Speaking in this inspiring interview, DHL Express Managing Director Fionn Herriott shares the company’s vision, results and plans to invest constantly in technologies, people, equipment etc. He also discusses numerous challenges, the shift to e-commerce, environmental responsibility and DHL’s advantages over the competition.

Your company is considered the undisputed global leader in international express delivery. Is that because you have experience of more than 50 years and a team of 100,000 experts? What does the ID card of DHL Serbia look like?

— For international express shipments, we aren’t just the undisputed global leader, but rather this industry’s pioneers.

DHL was established in California in 1969 and began operating in Yugoslavia from 1983, while it has been present in Serbia in the form of a fully owned DHL subsidiary since 1991. We operate a daily inbound and outbound service from Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport on a Boeing 757. This aircraft has a capacity of 34,000 tons. Its shipments are processed at our gateway facility located in Novi Banovci, before being delivered all over Serbia, to over 220 service points locations nationwide. Together with our partners Posta Serbia, at Posta fixed locations and through Posta Paketomat lockers, A1, Laguna / Delphi, and Hyatt Regency, we provide full coverage and convenience to send and receive all over Serbia.

Your company is known for its constant investments in technology, people, equipment etc. Is that why Serbia doesn’t differ from other countries where DHL Express operates?

— Serbia is no different from any of the other 220 countries and territories where we operate. You can order a pick-up by phone or via our online tool, My DHL+, or do it the old-fashioned way and come to our locations in person. Our customers expect the same level of service and professionalism all over the world.

Thus, you can order your shipment from Serbia to be delivered to London, UK, or to Ushuaia, Argentina, which is known as the “End of the World” because it is located at the southernmost tip of South America, and you can expect the same level of service. DHL Express staff affectionately refer to our global network as “The Big Yellow Machine” and it is an amazing thing to see in action and be part of.

Your industry has faced numerous challenges in recent years – the pandemic, energy crisis, wars… Have you had to be adaptable and creative to meet increasing demand?

— Covid-19 turned out to be the largest global health crisis in 100 years. DHL delivered over 200 million vaccine doses in over 120 countries. International transportation – whether commercial logistics or passenger services – will always be impacted by energy crises and wars. These events unfortunately create sets of problems that are predictable, and the DHL team is very experienced in adapting ing to and overcoming them for the sake of our people and customers.

Digitalisation and the use of available modern technologies is the only way forward when you want to move faster

For example, in Serbia throughout the 1990s, and especially throughout the NATO bombing of Serbia, DHL Express Serbia did not close for even a single day, which is a fact that makes us very proud. DHL is the world’s most international company. It is a globally connected team of international problem-solvers who share a ‘can do’ attitude and a passion to succeed for our customers with our promise of “Excellence. Simply delivered”.

We mentioned the pandemic… Is it true that it led to a drastic increase in demand for your services and that e-commerce achieved growth over 18 months that was only expected in ten years?

— The world was shut down for two long years. Covid-19, and the ensuing lockdowns and stay-at-home orders, meant shops closing their doors and consumers staying at home. Naturally, home delivery e-commerce services exploded in popularity almost overnight. The pandemic accelerated the shift to e-commerce, from physical stores to online shopping, by roughly five years. And, of course, DHL experienced a massive increase in demand to service this e-commerce boom.

Environmental responsibility is part of your group’s long-term strategy. Your goal is for DHL to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions in every country in which it operates, including in Serbia, by 2030. How will you achieve this locally?

— DHL Group is committed to sustainability. That means DHL globally shifting more to the use of aviation biofuel and more electric vehicles in our fleets, as well as carbon neutral facilities. In Serbia, this means that we also offer our customers a chance to participate in carbon offsetting with our GoGreen Plus service. GoGreen Plus is a service solution for our customers who have ambitious sustainability targets.

By 2027, our entire Belgrade courier fleet will be exclusively electric. Our planned greenfield facility at Nikola Tesla Airport will be a carbon neutral facility, like all DHL greenfield facilities going forward. I am sure that, by Expo2027, DHL Express Serbia, together with our partners and customers, will be very proud of our advances in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and our credentials as a much more sustainable company.

In your business, a good service is one that’s fully adapted to the client and comes at a reasonable price. Is that one of your advantages over the competition?

— Everything starts with service quality. That is our key competitive advantage. We are a service-based organisation and we pride ourselves on being the global #1 in time definite international express. Of course, having the appropriate pricing is vital to customers seeing the value proposition and deciding to use us, instead of our competitors. We cannot offer the service we offer at prices that aren’t sufficient to maintain that level of service and reliability vis-à-vis a global network operation that is best in class. We are an industry leader, and maintaining that highest level of service requires continuous investment in our people, in technological innovations, and in the latest and most sustainable additions to our aviation and network operations.

Thanks to digitalisation and modern technologies, shipments today travel faster than ever between countries and continents. How is DHL Express Serbia in this regard? What do you think the future will bring us in this regard?

— Digitalisation and the use of available modern technologies is the only way forward when you want to move faster. In Serbia and around the globe, DHL team members communicate using all available digital platforms in order to accelerate processes. WhatsApp and Viber have been amazing tools for our staff to connect Peer2Peer and speak and send pictures, rather than sending emails with attachments. We have a DHL platform called Campfire that allows staff members to share their digitalisation initiatives. Moving away from reliance on paper is the key to speeding things up. In Serbia, we have great digital solutions and an excellent cooperation and partnership with the Serbian customs administration. Things can and will get better and faster as we advance on our digitalisation journey in an orderly and structured way.

The post Global #1 Everything Starts With Service Quality appeared first on CorD Magazine.

Speaking in this CorD interview, Dr Raketić explains how her company has evolved from a modest paediatric clinic to a polyclinic with over 75 consultants. It has become the first choice for more than 10 embassies and numerous companies that prioritise the health of their employees and their families.

