Serbian business people expect new program to combat shadow economy

After a decade of strategic work and concrete results, the economy expects that preparations for the new Program for Combating the Shadow Economy by 2030 will soon begin, which will focus on innovations and digital solutions. Technology has proven to be the strongest ally in strengthening transparency and fair competition, it was stated at an event organized by NALED and the company Authentix.

The first step towards the new Program for Combating the Shadow Economy is precisely the identification of innovations that can be part of a systemic solution, said Dusan Vasiljevic, Director of Competitiveness and Investments at NALED.

– We are working on an analysis of best practices in this area, which is an important element for the development of the new Program for Combating the Shadow Economy by 2030. We place special emphasis on the work of inspections. The average age of inspectors in Serbia is 51 years, and there are less than 3,000 active ones - which seriously limits the capacity of the system. That is why we are committed to new jobs and modernization of work through the full implementation of the eInspektor platform, as well as the use of innovative technologies – says Vasiljevic and emphasizes that digitalization is key.

The example of the international company Authentix, which helped to bring over 1.4 billion euros of additional revenue into the budget through the fuel marking system in Serbia, also speaks for itself. Among other things, this company also cooperates with the American FED (Federal Reserve System) to control all banknotes in their system.

– For more than a decade, we have been helping countries and companies preserve the value of their resources and brands. Through smart marking and tracking solutions, we protect supply chains. In Serbia and the Balkan region, we operate through a local distributor Nanoinspekt, which provides everything - from the import of markers and analyzers, through technical support and distribution, to cooperation with state institutions and raising public awareness. Our mission is clear: to create a world of safe and reliable trade, through science, innovation and trust – explained Kevin McKenna, President and CEO of Authentix.

Professor at the Faculty of Security in Belgrade, Petar Stanojevic, states that more than 80% of consumers worldwide have purchased a counterfeit product at least once, often unknowingly.

– The digital transformation of inspections, the introduction of artificial intelligence in risk analysis and cooperation with consumers as 'citizen inspectors' are already being implemented in developed countries – Stanojevic points out.

The conference presented best international practices in the field of procedures for confiscation and storage of goods, modernization of legal solutions and strengthening of customs capacities, including laboratory analysis and public-private partnerships for specific types of confiscated goods.

NALED Beograd

Fakultet bezbednosti Beograd

NALED

Authentix

Faculty of Security in Belgrade

Dušan Vasiljević

Kevin McKenna

Petar Stanojević

Program for Combating the Shadow Economy