VISIT TO VRANJE

Belgrade, 6 September 2003 - TRH Crown Prince Alexander II and Crown Princess Katherine were in Vranje today where they visited the Town Hall, Health Centre where they delivered a mobile incubator through mediation of the Foundation of HRH Crown Princess Katherine, and "Simpo" Holding Company.

At the Town Hall Their Royal Highnesses were warmly welcomed by the Mayor Mr. Miroljub Stojicic. He presented Vranje as the centre of industry, development and stability for the whole southern Serbia and Kosovo and Metohija. The priorities of Vranje Municipality are stabilization of economy, community issues, water supply system, and general improvement of the standards of living in Vranje, for which a program of new investments has already been prepared.

Current privatization of tobacco industry was also discussed at the Town Hall, and among the present there was the President of "Simpo" Holding Company Mr. Dragan Tomic who was the host of Their Royal Highnesses during their visit to Vranje.

"A lot of effort in Vranje is put into recovery of our economy, which is necessary for a better future of our whole country. I am glad the major foreign partners have come to you, and I hope more and more investments will keep on coming to this region", emphasized HRH Crown Prince Alexander II.

After the short reception the Crown Prince and Crown Princess accompanied by Mr. Tomic visited the Health Centre Vranje where a mobile incubator was delivered.

The visit was continued at "Simpo" company, where Their Royal Highnesses were met by the general manager Mr. Milan Nikolic who introduced the distinguished guests to the furniture factory production, their strategy at the local market and export into 40 countries, and exhibiting at all major international furniture fairs.

After the furniture factory, Mr. Tomic and Mr. Nikolic took Their Royal Highnesses to the new candy factory "Kondiva" which is a part of "Simpo" Holding Company, in the village of Zbevac near Vranje.

"Kondiva" general manager, Mr. Sladjan Stojanovic showed the distinguished guests the production lines and introduced them with the factory's plans for constructing two more plants and expansion of the production.

Having tasted some of the products, Their Royal Highnesses noted they not only could compete with international candy products, but were even better and tastier.

"Your company is an example how good organization, modernization of production and keeping up with world trends, brings success and gains loyalty of the consumers", said the Crown Prince, wishing to the management of "Simpo" that their company becomes the leader in local and international market.