Things can go slowly on account of the cumbersome bureaucracy but most Serbian entrepreneurs are very keen to forge business links with Western Europe.

Although some business people speak English, it is a good idea to hire an interpreter.

Many businesspeople eat lunch between 1 and 3pm, so this is not the optimal time for a meeting.

Meetings are often interrupted. Several people may speak at the same time.

Forming a personal relationship is critical to developing a successful business relationship. Companies are hierarchical. Serbs respect age and position.
Demonstrate how your product or service enhances your colleague's reputation.
Do not lose your temper or appear irritated during business discussions.
Serbs are skilled negotiators. They quite enjoy haggling.
Imposing a deadline on reaching a decision may end the negotiations.
Contracts are often quite simple, since the personal relationship dictates that accommodations will be made on either side should the need arise.

After the World War I Serbia was mostly part of the common state with the majority of Southern Slavs, who settled on the Balkan. First it joined the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, which was later renamed into the Kingdom of Yugoslavia and later into the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (SFRY). After the fall of SFRY Serbia became a part of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and later a part of the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro.

On June 5^th 2006 Serbia declared the "Republic of Serbia", as a legal successor to the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro, regaining its sovereignty and independence.

On February 17^th 2008 the former Serbian autonomic republic Kosovo declared its independence and became the sovereign state with the capital of Prishtin.

Monday - Friday: 8.00am – 7.00pm.

Saturday: 8.00am – 3.00pm.

Legally permitted opening hours:

Monday - Saturday: 6.00am – 9.00pm.

Sunday: 8.00am – 2.00pm.