Optimus - Center for Good Governance

Standing Conference of Towns and Municipalities - SCTM and OPTIMUS - Center for Good Governance, with the financial support of the Swiss government, organized a one-day Conference "Improving the efficiency and transparency – path to enhanced business climate" to point the importance of regulatory reform, as a supporting pillar of improving the investment climate and competitiveness of the economy and to present the results achieved through the implemented reform on the local level. The Conference was held on 23 June 2015 in Sava Center in Belgrade.

Representatives of the Government of the Republic of Serbia and state institutions, local authorities, and international organizations discussed the ways to improve the quality of regulation, strengthen cooperation between national and local levels, develop a better business environment and simplify administration. A panel discussion on regulatory reform in the area of planning and construction, as well as on obstacles in the implementation of the new law and by-laws also took place on the Conference.

SCTM Secretary General and National Project Director, Mr. Đorđe Staničić, said that the aim of the project, implemented in cooperation with OPTIMUS and with the financial support of the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs, was to make local administration real service for citizens and businesses in as simple, cheap and transparent manner as possible.

State Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration and Local Self-Government, Mr. Ivan Bošnjak, pointed out that Serbia must improve the administration at the local level for the sake of both existing and potential investors. "Improvement of administrative procedures is part of the competition, and at the same time, it is expected that the administration is not making life difficult to the economy or citizens," said Mr. Bosnjak.

Ms. Gabriela Schafroth, Deputy Director of the Swiss Cooperation Office in Serbia, said: "The project, which focused on simplifying administrative procedures in 16 local self-governments, achieved significant results: it is estimated that businesses have benefited annually EUR 22 million in terms of saved costs and time in complying with laws and regulations. I would say this is an impressive result.”

The project "Improving Environment for Businesses at Local Level through Regulatory Reform" was implemented by the Standing Conference of Towns and Municipalities and OPTIMUS - Center for Good Governance, with the financial support of the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), in the period from December 2011 to June 2015. The overall objective of the project was to provide a better business environment in 16 local governments in Serbia, through simplifying administrative procedures, building sustainable regulatory mechanisms for new local regulations and increasing transparency and efficiency of public administration at the local level. It is estimated that companies based in local governments which have participated in the project will save around EUR 21.8 million annually, thanks to the simplification of procedures, shortened time for issuing permits, approvals and decisions, elimination of documentation and reduction of taxes and fees.

More information on www.optimus.org.rs.