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International Finance and Projects<br />
Investing in CEE/SEE<br />
In recent years, Austria has become a significant<br />
player in the world of international business. Social<br />
and political stability, tax advantages and bilateral<br />
treaties, dynamic productivity and economic growth as<br />
well as legal certainty make the country an attractive<br />
location for foreign investors. The same advantages are<br />
likewise sought by investors looking to venture into<br />
Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe (CEE/SEE).<br />
Bilateral treaties are of particular importance here, as they<br />
significantly enhance the legal certainty for companies<br />
investing abroad and hence minimize risk.<br />
The economic climate in Russia and the CEE/SEE<br />
region has been improving of late, and many countries<br />
have implemented initiatives to increase the volume of<br />
foreign direct investment (FDI), such as introducing<br />
new tax incentives, strengthening trade agreements,<br />
fighting corruption and introducing legislative and<br />
administrative reforms. Governments are trying hard to<br />
simplify the founding of new businesses and encourage<br />
foreign companies to enter their respective markets by<br />
supporting regional collaborations and joint ventures.<br />
The European Union has also been supporting these<br />
measures by introducing more funding opportunities<br />
targeted at core issues such as legal certainty, justice and<br />
administrative reforms.<br />
Serbia, for instance, which has joined the European<br />
Union in 2012, has grown into one of the most important<br />
investment locations in Central and Eastern Europe.<br />
Inexpensive labour costs, cheap utilities and affordable<br />
property prices make it a particularly cost-effective option<br />
for foreign investors. In addition, the country has recently<br />
favoured the conditions for starting and conducting<br />
businesses by eliminating the paid-in minimum capital<br />
requirement and introducing a private bailiff system.<br />
While such government incentives are important, legal<br />
certainty is just as important. Strengthening the rule<br />
of law and the fight against corruption are not only<br />
key issues related to Serbia’s accession to the EU; they<br />
also have a direct impact on the volume of existing<br />
and potential FDI. Recent measures to improve legal<br />
certainty include changes in employment law, the shift<br />
to „Public Private Partnerships“ (PPP) for infrastructure<br />
projects and the simplification of procedures regarding<br />
building permits.<br />
Dr. Gerald Ganzger<br />
About Lansky, Ganzger + partner<br />
Lansky, Ganzger + partner (LGP) is your first point<br />
of contact when it comes to project development<br />
and investing in the CEE/SEE region, offering<br />
advice and support in project planning, financing<br />
and providing the right local contacts.<br />
With its decade-long experience, extensive<br />
network and in-depth market knowledge, the firm<br />
provides tailor-made investment project solutions<br />
for individuals, businesses, companies and<br />
organizations.<br />
Contact<br />
Lansky, Ganzger + partner Attorneys<br />
Biberstrasse 5, A-1010 Vienna<br />
T: +43 1 533 33 30-0<br />
E: office@lansky.at<br />
www.lansky.at<br />
iconannual - The European Business and Investment Magazine<br />
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