Have trust, expertise, dedication and a sense of security been crucial to thousands of patients entrusting their health to you?

— The positive experience from working in public institutions and private practice has been applied to the operations of our polyclinic.

For over 12 years, Polyclinic “Dr. Raketić” has been caring for the health of both children and adults, offering an individualised approach tailored to each patient’s specific needs. The dedication of all members of our team is reflected in our need to listen carefully, understand, and provide a high-quality service in an optimal and expected timeframe.

Your healthcare institution has more than 75 consultants catering to the needs of all family members, not just the youngest ones?

— In addition to full-time staff, Polyclinic “Dr. Raketić” provides medical services and consultations across all medical fields for both children and adults. Our polyclinic was established in response to frequent requests and appeals from the parents of our young patients to address all health issues in one place.

In the case of illness, we resolve health issues in both children and adults quickly and efficiently, hence our slogan “The Healthy Face of the Family”.

In order to prevent disease, we recommend regular annual check-ups and vaccinations according to the vaccination schedules of specific countries. Various diagnostic procedures are available both during and after check-ups, enabling the treatment of disease according to globally recognised therapeutic protocols.

Your polyclinic provides services to foreign nationals and maintains close professional relations with more than 10 embassies. Are you their first choice as a medical advisor and trusted physician?

— Polyclinic “Dr. Raketić” offers prevention and treatment services to citizens from abroad and foreign nationals residing in Serbia. I personally serve as a medical advisor and trusted physician at the embassies of France (Medicin Conseiller), Austria (Vertrauensarztin), Germany (Kooperationsarzt), and Switzerland (Medical practitioner). Members of other embassies (including those of Canada, Great Britain, the EU delegation, and others) also place their trust in Polyclinic “Dr. Raketić”.

Ever-more companies are providing their employees with benefits like medical check-ups or treatment facilities at private healthcare institutions. Are they able to turn to you for such services?

— For adults, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and preventing disease is of utmost importance. That’s why annual systematic check-ups are recommended, including several specialist examinations, ultrasound scans and laboratory analyses. Furthermore, many companies offer systematic check-ups for their employees’ families, primarily children. It is crucial to monitor the health of children from birth, and later, depending on age, specialists from various fields are included in systematic check-ups.

In the case of illness, we resolve health issues in both children and adults quickly and efficiently, hence our slogan “The Healthy Face of the Family”. Polyclinic “Dr. Raketić” maintains excellent cooperation with all companies that provide health insurance services in Serbia. Additionally, for foreign nationals, reimbursement from their insurance company is possible.

The post The Healthy Face of the Family appeared first on CorD Magazine.

Many Belgraders are buying apartments in Pančevo while their daily activities remain tied to Belgrade. The reasons are numerous: more affordable real estate prices, good transport connections, excellent urban planning and the availability of all necessary public facilities, writes Jovan Radulović, an expert who has over 30,000 square metres of real estate and 250 constructed housing units.

Just a century ago, Zemun and Belgrade were not only separate cities, but also belonged to different empires: with Zemun belonging to the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy and Belgrade to the Ottoman Empire. The idea that they would one day function as a single entity was utterly unimaginable, yet the opposite is unimaginable today.

As the central parts of the city become denser and more traffic-congested, and more expensive, many citizens, and consequently investors, are turning to more distant neighbourhoods, traditionally less urbanised zones and nearby towns as attractive alternatives for living and doing business.

New residential neighbourhoods are emerging in cities like Pančevo, Obrenovac and Nova Pazova, offering apartments and houses at more affordable prices. Interestingly, the buyers of these apartments are mainly Belgraders or people whose work is tied to Belgrade.

IN RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS, LOCATION IS KEY

I had the opportunity to manage the realisation of several residential and commercial complexes in the Belgrade neighbourhoods of Vračar, Voždovac, Zemun and New Belgrade. We have completed over 30,000 square metres and 250 housing units. My business philosophy is that the three main factors in residential construction are location, location and location.

I work closely with urban planners, architects, engineers and construction companies to ensure that every project is completed on time and to the highest standards of quality.

When I received a proposal to invest in a property in Pančevo, I was concerned about the location’s attractiveness. However, we entered into our first project and completed it successfully. The satisfaction with that venture is evident from the fact that we currently have three new projects underway in Pančevo. The reason for this trend is clear: the merging of cities. Many Belgraders are buying apartments in Pančevo despite their daily activities remaining tied to Belgrade. The reasons are numerous: more affordable real estate prices, good transport connections, excellent urban planning and the availability of all necessary public facilities. Under current traffic conditions, it takes less time to reach Belgrade’s Republic Square from Pančevo than from neighbourhoods like Banjica, Banovo Brdo or Bežanija.

One of the main obstacles to Belgraders buying apartments in Pančevo was the standard of residential construction, with buyers from Belgrade accustomed to a higher level of fit out than was previously offered in Pančevo.

TOP QUALITY FIT OUT IS IMPERATIVE

The imperative of our business is top quality and modern fit out, innovative architectural solutions and the use of the latest technologies and materials. I work closely with urban planners, architects, engineers and construction companies to ensure that every project is completed on time and to the highest standards of quality.

Applying these business principles to the Pančevo market has yielded outstanding results. Customers are very satisfied and demand has exceeded our supply, proving this to be a successful formula! Every buyer purchasing a property wants security, reliability and quality. We have met our customers’ needs on these points.

We can now state unequivocally that the housing market in Belgrade and Pančevo functions as a single entity, indicating complete integration. It would not be surprising if, during the lifetime of children being born today, Pančevo becomes what Zemun already is — Belgrade’s greenest and most beautiful part.

