“With the circa 100,000 strong Serbian diaspora our trade links with Australia are vastly under represented and we are looking to build on strong cultural ties between the two countries. Over the last couple of years I spent considerable time researching, and on the ground in Serbia, which has helped better understand the potential for establishing the Chamber. It started off as an idea that quickly built momentum during this year, with eventually both smaller format businesses and large organisations confirming their intentions to join. We will be looking for the likes of Air Serbia and Etihad Airways, who will be the official partners of the Chamber, to provide strong foundations for the future development of the organisation.
Over the last six months we have defined the business requirements and the operational model for ASCC which included extensive liaison with the Serbian Embassy in Canberra as well as leading Serbian and Australian companies and organisations. Once established the Chamber will be calling on companies with trade links to Serbia as well as prospective investors to join us in setting up the platform to expand the links between Australia and Serbia and surrounding regional economies.
The key purpose of the organisation will be to open up new opportunities for ASCC members through a network of contacts and partnerships in Serbia. It will be the vehicle for promoting Serbian interests in Australia that will facilitate trade and investment between the two countries. The Chamber will eventually be in a position to provide consultative services including insights into socio economic, trade and cultural aspects. There are also plans to organise events throughout Australia to actively promote Serbia as an attractive destination for Australian companies to do business and for individuals to visit. This will be achieved by linking the Chamber with other institutions such as the Serbian Embassy in Canberra, Serbian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Belgrade and the Australian equivalent organisations.”