Q:
A:
Bill on trade to be drafted by late February
Belgrade,
23 February 2006
Serbian Minister of Trade, Tourism and Services Bojan Dimitrijevic announced today that the ministry will prepare a Bill on trade by the end of this month, and forward it to parliament for adoption.
Bojan Dimitrijevic
At a conference of the Serbian Independent Trade Union, Dimitrijevic said the Bill will have a positive influence on Serbia's economic climate. Representatives of the Union, the trade ministry and the Serbian Chamber of Commerce are taking part in its drafting, he added.
He also announced that at its next session in early March, the parliament will establish a council for the protection of competition, which will take care of consumer interests and decide whether there are monopolies in Serbia.
Dimitrijevic pointed out that privatisation in the trade sector has gone further than in other sectors, adding that even in developed countries there are monopolies in this area.
He explained that market inspectors have started analysing the problematic aspect of monopolies, which is dictating higher prices in the market.
According to Dimitrijevic, in order to ascertain whether there really is such a monopoly, it is necessary that producers report its existence, though they are obviously reluctant to do so. The committee for the protection of competition is authorised to give the final statement on this issue in case of a report on monopolistic behaviour.
He specified that from now on, according to the Law on the Protection of Competition, any market player desiring a larger portion of the market will have to be issued with a special licence by the committee. The licence will determine whether an increase in a trade company's business activities is in fact a case of market monopolisation.
Dimitrijevic reiterated that all large trade companies in Serbia have been warned by the ministry that any intentional price increase will be penalised.
He said that sale margins are based on the principle of free formation, though there is control over margins regarding sugar production.
The sales margin with certain victuals, such as sugar, is very high and exceeds 30%, whereas in Western Europe it is 10%, said the minister.
He also announced that at its next session in early March, the parliament will establish a council for the protection of competition, which will take care of consumer interests and decide whether there are monopolies in Serbia.
Dimitrijevic pointed out that privatisation in the trade sector has gone further than in other sectors, adding that even in developed countries there are monopolies in this area.
He explained that market inspectors have started analysing the problematic aspect of monopolies, which is dictating higher prices in the market.
According to Dimitrijevic, in order to ascertain whether there really is such a monopoly, it is necessary that producers report its existence, though they are obviously reluctant to do so. The committee for the protection of competition is authorised to give the final statement on this issue in case of a report on monopolistic behaviour.
He specified that from now on, according to the Law on the Protection of Competition, any market player desiring a larger portion of the market will have to be issued with a special licence by the committee. The licence will determine whether an increase in a trade company's business activities is in fact a case of market monopolisation.
Dimitrijevic reiterated that all large trade companies in Serbia have been warned by the ministry that any intentional price increase will be penalised.
He said that sale margins are based on the principle of free formation, though there is control over margins regarding sugar production.
The sales margin with certain victuals, such as sugar, is very high and exceeds 30%, whereas in Western Europe it is 10%, said the minister.
-
Belgrade/Istanbul, 23 January 2026Balkan Peace Platform aimed at strengthening ties in region
-
Belgrade, 23 January 2026EU enlargement policy should be based primarily on merits of candidate countries
-
Istanbul/Belgrade, 23 January 2026Improving overall cooperation between Serbia, Türkiye
-
Belgrade, 22 January 2026EU is Serbia’s reliable partner in public administration reform process
-
Belgrade, 22 January 2026State of emergency caused by adverse weather lifted in all municipalities, cities
-
Belgrade, 22 January 2026Electricity supply in Serbia stable
-
Belgrade/Budapest, 21 January 2026Belgrade-Budapest high-speed rail of strategic importance for region
-
Belgrade, 21 January 2026Further strengthening of economic relations with UAE
-
Belgrade, 20 January 2026Significance of return of Belgian armed forces to KFOR Mission in Kosovo and Metohija
-
Belgrade, 20 January 2026Continuation of cooperation with EU to strengthen democratic processes