The post Pančevo is Becoming Part of Belgrade appeared first on CorD Magazine.

Speaking in this interview for CorD’s special edition, Stojković explains how a global pharmaceutical company dedicated to researching and developing innovative therapies operates on our market, the partnerships it builds, and how it improves treatment outcomes for the most severe diseases.

Where do you see your contribution to the local market?

— Our priority in Serbia and Montenegro is to contribute to improving the quality of life for patients and extending their longevity through the availability of the most advanced therapies and scientific innovations, particularly in therapeutic areas that place the greatest burden on society, such as oncology, cardiovascular diseases, immunology, neurology and haematology.

In addition to synthetic and biological therapies, our commitment to medical discoveries is reinforced by advanced technological platforms like RNA technology, radioligand therapy, and gene and cell therapies. These platforms are bringing us a completely new generation of medicines that transform the treatment paradigm for some of the most serious diseases, with a personalised approach to each patient. Our engagement in the local community involves partnerships and the pooling of capacities, resources and knowledge with all healthcare stakeholders. Through multisector collaboration, we aim to contribute collectively to create positive changes in the healthcare environment, significantly impacting the overall development of society.

Which partnerships in Serbia would you highlight?

— Partnerships are particularly important in areas where we face the greatest challenges. First and foremost, these are cardiovascular diseases, which are the leading cause of death in Serbia. It is encouraging that addressing this problem can be enhanced significantly by pooling the resources of Serbia’s research and scientific institutions and Novartis, which has longstanding experience in creating innovative solutions. One project that Novartis is implementing in partnership with the Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering at the University of Belgrade is genetic testing, aimed at determining the genetic profile of patients with hereditary lipid disorders and establishing a national screening programme for familial hypercholesterolemia . We are also engaged in projects focused on digitalization and the application of AI in healthcare. This includes the clinical decision support system, designed to generate and analyse data from healthcare institutions to enable faster diagnosis, improve treatment quality and increase efficiency.

What is the key to improving treatment outcomes for the aforementioned diseases?

— Raising awareness of the importance of prevention, early recognition and timely therapy intervention is a significant part of improving health. In addition to healthcare professionals and the association “Moja druga šansa” [My Second Chance], significant support for our campaign “U ritmu Čuke” [In the Rhythm of the Ticker] has been provided by Football Club Čukarički. With the campaign “Jača sam od (m)raka” [I’m Stronger than Cancer], conducted in cooperation with the Women’s Centre Milica, our aim is to motivate women to perform self-examinations and to have ultrasound and mammography screenings, through messages from patients who’ve successfully battled breast cancer. Early detection of cancer is the first crucial step toward successful treatment. Adequate treatment, including the availability of adjuvant therapies, reduces the risk of disease recurrence and progression to metastatic cancer, representing an investment in health and allowing women to return to normal life.

The post Collaboration is Crucial appeared first on CorD Magazine.

Milena Gajović Shrestha is at the helm of SR Technics Services in Belgrade and proudly highlights her belief that employees represent the company’s greatest resource. We spoke with her about the introduction of next-generation engines, the WOW initiative, creating an encouraging working environment and other intriguing topics from the MRO industry (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul).

Your company will be remembered for this summer’s introduction of next-generation engines in the form of the first geared turbofan (GTF) engine from the Zurich facility?

— Since April 2022, SR Technics has become part of the global network of GTF engine maintenance providers, powering the Airbus A320Neo family. As part of the GTF project, this year’s key achievement for us is the induction of the first GTF engine, with our engineering teams actively engaged in the project through numerous training courses and educational programmes.

We are very proud to have become part of the exclusive network for the maintenance of Pratt&Whitney GTF engines, providing our employees with the opportunity to be at the cutting edge of next-generation engine technology. This project represents the result of years of investment in research, development and implementation, confirming our commitment to innovation in the MRO industry. We plan to expand our workforce significantly in the coming years, creating an additional 400 jobs globally.

Could you tell us more about the “Women on Wings” initiative, which aims to promote the growth of a diverse and inclusive workforce within SR Technics?

— We were proud to launch the “Women on Wings” (WOW) initiative, which was introduced to the company in April 2024. The WOW initiative is dedicated to understanding and supporting the needs of women in modern aviation, which is typically a male-dominated industry, but that situation is shifting positively. Through networking, mentorship programmes and increased visibility, we aim to empower women in technical, operational and leadership roles. We also seek to inspire women and girls to pursue careers in aviation, thus contributing to the industry’s diversity. At SR Technics Services in Belgrade, we proudly highlight the fact that we’ve achieved near perfect gender equality (52% female colleagues and 48% male colleagues). Furthermore, when it comes to leadership positions at SR Technics Services, 60% are held by women.

Was it difficult to find enough people who are driven by passion and fully understand the company’s spirit and drive for excellence?

— That certainly wasn’t an easy task, but we managed to assemble a top professional team. At SR Technics, we continuously emphasise that our employees are our greatest resource. We strive to provide an environment in which every employee can grow and develop, both professionally and personally. Flexible working models, stimulating long-term tenure programmes and private health insurance are just some of the ways we support our teams. In this way, we strive to enable every employee to maintain a good balance between private and work life, which is crucial for our team’s long-term success and satisfaction. Throughout the year, we have numerous activities in which employees can participate according to their preferences, whether that be education, volunteering, sports, or activities that enhance their life-work balance and thus have a positive impact on their satisfaction with the working environment and atmosphere.

The post Innovating the MRO Industry appeared first on CorD Magazine.

In this year marking a significant jubilee, we spoke with Alma Quattro CEO Sanja Pešić about OOH media advertising, the past and future of billboards, the relationship between employees and the company, and between the company and its clients, as well as plans for further development.

