Stronger regional cooperation and concrete steps towards integrating economies into the EU Single Market are key to faster economic progress in the Western Balkans, said participants in the Western Balkans Chamber and Investment Forum within the Berlin Process.
The forum, which brought together business leaders, representatives of Western Balkan chambers, diplomats and international organizations, highlighted the importance of joint activities, political will and reforms in achieving the goals of the Berlin Process and bringing the region closer to the EU.
The Chamber of Commerce (PKCG) announced that the President of PKCG Nina Drakić and businessman from Grey International Montenegro Marko Škuletić participated in the panels with the presidents of the chambers and businessmen from the region.
During the panel discussion, it was assessed that the business community of the region agrees that improving business opportunities through the Common Regional Market and integration into the EU single market represents a key step for strengthening competitiveness and access to markets.
"Companies from various sectors highlighted the significant economic benefits stemming from this integration, but also warned that existing obstacles, procedural inconsistencies and reform challenges significantly affect efficiency and competitiveness in the global market. The dialogue between business leaders showed a clear need for additional steps towards removing bureaucratic barriers and improving the conditions for doing business in the region," the statement said.
Representatives of chambers of commerce share the opinion of the real sector on the importance of integration, as well as the need to simplify procedures and reduce bureaucracy in order to improve business operations, stable and sustainable development.
In the introductory part, the participants were welcomed by the President of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce, Marko Čadež, Minister for European Integration in the Government of Serbia, Nemanja Starović, EU Ambassador to Serbia Andreas von Beckerat, British Ambassador to Serbia Edward Ferguson, and Secretary General of the Western Balkans Chamber of Commerce Investment Forum, David Pjegacki.
The event in Belgrade was organized by the Chamber Investment Forum WB6 and the Serbian Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the British Embassy in Belgrade.
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