Digitization and modernization of customs procedures, acceleration of procedures and reduction of waiting times at border crossings can significantly contribute to the competitiveness of companies in Serbia and in the region, it was said at a meeting of representatives of the Chamber of Commerce of Serbia (PKS), the Customs Administration of Serbia and the Secretary General of the World Customs Organization Kunia.
The advisor to the president of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce , Milun Trivunac, said, as announced, that according to the forecasts of the International Monetary Fund Serbia’s economic growth this year will be two percent, and that the inflow of foreign direct investments is continuous, and that the efficient functioning of border crossing services is also important for a good business environment.
“For business competitiveness, it is important to facilitate and simplify customs procedures and speed up the flow of goods at border crossings. Currently, 49 companies in Serbia have the status of authorized economic entities (AEO), which employ over 35,000 employees”, said Trivunac.
Mikuriya stated that customs and companies have the same goal, which is safe, efficient and competitive business. He said that the efficient operation of the customs service is especially important for foreign investors whose priority is a stable business environment, and this includes digitalization of databases, networking and modernization of the work of the customs service, as well as effective suppression of illegal trade. Mutual recognition of AEOs is also one of the important tools for more efficient business, Mikurija said.
Director of the Sector for providing support in representing and protecting the interests of PKS members, Kristina Djurić, said that in the last five years, more than 500 legislative initiatives have been launched to improve business conditions.
According to her, the percentage of realization is 39 percent, which is proof that state institutions listen and adopt the proposals of the economy. She added that the customs regulations and procedures in Serbia are harmonized with the EU, as well as that there is continuous good cooperation between the economy and the Customs Administration.
“It is especially important to reduce waiting at border crossings with the EU, bearing in mind that Serbian companies participate in the supply chains of European companies,” said Djuric. Milica Dubljević, secretary of the Transport Association PKS, said that PKS has started the digitalization of ATA carnets, which speeds up, saves resources and facilitates business.
“Open Balkans” is a particularly important initiative that improved and significantly harmonized the work of customs services in its member countries, said Nenad Djurdjević, adviser to the president of the PKS.
He added that the trust and support of political leaders for this initiative significantly contributed to the easier business of companies in the region.
The opening of special lanes, as he said, at border crossings, harmonizing the working hours of border services are just some of the steps that had a positive effect on the business of companies, and it is important to harmonize and harmonize the databases as well.
Director of the Serbian Customs Administration, Branko Radujko, said that work is being done on the complete digitalization of the customs system and the acceleration of procedures that will be completed by 2025, which will significantly contribute to saving time, resources and easier business.