It was back in 1994 that you installed the first backlit billboard in front of Belgrade’s Central Post Office. How would you summarise everything done by 2024, as the year marking your 30th anniversary?

— The best way to summarise the first 30 years is to reflect on all those clients who have advertised with us. Many clients remain in our network, which testifies to both our longevity and theirs.

The tens of thousands of advertising messages, business successes and campaign results that we have realised cannot be enumerated, but they certainly speak to our dedication to the business and to building a new communication channel that did not exist in our region 30 years ago. We have witnessed changes to governments, mayors, laws, regulations, taxes and rules, street protests, city and park renovations, the construction of new settlements, and yet the faces of our media have remained the same, with only the campaigns changing in large numbers.

We know our clients and they know us, and, most importantly, we have built a relationship of mutual trust

That first advertising panel still stands in front of the Central Post Office, only now it is technologically enhanced and is an electronic display. The essence remains the same, and that is to convey our clients’ messages about the products and services they advertise.

The Alma Quattro team has grown together with the agency and is responsible for all the successes of these 30 years?

— A successful team does not need changing. We know our clients and they know us, and, most importantly, we have built a relationship of mutual trust. The relationship between employees and the company, as well as between the company and its clients, should be fluid, like water, reaching everywhere and achieving everything. When we understand each other at the level of values, then our mutual cooperation is to the satisfaction of both parties. We have established with many clients the kind of cooperation that transcends strictly business relationships. This is one of the key elements of our work.

Like Switzerland’s APG SGA group, of which Alma Quattro is part, you do everything for the long term and with thoughtfulness. So, speaking of long-term goals, where do you see your agency in a few years?

— When looking to the future, we always ensure, on one hand, that all plans are long-term and that the development of the company, people and our network is sustainable, while on the other hand we focus on the present moment and the trends being dictated, as well as on staying relevant. We look to the future with optimism. The billboard has existed as such for over 150 years, and we have reason to believe it will always have its function and place in the advertising market. The growth of spending on OOH media in overall market consumption indicates that this medium has become more important than ever, and predictions and studies conducted 20 and 30 years ago have proven accurate— we spend a good part of our active lives outside our homes, moving along daily routes that always bring us into contact with billboards displaying our clients’ messages. The billboard remains a predominantly visually perceptive medium and is the right place for the creative advertising industry to showcase itself through clear and attractive messages. We follow all innovations and changes because we will be here in the future, which has already arrived.

The post Three Decades of Memorable Campaigns appeared first on CorD Magazine.

In this inspiring interview with Renata Matusinović, Business Executive officer for FOOD for Nestlé South East European market, we learn that today’s food industry is focused on innovation, the use of local raw materials, consumer health and the future of the planet. The company plans to source 20% of its key raw materials from regenerative agriculture by 2025, and as much as 50% by 2030, on a global level.

How does Nestlé contribute to environmental preservation and ecological equilibrium?

— I must say that we are very proud of our regenerative agriculture programme, which we have been implementing with our suppliers and their producers in Serbia for four years now.

The programme includes producers of dried vegetables, sunflowers and soybeans, and we are very grateful to our partners for their trust and willingness to adopt these practices. And they already recognise their benefits, with various savings leading to increased positive economic effects. Regenerative agriculture practices contribute to soil fertility and are an important factor in combating climate change, as they encourage the preservation of organic matter in the soil, biodiversity and increased soil capacity to absorb greenhouse gases. That’s why our global goal is for 20% of our key raw materials to come from regenerative agriculture by 2025, and as much as 50% by 2030.

Why are innovative plant-based products considered the future of sustainable food production?

— This way of eating brings numerous benefits, such as high nutritional value with lower caloric intake, increased fibre intake and beneficial unsaturated fatty acids, antioxidants and micronutrients. Additionally, the production of plant-based food emits fewer greenhouse gases.

Nestlé has created the GARDEN GOURMET brand, a plant-based assortment available worldwide that has also been produced at our Surčin factory since February

Nestlé has created the GARDEN GOURMET brand, a plant-based assortment available worldwide, which has been produced at our Surčin factory since February this year and caters to this growing trend. Globally, Nestlé strives to replace some animal proteins with plant ingredients to meet consumer needs and contribute to achieving the goal of net zero environmental impact by 2050.

Nestlé in Serbia, as well as worldwide, is committed to raising awareness of the importance of forming healthy lifestyle habits in terms of proper nutrition and physical activity in childhood.

— We are extremely satisfied with the results of our Nestle for Healthier Kids Programme, which has involved more than 120,000 primary school pupils nationwide across Serbia over the past 12 years. This spring we reminded them of some old and somewhat forgotten games that, besides being fun, can be excellent physical activity. In Novi Sad, in cooperation with our long-term partner the Serbian School Sports Association, more than 400 primary school pupils learned about the importance of balanced nutrition and physical activity through play. Our goal is to continue supporting schools, teachers and parents in contributing together to the healthy and happy growth of children.

The post New Practices Contribute to Soil Fertility Preservation appeared first on CorD Magazine.

Speaking in this interview, E2E Project Head Oliver Streit presents an overview of the upcoming activities and strategies that will drive Phase III forward, ensuring continued progress towards better employment opportunities and career paths for all.

Could you share with us the key goals and aspirations of Phase III of the E2E project?

— Phase III aims to create new or improved job opportunities for women, men, and vulnerable groups in Serbia.

We are focused on improving employment support services and implementing industry-led training programs to lift up the needed skills level for the companies’ demands. Our vision now is to provide decent job prospects and career paths for everyone in Serbia, not just for youth as we did in the previous period.

What have you achieved over the eight years of the project to date?

