“SWEDISH EXPERIENCES IN TRIPARTITE INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS AND EUROPEAN UNION INTEGRATION” SEMINAR OPENS

Belgrade, 27 August 2003 – HRH Crown Prince Alexander II was the guest of honor and speaker today at the opening of the seminar “Swedish experiences in tripartite industrial relations and European Union integration”, held at the “Inter-Continental” hotel.

Beside Crown Prince Alexander the seminar was opened by Serbian Minister of Labour and Employment Mr. Dragan Milovanovic and the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden HE Mr. Lars-Goran Engfelt.

The seminar which will last one day will be the occasion to discuss economic cooperation between the two countries and the possibilities for our country to integrate into European Union following Sweden’s example. Based on lectures and panel discussions in which eminent Swedish experts will present themselves, this seminar was organized through cooperation of Serbian Ministry of Labor and Employment and the International Council of Swedish Industry (NOR). The project was financed by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDE).

Serbian Minister of Labour and Employment Mr. Dragan Milovanovic expressed his great pleasure for HRH Crown Prince Alexander II and the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden HE Mr. Lars-Goran Engfelt supported such an important gathering, where people will, in his words, learn from the best, in the first place because Sweden today is achieving European goals in employment for the year 2010.

Then the present were addressed by HRH Crown Prince Alexander II who emphasized that Sweden has always been considered a great friend and thanked for the help and advice it has provided. The Crown Prince noted Serbia’s need for investors, partners and new jobs, and added:

“The issues of employment and integration into European union are vital for our country and its future. Our Government, our trade unions, and in fact this entire generation of citizens will do their best for the future of our country. Our future also depends on everyone’s clear understanding of the importance of reaching social agreements and national consensus on the revitalization and sustainable development of our economy. We must all work together to secure a better future for our generation and future generations, and to make Serbia a truly modern and democratic European country”, pointed out the Crown Prince.

Then spoke the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden HE Mr. Lars-Goran Engfelt who pointed out that the Ministry of Labor and Employment initiated the cooperation with Swedish organization and companies at the crucial moment, and that he will put personal effort into speedy integration of our country into European Union.

The introductory lecture on the subject of Swedish industry presentation was delivered by the Chairman of the International Council of Swedish Industry Dr. Jan Waldorf.

Their Royal Highnesses will host a formal dinner for the participants and organizers of the seminar at The Royal Palace tonight.