean of transport. They can get somewhere by bus or by tram. Most of people move by public means of transport. The level of security is comparable to other European capitals. Belgrade is very important city and railway junction between Balkans and Europe. There is also large river port which has the influence on the river transport. Belgrade is connected via the Danube to the Black Sea. It is also a place where the parliament is situated. This city is a centre of many government, cultural and scientific institutions. What is more, it is also the centre of trade, finance, industry, transport, construction and telecommunication. That is why Belgrade has a decisive role in a faster rate of development and higher standards of living. Unfortunately, civil war and the conflict in Kosovo limited functions of this capital. Industrial factories are mostly located in peripheral regions. The telecommunications network was 90% digitalized in 2006. Municipal Infrastructure Investment Support Programme is being realized in cooperation with EU, which gave the financial support. This Programme will help to establish the PMU. Its task is to ensure that all capital investments are managed efficiently. The investors have direct access to international expressway which is a part of the European Traffic connecting Southern and Central Europe with the Middle East. Even the most demanding people can find the Internet services which best meet their needs. Nowadays, Belgrade has about 270,000 square m of the highest class office accommodation. The decisive role in modern properties plays New Belgrade, which has developed into the business centre of the capital. The most important branches of industry are: metallurgy, construction materials, food and beverage, textile, automotive, pharmaceutical.
Local workforce
An employee should be over 15 years old and ought to fulfill the required conditions. Disabled people have also the right to work, according to their abilities. As of November 2008, the average gross salary was approximately 530EUR per month. Foreign companies are able to pay higher wages. The average working time per week in Belgrade varies at between 36 and 40 hours, with five working days and with a daily 30-minute lunch break. The paid vacation is 20 working days, if a person works more than 6 months.