— Over the past eight years, the E2E project successfully introduced top-modern career guidance and counselling services through a network of nine Job Info Centres (JICs). These nine JICs reached 35,000 beneficiaries, who benefited directly. Furthermore, more than 2,700 unemployed young people received tailored work-based learning (WBL) opportunities with 205 companies, 80% of which was practical on-the-job learning within a company. The result was extremely surprising even for us, as more than 77% of participants gained their first job and decided to remain resident in their local communities and not, for instance, to leave the country in pursuit of better job opportunities abroad.

What is new for Phase III?

— We plan to enhance participants’ positions by improving employment support services, offering comprehensive career guidance and counselling (CGC) services, not only via JICs, but also through school partnerships, the national employment service (NES) and private employment agencies.

Could you explain the role of JICs in this phase?

— We established nine JICs across Serbia in Phase II. We are now planning to create the same opportunity for people in Belgrade and Novi Sad. These JICs in Phase III, co-financed and integrated into local communities, will serve as vital links between job seekers and the workforce needs of companies. The private sector will additionally contribute by offering practical, industry-led training solutions, which will be further enhanced through training advisory services and co-financed by local and national funds.

As you pointed out, in Phase III E2E will also offer some support at the national level. What strategies will be employed?

— At the national scale, we will engage an evidence-based, bottom-up feedback mechanism to ensure that relevant local innovations are mainstreamed, implemented and funded through national employment frameworks. This includes supporting amendments to the Law on Employment and improving the CGC legislative ecosystem. Our aim is to unlock funding and provide access to civil society organisations in order to enhance their participation in these initiatives.

What overall impact do you hope to achieve with Phase III?

— Our commitment is to drive innovations and embed products and services, and to thus create better employment opportunities for all. This new phase promises to make significant contributions to Serbia’s labour market, fostering an improved environment in which everyone can benefit from better job prospects and career paths, and in which strong local and national change agents offer their citizens improved services. We are really excited to continue these positive changes and to work with our partners, and we look forward to sharing more updates as we advance our mission and vision over the coming years.

The post Increasing Employment Opportunities in Serbia appeared first on CorD Magazine.

Jan Schoch is a renowned entrepreneur and investor who has a successful track record of building and leading innovative financial companies. He is widely known as the founder of the successful financial company Leonteq AG in Switzerland.

Jan Schoch, why did you decide to invest in Belgrade?

— Belgrade is a very exciting city. It fascinated me from the very first moment. The innovative economy and the hospitable people. I want to create a beautiful place here that is also a good investment opportunity.

What is special about your project?

— We build exclusive apartments in a very high Swiss construction standard. Our apartments owners benefit from the five-star GOCO luxury wellness Spa with many treatments and facilities.

We have the most modern longevity equipment in our wellness zone. Such as a pool, a relaxing sauna, a steam room, an infrared sauna, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, cryotherapy and much more. Owners can also use the innovative gym with state-of-the-art equipment and personal training or Yoga classes.

Who are the buyers of your flats? What can they expect?

— Some of our home buyers live in Switzerland and travel a lot internationally. Many already live in Belgrade or the surrounding area. With us, they have a flat where they can switch off at the edge of a forest. They recover from the stress of everyday life and enjoy all the benefits of hotel and wellness services. Many international schools are in the immediate vicinity.

The neighbourhood is very family-friendly. In addition, our buyers are part of the community with our partner resort in Switzerland, in the mountains of Appenzell. They can visit the hotel at any time and enjoy the same benefits at both locations. Investors receive a guaranteed return of up to 8% on the purchase price of the flat. I think we have a lot of advantages and offer an excellent service and high quality.

Will you build further projects in Serbia?

— Of course. We are already planning a very interesting project with full speed. Thank you and all the best.

kingsfountain.com
+381 62 27 53 54

The post Premium Living in a Peaceful Oasis With Wellness in Dedinje appeared first on CorD Magazine.

ABB’s solutions integrate engineering expertise and software to optimise the way things are produced, moved, powered and managed. The company’s business results are built on the foundations of a 130-year tradition based on a model of excellence, supported by 105,000 talented individuals dedicated to driving innovations that accelerate industrial transformation.

ABB in Serbia is part of the ABB Group, which – as one of the leading companies in industrial technologies – helps customers improve their use of electrical energy, increase their industrial productivity and reduce their environmental impact. Thanks to its structural organisation, which comprises business sectors organised according to the industries they serve, ABB d.o.o. has developed cooperation with local partners and customers. It is responsible for the delivery, commissioning, servicing and maintenance of ABB equipment and systems, as well as adequate user training.

INVESTING IN PEOPLE AND TECHNOLOGY

— “We are very proud of our status as one of the leading companies in our field, which we maintain by investing in people and advanced technologies. These are the two pillars the form that foundations of ABB and we have applied this approach here in Serbia. ABB invests a significant part of its revenue in the development of advanced technologies, continually developing new products that enable our users, customers and partners to work more efficiently, economically and in compliance with ecological requirements. This is the essence of our business,” says Aleksandar Ćosić.

ABB invests in people by training them to apply acquired knowledge more effectively on projects the company undertakes in our country and by adequately training end users.

ABB d.o.o. has developed cooperation with local partners and customers. It is responsible for the delivery, commissioning, servicing and maintenance of ABB equipment and systems, as well as adequate user training.

“The third pillar on which ABB is founded is the market, with which we also grow. It has become more mature than it was 20 years ago and more confident in the application of advanced technologies, giving us the momentum to move forward,” emphasises Ćosić.

CHANGING THE WORLD WITH TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS

— Throughout its long history, ABB has changed the world with its technologies, and it has spent the past two decades striving to bring these changes to Serbia.

“For over 100 years, ABB has been focused on innovation and the application of advanced technologies; on finding new, better and more efficient solutions, whether in industry or infrastructure. We help industries, infrastructure and households to use electrical energy more efficiently. Given that demand for this energy is growing constantly, new sources must be found or existing ones renewed. We are simultaneously developing technologies that efficiently use existing sources while contributing to the development of renewable energy sources by participating in the construction of new hydropower plants, solar power plants and wind farms, as this is the future of electrification and will continue to develop even more,” explains Milan Jevremović, adding that ABB plans to implement new technologies in everyday life, energy and industry in order to remain at the forefront of technological development.

The post Innovating the World with Our Technologies appeared first on CorD Magazine.

Despite global upheavals and a significant energy crisis, the Republic of Serbia recognised the importance of national energy security in a timely manner. Storage terminals for petroleum derivatives play a crucial role in ensuring a stable supply to the market, says Mitan Oil Director Dušan Vuković.

“The energy sector in which we operate undeniably represents one of the pillars of the overall economy and its functioning is a necessary condition for economic growth and prosperity. Oil and petroleum derivatives are strategic energy resources for the global economy and will undoubtedly remain so for decades to come. Political turmoil on a global scale has redefined the entire geopolitical context in which national economies operate, while Europe has been confronted by an energy crisis. However, amid all this, the Republic of Serbia has recognised the importance of national energy security and supply stability on time.

“Storage and handling terminals for petroleum derivatives are undoubtedly a crucial element of energy security. Mitan Oil’s terminal currently stores commercial, operational and mandatory reserves of petroleum derivatives. Our clients are the most relevant players on the market within this industry. We strive to justify the trust placed in us by continuously improving the services and benefits we offer our clients. As port operators within an international port, we have made significant investments in the development and enhancement of the port area and have established successful cooperation with the Port Management Agency and the Group of Ports and Piers.

Our environmental protection and occupational health and safety policies are woven into our fundamental corporate values

“We have collaborated for more than a decade with the Smederevo Free Zone, of which we are users, providing clients with storage facilities with significant incentivising benefits. We have built a railway transshipment facility and an industrial track, for which we have obtained operating permits, aimed at diversifying the possibilities of receiving and dispatching goods. This diversification aims not only to optimise costs, but also to ensure the supply chain continuity, particularly in cases of force majeure and emergencies.

“Finally, improving industrial safety and protecting the environment are constantly in our focus and permeate all our business activities – from planning and resource allocation, to performance evaluation and identifying opportunities for improvement. Our strategic goal is to store and deliver energy products in an environmentally friendly, socially responsible and secure manner, with consideration to both our employees and the local community.

“In an industry like ours, achieving this goal requires coordinating a large number of activities and processes. It is necessary to maintain equipment and facilities to prevent water, soil and air pollution, and to conduct regular monitoring, inspections and analyses. Given that we work with large quantities of flammable materials, our fire brigade is on constant standby. Employees undergo continuous training and knowledge checks, drills and simulations of undesirable scenarios, conducted in collaboration with local fire brigades. Every employee is practically and theoretically trained by the competent authority to provide first aid to a colleague, visitor, or member of the local community.

“Our environmental protection and occupational health and safety policies are woven into the fundamental corporate values on which we base all our business activities. Although mistakes in business are common, every effort must be made to minimise them when they can result in environmental degradation or the endangering of human health. This isn’t only a matter of business ethics, but of the future of this industry. That future must be based on an awareness of the necessity of sustainable development, as the only possible path forward.”

The post Caring for the Market and the Environment appeared first on CorD Magazine.

We spoke with Sika Serbia General Manager Dragan Gavrilović about the company’s current position as a leading global manufacturer of system solutions and products for the construction sector and industry. He revealed that the Sika Group has a direct presence in 103 countries, with its innovative technologies, system solutions and products from over 400 factories, employing more than 33,000 people and engaging supply partners globally.

Where does Sika stand in this era of swift and significant technological change and innovation that’s transforming our lives, habits and needs?

— Our Strategy 2028 entails a full commitment to sustainable development and is based on four core principles: Market Penetration, Innovation and Sustainability, Acquisitions, People and Culture, with clearly set goals and expectations.

The megatrends that are present and shaping future impacts and the structure of world society, such as technological processes, digitalisation, population growth, urbanisation, demographic shifts, resource scarcity and increasing regulations in support of environmental preservation efforts are certainly primary parameters shaping Sika’s strategy in its ongoing business and development directions.

Sika and the MBCC Group joined forces globally last year, while here Master Builders Solutions became part of Sika Serbia. How would you evaluate the results of this acquisition?

— The global acquisition of another leading company in the chemical industry – MBCC Group – will undoubtedly contribute to improving and further developing our business in the global marketplace. Since 3rd May, 2023, Sika and MBCC Group have joined forces worldwide.

Sika Serbia has implemented various HR initiatives that promote employee engagement and wellbeing to create an open and positive work environment

In Serbia, Master Builders Solutions d.o.o. became part of Sika Serbia, and as of 1st July 2024, following the successful completion of the integration process in Serbia, we have been operating as a single, united team. We believe that, as an integrated team, we will complement each other perfectly on this joint business journey, and better satisfy all market demands and the needs of our partners.

Are human resources the key success factor for Sika?

— In all company processes, sectors and departments, the importance of human resources is recognised by Sika Serbia d.o.o. as the most significant factor, and it receives the greatest attention in terms of initiating and realising the company’s success. Sika Serbia’s commitment to its employees is reflected in its human resources strategy, which focuses on creating a positive and supportive work environment that fosters growth and development. We are extremely proud of our inclusive culture, in which every employee is valued and respected for their individual contributions. The best example is our onboarding programme, through which our experienced employees who have extensive, expert knowledge and tenure always support new generations.

Sika Serbia has implemented various HR initiatives that promote employee engagement and wellbeing to create an open and positive work environment. These initiatives include continuous training and development, establishing a positive work-life balance, additional health and pension insurance, employee motivation and incentive programmes, fostering teamwork and forging trust, stability and employee satisfaction. Sika will continue to be fully committed to preserving, developing and enhancing human resources as a key success factor.

The post Four Pillars for Further Developments appeared first on CorD Magazine.

Speaking in the interview, Dr Bojan Pavlović, Executive Director of Phytonet d.o.o., explains how a strong scientific base is crucial for the development of cutting-edge products to improve human health, while he also shared his experiences in utilising Serbian expertise to create products that are ready to compete on the global market.

How would you describe the development path of your company, which has been dedicated to improving human health and wellbeing since its inception?

— Phytonet, a Swiss company based in Zurich and with an initial focus on the largest European markets, as well as Markets of near east and far east Countries, initially focused on representing manufacturers of innovative active ingredients that straddle the line between food and medicine.

These ingredients are ideal for formulating nutraceuticals, a growing product group of the food supplements market. We refer to these ingredients as “smart ingredients” that either have proven clinical efficacy, a patent, or an approved EFSA health claim, or ideally all three. Phytonet AG distributes and represents such raw materials worldwide, thanks to an extensive business network and local teams of professionals able to easily identify business opportunities to market these products.

In addition to Serbia, we have offices in Istanbul, covering the Turkish and Middle Eastern markets, Singapore, covering the territories of Indonesia and Malaysia, offices in Manila in the Philippines and in Seoul, South Korea, as well as a partner company in Japan. Thus, the division dealing with the distribution of “smart ingredients” is complemented by the division established in Serbia, where final pharmaceutical and food supplement forms are developed and produced.

Serbia is very important for Phytonet and you are very proud of your team, right?

— The Serbian team consists of nearly 60 employees, including ten pharmacists/technologists who work actively on developing final products. It is characteristic for us to have highly educated people with extensive experience in the development of pharmaceutical forms. The research team comprises ten pharmacists and technologists, specialists and doctors of science who joined Phytonet from leading pharmaceutical companies. We represent the core of Phytonet’s development team. We know how to make good, stable and effective final products, which we do on a daily basis.

Serbia was chosen as the location to establish the second division because it has enormous potential and high-quality scientific institutes with capacities and capabilities that far exceed the current local market, and with which Phytonet has established long-term cooperation. I believe I’m not mistaken in saying that, from Istanbul to Vienna, there are no scientific institutes like those in Serbia, especially in Belgrade.

We represent the core of Phytonet’s development team. We know how to make good, stable and effective pharmaceutical products, which we do on a daily basis

We are particularly proud of the fact that a large number of Serbian experts have remained in Serbia to work for international companies, thereby at least partially preventing the brain drain and increasing the competitiveness of Serbian companies.

I would emphasise the fact that Phytonet exports products to all European countries, American countries, the Russian Federation and Far Eastern countries. We have yet to conquer Africa, which is is one of our future goals.

Your commitment to science and research allows you to dictate industry trends?

— By establishing incentives for development companies through the opening of science and technology parks and the BIO4 project, the Serbian government has demonstrated that a significant lever exists that can be used to implement Serbian expertise in creating products that are ready to compete on the global market. In this regard, I would like to mention that the Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, IMGGI, in Serbia and Phytonet have completed two projects successfully. In one of them we formulated the first Balkan probiotic from indigenous bacterial strains and offered it to the global market, while the other saw us finalise a product that eliminates the Candida fungus from the oral cavity.

Our vision is to continue using all available scientific potential and to identify, with external institutes and companies engaged in fundamental research, new ingredients that could be candidates for our “smart ingredients.” This process works well, which serves the Serbian Phytonet as a testing ground for identifying ingredients that we can offer to the global market.

What are your strengths and unique qualities compared to other companies?

— The great strength of Phytonet’s headquarters is that we have our own teams of experts in each of the countries that we’ve identified as markets with growing potential, and these teams are able to identify local market trends, while our global positioning allows Phytonet AG, as a Swiss company, to set trends that prove commercially successful on local markets.

Serbia has enormous potential with the underutilised scientific institutes established during the time of the large former state, with capacities and capabilities that exceed the needs of the current market

I would like to emphasise that we additionally provide external production and development services to major pharmaceutical companies in the region, including Galenika, Hemofarm, Jugoremedija, Pharmanova and Frontier/Zdravlje from Leskovac, as well as international leaders like Pharmas from Croatia and Superfoods from Greece. We go through the entire process with our clients – from concept and idea, through formulation, to contract manufacturing, after which the product is ready for market. This approach has proven very successful with all the companies with which we collaborate on the markets of Southeast Europe.

Could you tell us about some plans and projects that you are working on currently?

— Launching Hiradophilus, our unique Balkan probiotic, is something we will focus on in the coming period, considering that preserving biodiversity and probiotic niches is a project that the EU has identified as very important. Phytonet will continue to serve as a link between local knowledge and expertise and the global market. We believe that Serbian scientific expertise has nothing to be ashamed of in the global market competition.

Phytonet is organising a large international conference to be held on 19th September this year that will bring together the best regional and global companies and scientific institutes that can offer “smart ingredients” to the market. Phytonet will act as a catalyst for the implementing of Serbian ideas into global products.

The post Scientific Power in Global Health Innovation appeared first on CorD Magazine.

For body reshaping, cellulite removal, and shedding excess weight, nothing is better than the ReShape program. For facial care, there’s the ReFresh program, with the most important treatments being light summer procedures, products made from natural ingredients, rehydration, and adequate protection from harmful sun radiation. All of this can be found at Ioanna Regen Polyclinic, which has been synonymous with health and beauty for decades.

As a doctor, pioneer of mesotherapy and anti-aging medicine, advocate of beautiful and healthy ageing, you oppose quick and unhealthy diets, starvation, and unsupervised exercise. So how do we prepare our bodies for light summer clothing and the beach?

Summer has begun, and it’s high time for those who haven’t yet prepared their body and face for the hot days to do so now. At Ioanna Regen Polyclinic, we have a body program called ReShape, which involves reshaping the body according to the patient’s needs. Some need to remove localised fat deposits from the abdomen, hips, or arms, some need to remove only cellulite, some want to lose weight, and there are patients who need all of this simultaneously. For body reshaping, we use three different therapies at the same time.

Such a perfect 40-day program gives phenomenal results – 7 to 10 kilograms less, depending on the excess

One of them is mesotherapy, which I introduced to Serbia back in 2003, and it involves using an individual, personalised 100% natural cocktail. We make these cocktails, and they contain caffeine, chamomile, artichoke, lecithin, ginkgo biloba, arnica, white lotus, and various other ingredients that act either as fat killers or fat burners. Microinjections are used to deliver the prepared cocktail into the mesoderm (middle layer of the skin), initiating the process of melting fat deposits and cellulite. Mesotherapy is beneficial for both women and men and can even be performed on children since only 100% natural ingredients are used.

Your polyclinic also has some of the most modern devices for body reshaping, cellulite removal, and weight loss. How do they work?

The second therapy in the ReShape program includes physical procedures that involve a wide range of devices, machines, and various manual massages, such as anti-cellulite massage and lymphatic drainage to eliminate excess water from the body. The devices we use serve for pressotherapy, i.e., mechanical lymphatic massage, and shockwave therapy. This device, one of the strongest for physical medicine and rehabilitation, is used to break down calcifications in the shoulder or heel spur, and we use it to break down fat deposits. We also use radio waves and ultrasound, therapies that have a thermal effect, heating the tissue.

Under the influence of temperatures reaching 45 degrees, fat deposits melt and are then expelled from the body through sweat, urine, and stool. Increased fluid intake is needed for increased urination, and moderate physical activity for increased sweating. The third segment of ReShape therapy is personalised nutrition. Patients bring a blood test result based on which Prof. Dr. Jagoda Jorga, a specialist in hygiene and subspecialist in nutrition, prescribes an individual diet regimen. If the patient has a health issue, such as insulin resistance, diabetes, anaemia, or thyroid disease, an endocrinologist is also involved. However, this is not all! A great support to all these therapies and procedures is our product “ReShape,” which contains a lot of chromium, an oligoelement that suppresses hunger and prevents insulin drops.

What results do these three therapies in the ReShape program provide?

Such a perfect 40-day program gives phenomenal results – 7 to 10 kilograms less, depending on the excess. Visually, this loss is even greater because, thanks to mesotherapy, losing 1 kilogram results in a loss of 3 centimetres in circumference, while with ordinary, classic weight loss, losing 1 kilogram results in a loss of 1 centimetre in circumference.

Summer is a time when the face should rest from medical aesthetic treatments, right?

It is a big misconception that people should not undergo treatments during summer because the needs of our face are much greater in the hot summer days than during winter. The essence is that in summer, due to high temperatures, blood vessels dilate, and sweating and urination expel larger amounts of water from the body, leading to dehydration, loss of electrolytes, and other substances necessary for normal functioning.

It is a big misconception that people should not undergo treatments during summer because the needs of our face are much greater in the hot summer days than during winter

Therefore, at Ioanna Regen Polyclinic, we recommend infusions during the summer, which are fantastic for the body. They are administered from time to time, restoring lost electrolytes and revitalising cells.

At Ioanna Regen Polyclinic, a range of summer therapies is performed, including peels that were previously reserved for winter. What are they for?

Facial hydration is also achieved through peels, which until recently were not performed in summer because they were considered harmful. Now we have soft peels, which are done at this time of year and are used to remove the surface dead skin layer, impurities from sweating, and secretions of sebaceous glands from the face. After that, we apply something from a vast range of therapies based on natural stem cells.

We have a therapy containing exosomes, natural stem cells from roses, Centella Asiatica, argan, Swiss apple, and other plants, as well as therapy containing fish-derived stem cells. These are nucleotides, growth factors, or stem cells from salmon or trout. In practice, it looks like this – first, the face is thoroughly cleaned with a soft peel, then we apply good hydration, followed by fish or plant stem cells, and finally, a mask is applied.

What protection from harmful sun rays do you recommend?

What should be given special attention in summer is the protective factor. The latest research shows that the greatest facial dehydration is suffered by people who spend long periods in front of computer monitors, and the face of a person who uses a mobile phone for several hours a day dehydrates five times more than the face of someone not exposed to this type of radiation.

Therefore, today, the latest creams with a protective factor are used, which hydrate the skin, give it a slight, beautiful colour thanks to the micropigment they contain, and at the same time protect against UVA and UVB radiation. In summer, additional facial hydration is essential, using moisturising creams that are completely different from those used in winter. People make a big mistake when they use the same cream throughout the year because the skin’s needs are not the same at low and high temperatures.

Before going to the sea, it’s mandatory to have a cosmetic treatment – cleansing, hydrating, and protection with appropriate creams – and the next treatment should be done immediately after the holiday, due to exposure to sun, salt, wind, and creams with protective factors that clog pores to some extent. This treatment will not make the tan disappear, especially if it was acquired naturally, by sunbathing in the morning, until 11 o’clock, and in the afternoon after 5 o’clock. Exposure to the sun when radiation is strongest, from 11 am to 5 pm, should be avoided as it damages the skin and accelerates ageing, which we definitely do not want.

So, sunbathing YES, ageing NO.

The post Sun YES, Ageing NO appeared first on CorD Magazine.